Rice Alley

6838 Piedmont Center Plaza, Gainesville, VA 20155, United States
+1 703-753-2166
$$$ Restaurant
(254 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're searching for a hidden gem that captures the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine in Gainesville, then look no further than Rice Alley. Nestled at 6838 Piedmont Center Plaza, this family-owned restaurant brings warmth and flavor to every bowl of ramen they craft, transforming a simple meal into an exquisite dining experience.

The moment you step inside, you're welcomed by a cozy atmosphere that invites both regulars and newcomers to sit and savor what Rice Alley has to offer. With friendly staff who are eager to help you navigate the menu, you're bound to feel right at home. The ambiance is tranquil, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day.

Rice Alley’s menu features an enticing array of ramen dishes, each thoughtfully prepared to showcase the authentic flavors of Japan. The Rice Alley Signature Ramen Tonkotsu is a must-try, featuring a luscious chicken broth infused with black garlic oil, complemented by tender chashu, bean sprouts, and a flavor-packed assortment of toppings for just $15.99. For those in the mood for something crispy, the Karaage Shoyu Ramen presents juicy Japanese fried chicken served with all the classic accompaniments, marrying delicious textures and tastes for only $14.99.

But it's not just the ramen that shines. Customers have raved about the exquisite takoyaki, a delightful appetizer that perfectly prefaces your main course. Others have highlighted the meticulous packaging for to-go orders, ensuring that your meal arrives fresh and hot, with ramen noodles and broth artfully separated—designed to maintain the quality of each ingredient until you're ready to dig in.

Reviewers like AJ Pluntke express their love for the variety and quality of the food, praising the comfort and consistency displayed by the friendly staff. Gabriel Reyes describes Rice Alley as a low-key ramen shop that deserves the recognition it has yet to achieve, commending the freshness and vibrant flavors of not only the sushi rolls but the ramen itself. You’ll find that such sentiments reflect a broader appreciation for the restaurant’s commitment to crafting meals that touch the heart and satisfy the palate.

So whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or a newcomer eager for an authentic taste of Japan, Rice Alley invites you to come and experience their culinary delights. With delectable menu offerings that cater to both casual diners and ramen connoisseurs, this charming spot promises to remain a beloved fixture in Gainesville’s dining scene.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Has drive-through
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

254 Reviews
AJ Pluntke

12 Sep 2025

Incredible food! I Love the variety of food. I believe they also have cold style ramen for the summer. I go here all the time. The staff is very friendly and helpful! I can’t give them enough praise. I love this place so much.

Gabriel Reyes

08 Sep 2025

Low-key Ramen shop that deserves to be famous. Came in during lunch hours, and it wasn't very busy at all. We picked the tuna and salmon rolls to start and went with the house Signature Ramen for our main. Our food came out almost as fast as we asked for it. The sushi rolls were delicious; incredibly fresh and flavorful. The real star of the meal was the ramen. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor without overpowering one over the other. The pork was remarkably tender and brought an overall smoky flavor to the noodles and broth. I highly recommend this shop, and will definitely be coming back.

Dani Hearrell

07 Sep 2025

It is at the back of the shopping center, but not too difficult to find. The ambiance is nice and cozy. We were greeted immediately when we came in and directed to sit anywhere we liked. It is a family-owned restaurant. The food came out very quickly, and everything was very hot. We got an appetizer of takoyaki and our ramen arrived before we had even finished! The takoyaki was excellent, as was the ramen- we were especially impressed with the eggs in the ramen, they were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The servings were plentiful and we definitely left full. All in all it was an excellent experience and a great way to get a ramen fix closer to home!

Seon Kang

25 Aug 2025

We love ramen. Trying this place for the first time. We usually go to Fairfax and eat ramen there. We ordered tonkatsu ramen to go for my sick daughter. First of all, the packaging was great where the noodles were not sitting in the broth. They were all separated from the noodles and the broth. Packaging was next level. The broth was very hearty and so depth in flavor. Tonkatsu was crispy and juicy. We will definitely eat here again.

John Kuvakas

18 Aug 2025

This place is not the easiest to find but it's worth the effort. You have to head towards what appears to be the rear of the shopping center. There are several shops back there. The menu is extensive with a truly fine lunch selection. From the lunch menu, I had the Hibachi Chicken Bowl while my wife had the Hibachi Shrimp Bowl. Both bowls came with a delicious Miso Soup, which was flavorful and hot, and a delicate and sweet dip. I've had their ramen before and it was excellent with perfectly cooked noodles and succulent add-ons. Prices are moderate but portions are generous. We had lunch for just about $30. The service was excellent. We were greeted immediately upon entering and our food came quickly. The decor is comfortable and upscale. Parking is ample and easy. This is a semi-hidden gem!

Thomas Vu

05 Aug 2025

An excellent place for authentic ramen and hibachi! I liked that this was a family-run business. Everything was seasoned well and the food was all fresh. Our server was nice and checked up on us often. They answered all our questions and provided good recommendations on what to eat. The environment is on the quieter and peaceful side. Price is good especially with the amount of food you get. I will definitely be stopping by when I'm in the area again!

Michael Smith

12 Jun 2025

No frills location but the food was superb. When i went in the place was dead quiet... Which is EXACTLY what i look for in a restaurant. Very spacious inside. I recommend using whatever sauce comes with your hibachi to moisten the rice though, it adds a whole other dimension to it. Save room for dessert too, that cheesecake is seriously phenomenal!!!!

Irene

11 Jun 2025

Calm, cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Friendly staff. Good size portions. Our food was very tasty. We are regulars so the dishes in the photos are our favorites. Green mochi ice cream was exquisitely delicious and unique.

Join the Rice Alley Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.