Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya

For those of us in California who crave bold flavors and an energetic dining experience, Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya in Fountain Valley is a destination that delivers. This isn't just another ramen shop; it's a dynamic Japanese eatery that pushes the boundaries of traditional flavors, offering a unique blend of innovative ramen, expertly prepared small plates, and a vibrant izakaya atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a comforting bowl of noodles, fresh sashimi, or savory grilled skewers, Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya provides a memorable culinary journey that's perfect for any occasion.

Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya is an ambitious, chef-driven Japanese restaurant in Fountain Valley that has quickly become a local favorite. It's built on a philosophy of "golden joinery" (kintsugi), embracing imperfections and using experiences to create something unique and memorable. Their menu is a testament to this, featuring a "bold arrangement of innovative ramen," "energetic small bites," and "hand-crafted beverages." From rich and slow-cooked ramen broths to meticulously sliced sashimi and charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers, every dish aims to highlight the best of Japanese dining while incorporating nuances of California culture. It's a place designed for unwinding, sharing, and enjoying good food and good company in a chic yet cozy setting.

Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya is conveniently located at 16185 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA. This prime location places it within a bustling plaza, making it highly accessible for residents across Fountain Valley and the wider Orange County area. The restaurant benefits from ample parking in the plaza, a significant convenience for diners in our busy California landscape. Its position on Brookhurst Street ensures easy access from various local routes, making it an ideal spot for a planned meal or a spontaneous craving for Japanese cuisine. The inviting facade and energetic atmosphere hint at the vibrant experience waiting inside.

Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya provides a diverse range of services to cater to its clientele, focusing on a dynamic dine-in experience.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in the restaurant's vibrant, chic yet cozy interior, which features a lively atmosphere perfect for social gatherings or a casual night out.

• Extensive Ramen Menu: Offering a variety of "housemade ramen crafted with rich, slow-cooked broths," including signature options like Original Gyu-Tonkotsu, Spicy Miso Gyu-Tonkotsu, Chashu Tom Kha Ramen, Truffle Mushroom Ramen, Vegan Ramen, and Seafood Tom Kha Ramen.

• Izakaya-Style Small Plates: An extensive lineup of small plates designed for sharing, featuring fresh sashimi, a diverse selection of yakitori skewers (like scallop, sausage, chicken thigh, beef tongue), crispy calamari, chicken karaage, and more.

• Unique Appetizers and Crudo: Innovative offerings such as Hokkaido Scallop Crudo and Truffle Salmon Crudo, which are praised for being refreshing and beautifully prepared.

• Full Bar and Craft Beverages: A comprehensive drink menu including Japanese sake, craft beer, whiskey, and popular cocktails like the Yuzu Fizz, designed to complement the food offerings.

• Late-Night Happy Hour: A notable feature, providing discounted food and drinks during specific evening hours (more details below), aligning with traditional izakaya culture.

• Takeout Options: While primarily a dine-in experience, takeout is available, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes at home.

Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya is distinguished by several key features and culinary highlights that contribute to its popularity and unique appeal.

• Innovative Ramen Flavors: Moving beyond standard ramen, Kin offers creative broths like "Tom Kha Chasu Ramen" with a "nice sweet and sour broth" and "Truffle Mushroom Ramen," appealing to adventurous palates. Their signature "Gyu-Tonkotsu Ramen" is also highly regarded for its rich, creamy broth.

• Fresh and High-Quality Sashimi: Customers consistently praise the freshness of their sashimi, with "Salmon sashimi" noted as particularly fresh. The "Hokkaido Scallop Crudo" and "Truffle Salmon Crudo" showcase their commitment to quality raw fish with unique flavor pairings.

• Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori: Despite some feeling the menu for skewers could be more extensive, the available "Yakitori Skewers" are generally well-received and offer a traditional izakaya element.

• Attentive and Professional Service: Reviewers frequently highlight the "nice professional" and "attentive" waitstaff. Servers are noted for being "well trained," providing "quick service," and offering excellent "recommendations and knowledge" of the menu.

• Vibrant Izakaya Atmosphere: The restaurant aims to capture the "vibe" of a bustling Tokyo izakaya, described as having a "chic yet cozy atmosphere" and "good vibes," making it a lively spot for socializing.

• Creative Appetizers: Beyond sushi and ramen, dishes like "Truffle Fries" (generous portion, delicious), "Chicken Karaage" (top quality), and "Uni Udon" (delicious) demonstrate their culinary range and attention to detail in their small plates.

• Dessert Options: The "Sesame Coconut Ice Cream" has been noted as a pleasant and satisfying dessert option.

• Efficient Food Service: Despite being busy, food often comes out at a "steady pace," with some dishes arriving surprisingly quickly, which is a testament to their kitchen efficiency.

Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya is well-known for its attractive happy hour specials, making it an excellent spot for both early evening and late-night cravings.

• Late-Night Happy Hour: This is a major highlight, available Sunday through Thursday from 8 PM to 10 PM.

  • Beverage Deals: Includes 50% off on all sake and beers, and $3 off on all cocktails.

  • Food Specials: Features "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" on all sushi rolls and Japanese BBQ meats (excluding combos), and special pricing on popular appetizers like Salmon/Tuna Crispy Rice ($3.5), Cheesy Corn ($6.5), Truffle Fries ($6.0), and Yuzu Garlic Wings ($8.0).

  • Discounted Bowls: Offers like Shiitake Uni Udon ($26) and Wagyu Toro Gyudon ($20) are available during happy hour.

• General Happy Hour Specials: Beyond the late-night specific offering, various items like Calamari, Tom Kha Chasu Ramen, Hokkaido Scallop Crudo, Truffle Salmon Crudo, and 3-Set Yakitori Skewers are available as happy hour selections, offering value for quality. Specific pricing on these items is subject to happy hour menu details.

It's always recommended to check their official website or inquire directly with the restaurant for the most current happy hour menu and any other ongoing promotions or seasonal specials.

For direct inquiries, to learn more about their menu, or to plan your visit, you can reach Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya through the following contact details:

Address: 16185 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA

Phone: (949) 688-6961

For residents of Fountain Valley and our vibrant Orange County communities, Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya offers a compelling and multifaceted Japanese dining experience that caters to a wide array of preferences. Its unique fusion approach to ramen, combined with an extensive izakaya-style menu featuring fresh sashimi and grilled skewers, ensures there's always something exciting to try. The emphasis on innovative flavors, like the Tom Kha Ramen and various crudo dishes, sets it apart from more traditional establishments.

Beyond the food, the restaurant's lively atmosphere, coupled with consistently praised attentive and professional service, creates a welcoming and enjoyable environment perfect for social gatherings. The significant draw of their late-night happy hour, offering fantastic deals on both food and drinks, makes it an ideal spot for winding down after a long day or kicking off an evening. While popular and sometimes busy, the efficient service helps manage wait times, making the experience well worth it. Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya is truly a local gem that encapsulates the dynamic culinary spirit of California, offering a fresh and exciting take on Japanese cuisine that keeps locals coming back for more.

Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya

16185 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA