Ima Noodles

For those in Michigan seeking a comforting and flavorful Japanese culinary experience, Ima Noodles in Detroit's vibrant Midtown stands out as a highly acclaimed destination. Since its founding in 2015, Ima (pronounced "ee-ma") has dedicated itself to serving "Detroit-style noodles," a testament to its unique approach to Japanese comfort food. This restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and a diverse menu that extends beyond just ramen to include udon, pho, and a variety of enticing small plates and rice bowls.

Ima Noodles is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience built on quality and a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment prides itself on crafting its dishes with care, ensuring that each bowl is a balanced and aesthetically pleasing creation. Their menu reflects a deep understanding of Japanese flavors while also incorporating innovative twists, appealing to both traditionalists and those looking to explore new tastes.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the positive aspects of dining at Ima. One diner shared an "Excellent first impression," noting that despite being "a little short on wait staff," the "service was excellent, friendly and frequent. Our food was prompt and delicious. Will definitely return." This speaks volumes about Ima's commitment to customer satisfaction, even when facing operational challenges. Another review praised the "presentation of each plate truly appetizing," and found the ordered noodles "delicious and had a rich, curry-like flavor," appreciating how "everything on the plate contrasted nicely, creating a balanced and colorful dish." While one review mentioned a slight disappointment with the portion of added chicken for an extra cost, the overwhelming sentiment remains highly positive regarding the overall food quality and dining experience. Ima Noodles was even named "Restaurant of the Year" in 2019 by the 'Detroit Free Press,' further solidifying its reputation as a culinary gem in Michigan.

Ima Noodles is conveniently situated at 4870 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. This prime location places it right in the heart of Detroit's bustling Midtown district. Cass Avenue is a major thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily identifiable and accessible for both local residents and visitors traversing the city.

The Midtown area itself is a dynamic hub, home to Wayne State University, the Detroit Medical Center, and various cultural institutions. This ensures that Ima Noodles is readily accessible to a diverse clientele, including students, professionals, and families from across Michigan who frequent the area for work, education, or leisure.

For those traveling by car, parking options in Midtown typically include a mix of street parking (metered) and nearby parking garages, offering reasonable convenience. Beyond personal vehicles, the restaurant's location in a well-developed urban area means it's often accessible via public transportation.

Furthermore, Ima Noodles embraces modern convenience by partnering with popular food delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. This extensive delivery network significantly expands its reach, allowing residents throughout Detroit and surrounding Michigan communities to enjoy their delicious Japanese noodles and other dishes from the comfort of their homes or offices. Whether you prefer to dine in and soak in the atmosphere, pick up a quick meal, or have it delivered to your door, Ima Noodles offers flexible accessibility to suit various needs.

Ima Noodles provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer a delightful and convenient Japanese noodle experience to its Michigan patrons. Here's a detailed look at what they offer:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in Ima's welcoming and often bustling restaurant space. Reviews indicate a friendly atmosphere with attentive service, even during busy periods.
• Takeout/Pickup Service: Customers can place orders for pickup, either by calling directly or through their online ordering system on their website or third-party platforms. This provides a quick and convenient option for those on the go.
• Delivery Service: Ima Noodles partners with major food delivery platforms, including DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. This allows for extensive delivery coverage throughout Detroit and neighboring Michigan areas, bringing their delicious noodles right to your doorstep.
• Diverse Noodle Menu: Ima is renowned for its selection of Japanese noodle soups:
  • Ramen: Features a variety of rich broths, including Shoyu (roasted chicken-shoyu broth), Miso (miso veggie broth), Tori Paitan (rich chicken bone broth), and Spicy Tori Ramen. Vegan options like Forest Ramen (porcini mushroom & veggie broth) and Spicy Seafood Ramen are also available. All ramen includes wakame, scallion, nori, crispy garlic & chili threads.
  • Udon: Offers thick wheat flour noodles in deeply flavorful broths such as Spicy Pork Udon (toasted chili bone broth), Forest Udon (porcini mushroom-dashi broth), Curry Broth Udon (silky curry broth), and Miso Udon. Pan-fried "Yaki Udon" options like Yaki Butter Udon and Spicy Szechuan Yaki Udon are also popular.
  • Pho: While primarily a Japanese noodle house, Ima also offers Pho with vegan pho broth, rice noodles, and various protein options like Beef Pho, Chicken Pho, Shrimp Pho, and Vegan Pho (with roasted tofu).
• "To Share" Appetizers: A selection of delicious small plates perfect for starting your meal or sharing, including:
  • Steamed Edamame
  • House Pickle Plate
  • Shrimp & Scallion Dumplings (house made!)
  • Spicy Tuna + Rice Crisps
  • Fried Yams
  • Togarashi Fried TOFU Bites
  • Fried CHICKEN Bites (Karaage)
  • Glazed Broccolini
• Rice Bowls (Donburi): Flavorful rice-based dishes such as:
  • Golden Curry
  • Boombap (Korean-inspired rice bowl)
  • Teriyaki Salmon
  • Unagi-Don (BBQ glazed eel)
  • Spicy Tuna Don
  • Crispy Chicken Don
  • Crispy Tofu Don
• Desserts: A selection of sweet treats to conclude your meal.
• Beverages: A curated list of beer, wine, cocktails, and sake, alongside non-alcoholic options.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Clearly labeled menu items cater to various dietary preferences, making it easier for customers to find suitable dishes.

