Kiwami Ramen

For those in Kentucky who truly appreciate the art of a perfectly crafted bowl of ramen, Kiwami Ramen in Louisville stands as a must-visit destination. Translating to "ultimate" or "extreme" in Japanese, Kiwami Ramen lives up to its name by offering a deeply flavorful and authentic ramen experience that aims to transport you straight to Japan. This local favorite has quickly garnered a reputation for its rich, long-simmered broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and a vibrant, inviting atmosphere.

Kiwami Ramen is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. From the moment you're "immediately greeted with a smile at the door," you'll notice the dedication to hospitality and quality that defines this establishment. Whether you're a seasoned ramen enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese noodle soups, Kiwami Ramen promises a satisfying and memorable meal that is "definitely worth the hassle of finding a parking place."

Kiwami Ramen is ideally located at 1700 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA. This prime spot on Bardstown Road places it right in the heart of Louisville's vibrant Highlands neighborhood, a popular area known for its diverse dining and entertainment options. Its central location ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout Louisville and surrounding communities in Kentucky.

While finding parking in the bustling Highlands can sometimes be a challenge, many customers agree that the experience at Kiwami Ramen is "definitely worth the hassle of finding a parking place." The restaurant's presence in such a lively district means it's well-connected and easy to incorporate into a day or evening out, making it a convenient choice for both planned meals and spontaneous cravings for authentic ramen.

Kiwami Ramen offers a focused yet comprehensive range of services designed to provide an authentic and enjoyable Japanese dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a "new chic Asian- sleek, light and airy" atmosphere. The restaurant is described as "very clean, open and inviting," providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for your dining experience. Complimentary music plays softly, adding to the ambiance.
• Specialized Ramen Menu: Kiwami Ramen specializes in a variety of ramen bowls, each crafted with care. Their signature broths are made from pork bones, simmered for over 25 hours to create a cloudy coloring and silky texture. Popular ramen options include:
  • Kiwami Shiro: Their signature pork broth ramen, light in color, with seasoned egg, pork chashu, scallion, kikurage mushroom, bamboo, bean sprout, and straight noodles.
  • Kiwami Aka: Signature pork broth with house spicy sauce, featuring the same ingredients as Kiwami Shiro, popular for those who enjoy a kick.
  • Kiwami Kuro: Signature pork broth with black garlic oil, offering a unique depth of flavor with the standard ramen toppings.
  • Miso Tonkotsu: Signature pork broth infused with miso for a rich umami flavor, served with wavy noodles.
  • Spicy Curry Tonkotsu: Signature pork broth with a sesame curry flavor, complete with seasoned egg, pork chashu, and wavy noodles.
  • Shoyu Ramen: A chicken soy sauce broth ramen, a classic alternative to pork-based broths, with shrimp wonton, seasoned egg, pork chashu, and wavy noodles.
  • Vegetable Ramen: A dedicated vegetarian broth with tofu, avocado, spring mix, purple cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and lemon, often featuring flavorful kale noodles.
  • Truffle Shoyu Ramen & A5 Japanese Wagyu Ramen: Premium ramen options for a more indulgent experience.
• Diverse Appetizer Selection: To complement the ramen, Kiwami offers a range of Japanese appetizers:
  • Gyoza (pork or vegetable dumplings), Edamame (including a spicy version), Takoyaki (fried octopus balls), Chicken Karage (Japanese fried chicken), Ikagesoage (deep-fried squid tentacles), Pork Chashu Buns, Soft Shell Crab Buns, Avo Tuna, Salmon Carpaccio, and Fried Calamari.
• Bowl and Teppanyaki Options: Beyond ramen, they also offer various bowls such as Tuna Poke Bowl, Salmon Poke Bowl, Beef Bowl, Chashu Bowl, Spicy Tuna Bowl, and different types of Fried Rice (Chashu Fried Rice, Black Fried Rice, Original Fried Rice). Teppanyaki options include Teriyaki Chicken, Shrimp, Steak, and Hibachi dishes.
• Beverage Menu: A selection of soft drinks, including unique Japanese sodas like Ramune and Cream Soda (Mango, Melon flavors), Japanese Green Unsweetened Tea, and Japanese Jasmine Iced Tea.
• Takeout & Delivery: For convenient dining at home, Kiwami Ramen offers takeout and delivery services through popular platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Caviar. Noodles and soup are packed separately to maintain quality.

Kiwami Ramen possesses several key features that contribute to its strong reputation and appeal among locals in Kentucky:

• "VERY GOOD" Taste and Quality Broth: Despite some mixed individual reviews, many customers laud the ramen for its "VERY GOOD" taste, emphasizing the rich, creamy, and flavorful broths that are simmered for over 25 hours. The authenticity and depth of flavor are consistent highlights.
• Authentic Japanese Soul Food: The restaurant aims to bring the "essence of genuine Japanese soul food" to Louisville, focusing on traditional preparation methods and high-quality ingredients.
• Sleek, Clean, and Inviting Atmosphere: The "new chic Asian- sleek, light and airy" interior is frequently praised for its cleanliness, open layout, and inviting ambiance, making it a comfortable place to dine.
• Friendly and Knowledgeable Service: Staff are often noted for being "immediately greeted with a smile," "knowledgeable about the menu," and "happy hour options," and providing "fast and delicious" service.
• Visually Pleasing and Correct Temperature Food: The dishes are not only delicious but also "visually pleasing" and served at "correct temperature," indicating attention to presentation and proper serving.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Ramen: While ramen is the star, the extensive appetizer selection (like excellent "Chicken on a Stick" and "Hot and sour soup" in some reviews, or the various Takoyaki and Gyoza options on updated menus) and Teppanyaki/Bowl dishes offer something for everyone.
• Customization Options: Diners can customize their ramen with "extra toppings like nori (seaweed), avocado, shrimp wonton, and poached egg," allowing for a personalized meal.

Kiwami Ramen offers various promotions and special deals, particularly focusing on their popular happy hour and online ordering incentives:

• Happy Hour: While specific details can vary, the staff is noted for being knowledgeable about "happy hour options." Some previous information suggests happy hour deals (e.g., 4-7pm daily). It's advisable to inquire directly about their current happy hour menu.
• Online Ordering Deals: Through delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub, Kiwami Ramen frequently offers promotions such as:
  • "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" on items like Seaweed Salad and Edamame.
  • Discounts for new users (e.g., "$15 off on qualifying orders of $75 or more," "Spend $80, get $8").
  • Periodic special offers or reduced delivery fees for subscription members (e.g., DashPass, Grubhub+).
• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed as "lunch specials" separate from the main menu pricing, their operating hours do include lunch, and individual items are available at a fixed price.

Kentucky locals are encouraged to check Kiwami Ramen's official website, their listings on major food delivery apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Caviar), or call them directly to confirm the most current and specific promotions available before placing an order or visiting.

To experience the ultimate ramen and authentic Japanese cuisine at Kiwami Ramen, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 1700 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA

Phone: (502) 384-6412

Current operating hours for Kiwami Ramen in Louisville are generally: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm hours, especially on holidays or for specific services.

For the residents of Louisville and throughout Kentucky, Kiwami Ramen presents itself as a highly suitable and compelling choice for an authentic and high-quality Japanese dining experience, particularly for ramen enthusiasts. Its prime location on Bardstown Road in the lively Highlands ensures excellent accessibility, making it a convenient destination for anyone craving a satisfying bowl of noodles, despite potential parking challenges.

What truly makes Kiwami Ramen ideal for locals is its dedication to crafting "VERY GOOD" and flavorful ramen, built on rich broths simmered for over 25 hours. The wide selection of ramen types, from the signature Kiwami Shiro to spicy Aka and savory Miso Tonkotsu, caters to diverse preferences. Beyond ramen, the extensive menu of appetizers, bowls, and Teppanyaki options ensures there's something to satisfy every palate. The "sleek, light and airy" atmosphere, coupled with consistently "friendly and knowledgeable" service, creates a welcoming and pleasant dining environment. Despite some individual negative experiences, the overwhelming sentiment from many locals is one of satisfaction, highlighting the "visually pleasing" food and the overall high quality. With convenient takeout and delivery options, Kiwami Ramen stands as a top contender for authentic Japanese soul food, promising to be a regular haunt for ramen lovers across Kentucky.

Kiwami Ramen

1700 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA