Pros: Best Sushi and Sashami in Providence Service is sometimes super awesome and friendly Great lunch prices Gluten Free soy sauce Super legit interior Reasonably priced Cons: Service is usually not super awesome Sashimi can be too fishy for western palates Summary: Best sushi in Rhode Island. Far and away
(4)
Skimmilk K.
Great sushi and the agedashi tofu is amazing! We had the spider roll and about 5 orders of salmon sashimi. The sashimi tasted like butter. The tofu was perfectly seasoned. Even though I live near another sushi place, I would gladly drive an extra 5 minutes to come here. The prices are very reasonable. I also like the fact that this seems like a family owned business. Very authentic.
(5)
Mark A.
Ran Zan serves authentic Japanese comfort food cuisine. With the popularity and abundance of Asian Fusion restaurants in Rhode Island. Even the big Hibachi themed restaurants in Rhode Island was not true to Japanese Cuisine. I was hard pressed to find a Japanese Restaurant that served comfort foods you would typically find in a Japanese Yatai. Foods like: Takoyaki (savory pancake-like filled balls smothered in a traditional woresershire sauce topped with pickled ginger, seaweed, and smoked bonito flakes). My favorite dish here is the Katsu-don', an egg and onion rice bowl topped with a panko-crusted pork cutlet. As reported in other reviews, the sushi rice is authentic and not muted at all. From observing the Chef, genuine care is taken when preparing the Sushi. But because most people have experienced the heavily-sauced laden & crumb sprinkled Asian-fusion rolls and enormous nigiri pieces (on plain white rice), I fear some may not appreciate the simplicity of authentic and right-sized sushi. Order the green tea (ocha) and what you get is a genuine cup of Japanese green tea (sencha if I'm not mistaken) that is actually green. The interior is clean but not fancy (and it's not supposed to be fancy). You almost get the feeling of being is an Izakaya (a small Japanese casual bar), with associated ambiance like Japanese TV shows playing in the background. Ran Zan is a prime example of a restaurant where the food is the star not the location. As the years go by, I urge the owners of Ran Zan to stay true to their roots and not compromise. Continue to serve traditional Japanese Cuisine. If they were to expand their menu I recommend adding Okonomiyaki, katsu-kari (or any Japanese curry dishes), and/or add a Yakitori grill to serve the variety of skewered delights found in Japan.
(5)
TJ S.
When I want authentic Japanese food that I grew up in Tokyo, Ranzan is where I go. It is not a "trendy" fusion Japanese/Asian place that pretends and looks like Japanese. This place is the real thing. If you prefer the subtle seasoning and delicate presentation of real Japanese food, them go there. It is a small joint with very simple decor. Nothing fancy about it but the food is why you want to come here. The Japanese owner couple has been running this place for over 17 years. This is a timeless expression of passion for the authentic food prepared the way I know them to be true. You will not find stupid "hibachi" tricks that you will in so many fake Japanese restaurants like Ichigo Ichie.
(4)
A Z.
Tasty little spot here. When we walked in, some guy in the corner who saw us pondering the menu outside said "good choice, best in Providence!" The spider roll (soft shell crab and other goodies) and Katsu Don were delicious. The fried ice cream was massive, like a ball of ice cream wrapped in tons of delicious fried dough. Super friendly service and cute little spot.
(4)
Neha S.
Easily the best Japanese place in Providence. The interiors are casual, warm, and intimate. The place is run by the most adorable elderly couple (he cooks and she handles everything else). I highly recommend the avocado salad, the salmon and avocado roll, the spicy tuna roll, and the tempura roll. Also, this place is right next to Three Sisters, so I like to head there for some ice cream afterwards. A word of caution: this restaurant is pretty small and they don't take reservations, so be prepared for a wait on weekends. Also, because this place is a 2-person operation, the food does take awhile, so not a place to come if you're starving or in a rush.
(5)
Max G.
I love this place. It is an excellent lunch spot. The katsudon is perfectly done, with crisp cutlet, sweet simmer sauce, a bit of red pickled ginger, and a sprinkling of blue laver seaweed flakes. While I know how to make katsudon at home, one simply can't beat Ran Zan, for either food or atmosphere. It feels like a little hole in the wall that leads to Japan. It isn't flashy, but it doesn't need to be. There isn't any better Japanese food in the area. If you want a quick and tasty meal, make a stop here.
(5)
Liz T.
Finally... the real deal. I'll be the first to admit that I totally dig American-style super-sized maki rolls. Sometimes, you're super hungry and just want that familiar satisfaction. But if you want truly authentic, fresh and so clean clean, Japanese-style sushi, Ran Zan is really your only choice in Providence. Let's start with the atmospheric pressure. You walk in and already feel like you're in a petite hole-in-the-wall Tokyo style sushi cafe/bistro. The man behind the sushi counter is this elderly white-haired Japanese man with a full-out white beard. It's like he's straight out of a Kabuki drama. Then, you glance to the left, double take, and realize that OH YES. There are Japanese variety shows playing in the background. And J-pop tween Justin Bieber look-alikes singing in technicolor fields. The rest of this joint is run by the sushi-man's wife, who keeps the operation homey--"When you're here, you're family." Er... maybe Olive Garden comparisons are inaccurate here. But you get what I'm saying. Now let's get to the sushi. Seriously--no joke FRESHEST fish in town. I don't even understand where they stock this fish, given that there's no hint of artificial preservation, and no hint of that rubbery texture indicating it's been sitting out for a while. The tuna just melts in your mouth. The imitation crab tastes like delicately chopped fresh fish mixed in a homemade stock. If it is not apparent, I am a huge fan. Hands down, no comparison, your one stop wonder for Japanese food in Providence.
(5)
Daniel S.
The ONLY authentic Japanese restaurant in PVD!
(5)
Nicole F.
Went there on a Saturday night and was seated immediately -- no wait! That always makes me happy. I should mention up-front that I'm not a real sushi fan, meaning that I don't eat the raw stuff. But I ordered some of the cooked rolls and they were great. One complaint: Not being a fan of raw fish, I usually order California rolls or shrimp tempura and stuff like that. But with California rolls, I opt for "real crab," which is usually on the menu at most sushi places. Ran Zan only offered the fake crab California rolls. Also ordered some edamame and shrimp dumplings, which were good, but standard. My dinner companion also was not a typical sushi-eater, so we also ordered a cooked noodle and chicken dish, which was pretty good. The chicken definitely needed more seasoning, though. The service was great during my visit. The waitress paced our meal very nicely. We also ordered green tea, which was brought out to us in two mugs. It was fine, but I'm used to getting a little pot of tea to pour myself! Perhaps most importantly, the prices were great. Gotta love cheap and tasty eats!
(4)
Amanda P.
I'm gonna give it only 4 stars because of really, really slow service. Let's just say that you should only be patronizing this place on nights when you're in the mood for a slow, leisurely dinner. That said, the fish here is fab. I have hot dreams about the salmon sashimi.
(4)
S S.
This is for the non-sushi lovers out there, like me. It's a great place to eat! The noodle and meat dishes are reasonably priced and excellent quality, and the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. It's the perfect place to meet up with friends and chat about your week over laughter, conversation and green tea. It's a small place, though - keep that in mind when making plans. 5-6 people is the limit I'd use. There is plenty of parking along the park. I've only ever been when Brown and RISD aren't in session, so I can't speak to availability or bad hours to go there. It's well worth any wait, though.
(4)
Mary beth C.
Ran Zan is the most authentic Japanese restaurant that I have been to in the United States. Having lived in Japan for 2 years, I am very picky with my sushi and sashimi and Ran Zan's rolls are always fresh, made to order and delicious. I love that it is a family owned operation. The service is ok. The atmosphere is sparse but it is authentic and what you would find in Japan.
(5)
Charles S.
Enjoyed the food but agree with other reviewers - busy and inconsistent service. Have had a few meals at the restaurant and thought we'd avoid the dine-in experience by ordering take-out. Called the restaurant and was told they were too busy and could not do it (although I am putting it a bit more politely than they did). Ended up ordering from Haruki - bet they were more than happy to get our business. *Price per person really depends on items you select - can easily get expensive if it is a lot of sushi, but some gyoza and an udon noodle dish won't set you back too much.
(3)
shshila l.
love love love the food and service. very japanese home cooking. @Danielle B. try Yamakake!! it is not sticky. it is light and fluffy!!
(5)
Dan W.
Great celebration at Ran Zan. Food was very good, service very accommodating to our special needs.
(4)
Jessica L.
I've been to a lot of different Japanese restaurants and this is by far the most traditional and fresh. No fancy plating or any blinking lights on your plate. it's just straight up fresh sushi! Their Katsu-don is super delicious and potato korokke is a "must order"! I always get a mix of ikura& salmon rice bowl even though it's not on the menu. They can customize it for you if you ask. If you're looking for authentic udon, their nabeyaki udon is the best in town! It doesn't get any better than a big bowl of nabeyaki udon during the winter season!!!
(5)
Eric C.
I have been looking for a decent Japanese restaurant that wasn't catered only towards those looking for weird combination rolls for an all you can eat price. I have heard from my fellow yelpers over and over again that the freshest catch around will be found here. Located at on the side of Hope Street that is past Cook and Brown and beyond the park where they have the farmer's market, Ran Zan is an unassuming establishment that may be easy for you to miss if you aren't already looking. Looking for parking? plenty on the street or you can pull into the gas station area and keep going to the back of the restaurant where there is more free parking. They have a 5-6 seater sushi bar but many tables around for you to choose. You are addressed quickly and sat quickly. The menu isn't extensive but it has your staples! I believe they must have one of the longest appetizer menus around so you can almost do a tapas order! We ordered the Yakitori chicken which was chicken marinated on skewers with scallions in between. If you've never had this before, you're missing out. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The sauce is not overbearing and just enough for you to want to devour the rest of the skewer... yes the skewer and all. The scallions add an extra umph in between. Pull the chicken off then eat it lest you pierce yourself! The Tako Su was also VERY tender and flavorful with octopus slices on a bed of seaweed (the octopus is cooked). If there was anything to remind me what the sea tasted like, that was it! Had a Chuka Salad which was crunchy fresh and refreshing. It's a bowel full of seaweed with vinegar and some spices on top. Quite lovely to have to start the meal. The soft shell crab was appropriately crunchy, seasoned and soft all at the same time. be careful not to burn your mouth! Miso soup was, well, miso soup. How can you go wrong? (It came with the entrees). We also had a sushi deluxe and a sashimi deluxe as well. I think that if you have 2 people who are just in to have a taste, you can have one to share. We came in with large appetites... and of course I was on a low carb diet. Let me preface by saying all the fish I had was fresh but my favorite by far was the tuna. Succulent lush pieces of fish cut perfectly as you would want to have it so that you can take small bites and savor the freshness of the fish! A great place to be. Nice cute place with really excellent fish. After all... that's what you want with your sashimi isn't it?
(5)
Xiao Z.
One of the rare gems in Providence, as it embodied almost everything I'd come to love about good sushi and home-in-the-wall goodness. This place is run by a really nice couple, and all of their fish taste freshly caught, and do not contain any of the post-frozen aftertaste that accompany many of the other store-bought or restaurant fish. I came here for lunch and got the deluxe sushi plate, which contained a smattering of unique sushi pieces, in addition to a roll of California rolls and tuna rolls (Tekka) with a very authentic, savory bowl of miso soup. The agedashi dofu was amazing, and for $5, you got 4 large pieces of tofu with freshly grated boshi. In retrospect, after having such fresh sushi, I kinda regret getting the California and tuna rolls, but even they were delicious with the amazing sushi rice. Ultimately, I really enjoyed my lunch here, and was very pleasantly full. Food: 4 stars Price: 4 stars Service: 4 stars
(4)
Dominic W.
This place is great if you have some extra time on your hands and aren't in a hurry! Really authentic - the couple who owns it actually do all the cooking. The sushi chef prepares all of his fish and makes fantastic nigiri. The wife prepares most of the cooked foods. This place basically reminds me of home. The sushi rolls are small, just like mom makes them. Nigiri is fresh, and atmosphere is chill. There's Japanese TV in the background (like a TLC channel) that the sushi chef turns louder for me when I sit at the sushi bar :) Only complaint really is slow service when there are a few tables occupied. Some of the bento boxes aren't as high class, but as I said before this place is more like a home-place. I will always come back to this restaurant. Great lunch deals too!
(4)
Jaclyn P.
The decor at Ran Zan is basic but the sushi is authentic and the atmosphere is just right. Friendly service and decent prices make this little sushi spot definitely worth checking out. The menu consists of sushi, noodles, tempura dishes, seaweed dishes, soups and more. Also, I really liked that even though my husband and I have been eating sushi for decades, they had items on their menu that even we hadn't heard of. It's not just California Rolls here and that's a VERY good thing!
(4)
Joyce N.
This little restaurant could not be more welcoming on a cold winter day! My boyfriend and I walked in hoping to share a couple rolls on a frigid day post-Nemo. We shared a roll combo (salmon, tuna, + california roll) with a choice of soup/salad and another Philadelphia roll. The rolls were amazing, and I usually don't even like basic california rolls! The salmon and tuna were fresh. Seeing how cold it was outside, the owner gave us another round of miso soup and finished off with 2 pieces of nigiri on the house. We were astounded by the service (and our stomachs were amazed by how much food they were getting)! They have a great selection of combo rolls ranging from nigiri and sashimi to rolls. I also noted their early bento box specials, which I will have to go back to try!
(5)
Ryan D.
Honestly, not bad Ran Zan, not bad. Walking into Ran Zan, you are not really greeted but it is a no frills Japanese place, so you find your table. Sushi was pretty good, not spectacular but pretty good. Have to give them a high five for the frozen beer glass, it's the small things. If you are in the area and you don't want to drive a little bit down Blackstone to Lim's in Wayland, I recommend Ran Zan. However for the price and quality, I will recommend Lim's to everyone.
(3)
Ohoh Heyla B.
Delicious, clean sushi I love this place. Been here twice now. They have a very simple menu, no giant, heavy, have to dislocate you jaw to eat makis. The rolls are made like sushi should be. Simple flavors in bite sized pieces with the right amount of ingredients and full of flavor. The staff is friendly and the restaurant itself is small, but just as a little sushi joint should be. Oh and it's two doors away from a great homemade ice cream shop (three sisters). I live about 30 away from Ran Zan, but would definitely make a trip out once in a while to meet my sushi craving.
(5)
Ilana R.
Our all time Favorite, can't get more authentic quality and warm hearted service. Since we moved away to NYC we gave up on finding equal quality japanese restaurants, so we just hold off and come to Ran Zan whenever we find any excuse to come through RI. The Bento boxes are unbeatable and so modestly priced, and the sushi is the richest tasting ever. It is a place of rest and waiting in anticipation for the great food makes it quite a zen like experience. Very often , the owner sneaks off into the kitchen to help prepare the food , giving it a personal touch. Everything is made with Love and pride. Ginko and Tadao, thank you for your warm smiles and for making us feel like home !
(5)
Kiho S.
Great Japanese restaurant in Providence! I did not eat in a lot of restaurants in Providence, but, for me, this is the best Japanese restaurant in Providence. I ate their tempura, sushi, noodle, seaweed, and few more, and they were all great. It is pretty far from where I lived, but it is worth to try.
(5)
Amanda B.
I stopped in this place for some take out and was pretty happy with it. Some if the sushi places in providence are a little shady when it comes to cleanliness but not this place. My one issues was that for the price the maki rolls were pretty tiny. Other than that the service was fast and friendly.
(3)
Kara M.
Been here 5 times, recently they have a new sushi maker, can I tell u the sushi was 4 chopsticks wide! They took it back just to add more rice to think it's normal. Very disappointed. I put a pic up holding my chop sticks next to my sushi, it was 1 chop stick off of being Tht thin! But besides my one bad day. The sushi is always fresh here and this is the only place in Pawtucket to get sushi. It is good sushi to.
(5)
Jo P.
If you are looking for great, traditional Sushi - this is your place. No frills, no bells and no whistles. Straight up FRESH fish, fantastic sashimi, and great tempura. When I say no frills, I mean it. Dining room is small, tight and barely decorated. It can get busy, as there are many diehard regulars to compete with for tables. But once you are seated, you are in for a treat. If you are into Toro, and they have it, it won't disappoint. Inexpensive drink prices, and friendly (albeit sometimes lax) service. This is a spot you come to for the food, and the food is 5 stars. I rarely base reviews on food alone, but when it comes to Sushi, there are just far too many places that serve mediocre fish in a nicely decorated locale. Here you have almost the opposite, and that beats all in my book when raw food is involved.
(5)
Ariana T.
My fav sushi place, by far. Never a disappointment, consistent quality and friendly, efficient service.
(5)
Alma C.
Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant in this town that can make the sushi rice correctly (and yes, I've tried them all). Enough said.
(4)
Chelsea W.
Very nice restaurant setup given its smaller size. I ordered the sashimi and shared a gyoza appetizer. The fish was very fresh, the portions were smaller than I exected but I appreciate the authenticity of the food.
(4)
Mary G.
This is a small, authentic Japanese restaurant with the freshest sushi I have had in a very long time. My family went here while visiting my son at Brown. We loved the Japanese game show playing on the TV in the small bar area and listening to the owner speaking in Japanese with some other diners. All the food was great, but we especially liked the soft shell crab tempura and the takoyaki (octopus). Prices are very reasonable. A great place to visit if you are looking for a Restaurant away from the busy Providence center.
(4)
Chuckwho C.
Ran Zan's got the whole RI Japanese food world shook up. Ran Zan has excellent Japanese food besides their sushi. Bento Boxes are excellent and an insane value. Yakisoba is the best i've had. The Katsu dishes are also exceptional. But none of that matters to me anymore as their Nigiri Sushi has locked me in its wondrous web of deliciousness. For real I haven't gotten anything else at Ran Zan since they convinced me to go down the Nigiri route. The fish is super fresh, the rice is perfectly sticky. I've gone there twice in the same day and gotta a cutting board of nigiri both times. Don't get me wrong their rolls benefit from the same freshness but why throw all that cutter in there when you came round for the fish and rice? The people running the Zan are excellent as well, real homely feeling place and you know the fam is there running the joint. None of this ultra douchey, valet my BMW 318 with M3 badges and let me order a super funky ultra fruity fresh fried beef somehow considered sushi roll. Nope just a small place serving damn good Japanese food. Did I mention the Nigiri?
(5)
Daisy K.
I have lived in Japan for a total of three years. I am a practitioner of the Japanese tea ceremony for more than a decade and have had the chance to study Japanese fine cuisine as part of that training. Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant I will eat at in Providence and I've tried plenty of them over 6 years here. This is the one that is *actually run by Japanese people*! Who are friendly and low-key! Who don't charge an arm and a leg and who balance out American-crowd-pleasing rolls with the real nigiri deal and a good selection of other reasonably priced Japanese restaurant favorites like seaweed salad, agedashi dofu, and tempura. No fireworks, no over-the-top fancy decor flourishes, just decent well-made food and drink, friendly service, and fair prices.
(5)
R O.
This is some of the freshest sushi I have had, and best in Providence. I went a few months ago and don't quite remember all of the offerings, but I got some nigiri and sashimi, and they were super fresh, not mushy at all. I am sure some of the more elaborate rolls with the sauces are good too, but Ran Zan does a great job at nailing the authentic, pure options like these. I wish I was still in the area to have it again and try their other things. The restaurant is small, but it's got a nice, quiet ambience.
(5)
Bebe B.
I'm a FAN! I love this place. We have been going here for a few years and it has become one of our favorites. The decor is simple, no glitz or glam here. The service, well, its slow. However, the food and the service is great (if you can get over the wait.) I love the Sushi chef, he greets everyone with a warm smile, we love to sit at the bar and watch him prepare his roll, and we take in Japanese game shows. If you are looking for fresh, straight forward sushi, I think you found your spot. ENJOY!
(4)
Ry C.
My first review! I am over the moon about this place. I've been coming here since I was 16...(now 30) I still enjoy it til this day. The food is very good and very consistent.
(5)
Denise G.
I LOVE sushi. I was so excited that I have a sushi restaurant walking distance from me, until I tried it... 3 times. I gave this place 3 chances because I wanted this relationship to work out. I would have even accepted "OK" sushi just for the convenience... no such luck. Let me explain... Honestly, the first time I went, probably a year ago, we had an exceptionally long wait for our food, but I do not recall the meal being particularly bad, or good either. The second time I went, we waited at our table for over 20 min before we got a menu. We were then ignored for 10 more minutes, and finally left. Again, I really wanted this to work out, so I convinced my husband to order take out... no waiting involved, right? Wrong. They told me it would be ready in 20 minutes, and then I proceeded to wait outside the restaurant (because it is so small there is no room to wait inside) for ANOTHER 20 MINUTES. By the time I got home I was angry and hungry... only to find the mushiest, most pathetic sushi I have ever seen or tasted. Sorry, I am done with Ran Zan... I am schlepping my bottom all the way to Cranston for my sushi.
(1)
Cristina W.
I would give Ran Zan 10 stars if I could! This is by far the freshest sushi I have had in Providence. The tempura was perfectly crispy and non- greasy. Good bento box lunch deals as well. They even have mochi for dessert! To all of the reviewers who complained of slow service - the place only has 3 employees so give them a break!
(5)
Grace R.
This place serves authentic fresh sushi! If you want traditional Japanese food, I will recommend coming here. I can't believe I walked by this restaurant so many times when I was hanging out next to 3 sisters and on Blackstone! The store front might deceive you as "another American style Japanese restaurant". But I was so wrong! With the definition of traditional Japanese food, it also means I have to let go of my greedy jumbo size portion expectation. The sushi/rolls are very small compared to other places in Providence (Haruki East, Tokyo, Sakura, etc) and carry approximately the same price tag. They are literally bite size pieces and you are supposed to take the whole thing in one bite (the Japanese way). I enjoyed every piece of jewel the Japanese grandpa served me. This little family run restaurant is so adorable. Service is excellent and friendly. The restaurant is clean and there is a TV with the Japanese channel on at all times. They truly care about the food they serve you as if you are in Japan! Thank you for saving me a trip to Tokyo.
(4)
Katie D.
I don't understand why other reviews said the service was bad- out waitress was friendly and efficient! She answered our questions about the menu without hesitation even though she mentioned she had just started working there. To drink we had hot green tea and sake, which were both delicious. We ordered the seaweed salad and gyoza appetizers which came out very fast and tasted great. Then we got various nigiri and maki, all of them were fresh and flavorful. The red bean ice cream for dessert was awesome too! Ran Zan is definitely my favorite Japanese restaurant in Providence!
(5)
Verna W.
no crap, no bull, just straight good sushi. i truly enjoyed my toro (tuna belly) sushi, as well as my salmon and tamago. Their tempura was crispy with pipping hot sauce.
(5)
Renee J T.
I am a sushi sashimi lover for a long time I have been to many fine places and many not to fine after reading the many reviews here on Yelp we decided to give this place a try I don't know what to type...they were having an off day or something because usually my yelping brethren are right on when it comes to reviews this is a tiny little place we waited a solid 15 min before someone asked if we wanted a menu finally! the sushi at the next table looked really nice so at this point there was still hope we ordered an avocado salad came pretty fast but nothing to write home about some of the leaves were dark and splotchy then the 2 noodles dishes came while flavor full they had too much ginger still waiting on the 4 pieces of sushi 15 min later finally showed little pieces of tuna and yellowtail and I mean little this was not the blow away fresh I was hoping for sadly when we finally got our check and left I felt bad for the older gentleman sushi chef he looks like a nice guy and I read this is a mom n pop but still I am spending my hard earned $ I want at least decent service and presentation there were at least 5 people working at the time
(2)
Annie J.
Soooo good. As in, "I will never go back to the horribly overrated Haruki East" good. Avoid the slow service and lack of atmosphere by ordering to go. Vegetarian friends: Yam roll and Umeshiso roll are amazing. Bonus: Three Sisters is right next door. Perfect for dessert!
(4)
Robert R.
I have eaten at nearly all, if not all, sushi restaurants in the providence area. Don't get me wrong, I am still happy with less than par sushi...but RanZan is the freshest and most authentic. If you want frilly and fancy rolls there is Tokyo. If you want overly priced, but fancily plated dragon rolls, there is Haruki East. it should be said that Haruki in Cranston is my favorite 'local' sushi place....but RanZan is fantastic.....and cheap. Those that are complaining of smaller rolls...they don't supersize; this is real sushi that is non-patronizing. Stop being a fat American. Go to RanZan and expect simple straightforward authentic and fresh sushi. Go somewhere else if you want to impress a date with flashy platings and window treatments.
(5)
Hilary H.
Call me a sushi fool - I know you will. It's just that it's so easy to get lost in my search for the most magnificent meal this city chock-full of sushi joints has to offer. Sure, I love a crazy concoction that defies the rules of classic sushi, but I have just as much love for the authenticity and simplicity of a simple cut of fish. With Ran-Zan, you get the real deal. No craziness here - just straight-up sushi and tempura from the hands of a true master. This joint is run by a husband and wife team - he cuts the sushi, she does everything else - and it WORKS. When you're in the mood for something simple and devoid of fuss, come to Ran-Zan. Their miso is my favorite - nice bits of seaweed and strong miso flavor. Their salmon nigiri is also some of the best I've encountered, and they don't over-wasabi, which is always buzz-kill for me. The place is simple and sparse, putting all the focus on the food and the service. They also make take-out a snap for those times when you can't be bothered to get out of your sweatpants. I think this no-frills approach to sushi is the closest thing the PVD has to a Japanese home-style meal, and I'm totally into it, kids.
(4)
Dat Boi N.
best sushi i've had in ri, as fresh as it gets. i only had the sushi and it was all ballin. other than that everything seemed traditional and legit. free gucci
(5)
Anne H.
I love Ran Zan. I live in California and eat sushi often in the Bay Area. I visit my younger daughter in Providence several times each year, and have tried several local Japanese restaurants; Ran Zan is definitely the best. It is comparable to some of the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. Like another reviewer, I really like that the sushi rolls are small, like old-time sushi. And great service.
(5)
Paul W.
I like very much the sushi that I ordered. I wish I knew more about Japanese food and was able to explore the menu a little bit more in depth. But I am learning and will continue to grow and find deeper appreciation for this delicious food.
(3)
Aina B.
I went here once about 3 years ago and my impression was strongly negative. Sushi was not fresh- the rice, seaweed & fish seemed like they had all been sitting out for days- lumpy, dried out, tough, fishy smelling. Combined with generally bad service and over an hour wait for our food (for a group of 3!) despite the place appearing not too busy- not impressed. I steer my friends away from here as I haven't gone back in years.
(1)
Jasmine P.
Very disappointing. I thought I'd give a chance after I read good reviews, But I was disappointed. their sushi is about average... not even good. seaweed was chewy inside the sushi. some smelled fishy... there is no art in presentation... fridge cold pieces. their green tea is good though. Overall: NOT recommended.
(1)
Peter D.
My wife and I stopped for a (very) late lunch and were given both dinner and lunch menus at 5 PM. I had Pork Katsu and rice while my wife had chicken teriyaki and noodles. Both were delicious and generous. The proprietress served us and this is the first time in a long time that I have had a Japanese server in a Japanese restaurant. Her English was great. While the lunch was a real bargain, i told my wife that I would like to return for the greater variety of the dinner menu. The decor was suitably minimal for a Japanese establishment.
(4)
Chan P.
Ran zan doesnt have alot to choose from but what they have they do well! So not alot of special fancy maki rolls but they have the usual. The sushi rolls are the smallest i've seen from the many sushi restaurants i have eaten at but they are packed with good flavor. I believe that for the fact that they are so small. You enjoy the sushi alot better?? 0_o lol . It's a mom and pop shop..nothing fancy. The service is good. I'd go back. They do loss a star for the fact that they lied about their closing time. Don't tell you close at 9:15 when it clearly says you close at 9:30 on your FREAKEN door and on your website just because you dont want me to dine in..i don't respect that dishonesty. Not cool man.. HUMPH! but besides that i really enjoy the food :) Hubby had: Salmon Teriyaki: The teriyaki sauce was good it was nice and thick the way we like it. ..some places make it watery. Nice size portion ..just enough. It was tasty he ate it all..including his vegetables. Spider Maki: I like the fact that they had scallions in this maki roll it gives it a nice oniony flavor which i enjoy in alot of my foods. The fried soft shell crab was super crunchy which gave the sushi a nice crunch and texture..along with the freshness of the cucumber. Alot of places..dont fry their soft shell crabs right. This was probably my favorite maki of the day. Of course i stole some of his! :P I had: Gyoza: I eat gyoza at almost about every sushi restaurant i can..theirs was ok. Nothing popped out at me. it tasted good. Spicy tuna maki : It was super yummy ..i enjoyed the flavors. They seasoned the tuna properly..with the scallions (which you know mee likey!) . Ranks well with being one of my top favorite sushi spots. Tempura maki: once again..they fried the shrimp right cause it gave the sushi a nice crunch. it played well with the other flavors ..i enjoyed it very much. I will say sakura..makes it better! Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) Nigiri: eh..something about this fish roe didn't smell right..i still ate it ..it was ok. Like it wasnt fresh..but o wells.
(4)
T L.
Let me preface this review by saying that I have tried the best fish in the world at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This place is not the best I've had in the US. It is probably the freshest in Providence (I have only tried Haruki and Jackys). The only drawback is that portions seem small to me. The place is owned by Japanese ppl and the food has a "home cooked" feel to it. This is my go to place for sushi from now on. You can tell how good a restaurant is by the freshness of the fish. Haruki's fish was not fresh. In summary, this place may not be as good as restaurants Ive tried in LA or NYC but it's the best so far in Providence for me.
(3)
Gretchen M.
The food was okay but the service was terrible. They wouldn't let us order ahead of time. The woman who served us had a clear case of pinkeye which is highly contagious. I asked for the bill early on as I had ot get back to work. He didn't bring it until we asked a second time. Then we asked for a specific amount on the card and the rest cash. He takes it and then spends TWENTY minutes sitting and looking at the cash register and pressing buttons. We get our coats on and push our chair in and show we are ready to go. Finally we have to go over and ask what's going on. He mumbles something unintelligible then hands us the receipts which show he used all the cash and only put the remainder on the card. The amount didn't match the total we had previously been given. When trying to ask him what happened and how he broke it down, he simply didn't answer and just kept looking at the register. Finally we just signed it when he wouldn't answer any of our questions. He didn't seem to be aware of what planet he was on, much less how to charge a credit card.
(1)
Kel S.
This place was OK. The sushi was "no frills" and is rather inexpensive. Considering I hadn't had sushi in 3 mos., just about anything would have done. The rolls were small and we ended up sharing 6 between the 2 of us. I still could've had more. The service was slow and the sushi was ok. I would give it another try...
(3)
Sohini R.
Having resolved to not eat meat for as long as I can in 2012, my sushi craving is pretty constant. We hadn't ventured outside of Haruki East, but last night my husband used Yelp to help us find Ranzan. It was delicious, and so awesome to see the small restaurant fill up with lots of folks over the course of our dinner. The tempura roll was delicious and light, and the umeshiso was powerfully sour -- a great palate cleanser for the end of our meal. The agedashi tofu appetizer took me back to my trip to Kyoto in 2011 - you won't be disappointed with it. As other Yelpers have said, Ranzan is now my go-to sushi place!
(4)
Rob G.
Small and can be slow, but the ABSOLUTE BEST sushi in town!!!
(5)
Michael P.
I've eaten a lot of sushi, and Ran Zan is among the freshest I've ever had. There aren't a lot of fancy house special rolls here, but with fish of this high quality, who needs all that flash? Service is excellent, as is the cozy atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable.
(5)
Caitlin W.
I feel really bad for giving this place a bad review but I must. I went with two other people here last Friday night. We walked in and stood there for five minutes before they told us we could choose any table we wanted. The interior was nothing special wooden tables, no decorations, and a sushi bar. The sushi chef must have been around 80 years old with a much younger apprentice working along side of him. We sat down and just waited until about 15 minutes later the waitress walked by and said oh do you need some menus? Well of course we did. We all looked over the menu and they seemed to have many tasty choices. We waited another 15 minutes before they came to ask us about what drinks we wanted. We all just had water. I ordered a buckwheat vegetable noodle dish and a miso soup. The miso soup had a tasty broth but only had 2 small cubes of tofu and some shreds of seaweed. The noodle dish was good except wow did they add to much ginger to the huge chunks of cabbage which were barely cooked. I was less then enthused with the service. They never once came to fill up our water glasses so they sat empty our whole dining experience. I was very parched but the waitress was no where to be seen. All the other diners around us seemed to be enjoying their meals and their service. I felt like the neglected stepchild table. Maybe it was just an off day for this place because all the other reviews seemed great so I am sad that I had such a poor experience.
(2)
J C.
The Sushi here is AMAZING! And the Fried Fish is out of this world. I honestly could not stop eating. Everything was done perfectly.. We are definitely planning to go back again this week... The lady who served us was rather nice and I didn't think the food took long. (This is not McDonald's & it is nice to know that they cook it fresh rather than defrost some precooked thing in the back) P.S. There are early-bird specials that are really affordable! YAY I am happy to have a good Japanese restaurant nearby. THANK YOU Ran Zan! P.P.S After having eaten at Ran Zan several times, I have to say that it is my favourite Japanese restaurant in Providence. The food is authentic
(5)
Jennifer J.
So I was shocked when this appeared as a review request because I can't believe I hadn't reviewed it already. It's part of a perfect dinner (the second being ice cream at 3 sisters next door). They have WONDERFUL sushi! It's family owned & family run. You can always tell a good place because when the owners go on vacation they close down. Just looking at the pictures is making me CRAVE right now, my mouth is actually watering and I'm dying for some Hamachi! GO GO GO!!
(5)
Michaela K.
Really, the best sushi in PVD. The Agi Dashi Tofu here is tasty too!
(4)
Jen S.
Staff was somewhat friendly. Sushi presentation was good but not tasty. Will not go again
(2)
Danielle B.
Ive been to Ran Zan two times, and both times I tried to order the Yamakake (Tuna and Japanese Yam) but have been discouraged. Told that it is too "sticky". Next time i'm sticking to my guns and ordering it! We ordered the Tako Su (Octopus and seaweed seasoned in vinegar sauce) and it was great, tender with a great taste and only cost $6.00. The Hiya-yakko (Chilled tofu) was good, as far as chilled tofu goes, and had a good firm consistency. We also ordered 3 rolls, and something happened and they never came, we were starving at this point and left wondering what happened to our sushi. It was very busy (lots of take out orders going on) At this point we asked another waitress for an order of Shrimp Yakisoba and that came before the sushi rolls. There had been a mix up. It was ok because the Yakisoba was out of this world. Better than the rolls which we eventually got. (Spicy Tekka Roll was tasty, Philadelphia had too much cream cheese, and the crab/asparagus roll was a little bland). Im giving Ran Zan a four star review based on the spicy tekka yakisoba and the tako su. service was really slow though.
(4)
Kim S.
As far as I'm concerned, Ran Zan was one of the first Japanese/Sushi spots in RI and they are still there. I think that says something. Ran Zan isn't about trendy decor, they are about authentic Japanese cuisine with real Japanese people chef'n it up.
(3)
Julie A.
RanZan is a great, small authentic Japanese Sushi restaurant. The service and prices and sushi are great. I recommend the agedashi tofu appetizer (with bonito flakes). And the Calpico drink. It's my favorite sushi place in the city. (Closed on Mondays).
(5)
Irapuca P.
One of my favorite japanese restaurants. The food is probably the best in Providence..but the service can be painfully slow at times. It's still worth the trip.
(4)
Sean M.
This is easily the best sushi in Providence. The most authentic, freshest and delicious around. The menu sticks to the basics and the restaurant has a mom and pop type feel t it. Nothing is pre-prepared so everything you order is fresh and delicious.
(5)
Zac C.
I got carry out and was disappointed in the size of the rolls. The miso soup was good but the rainbow roll was lacking for a special roll...I would rather go to Tokyo or Sakura. However, it still deserves a second chance when I eat at the restaurant.
(2)
Pete Z.
My friend had referred me to this restaurant after I asked him if there were any good restaurants in Providence that I may not yet have been to. After living in Providence for 2+ years, I had never even seen it when driving by on Hope Street. I took my friend up on his word and was very disappointed with the portion size. While the sushi rolls are reasonably priced, the pieces are very tiny. The salad was so-so as were the sushi rolls. The service was not very attentive or friendly. I'll hit up the other sushi restaurants in Providence. I called my friend afterwards and he mentioned he liked eating small sushi pieces and getting takeout which probably explains why he liked it and I didn't.
(2)
Olivia B.
Nothing too fancy about this restaurant. But it is super authentic and it is a mamas and papas restaurant. Don't expect fancy fusion rolls. Those are all about the sauces anyways with a lot of calories. Expect authentic sushi and hot food in a real Japanese way. I loved there Takoyaki and donburi!
