Kodaiko Ramen & Bar
Welcome to Kodaiko Ramen & Bar
Located in the heart of Sacramento, Kodaiko Ramen & Bar is a hidden gem that combines the flavors of traditional Japanese ramen with a trendy and inviting atmosphere. Owned by the same group behind the renowned Kru, this Asian-owned establishment offers a unique dining experience that appeals to both ramen enthusiasts and those seeking a vibrant bar scene.
As a food reviewer of Restaurant World, I had the pleasure of exploring the offerings at Kodaiko Ramen & Bar. From the moment I entered this cozy spot, I was impressed by the intricate details of the décor that transported me to a bustling Japanese train station.
The menu at Kodaiko Ramen & Bar boasts a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences, including pescatarian, soy-free, and vegan options. The ramen selections range from classic Tonkotsu to creative options like the Blue Crab Ice Cube Ramen, each meticulously crafted to deliver bold and authentic flavors.
One of the standout dishes that caught my attention was the Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Belly Chashu, Half Ajitama Egg, and rich Three Day Pork Paitan broth. The noodles had a perfect bite, the chashu was juicy, and the broth was flavorful and satisfying.
Another must-try dish is the Shrimp Toast, a crispy panko-fried delight topped with Negi, Kewpie Mayo, Tobiko, and Katsuobushi. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish makes it a crowd favorite and a perfect accompaniment to any ramen bowl.
Whether you're in the mood for traditional favorites like Chicken Karaage or adventurous options like the Mushroom Paitan Ramen, Kodaiko Ramen & Bar offers a culinary journey that delights the senses.
The attentive staff, vibrant ambiance, and diverse menu make Kodaiko Ramen & Bar a top choice for an unforgettable dining experience in Sacramento. Whether you're exploring the local food scene or looking for a cozy spot to unwind with friends, Kodaiko Ramen & Bar is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to savor the flavors of Japan right here in Sacramento at Kodaiko Ramen & Bar. With a commitment to quality ingredients, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere, this establishment truly stands out as a must-visit for food enthusiasts and ramen lovers alike.
Kodaiko Ramen & Bar Menu
Location
Address: 718 K St Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 426-8863
Business info
- Offers DeliveryYes
- Offers TakeoutYes
- ReservationsNo
- Pescatarian OptionsYes
- Soy-Free OptionsYes
- Vegan OptionsYes
- Many Vegetarian OptionsYes
- Wheelchair accessibleYes
- Accepts Credit CardsYes
- Accepts Android PayNo
- Accepts Apple PayNo
- Accepts CryptocurrencyNo
- Outdoor SeatingYes
- Hipster, Casual, TrendyYes
- Moderate NoiseYes
- Good for GroupsYes
- Good for DinnerYes
- Street ParkingYes
- Waiter ServiceYes
- Free Wi-FiYes
- Best nights on Wednesday, Thursday, FridayYes
- Full BarYes
- TVYes
- Asian-ownedYes
- Open to AllYes
- Offers CateringNo
- Pool TableNo
- Happy HourNo
- SmokingNo
- Drive-ThruNo
- Dogs Not AllowedNo
- Heated Outdoor SeatingNo
- Covered Outdoor SeatingNo
- Private DiningNo
- Bike ParkingYes
- Compostable containers availableYes
- Provides reusable tablewareYes
Last Reviews
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Author: Sima A.
Stumbled upon this little hidden gem in the DOCO area before going to Tiger next door. Super cute little spot, love the entrance and signage Got a few small bites to share between 4 people and it was perfect. First off all the Godzilla is seriously one of the best drinks I have had in a while. *chef's kiss* (if you like coffee and tequila this is THE drink) The yuzu margarita is also pretty fire. To eat we got: -chicken karaage 10/10 - so good and perfectly cooked -brussel sprouts - also fire and would recommend eating this with the mayo sauce that comes with the chicken karaage - albacore carpaccio - also 10/10 the chili sauce is spicy but well balanced - cabbage & wakame salad - loved the flavors in this and how crunchy the salad is with the cabbage - vegan ramen - good flavor and portion size was right on point - hand rolls - got the spicy albacore and the crab ones - fish was fresh but I personally like my seaweed more crunchy this one was a little soft and squishy The staff was attentive but didn't hover and didn't take our plates away before I could scoop up the sauce :) Would def return when in the area again.
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Author: Mike L.
