What the Wine Industry Can Learn from a Ramen Shop in Paso Robles

How Momotaro Ramen's thoughtful branding and hospitality created a lovely experience for this novice ramen lover.

Last week, I finally had the opportunity to visit Momotaro Ramen in Paso Robles, a restaurant I’d had my eye on for a while. It more than lived up to the hype.

The food was divine, beautifully plated, and rich in flavor. But it was the branding and hospitality that really stood out to me, making the experience feel seamless, immersive, and, importantly, welcoming.

Dining with Momotaro felt intentional; from the moment I checked their website to the moment I placed my order, I was guided through the experience in a way that made me feel informed, included, and excited—not lost or overwhelmed or like I didn’t belong there.

Japanese cuisine, like wine, can be intimidating to navigate. The language and traditions can be a lot to take in. But the big difference between the two is that I have never felt condescended to in a Japanese restaurant, even when I had no idea what I was doing. I wish I could say the same about my experiences in the wine industry.

Another detail I loved from Momotaro is that all of their beverages come from Japan, with the exception of these beers from Japas Cervejaria, which are brewed in Brazil by a trio of Japanese women.