Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba - Richmond
Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba's recent Richmond opening has swiftly garnered attention for their innovative mazesoba, an intriguing and flavourful spin on the classic Japanese noodle dish. Without the traditional soup base, their mazesoba bowls are a delight for those seeking a hearty, soupless option, and with the ability to enhance the meal with free noodle upgrades to XL and XXL sizes, as well as complimentary rice to mop up any remaining sauce, patrons leave feeling more than satisfied without overstretching their wallets.
While the establishment offers intricately prepared bowls teeming with a flavorful mix of ground meat, a plethora of fresh toppings, and the creaminess of a raw egg yolk, the restaurant's early days have seen a mix of experiences. During their soft opening, service delays have been noted, with wait times for meals occasionally reaching upwards of 50 minutes. Although an expectation of minor hiccups during this period is reasonable, feedback suggests that the staff could benefit from additional training to enhance the customer service experience.
Guests can look forward to a pleasant ambiance which adopts much of the decor from the previous tenant, supplemented with neon signs adding a modern flair. The fare at Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba is a testament to their creativity, presenting dishes that are a testament to a chef's imagination, deviating from traditional interpretations you may find at other noodle establishments.
Customer reviews highlight an assortment of dishes, from the spicy maze soba which delivers on both taste and heat to the chewy satisfaction of low-carb noodle options. However, it is noted that some may find the offerings leaning towards the richer, more indulgent side, which may not align with all dietary preferences. Critiques also extend to the temperature of the ramen broths served, a point that avid noodle enthusiasts hope will see improvement in the future.
Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba aims to be a bastion of modern Japanese fare for those in Richmond seeking the comfort of a substantial, inventive noodle bowl. The anticipation for the restaurant to iron out early operational kinks is palpable among its patrons, with many expressing eagerness to return and enjoy the full experience that Kokoro has to offer once it hits its stride. Description by ChatGPT.