It's a banner day for Downtown as the area officially has its own ramen shop.

Artisan Ramen has quietly opened its doors at 530 E. Mason St. Still in its pre-opening stages, the restaurant is open to the public, but will keep limited lunch and dinner hours over the next week or two.

Decor in the restaurant is modern and bright. Focal points include a shimmering metallic wall, as well as an entry wall which showcases classic Japanese imagery and pop culture references including anime and "Star Wars."

The bar features a small lounge area in the front of the restaurant where patrons can sit and chat with friends while enjoying a beer or cocktail.

Beverages include a variety of soft drinks, brewed coffee and espresso, matcha drinks including a ceremonial shoot, matcha latte and matcha lemonade, and a variety of both Rishi and Chinese tea. The full bar offers cocktails as well as an evolving selection of beer.

Opening specials include $5 martinis on Wednesday and beer tasting flights for $8 on Thursdays. Fridays are anime night featuring 20 percent off drinks and free edamame with the purchase of ramen.

Menu

Artisan ramen is owned by Nelson Szeto, a Hong Kong native who felt compelled to bring the authentic flavors of Japanese ramen to Milwaukee. The restaurant sets itself apart from many in town by way of its ramen noodles, which are made in house.

Ramen choices include tonkotsu featuring braised pork belly, scallions, corn, bamboo shoots, seaweed, one half of a soft boiled egg and fish cake ($10); Toriniku ramen features a chicken broth with grilled chicken, scallions, corn, bamboo shoots, soft egg and fish cake ($10); and vegetable ramen includes fried tofu, scallions, corn and bamboo shoots with soft egg in vegetable broth ($9).

Appetizer options include Crunchy Ramen Cheese Sticks featuring cheddar cheese that’s been deep fried with a ramen breading ($5); Momofuku featuring a lotus bun with braised pork belly ($5); vegetable and shrimp tempura ($5/6); spicy edamame ($4) gyoza pork dumpling ($5) and a ramen salad with dry ramen, tofu and mushrooms served on lettuce ($5).

On the sweet side, you’ll find Coffee Jelly, espresso jello soaked in sweet iced coffee ($5), mochi in flavors like green tea, mango, strawberry or vanilla ($3), an ice cream sundae with scoops of red bean, green tea and lychee ice creams with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry ($3) or dorayaki, a sweet pancake with red bean filling ($3).

Initially, Artisan Ramen’s hours will be Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Hours will be expanded in the coming weeks.