Great restaurant. I will say. Legacy place location is better but this is still a solid ramen spot in Harvard
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sakurajima Ramen
Deniz Satik
Not mindblowing by any means, but a solid option to get some ramen in the area for decent prices.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Jea Kim
A decent ramen spot in Harvard Square good for a quick meal.Overshadowed by other ramen options in the area, Menya Jiro hasn’t been under my radar for a while, but I recently took visits to take advantage of their weekday deals. All the appetizers I tried were great. The crispy chicken skin skewer, takoyaki, and shrimp tempura all delivered on expectations, offering great taste and value.However, the main courses don't quite follow through with the same impact. The beef curry don was a bit off-kilter in its proportions, with an imbalance between sauce, toppings, and rice.The Sakurajima ramen also failed to impress. The mixed pork and chicken broth lacked the rich, deep flavor, and while the chashu brought some smokiness to the dish, it couldn't quite elevate the overall mediocrity of the ramen.Menya Jiro also has weekday deals, such as free appetizers with an entrée on Mondays and Tuesdays and free desserts on Thursdays. This strategy, likely aimed at drawing in more customers on quieter days, added some appeal to my past two visits.In an area like Harvard Square, which isn't short on good ramen joints, Menya Jiro doesn't stand out as a top choice. The restaurant seems to have lost some of its initial allure and now sits in the shadow of more popular establishments. It's a feasible option for those seeking a quick and reasonably priced meal, but there are better options available in the vicinity. As it stands, Menya Jiro is decent, but with the competitive dining scene in Harvard Square, I’m not sure how long it will last.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Vanessa R.
I went to this place with a group of friends the other night. The first thing I noticed was that the water had an oily aftertaste that I found off-putting. The chicken livers we ordered as an appetizer were initially burnt, though the wait staff was able to provide us with a fresher (and delicious!) serving of it soon after. I ordered the Chashu Don for dinner, which tasted wonderful and was plated beautifully. Aside from the issues that I mentioned earlier, my dining experience was pleasant overall.
Rafi Razzaque
Karage wasn't like anything you'd eat in Japan, noodles and broth were mid with a poor aftertaste. I really appreciate the vast non-pork options on the menu.They have a Monday/Tuesday special where a free app is available with the order of a main dish, but you have to mention it when ordering so they can present you an app half the size of a regular appetizer. Otherwise, you get a full size appetizer and full price. Naturally, this requirement isn't brought up on the menu, in the restaurant, or by the waiter, so customers beware when using a dine-in special.Dietary restrictions: Great non-pork options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
R M.
Warm water,No ice? run out bean sprout for jiro jr?But have bean sprout for other dishes?
Warkah Scott
The food was okay, and service was pretty quick, especially given that it was getting close to closing.A misunderstanding on my part thought the "extra toppings" that comes on a deluxe meant more of what's there not additional new toppings, so if you're a picky eater like me it might be worth skipping the upgrade. The bowl itself was fine but nothing really remarkable overall, though I am a fan of the fattier chashu.The slice of pork in the bun was on the thin side (especially since the bun is fluffy) but it wasn't too bad.The karaage was definitely on the spicier side - get the regular if you have a lower spice tolerance.Kid-friendliness: A family came in after us and sat down to eat just fine
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Karaage Chicken
Artem Bakatov
It is just okay! The broth was mild and the spice was not so rich! It was just alright - the whole experience! I got Delux Sakurajama Ramen - and it was a huge ramen but the flavors didnt combine
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sakurajima Ramen with Seasoned Egg
Angelo V.
Great place for a tasty bowl of ramen!!! Definitely a 4.5 out of 5! Great portions. Excellent prices. Especially for harvard exorbitant square.
Junior Wu
Went on a Sunday for late lunch. Place was pretty dead because it was past the lunch hours. Definitely one of the better tasting Japanese ramens in Boston and surrounding areas. The broth is to die for. Server was quick to take down and put in the order but the food took a while to come out so taking one star off. Overall a great experience though.
