Photo by Roberto Rodriguez
Vista Ramen
If you’re tired of hearing about ramen, about tonkotsu and shio and alkaline noodles, you should visit Vista Ramen. If you don’t know a thing about ramen, you should visit Vista Ramen. This is ramen for the jaded and ramen for the neophyte. Chris Bork (the Mud House, Blood & Sand) has concocted his own pork ramen broth smartly lightened by apple and ginger as well as a ramen riff on pozole and a vegetable ramen as flavorful as the meat options. Ramen is the focal point of Vista, but it’s by no means the only item on the menu. In truth, I’m as eager to return to see what’s new among the selection of small plates. Here Bork cuts loose with dishes as tasty as they are smart, like pork ribs marinated in coconut and encrusted in a blend of crab paste, caramelized fish sauce, peanuts and herbs.
Hours: Dinner Monday-Saturday
Last year's ranking: new
Opened: 2016
Must order: Pork ribs with crab caramel ($11)