First time I ducked my head into Ryoji, I was hoping to eat there with husband, toddler and infant for an early 5pm dinner. Unfortunately I realized that its victim to the College crowd and is more of the loud pumping music kinda place. We ate across the street at Sushi Bento.
But the menu and the izakaya tapas kept calling to me so I arranged a girls night sans kids and husband. The ladies and I all liked most everything we ate that night.
(Of note, I did notice a mom and toddler eating close to the door with highchair that night. Not judging at all- but I wouldn't recommend this place for toddlers/babies. Although i know my kid would love the Ramen and tofu dishes, it's not that amazing I would sacrifice her ear drums.)
Back to girls night, felt like we ordered 75% of the menu, and we liked most everything we gobbled up. We didnt try the ramen- too hot weather and not conducive to sharing. Will need to return another time to try that.
Our faves: peanut tofu, tuna carpaccio.
They could improve on:
- Ryoji salad, throw in more beet slices, there were only a couple measly beet slices and these ladies like their beets.
- Zuchinni fritter tempura. Very tasty. Bland tasteless sour cream dip on side? Not so yummy. We asked for more Yuzu pepper sauce that came with a fried chicken dish. Now that sauce was very tasty- Wanted to bottle that up and put it in our purse.
Would definitely return and try the other 25% of the menu.