Ima Noodles stands out in the Michigan dining scene due to several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and unique appeal:

• Award-Winning Cuisine: Ima was named "Restaurant of the Year" in 2019 by the 'Detroit Free Press,' a significant accolade that speaks to its quality and culinary excellence. This recognition highlights its status as a top dining destination in Michigan.
• Exceptional Noodle Quality: The core of Ima's appeal lies in its dedication to its noodles. They are celebrated for their "delicious" and "rich" flavors, with perfectly prepared ramen, udon, and pho consistently impressing diners. The emphasis on flavorful broths and fresh ingredients is a recurring theme in customer feedback.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Just Ramen: While known for its noodles, Ima offers a remarkably broad menu that includes unique appetizers ("To Share"), various rice bowls (Donburi), and even some pho options. This extensive selection caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, including clearly labeled vegan and gluten-free choices.
• Commitment to Customer Service: Even during busy periods or when facing staffing challenges, Ima's commitment to "excellent, friendly and frequent" service is consistently noted by patrons. This focus on hospitality enhances the overall dining experience.
• Aesthetically Pleasing Presentation: Customers often remark on the "truly appetizing" presentation of each plate, noting how elements "contrasted nicely, creating a balanced and colorful dish." This attention to visual detail enhances the enjoyment of the meal.
• Central Midtown Location: Situated on Cass Avenue, Ima Noodles benefits from a prime spot in Detroit's vibrant Midtown, making it highly accessible to a large local population, including university students, medical professionals, and cultural visitors.
• Robust Delivery and Takeout Options: Partnering with major delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats ensures that Ima's delicious food is easily accessible to homes and offices throughout Metro Detroit, offering maximum convenience for locals.
• Inviting Atmosphere: While specific details on decor are not provided, the consistent positive reviews about service and overall experience suggest a comfortable and welcoming environment for diners.

Ima Noodles, as a popular and well-regarded Japanese noodle restaurant in Michigan, offers specific promotions that provide excellent value to its local patrons. For those in Detroit and the surrounding areas looking to enjoy their delicious offerings, here's a key special to be aware of:

• Happy Hour: Ima Noodles at its Midtown location (4870 Cass Ave) features a popular Happy Hour. This special runs every Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During Happy Hour, customers can enjoy a menu of "premium $5 food and drinks!" This is an excellent opportunity for locals to sample a selection of Ima's popular items and beverages at a reduced price, making it an ideal after-work stop or early dinner option.
• Delivery Platform Promotions: Like many restaurants that partner with third-party delivery services, Ima Noodles may participate in various promotions offered by DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. These could include:
  • Free Delivery: Often available for first-time users of a platform or for orders exceeding a certain amount.
  • Percentage Discounts: Occasional site-wide or restaurant-specific discounts offered by the delivery service.
  • Bundle Deals: Sometimes platforms offer special pricing for ordering multiple items together.
  It is always advisable for customers to check the respective delivery apps directly for the most current and localized promotions.
• Gift Cards: While not a direct promotion, Ima Izakaya (the family of restaurants that includes Ima Noodles) offers e-gift cards that can be used at any of their locations. These make for convenient gifts and allow recipients to enjoy Ima's cuisine.

For the most up-to-date information on any ongoing specials or upcoming promotions, visiting Ima Noodles' official website or checking their profiles on major delivery applications is recommended.

For those in Michigan eager to savor the acclaimed Japanese noodles and other delights from Ima Noodles, here is their essential contact information:

Address: 4870 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Phone: (313) 883-9788

This phone number provides a direct line to the restaurant for placing takeout orders, inquiring about menu items, or checking on table availability. The physical address on Cass Avenue ensures easy navigation for those planning a visit to their Midtown Detroit location.

Ima Noodles is an exceptionally suitable dining spot for locals across Michigan, especially those residing or working in the Detroit area, for several compelling reasons that align with contemporary dining preferences.

Firstly, its core strength lies in its exceptional quality and diverse noodle offerings. As an award-winning establishment, Ima consistently delivers delicious and beautifully presented Japanese comfort food. Whether a local is craving the rich, savory depth of a ramen bowl, the satisfying chewiness of udon, or the aromatic freshness of pho, Ima provides a top-tier experience. The availability of clear vegan and gluten-free options further broadens its appeal, ensuring that diners with specific dietary needs can also enjoy a fantastic meal without compromise.

Secondly, its prime location in Detroit's Midtown offers unparalleled convenience. Situated on Cass Avenue, it's easily accessible from various parts of the city and surrounding communities in Michigan. This central positioning makes it an ideal lunch spot for professionals, a go-to dinner destination for students from Wayne State University, or a casual eatery for families exploring the cultural heart of Detroit.

Finally, Ima's commitment to outstanding customer service, even during busy times, creates a welcoming and reliable dining environment. Coupled with its robust delivery capabilities through major platforms, locals have the flexibility to enjoy Ima's delectable dishes whether they prefer a vibrant dine-in experience or the comfort of their own home. For a flavorful, high-quality, and consistently satisfying Japanese noodle meal, Ima Noodles stands out as a genuine local treasure in Michigan.

Ima Noodles

4870 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA