Ichimi (Coral Gables)

In the vibrant culinary landscape of South Florida, particularly within the sophisticated confines of Coral Gables, finding an eatery that truly stands out can be a delightful discovery. While the region is celebrated for its diverse Latin American influences, a different kind of culinary gem has carved out its niche, captivating the palates of local residents and visitors alike: Ichimi (Coral Gables). This ramen spot has quickly become a beloved destination for those craving authentic, deeply flavorful Japanese noodle soups and an array of delightful appetizers.

Nestled in a posh neighborhood, Ichimi offers a refreshing alternative to the usual dining options, providing an intimate atmosphere where the focus is firmly on the craft of ramen. For Floridians who appreciate the comforting warmth of a rich broth and tender noodles, Ichimi presents an experience that goes beyond mere sustenance, delving into the realm of culinary artistry. It's a place where quality ingredients, generous portions, and a dedication to traditional techniques converge to create memorable meals.

Many locals have found themselves drawn to Ichimi's unassuming charm, discovering a spot that delivers on its promise of impressive ramen. From their signature "Soul" ramen, lauded for its light and buttery tonkotsu broth, to the bold and garlic-infused "Black Dragon" ramen, there's a bowl to suit every taste preference. Beyond the main attraction, Ichimi also offers a broad selection of appetizers and rice bowls, ensuring that every visit can be a new culinary adventure. Its reputation as a "very solid ramen restaurant" among local enthusiasts speaks volumes about its consistent quality and appeal to Florida's discerning diners.

Ichimi (Coral Gables) boasts a strategic and accessible location at 2330 Salzedo St, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA. This address places it conveniently on a side street just off the bustling Miracle Mile area, a prominent hub in Coral Gables, Miami. For locals, this means easy access without necessarily being in the direct hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfare.

The Coral Gables neighborhood itself is known for its walkability and charm, making a visit to Ichimi a pleasant experience beyond just the meal. While specific parking details aren't provided, its location off Miracle Mile suggests that street parking or nearby public parking options would be available, a common convenience in this well-planned area. Being situated in such a well-regarded part of Miami enhances its appeal, allowing diners to enjoy the elegant surroundings of Coral Gables before or after their meal. The ease of getting there, whether by car or on foot from nearby areas, contributes significantly to its suitability for local residents seeking a convenient and satisfying dining experience.

Ichimi (Coral Gables) provides a focused yet comprehensive range of services designed to deliver an excellent dining experience.

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere for guests who wish to enjoy their meal on-site. The ambiance is noted as being unassuming yet inviting, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
• Extensive Ramen Menu: Their core offering includes a variety of set ramen bowls, such as the light and buttery "Soul Ramen" (tonkotsu-based) and the bold, garlic-rich "Black Dragon Ramen."
• Build-Your-Own Ramen: For those who prefer to customize their meal, Ichimi provides a "build-your-own ramen" option, allowing diners to select their preferred broth, noodles, and toppings. This is a highly valued feature, especially for ramen aficionados.
• Generous Toppings: Customers frequently praise the restaurant for being "very generous with their toppings," often including a full egg, which is considered a significant bonus by ramen lovers.
• Large Variety of Appetizers: Beyond ramen, Ichimi offers a substantial selection of appetizers. Popular choices include pork gyoza and spicy fried chicken (karage), which some customers consider "real winning dishes." Scallion pancakes are also on the menu.
• Rice Bowls: In addition to ramen, the menu also features various rice bowls, providing alternative main dish options for those who might prefer something other than noodles.
• Quick Service: Customers have noted that dishes, particularly appetizers and ramen, arrive quickly, making it a good option for those on a tighter schedule or simply eager to enjoy their meal without long waits.

