matador

This place is a little out of the way from central Tokyo (read: away from the main tourist attractions), but boy oh boy was it worth the hike! I’d say it’s probably the best ramen I’ve ever had.
Got here on a weekday around 5:30pm and there was just me and one other in the restaurant. There’s around 8 seats or so, all at the bar. You pick the type of ramen you want from the machine (and yes, they have pictures so you’re not completely lost). The most popular (ichiban/#1) are the beef shoyu and shio ramens. I opted for the shoyu, paid, sat down at the bar, and handed the guy my ticket.
They were very professional and seemed to put together every bowl with extreme care. The guy wiped down the edges of my bowl to get rid of any oil splatter. it’s small things like this that make me love Japan so much.
The ramen was perfect in every way. Imagine the best beef broth you’ve ever had, with just enough oil to make it savory and delicious but not too much to be overwhelming. The 2 slices of beef were phenomenal as well, but I mean that’s what you’d expect from Japan right? Home of the best cows in the world. I wanted to lick my bowl clean but better judgment held me back.
By the time I finished my food, more people started coming in. Seemed like they were all locals too.
If I had come here towards the beginning of my trip, I wouldn’t think twice as to come here a second time towards the end. Unfortunately, it was the last day of my trip. But next time I come back, Matador will be the first place I visit.
Though Matador is on a quiet street, the area around the train station itself is actually pretty popping with lots of bars, restaurants, pachinkos and other adult entertainment (like snacks). There’s plenty of subways that come here including a JR line. Don’t let that be an excuse to pass up on this place. you’ll be sorry!

This is the only beef ramen I have had so I have nothing to compare it with, but this was a really solid bowl and worth the trek from Shibya.
It was loved by everyone in a group of 5 and it was the beef that really stood out to me. The beef was tender and flavorful and had a very positive influence upon the broth.
I am sure I’ll make the trek at least once every time I’m in Tokyo.

Matador!
マタドール @Kita-Senju, Tokyo!
Bull in bowl included!
Raise the RED flag, in a good way, this place is OISHII YUM!
The Americanjin in Japan loves this place!
Celebrities love this place! And since I’m a BIG celebrity in «some» parts of Japan I had to make a stop…
The 贅沢焼牛らぁ麺 (luxurious roast beef ramen) is as yummy as it looks. Enormous slices of tender roast beef, Japanese green onion, premium quality shoyu and mirin.
The signature soups are made with actual beef bones. Like many mention in Japanese, the soups might be a tad sweeter for the westerner, but your taste buds will thank me later! TRUST! Hai, this place is NOT for the vegetarian! Carnivores or those willing to have cheat days REJOICE!
This is my third trip to Tokyo, but my first at マタドール! The hype is SPOT-​ON!
If you ever get to Japan… A definite Ramen «must try» on any noodle bucket list!
LOCATION:
東京都足立区千住東2−4 – 17 中村ビル1F
Tokyo, Adachi-​ku, Senjuazuma 2−4−17
Closest train station: Kita-​Senju (head east exit and walk about 5-​minutes).
HOURS:
Open 11:30 — 14:30, 18:00-until sold out!
Weekends 11:30-until sold out!
Closed on Monday!
SAYONARA & ALOHA…
Unilocal REVIEW #240