A Japanese restaurant known for its ramen with roots in New York and L.A. is expanding with a Columbus location.
Tonchin is moving into the former Mecha Noodle Bar in the Short North at 965 N. High St. Signs for the upcoming restaurant were recently posted outside of the building, although no opening date has been announced.
The restaurant got its start in Tokyo in 1992 by brothers Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno. Anan Sugeno opened the first United States location in 2017 in Manhattan. A second New York location opened in Brooklyn in 2022.
Tonchin reached the West Coast in 2023 with an L.A. location, followed by its most recent Mexico City location in 2025. Each restaurant has its own menu, although there are signature dishes across all locations.
Some signature ramen dishes include the Tonchin Classic Tokyo Tonkotsu, Smoked Dashi, Spicy Tan Tan and Miso Ginger. There are also dipping noodles and mazemen. Some featured starters include edamame, salad, maguro, rice balls and buns.
Noodles may be a recent theme for the Short North space, but it used to be something entirely different. Before Mecha Noodle Bar, which operated from April 2024 to December 2025, 965 N. High St. was home to White Castle for nearly 54 years.
The Short North White Castle opened in 1968 and closed for a 2-year remodel in 2016. The restaurant remained in business in the Short North from 2018 to 2022.
Some Mecha signage is still present on the building. The Victorian Village Commission has approved additional Tonchin signage and future cosmetic changes to the space.
More information about Tonchin can be found at tonchinus.com.
AloJapan.com