Alkaline

For Virginia locals, especially those in the vibrant city of Norfolk, the search for truly outstanding ramen and innovative Asian fusion cuisine can lead to a delightful discovery: **Alkaline**. This highly acclaimed restaurant has quickly established itself as a must-visit spot, drawing in diners with its remarkable flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to a top-tier culinary experience. If you're craving a rich, comforting bowl of ramen or eager to explore exciting Asian-inspired dishes, Alkaline is poised to become your new favorite.

Alkaline isn't just about serving delicious food; it's about crafting an entire experience. From the moment you step into their indoor space, you're greeted with a welcoming atmosphere that balances a hip, modern vibe with comfortable surroundings. Their commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the meticulously prepared ramen broths to their inventive street food and family-style platters. The passion for their craft is palpable, and it translates into a consistently satisfying meal for every guest.

What truly sets Alkaline apart for the Norfolk community is the harmonious blend of exceptional food and outstanding customer service. Patrons consistently rave about the wonderful and friendly staff, noting that the excellent service makes the entire visit even more enjoyable. This combination of delectable cuisine, inviting ambiance, and attentive care ensures that every trip to Alkaline leaves you feeling satisfied and happy. Whether it's your first time or your tenth, Alkaline promises a memorable dining adventure right here in Virginia.

Alkaline is conveniently located at **742 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA**. This prime spot places it in a dynamic and easily accessible part of Norfolk, making it a highly convenient destination for residents across the city and surrounding areas of Virginia. West 21st Street is a well-known artery, especially within the trendy Ghent neighborhood, which means the restaurant is straightforward to find and reach.

Being situated in Ghent, Alkaline benefits from its vibrant surroundings. The area typically offers various parking options, including street parking and nearby lots, making it relatively easy to find a spot for your vehicle. This accessibility is a significant advantage for customers, contributing to a stress-free dining experience from the moment you arrive. Its location also means it's well-connected to other parts of Norfolk, allowing for easy access whether you're coming from work, home, or another activity.

The restaurant's presence on West 21st Street also places it within walking distance or a short drive from other local businesses and attractions in Norfolk. This makes it an ideal spot for a planned meal, a spontaneous stop, or a culinary adventure as part of a larger outing in the city. The convenience of its location ensures that Virginia locals can easily access and enjoy the highly-rated ramen and Asian fusion dishes that Alkaline has to offer, solidifying its reputation as a cherished local eatery.

• Dine-In Service: Alkaline offers a welcoming and comfortable indoor dining space, perfect for enjoying their delicious ramen and other Asian-inspired dishes. The atmosphere is described as nice and inviting.
• Takeout & Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Alkaline provides takeout options and partners with third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats and Grubhub, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals in the comfort of their own homes.
• Extensive Ramen Menu: A diverse selection of ramen and noodle soups, including popular choices like Tonkotsu Ramen (creamy pork broth), Spicy Red Curry Ramen (very spicy, Thai style red curry-coconut broth), Shoyu Ramen (chicken dashi broth), Miso Ramen (vegetarian miso broth), Kimchi Ramen, and Beef Noodle Soup. Most ramen comes with sous vide egg, pickled ginger, and narutomaki.
• Creative Street Food: Beyond ramen, Alkaline features a unique "Street Food" menu with non-traditional Asian-inspired dishes. Examples include Green Bean Salad, Tater Tot Okonomiyaki, Asian Sticky Wings, Crispy Baby Octopus & Shrimp, and Dinuguan Nachos.
• Family Style Platters: For sharing, they offer "Family Style" platters served with rice, such as Chicken Adobo, Grilled Beef Short Ribs, Adobong Sitaw, Crispy Seafood Noodles, Bistek Tagalog, and Suckling Pig Sisig.
• Ramen Extras: Customers can customize their ramen with A la carte additions like shredded pork, braised pork belly, sous vide egg, kimchi, and various broths.
• Sweet Things: A dessert menu that includes their popular Miso Butter Cake, available after 5 pm.
• Beer and Sake Menu: Alkaline offers a selection of beer and sake, complementing their Asian fusion cuisine. They also feature a curated cocktail list, with many items available as mocktails.
• Gift Cards: Gift cards are available for purchase, making it easy to share the Alkaline experience with others.

