Outside the bustle of downtown Nashville sits a bar not focused on alcohol, but on the warmth of Japanese culture — and a simple bowl of ramen.
After delays due to January’s ice storm, JINYA Ramen Bar opened its first Tennessee location on Feb. 10. Restaurateur Tomo Takahashi, who opened JINYA in Tokyo in 2000, brought the chain stateside in 2010 to introduce his favorite Japanese cuisine to the American market.
“[Takahashi’s] father was a big restaurant mogul in Japan,” says Tiffianie Nguyen, vice president of operations. “There was a ramen concept in Japan [already], but it wasn’t JINYA Ramen Bar.”
Culture Clash
A jin’ya was a meeting point for samurai in feudal Japan. Through its metropolitan placement on 11th Ave. N., JINYA Ramen Bar’s Nashville location offers a similar sense of community, inviting guests to celebrate the joy of life and the food that accompanies it. (The bar is right across from the Capitol View Publix, which offers free two-hour parking for customers.)
JINYA’s American concept is all about juxtaposition. Silence signals respect in Japanese culture, and the ramen bar’s low lighting suggests a tranquil intimacy. But JINYA’s jubilant hosts yell irasshaimase (“welcome in”) as they seat you, and EDM pulses from the ceiling.
“They scream when you go in, they scream [arigato (“thank you”)] when you leave. They’re screaming everywhere,” Nguyen says. “But it’s just Japanese culture [in America]. It’s very different when you actually go to Japan, because there, it’s very quiet.”
Settling Past the Noise
When you arrive at your table, servers welcome you with a tray of sauces. Soy-vinegar sauce (typically served with gyoza), hot sauce and seasoning flakes sit at the center of the table, serving as a guiding light for the menu.
Drinks may not be JINYA’s primary focus, but eccentrically presented cocktails and mocktails prep you for a stunning main course. Order the virgin matcha lychee lemonade, and servers will prepare your matcha tableside with an electric whisk, serving it over a lychee skewer. The drink is finished with a lemon wedge emblazoned with JINYA’s logo.
JINYA’s beverage directors regularly develop and introduce new drinks. And the kitchen staff keeps things equally interesting with a seasonal selection of chef’s specials. These items — such as crispy chicken wings and street-food-inspired ramen — pair culinary trends with foundational dishes and elements.
All Palates Accounted For
A year-round favorite is JINYA’s tonkotsu ramen. Hailing from Japan’s Fukuoka region, the recipe features creamy broth made from pork bones, marinated for over 20 hours to maximize its umami flavor. The pork is slow-cooked separately before serving, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The restaurant offers variations on the classic dish, with spicy red soup and black garlic oil bases available.
Fans of chicken can expect the same spectrum of spicy to salty broth options — or enjoy alternatives, like chicken wonton ramen or a chicken rice bowl. JINYA’s take on beef is inspired by Mexican cuisine, featuring the rich birria meat you’d typically find in a tasty taco. Every ramen dish includes noodles, either thick or thin, ready for a smooth slurp.
JINYA offers plenty of vegetarian options, providing meat-free dishes in each category. Most ramen toppings are also plant-based.
If you still have room in your stomach at the end of your meal, JINYA’s chocolate and green tea mochi pods are designed to deliver a sweet punch in a mouthful. But the bar’s matcha tiramisu is the real standout. Pairing a classic Italian dessert with Japan’s go-to source of caffeine, the dessert delivers dense flavor in even the smallest bites. And, consistent with JINYA’s penchant for presentation, it’s served in a wooden box built for cargo.
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