(4)
Jessica L.
I've been to a lot of different Japanese restaurants and this is by far the most traditional and fresh. No fancy plating or any blinking lights on your plate. it's just straight up fresh sushi! Their Katsu-don is super delicious and potato korokke is a "must order"! I always get a mix of ikura& salmon rice bowl even though it's not on the menu. They can customize it for you if you ask. If you're looking for authentic udon, their nabeyaki udon is the best in town! It doesn't get any better than a big bowl of nabeyaki udon during the winter season!!!
(5)
Chelsea W.
Very nice restaurant setup given its smaller size. I ordered the sashimi and shared a gyoza appetizer. The fish was very fresh, the portions were smaller than I exected but I appreciate the authenticity of the food.
(4)
Philip C.
Pros: Best Sushi and Sashami in Providence Service is sometimes super awesome and friendly Great lunch prices Gluten Free soy sauce Super legit interior Reasonably priced Cons: Service is usually not super awesome Sashimi can be too fishy for western palates Summary: Best sushi in Rhode Island. Far and away
(4)
Olivia B.
Nothing too fancy about this restaurant. But it is super authentic and it is a mamas and papas restaurant. Don't expect fancy fusion rolls. Those are all about the sauces anyways with a lot of calories. Expect authentic sushi and hot food in a real Japanese way. I loved there Takoyaki and donburi!
(4)
A Z.
Tasty little spot here. When we walked in, some guy in the corner who saw us pondering the menu outside said "good choice, best in Providence!" The spider roll (soft shell crab and other goodies) and Katsu Don were delicious. The fried ice cream was massive, like a ball of ice cream wrapped in tons of delicious fried dough. Super friendly service and cute little spot.
(4)
Mark A.
Ran Zan serves authentic Japanese comfort food cuisine. With the popularity and abundance of Asian Fusion restaurants in Rhode Island. Even the big Hibachi themed restaurants in Rhode Island was not true to Japanese Cuisine. I was hard pressed to find a Japanese Restaurant that served comfort foods you would typically find in a Japanese Yatai. Foods like: Takoyaki (savory pancake-like filled balls smothered in a traditional woresershire sauce topped with pickled ginger, seaweed, and smoked bonito flakes). My favorite dish here is the Katsu-don', an egg and onion rice bowl topped with a panko-crusted pork cutlet. As reported in other reviews, the sushi rice is authentic and not muted at all. From observing the Chef, genuine care is taken when preparing the Sushi. But because most people have experienced the heavily-sauced laden & crumb sprinkled Asian-fusion rolls and enormous nigiri pieces (on plain white rice), I fear some may not appreciate the simplicity of authentic and right-sized sushi. Order the green tea (ocha) and what you get is a genuine cup of Japanese green tea (sencha if I'm not mistaken) that is actually green. The interior is clean but not fancy (and it's not supposed to be fancy). You almost get the feeling of being is an Izakaya (a small Japanese casual bar), with associated ambiance like Japanese TV shows playing in the background. Ran Zan is a prime example of a restaurant where the food is the star not the location. As the years go by, I urge the owners of Ran Zan to stay true to their roots and not compromise. Continue to serve traditional Japanese Cuisine. If they were to expand their menu I recommend adding Okonomiyaki, katsu-kari (or any Japanese curry dishes), and/or add a Yakitori grill to serve the variety of skewered delights found in Japan.
(5)
TJ S.
When I want authentic Japanese food that I grew up in Tokyo, Ranzan is where I go. It is not a "trendy" fusion Japanese/Asian place that pretends and looks like Japanese. This place is the real thing. If you prefer the subtle seasoning and delicate presentation of real Japanese food, them go there. It is a small joint with very simple decor. Nothing fancy about it but the food is why you want to come here. The Japanese owner couple has been running this place for over 17 years. This is a timeless expression of passion for the authentic food prepared the way I know them to be true. You will not find stupid "hibachi" tricks that you will in so many fake Japanese restaurants like Ichigo Ichie.
(4)
Skimmilk K.
Great sushi and the agedashi tofu is amazing! We had the spider roll and about 5 orders of salmon sashimi. The sashimi tasted like butter. The tofu was perfectly seasoned. Even though I live near another sushi place, I would gladly drive an extra 5 minutes to come here. The prices are very reasonable. I also like the fact that this seems like a family owned business. Very authentic.
(5)
Dan W.
Great celebration at Ran Zan. Food was very good, service very accommodating to our special needs.
(4)
Eric C.
I have been looking for a decent Japanese restaurant that wasn't catered only towards those looking for weird combination rolls for an all you can eat price. I have heard from my fellow yelpers over and over again that the freshest catch around will be found here. Located at on the side of Hope Street that is past Cook and Brown and beyond the park where they have the farmer's market, Ran Zan is an unassuming establishment that may be easy for you to miss if you aren't already looking. Looking for parking? plenty on the street or you can pull into the gas station area and keep going to the back of the restaurant where there is more free parking. They have a 5-6 seater sushi bar but many tables around for you to choose. You are addressed quickly and sat quickly. The menu isn't extensive but it has your staples! I believe they must have one of the longest appetizer menus around so you can almost do a tapas order! We ordered the Yakitori chicken which was chicken marinated on skewers with scallions in between. If you've never had this before, you're missing out. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The sauce is not overbearing and just enough for you to want to devour the rest of the skewer... yes the skewer and all. The scallions add an extra umph in between. Pull the chicken off then eat it lest you pierce yourself! The Tako Su was also VERY tender and flavorful with octopus slices on a bed of seaweed (the octopus is cooked). If there was anything to remind me what the sea tasted like, that was it! Had a Chuka Salad which was crunchy fresh and refreshing. It's a bowel full of seaweed with vinegar and some spices on top. Quite lovely to have to start the meal. The soft shell crab was appropriately crunchy, seasoned and soft all at the same time. be careful not to burn your mouth! Miso soup was, well, miso soup. How can you go wrong? (It came with the entrees). We also had a sushi deluxe and a sashimi deluxe as well. I think that if you have 2 people who are just in to have a taste, you can have one to share. We came in with large appetites... and of course I was on a low carb diet. Let me preface by saying all the fish I had was fresh but my favorite by far was the tuna. Succulent lush pieces of fish cut perfectly as you would want to have it so that you can take small bites and savor the freshness of the fish! A great place to be. Nice cute place with really excellent fish. After all... that's what you want with your sashimi isn't it?
(5)
Xiao Z.
One of the rare gems in Providence, as it embodied almost everything I'd come to love about good sushi and home-in-the-wall goodness. This place is run by a really nice couple, and all of their fish taste freshly caught, and do not contain any of the post-frozen aftertaste that accompany many of the other store-bought or restaurant fish. I came here for lunch and got the deluxe sushi plate, which contained a smattering of unique sushi pieces, in addition to a roll of California rolls and tuna rolls (Tekka) with a very authentic, savory bowl of miso soup. The agedashi dofu was amazing, and for $5, you got 4 large pieces of tofu with freshly grated boshi. In retrospect, after having such fresh sushi, I kinda regret getting the California and tuna rolls, but even they were delicious with the amazing sushi rice. Ultimately, I really enjoyed my lunch here, and was very pleasantly full. Food: 4 stars Price: 4 stars Service: 4 stars
(4)
Dominic W.
This place is great if you have some extra time on your hands and aren't in a hurry! Really authentic - the couple who owns it actually do all the cooking. The sushi chef prepares all of his fish and makes fantastic nigiri. The wife prepares most of the cooked foods. This place basically reminds me of home. The sushi rolls are small, just like mom makes them. Nigiri is fresh, and atmosphere is chill. There's Japanese TV in the background (like a TLC channel) that the sushi chef turns louder for me when I sit at the sushi bar :) Only complaint really is slow service when there are a few tables occupied. Some of the bento boxes aren't as high class, but as I said before this place is more like a home-place. I will always come back to this restaurant. Great lunch deals too!
(4)
Jaclyn P.
The decor at Ran Zan is basic but the sushi is authentic and the atmosphere is just right. Friendly service and decent prices make this little sushi spot definitely worth checking out. The menu consists of sushi, noodles, tempura dishes, seaweed dishes, soups and more. Also, I really liked that even though my husband and I have been eating sushi for decades, they had items on their menu that even we hadn't heard of. It's not just California Rolls here and that's a VERY good thing!
(4)
Joyce N.
This little restaurant could not be more welcoming on a cold winter day! My boyfriend and I walked in hoping to share a couple rolls on a frigid day post-Nemo. We shared a roll combo (salmon, tuna, + california roll) with a choice of soup/salad and another Philadelphia roll. The rolls were amazing, and I usually don't even like basic california rolls! The salmon and tuna were fresh. Seeing how cold it was outside, the owner gave us another round of miso soup and finished off with 2 pieces of nigiri on the house. We were astounded by the service (and our stomachs were amazed by how much food they were getting)! They have a great selection of combo rolls ranging from nigiri and sashimi to rolls. I also noted their early bento box specials, which I will have to go back to try!
(5)
Ryan D.
Honestly, not bad Ran Zan, not bad. Walking into Ran Zan, you are not really greeted but it is a no frills Japanese place, so you find your table. Sushi was pretty good, not spectacular but pretty good. Have to give them a high five for the frozen beer glass, it's the small things. If you are in the area and you don't want to drive a little bit down Blackstone to Lim's in Wayland, I recommend Ran Zan. However for the price and quality, I will recommend Lim's to everyone.
(3)
Ohoh Heyla B.
Delicious, clean sushi I love this place. Been here twice now. They have a very simple menu, no giant, heavy, have to dislocate you jaw to eat makis. The rolls are made like sushi should be. Simple flavors in bite sized pieces with the right amount of ingredients and full of flavor. The staff is friendly and the restaurant itself is small, but just as a little sushi joint should be. Oh and it's two doors away from a great homemade ice cream shop (three sisters). I live about 30 away from Ran Zan, but would definitely make a trip out once in a while to meet my sushi craving.
(5)
Neha S.
Easily the best Japanese place in Providence. The interiors are casual, warm, and intimate. The place is run by the most adorable elderly couple (he cooks and she handles everything else). I highly recommend the avocado salad, the salmon and avocado roll, the spicy tuna roll, and the tempura roll. Also, this place is right next to Three Sisters, so I like to head there for some ice cream afterwards. A word of caution: this restaurant is pretty small and they don't take reservations, so be prepared for a wait on weekends. Also, because this place is a 2-person operation, the food does take awhile, so not a place to come if you're starving or in a rush.
(5)
Max G.
I love this place. It is an excellent lunch spot. The katsudon is perfectly done, with crisp cutlet, sweet simmer sauce, a bit of red pickled ginger, and a sprinkling of blue laver seaweed flakes. While I know how to make katsudon at home, one simply can't beat Ran Zan, for either food or atmosphere. It feels like a little hole in the wall that leads to Japan. It isn't flashy, but it doesn't need to be. There isn't any better Japanese food in the area. If you want a quick and tasty meal, make a stop here.
(5)
Liz T.
Finally... the real deal. I'll be the first to admit that I totally dig American-style super-sized maki rolls. Sometimes, you're super hungry and just want that familiar satisfaction. But if you want truly authentic, fresh and so clean clean, Japanese-style sushi, Ran Zan is really your only choice in Providence. Let's start with the atmospheric pressure. You walk in and already feel like you're in a petite hole-in-the-wall Tokyo style sushi cafe/bistro. The man behind the sushi counter is this elderly white-haired Japanese man with a full-out white beard. It's like he's straight out of a Kabuki drama. Then, you glance to the left, double take, and realize that OH YES. There are Japanese variety shows playing in the background. And J-pop tween Justin Bieber look-alikes singing in technicolor fields. The rest of this joint is run by the sushi-man's wife, who keeps the operation homey--"When you're here, you're family." Er... maybe Olive Garden comparisons are inaccurate here. But you get what I'm saying. Now let's get to the sushi. Seriously--no joke FRESHEST fish in town. I don't even understand where they stock this fish, given that there's no hint of artificial preservation, and no hint of that rubbery texture indicating it's been sitting out for a while. The tuna just melts in your mouth. The imitation crab tastes like delicately chopped fresh fish mixed in a homemade stock. If it is not apparent, I am a huge fan. Hands down, no comparison, your one stop wonder for Japanese food in Providence.
(5)
Daniel S.
The ONLY authentic Japanese restaurant in PVD!
(5)
Ilana R.
Our all time Favorite, can't get more authentic quality and warm hearted service. Since we moved away to NYC we gave up on finding equal quality japanese restaurants, so we just hold off and come to Ran Zan whenever we find any excuse to come through RI. The Bento boxes are unbeatable and so modestly priced, and the sushi is the richest tasting ever. It is a place of rest and waiting in anticipation for the great food makes it quite a zen like experience. Very often , the owner sneaks off into the kitchen to help prepare the food , giving it a personal touch. Everything is made with Love and pride. Ginko and Tadao, thank you for your warm smiles and for making us feel like home !
(5)
Kiho S.
Great Japanese restaurant in Providence! I did not eat in a lot of restaurants in Providence, but, for me, this is the best Japanese restaurant in Providence. I ate their tempura, sushi, noodle, seaweed, and few more, and they were all great. It is pretty far from where I lived, but it is worth to try.
(5)
Amanda B.
I stopped in this place for some take out and was pretty happy with it. Some if the sushi places in providence are a little shady when it comes to cleanliness but not this place. My one issues was that for the price the maki rolls were pretty tiny. Other than that the service was fast and friendly.
(3)
Kara M.
Been here 5 times, recently they have a new sushi maker, can I tell u the sushi was 4 chopsticks wide! They took it back just to add more rice to think it's normal. Very disappointed. I put a pic up holding my chop sticks next to my sushi, it was 1 chop stick off of being Tht thin! But besides my one bad day. The sushi is always fresh here and this is the only place in Pawtucket to get sushi. It is good sushi to.
(5)
Jo P.
If you are looking for great, traditional Sushi - this is your place. No frills, no bells and no whistles. Straight up FRESH fish, fantastic sashimi, and great tempura. When I say no frills, I mean it. Dining room is small, tight and barely decorated. It can get busy, as there are many diehard regulars to compete with for tables. But once you are seated, you are in for a treat. If you are into Toro, and they have it, it won't disappoint. Inexpensive drink prices, and friendly (albeit sometimes lax) service. This is a spot you come to for the food, and the food is 5 stars. I rarely base reviews on food alone, but when it comes to Sushi, there are just far too many places that serve mediocre fish in a nicely decorated locale. Here you have almost the opposite, and that beats all in my book when raw food is involved.
(5)
Ariana T.
My fav sushi place, by far. Never a disappointment, consistent quality and friendly, efficient service.
(5)
Alma C.
Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant in this town that can make the sushi rice correctly (and yes, I've tried them all). Enough said.
(4)
Mary G.
This is a small, authentic Japanese restaurant with the freshest sushi I have had in a very long time. My family went here while visiting my son at Brown. We loved the Japanese game show playing on the TV in the small bar area and listening to the owner speaking in Japanese with some other diners. All the food was great, but we especially liked the soft shell crab tempura and the takoyaki (octopus). Prices are very reasonable. A great place to visit if you are looking for a Restaurant away from the busy Providence center.
(4)
Chuckwho C.
Ran Zan's got the whole RI Japanese food world shook up. Ran Zan has excellent Japanese food besides their sushi. Bento Boxes are excellent and an insane value. Yakisoba is the best i've had. The Katsu dishes are also exceptional. But none of that matters to me anymore as their Nigiri Sushi has locked me in its wondrous web of deliciousness. For real I haven't gotten anything else at Ran Zan since they convinced me to go down the Nigiri route. The fish is super fresh, the rice is perfectly sticky. I've gone there twice in the same day and gotta a cutting board of nigiri both times. Don't get me wrong their rolls benefit from the same freshness but why throw all that cutter in there when you came round for the fish and rice? The people running the Zan are excellent as well, real homely feeling place and you know the fam is there running the joint. None of this ultra douchey, valet my BMW 318 with M3 badges and let me order a super funky ultra fruity fresh fried beef somehow considered sushi roll. Nope just a small place serving damn good Japanese food. Did I mention the Nigiri?
(5)
Daisy K.
I have lived in Japan for a total of three years. I am a practitioner of the Japanese tea ceremony for more than a decade and have had the chance to study Japanese fine cuisine as part of that training. Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant I will eat at in Providence and I've tried plenty of them over 6 years here. This is the one that is *actually run by Japanese people*! Who are friendly and low-key! Who don't charge an arm and a leg and who balance out American-crowd-pleasing rolls with the real nigiri deal and a good selection of other reasonably priced Japanese restaurant favorites like seaweed salad, agedashi dofu, and tempura. No fireworks, no over-the-top fancy decor flourishes, just decent well-made food and drink, friendly service, and fair prices.
(5)
R O.
This is some of the freshest sushi I have had, and best in Providence. I went a few months ago and don't quite remember all of the offerings, but I got some nigiri and sashimi, and they were super fresh, not mushy at all. I am sure some of the more elaborate rolls with the sauces are good too, but Ran Zan does a great job at nailing the authentic, pure options like these. I wish I was still in the area to have it again and try their other things. The restaurant is small, but it's got a nice, quiet ambience.
(5)
Bebe B.
I'm a FAN! I love this place. We have been going here for a few years and it has become one of our favorites. The decor is simple, no glitz or glam here. The service, well, its slow. However, the food and the service is great (if you can get over the wait.) I love the Sushi chef, he greets everyone with a warm smile, we love to sit at the bar and watch him prepare his roll, and we take in Japanese game shows. If you are looking for fresh, straight forward sushi, I think you found your spot. ENJOY!
(4)
Ry C.
My first review! I am over the moon about this place. I've been coming here since I was 16...(now 30) I still enjoy it til this day. The food is very good and very consistent.
(5)
Denise G.
I LOVE sushi. I was so excited that I have a sushi restaurant walking distance from me, until I tried it... 3 times. I gave this place 3 chances because I wanted this relationship to work out. I would have even accepted "OK" sushi just for the convenience... no such luck. Let me explain... Honestly, the first time I went, probably a year ago, we had an exceptionally long wait for our food, but I do not recall the meal being particularly bad, or good either. The second time I went, we waited at our table for over 20 min before we got a menu. We were then ignored for 10 more minutes, and finally left. Again, I really wanted this to work out, so I convinced my husband to order take out... no waiting involved, right? Wrong. They told me it would be ready in 20 minutes, and then I proceeded to wait outside the restaurant (because it is so small there is no room to wait inside) for ANOTHER 20 MINUTES. By the time I got home I was angry and hungry... only to find the mushiest, most pathetic sushi I have ever seen or tasted. Sorry, I am done with Ran Zan... I am schlepping my bottom all the way to Cranston for my sushi.
