Newly opened restaurant, so definitely a few kinks to work out. The first problem is the shortage of wait staff and delayed seating of patients. We waited approximately 10 minutes for a table for 4, even though there was an empty table available the whole time we waited. A party of 2 walked out since they were also waiting, but several 2 seat options were available the whole time they waited as well.... So efficiency and customer service definitely needs some work! The restaurant decor is modern with wood paneling. They also have a large family dining style table in the center, good for a large group. One thing lacking is lunch service...I think they are missing out financially by starting their service at 3pm.... In regards to appetizer options, I would say Jinya ranks #1 of the ramen restaurants (even over Monta Chaya) for the variety of offerings. The pork belly buns are $3.80 each or $3 during HH 3-5PM. The pork belly is extremely tender and flavorful and the bun is nice and fluffy (pretty much like Peking duck but pork belly inside). We also tried the truffle oil tempura brussel sprouts which were tasty but I've had better brussel sprouts (i.e. Yonaka). The crispy chicken (comes in 5,10,15 piece orders) was extremely moist and had a nice crispy exterior, paired with a yuzu soy sauce. I would definitely order the chicken again. I was a little disappointed when we sat down and the waiter started listing off multiple items they had run out of (i.e takoyaki, shrimp toast, assari ramen, etc). Not really a good start with half the menu items missing or unavailable =( I'm a takoyaki fiend, so I was very sad to hear they ran out. The waiter informed us that the shrimp toast is being removed from the menu....not sure why, since he said it was delicious. In terms of ramen, the following are my rankings for Vegas: 1. Kogashi ramen with thick noodles (Fukumimi) 2. Tonkatsu black with thick noodles (Jinya) 3. Tonkatsu with thick noodles (Monta) The tonkatsu broth at Jinya has depth of flavor and the broth is very hearty. I prefer the broth here over Monta, since Monta can often be too salty. I ordered the tonkatsu black which has garlic oil and chips, chili paste, a whole seasoned egg, nori, kikurage (fungus), green onion, nori, The flavor marriage of these items makes the broth stand out and I would say the broth is on par with Fukukimi's broth, albeit different. The pork belly is not quite as fatty as Monta's, but is flavorful and tender similar to Fukumimi's. The one thing that leaves Jinya at #2 in my rankings, is the consistency of the noodles. My noodles were slightly overcooked and some noodles were clumped together in a ball.... Hopefully, they work that out, since I think the consistency of the noodles is very important to the ramen experience. A nice touch is the raw garlic that is free, they bring over a garlic press so you can have fresh pressed garlic to your hearts content. The wait time for the ramen was about 15-20 minutes after our appetizers...they are definitely lacking the efficiency of Monta. However, if you want to sit and chat, this is the place to go. You never feel like they are rushing you out of the restaurant. I'll definitely be back to try this place out in another month or so, I'm guessing things will be even better then!
Is this review positive or negative?
positive