Before I set out to explore more of Sacramento's growing food scene, one of the things that I had high on my list of foods to try was ramen. I had heard good things about a few different places from friends, but the one spot that they all recommended was Kodaiko. And just to be clear - their praise was never followed by "for Sacramento". Rather, they all said it was as good as some of our preferred spots in the Bay Area. Which says something because, when it comes to ramen, a few of them are a whole lot pickier than I am! Between what my friends had to say and how Kodaiko is owned by the same folks as the renowned Kru, I couldn't help but have high hopes, despite trying to keep my expectations modest. It was hard not to get excited even from the look of the place, though (love the Japanese transit signs above the staircase). Downstairs, the space is fairly sleek with a bar area and a room full of tables for groups big or small. Most importantly, the menu is full of interesting offerings, like their starters, katsu and egg salad sandwiches, donburis, and salads. Their wide range of ramen, however, are the most appealing, whether it be their signature Tonkotsu, Mushroom Paitan, Tsukemen, Blue Crab Ice Cube Ramen, or one of their many other options! -- TONKOTSU RAMEN with Pork Belly Chashu, Half Ajitama Egg, Rich Three Day Pork Paitan, Shoyu Tare, Mizuna, Trinity Oil, and Negi...$18 This was...fantastic. The noodles had a nice bite, the egg was good, and the chashu was juicy yet not too fatty. The broth was the star, though - bold, rich, and ridiculously flavorful, thanks in part to their garlicky trinity oil. If the bowl had been larger, I still would've polished off the whole thing! -- MUSHROOM PAITAN RAMEN with Pork Belly Chashu, Half Ajitama Egg, Mushroom Dashi, Cashew Tare, Shimeji Mushroom, Trinity Oil, and Negi...$18 While not as good as their other signature ramen, this was really good. It has most of the same components, but the earthiness of the mushroom broth makes this super interesting. That said, I thought the tonkotsu broth was just a bit tastier (though, I'd happily devour this as well). -- SHRIMP TOAST - Panko Fried, Negi, Kewpie Mayo, Tobiko, and Katsuobushi...$13 I'm not sure if this is their signature side, but between how popular it is and how good it was, it should be! The panko was perfectly crispy and the shrimp had a nice sweetness. The toast had a nice crunch that held up well and I liked how well the mayo, tobiko, and bonito flakes complemented everything. -- CHICKEN KARAAGE - Japanese Fried Chicken Served with Yuzu-Taijin Mayo...$13 Pretty solid, for the most part. The batter was well seasoned and not overly thick and the chicken itself was really moist. However, between the batter and how acidic/tart the mayo was, this had a lot of elements going on. -- TONKOTSU GYOKAI TSUKEMEN with Chicken, Pork Chashu, Half Ajitama Egg, Dipping Noodles Served Cold, Pork and Dried Fish Dipping Broth, Roasted Garlic, Lemon, Trinity Oil, Negi, and Lime Wedge...$20 Not as good as I had hoped, but still pretty decent. Even cold, the noodles were just as good and the chashu was better than I remember. That said, all of the meat made this feel short on noodles and the dipping sauce was very heavy on dashi (I was fine with it, but it was definitely strong). -- JAPANESE CURRY DONBURI with Tofu Katsu, Apple, Carrots, Corn, Tomato, Negi, Chili Oil, Pickled Onion, and Ginger...$16 We didn't plan on getting this, but felt compelled to with how good it made the restaurant smell. Sadly, while the tofu katsu and the veggies were great, the mixture of the curry and the chili oil was almost too assertive, as the two actually made this hard to enjoy on such a hot day (it was 112 outside...). Despite how the dishes we tried during our second visit fell short of what we had the first time, one thing that did stay consistent was the service. Each time we were here, our servers were great - they checked in with us often enough so that we knew we weren't forgotten yet not so often that it felt overbearing. What's more, both of our servers were really friendly and engaging and I appreciated how we've always been seated relatively quickly. Overall, while it definitely sucks that our second visit to try more of the menu underwhelmed, it's ironic how it actually hurt that our first time here was just so amazing. Regardless, I'd gladly come back for another bowl of Kodaiko's Tonkotsu ramen, as well as to try their katsu sandwich (and possibly one of their seasonal ramens)!
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Author: Quynh Nhu D.
A night in Sacramento after coming from the train we were so hungry and hot. Ramen doesn't sound like the right food for this weather but it was nearby to activities we wanted to do so why not. Immediately when entering I noticed how delightful the entrance design was. Feel like you're walking into a Japanese train station. There was also a pretty cool art design on the walls. I like the vibe already. We ordered shrimp toast, crab and kimchi ramen, and the citrus shio ramen. Also an ice sencha. The shrimp toast was good. But I feel like the katsuoboshi was probably skipable. I tried the citrus shio broth it was a nice bright and light broth. My crab and kimchi was really tasty. It's a cold broth noodle so it's perfect for the weather. It seems like a seasonal kind of item so definitely worth a try before it changes from the menu. I like the spoon full of crab, kimchi, cucumber and jalapenos. The noodles are thinner than the other type of ramen , it's al dente so it won't get soggy and have a crisp but not crispy texture that works well w the cold broth. Quick service , great food, a very interesting menu that I'm interested in coming back and trying other types of ramen. Feel like a hidden gem
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Author: Tracy L.
Perks of working in downtown Sacramento is trying all the food spots around DOCO! I have passed by Kodaiko so many times but finally gave it a try! I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen which came with pork belly chashu and also tried the Nori Fries. The Tonkotsu was delicious! Everything was very flavorful! The piece of pork was a huge chunk, so I did wish it was easier to eat. The Nori Fries definitely surprised me! The nori ranch was the perfect dip for the fries which were lightly seasoned with nori as well. The ambiance of Kodaiko is so nice as well! When you enter, you go down these stairs which makes it feel like a very intimate spot. For anyone looking for a ramen spot and maybe catching an event at Golden 1, I would recommend Kodaiko.