A Grown‑Up Take on Neighborhood Ramen — Discovering RAMEN TORIO Near Zushi Station - 葉山Navi 通称”ハヤナビ"【葉山/逗子/鎌倉/江の島/横須賀】#はやなび#はやまなび#葉山なび#葉山ナビ#ハヤマナビ

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Hello, this is Peli from HayaNavi!
I share lovely spots around Hayama.
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This time, I’m introducing a ramen spot just steps from Zushi Station: RAMEN TORIO.

At first glance, it looks like a ramen shop. But once you open the door, you’ll find a bar‑like counter space that feels calm and inviting.

It’s not just about ramen—there’s a solid lineup of small dishes too, making it an easy place to use both day and night. A true “grown‑up neighborhood Chinese” kind of spot.

“Just ramen today” or “maybe a light drink first”—this is the kind of place that fits either mood.

Shall we take a look at this new Zushi‑style favorite?

Photo source: Tabelog

Attraction ①: A “Drink Before Ramen” Idea Refined in Canada

The most distinctive thing about RAMEN TORIO is that it’s a ramen shop where you can truly enjoy a drink. Fried chicken, shumai, drool‑worthy chicken, low‑temperature cooked chicken liver—there’s a lineup of appetizers that rivals an izakaya.

This style traces back to the owner, Katsushi Ogasawara, and his experience running restaurants in Canada.

In Canada, ramen wasn’t the star from the very beginning—it was something people enjoyed after drinks and small plates, as a satisfying finish.

“I thought it would be nice if a ramen shop in Japan could be used that way too,” he says.

True to those words, TORIO naturally welcomes scenes like families dining together—dad enjoying a beer or shochu, kids happily eating ramen.

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It’s a ramen shop, yet the atmosphere feels soft and relaxed. That, to me, is a big deal.

Attraction ②: A Chicken Paitan Soup Perfected Through Reverse Import

The signature at TORIO is its chicken paitan ramen, available in both salt and soy sauce. One sip tells you immediately: it’s rich and full‑bodied, yet surprisingly clean on the finish.

This soup was originally developed during the Canada years. Back then, for religious reasons, pork couldn’t be used, so it was made purely from chicken.

After returning to Japan, pork elements were carefully added, and the salt level and umami were finely tuned to suit Japanese tastes.

The result is a chicken paitan that’s deep but never heavy—something you could eat again and again.

The soy sauce version is crisp and well‑defined, while the salt version is gentler, letting the natural sweetness of the soup come forward.

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I’m a soy‑sauce person—but honestly, the softness of the salt version had me torn.

Attraction ③: A Complete Bowl from Noodles to Toppings—and Even Kaedama

The default noodles here are medium-thin, perfectly pairing with the soup to create a well-balanced bowl from the first slurp.

But here’s the twist: for kaedama (extra noodles), you can switch to thinner noodles. It’s like having two different bowls in one visit.

Every topping—from soft-boiled egg to pork and chicken chashu—is crafted with care. They’re subtle enough to enhance, not overpower, the star of the bowl: the soup.

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Switching to thinner noodles for kaedama totally changes the game. Definitely worth trying!

Attraction ④: Chic, Urban Vibes That Work for Lunch or Dinner

Forget the typical ramen shop. Inside TORIO, it feels more like a stylish bar counter—calm, cozy, and inviting.

Even solo female diners feel comfortable here. In fact, many guests come alone to enjoy a relaxing meal or drink.

Lunch is ramen-focused, while evenings are all about sipping drinks, nibbling small plates, and ending with a hearty bowl of ramen.

That flexibility makes it ideal for families, post-work meals, or casual weekend nights out.

Photo credit: Tabelog

Attraction ⑤: A Perfect Fit for the Zushi Lifestyle

Not flashy. Not pretentious. Yet quietly refreshing—TORIO feels just right for the town of Zushi.

“I wanted to create a casual, welcoming spot that serves seriously good food—something Zushi lacked in terms of modern Chinese eateries,” says owner Katsushi Ogasawara.

And he nailed it. Locals return regularly, while travelers find comfort in the shop’s approachable atmosphere.

It’s a place that truly serves its community—without trying too hard.