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We spent a week in Key West and tried many restaurants, and this was one of my favorites. It's located just off Duval Street and could easily be overlooked. Food: There were six of us, and we ordered a mix of different items. Everything was very good, super fresh, and each dish looked like it was prepared with care. Of everything we tried, the Pork Belly and Grouper Cheeks buns were outstanding. Each featured slightly different pickled vegetables and sauces, which made them especially memorable. The Tempura Shrimp was delicate, with just the right amount of light, crisp coating. The accompanying squid salad was crunchy and fresh. The three ramen dishes were good overall, although one person felt the broth wasn't as rich or complex as expected. Service: When we arrived, we weren't entirely sure about the process. The lone server, who I believe was also the owner, explained that we could take the large table and then brought menus and water. He had a serious, efficient demeanor and stayed focused on his work, with minimal small talk. As the restaurant filled up, it was impressive to watch him manage all the tables on his own. Most of the cooking took place in the back kitchen, but some finishing touches were done behind the counter, adding to the experience. Atmosphere: The space is small and well organized, with front windows that bring in plenty of natural light. It has a unique character without feeling overdesigned, creating a relaxed and comfortable environment. There are tables for groups of various sizes, as well as counter seating for individuals. Definitely a place we would return to and recommend to friends.
We ordered the pho, the lamb curry, asian salad and the grouper cheeks all super delicious. This is a small business trying to keep prices reasonable. The person serving appeared to be owner or manager and he was working the tables and helping in the kitchen. You can order the curry with ramen or rice noodles. The lamb curry was spicy but just the right amount of spice. I will definitely be back.
We ordered lunch for takeout on a Thursday afternoon. The food was done right on time! We ordered steamed dumplings and the red curry shrimp and both were great. I will definitely be back again!
This place was so good, we came back 2 nights later for dinner. It hit the spot again. My dining partner got the same thing, Duck Ramen, and this time I tried the Soft Shell Crab Bowl with ramen instead of Udon noodles. It was also delicious, plus very filling with 2 full crabs. The tempura batter was light and the crabs very crispy. The aioli sauce was very tasty. The broth was a very different broth from the Duck Ramen, almost o touch of sweetness, and was packed with delicious roasted shiitake mushrooms. We got some of the chicken dumplings to start, and they were also wonderful. The sauce it comes with tasted like a barbecue sauce.
Definitely 5 stars because everything we ate was absolutely delicious! We started with the special appetizer that day which was scallop bao buns. The scallops (and onions that came with them) were cooked and seasoned to perfection. We also had the saigon salad with chicken. It was full of fresh veggies and the dressing was to die for, with just the right amount of tanginess. Finally, we got the red curry coconut shrimp noodle bowl. The broth was somehow both rich and light. Service was friendly and efficient. This place is only a couple of blocks from Mallory Square, so check it out when you are in the area!
Fantastic little spot for an amazing Asian infused noodle meal! I would have posted better pics and more of them but we dove right into our dinner and enjoyed every bite! My husband and I stopped in and were immediately seated for dinner. We ordered the pork belly buns, dragon bowl (spicy) and red curry coconut shrimp bowl with a soft egg. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS!! The service was excellent with the staff checking our every need and making suggestions on what to order based on our likes and dislikes. There are several tables and bar seating available but it is a small space so go early. It filled to capacity shortly after we arrived on a weeknight. But even if you must wait, it's well worth it!
Once upon a time I used to really enjoy this place when they used to be located on Southard Street; then they closed and I was disappointed (even though I do like the place that opened in the old location). Then recently my husband and I learned that Kojin was back and was located right by the Tropic Cinema on Eaton Street. Of course we made sure to check the new location out. The place is really nice looking and much more light than the old location. The bar counter is really nice and the painted murals are amazing looking but they are also the reason I probably won't be back. A incident occurred and you can read about it where my hubby Glenn G wrote a review but regardless of what occurred the owner was acting cold to us and we were not enjoying ourselves, which is a shame since the food is good. Wish you luck Kojin but it'll be without my support unfortunately
House ramen was amazing!! I would get it again. The service was fast as well. We were a walk in and got sat immediately. I love the artwork on the walls. Very detailed and it was fun looking at it while waiting for food. Come here if you are in Key west!
