4.5 stars. I have to say before writing my review..that fire and ice is da bomb. I docked half a star partly for the parking situation. We came in today after the soft opening this last Saturday.
Futo Buta is located in the back of the South End Apartments literally right next to the light rail, boy...did we have a hard time figuring out where this place was..but it was worth it. We walked in around 5:40 since we saw all the great reviews for ramen (and we have been dying to find a good ramen place), there was no one there score! But the chef changed out the water for ramen which we were told would take a little more time than the norm, reverse score! We waited patiently for our Miso and Fire & Ice ramen bowels which came out around 6:15.. we weren't very amused with the wait but the server made up for it with a free ginger peach ice cream, so no hard feelings. The only complaint I have about the miso ramen was that it needed a little more salt in the broth..the fire and ice ramen was PERFECT. It was the right amount of savory and who thought salmon could work in ramen bowels... they earned the award for most creative today! I finished everything...I wish I didn't leave my phone in the car....I wanted to take pictures.. great presentation.
Suggestions for the Full Menu: need more chicken based ramen and a chicken bun..not everyone eats red meat.
Needless to say we will be back! Finally found good ramen in the Charlotte (possible North Carolina) area, my 3 month search since I moved has finally come to an end. Keep it up Futo Buta!