• "Best Ramen I've Had": A strong endorsement from a customer, highlighting the exceptional quality and taste of their ramen bowls. Many reviews praise the food as "great" and "delicious."
• Wonderful and Friendly Staff: Consistently praised for their outstanding customer service, the staff is described as "wonderful," "very friendly," and providing "excellent customer service," making the dining experience enjoyable.
• Extensive and Diverse Menu: Alkaline offers not only a robust ramen selection (e.g., Tonkotsu, Spicy Red Curry, Shoyu, Miso, Kimchi) but also a creative "Street Food" menu (e.g., Asian Sticky Wings, Tater Tot Okonomiyaki) and "Family Style" platters, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
• Great Beer and Sake Menu: Beyond food, the restaurant is highlighted for its excellent selection of beer and sake, enhancing the overall dining experience, alongside a curated cocktail list with mocktail options.
• Nice Indoor Space / Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is noted as a positive feature, providing a comfortable and inviting environment for diners.
• Featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives": Alkaline has gained national recognition by being featured on Guy Fieri's popular show, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," which speaks to its unique culinary offerings and quality.
• Inventive Asian Fusion Cuisine: The restaurant is known for its "inventive Asian fusion cuisine" and "modern culinary techniques," offering creative dishes inspired by various Asian cuisines.
• Community Supported: Alkaline has a unique history, having started as a pop-up and relying on community support through initiatives like a Kickstarter campaign, highlighting its deep roots with the local community.
• Must-Have Miso Butter Cake: Their Miso Butter Cake is specifically called out as a "must-have" dessert and a "favorite among visitors."

While explicit daily deals outside of their regular menu offerings are not always front and center, Alkaline does have specific features and offerings that act as promotional highlights for Virginia locals:

• Happy Hour Specials: Alkaline offers happy hour specials from **4-6 PM**. During this time, patrons can enjoy "crafted cocktails and discounted menu items," including popular choices like their "spicy 'see you next Tuesday' cocktail and sticky wings." This is an excellent opportunity for locals to experience their innovative beverages and popular appetizers at a more favorable price.
• Gift Cards: Alkaline offers gift cards, allowing patrons to gift up to $1,000. These can be delivered via email, mail, or printout, providing a flexible and convenient gifting option for special occasions.
• Diverse & Affordably Priced Menu: While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, the consistent praise for their "remarkably fair-priced, rangy menu" suggests that the overall value is a continuous draw for customers. Many main ramen dishes are priced around $17-$18, which is competitive for the quality and portion size.
• "Buy a Round for the Kitchen" Option: A unique offer where diners can purchase a round of drinks for the kitchen staff for only ten dollars, showing appreciation and fostering a sense of community.

For the most current information on any rotating specials, seasonal menu additions, or specific happy hour details, Virginia locals are encouraged to **call Alkaline directly at (757) 395-4300** or check their social media channels and official website. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful, and they can provide the latest updates on how to best enjoy your visit.

To experience the highly-rated ramen and Asian fusion cuisine at Alkaline, place an order for takeout or delivery, or inquire about their menu and offerings, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 742 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
• Phone: (757) 395-4300

Please note that Alkaline is typically **closed on Mondays and Tuesdays**. Their operating hours are generally **Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM (or 9:00 PM on some days)** for both pickup and delivery. It's always a good idea to confirm hours, especially on holidays, by calling ahead. The friendly staff looks forward to welcoming you!

For Virginia residents, particularly those in Norfolk and the surrounding Hampton Roads area, Alkaline stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. It's not merely a ramen restaurant; it's a vibrant hub of culinary innovation and warm hospitality that truly resonates with the local community.

One of the most compelling reasons Alkaline is perfectly suited for locals is its **stellar reputation for delicious food**. The consistent praise, with customers proclaiming it has "some of the best Ramen I've had," speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of their dishes. Beyond ramen, the inventive "Street Food" and "Family Style" offerings cater to diverse palates, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to explore, whether you’re a solo diner or bringing a group of friends or family. The fact that it was even featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" further cements its status as a must-try local spot.

Equally important is the **exceptional customer service and welcoming atmosphere**. Locals appreciate dining establishments where the staff is not only efficient but genuinely "wonderful" and "friendly." Alkaline consistently delivers on this, creating an inviting and enjoyable environment that makes every visit a pleasant one. This attentiveness, combined with a comfortable indoor space, fosters a sense of belonging and encourages repeat visits.

Furthermore, Alkaline's **convenient location on West 21st Street in Norfolk's vibrant Ghent neighborhood** makes it easily accessible for residents. Its central positioning ensures that high-quality ramen and Asian fusion are never far away. The availability of a great beer and sake menu, along with creative cocktails and happy hour specials, adds another layer of appeal, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and relaxed social gatherings.

In essence, Alkaline provides a complete dining package that caters to the preferences of Virginia locals: consistently delicious and diverse food, outstanding customer service, a pleasant ambiance, and convenient accessibility. It’s a place where you can unwind, savor unique flavors, and feel truly satisfied. If you’re in Norfolk and looking for your next favorite ramen spot, or simply a fantastic place for Asian-inspired dishes, Alkaline is definitely the "GO TO" recommendation.

Alkaline

742 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA