In Japanese mythology and folklore, the Seven Gods of Fortune is characterized as a seafaring group that arrived in town by treasure ship each New Year in order to distribute fantastic gifts to worthy people. Ebisu, the only originating Japanese member was the God of fishermen, luck and the workingman.

In the spirit of Japanese tradition and the conveyance of good fortune to the workingman, Ebisu delivers on its promise to excite the neighborhood’s culinary habit! Ebisu offers a unique dining experience due to a creative and unabashed menu brimming with varied proteins, vegetables and noodle combinations.

Korean Pork Belly

Ebisu’s menu primarily  breaks down in three appealing categories. The first is Robatayaki, which literally means fire-side cooking, similar to barbecue, in which various meats and vegetable combinations are skewered and slow-grilled over coals. We had the Korean Pork Belly with a spicy honey miso sauce and Kimchee, which was so personally satisfying, that quite frankly could have encompassed my entire meal!  The pork belly was tender and juicy on the inside, and sweet and spicy on the outside. I’m a firm believer that food on a stick is just plain fun – ask anyone!

Spicy Tuna Tostada

The second menu category is a Japanese style Tapas. Ebisu does a brilliant job of elaborating on the Spanish version of small plate appetizers, which in combination; offers diners a sophisticated option for combining varied flavors, textures and spices in order to enjoy a dining experience not traditionally centered on one entrée.

Upon our server’s recommendation, we ordered the Spicy Tuna Tostado on a bed of crispy seaweed rice crackers, with a spicy mayo.

Ika

The tuna was perfectly fresh and flavorful, and the rice crackers were homemade, crunchy and warm. Eat your heart out sushi fans, this was a home run!

Additionally, we ordered the Ika (grilled whole Surume squid) and Geso (the accompanying tentacles with a teriyaki glaze). The squid was tenderly grilled and beautifully presented. This is the perfect alternative to traditional fried calamari for which we have all come to knowingly love as our standard dining starter.

Nagasaki Chanpon

And finally, the third menu category is Ramen. Step aside Maruchan; this isn’t your college hot-pot, sodium-laden, block of pasta under cellophane! These are freshly prepared noodle dishes with rich and flavorful broths that bring sheer joy to the soup-slurpers among us.  We ordered the Nagasaki Chanpon (medium thick noodles in a pork broth, shrimp, squid, scallops, soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, cabbage and carrots). The seafood was perfectly prepared, the vegetables were fresh and crunchy, and the noodles firmly swimming in a bath of warm broth.

Tan Tan Men

Additionally, a bowl of Tan Tan Men (egg noodles in spicy pork miso broth, soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, spinach, fish cake, seaweed, cabbage, carrots and seven spices) made a welcome appearance at our table. The addition of pork combined with a rich and spicy miso broth elevated this dish to a memorable category.

Whenever I exit a restaurant, the same question plays over in my mind; is this place worth visiting again, or would my dining dollars be best spent somewhere new? In response, I’m confident that I have not yet scratched the surface of Ebisu’s exciting menu, and feel compelled to return to a restaurant that I believe may quickly become an old friend! 果報

Ebisu 38 Pontiac Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 (401) 270-7500