After years of success and selling tens of thousands of steaming ramen bowls, Matsunoki Ramen has made its debut in a new standalone location on Mississippi Avenue. This exciting expansion into a space previously occupied by XO Bar marks a significant milestone for the beloved Pine Street Market staple.
The new venue emits a relaxed jungle-green-against-rattan vibe, complete with a full bar showcasing an all-new cocktail menu. The owners, Jeff Extine, Grant Macdonald, and Joey Freedman, are determined to further establish Matsunoki’s identity within Portland’s vibrant ramen scene.
Co-owner Jeff Extine has a personal connection to the neighborhood, having gained experience at the renowned taco spot Por Que No, which is just a stone’s throw away from the new location. He expressed how the return to Mississippi feels significant and rewarding for him.
From the moment of its opening, passersby have shown interest in the new ramen bar, often stopping to glance inside and peruse the posted menus. This curiosity surrounding the new business highlights a sense of community engagement around the corner of Mississippi and Fremont.
The collective expertise of the ownership team, with backgrounds from well-known Portland establishments like the Japanese ramen chain Afuri, Bollywood Theater, and Marukin (now Kinboshi), adds to Matsunoki’s appeal. Macdonald, as COO, plays a pivotal role in shaping Matsunoki’s direction, having previously overseen Afuri’s significant growth in the Portland Metro area.
Matsunoki’s guiding philosophy revolves around making delicious ramen while respecting Japanese sensibility. Macdonald articulates the approach, stating that in Japan, emphasis is placed first on the noodles, followed by the broth, while toppings are considered secondary. In contrast, he observes that American diners tend to prioritize toppings.
Extine offers his own take on the toppings conversation, humorously critiquing the idea that ramen should be overly crowded with ingredients. He argues that a well-conceived bowl of ramen should avoid complexity and celebrate fundamental flavors instead.
Upon entering the new Mississippi Avenue space, guests will be greeted by an aesthetically pleasing environment that embodies a contemporary vibe. The establishment boasts forest green walls, accentuating Matsunoki’s namesake pine tree, while blonde wood tables and palm-colored chairs offer clean symmetry.
Natural light floods in through the spacious front windows, inviting in the foot traffic of Mississippi Avenue. Pendant lighting descends gracefully over the bar area, with bulbs wrapped in woven green orbs that echo the rattan and wicker-like ambiance throughout the dining area.
In addition to the popular tonkotsu-style ramen, Matsunoki takes pride in its commitment to vegan options, which make up a quarter of their sales. The owners regard their vegan offerings not as an afterthought but as a fundamental aspect of the menu.
While the Pine Street Market location will continue to operate, the new Mississippi Avenue shop is set to attract more visibility and capitalize on consistent foot traffic. The doors officially open on Thursday, April 24, with the first 50 guests receiving free ramen to celebrate this exciting new chapter for Matsunoki Ramen.
image source from：https://pdx.eater.com/2025/4/24/24410315/matsunoki-ramen-opening-mississippi-location
