Welcome to Alkaline
At Alkaline, located in the heart of Norfolk, VA, a passion for authentic ramen and unique flavors thrives. The brand beautifully balances traditional Japanese culinary art with modern influences, creating a lively atmosphere adorned with anime culture. Signature dishes like the Triple Garlic Tonkatsu Ramen and Spicy Red Curry Ramen showcase rich broths and high-quality ingredients, appealing to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The standout Miso Butter Cake, a warm and decadent creation, has garnered rave reviews for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. With friendly service and a vibrant setting, Alkaline invites you to savor a delightful journey through flavors that nourish both body and soul.
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742 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517, United States Hotline: +1 757-395-4300
Welcome to Alkaline, a captivating culinary destination nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia. Located at 742 W 21st St, this restaurant offers an eclectic menu that combines contemporary flair with traditional Japanese elements, catering to food enthusiasts and anime lovers alike. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, Alkaline becomes more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that celebrates both culture and cuisine.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by art that pays homage to beloved anime titles like Fullmetal Alchemist, setting the tone for a truly unique dining environment. The friendly staff contributes to this vibrant ambiance, providing exceptional service and valuable insights into the menu offerings.
Alkaline takes pride in its tantalizing starters, such as Tater Tot Okonomiyaki ($14.04) and Asian Sticky Wings ($18.72), which promise to tease your taste buds. If you're looking for something lighter yet bursting with flavor, don’t miss the Green Bean Salad ($9.36), perfect for those seeking vegan and gluten-free options.
The heart of Alkaline's menu lies in its ramen selection, where you can indulge in savory bowls that showcase a spectrum of flavors. The Spicy Red Curry Ramen ($17.55) offers a delightful kick, while the Miso Ramen ($17.55) delivers a rich, vegetarian-friendly experience. For those who crave an umami bomb, the Triple Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen ($18.72) is a must-try, known for its creamy broth that clings to each noodle, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
And of course, no visit to Alkaline is complete without indulging in the celebrated Miso Butter Cake ($10.53). This dessert has been described by patrons as one of the best cakes they’ve encountered—warm and decadent with a balance of buttery and creamy textures, it's the perfect way to conclude your meal.
Aside from food, Alkaline offers a lively atmosphere complemented by a selection of crafted cocktails during happy hour (4-6 p.m.), where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks that pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the cuisine. Reviewers rave about the attentive service and camaraderie among the staff, reflecting a “main character energy” that enhances the dining experience.
For ramen lovers in Hampton Roads, Alkaline is a staple not to be missed. The fusion of a culturally rich environment with an exquisite menu makes each visit memorable. Whether you’re in for a casual family outing or a lively meet-up with friends, the vibrant energy and delectable dishes of Alkaline guarantee satisfaction. Don’t forget to share your experience with their scrumptious desserts—trust me, the Miso Butter Cake is worth every calorie!
I've been to Alkaline twice now --- the first time was for a meet and greet I scheduled for a group that I run. I met some great people for a brainstorming session and forgot to leave a good word...but Alkaline is a great restaurant with a really cool atmosphere that is especially appealing if you are into anime and/or manga. There is artwork that reminds me of some of the more traditional Japanese restaurants that I've been to, but also things from Fullmetal Alchemist, among other things. To add, the staff is friendly and gave some good info when we asked a couple of questions about the food we were curious about. The ramen was very tasty, and the bowls are rather large (or so I feel). I got the Tonkotsu Ramen and my partner got the Smokehouse Ramen. We tried each other's dishes and liked everything, but what I REALLY wanna talk about is the 'Miso Butter Cake'...I have not encountered such a cake at the restaurants I've been to before. If someone was serving it, I was not aware...but the Miso Butter Cake at Alkaline is seriously one of THE best cakes I have EVER had. I STRONGLY recommend it, especially with the scoop of ice cream. The cake is warm and melts in the mouth, but it's also buttery and creamy, and the pecans and the flaky crust of the cake (near the back of the cake) --- all of those things go so well together, in my opinion. It was deceptively filling as well, but it could be because me and my partner already had shared an appetizer and had our own large bowls of ramen, prior to tackling the cake. So, sharing the cake was perfect for us. If you try nothing else, definitely try the Miso Butter Cake!
First time coming and definitely will return! My server Caroline was fantastic! I didn't use the restroom but my husband says it was very clean! The food! Omg! I needed a bowl to go! Fulfilling! Recommend the Big smokehouse! That broth is worth is!
Yesterday, I visited this Ramen spot and was immediately greeted with a welcoming atmosphere. I truly enjoyed every part of my experience. The food was delicious—definitely some of the best Ramen I've had! The customer service was excellent, making the whole visit even more enjoyable. I left feeling satisfied and happy with my meal. I’ll definitely be returning soon!
Triple garlic tonkotsu ramen? Absolutely! I saw that on the menu at Alkaline, and had to give it a try. I had garlic breath for the rest of the night, and I regret nothing. I added extra noodles for 3 and I left feeling very full. The broth was absolutely the best part of the dish. It's hearty and clings to the noodles for more flavor in each bite. There are also other ramen choices, including shoyu and kimchi and spicy varieties. I'm gonna have to try the spicy one next. If you've got a kid who likes noodles, the kid's ramen is a cool choice for just 7. My son wanted the noodles and broth separate, and ignored the noodles for half the meal and only wanted broth. After he tried a noodle, he started double-fisting them. Kids are the toughest critics, and Alkaline won my two-year-old son over. I've never been to Japan, but I love the vibe at Alkaline. There are always One Piece or some other anime running on loop on the TV, and even the bathroom has a Gundam Wing poster. It's little touches like this--and the food-- that keep me coming back. The service is always nice too--each employee has a lot of personality. 'Main character energy.' I feel like each employee has a tragic backstory. Love it.
Happy hour 4-6p. Tasty crafted cocktails, especially enjoyed my spicy “see you next Tuesday”. Sticky wings & tots were super satisfying! Definitely returning in the chilly, rainy future to experience their ramen.
This is the best ramen in Norfolk. I always get the same thing - I love it so much. It’s the spicy red curry ramen. Very spicy and so much flavor. I ordered an extra sous vide egg in mine. My husband got the kimchi ramen this time. It’s really good. They have a good happy hour too. We’ll be back!
Love Alkaline, it's my go to Ramen place in Norfolk. Great food, great atmosphere. I always sit at the bar so I can only attest to the bar staff, but the bartender is great. She's nice and incredibly pleasant. My only complaint, if I had to come up with one, is that they don't serve Bamboo Shoots with their Ramen.
My favorite ramen spot in Hampton Roads (vegetarian biased). They are one of the few spots that serve a really flavorful vegetarian broth, it’s so good and it never gets old to me. Love to order the brussel sprouts as an appy and a hot pot of tea to wash it all down the staff are always nice and the music is forever slaps.