(1)
Grace R.
This place serves authentic fresh sushi! If you want traditional Japanese food, I will recommend coming here. I can't believe I walked by this restaurant so many times when I was hanging out next to 3 sisters and on Blackstone! The store front might deceive you as "another American style Japanese restaurant". But I was so wrong! With the definition of traditional Japanese food, it also means I have to let go of my greedy jumbo size portion expectation. The sushi/rolls are very small compared to other places in Providence (Haruki East, Tokyo, Sakura, etc) and carry approximately the same price tag. They are literally bite size pieces and you are supposed to take the whole thing in one bite (the Japanese way). I enjoyed every piece of jewel the Japanese grandpa served me. This little family run restaurant is so adorable. Service is excellent and friendly. The restaurant is clean and there is a TV with the Japanese channel on at all times. They truly care about the food they serve you as if you are in Japan! Thank you for saving me a trip to Tokyo.
(4)
Katie D.
I don't understand why other reviews said the service was bad- out waitress was friendly and efficient! She answered our questions about the menu without hesitation even though she mentioned she had just started working there. To drink we had hot green tea and sake, which were both delicious. We ordered the seaweed salad and gyoza appetizers which came out very fast and tasted great. Then we got various nigiri and maki, all of them were fresh and flavorful. The red bean ice cream for dessert was awesome too! Ran Zan is definitely my favorite Japanese restaurant in Providence!
(5)
Verna W.
no crap, no bull, just straight good sushi. i truly enjoyed my toro (tuna belly) sushi, as well as my salmon and tamago. Their tempura was crispy with pipping hot sauce.
(5)
Renee J T.
I am a sushi sashimi lover for a long time I have been to many fine places and many not to fine after reading the many reviews here on Yelp we decided to give this place a try I don't know what to type...they were having an off day or something because usually my yelping brethren are right on when it comes to reviews this is a tiny little place we waited a solid 15 min before someone asked if we wanted a menu finally! the sushi at the next table looked really nice so at this point there was still hope we ordered an avocado salad came pretty fast but nothing to write home about some of the leaves were dark and splotchy then the 2 noodles dishes came while flavor full they had too much ginger still waiting on the 4 pieces of sushi 15 min later finally showed little pieces of tuna and yellowtail and I mean little this was not the blow away fresh I was hoping for sadly when we finally got our check and left I felt bad for the older gentleman sushi chef he looks like a nice guy and I read this is a mom n pop but still I am spending my hard earned $ I want at least decent service and presentation there were at least 5 people working at the time
(2)
Annie J.
Soooo good. As in, "I will never go back to the horribly overrated Haruki East" good. Avoid the slow service and lack of atmosphere by ordering to go. Vegetarian friends: Yam roll and Umeshiso roll are amazing. Bonus: Three Sisters is right next door. Perfect for dessert!
(4)
Cristina W.
I would give Ran Zan 10 stars if I could! This is by far the freshest sushi I have had in Providence. The tempura was perfectly crispy and non- greasy. Good bento box lunch deals as well. They even have mochi for dessert! To all of the reviewers who complained of slow service - the place only has 3 employees so give them a break!
(5)
Peter D.
My wife and I stopped for a (very) late lunch and were given both dinner and lunch menus at 5 PM. I had Pork Katsu and rice while my wife had chicken teriyaki and noodles. Both were delicious and generous. The proprietress served us and this is the first time in a long time that I have had a Japanese server in a Japanese restaurant. Her English was great. While the lunch was a real bargain, i told my wife that I would like to return for the greater variety of the dinner menu. The decor was suitably minimal for a Japanese establishment.
(4)
Chan P.
Ran zan doesnt have alot to choose from but what they have they do well! So not alot of special fancy maki rolls but they have the usual. The sushi rolls are the smallest i've seen from the many sushi restaurants i have eaten at but they are packed with good flavor. I believe that for the fact that they are so small. You enjoy the sushi alot better?? 0_o lol . It's a mom and pop shop..nothing fancy. The service is good. I'd go back. They do loss a star for the fact that they lied about their closing time. Don't tell you close at 9:15 when it clearly says you close at 9:30 on your FREAKEN door and on your website just because you dont want me to dine in..i don't respect that dishonesty. Not cool man.. HUMPH! but besides that i really enjoy the food :) Hubby had: Salmon Teriyaki: The teriyaki sauce was good it was nice and thick the way we like it. ..some places make it watery. Nice size portion ..just enough. It was tasty he ate it all..including his vegetables. Spider Maki: I like the fact that they had scallions in this maki roll it gives it a nice oniony flavor which i enjoy in alot of my foods. The fried soft shell crab was super crunchy which gave the sushi a nice crunch and texture..along with the freshness of the cucumber. Alot of places..dont fry their soft shell crabs right. This was probably my favorite maki of the day. Of course i stole some of his! :P I had: Gyoza: I eat gyoza at almost about every sushi restaurant i can..theirs was ok. Nothing popped out at me. it tasted good. Spicy tuna maki : It was super yummy ..i enjoyed the flavors. They seasoned the tuna properly..with the scallions (which you know mee likey!) . Ranks well with being one of my top favorite sushi spots. Tempura maki: once again..they fried the shrimp right cause it gave the sushi a nice crunch. it played well with the other flavors ..i enjoyed it very much. I will say sakura..makes it better! Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) Nigiri: eh..something about this fish roe didn't smell right..i still ate it ..it was ok. Like it wasnt fresh..but o wells.
(4)
T L.
Let me preface this review by saying that I have tried the best fish in the world at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This place is not the best I've had in the US. It is probably the freshest in Providence (I have only tried Haruki and Jackys). The only drawback is that portions seem small to me. The place is owned by Japanese ppl and the food has a "home cooked" feel to it. This is my go to place for sushi from now on. You can tell how good a restaurant is by the freshness of the fish. Haruki's fish was not fresh. In summary, this place may not be as good as restaurants Ive tried in LA or NYC but it's the best so far in Providence for me.
(3)
Gretchen M.
The food was okay but the service was terrible. They wouldn't let us order ahead of time. The woman who served us had a clear case of pinkeye which is highly contagious. I asked for the bill early on as I had ot get back to work. He didn't bring it until we asked a second time. Then we asked for a specific amount on the card and the rest cash. He takes it and then spends TWENTY minutes sitting and looking at the cash register and pressing buttons. We get our coats on and push our chair in and show we are ready to go. Finally we have to go over and ask what's going on. He mumbles something unintelligible then hands us the receipts which show he used all the cash and only put the remainder on the card. The amount didn't match the total we had previously been given. When trying to ask him what happened and how he broke it down, he simply didn't answer and just kept looking at the register. Finally we just signed it when he wouldn't answer any of our questions. He didn't seem to be aware of what planet he was on, much less how to charge a credit card.
(1)
Kel S.
This place was OK. The sushi was "no frills" and is rather inexpensive. Considering I hadn't had sushi in 3 mos., just about anything would have done. The rolls were small and we ended up sharing 6 between the 2 of us. I still could've had more. The service was slow and the sushi was ok. I would give it another try...
(3)
Sohini R.
Having resolved to not eat meat for as long as I can in 2012, my sushi craving is pretty constant. We hadn't ventured outside of Haruki East, but last night my husband used Yelp to help us find Ranzan. It was delicious, and so awesome to see the small restaurant fill up with lots of folks over the course of our dinner. The tempura roll was delicious and light, and the umeshiso was powerfully sour -- a great palate cleanser for the end of our meal. The agedashi tofu appetizer took me back to my trip to Kyoto in 2011 - you won't be disappointed with it. As other Yelpers have said, Ranzan is now my go-to sushi place!
(4)
Rob G.
Small and can be slow, but the ABSOLUTE BEST sushi in town!!!
(5)
Michael P.
I've eaten a lot of sushi, and Ran Zan is among the freshest I've ever had. There aren't a lot of fancy house special rolls here, but with fish of this high quality, who needs all that flash? Service is excellent, as is the cozy atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable.
(5)
Caitlin W.
I feel really bad for giving this place a bad review but I must. I went with two other people here last Friday night. We walked in and stood there for five minutes before they told us we could choose any table we wanted. The interior was nothing special wooden tables, no decorations, and a sushi bar. The sushi chef must have been around 80 years old with a much younger apprentice working along side of him. We sat down and just waited until about 15 minutes later the waitress walked by and said oh do you need some menus? Well of course we did. We all looked over the menu and they seemed to have many tasty choices. We waited another 15 minutes before they came to ask us about what drinks we wanted. We all just had water. I ordered a buckwheat vegetable noodle dish and a miso soup. The miso soup had a tasty broth but only had 2 small cubes of tofu and some shreds of seaweed. The noodle dish was good except wow did they add to much ginger to the huge chunks of cabbage which were barely cooked. I was less then enthused with the service. They never once came to fill up our water glasses so they sat empty our whole dining experience. I was very parched but the waitress was no where to be seen. All the other diners around us seemed to be enjoying their meals and their service. I felt like the neglected stepchild table. Maybe it was just an off day for this place because all the other reviews seemed great so I am sad that I had such a poor experience.
(2)
J C.
The Sushi here is AMAZING! And the Fried Fish is out of this world. I honestly could not stop eating. Everything was done perfectly.. We are definitely planning to go back again this week... The lady who served us was rather nice and I didn't think the food took long. (This is not McDonald's & it is nice to know that they cook it fresh rather than defrost some precooked thing in the back) P.S. There are early-bird specials that are really affordable! YAY I am happy to have a good Japanese restaurant nearby. THANK YOU Ran Zan! P.P.S After having eaten at Ran Zan several times, I have to say that it is my favourite Japanese restaurant in Providence. The food is authentic
(5)
Jennifer J.
So I was shocked when this appeared as a review request because I can't believe I hadn't reviewed it already. It's part of a perfect dinner (the second being ice cream at 3 sisters next door). They have WONDERFUL sushi! It's family owned & family run. You can always tell a good place because when the owners go on vacation they close down. Just looking at the pictures is making me CRAVE right now, my mouth is actually watering and I'm dying for some Hamachi! GO GO GO!!
(5)
Michaela K.
Really, the best sushi in PVD. The Agi Dashi Tofu here is tasty too!
(4)
Jen S.
Staff was somewhat friendly. Sushi presentation was good but not tasty. Will not go again
(2)
Nicole F.
Went there on a Saturday night and was seated immediately -- no wait! That always makes me happy. I should mention up-front that I'm not a real sushi fan, meaning that I don't eat the raw stuff. But I ordered some of the cooked rolls and they were great. One complaint: Not being a fan of raw fish, I usually order California rolls or shrimp tempura and stuff like that. But with California rolls, I opt for "real crab," which is usually on the menu at most sushi places. Ran Zan only offered the fake crab California rolls. Also ordered some edamame and shrimp dumplings, which were good, but standard. My dinner companion also was not a typical sushi-eater, so we also ordered a cooked noodle and chicken dish, which was pretty good. The chicken definitely needed more seasoning, though. The service was great during my visit. The waitress paced our meal very nicely. We also ordered green tea, which was brought out to us in two mugs. It was fine, but I'm used to getting a little pot of tea to pour myself! Perhaps most importantly, the prices were great. Gotta love cheap and tasty eats!
(4)
Amanda P.
I'm gonna give it only 4 stars because of really, really slow service. Let's just say that you should only be patronizing this place on nights when you're in the mood for a slow, leisurely dinner. That said, the fish here is fab. I have hot dreams about the salmon sashimi.
(4)
S S.
This is for the non-sushi lovers out there, like me. It's a great place to eat! The noodle and meat dishes are reasonably priced and excellent quality, and the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. It's the perfect place to meet up with friends and chat about your week over laughter, conversation and green tea. It's a small place, though - keep that in mind when making plans. 5-6 people is the limit I'd use. There is plenty of parking along the park. I've only ever been when Brown and RISD aren't in session, so I can't speak to availability or bad hours to go there. It's well worth any wait, though.
(4)
Mary beth C.
Ran Zan is the most authentic Japanese restaurant that I have been to in the United States. Having lived in Japan for 2 years, I am very picky with my sushi and sashimi and Ran Zan's rolls are always fresh, made to order and delicious. I love that it is a family owned operation. The service is ok. The atmosphere is sparse but it is authentic and what you would find in Japan.
(5)
Charles S.
Enjoyed the food but agree with other reviewers - busy and inconsistent service. Have had a few meals at the restaurant and thought we'd avoid the dine-in experience by ordering take-out. Called the restaurant and was told they were too busy and could not do it (although I am putting it a bit more politely than they did). Ended up ordering from Haruki - bet they were more than happy to get our business. *Price per person really depends on items you select - can easily get expensive if it is a lot of sushi, but some gyoza and an udon noodle dish won't set you back too much.
(3)
shshila l.
love love love the food and service. very japanese home cooking. @Danielle B. try Yamakake!! it is not sticky. it is light and fluffy!!
(5)
Danielle B.
Ive been to Ran Zan two times, and both times I tried to order the Yamakake (Tuna and Japanese Yam) but have been discouraged. Told that it is too "sticky". Next time i'm sticking to my guns and ordering it! We ordered the Tako Su (Octopus and seaweed seasoned in vinegar sauce) and it was great, tender with a great taste and only cost $6.00. The Hiya-yakko (Chilled tofu) was good, as far as chilled tofu goes, and had a good firm consistency. We also ordered 3 rolls, and something happened and they never came, we were starving at this point and left wondering what happened to our sushi. It was very busy (lots of take out orders going on) At this point we asked another waitress for an order of Shrimp Yakisoba and that came before the sushi rolls. There had been a mix up. It was ok because the Yakisoba was out of this world. Better than the rolls which we eventually got. (Spicy Tekka Roll was tasty, Philadelphia had too much cream cheese, and the crab/asparagus roll was a little bland). Im giving Ran Zan a four star review based on the spicy tekka yakisoba and the tako su. service was really slow though.
(4)
Kim S.
As far as I'm concerned, Ran Zan was one of the first Japanese/Sushi spots in RI and they are still there. I think that says something. Ran Zan isn't about trendy decor, they are about authentic Japanese cuisine with real Japanese people chef'n it up.
(3)
Julie A.
RanZan is a great, small authentic Japanese Sushi restaurant. The service and prices and sushi are great. I recommend the agedashi tofu appetizer (with bonito flakes). And the Calpico drink. It's my favorite sushi place in the city. (Closed on Mondays).
(5)
Irapuca P.
One of my favorite japanese restaurants. The food is probably the best in Providence..but the service can be painfully slow at times. It's still worth the trip.
(4)
Sean M.
This is easily the best sushi in Providence. The most authentic, freshest and delicious around. The menu sticks to the basics and the restaurant has a mom and pop type feel t it. Nothing is pre-prepared so everything you order is fresh and delicious.
(5)
Zac C.
I got carry out and was disappointed in the size of the rolls. The miso soup was good but the rainbow roll was lacking for a special roll...I would rather go to Tokyo or Sakura. However, it still deserves a second chance when I eat at the restaurant.
(2)
Pete Z.
My friend had referred me to this restaurant after I asked him if there were any good restaurants in Providence that I may not yet have been to. After living in Providence for 2+ years, I had never even seen it when driving by on Hope Street. I took my friend up on his word and was very disappointed with the portion size. While the sushi rolls are reasonably priced, the pieces are very tiny. The salad was so-so as were the sushi rolls. The service was not very attentive or friendly. I'll hit up the other sushi restaurants in Providence. I called my friend afterwards and he mentioned he liked eating small sushi pieces and getting takeout which probably explains why he liked it and I didn't.
(2)
Aina B.
I went here once about 3 years ago and my impression was strongly negative. Sushi was not fresh- the rice, seaweed & fish seemed like they had all been sitting out for days- lumpy, dried out, tough, fishy smelling. Combined with generally bad service and over an hour wait for our food (for a group of 3!) despite the place appearing not too busy- not impressed. I steer my friends away from here as I haven't gone back in years.
(1)
Jasmine P.
Very disappointing. I thought I'd give a chance after I read good reviews, But I was disappointed. their sushi is about average... not even good. seaweed was chewy inside the sushi. some smelled fishy... there is no art in presentation... fridge cold pieces. their green tea is good though. Overall: NOT recommended.
(1)
Robert R.
I have eaten at nearly all, if not all, sushi restaurants in the providence area. Don't get me wrong, I am still happy with less than par sushi...but RanZan is the freshest and most authentic. If you want frilly and fancy rolls there is Tokyo. If you want overly priced, but fancily plated dragon rolls, there is Haruki East. it should be said that Haruki in Cranston is my favorite 'local' sushi place....but RanZan is fantastic.....and cheap. Those that are complaining of smaller rolls...they don't supersize; this is real sushi that is non-patronizing. Stop being a fat American. Go to RanZan and expect simple straightforward authentic and fresh sushi. Go somewhere else if you want to impress a date with flashy platings and window treatments.
(5)
Hilary H.
Call me a sushi fool - I know you will. It's just that it's so easy to get lost in my search for the most magnificent meal this city chock-full of sushi joints has to offer. Sure, I love a crazy concoction that defies the rules of classic sushi, but I have just as much love for the authenticity and simplicity of a simple cut of fish. With Ran-Zan, you get the real deal. No craziness here - just straight-up sushi and tempura from the hands of a true master. This joint is run by a husband and wife team - he cuts the sushi, she does everything else - and it WORKS. When you're in the mood for something simple and devoid of fuss, come to Ran-Zan. Their miso is my favorite - nice bits of seaweed and strong miso flavor. Their salmon nigiri is also some of the best I've encountered, and they don't over-wasabi, which is always buzz-kill for me. The place is simple and sparse, putting all the focus on the food and the service. They also make take-out a snap for those times when you can't be bothered to get out of your sweatpants. I think this no-frills approach to sushi is the closest thing the PVD has to a Japanese home-style meal, and I'm totally into it, kids.
(4)
Dat Boi N.
best sushi i've had in ri, as fresh as it gets. i only had the sushi and it was all ballin. other than that everything seemed traditional and legit. free gucci
(5)
Anne H.
I love Ran Zan. I live in California and eat sushi often in the Bay Area. I visit my younger daughter in Providence several times each year, and have tried several local Japanese restaurants; Ran Zan is definitely the best. It is comparable to some of the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. Like another reviewer, I really like that the sushi rolls are small, like old-time sushi. And great service.
(5)
Paul W.
I like very much the sushi that I ordered. I wish I knew more about Japanese food and was able to explore the menu a little bit more in depth. But I am learning and will continue to grow and find deeper appreciation for this delicious food.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Philip C.
Pros: Best Sushi and Sashami in Providence Service is sometimes super awesome and friendly Great lunch prices Gluten Free soy sauce Super legit interior Reasonably priced Cons: Service is usually not super awesome Sashimi can be too fishy for western palates Summary: Best sushi in Rhode Island. Far and away
(4)Skimmilk K.
Great sushi and the agedashi tofu is amazing! We had the spider roll and about 5 orders of salmon sashimi. The sashimi tasted like butter. The tofu was perfectly seasoned. Even though I live near another sushi place, I would gladly drive an extra 5 minutes to come here. The prices are very reasonable. I also like the fact that this seems like a family owned business. Very authentic.
(5)Mark A.
Ran Zan serves authentic Japanese comfort food cuisine. With the popularity and abundance of Asian Fusion restaurants in Rhode Island. Even the big Hibachi themed restaurants in Rhode Island was not true to Japanese Cuisine. I was hard pressed to find a Japanese Restaurant that served comfort foods you would typically find in a Japanese Yatai. Foods like: Takoyaki (savory pancake-like filled balls smothered in a traditional woresershire sauce topped with pickled ginger, seaweed, and smoked bonito flakes). My favorite dish here is the Katsu-don', an egg and onion rice bowl topped with a panko-crusted pork cutlet. As reported in other reviews, the sushi rice is authentic and not muted at all. From observing the Chef, genuine care is taken when preparing the Sushi. But because most people have experienced the heavily-sauced laden & crumb sprinkled Asian-fusion rolls and enormous nigiri pieces (on plain white rice), I fear some may not appreciate the simplicity of authentic and right-sized sushi. Order the green tea (ocha) and what you get is a genuine cup of Japanese green tea (sencha if I'm not mistaken) that is actually green. The interior is clean but not fancy (and it's not supposed to be fancy). You almost get the feeling of being is an Izakaya (a small Japanese casual bar), with associated ambiance like Japanese TV shows playing in the background. Ran Zan is a prime example of a restaurant where the food is the star not the location. As the years go by, I urge the owners of Ran Zan to stay true to their roots and not compromise. Continue to serve traditional Japanese Cuisine. If they were to expand their menu I recommend adding Okonomiyaki, katsu-kari (or any Japanese curry dishes), and/or add a Yakitori grill to serve the variety of skewered delights found in Japan.
(5)TJ S.
When I want authentic Japanese food that I grew up in Tokyo, Ranzan is where I go. It is not a "trendy" fusion Japanese/Asian place that pretends and looks like Japanese. This place is the real thing. If you prefer the subtle seasoning and delicate presentation of real Japanese food, them go there. It is a small joint with very simple decor. Nothing fancy about it but the food is why you want to come here. The Japanese owner couple has been running this place for over 17 years. This is a timeless expression of passion for the authentic food prepared the way I know them to be true. You will not find stupid "hibachi" tricks that you will in so many fake Japanese restaurants like Ichigo Ichie.
(4)A Z.
Tasty little spot here. When we walked in, some guy in the corner who saw us pondering the menu outside said "good choice, best in Providence!" The spider roll (soft shell crab and other goodies) and Katsu Don were delicious. The fried ice cream was massive, like a ball of ice cream wrapped in tons of delicious fried dough. Super friendly service and cute little spot.
(4)Neha S.
Easily the best Japanese place in Providence. The interiors are casual, warm, and intimate. The place is run by the most adorable elderly couple (he cooks and she handles everything else). I highly recommend the avocado salad, the salmon and avocado roll, the spicy tuna roll, and the tempura roll. Also, this place is right next to Three Sisters, so I like to head there for some ice cream afterwards. A word of caution: this restaurant is pretty small and they don't take reservations, so be prepared for a wait on weekends. Also, because this place is a 2-person operation, the food does take awhile, so not a place to come if you're starving or in a rush.
(5)Max G.
I love this place. It is an excellent lunch spot. The katsudon is perfectly done, with crisp cutlet, sweet simmer sauce, a bit of red pickled ginger, and a sprinkling of blue laver seaweed flakes. While I know how to make katsudon at home, one simply can't beat Ran Zan, for either food or atmosphere. It feels like a little hole in the wall that leads to Japan. It isn't flashy, but it doesn't need to be. There isn't any better Japanese food in the area. If you want a quick and tasty meal, make a stop here.
(5)Liz T.
Finally... the real deal. I'll be the first to admit that I totally dig American-style super-sized maki rolls. Sometimes, you're super hungry and just want that familiar satisfaction. But if you want truly authentic, fresh and so clean clean, Japanese-style sushi, Ran Zan is really your only choice in Providence. Let's start with the atmospheric pressure. You walk in and already feel like you're in a petite hole-in-the-wall Tokyo style sushi cafe/bistro. The man behind the sushi counter is this elderly white-haired Japanese man with a full-out white beard. It's like he's straight out of a Kabuki drama. Then, you glance to the left, double take, and realize that OH YES. There are Japanese variety shows playing in the background. And J-pop tween Justin Bieber look-alikes singing in technicolor fields. The rest of this joint is run by the sushi-man's wife, who keeps the operation homey--"When you're here, you're family." Er... maybe Olive Garden comparisons are inaccurate here. But you get what I'm saying. Now let's get to the sushi. Seriously--no joke FRESHEST fish in town. I don't even understand where they stock this fish, given that there's no hint of artificial preservation, and no hint of that rubbery texture indicating it's been sitting out for a while. The tuna just melts in your mouth. The imitation crab tastes like delicately chopped fresh fish mixed in a homemade stock. If it is not apparent, I am a huge fan. Hands down, no comparison, your one stop wonder for Japanese food in Providence.
(5)Daniel S.
The ONLY authentic Japanese restaurant in PVD!
(5)Nicole F.
Went there on a Saturday night and was seated immediately -- no wait! That always makes me happy. I should mention up-front that I'm not a real sushi fan, meaning that I don't eat the raw stuff. But I ordered some of the cooked rolls and they were great. One complaint: Not being a fan of raw fish, I usually order California rolls or shrimp tempura and stuff like that. But with California rolls, I opt for "real crab," which is usually on the menu at most sushi places. Ran Zan only offered the fake crab California rolls. Also ordered some edamame and shrimp dumplings, which were good, but standard. My dinner companion also was not a typical sushi-eater, so we also ordered a cooked noodle and chicken dish, which was pretty good. The chicken definitely needed more seasoning, though. The service was great during my visit. The waitress paced our meal very nicely. We also ordered green tea, which was brought out to us in two mugs. It was fine, but I'm used to getting a little pot of tea to pour myself! Perhaps most importantly, the prices were great. Gotta love cheap and tasty eats!
(4)Amanda P.
I'm gonna give it only 4 stars because of really, really slow service. Let's just say that you should only be patronizing this place on nights when you're in the mood for a slow, leisurely dinner. That said, the fish here is fab. I have hot dreams about the salmon sashimi.
(4)S S.
This is for the non-sushi lovers out there, like me. It's a great place to eat! The noodle and meat dishes are reasonably priced and excellent quality, and the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. It's the perfect place to meet up with friends and chat about your week over laughter, conversation and green tea. It's a small place, though - keep that in mind when making plans. 5-6 people is the limit I'd use. There is plenty of parking along the park. I've only ever been when Brown and RISD aren't in session, so I can't speak to availability or bad hours to go there. It's well worth any wait, though.
(4)Mary beth C.
Ran Zan is the most authentic Japanese restaurant that I have been to in the United States. Having lived in Japan for 2 years, I am very picky with my sushi and sashimi and Ran Zan's rolls are always fresh, made to order and delicious. I love that it is a family owned operation. The service is ok. The atmosphere is sparse but it is authentic and what you would find in Japan.
(5)Charles S.
Enjoyed the food but agree with other reviewers - busy and inconsistent service. Have had a few meals at the restaurant and thought we'd avoid the dine-in experience by ordering take-out. Called the restaurant and was told they were too busy and could not do it (although I am putting it a bit more politely than they did). Ended up ordering from Haruki - bet they were more than happy to get our business. *Price per person really depends on items you select - can easily get expensive if it is a lot of sushi, but some gyoza and an udon noodle dish won't set you back too much.
(3)shshila l.
love love love the food and service. very japanese home cooking. @Danielle B. try Yamakake!! it is not sticky. it is light and fluffy!!
(5)Dan W.
Great celebration at Ran Zan. Food was very good, service very accommodating to our special needs.
(4)Jessica L.
I've been to a lot of different Japanese restaurants and this is by far the most traditional and fresh. No fancy plating or any blinking lights on your plate. it's just straight up fresh sushi! Their Katsu-don is super delicious and potato korokke is a "must order"! I always get a mix of ikura& salmon rice bowl even though it's not on the menu. They can customize it for you if you ask. If you're looking for authentic udon, their nabeyaki udon is the best in town! It doesn't get any better than a big bowl of nabeyaki udon during the winter season!!!
(5)Eric C.
I have been looking for a decent Japanese restaurant that wasn't catered only towards those looking for weird combination rolls for an all you can eat price. I have heard from my fellow yelpers over and over again that the freshest catch around will be found here. Located at on the side of Hope Street that is past Cook and Brown and beyond the park where they have the farmer's market, Ran Zan is an unassuming establishment that may be easy for you to miss if you aren't already looking. Looking for parking? plenty on the street or you can pull into the gas station area and keep going to the back of the restaurant where there is more free parking. They have a 5-6 seater sushi bar but many tables around for you to choose. You are addressed quickly and sat quickly. The menu isn't extensive but it has your staples! I believe they must have one of the longest appetizer menus around so you can almost do a tapas order! We ordered the Yakitori chicken which was chicken marinated on skewers with scallions in between. If you've never had this before, you're missing out. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The sauce is not overbearing and just enough for you to want to devour the rest of the skewer... yes the skewer and all. The scallions add an extra umph in between. Pull the chicken off then eat it lest you pierce yourself! The Tako Su was also VERY tender and flavorful with octopus slices on a bed of seaweed (the octopus is cooked). If there was anything to remind me what the sea tasted like, that was it! Had a Chuka Salad which was crunchy fresh and refreshing. It's a bowel full of seaweed with vinegar and some spices on top. Quite lovely to have to start the meal. The soft shell crab was appropriately crunchy, seasoned and soft all at the same time. be careful not to burn your mouth! Miso soup was, well, miso soup. How can you go wrong? (It came with the entrees). We also had a sushi deluxe and a sashimi deluxe as well. I think that if you have 2 people who are just in to have a taste, you can have one to share. We came in with large appetites... and of course I was on a low carb diet. Let me preface by saying all the fish I had was fresh but my favorite by far was the tuna. Succulent lush pieces of fish cut perfectly as you would want to have it so that you can take small bites and savor the freshness of the fish! A great place to be. Nice cute place with really excellent fish. After all... that's what you want with your sashimi isn't it?
(5)Xiao Z.
One of the rare gems in Providence, as it embodied almost everything I'd come to love about good sushi and home-in-the-wall goodness. This place is run by a really nice couple, and all of their fish taste freshly caught, and do not contain any of the post-frozen aftertaste that accompany many of the other store-bought or restaurant fish. I came here for lunch and got the deluxe sushi plate, which contained a smattering of unique sushi pieces, in addition to a roll of California rolls and tuna rolls (Tekka) with a very authentic, savory bowl of miso soup. The agedashi dofu was amazing, and for $5, you got 4 large pieces of tofu with freshly grated boshi. In retrospect, after having such fresh sushi, I kinda regret getting the California and tuna rolls, but even they were delicious with the amazing sushi rice. Ultimately, I really enjoyed my lunch here, and was very pleasantly full. Food: 4 stars Price: 4 stars Service: 4 stars
(4)Dominic W.
This place is great if you have some extra time on your hands and aren't in a hurry! Really authentic - the couple who owns it actually do all the cooking. The sushi chef prepares all of his fish and makes fantastic nigiri. The wife prepares most of the cooked foods. This place basically reminds me of home. The sushi rolls are small, just like mom makes them. Nigiri is fresh, and atmosphere is chill. There's Japanese TV in the background (like a TLC channel) that the sushi chef turns louder for me when I sit at the sushi bar :) Only complaint really is slow service when there are a few tables occupied. Some of the bento boxes aren't as high class, but as I said before this place is more like a home-place. I will always come back to this restaurant. Great lunch deals too!
(4)Jaclyn P.
The decor at Ran Zan is basic but the sushi is authentic and the atmosphere is just right. Friendly service and decent prices make this little sushi spot definitely worth checking out. The menu consists of sushi, noodles, tempura dishes, seaweed dishes, soups and more. Also, I really liked that even though my husband and I have been eating sushi for decades, they had items on their menu that even we hadn't heard of. It's not just California Rolls here and that's a VERY good thing!
(4)Joyce N.
This little restaurant could not be more welcoming on a cold winter day! My boyfriend and I walked in hoping to share a couple rolls on a frigid day post-Nemo. We shared a roll combo (salmon, tuna, + california roll) with a choice of soup/salad and another Philadelphia roll. The rolls were amazing, and I usually don't even like basic california rolls! The salmon and tuna were fresh. Seeing how cold it was outside, the owner gave us another round of miso soup and finished off with 2 pieces of nigiri on the house. We were astounded by the service (and our stomachs were amazed by how much food they were getting)! They have a great selection of combo rolls ranging from nigiri and sashimi to rolls. I also noted their early bento box specials, which I will have to go back to try!
(5)Ryan D.
Honestly, not bad Ran Zan, not bad. Walking into Ran Zan, you are not really greeted but it is a no frills Japanese place, so you find your table. Sushi was pretty good, not spectacular but pretty good. Have to give them a high five for the frozen beer glass, it's the small things. If you are in the area and you don't want to drive a little bit down Blackstone to Lim's in Wayland, I recommend Ran Zan. However for the price and quality, I will recommend Lim's to everyone.
(3)Ohoh Heyla B.
Delicious, clean sushi I love this place. Been here twice now. They have a very simple menu, no giant, heavy, have to dislocate you jaw to eat makis. The rolls are made like sushi should be. Simple flavors in bite sized pieces with the right amount of ingredients and full of flavor. The staff is friendly and the restaurant itself is small, but just as a little sushi joint should be. Oh and it's two doors away from a great homemade ice cream shop (three sisters). I live about 30 away from Ran Zan, but would definitely make a trip out once in a while to meet my sushi craving.
(5)Ilana R.
Our all time Favorite, can't get more authentic quality and warm hearted service. Since we moved away to NYC we gave up on finding equal quality japanese restaurants, so we just hold off and come to Ran Zan whenever we find any excuse to come through RI. The Bento boxes are unbeatable and so modestly priced, and the sushi is the richest tasting ever. It is a place of rest and waiting in anticipation for the great food makes it quite a zen like experience. Very often , the owner sneaks off into the kitchen to help prepare the food , giving it a personal touch. Everything is made with Love and pride. Ginko and Tadao, thank you for your warm smiles and for making us feel like home !
(5)Kiho S.
Great Japanese restaurant in Providence! I did not eat in a lot of restaurants in Providence, but, for me, this is the best Japanese restaurant in Providence. I ate their tempura, sushi, noodle, seaweed, and few more, and they were all great. It is pretty far from where I lived, but it is worth to try.
(5)Amanda B.
I stopped in this place for some take out and was pretty happy with it. Some if the sushi places in providence are a little shady when it comes to cleanliness but not this place. My one issues was that for the price the maki rolls were pretty tiny. Other than that the service was fast and friendly.
(3)Kara M.
Been here 5 times, recently they have a new sushi maker, can I tell u the sushi was 4 chopsticks wide! They took it back just to add more rice to think it's normal. Very disappointed. I put a pic up holding my chop sticks next to my sushi, it was 1 chop stick off of being Tht thin! But besides my one bad day. The sushi is always fresh here and this is the only place in Pawtucket to get sushi. It is good sushi to.
(5)Jo P.
If you are looking for great, traditional Sushi - this is your place. No frills, no bells and no whistles. Straight up FRESH fish, fantastic sashimi, and great tempura. When I say no frills, I mean it. Dining room is small, tight and barely decorated. It can get busy, as there are many diehard regulars to compete with for tables. But once you are seated, you are in for a treat. If you are into Toro, and they have it, it won't disappoint. Inexpensive drink prices, and friendly (albeit sometimes lax) service. This is a spot you come to for the food, and the food is 5 stars. I rarely base reviews on food alone, but when it comes to Sushi, there are just far too many places that serve mediocre fish in a nicely decorated locale. Here you have almost the opposite, and that beats all in my book when raw food is involved.
(5)Ariana T.
My fav sushi place, by far. Never a disappointment, consistent quality and friendly, efficient service.
(5)Alma C.
Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant in this town that can make the sushi rice correctly (and yes, I've tried them all). Enough said.
(4)Chelsea W.
Very nice restaurant setup given its smaller size. I ordered the sashimi and shared a gyoza appetizer. The fish was very fresh, the portions were smaller than I exected but I appreciate the authenticity of the food.
(4)Mary G.
This is a small, authentic Japanese restaurant with the freshest sushi I have had in a very long time. My family went here while visiting my son at Brown. We loved the Japanese game show playing on the TV in the small bar area and listening to the owner speaking in Japanese with some other diners. All the food was great, but we especially liked the soft shell crab tempura and the takoyaki (octopus). Prices are very reasonable. A great place to visit if you are looking for a Restaurant away from the busy Providence center.
(4)Chuckwho C.
Ran Zan's got the whole RI Japanese food world shook up. Ran Zan has excellent Japanese food besides their sushi. Bento Boxes are excellent and an insane value. Yakisoba is the best i've had. The Katsu dishes are also exceptional. But none of that matters to me anymore as their Nigiri Sushi has locked me in its wondrous web of deliciousness. For real I haven't gotten anything else at Ran Zan since they convinced me to go down the Nigiri route. The fish is super fresh, the rice is perfectly sticky. I've gone there twice in the same day and gotta a cutting board of nigiri both times. Don't get me wrong their rolls benefit from the same freshness but why throw all that cutter in there when you came round for the fish and rice? The people running the Zan are excellent as well, real homely feeling place and you know the fam is there running the joint. None of this ultra douchey, valet my BMW 318 with M3 badges and let me order a super funky ultra fruity fresh fried beef somehow considered sushi roll. Nope just a small place serving damn good Japanese food. Did I mention the Nigiri?
(5)Daisy K.