Ichimi (Coral Gables) stands out for several key features that contribute to its popularity among Floridians seeking an authentic and satisfying Japanese meal:

• Authentic and Flavorful Broths: The broth is often cited as the main draw for ramen, and Ichimi delivers. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and depth of their ramen broths, from the light and buttery tonkotsu of the "Soul Ramen" to the bold and garlicky "Black Dragon Ramen."
• Generous and High-Quality Toppings: A significant highlight for many patrons is the generosity and quality of the toppings. The inclusion of a full egg, which is rare in many ramen establishments, is particularly appreciated and adds significant value to each bowl.
• Customization Options: The "build-your-own ramen" feature allows diners to tailor their ramen exactly to their preferences, fostering a personalized dining experience that caters to individual tastes.
• Excellent Appetizer Selection: While the ramen is the star, the appetizers often steal the show for many customers. Dishes like the spicy fried chicken (karage) and gyoza are frequently lauded as "really good" and "winning dishes," making them perfect complements to the ramen.
• Intimate and Quaint Atmosphere: The restaurant's intimate and unassuming atmosphere contributes to a comfortable and pleasant dining experience. It feels like a hidden gem, providing a cozy escape in the bustling Coral Gables area.
• Value for Money: Despite being in a posh neighborhood, customers have noted that the ramen bowls are "on the cheaper side" while still offering generous toppings and excellent flavor, representing great value.
• Fast Service: The efficiency of the service, with dishes arriving quickly, is a notable advantage, especially for those looking for a delicious yet timely meal.
• Diverse Noodle Options: While one customer expressed a preference for homemade thin noodles over egg noodles for ramen, the availability of different noodle types (implied by the preference for thin over egg) offers some variety. It highlights the potential for diners to find their preferred noodle style.
• Consistent Quality: Repeat visits that remain "memorable" indicate a high level of consistency in food quality and overall experience, a crucial factor for building a loyal local customer base.

Based on the provided customer reviews, specific, ongoing promotions or special offers for Ichimi (Coral Gables) are not detailed. However, it's common for popular ramen restaurants, especially those located in vibrant areas like Coral Gables, to offer various incentives to their customers.

• Lunch Specials: Many Japanese eateries, including ramen spots, often feature special lunch deals that might include discounted ramen bowls or combo meals with an appetizer and a ramen. These are particularly popular among local office workers and shoppers.
• Happy Hour: Some restaurants offer happy hour promotions, which could include discounts on appetizers, selected drinks, or even smaller ramen bowls during off-peak hours.
• Seasonal Ramen: Occasionally, restaurants introduce seasonal ramen bowls with unique ingredients, sometimes at a special introductory price.
• Loyalty Programs or Punch Cards: While not confirmed, some independent restaurants offer loyalty programs where repeat customers can earn points or get a free item after a certain number of visits.
• Social Media Promotions: Following Ichimi (Coral Gables) on social media platforms is often a good way for locals to stay informed about any flash sales, limited-time offers, or special events.

For the most current information on any promotions or special offers, it is highly recommended to contact Ichimi (Coral Gables) directly or check their official website or social media pages. This ensures you get the most up-to-date details on any deals that might enhance your dining experience.

Planning your next ramen fix? Here’s how you can get in touch with Ichimi (Coral Gables):

• Address: 2330 Salzedo St, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
• Phone: (305) 960-7016

This information should help you easily locate the restaurant and make any necessary inquiries, such as checking current hours, asking about specific menu items, or confirming any ongoing promotions.

For Florida residents, particularly those in the Coral Gables and greater Miami area, Ichimi (Coral Gables) presents an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. Its location, slightly off the main thoroughfare but still within the charming and walkable Miracle Mile vicinity, offers both convenience and a sense of discovery. This "hidden gem" quality makes it feel like a local secret worth sharing.

The core appeal lies in its commitment to delivering truly impressive ramen. The "Soul Ramen" and "Black Dragon Ramen" are standout dishes, praised for their rich, flavorful broths and tender noodles. What truly elevates the experience for locals, and especially for avid ramen enthusiasts, is the generous inclusion of toppings, including that coveted full egg – a rarity that speaks volumes about the restaurant's value proposition. The "build-your-own ramen" option further tailors the experience, allowing each diner to craft their perfect bowl, appealing to the diverse preferences found within the Florida community.

Beyond the ramen, the "real winning dishes" among the appetizers, like the gyoza and spicy fried chicken (karage), ensure that there's something delicious for every palate, even for those not solely focused on noodles. The intimate and unassuming atmosphere contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, or a memorable outing with family and friends. For a family that "eats a LOT of ramen," their high praise for Ichimi is a testament to its quality and suitability for a local clientele that values authentic flavors, generous portions, and a welcoming environment. Ichimi (Coral Gables) is not just a ramen restaurant; it’s a valued culinary asset for the South Florida community.

Ichimi (Coral Gables)

2330 Salzedo St, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA