Naruto

For those in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who appreciate the comforting and complex flavors of a well-crafted bowl of ramen, Naruto Ramen stands as a popular local spot. Nestled on Central Avenue SE, this restaurant brings a taste of authentic Hakata-style ramen to the Land of Enchantment. Whether you're a seasoned ramen aficionado or someone just beginning to explore the rich world of Japanese noodle soups beyond instant packets, Naruto offers a genuine and enjoyable experience that has captured the attention of many residents.

Naruto Ramen prides itself on serving traditional Hakata ramen, characterized by its rich pork bone broth, thin, eggless noodles, and house-made chashu pork. The establishment is a proud continuation of a family legacy that introduced the first Japanese restaurant, Shohko Cafe, to New Mexico over 40 years ago, speaking to a deep-rooted commitment to authentic Japanese cuisine in the state. While some diners highlight its suitability for a "quick bite" and commend its speed and price, others rave about the delicious flavors and the unforgettable quality of certain elements, particularly the chashu pork. It's a place that invites repeated visits, promising a warm bowl of goodness that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

Naruto Ramen is conveniently located at 2110 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA. This address places it in a highly accessible and vibrant part of Albuquerque, specifically across from the University of New Mexico (UNM). Its Central Avenue SE location makes it a prime spot for students, faculty, and residents from surrounding neighborhoods like Nob Hill, the Southeast Heights, and even those commuting from further afield.

Central Avenue is a major thoroughfare in Albuquerque, well-served by the city's public transportation system, including bus routes, making it easy to reach even without a car. For those driving, the proximity to a major university area often means there are parking options, although availability can vary during peak hours. The ease of access is a significant advantage for locals looking for a quick and convenient ramen fix, whether it's for lunch between classes, a casual dinner, or a takeout order to enjoy at home. Its central positioning ensures it's a practical and desirable choice for a wide range of Albuquerque diners.

Naruto Ramen offers a focused yet diverse range of services centered around its specialty, ramen, along with complementary Japanese dishes.

• Authentic Hakata-Style Ramen: This is Naruto's signature offering. They specialize in Hakata ramen, known for its distinct characteristics: a rich, savory soup made from select pork bones, thin eggless noodles, and succulent, house-made chashu pork.
• Variety of Ramen Broths and Flavors: While Hakata is their specialty, they also offer a range of other popular ramen styles. Their menu includes:
  • Tonkotsu Ramen: Available in Regular or Super Rich pork broth.
  • Black Tonkotsu Ramen: Super Rich pork broth with roasted black garlic oil.
  • Miso Ramen: Chicken broth with a special miso base.
  • Shoyu Ramen: Chicken broth with a special soy sauce base.
  • Curry Ramen: Chicken broth with Japanese curry spices, topped with beef brisket.
  • Seafood Ramen: Chicken broth with shrimp, squid, and green mussels.
  • Tanmen: A lighter chicken broth with seafood umami and stir-fried vegetables.
  • Vegetable Ramen: A vegetable broth option with choice of miso or shoyu.
  • Naruto Ramen: Their signature house ramen, featuring chicken broth with miso and five slices of chashu pork.
• Customizable Ramen Toppings: Diners can customize their ramen with a wide array of additional toppings, including extra chashu pork, seasoned egg, kimchi, black garlic oil, spicy chili, corn, butter, cheese, and even New Mexico green chile tempura.
• Izakaya (Appetizers): A selection of classic Japanese appetizers is available, such as Kuro Edamame, Kaiso Salad (seaweed salad), Takoyaki (octopus dumplings), Chicken Karaage (fried chicken), House Made Gyoza (pork dumplings), Nagoya Chicken Wings, and Shrimp Stuffed Green Chile Tempura.
• Rice Dishes: The menu also includes various rice dishes like Pork Fried Rice, Kimchee Fried Rice, Gyudon (beef and onion), and Curry Rice with a choice of panko breaded chicken, chicken karaage, or sukiyaki beef.
• Noodle Dishes (Yaki Soba/Udon): Beyond soup-based ramen, they offer stir-fried ramen (Yaki Soba) and udon noodles (Yaki Udon) with vegetable or shrimp options.
• Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery: Naruto Ramen offers a quaint and comfortable dine-in experience. For convenience, takeout is readily available by phone, and they partner with popular delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, allowing locals to enjoy their ramen at home.
• Desserts and Beverages: They offer Japanese desserts like Tempura Cheesecake and Mochi Ice Cream, along with a variety of hot and cold beverages, including traditional Japanese drinks like Ramune and Calpico.