I have lived in Japan for a total of three years. I am a practitioner of the Japanese tea ceremony for more than a decade and have had the chance to study Japanese fine cuisine as part of that training. Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant I will eat at in Providence and I've tried plenty of them over 6 years here. This is the one that is *actually run by Japanese people*! Who are friendly and low-key! Who don't charge an arm and a leg and who balance out American-crowd-pleasing rolls with the real nigiri deal and a good selection of other reasonably priced Japanese restaurant favorites like seaweed salad, agedashi dofu, and tempura. No fireworks, no over-the-top fancy decor flourishes, just decent well-made food and drink, friendly service, and fair prices.
(5)R O.
This is some of the freshest sushi I have had, and best in Providence. I went a few months ago and don't quite remember all of the offerings, but I got some nigiri and sashimi, and they were super fresh, not mushy at all. I am sure some of the more elaborate rolls with the sauces are good too, but Ran Zan does a great job at nailing the authentic, pure options like these. I wish I was still in the area to have it again and try their other things. The restaurant is small, but it's got a nice, quiet ambience.
(5)Bebe B.
I'm a FAN! I love this place. We have been going here for a few years and it has become one of our favorites. The decor is simple, no glitz or glam here. The service, well, its slow. However, the food and the service is great (if you can get over the wait.) I love the Sushi chef, he greets everyone with a warm smile, we love to sit at the bar and watch him prepare his roll, and we take in Japanese game shows. If you are looking for fresh, straight forward sushi, I think you found your spot. ENJOY!
(4)Ry C.
My first review! I am over the moon about this place. I've been coming here since I was 16...(now 30) I still enjoy it til this day. The food is very good and very consistent.
(5)Denise G.
I LOVE sushi. I was so excited that I have a sushi restaurant walking distance from me, until I tried it... 3 times. I gave this place 3 chances because I wanted this relationship to work out. I would have even accepted "OK" sushi just for the convenience... no such luck. Let me explain... Honestly, the first time I went, probably a year ago, we had an exceptionally long wait for our food, but I do not recall the meal being particularly bad, or good either. The second time I went, we waited at our table for over 20 min before we got a menu. We were then ignored for 10 more minutes, and finally left. Again, I really wanted this to work out, so I convinced my husband to order take out... no waiting involved, right? Wrong. They told me it would be ready in 20 minutes, and then I proceeded to wait outside the restaurant (because it is so small there is no room to wait inside) for ANOTHER 20 MINUTES. By the time I got home I was angry and hungry... only to find the mushiest, most pathetic sushi I have ever seen or tasted. Sorry, I am done with Ran Zan... I am schlepping my bottom all the way to Cranston for my sushi.
(1)Cristina W.
I would give Ran Zan 10 stars if I could! This is by far the freshest sushi I have had in Providence. The tempura was perfectly crispy and non- greasy. Good bento box lunch deals as well. They even have mochi for dessert! To all of the reviewers who complained of slow service - the place only has 3 employees so give them a break!
(5)Grace R.
This place serves authentic fresh sushi! If you want traditional Japanese food, I will recommend coming here. I can't believe I walked by this restaurant so many times when I was hanging out next to 3 sisters and on Blackstone! The store front might deceive you as "another American style Japanese restaurant". But I was so wrong! With the definition of traditional Japanese food, it also means I have to let go of my greedy jumbo size portion expectation. The sushi/rolls are very small compared to other places in Providence (Haruki East, Tokyo, Sakura, etc) and carry approximately the same price tag. They are literally bite size pieces and you are supposed to take the whole thing in one bite (the Japanese way). I enjoyed every piece of jewel the Japanese grandpa served me. This little family run restaurant is so adorable. Service is excellent and friendly. The restaurant is clean and there is a TV with the Japanese channel on at all times. They truly care about the food they serve you as if you are in Japan! Thank you for saving me a trip to Tokyo.
(4)Katie D.
I don't understand why other reviews said the service was bad- out waitress was friendly and efficient! She answered our questions about the menu without hesitation even though she mentioned she had just started working there. To drink we had hot green tea and sake, which were both delicious. We ordered the seaweed salad and gyoza appetizers which came out very fast and tasted great. Then we got various nigiri and maki, all of them were fresh and flavorful. The red bean ice cream for dessert was awesome too! Ran Zan is definitely my favorite Japanese restaurant in Providence!
(5)Verna W.
no crap, no bull, just straight good sushi. i truly enjoyed my toro (tuna belly) sushi, as well as my salmon and tamago. Their tempura was crispy with pipping hot sauce.
(5)Renee J T.
I am a sushi sashimi lover for a long time I have been to many fine places and many not to fine after reading the many reviews here on Yelp we decided to give this place a try I don't know what to type...they were having an off day or something because usually my yelping brethren are right on when it comes to reviews this is a tiny little place we waited a solid 15 min before someone asked if we wanted a menu finally! the sushi at the next table looked really nice so at this point there was still hope we ordered an avocado salad came pretty fast but nothing to write home about some of the leaves were dark and splotchy then the 2 noodles dishes came while flavor full they had too much ginger still waiting on the 4 pieces of sushi 15 min later finally showed little pieces of tuna and yellowtail and I mean little this was not the blow away fresh I was hoping for sadly when we finally got our check and left I felt bad for the older gentleman sushi chef he looks like a nice guy and I read this is a mom n pop but still I am spending my hard earned $ I want at least decent service and presentation there were at least 5 people working at the time
(2)Annie J.
Soooo good. As in, "I will never go back to the horribly overrated Haruki East" good. Avoid the slow service and lack of atmosphere by ordering to go. Vegetarian friends: Yam roll and Umeshiso roll are amazing. Bonus: Three Sisters is right next door. Perfect for dessert!
(4)Robert R.
I have eaten at nearly all, if not all, sushi restaurants in the providence area. Don't get me wrong, I am still happy with less than par sushi...but RanZan is the freshest and most authentic. If you want frilly and fancy rolls there is Tokyo. If you want overly priced, but fancily plated dragon rolls, there is Haruki East. it should be said that Haruki in Cranston is my favorite 'local' sushi place....but RanZan is fantastic.....and cheap. Those that are complaining of smaller rolls...they don't supersize; this is real sushi that is non-patronizing. Stop being a fat American. Go to RanZan and expect simple straightforward authentic and fresh sushi. Go somewhere else if you want to impress a date with flashy platings and window treatments.
(5)Hilary H.
Call me a sushi fool - I know you will. It's just that it's so easy to get lost in my search for the most magnificent meal this city chock-full of sushi joints has to offer. Sure, I love a crazy concoction that defies the rules of classic sushi, but I have just as much love for the authenticity and simplicity of a simple cut of fish. With Ran-Zan, you get the real deal. No craziness here - just straight-up sushi and tempura from the hands of a true master. This joint is run by a husband and wife team - he cuts the sushi, she does everything else - and it WORKS. When you're in the mood for something simple and devoid of fuss, come to Ran-Zan. Their miso is my favorite - nice bits of seaweed and strong miso flavor. Their salmon nigiri is also some of the best I've encountered, and they don't over-wasabi, which is always buzz-kill for me. The place is simple and sparse, putting all the focus on the food and the service. They also make take-out a snap for those times when you can't be bothered to get out of your sweatpants. I think this no-frills approach to sushi is the closest thing the PVD has to a Japanese home-style meal, and I'm totally into it, kids.
(4)Dat Boi N.
best sushi i've had in ri, as fresh as it gets. i only had the sushi and it was all ballin. other than that everything seemed traditional and legit. free gucci
(5)Anne H.
I love Ran Zan. I live in California and eat sushi often in the Bay Area. I visit my younger daughter in Providence several times each year, and have tried several local Japanese restaurants; Ran Zan is definitely the best. It is comparable to some of the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. Like another reviewer, I really like that the sushi rolls are small, like old-time sushi. And great service.
(5)Paul W.
I like very much the sushi that I ordered. I wish I knew more about Japanese food and was able to explore the menu a little bit more in depth. But I am learning and will continue to grow and find deeper appreciation for this delicious food.
(3)Aina B.
I went here once about 3 years ago and my impression was strongly negative. Sushi was not fresh- the rice, seaweed & fish seemed like they had all been sitting out for days- lumpy, dried out, tough, fishy smelling. Combined with generally bad service and over an hour wait for our food (for a group of 3!) despite the place appearing not too busy- not impressed. I steer my friends away from here as I haven't gone back in years.
(1)Jasmine P.
Very disappointing. I thought I'd give a chance after I read good reviews, But I was disappointed. their sushi is about average... not even good. seaweed was chewy inside the sushi. some smelled fishy... there is no art in presentation... fridge cold pieces. their green tea is good though. Overall: NOT recommended.
(1)Peter D.
My wife and I stopped for a (very) late lunch and were given both dinner and lunch menus at 5 PM. I had Pork Katsu and rice while my wife had chicken teriyaki and noodles. Both were delicious and generous. The proprietress served us and this is the first time in a long time that I have had a Japanese server in a Japanese restaurant. Her English was great. While the lunch was a real bargain, i told my wife that I would like to return for the greater variety of the dinner menu. The decor was suitably minimal for a Japanese establishment.
(4)Chan P.
Ran zan doesnt have alot to choose from but what they have they do well! So not alot of special fancy maki rolls but they have the usual. The sushi rolls are the smallest i've seen from the many sushi restaurants i have eaten at but they are packed with good flavor. I believe that for the fact that they are so small. You enjoy the sushi alot better?? 0_o lol . It's a mom and pop shop..nothing fancy. The service is good. I'd go back. They do loss a star for the fact that they lied about their closing time. Don't tell you close at 9:15 when it clearly says you close at 9:30 on your FREAKEN door and on your website just because you dont want me to dine in..i don't respect that dishonesty. Not cool man.. HUMPH! but besides that i really enjoy the food :) Hubby had: Salmon Teriyaki: The teriyaki sauce was good it was nice and thick the way we like it. ..some places make it watery. Nice size portion ..just enough. It was tasty he ate it all..including his vegetables. Spider Maki: I like the fact that they had scallions in this maki roll it gives it a nice oniony flavor which i enjoy in alot of my foods. The fried soft shell crab was super crunchy which gave the sushi a nice crunch and texture..along with the freshness of the cucumber. Alot of places..dont fry their soft shell crabs right. This was probably my favorite maki of the day. Of course i stole some of his! :P I had: Gyoza: I eat gyoza at almost about every sushi restaurant i can..theirs was ok. Nothing popped out at me. it tasted good. Spicy tuna maki : It was super yummy ..i enjoyed the flavors. They seasoned the tuna properly..with the scallions (which you know mee likey!) . Ranks well with being one of my top favorite sushi spots. Tempura maki: once again..they fried the shrimp right cause it gave the sushi a nice crunch. it played well with the other flavors ..i enjoyed it very much. I will say sakura..makes it better! Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) Nigiri: eh..something about this fish roe didn't smell right..i still ate it ..it was ok. Like it wasnt fresh..but o wells.
(4)T L.
Let me preface this review by saying that I have tried the best fish in the world at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This place is not the best I've had in the US. It is probably the freshest in Providence (I have only tried Haruki and Jackys). The only drawback is that portions seem small to me. The place is owned by Japanese ppl and the food has a "home cooked" feel to it. This is my go to place for sushi from now on. You can tell how good a restaurant is by the freshness of the fish. Haruki's fish was not fresh. In summary, this place may not be as good as restaurants Ive tried in LA or NYC but it's the best so far in Providence for me.
(3)Gretchen M.
The food was okay but the service was terrible. They wouldn't let us order ahead of time. The woman who served us had a clear case of pinkeye which is highly contagious. I asked for the bill early on as I had ot get back to work. He didn't bring it until we asked a second time. Then we asked for a specific amount on the card and the rest cash. He takes it and then spends TWENTY minutes sitting and looking at the cash register and pressing buttons. We get our coats on and push our chair in and show we are ready to go. Finally we have to go over and ask what's going on. He mumbles something unintelligible then hands us the receipts which show he used all the cash and only put the remainder on the card. The amount didn't match the total we had previously been given. When trying to ask him what happened and how he broke it down, he simply didn't answer and just kept looking at the register. Finally we just signed it when he wouldn't answer any of our questions. He didn't seem to be aware of what planet he was on, much less how to charge a credit card.
(1)Kel S.
This place was OK. The sushi was "no frills" and is rather inexpensive. Considering I hadn't had sushi in 3 mos., just about anything would have done. The rolls were small and we ended up sharing 6 between the 2 of us. I still could've had more. The service was slow and the sushi was ok. I would give it another try...
(3)Sohini R.
Having resolved to not eat meat for as long as I can in 2012, my sushi craving is pretty constant. We hadn't ventured outside of Haruki East, but last night my husband used Yelp to help us find Ranzan. It was delicious, and so awesome to see the small restaurant fill up with lots of folks over the course of our dinner. The tempura roll was delicious and light, and the umeshiso was powerfully sour -- a great palate cleanser for the end of our meal. The agedashi tofu appetizer took me back to my trip to Kyoto in 2011 - you won't be disappointed with it. As other Yelpers have said, Ranzan is now my go-to sushi place!
(4)Rob G.
Small and can be slow, but the ABSOLUTE BEST sushi in town!!!
(5)Michael P.
I've eaten a lot of sushi, and Ran Zan is among the freshest I've ever had. There aren't a lot of fancy house special rolls here, but with fish of this high quality, who needs all that flash? Service is excellent, as is the cozy atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable.
(5)Caitlin W.
I feel really bad for giving this place a bad review but I must. I went with two other people here last Friday night. We walked in and stood there for five minutes before they told us we could choose any table we wanted. The interior was nothing special wooden tables, no decorations, and a sushi bar. The sushi chef must have been around 80 years old with a much younger apprentice working along side of him. We sat down and just waited until about 15 minutes later the waitress walked by and said oh do you need some menus? Well of course we did. We all looked over the menu and they seemed to have many tasty choices. We waited another 15 minutes before they came to ask us about what drinks we wanted. We all just had water. I ordered a buckwheat vegetable noodle dish and a miso soup. The miso soup had a tasty broth but only had 2 small cubes of tofu and some shreds of seaweed. The noodle dish was good except wow did they add to much ginger to the huge chunks of cabbage which were barely cooked. I was less then enthused with the service. They never once came to fill up our water glasses so they sat empty our whole dining experience. I was very parched but the waitress was no where to be seen. All the other diners around us seemed to be enjoying their meals and their service. I felt like the neglected stepchild table. Maybe it was just an off day for this place because all the other reviews seemed great so I am sad that I had such a poor experience.
(2)J C.
The Sushi here is AMAZING! And the Fried Fish is out of this world. I honestly could not stop eating. Everything was done perfectly.. We are definitely planning to go back again this week... The lady who served us was rather nice and I didn't think the food took long. (This is not McDonald's & it is nice to know that they cook it fresh rather than defrost some precooked thing in the back) P.S. There are early-bird specials that are really affordable! YAY I am happy to have a good Japanese restaurant nearby. THANK YOU Ran Zan! P.P.S After having eaten at Ran Zan several times, I have to say that it is my favourite Japanese restaurant in Providence. The food is authentic
(5)Jennifer J.
So I was shocked when this appeared as a review request because I can't believe I hadn't reviewed it already. It's part of a perfect dinner (the second being ice cream at 3 sisters next door). They have WONDERFUL sushi! It's family owned & family run. You can always tell a good place because when the owners go on vacation they close down. Just looking at the pictures is making me CRAVE right now, my mouth is actually watering and I'm dying for some Hamachi! GO GO GO!!
(5)Michaela K.
Really, the best sushi in PVD. The Agi Dashi Tofu here is tasty too!
(4)Jen S.
Staff was somewhat friendly. Sushi presentation was good but not tasty. Will not go again
(2)Danielle B.
Ive been to Ran Zan two times, and both times I tried to order the Yamakake (Tuna and Japanese Yam) but have been discouraged. Told that it is too "sticky". Next time i'm sticking to my guns and ordering it! We ordered the Tako Su (Octopus and seaweed seasoned in vinegar sauce) and it was great, tender with a great taste and only cost $6.00. The Hiya-yakko (Chilled tofu) was good, as far as chilled tofu goes, and had a good firm consistency. We also ordered 3 rolls, and something happened and they never came, we were starving at this point and left wondering what happened to our sushi. It was very busy (lots of take out orders going on) At this point we asked another waitress for an order of Shrimp Yakisoba and that came before the sushi rolls. There had been a mix up. It was ok because the Yakisoba was out of this world. Better than the rolls which we eventually got. (Spicy Tekka Roll was tasty, Philadelphia had too much cream cheese, and the crab/asparagus roll was a little bland). Im giving Ran Zan a four star review based on the spicy tekka yakisoba and the tako su. service was really slow though.
(4)Kim S.
As far as I'm concerned, Ran Zan was one of the first Japanese/Sushi spots in RI and they are still there. I think that says something. Ran Zan isn't about trendy decor, they are about authentic Japanese cuisine with real Japanese people chef'n it up.
(3)Julie A.
RanZan is a great, small authentic Japanese Sushi restaurant. The service and prices and sushi are great. I recommend the agedashi tofu appetizer (with bonito flakes). And the Calpico drink. It's my favorite sushi place in the city. (Closed on Mondays).
(5)Irapuca P.
One of my favorite japanese restaurants. The food is probably the best in Providence..but the service can be painfully slow at times. It's still worth the trip.
(4)Sean M.
This is easily the best sushi in Providence. The most authentic, freshest and delicious around. The menu sticks to the basics and the restaurant has a mom and pop type feel t it. Nothing is pre-prepared so everything you order is fresh and delicious.
(5)Zac C.
I got carry out and was disappointed in the size of the rolls. The miso soup was good but the rainbow roll was lacking for a special roll...I would rather go to Tokyo or Sakura. However, it still deserves a second chance when I eat at the restaurant.
(2)Pete Z.
My friend had referred me to this restaurant after I asked him if there were any good restaurants in Providence that I may not yet have been to. After living in Providence for 2+ years, I had never even seen it when driving by on Hope Street. I took my friend up on his word and was very disappointed with the portion size. While the sushi rolls are reasonably priced, the pieces are very tiny. The salad was so-so as were the sushi rolls. The service was not very attentive or friendly. I'll hit up the other sushi restaurants in Providence. I called my friend afterwards and he mentioned he liked eating small sushi pieces and getting takeout which probably explains why he liked it and I didn't.
(2)Olivia B.
Nothing too fancy about this restaurant. But it is super authentic and it is a mamas and papas restaurant. Don't expect fancy fusion rolls. Those are all about the sauces anyways with a lot of calories. Expect authentic sushi and hot food in a real Japanese way. I loved there Takoyaki and donburi!