Such a great place! My fiancé and I stopped in a few weeks ago looking for a cozy bowl of ramen on an unusually chilly Key West evening. We walked in and immediately loved the vibe. It was cozy, quiet, and dimly lit. We were greeted and told to sit wherever we would like. We chose to sit at the bar and ordered drinks. Our server- I think the owner- was amazing! Super friendly and helpful with recommendations. We ended up ordering the bao buns, dragon bowl, and chicken ramen. Everything was fresh, pretty, and super tasty. The bao buns....still thinking about how delicious they were! We knew we hit the right spot as regulars were stopping in to pick up to go orders. The staff were friendly with everyone and made everyone who walked in the door feel welcome. We have been coming to Key West for years and are so happy to have found this spot.
TAKING MY TIME MACHINE BACK TO 2013... After finishing off another round of drinks, we wonder over to Eaton Street to Mr. Z's for a late night meal in order to avoid doing the Duval Krawl; and across the street we discovered Kojin. They were closed at this hour but it intrigued us to return the very next dat. I'd be lying to say we didn't love the Pho and Ramen. It was then that we began to visit somewhat regularly. Eventually, we left the keys and we learned that Kojin closed its doors... RETURNING TO 2024... I was eating dinner at MISO HAPPY SUSHI and I made a comment that I remember when this was the location of Kojin and the waiter told us that Kojin has reopened. Coincidently the next morning I was picking up donuts at GLAZED and who happens to be next door... the "new" Kojin. Wife and I were excited so we came in for lunch that day.... The original location was a bit tight but this place has space (not huge but open enough that tables aren't on top of each other). The walls were colorful with lovely art (assumed to be a gorgeous wallpaper) and the counter bar was welcoming and nice to see the overhead menu. TAKE A SEAT... We stepped over to a high-top table by a wall; the table was very wobbly, so I moved the table about 3 inches to stable it against the wall. Oops ! The owner came over and sternly said the table can't touch the wall due to the painted mural... I understand and I apologized... we moved to the bar counter since the table still wobbled and the owner didn't offer any remedy (just reprimanded me and that's that). Now we're at the bar and he's dry with us... not sure if he's upset about the interaction or if this is just how he is. Moving forward we ordered a share dish and he took our order (somewhat coldly). FOOD... We shared a STEAMED TOFU BUN... it had pickled cucumbers and hoisin sauce. Tofu is not my thing but it was good and, more importantly, my wife really enjoyed it. When we ordered our main dishes, I took the time to apologize again. He said it was fine (but not sure if really okay or not; hard to read this guy since he has a great poker face). I like that at the bar you can see the staff make many of the dishes; I ended up having their DUCK RAMEN; the duck was delicious and the broth was excellent... BUT.... I tried my wife's dish and I loved it even more. She had their SOFT SHELL CRAB TEMPURA and the Udon Noodles and broth were amazing (so was the soft shell crab). FINAL THOUGHTS... While eating, other guests had come and go and we noticed they received a better attitude and he even managed to smile at them. I get it, he invested in these murals and cares about protecting them... I'd do the same but why not put a low top table by it (then it wouldn't be about to bump or touch the mural). And I apologized (more than once) but he remained cold to us... even when trying to break the ice, and told him how good the food was, didn't seem like he wanted to be bothered by us... LOVE THE FOOD ---- BUT ---- FELT UNWELCOME
9 months ago
Kojin is the best thing that's ever happened to noodle lovers in Key West. I do not say this lightly, as we spent several hours on the first nights of our week-long stay in town repeatedly looking for a decent noodles or ramen bar on the island. Shockingly there is nothing authentically delicious (based on google reviews and photos) until we took a chance on Kojin. Their house ramen has that lip smacking gelatinous deep tonkotsu pork broth that sticks to your mouth, I can taste how long the chef has labored over that broth vs. anything that came out of a packet! And wavy ramen noodles served al dente too? Damn! It completely took me by surprise that I would find such an authentic bowl in a town with non-existent Asian restaurants. Let's move onto