Lincoln now has another go-to spot for ramen

Lincoln now has two Ramen spots and, to this reviewer, both are excellent for a nourishing, well-presented meal in a casual dining format. Raijin Ramen, adjacent to Raley's Grocery Center, opened in December 2025 and comes with a solid lineage from owner/chef Xuechen (aka "Mr. Chen") and son Henry, who manages the front of the house. Their downtown Sacramento ramen restaurant became a casualty of COVID and they were looking for another location where they could start fresh. After researching several communities, they settled on Lincoln, taking the location of the former Far East-style restaurants Orchid Thai (relocated to the 12 Bridges Shopping Center) and a Japanese sushi restaurant (closed). The seating and style of the new occupant remains essentially the same, but freshened and very pleasant. Henry says the goal of Raijin Ramen is to offer traditional Japanese ramen foods with a slight Chinese influence. It's obvious this restaurant is not their first rodeo. The food is pleasing to the eye and it's clear that care and craftsmanship go into every detail. The broth is rich, deeply flavorful and perfectly balanced – not too heavy but full of umami depth. The noodles, acquired from a specialty supplier, had the ideal texture: springy, fresh and paired perfectly with the soup. Taste test Upon being seated, the wait staff brings a complementary pickled cabbage plate. I've had several of their appetizers and main dishes and each hit the mark. Their Gyoza (a Japanese dish with Chinese origins) appetizer is of the golden, crisp-bottomed potsticker style. The Takoyaki appetizer is comprised of boiled octopus – tender and slightly chewy – encased in a dough that is pillowy-soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, served with a Takoyaki sauce and pickled slivers of ginger. I've had the Kara Tonkotsu Ramen (soup, noodles, BBQ pork, ramen egg and vegetables). The pork was tender and melt-in-your-mouth, the egg was cooked to perfection with a creamy yolk, and the fresh garnishes added just the right contrast. My companion had the Champon (a pork-based noodle soup with sliced pork, shrimp, scallop, fish cake and vegetables). Henry says it's their best-selling fish dish. Also popular is the Katsu-Don, a deep-fried, panko-breaded pork cutlet over rice, served with an egg on top and garnishes. Ramen eggs are a treat in themselves. They are soft boiled, shelled, then refrigerated in a marinate of miso/soy sauce mixture for several days. Verdict Raijin Ramen is a welcome addition to the expanding Lincoln culinary scene. I found the portions to be generous, the ingredients tasted high-quality, and everything felt thoughtfully prepared. Add in the welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, and this is easily a go-to spot for anyone craving comforting, authentic ramen. Raijin Ramen House: 41 Lincoln Blvd., #100, Lincoln; 916-409-5063; Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.