(4)Jessica L.
I've been to a lot of different Japanese restaurants and this is by far the most traditional and fresh. No fancy plating or any blinking lights on your plate. it's just straight up fresh sushi! Their Katsu-don is super delicious and potato korokke is a "must order"! I always get a mix of ikura& salmon rice bowl even though it's not on the menu. They can customize it for you if you ask. If you're looking for authentic udon, their nabeyaki udon is the best in town! It doesn't get any better than a big bowl of nabeyaki udon during the winter season!!!
(5)Chelsea W.
Very nice restaurant setup given its smaller size. I ordered the sashimi and shared a gyoza appetizer. The fish was very fresh, the portions were smaller than I exected but I appreciate the authenticity of the food.
(4)Philip C.
Pros: Best Sushi and Sashami in Providence Service is sometimes super awesome and friendly Great lunch prices Gluten Free soy sauce Super legit interior Reasonably priced Cons: Service is usually not super awesome Sashimi can be too fishy for western palates Summary: Best sushi in Rhode Island. Far and away
(4)Olivia B.
Nothing too fancy about this restaurant. But it is super authentic and it is a mamas and papas restaurant. Don't expect fancy fusion rolls. Those are all about the sauces anyways with a lot of calories. Expect authentic sushi and hot food in a real Japanese way. I loved there Takoyaki and donburi!
(4)A Z.
Tasty little spot here. When we walked in, some guy in the corner who saw us pondering the menu outside said "good choice, best in Providence!" The spider roll (soft shell crab and other goodies) and Katsu Don were delicious. The fried ice cream was massive, like a ball of ice cream wrapped in tons of delicious fried dough. Super friendly service and cute little spot.
(4)Mark A.
Ran Zan serves authentic Japanese comfort food cuisine. With the popularity and abundance of Asian Fusion restaurants in Rhode Island. Even the big Hibachi themed restaurants in Rhode Island was not true to Japanese Cuisine. I was hard pressed to find a Japanese Restaurant that served comfort foods you would typically find in a Japanese Yatai. Foods like: Takoyaki (savory pancake-like filled balls smothered in a traditional woresershire sauce topped with pickled ginger, seaweed, and smoked bonito flakes). My favorite dish here is the Katsu-don', an egg and onion rice bowl topped with a panko-crusted pork cutlet. As reported in other reviews, the sushi rice is authentic and not muted at all. From observing the Chef, genuine care is taken when preparing the Sushi. But because most people have experienced the heavily-sauced laden & crumb sprinkled Asian-fusion rolls and enormous nigiri pieces (on plain white rice), I fear some may not appreciate the simplicity of authentic and right-sized sushi. Order the green tea (ocha) and what you get is a genuine cup of Japanese green tea (sencha if I'm not mistaken) that is actually green. The interior is clean but not fancy (and it's not supposed to be fancy). You almost get the feeling of being is an Izakaya (a small Japanese casual bar), with associated ambiance like Japanese TV shows playing in the background. Ran Zan is a prime example of a restaurant where the food is the star not the location. As the years go by, I urge the owners of Ran Zan to stay true to their roots and not compromise. Continue to serve traditional Japanese Cuisine. If they were to expand their menu I recommend adding Okonomiyaki, katsu-kari (or any Japanese curry dishes), and/or add a Yakitori grill to serve the variety of skewered delights found in Japan.
(5)TJ S.
When I want authentic Japanese food that I grew up in Tokyo, Ranzan is where I go. It is not a "trendy" fusion Japanese/Asian place that pretends and looks like Japanese. This place is the real thing. If you prefer the subtle seasoning and delicate presentation of real Japanese food, them go there. It is a small joint with very simple decor. Nothing fancy about it but the food is why you want to come here. The Japanese owner couple has been running this place for over 17 years. This is a timeless expression of passion for the authentic food prepared the way I know them to be true. You will not find stupid "hibachi" tricks that you will in so many fake Japanese restaurants like Ichigo Ichie.
(4)Skimmilk K.
Great sushi and the agedashi tofu is amazing! We had the spider roll and about 5 orders of salmon sashimi. The sashimi tasted like butter. The tofu was perfectly seasoned. Even though I live near another sushi place, I would gladly drive an extra 5 minutes to come here. The prices are very reasonable. I also like the fact that this seems like a family owned business. Very authentic.
(5)Dan W.
Great celebration at Ran Zan. Food was very good, service very accommodating to our special needs.
(4)Eric C.
I have been looking for a decent Japanese restaurant that wasn't catered only towards those looking for weird combination rolls for an all you can eat price. I have heard from my fellow yelpers over and over again that the freshest catch around will be found here. Located at on the side of Hope Street that is past Cook and Brown and beyond the park where they have the farmer's market, Ran Zan is an unassuming establishment that may be easy for you to miss if you aren't already looking. Looking for parking? plenty on the street or you can pull into the gas station area and keep going to the back of the restaurant where there is more free parking. They have a 5-6 seater sushi bar but many tables around for you to choose. You are addressed quickly and sat quickly. The menu isn't extensive but it has your staples! I believe they must have one of the longest appetizer menus around so you can almost do a tapas order! We ordered the Yakitori chicken which was chicken marinated on skewers with scallions in between. If you've never had this before, you're missing out. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The sauce is not overbearing and just enough for you to want to devour the rest of the skewer... yes the skewer and all. The scallions add an extra umph in between. Pull the chicken off then eat it lest you pierce yourself! The Tako Su was also VERY tender and flavorful with octopus slices on a bed of seaweed (the octopus is cooked). If there was anything to remind me what the sea tasted like, that was it! Had a Chuka Salad which was crunchy fresh and refreshing. It's a bowel full of seaweed with vinegar and some spices on top. Quite lovely to have to start the meal. The soft shell crab was appropriately crunchy, seasoned and soft all at the same time. be careful not to burn your mouth! Miso soup was, well, miso soup. How can you go wrong? (It came with the entrees). We also had a sushi deluxe and a sashimi deluxe as well. I think that if you have 2 people who are just in to have a taste, you can have one to share. We came in with large appetites... and of course I was on a low carb diet. Let me preface by saying all the fish I had was fresh but my favorite by far was the tuna. Succulent lush pieces of fish cut perfectly as you would want to have it so that you can take small bites and savor the freshness of the fish! A great place to be. Nice cute place with really excellent fish. After all... that's what you want with your sashimi isn't it?
(5)Xiao Z.
One of the rare gems in Providence, as it embodied almost everything I'd come to love about good sushi and home-in-the-wall goodness. This place is run by a really nice couple, and all of their fish taste freshly caught, and do not contain any of the post-frozen aftertaste that accompany many of the other store-bought or restaurant fish. I came here for lunch and got the deluxe sushi plate, which contained a smattering of unique sushi pieces, in addition to a roll of California rolls and tuna rolls (Tekka) with a very authentic, savory bowl of miso soup. The agedashi dofu was amazing, and for $5, you got 4 large pieces of tofu with freshly grated boshi. In retrospect, after having such fresh sushi, I kinda regret getting the California and tuna rolls, but even they were delicious with the amazing sushi rice. Ultimately, I really enjoyed my lunch here, and was very pleasantly full. Food: 4 stars Price: 4 stars Service: 4 stars
(4)Dominic W.
This place is great if you have some extra time on your hands and aren't in a hurry! Really authentic - the couple who owns it actually do all the cooking. The sushi chef prepares all of his fish and makes fantastic nigiri. The wife prepares most of the cooked foods. This place basically reminds me of home. The sushi rolls are small, just like mom makes them. Nigiri is fresh, and atmosphere is chill. There's Japanese TV in the background (like a TLC channel) that the sushi chef turns louder for me when I sit at the sushi bar :) Only complaint really is slow service when there are a few tables occupied. Some of the bento boxes aren't as high class, but as I said before this place is more like a home-place. I will always come back to this restaurant. Great lunch deals too!
(4)Jaclyn P.
The decor at Ran Zan is basic but the sushi is authentic and the atmosphere is just right. Friendly service and decent prices make this little sushi spot definitely worth checking out. The menu consists of sushi, noodles, tempura dishes, seaweed dishes, soups and more. Also, I really liked that even though my husband and I have been eating sushi for decades, they had items on their menu that even we hadn't heard of. It's not just California Rolls here and that's a VERY good thing!
(4)Joyce N.
This little restaurant could not be more welcoming on a cold winter day! My boyfriend and I walked in hoping to share a couple rolls on a frigid day post-Nemo. We shared a roll combo (salmon, tuna, + california roll) with a choice of soup/salad and another Philadelphia roll. The rolls were amazing, and I usually don't even like basic california rolls! The salmon and tuna were fresh. Seeing how cold it was outside, the owner gave us another round of miso soup and finished off with 2 pieces of nigiri on the house. We were astounded by the service (and our stomachs were amazed by how much food they were getting)! They have a great selection of combo rolls ranging from nigiri and sashimi to rolls. I also noted their early bento box specials, which I will have to go back to try!
(5)Ryan D.
Honestly, not bad Ran Zan, not bad. Walking into Ran Zan, you are not really greeted but it is a no frills Japanese place, so you find your table. Sushi was pretty good, not spectacular but pretty good. Have to give them a high five for the frozen beer glass, it's the small things. If you are in the area and you don't want to drive a little bit down Blackstone to Lim's in Wayland, I recommend Ran Zan. However for the price and quality, I will recommend Lim's to everyone.
(3)Ohoh Heyla B.
Delicious, clean sushi I love this place. Been here twice now. They have a very simple menu, no giant, heavy, have to dislocate you jaw to eat makis. The rolls are made like sushi should be. Simple flavors in bite sized pieces with the right amount of ingredients and full of flavor. The staff is friendly and the restaurant itself is small, but just as a little sushi joint should be. Oh and it's two doors away from a great homemade ice cream shop (three sisters). I live about 30 away from Ran Zan, but would definitely make a trip out once in a while to meet my sushi craving.
(5)Neha S.
Easily the best Japanese place in Providence. The interiors are casual, warm, and intimate. The place is run by the most adorable elderly couple (he cooks and she handles everything else). I highly recommend the avocado salad, the salmon and avocado roll, the spicy tuna roll, and the tempura roll. Also, this place is right next to Three Sisters, so I like to head there for some ice cream afterwards. A word of caution: this restaurant is pretty small and they don't take reservations, so be prepared for a wait on weekends. Also, because this place is a 2-person operation, the food does take awhile, so not a place to come if you're starving or in a rush.
(5)Max G.
I love this place. It is an excellent lunch spot. The katsudon is perfectly done, with crisp cutlet, sweet simmer sauce, a bit of red pickled ginger, and a sprinkling of blue laver seaweed flakes. While I know how to make katsudon at home, one simply can't beat Ran Zan, for either food or atmosphere. It feels like a little hole in the wall that leads to Japan. It isn't flashy, but it doesn't need to be. There isn't any better Japanese food in the area. If you want a quick and tasty meal, make a stop here.
(5)Liz T.
Finally... the real deal. I'll be the first to admit that I totally dig American-style super-sized maki rolls. Sometimes, you're super hungry and just want that familiar satisfaction. But if you want truly authentic, fresh and so clean clean, Japanese-style sushi, Ran Zan is really your only choice in Providence. Let's start with the atmospheric pressure. You walk in and already feel like you're in a petite hole-in-the-wall Tokyo style sushi cafe/bistro. The man behind the sushi counter is this elderly white-haired Japanese man with a full-out white beard. It's like he's straight out of a Kabuki drama. Then, you glance to the left, double take, and realize that OH YES. There are Japanese variety shows playing in the background. And J-pop tween Justin Bieber look-alikes singing in technicolor fields. The rest of this joint is run by the sushi-man's wife, who keeps the operation homey--"When you're here, you're family." Er... maybe Olive Garden comparisons are inaccurate here. But you get what I'm saying. Now let's get to the sushi. Seriously--no joke FRESHEST fish in town. I don't even understand where they stock this fish, given that there's no hint of artificial preservation, and no hint of that rubbery texture indicating it's been sitting out for a while. The tuna just melts in your mouth. The imitation crab tastes like delicately chopped fresh fish mixed in a homemade stock. If it is not apparent, I am a huge fan. Hands down, no comparison, your one stop wonder for Japanese food in Providence.
(5)Daniel S.
The ONLY authentic Japanese restaurant in PVD!
(5)Ilana R.
Our all time Favorite, can't get more authentic quality and warm hearted service. Since we moved away to NYC we gave up on finding equal quality japanese restaurants, so we just hold off and come to Ran Zan whenever we find any excuse to come through RI. The Bento boxes are unbeatable and so modestly priced, and the sushi is the richest tasting ever. It is a place of rest and waiting in anticipation for the great food makes it quite a zen like experience. Very often , the owner sneaks off into the kitchen to help prepare the food , giving it a personal touch. Everything is made with Love and pride. Ginko and Tadao, thank you for your warm smiles and for making us feel like home !
(5)Kiho S.
Great Japanese restaurant in Providence! I did not eat in a lot of restaurants in Providence, but, for me, this is the best Japanese restaurant in Providence. I ate their tempura, sushi, noodle, seaweed, and few more, and they were all great. It is pretty far from where I lived, but it is worth to try.
(5)Amanda B.
I stopped in this place for some take out and was pretty happy with it. Some if the sushi places in providence are a little shady when it comes to cleanliness but not this place. My one issues was that for the price the maki rolls were pretty tiny. Other than that the service was fast and friendly.
(3)Kara M.
Been here 5 times, recently they have a new sushi maker, can I tell u the sushi was 4 chopsticks wide! They took it back just to add more rice to think it's normal. Very disappointed. I put a pic up holding my chop sticks next to my sushi, it was 1 chop stick off of being Tht thin! But besides my one bad day. The sushi is always fresh here and this is the only place in Pawtucket to get sushi. It is good sushi to.
(5)Jo P.
If you are looking for great, traditional Sushi - this is your place. No frills, no bells and no whistles. Straight up FRESH fish, fantastic sashimi, and great tempura. When I say no frills, I mean it. Dining room is small, tight and barely decorated. It can get busy, as there are many diehard regulars to compete with for tables. But once you are seated, you are in for a treat. If you are into Toro, and they have it, it won't disappoint. Inexpensive drink prices, and friendly (albeit sometimes lax) service. This is a spot you come to for the food, and the food is 5 stars. I rarely base reviews on food alone, but when it comes to Sushi, there are just far too many places that serve mediocre fish in a nicely decorated locale. Here you have almost the opposite, and that beats all in my book when raw food is involved.
(5)Ariana T.
My fav sushi place, by far. Never a disappointment, consistent quality and friendly, efficient service.
(5)Alma C.
Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant in this town that can make the sushi rice correctly (and yes, I've tried them all). Enough said.
(4)Mary G.
This is a small, authentic Japanese restaurant with the freshest sushi I have had in a very long time. My family went here while visiting my son at Brown. We loved the Japanese game show playing on the TV in the small bar area and listening to the owner speaking in Japanese with some other diners. All the food was great, but we especially liked the soft shell crab tempura and the takoyaki (octopus). Prices are very reasonable. A great place to visit if you are looking for a Restaurant away from the busy Providence center.
(4)Chuckwho C.
Ran Zan's got the whole RI Japanese food world shook up. Ran Zan has excellent Japanese food besides their sushi. Bento Boxes are excellent and an insane value. Yakisoba is the best i've had. The Katsu dishes are also exceptional. But none of that matters to me anymore as their Nigiri Sushi has locked me in its wondrous web of deliciousness. For real I haven't gotten anything else at Ran Zan since they convinced me to go down the Nigiri route. The fish is super fresh, the rice is perfectly sticky. I've gone there twice in the same day and gotta a cutting board of nigiri both times. Don't get me wrong their rolls benefit from the same freshness but why throw all that cutter in there when you came round for the fish and rice? The people running the Zan are excellent as well, real homely feeling place and you know the fam is there running the joint. None of this ultra douchey, valet my BMW 318 with M3 badges and let me order a super funky ultra fruity fresh fried beef somehow considered sushi roll. Nope just a small place serving damn good Japanese food. Did I mention the Nigiri?
(5)Daisy K.
I have lived in Japan for a total of three years. I am a practitioner of the Japanese tea ceremony for more than a decade and have had the chance to study Japanese fine cuisine as part of that training. Ran Zan is the only sushi restaurant I will eat at in Providence and I've tried plenty of them over 6 years here. This is the one that is *actually run by Japanese people*! Who are friendly and low-key! Who don't charge an arm and a leg and who balance out American-crowd-pleasing rolls with the real nigiri deal and a good selection of other reasonably priced Japanese restaurant favorites like seaweed salad, agedashi dofu, and tempura. No fireworks, no over-the-top fancy decor flourishes, just decent well-made food and drink, friendly service, and fair prices.
(5)R O.
This is some of the freshest sushi I have had, and best in Providence. I went a few months ago and don't quite remember all of the offerings, but I got some nigiri and sashimi, and they were super fresh, not mushy at all. I am sure some of the more elaborate rolls with the sauces are good too, but Ran Zan does a great job at nailing the authentic, pure options like these. I wish I was still in the area to have it again and try their other things. The restaurant is small, but it's got a nice, quiet ambience.
(5)Bebe B.
I'm a FAN! I love this place. We have been going here for a few years and it has become one of our favorites. The decor is simple, no glitz or glam here. The service, well, its slow. However, the food and the service is great (if you can get over the wait.) I love the Sushi chef, he greets everyone with a warm smile, we love to sit at the bar and watch him prepare his roll, and we take in Japanese game shows. If you are looking for fresh, straight forward sushi, I think you found your spot. ENJOY!
(4)Ry C.
My first review! I am over the moon about this place. I've been coming here since I was 16...(now 30) I still enjoy it til this day. The food is very good and very consistent.
(5)Denise G.
I LOVE sushi. I was so excited that I have a sushi restaurant walking distance from me, until I tried it... 3 times. I gave this place 3 chances because I wanted this relationship to work out. I would have even accepted "OK" sushi just for the convenience... no such luck. Let me explain... Honestly, the first time I went, probably a year ago, we had an exceptionally long wait for our food, but I do not recall the meal being particularly bad, or good either. The second time I went, we waited at our table for over 20 min before we got a menu. We were then ignored for 10 more minutes, and finally left. Again, I really wanted this to work out, so I convinced my husband to order take out... no waiting involved, right? Wrong. They told me it would be ready in 20 minutes, and then I proceeded to wait outside the restaurant (because it is so small there is no room to wait inside) for ANOTHER 20 MINUTES. By the time I got home I was angry and hungry... only to find the mushiest, most pathetic sushi I have ever seen or tasted. Sorry, I am done with Ran Zan... I am schlepping my bottom all the way to Cranston for my sushi.
