There’s a new destination ramen joint in town that opened yesterday, and its name is Ramen Tatsunoya. Headquartered in Pasadena right on Fair Oaks Avenue, the urban chic shop is an offshoot of a famous Japanese brand by the same name, and marks their first foray into the American market.
Inside Tatsunoya, expect a pared down aesthetic that combines a long brick wall and industrial features with dark wood beams overhead — plus a trimmed tree trunk that emerges from the middle of a communal table and acts as anchor to the room. There are a few booths and two-tops, but mostly this is a communal seating joint, punctuated by the signature wraparound ramen bar stool seating.
The Tatsunoya menu plays to the founders’ tonkotsu sensibilities, with $10-$15 bowls of rich broth, noodles, and pork. There are a couple of additional roll and bowl options, but mostly this is a ramen shop meant for volume and satisfaction. And yes, there will be beer.
Early opening hours at Tatsunoya will run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner (that includes being open for Christmas). Beginning on Saturday though, daily hours run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., without interruption.
Ramen Tatsunoya
16 N. Fair Oaks Ave.Pasadena, CA