Recommended dishes: Sakurajima Ramen with Seasoned Egg, Karaage Chicken
We went here for a Sunday evening dinner. Tried there spicy edamame (4/5) and spicy veggie miso ramen (3.5/5). I asked for some hot sauce as the original one wasn't that spicy. This place has around 4 or 5 veggie options which is more than any other ramen place. Try once if you are in the area.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Thomas S.
Sakurajima Delux Ramen - Menya Jiro, Cambridge MA. This was a medium body broth, slightly spicy, very well balance bowl of ramen. Noodles were stringy, chewy and fresh. Toppings were excellently balanced between fatty Chashu and a healthy serving of crunchy vegetables.I highly recommend this bowl!
Park G.
Located in a building near Harvard, this is one of those locations like The Shops at Leslie.We came here as a group of 6 and was able to get seats fairly easily around 12:30 on a weekend. From the group, 1 bowl wrong came incorrectly but they were quick to bring correct bowl within 5 or so minutes. We didn't try any of the appetizers but did try the Kagoshima, Ibusuki, and Sakurajima. The last two I believe are essentially the same with the exception that the last one is spicy. Overall, the soups were okay with no real depth of flavor. The noodles were also too soft and the pork had too much of a chew.
Alice L.
Came here for a quick lunch, the ramen was so so. There's definitely a better option nearby. This is because of the amount of soy bean and the flavor of soup.
caroline
Just okay.Broth was decently flavored, cha siu was good, noodles were okay, and toppings are as you expect. These are noodle dishes that get by with a passing score. Nothing super special about the flavors and textures. They do fill you up and satisfy a ramen craving, but there are definitely better options out there. The calamari was also mediocre. Somehow came out cold and the calamari was not as soft as I would expect. I think the Ibusuki was the best dish on the table bc of its deeper flavors (of garlic) and better balance in textures.Service was questionable but the place is pretty clean and minimal.Overall consensus : meh. Just a one time visit.
Great restaurant. I will say. Legacy place location is better but this is still a solid ramen spot in Harvard
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sakurajima Ramen
Not mindblowing by any means, but a solid option to get some ramen in the area for decent prices.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
A decent ramen spot in Harvard Square good for a quick meal.Overshadowed by other ramen options in the area, Menya Jiro hasn’t been under my radar for a while, but I recently took visits to take advantage of their weekday deals. All the appetizers I tried were great. The crispy chicken skin skewer, takoyaki, and shrimp tempura all delivered on expectations, offering great taste and value.However, the main courses don't quite follow through with the same impact. The beef curry don was a bit off-kilter in its proportions, with an imbalance between sauce, toppings, and rice.The Sakurajima ramen also failed to impress. The mixed pork and chicken broth lacked the rich, deep flavor, and while the chashu brought some smokiness to the dish, it couldn't quite elevate the overall mediocrity of the ramen.Menya Jiro also has weekday deals, such as free appetizers with an entrée on Mondays and Tuesdays and free desserts on Thursdays. This strategy, likely aimed at drawing in more customers on quieter days, added some appeal to my past two visits.In an area like Harvard Square, which isn't short on good ramen joints, Menya Jiro doesn't stand out as a top choice. The restaurant seems to have lost some of its initial allure and now sits in the shadow of more popular establishments. It's a feasible option for those seeking a quick and reasonably priced meal, but there are better options available in the vicinity. As it stands, Menya Jiro is decent, but with the competitive dining scene in Harvard Square, I’m not sure how long it will last.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I went to this place with a group of friends the other night. The first thing I noticed was that the water had an oily aftertaste that I found off-putting. The chicken livers we ordered as an appetizer were initially burnt, though the wait staff was able to provide us with a fresher (and delicious!) serving of it soon after. I ordered the Chashu Don for dinner, which tasted wonderful and was plated beautifully. Aside from the issues that I mentioned earlier, my dining experience was pleasant overall.