(1)Grace R.
This place serves authentic fresh sushi! If you want traditional Japanese food, I will recommend coming here. I can't believe I walked by this restaurant so many times when I was hanging out next to 3 sisters and on Blackstone! The store front might deceive you as "another American style Japanese restaurant". But I was so wrong! With the definition of traditional Japanese food, it also means I have to let go of my greedy jumbo size portion expectation. The sushi/rolls are very small compared to other places in Providence (Haruki East, Tokyo, Sakura, etc) and carry approximately the same price tag. They are literally bite size pieces and you are supposed to take the whole thing in one bite (the Japanese way). I enjoyed every piece of jewel the Japanese grandpa served me. This little family run restaurant is so adorable. Service is excellent and friendly. The restaurant is clean and there is a TV with the Japanese channel on at all times. They truly care about the food they serve you as if you are in Japan! Thank you for saving me a trip to Tokyo.
(4)Katie D.
I don't understand why other reviews said the service was bad- out waitress was friendly and efficient! She answered our questions about the menu without hesitation even though she mentioned she had just started working there. To drink we had hot green tea and sake, which were both delicious. We ordered the seaweed salad and gyoza appetizers which came out very fast and tasted great. Then we got various nigiri and maki, all of them were fresh and flavorful. The red bean ice cream for dessert was awesome too! Ran Zan is definitely my favorite Japanese restaurant in Providence!
(5)Verna W.
no crap, no bull, just straight good sushi. i truly enjoyed my toro (tuna belly) sushi, as well as my salmon and tamago. Their tempura was crispy with pipping hot sauce.
(5)Renee J T.
I am a sushi sashimi lover for a long time I have been to many fine places and many not to fine after reading the many reviews here on Yelp we decided to give this place a try I don't know what to type...they were having an off day or something because usually my yelping brethren are right on when it comes to reviews this is a tiny little place we waited a solid 15 min before someone asked if we wanted a menu finally! the sushi at the next table looked really nice so at this point there was still hope we ordered an avocado salad came pretty fast but nothing to write home about some of the leaves were dark and splotchy then the 2 noodles dishes came while flavor full they had too much ginger still waiting on the 4 pieces of sushi 15 min later finally showed little pieces of tuna and yellowtail and I mean little this was not the blow away fresh I was hoping for sadly when we finally got our check and left I felt bad for the older gentleman sushi chef he looks like a nice guy and I read this is a mom n pop but still I am spending my hard earned $ I want at least decent service and presentation there were at least 5 people working at the time
(2)Annie J.
Soooo good. As in, "I will never go back to the horribly overrated Haruki East" good. Avoid the slow service and lack of atmosphere by ordering to go. Vegetarian friends: Yam roll and Umeshiso roll are amazing. Bonus: Three Sisters is right next door. Perfect for dessert!
(4)Cristina W.
I would give Ran Zan 10 stars if I could! This is by far the freshest sushi I have had in Providence. The tempura was perfectly crispy and non- greasy. Good bento box lunch deals as well. They even have mochi for dessert! To all of the reviewers who complained of slow service - the place only has 3 employees so give them a break!
(5)Peter D.
My wife and I stopped for a (very) late lunch and were given both dinner and lunch menus at 5 PM. I had Pork Katsu and rice while my wife had chicken teriyaki and noodles. Both were delicious and generous. The proprietress served us and this is the first time in a long time that I have had a Japanese server in a Japanese restaurant. Her English was great. While the lunch was a real bargain, i told my wife that I would like to return for the greater variety of the dinner menu. The decor was suitably minimal for a Japanese establishment.
(4)Chan P.
Ran zan doesnt have alot to choose from but what they have they do well! So not alot of special fancy maki rolls but they have the usual. The sushi rolls are the smallest i've seen from the many sushi restaurants i have eaten at but they are packed with good flavor. I believe that for the fact that they are so small. You enjoy the sushi alot better?? 0_o lol . It's a mom and pop shop..nothing fancy. The service is good. I'd go back. They do loss a star for the fact that they lied about their closing time. Don't tell you close at 9:15 when it clearly says you close at 9:30 on your FREAKEN door and on your website just because you dont want me to dine in..i don't respect that dishonesty. Not cool man.. HUMPH! but besides that i really enjoy the food :) Hubby had: Salmon Teriyaki: The teriyaki sauce was good it was nice and thick the way we like it. ..some places make it watery. Nice size portion ..just enough. It was tasty he ate it all..including his vegetables. Spider Maki: I like the fact that they had scallions in this maki roll it gives it a nice oniony flavor which i enjoy in alot of my foods. The fried soft shell crab was super crunchy which gave the sushi a nice crunch and texture..along with the freshness of the cucumber. Alot of places..dont fry their soft shell crabs right. This was probably my favorite maki of the day. Of course i stole some of his! :P I had: Gyoza: I eat gyoza at almost about every sushi restaurant i can..theirs was ok. Nothing popped out at me. it tasted good. Spicy tuna maki : It was super yummy ..i enjoyed the flavors. They seasoned the tuna properly..with the scallions (which you know mee likey!) . Ranks well with being one of my top favorite sushi spots. Tempura maki: once again..they fried the shrimp right cause it gave the sushi a nice crunch. it played well with the other flavors ..i enjoyed it very much. I will say sakura..makes it better! Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) Nigiri: eh..something about this fish roe didn't smell right..i still ate it ..it was ok. Like it wasnt fresh..but o wells.
(4)T L.
Let me preface this review by saying that I have tried the best fish in the world at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This place is not the best I've had in the US. It is probably the freshest in Providence (I have only tried Haruki and Jackys). The only drawback is that portions seem small to me. The place is owned by Japanese ppl and the food has a "home cooked" feel to it. This is my go to place for sushi from now on. You can tell how good a restaurant is by the freshness of the fish. Haruki's fish was not fresh. In summary, this place may not be as good as restaurants Ive tried in LA or NYC but it's the best so far in Providence for me.
(3)Gretchen M.
The food was okay but the service was terrible. They wouldn't let us order ahead of time. The woman who served us had a clear case of pinkeye which is highly contagious. I asked for the bill early on as I had ot get back to work. He didn't bring it until we asked a second time. Then we asked for a specific amount on the card and the rest cash. He takes it and then spends TWENTY minutes sitting and looking at the cash register and pressing buttons. We get our coats on and push our chair in and show we are ready to go. Finally we have to go over and ask what's going on. He mumbles something unintelligible then hands us the receipts which show he used all the cash and only put the remainder on the card. The amount didn't match the total we had previously been given. When trying to ask him what happened and how he broke it down, he simply didn't answer and just kept looking at the register. Finally we just signed it when he wouldn't answer any of our questions. He didn't seem to be aware of what planet he was on, much less how to charge a credit card.
(1)Kel S.
This place was OK. The sushi was "no frills" and is rather inexpensive. Considering I hadn't had sushi in 3 mos., just about anything would have done. The rolls were small and we ended up sharing 6 between the 2 of us. I still could've had more. The service was slow and the sushi was ok. I would give it another try...
(3)Sohini R.
Having resolved to not eat meat for as long as I can in 2012, my sushi craving is pretty constant. We hadn't ventured outside of Haruki East, but last night my husband used Yelp to help us find Ranzan. It was delicious, and so awesome to see the small restaurant fill up with lots of folks over the course of our dinner. The tempura roll was delicious and light, and the umeshiso was powerfully sour -- a great palate cleanser for the end of our meal. The agedashi tofu appetizer took me back to my trip to Kyoto in 2011 - you won't be disappointed with it. As other Yelpers have said, Ranzan is now my go-to sushi place!
(4)Rob G.
Small and can be slow, but the ABSOLUTE BEST sushi in town!!!
(5)Michael P.
I've eaten a lot of sushi, and Ran Zan is among the freshest I've ever had. There aren't a lot of fancy house special rolls here, but with fish of this high quality, who needs all that flash? Service is excellent, as is the cozy atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable.
(5)Caitlin W.
I feel really bad for giving this place a bad review but I must. I went with two other people here last Friday night. We walked in and stood there for five minutes before they told us we could choose any table we wanted. The interior was nothing special wooden tables, no decorations, and a sushi bar. The sushi chef must have been around 80 years old with a much younger apprentice working along side of him. We sat down and just waited until about 15 minutes later the waitress walked by and said oh do you need some menus? Well of course we did. We all looked over the menu and they seemed to have many tasty choices. We waited another 15 minutes before they came to ask us about what drinks we wanted. We all just had water. I ordered a buckwheat vegetable noodle dish and a miso soup. The miso soup had a tasty broth but only had 2 small cubes of tofu and some shreds of seaweed. The noodle dish was good except wow did they add to much ginger to the huge chunks of cabbage which were barely cooked. I was less then enthused with the service. They never once came to fill up our water glasses so they sat empty our whole dining experience. I was very parched but the waitress was no where to be seen. All the other diners around us seemed to be enjoying their meals and their service. I felt like the neglected stepchild table. Maybe it was just an off day for this place because all the other reviews seemed great so I am sad that I had such a poor experience.
(2)J C.
The Sushi here is AMAZING! And the Fried Fish is out of this world. I honestly could not stop eating. Everything was done perfectly.. We are definitely planning to go back again this week... The lady who served us was rather nice and I didn't think the food took long. (This is not McDonald's & it is nice to know that they cook it fresh rather than defrost some precooked thing in the back) P.S. There are early-bird specials that are really affordable! YAY I am happy to have a good Japanese restaurant nearby. THANK YOU Ran Zan! P.P.S After having eaten at Ran Zan several times, I have to say that it is my favourite Japanese restaurant in Providence. The food is authentic
(5)Jennifer J.
So I was shocked when this appeared as a review request because I can't believe I hadn't reviewed it already. It's part of a perfect dinner (the second being ice cream at 3 sisters next door). They have WONDERFUL sushi! It's family owned & family run. You can always tell a good place because when the owners go on vacation they close down. Just looking at the pictures is making me CRAVE right now, my mouth is actually watering and I'm dying for some Hamachi! GO GO GO!!
(5)Michaela K.
Really, the best sushi in PVD. The Agi Dashi Tofu here is tasty too!
(4)Jen S.
Staff was somewhat friendly. Sushi presentation was good but not tasty. Will not go again
(2)Nicole F.
Went there on a Saturday night and was seated immediately -- no wait! That always makes me happy. I should mention up-front that I'm not a real sushi fan, meaning that I don't eat the raw stuff. But I ordered some of the cooked rolls and they were great. One complaint: Not being a fan of raw fish, I usually order California rolls or shrimp tempura and stuff like that. But with California rolls, I opt for "real crab," which is usually on the menu at most sushi places. Ran Zan only offered the fake crab California rolls. Also ordered some edamame and shrimp dumplings, which were good, but standard. My dinner companion also was not a typical sushi-eater, so we also ordered a cooked noodle and chicken dish, which was pretty good. The chicken definitely needed more seasoning, though. The service was great during my visit. The waitress paced our meal very nicely. We also ordered green tea, which was brought out to us in two mugs. It was fine, but I'm used to getting a little pot of tea to pour myself! Perhaps most importantly, the prices were great. Gotta love cheap and tasty eats!
(4)Amanda P.
I'm gonna give it only 4 stars because of really, really slow service. Let's just say that you should only be patronizing this place on nights when you're in the mood for a slow, leisurely dinner. That said, the fish here is fab. I have hot dreams about the salmon sashimi.
(4)S S.
This is for the non-sushi lovers out there, like me. It's a great place to eat! The noodle and meat dishes are reasonably priced and excellent quality, and the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. It's the perfect place to meet up with friends and chat about your week over laughter, conversation and green tea. It's a small place, though - keep that in mind when making plans. 5-6 people is the limit I'd use. There is plenty of parking along the park. I've only ever been when Brown and RISD aren't in session, so I can't speak to availability or bad hours to go there. It's well worth any wait, though.
(4)Mary beth C.
Ran Zan is the most authentic Japanese restaurant that I have been to in the United States. Having lived in Japan for 2 years, I am very picky with my sushi and sashimi and Ran Zan's rolls are always fresh, made to order and delicious. I love that it is a family owned operation. The service is ok. The atmosphere is sparse but it is authentic and what you would find in Japan.
(5)Charles S.
Enjoyed the food but agree with other reviewers - busy and inconsistent service. Have had a few meals at the restaurant and thought we'd avoid the dine-in experience by ordering take-out. Called the restaurant and was told they were too busy and could not do it (although I am putting it a bit more politely than they did). Ended up ordering from Haruki - bet they were more than happy to get our business. *Price per person really depends on items you select - can easily get expensive if it is a lot of sushi, but some gyoza and an udon noodle dish won't set you back too much.
(3)shshila l.
love love love the food and service. very japanese home cooking. @Danielle B. try Yamakake!! it is not sticky. it is light and fluffy!!
(5)Danielle B.
Ive been to Ran Zan two times, and both times I tried to order the Yamakake (Tuna and Japanese Yam) but have been discouraged. Told that it is too "sticky". Next time i'm sticking to my guns and ordering it! We ordered the Tako Su (Octopus and seaweed seasoned in vinegar sauce) and it was great, tender with a great taste and only cost $6.00. The Hiya-yakko (Chilled tofu) was good, as far as chilled tofu goes, and had a good firm consistency. We also ordered 3 rolls, and something happened and they never came, we were starving at this point and left wondering what happened to our sushi. It was very busy (lots of take out orders going on) At this point we asked another waitress for an order of Shrimp Yakisoba and that came before the sushi rolls. There had been a mix up. It was ok because the Yakisoba was out of this world. Better than the rolls which we eventually got. (Spicy Tekka Roll was tasty, Philadelphia had too much cream cheese, and the crab/asparagus roll was a little bland). Im giving Ran Zan a four star review based on the spicy tekka yakisoba and the tako su. service was really slow though.
(4)Kim S.
As far as I'm concerned, Ran Zan was one of the first Japanese/Sushi spots in RI and they are still there. I think that says something. Ran Zan isn't about trendy decor, they are about authentic Japanese cuisine with real Japanese people chef'n it up.
(3)Julie A.
RanZan is a great, small authentic Japanese Sushi restaurant. The service and prices and sushi are great. I recommend the agedashi tofu appetizer (with bonito flakes). And the Calpico drink. It's my favorite sushi place in the city. (Closed on Mondays).
(5)Irapuca P.
One of my favorite japanese restaurants. The food is probably the best in Providence..but the service can be painfully slow at times. It's still worth the trip.
(4)Sean M.
This is easily the best sushi in Providence. The most authentic, freshest and delicious around. The menu sticks to the basics and the restaurant has a mom and pop type feel t it. Nothing is pre-prepared so everything you order is fresh and delicious.
(5)Zac C.
I got carry out and was disappointed in the size of the rolls. The miso soup was good but the rainbow roll was lacking for a special roll...I would rather go to Tokyo or Sakura. However, it still deserves a second chance when I eat at the restaurant.
(2)Pete Z.
My friend had referred me to this restaurant after I asked him if there were any good restaurants in Providence that I may not yet have been to. After living in Providence for 2+ years, I had never even seen it when driving by on Hope Street. I took my friend up on his word and was very disappointed with the portion size. While the sushi rolls are reasonably priced, the pieces are very tiny. The salad was so-so as were the sushi rolls. The service was not very attentive or friendly. I'll hit up the other sushi restaurants in Providence. I called my friend afterwards and he mentioned he liked eating small sushi pieces and getting takeout which probably explains why he liked it and I didn't.
(2)Aina B.
I went here once about 3 years ago and my impression was strongly negative. Sushi was not fresh- the rice, seaweed & fish seemed like they had all been sitting out for days- lumpy, dried out, tough, fishy smelling. Combined with generally bad service and over an hour wait for our food (for a group of 3!) despite the place appearing not too busy- not impressed. I steer my friends away from here as I haven't gone back in years.
(1)Jasmine P.
Very disappointing. I thought I'd give a chance after I read good reviews, But I was disappointed. their sushi is about average... not even good. seaweed was chewy inside the sushi. some smelled fishy... there is no art in presentation... fridge cold pieces. their green tea is good though. Overall: NOT recommended.
(1)Robert R.
I have eaten at nearly all, if not all, sushi restaurants in the providence area. Don't get me wrong, I am still happy with less than par sushi...but RanZan is the freshest and most authentic. If you want frilly and fancy rolls there is Tokyo. If you want overly priced, but fancily plated dragon rolls, there is Haruki East. it should be said that Haruki in Cranston is my favorite 'local' sushi place....but RanZan is fantastic.....and cheap. Those that are complaining of smaller rolls...they don't supersize; this is real sushi that is non-patronizing. Stop being a fat American. Go to RanZan and expect simple straightforward authentic and fresh sushi. Go somewhere else if you want to impress a date with flashy platings and window treatments.
(5)Hilary H.
Call me a sushi fool - I know you will. It's just that it's so easy to get lost in my search for the most magnificent meal this city chock-full of sushi joints has to offer. Sure, I love a crazy concoction that defies the rules of classic sushi, but I have just as much love for the authenticity and simplicity of a simple cut of fish. With Ran-Zan, you get the real deal. No craziness here - just straight-up sushi and tempura from the hands of a true master. This joint is run by a husband and wife team - he cuts the sushi, she does everything else - and it WORKS. When you're in the mood for something simple and devoid of fuss, come to Ran-Zan. Their miso is my favorite - nice bits of seaweed and strong miso flavor. Their salmon nigiri is also some of the best I've encountered, and they don't over-wasabi, which is always buzz-kill for me. The place is simple and sparse, putting all the focus on the food and the service. They also make take-out a snap for those times when you can't be bothered to get out of your sweatpants. I think this no-frills approach to sushi is the closest thing the PVD has to a Japanese home-style meal, and I'm totally into it, kids.
(4)Dat Boi N.
best sushi i've had in ri, as fresh as it gets. i only had the sushi and it was all ballin. other than that everything seemed traditional and legit. free gucci
(5)Anne H.
I love Ran Zan. I live in California and eat sushi often in the Bay Area. I visit my younger daughter in Providence several times each year, and have tried several local Japanese restaurants; Ran Zan is definitely the best. It is comparable to some of the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. Like another reviewer, I really like that the sushi rolls are small, like old-time sushi. And great service.
(5)Paul W.
I like very much the sushi that I ordered. I wish I knew more about Japanese food and was able to explore the menu a little bit more in depth. But I am learning and will continue to grow and find deeper appreciation for this delicious food.
(3)