Christoff.ai

Tenmaru Ramen

restaurants•
London
London

Tenmaru Ramen

36 Riding House Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7ES, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Riding House Street, Tenmaru Ramen has managed something rather remarkable - creating genuine Tokyo izakaya energy in the heart of Fitzrovia. This isn't your typical London ramen joint trying too hard to be authentic; it's the real deal, complete with Japanese wooden menu boards and a clientele that actually includes Japanese diners seeking a taste of home.

Tenmaru Ramen: Authentic Tokyo Buzz Lands in Fitzrovia

Where four-hour chicken paitan meets walk-in chaos, and somehow it all works

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside Tenmaru and you're immediately struck by the bustling energy that scores a solid 7.5 out of 10 on the liveliness scale. The space centers around light-wood counter seating that channels proper Tokyo ramen bar vibes - cozy without feeling cramped, though with a sophistication level that sits comfortably at 4.5 out of 10, keeping things refreshingly unpretentious. The Japanese wooden menu boards add an authentic touch that feels deliberate rather than decorative. What really sets the tone is the genuine izakaya buzz - conversation flows easily (scoring 7.0 for social atmosphere), and the energy ramps up considerably on Friday and Saturday nights. Despite being smack in central London, just five minutes from Oxford Circus, the place maintains a neighborhood warmth that's increasingly rare in this part of town. The walk-in only policy adds to the spontaneous discovery factor, which scores an impressive 8.5 out of 10.

Food & Drink

The star here is undoubtedly the rich chicken paitan broth, which undergoes a four-hour preparation process that clearly shows in the depth of flavor. Their signature varieties include the classic Tori Paitan, an intriguing Lemon Ramen, and surprisingly, a Basil Pesto Vegan Ramen that demonstrates real creativity with cashew-based broths. The Spicy Tonkotsu rounds out the ramen offerings, with prices ranging from £11.80 to £18.80. Beyond the noodles, the izakaya tapas selection includes Chicken Karaage (£5.80-£10.50), Pork & Veg Gyoza, Cheese-Mochi Potato, and Chicken Katsu Curry at £16. The vegan options deserve particular mention - it's not often you find creative plant-based interpretations that feel integral to the menu rather than afterthoughts. The fact that Japanese clientele regularly dine here speaks volumes about the authenticity of the flavors. The uniqueness factor scores 7.0 out of 10, reflecting both traditional techniques and modern fusion elements.

Service & Experience

The omotenashi service philosophy is clearly at work here, with staff managing to provide quick seating even when the place is heaving. Food arrival is notably fast, which is essential given the walk-in only policy and the bustling nature of the operation. The energy level from the service team matches the overall vibe - efficient without being rushed, maintaining that authentic Japanese hospitality even during peak times. However, there's an auto-added service charge to be aware of, which is mentioned upfront but worth noting for budget planning.

Value for Money

With ramen priced between £11.80 and £18.80, Tenmaru sits firmly in mid-range territory for central London, earning its 2 out of 4 price level rating. For Fitzrovia, this represents fair value - you're paying for that four-hour chicken paitan preparation and prime location five minutes from Oxford Circus. The portions appear generous based on the pricing structure, and the fact that it's tagged as 'student-accessible' suggests the value proposition works for younger diners too. The izakaya tapas pricing, with Chicken Karaage starting at £5.80, allows for flexible spending depending on appetite. Given the authentic preparation methods and central location, the pricing feels justified rather than exploitative.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Queue up at 5:45pm if you want to beat the 6pm dinner rush - this insider tip could save you significant waiting time. Friday and Saturday nights bring the most energetic izakaya atmosphere but also the longest waits. Weekday lunchtimes likely offer a more relaxed experience, though the venue is open Monday-Saturday 12pm-10pm and Sunday 12pm-9pm.

What to Focus On

Start with the signature Tori Paitan to understand what all the fuss is about, or try the Lemon Ramen for something distinctively theirs. The Chicken Karaage is a safe bet for sharing, and adventurous eaters should definitely sample the Basil Pesto Vegan Ramen - it's not often you find such creative plant-based options in an authentic Japanese setting.

Christoff's Insider Tips

No reservations are accepted, so embrace the walk-in culture and have a backup plan for busy evenings. The Japanese clientele presence is your quality indicator - if locals are queuing, you're in the right place. Note that pets are only allowed in outdoor areas, so plan accordingly if you're bringing a four-legged friend.

The Final Verdict

Tenmaru Ramen succeeds where many London Japanese restaurants fail - it captures authentic Tokyo energy without feeling like a theme park version. The four-hour chicken paitan broth anchors a menu that balances tradition with creative touches like the Basil Pesto Vegan Ramen. Yes, the walk-in only policy can be frustrating, and Friday nights will test your patience, but the payoff is genuine izakaya buzz in the heart of Fitzrovia. The mid-range pricing feels fair for the location and quality, though the auto-added service charge is worth noting. This isn't a quiet date spot or somewhere for lengthy business dinners, but for authentic ramen and that distinctive Japanese dining energy, Tenmaru delivers.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

ramen enthusiasts seeking authentic Tokyo-style preparationlate-night diners wanting quality Japanese food in central Londonstudents and young professionals looking for accessible authentic dining in Fitzrovia

Quick Details

1

Tenmaru Ramen

🇯🇵 Authentic japanese
⭐️ Walk in only
⭐️ Counter dining
🌙 Late night
⭐️ Izakaya vibes

Tokyo's ramen culture transplants perfectly to this cozy Fitzrovia spot where four-hour chicken paitan broth draws Japanese clientele for authentic flavors. The walk-in only policy creates that proper izakaya energy - no reservations, just queue and hope. Beyond the signature Tori Paitan, creative options like Basil Pesto Vegan Ramen and Lemon Ramen show chef innovation within traditional frameworks. Light-wood counter seating and Japanese wooden menu boards complete the authentic atmosphere, while late-night service caters to creative quarter workers finishing campaigns. The buzzing Friday/Saturday nights maintain neighborhood warmth despite central location pricing.

What's Great

✓ Four-hour chicken paitan broth draws Japanese locals

✓ Walk-in system means quick seating

Keep in Mind

× No reservations means Friday/Saturday queues are inevitable

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue up at 5:45pm for 6pm dinner rush - your social HP will thank you for the head start!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 12pm-10pm\nSun: 12pm-9pm"
📍36 Riding House Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7ES, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7637 0007
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Tenmaru Ramen has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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