the beef pho noodle soup next - so much flavor packed in the broth, the right spices to develop the depth, and then chef serves it with fish sauce on the side (how you're supposed to eat pho!) What?! I didn't have to ask for it! And then there is the homemade pork belly bun - the fatty pork melts in your mouth and the hoisin sauce balances out the richness. There's also the curry shrimp noodles, the cumin lamb ramen, and the dragon bowl, the spicy ramen in peanut sauce ...the flavor keeps changing, reaching a different culinary region in Asia, and somehow nailing every flavor profile just right! With so few items on its menu and yet such distinct flavors and richness that pays respect to the region each dish represents - but with not a single Asian supermarket on the island to source supplies...how does he do it?? I'm in awe. After trying about 80% of the menu over just two days, we are completely in love with this little jewel and it will always be the first place we stop whenever we come back to Key West. Please stay this authentic and true to your craft Kojin, you have brought us so much foodie joy on this trip!! read more
6 months ago
6 months ago
My family and I ate at Kojin noodle bar while visiting Key West couple months ago, and we were pleasantly surprised! I was not expecting to find any good Asian food in Key West, but I was wrong. It definitely has Asian fusion concept, but overall, the flavors of all dishes we tried were pretty good. As a Korean, I was impressed that they even had their version of Kimchi. Overall, the flavors were stronger than what I am used to but still very very good. Duck ramen was probably my favorite from 4 dishes we ordered. Udon with fried soft shell crab was wonderful, especially fried soft crab. Korean bbq had great fire flavor. My kids also loved everything! Service was on a slow side, but I think that's more Key West laid back atmosphere thing. lol Great place to visit while in Key West! read more
3 years ago
Stellar! Just stellar! We tried Kojin last night, based on the recommendations from our friends at our favorite Key West restaurant (Little Pearl). LP knows how much we LOVE their Bao Buns & said we HAD to try Kojin. Oh My Goodness! Not only did we LOVE the grouper cheek bao buns, but we inhaled (both were so good!) the yakisoba & house ramen. The couple who own & run this spot are so kind! They're open 11-11 so a fab late night nosh spot! GO! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
My wife and I came to this charming little restaurant on Eaton Street in Key West last night. They have a good assortment of Noodle dishes as their name suggests. I ordered their Pork Belly Buns and House Pork Ramen and my wife ordered their Saigon Salad. My wife said it was the best salad she's ever had and she eats a lot of salads! It had tons of fresh items with rice noodles. She added fresh Key West Pink Shrimp. My Pork Buns are every bit as good as David Chang's Momofuku Pork Belly buns. The Buns are made there and are so soft and fresh. They give you a generous amount of Pork Belly with pickled cucumber and Hoisin sauce. My House Ramen was delicious with chewy Ramen noodles, lots of Pork, a nice piece of Pork Belly and a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg. The staff and cook really care about their food. Our server, Cyril was very accommodating and attentive. I highly recommend trying Kojin while visiting Key West. read more
Third time here since it reopened. While the spicy dragon bowl was quite good with well developed broth and rice noodles the other three we had were fairly flavorless and the ramen in two (#1 and the duck ramen) was pasty and had an unpleasant flour taste. The hot pot was OK but overall very disappointed. The Bao buns were incredibly good. The pickle totally balanced and cut through the excellent pork belly. The pictures are from the first visit in 2023 and there is much more fresh greens. Also be WARNED they do not do your typical Ajitsuke tamago egg( those soft boiled custardly yolks cut in half) but instead do a very undercooked Onsen style poached egg (usually found in rice bowls not ramen) that was criminally undercooked with white snot and broke apart with a jab from a chip stick. Will never go back. read more
2 years ago
Very thankful for this find while in Key West. The food was incredible and the art on the walls was too cool. Highly recommend! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Asian blended style is tasted and flavor well controlled. The food material s are fresh, the noodle/ramen is well made and cooked. Soup is delicious to company with noodle/ramen. Highly recommend to Asian guys! Only lights is little be dark. read more
3 years ago
What a treat!!! 1st time to Ket West for us, and this place will be a spot we visit next time! We had the pork belly buns and pork dumplings! Drooling...we also enjoyed some Sake! Great vibe, music, and atmosphere! Service was prompt, and kind! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
After living in Japan for 5 years, finding ramen spot that hits the mark is HARD. Kojin Noodle Bar is the cutest vibe. The aesthetic was really nice and I thought they put a really great look together that can easily be for a romantic or nice dinner or if you want to do something causal. It fits many moods. Our server was so sweet and super attentive. The flavor was okay for the ramen and dragon bowl, but really would've loved a little more. The soft boiled egg wasn't cooked enough. I'm not sure I would come back but I definitely enjoyed the vibe! read more
4 years ago
The Red Curry Coconut Shrimp was the best I've ever eaten. I wish I was local so I could eat this frequently because I know I would. The Pineapple Mango Salad was a starter and a perfect pairing. The inside is visually unique and immaculately clean in appearance. Highly Recommend! read more
Stopped here on a whim our last night in town and man o man was it good! I had the chicken thigh soup with a side of their awesome kimchi and my wife had the miso soup. Everything was spot on delicious! I definitely plan to return on our next visit. read more
1 year ago
Instead of going with the typical seafood fare at Key West, my group was craving Asian style food. And Kojin did not disappoint. I had the soft shell crab tempura udon, and it was really good! We also got pork buns, which included a piece of pickled cucumber that added a nice bit of tang. The place itself was really cute and inviting, and the staff were so friendly and personable. All in all, would recommend this place for anyone looking for something a little bit different. read more
3 years ago
This is a don't miss if you are a pho fan. Fresh dishes with subtle and nuanced flavors. Small seating area with a casual, artistic vibe thanks to the amazing mural on all walls. Small tables and a counter for solos make the service fast so you'll make your movie which is just next door. Can't wait to return and try more dishes. read more
3 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
The freshest of the fresh! Absolutely incredible. I had the Dragon bowl and my husband had the Curried lamb. The ambiance is quaint and the art work is super cool. The service was also superb. Highly recommend! read more
3 years ago
Hands down, the best flavors in town. We have been to several places, fancy and delicious but this place has fantastic flavor in the broth and noodles. The meat is high quality and perfect. read more
3 years ago
I was disappointed at the vegetarian pho me and my dad shared. Seriously, who dumps soy in pho broth?? However the non-vegetarian food was really good. The ramen broth was phenomenal however. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
I will definitely be back to try everything else on the menu. I started off with the House Ramen which I practically licked the bowl dry. Very tasty and the broth was sooooo yummy. Fall apart pork belly and shoulder. Service is good. Be patient with them for I think it's a small staff but it's worth the wait. Ambiance is good. The art on the walls doesn't seem real. It's all hand drawn and painted. Super neat. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
Consistently delicious food made with fresh ingredients and lots of love, what more can you ask for? Pork belly steamed buns, House ramen, & Duck ramen are the go-to! You can't go wrong at Kojin. One of the few restaurants I'll drive down from Big Pine Key to enjoy. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
The food was delicious! Great vegan options! The servers were very knowledgeable when I asked what was vegan. I got the Pho with tofu (vegan minus the sauce they give you on the side) and the scallion ramen appetizer. Just to note, the bowls of Pho are HUGE! You can get a half portion if you're not that hungry. Cool vibes and artwork inside as well. Service was impeccable, highly recommend! read more
2 years ago
More info about Kojin Noodle Bar
422 Eaton St
Key West, FL 33040
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(305) 296-2077
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https://kojinkeywest.com
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