JINYA Ramen Bar in Burbank has taken its time to get things right. When JINYA Burbank opened nearly two years ago, we enjoyed the atmosphere and friendly service, but found the ramen didn’t quite hold up to the high standards of the original JINYA in Studio City, a longtime favorite.
Recently, we’ve been hearing positive reports on JINYA Burbank, so we stopped by a few times to give it another go. And, to our pleasant surprise, we were very, very happy with the ramen.
The ramen broth was delicious. And the temperature of the broth was hot enough so that once diners stir in the add-ins, the soup stayed pleasantly warm.
We enjoyed handmade pork gyoza, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen (thin noodles, medium spicy), the Tonkotsu Spicy Ramen (regular noodles, with mild heat) and the Pork Chashu Bowl.
The small-size gyoza were good, just not as perfect as the hunky gyoza from our favored Daikokuya Ramen.
The Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, a current special, was excellent. Medium spicy was plenty of chile heat. With add-ins of pork chashu, onion, green onion, kikurage mushroom, soft boiled egg and bonito (fish) flavor, the bowl was a hearty delight.
The Tonkotsu Spicy Ramen we ordered mild, and came out very mild, with almost no chile pepper heat. The standard add-ins of egg, kikurage, green onion, spicy bean sprouts and pork chashu were perfect.
The Pork Chashu Bowl of pork, soft-boiled egg, spinach, green onion and sesame seeds over rice was also excellent, a great meld of flavors and textures.
JINYA Burbank’s large menu has a lot from which to choose. The chicken ramen and rice bowls looked great, as did the curry, the poke bowl and the small plates such as takoyaki, crispy chicken and carmelized cauliflower.
Service was friendly and attentive and the outdoor patio is a lovely tranquil spot during the day and at night. We look forward to returning soon and trying more of the menu.
Parking can be a challenge in the area, so be prepared to pay for valet or access to a lot or park and walk.
For the best ramen available in Burbank, JINYA Burbank receives a Tops In Town.
Restaurant Info: JINYA Ramen Bar is located at 4011 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505. 818-238-9875. JINYA Ramen Bar is open Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
myBurbank Ratings:
Tops In Town (Outstanding)
On The Marquee (Really Good)
Could Use A Rewrite (Average or Slightly Below)
Don’t Quit Your Day Job (Poor)