Naruto Ramen distinguishes itself in the Albuquerque dining scene with several key features and highlights that resonate with its local customer base:

• Authentic Hakata-Style Ramen: This is a major highlight, as Naruto is committed to serving a specific, traditional style of ramen known for its rich, pork-bone broth and thin noodles. This authenticity sets it apart from more generalized Japanese restaurants.
• Delicious Chashu Pork: A particular standout mentioned in reviews is the chashu pork. One customer raved, "It tastes sooo good and has a nice little crisp and some fat, I could eat a ton of that pork!" This indicates a high quality and deeply satisfying element in their ramen.
• Variety of Ramen Flavors: While specializing in Hakata, the extensive range of ramen options (Tonkotsu, Miso, Shoyu, Curry, Seafood, Vegetable) ensures there's a bowl to suit every preference, catering to diverse local tastes.
• Great for First-Timers to Ramen: One review noted, "I am not very familiar with ramen outside of the ramen out of the packets... I really enjoyed it! I thought it was very good." This suggests Naruto is an excellent entry point for those new to restaurant-quality ramen, making it accessible to a broader audience.
• Quaint and Pleasant Atmosphere: Despite being a good spot for a "quick bite," the atmosphere is described as "quaint," providing a comfortable and enjoyable setting for diners.
• Good Value for Price: While one reviewer mentioned it "missing the quality mark" in terms of overall flavor, they still recommended it for a "quick bite" and noted it was "good for the price." Another customer who thoroughly enjoyed it found it "very good" for the cost. This indicates that it offers an accessible price point for quality ramen.
• Legacy and Experience: As part of the family that opened New Mexico's first Japanese restaurant, Shohko Cafe, Naruto brings decades of culinary experience and a deep understanding of Japanese cuisine to its ramen offerings.
• Consistent Crave-Worthiness: One customer couldn't stop thinking about going back after their first visit, highlighting the addictive quality and appeal of Naruto's ramen. "After the first time I ate here, all I could think about was going back."

While specific, regularly advertised promotions are not detailed in the provided customer reviews, ramen restaurants often feature certain types of deals to attract and retain customers. Based on industry practices and Naruto Ramen's focus:

• Lunch Specials: Many ramen establishments offer more budget-friendly lunch menus, which might include smaller ramen portions or combo deals with appetizers. Given its proximity to UNM, lunch specials would be a significant draw for students and faculty.
• Takeout/Delivery Incentives: As Naruto offers takeout and delivery through platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, there might be occasional promotions, such as discounts on first orders through these apps or bundled meal deals.
• Loyalty Programs: Some restaurants implement loyalty programs where frequent diners can earn points towards future discounts or free items. It's advisable for locals to inquire if such a program exists.
• Seasonal or Limited-Time Ramen Bowls: To keep the menu fresh and exciting, ramen restaurants often introduce seasonal ramen bowls or limited-time specials, providing unique flavor profiles for regular customers.
• Student Discounts: Given its location across from UNM, it's possible that Naruto Ramen offers student discounts, which would be a highly appealing promotion for the university community.

For the most current and accurate information on any promotions or special offers, local residents are encouraged to directly contact Naruto Ramen via phone or check their official website or social media presence if available.

To enjoy a satisfying bowl of authentic ramen at Naruto, or for any inquiries, you can reach them at:

Address: 2110 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA

Phone: (505) 369-1039

Feel free to call during their operating hours to place a takeout order or inquire about their menu.

For the residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Naruto Ramen stands out as a highly suitable and increasingly popular choice for Japanese cuisine, particularly for those seeking a comforting and authentic bowl of noodles. Its appeal to the local community is multi-faceted and deeply rooted in its offerings.

Firstly, Naruto Ramen provides an accessible entry point into the world of authentic Japanese ramen, making it perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. As one reviewer aptly put it, even someone "not very familiar with ramen outside of the ramen out of the packets" thoroughly enjoyed it and vowed to return. This speaks to its ability to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable experience, making it a welcoming spot for anyone in Albuquerque looking to explore genuine ramen. The praise for the "chicken miso ramen," "pork tonkatsu ramen," and "curry ramen," along with the rave reviews for the "nice little crisp and some fat" of the chashu pork, highlights its ability to deliver on core ramen components.

Secondly, its strategic location on Central Avenue SE, directly across from UNM, makes it incredibly convenient for a large segment of Albuquerque's population. This accessibility means it’s an ideal spot for students to grab a quick, delicious, and reasonably priced meal between classes, or for professionals in the area to enjoy a warm lunch. The ability to get "hot and fast" food is a significant advantage in a busy urban environment, catering to the pace of local life.

Furthermore, while one review mentioned a slight "lacking in flavor" for some, the overwhelming sentiment, especially from those new to ramen, indicates a genuinely good and "craze-worthy" experience. The atmosphere is described as "quaint," offering a comfortable and unassuming setting for a meal. For locals seeking a reliable, affordable, and consistently good ramen experience, Naruto delivers. It’s not about being the most gourmet or expensive; it’s about providing a satisfying, flavorful, and authentic bowl of ramen that locals can depend on for a comforting and quick bite, solidifying its place as a beloved establishment in the Albuquerque dining scene.

Naruto

2110 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA