Bone Daddies has opened up shop at the ideal time… just as winter approaches hot, comforting Ramen is available in Soho. I haven’t experienced much Japanese food, aside from the westernised version at Wagamama, so was intrigued but a little sceptical about this concept restaurant.

The first of its kind, this Japanese eatery is the newest venture from ex-Zuma and Nobu chef, Ross Shonhan. It seems an unlikely story… an experienced fine Australian chef opening a casual but crowded Japanese Ramen restaurant… odd, and yet it works.

The venue is a bit gloomy and on a Wednesday evening (within a week of opening) it was a tad chaotic. We were quickly seated at the end of one of the long communal tables. A Japanese-inspired collage decorates the walls though as far as design, that’s about it… it does have the slight feel of “make-shift pop-up”. The staff are savvy and on the mark zooming around supplying food and drink efficiently and offering up well informed advice about the menu. Our waitress, though very English, seemed to know a huge amount about Japanese cuisine, and I was impressed that she’d obviously tried everything on the menu… which I believe should be compulsory for all restaurant staff.

Brown paper menus are simply clip-boarded and presented on arrival. From the snacks (starters) list, Fried Chicken is an absolute must, a more healthy and acceptable version of Kentucky Fried Chicken, it was so tasty we almost ordered a second portion. Small pieces of tender chicken is coated in a thick salty breadcrumbed delightfulness. Edamame beans were standard, and nicely salted: a good light option for whetting the appetite.

Drinks are traditionally Japanese, and though my guest approved, I didn’t particularly like the bitter cocktails. We tried Chuhai 1 and Maiken-Me – both odd mixes of fruit juice and spirits unknown to me. Of the two, I preferred the Chutai which, made with pears and apples, was slightly sweeter. On my next visit I will definitely be opting for Asahi beer.

I loved the varied assortment of condiments on the table, which included a garlic press and jar of freshly peeled garlic, very spicy chilli oil and sesame seeds. From the select choice of eight ramen, we chose the Soy Ramen with Nori and Chashu Pork and the T22 with Soy Ramen and Chicken. The Ramen is surprisingly filling, big bowls of translucent liquid arrive filled with magical ingredients. The soup has an unusually strong flavour, and I found mine overpoweringly salty… I love salt but it did shadow the other flavours a bit. The meat and vegetables were cooked perfectly, soft tender pork and stringy delicious chicken were the highlights of both bowls, though all the ingredients were delicious. All ramen come with egg, bamboo and bean sprouts; I opted for no egg, which I was glad about as it looked a bit sad in my guest’s bowl.

To finish we each had a glass of Nikaido Barley Shochu, an authentic Japanese digestif that tastes a little like Limoncello. It was divine.

So apparently I now like Japanese food and for that I have Bone Daddies to thank.

Bone Daddies is located at 31 Peter Street, with no sign you will need to remember the address to find this discreetly placed restaurant.

Bone Daddies Ramen Bar
Ad: 30-31 Peter Street W1F 0AR (map)
Fb: www.facebook.com/BoneDaddiesRamenBar
Tw: @BoneDaddiesRbar