I've love Ramen! And I'm not ashamed to admit I will eat a bowl of Maruchan at home when the mood strikes. It's a comfort thing. I've had ramen at a handful of places in Boston - that's certainly not an exhaustive list and I had yet to proclaim a favorite among them. Little Big Diners Miso Ramen ($15) changes that. A traditional patian broth with miso paste achieves a savory depth that's further enhanced by a wealth of umami flavors - ground pork, a gorgeous ajitama egg, and an alluring swirl of black garlic oil. The bitter crunch of bean sprouts, plus sweet corn kernels, heaps of scallions, a strip of nori, and delicate, chewy noodles impart balance and texture. A dose of chili heat is optional, and advisable. This ramen is the one!! Its my favorite! The Forest Mushroom Ramen ($14) loaded with heiwa tofu and shitake mushrooms is also wonderful and well suited for vegetarians. It offers a uniquely subtle yet dense and earthy broth, capped with a confetti of crinkly watercress, scallions and sesame seeds.
Dishes from the "little" section of the menu like the Grilled Shrimp "Salad" Buns ($9) with pressed cucumber, lime, and mayo, cradled in soft, pillowy Chinese steamed bao are a revelation. Three rotating draft cocktails include a fizzy Singapore Sling ($10), plus a rum, campari, green chartreuse and almond syrup concoction called Flip The Bird ($12) and my choice - the Umami So Fat ($9) with bacon washed bourbon, maple and umami bitters. Beer, sake and wine lists have 6-8 solid offerings like the Great Divide "Colette" Farmhouse Ale ($6) on draft, and the Bushido ($7) junmai genshu sake - also on draft!
They don't take reservations - on a recent Friday around 7 pm we only encountered a 15 minute wait. LBD is a fun, casual, energetic spot to get your noodle on and definitely worth a trip to Newton Centre!
Where is your favorite place for Ramen?
1247 Centre St.
Newton, MA 02459