Karage wasn't like anything you'd eat in Japan, noodles and broth were mid with a poor aftertaste. I really appreciate the vast non-pork options on the menu.They have a Monday/Tuesday special where a free app is available with the order of a main dish, but you have to mention it when ordering so they can present you an app half the size of a regular appetizer. Otherwise, you get a full size appetizer and full price. Naturally, this requirement isn't brought up on the menu, in the restaurant, or by the waiter, so customers beware when using a dine-in special.Dietary restrictions: Great non-pork options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Warm water,No ice? run out bean sprout for jiro jr?But have bean sprout for other dishes?
The food was okay, and service was pretty quick, especially given that it was getting close to closing.A misunderstanding on my part thought the "extra toppings" that comes on a deluxe meant more of what's there not additional new toppings, so if you're a picky eater like me it might be worth skipping the upgrade. The bowl itself was fine but nothing really remarkable overall, though I am a fan of the fattier chashu.The slice of pork in the bun was on the thin side (especially since the bun is fluffy) but it wasn't too bad.The karaage was definitely on the spicier side - get the regular if you have a lower spice tolerance.Kid-friendliness: A family came in after us and sat down to eat just fine
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Karaage Chicken
It is just okay! The broth was mild and the spice was not so rich! It was just alright - the whole experience! I got Delux Sakurajama Ramen - and it was a huge ramen but the flavors didnt combine
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sakurajima Ramen with Seasoned Egg
Great place for a tasty bowl of ramen!!! Definitely a 4.5 out of 5! Great portions. Excellent prices. Especially for harvard exorbitant square.
Went on a Sunday for late lunch. Place was pretty dead because it was past the lunch hours. Definitely one of the better tasting Japanese ramens in Boston and surrounding areas. The broth is to die for. Server was quick to take down and put in the order but the food took a while to come out so taking one star off. Overall a great experience though.
Recommended dishes: Sakurajima Ramen with Seasoned Egg, Karaage Chicken
Restaurantji Recommends
We went here for a Sunday evening dinner. Tried there spicy edamame (4/5) and spicy veggie miso ramen (3.5/5). I asked for some hot sauce as the original one wasn't that spicy. This place has around 4 or 5 veggie options which is more than any other ramen place. Try once if you are in the area.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Sakurajima Delux Ramen - Menya Jiro, Cambridge MA. This was a medium body broth, slightly spicy, very well balance bowl of ramen. Noodles were stringy, chewy and fresh. Toppings were excellently balanced between fatty Chashu and a healthy serving of crunchy vegetables.I highly recommend this bowl!
Located in a building near Harvard, this is one of those locations like The Shops at Leslie.We came here as a group of 6 and was able to get seats fairly easily around 12:30 on a weekend. From the group, 1 bowl wrong came incorrectly but they were quick to bring correct bowl within 5 or so minutes. We didn't try any of the appetizers but did try the Kagoshima, Ibusuki, and Sakurajima. The last two I believe are essentially the same with the exception that the last one is spicy. Overall, the soups were okay with no real depth of flavor. The noodles were also too soft and the pork had too much of a chew.
Came here for a quick lunch, the ramen was so so. There's definitely a better option nearby. This is because of the amount of soy bean and the flavor of soup.
Just okay.Broth was decently flavored, cha siu was good, noodles were okay, and toppings are as you expect. These are noodle dishes that get by with a passing score. Nothing super special about the flavors and textures. They do fill you up and satisfy a ramen craving, but there are definitely better options out there. The calamari was also mediocre. Somehow came out cold and the calamari was not as soft as I would expect. I think the Ibusuki was the best dish on the table bc of its deeper flavors (of garlic) and better balance in textures.Service was questionable but the place is pretty clean and minimal.Overall consensus : meh. Just a one time visit.