Umibozu Ramen Bar

Umibozu is a compact ramen bar close to the beach road in Kuta, with a wooden counter facing the open kitchen and a few extra tables inside and out. Sitting at the bar and watching the chefs work is part of the experience.

The ramen is the main event: rich, savoury broths based on chicken stock, including a tonkotsu-style bowl, with springy noodles, soft egg and the usual toppings. The menu also covers sushi (the tuna inari is a reviewer favourite), dumplings, chicken wings, Japanese curry and a few fusion dishes such as bibimbap, finished with panna cotta. Complimentary Japanese tea is served with meals.

It opens daily from noon to 21:30. Portions are generous and prices fair for Kuta, which makes it a good-value dinner, and food comes out quickly. It is small, so at peak dinner time in high season you may have to wait for a counter seat; arriving before 19:00 usually helps.