The Most Delicious Ramen Spots in Washington, D.C. 🍜
Prepackaged “ramen”—think 12-pack dehydrated bricks and Cup-o’-Noodles—have been a leading food group in college dorms since we can remember. However, now more traditional—and infinitely more mouthwatering—versions of the Japanese noodle soup dish started popping up everywhere in the last few years. This “restaurant ramen” craze, as we’ve dubbed it, offers rich meaty broths, a variety of toppings and, of course, is made better by cracking a soft-boiled egg into it Check out this list of some of the best ramen restaurants we’ve found in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
Set
1234 H St NE Washington, DC 20002
(202) 589-1600
Set in a very intimate bar-like dining room on the first floor of Daikaya, this has been called the No. 1 spot for ramen in Washington, D.C. for years. The ever-popular noodle house features six ramen dishes, no substitutions and no reservations. The walk-in-only establishment serves up Sapporo-style ramen, highlighted by its clear stock made from pork, beef and chicken, and cooked for more than 16 hours. From its staple Shio Ramen to the Super-Spicy Shoyu, ramen lovers will no doubt find what they’re looking for. Just be warned, there is usually a wait due to popularity and the small space, however, take-out is available.
Toki Underground
1234 H St NE Washington, DC 20002
(202) 388-3086
Since opening its doors in 2011, Toki Underground has gained the adoration of D.C. locals and tourists alike, as well as the recognition of its industry colleagues. Named “America’s Best Ramen” by Travel & Leisure, the small but fierce—think hipster vibe—storefront serves up Taiwanese-style Ramen dishes along with some tasty toppers and additional small plates. Along with the classics, Toki Underground stands out as a “Ramen Wonderland,” featuring menu items such as the Taipei Curry Chicken Ramen and specials like Scallop Tonkatsu (tonkotsu broth, seared scallops, pork belly, scallions, fried garlic, onsen egg). Other dishes of note are the Belly Steam Buns and the Kimchi, while specialty cocktails and sake complete the meal.
Jinya Ramen Bar
1336 14th St NW Washington, DC 20005
(202) 588-8560
Jinya is self-described as “ramen culture, where the relationship between broth and noodles is serious but delicious business.” From only using Fuji water as the base for its selection of six broths, to the handmade noodles that go through a specialized aging process, it’s easy to make sense of the restaurant’s mantra, “No ramen, no life.” Founded by Tomo Takahashi, the son of a successful restaurateur in Japan, the goal of Jinya was to bring traditional Japanese ramen to the U.S. He’s done just that as a franchise with more than 50 stores across the country. Hence, a variety of ramen soups top the menu—Spicy Creamy Vegan, Wonton Chicken and Jinyu’s Tonkotsu Original, to name a few—followed by small plates like Crispy Chicken and Tacoyaki (Octopus Ball), as well as an assortment of tacos, salads, rice bowls and desserts.
Chaplin’s
1501 9th St NW Washington, DC 20001
(202) 644-8806
If you’re looking for tasty ramen and a relaxed atmosphere for a first date or late-night snack, Chaplin’s is your D.C. spot. Open from 4pm until at least 1:30am every day, Chaplin’s vibe focuses on good food and a good time. An assortment of ramen—Tan Tan Men (ground pork, bok choy, sesame paste, hot sesame oil, miso), Shoyu (pork butt chashu, ground pork, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, onion, scallions, nori), and even seasonal cold ramen—open the menu, followed by “everything else.” From Pork Shumai and Shrimp Gyoza to Chaplin’s Buns and Pork Ribs, this ramen bar offers extra flavors after hours, sure to equal a good time.
Menya Hosaki
845 Upshur St NW Fl 1 Washington, DC 20011
(301) 818-7650
The menu here focuses heavily on noodles, with one appetizer, a few sake and beer options, and nine ramen offerings, including Truffle Shoyu (clear chicken broth and dashi with truffle-infused oil) and the Triple Threat (blend of all three, chicken, pork and smoky dashi broth). Aside from the paired down menu, an heir of exclusivity exists with limited hours of operation. Tuesdays, for instance, are only for lunch and feature one menu option—Tsukemen of the Day. So, if you want to experience Menya Hosaki, sign up for the waitlist via the website, and get in virtual queue next time you’re in the DMV area.
Uzu
1309 5th St NE Washington, DC 20002
(301) 728-9858
Busy travel or work day in the nation’s capital? Uzu’s ramen stand in Union Market delivers an authentically flavorful ramen experience on-the-go. Set up as a take-out only shop, Uzu provides everything from steaming hot, ready-to-eat bowls of ramen to uncooked ramen kits that allow you to dabble in your own noodle making magic from the comfort of home. Grab a classic Shoyu Ramen (Chicken bone broth with soy sauce base, topped with pork loin, spinach, soft-boiled egg, nori, wakame, togarashi, scallions, bamboo shoots, naruto, and sesame seeds) or the Chicken Shio Ramen (Chicken bone broth with shio (salt) base with lemon, topped with Chicken, bok choy, soft-boiled egg, nori, togarashi, scallions, bamboo shoots, naruto, and sesame seeds) and enjoy the rich tastes of Japanese noodle soup on your commute, in your office, at home or anytime.
Sakuramen
2441 18th St NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 656-5285
Taking its own approach, Sakuramen is focused on a variety of flavors and making the best ramen on the planet from fresh, pure ingredients. Its worldly influence is noted in the menu, featuring flavors from Korea, Japan, Washington, D.C. and beyond. For instance, Chosun (sliced ribeye bulgogi, roasted kimchi, scallion, seasoned egg, nori, chicken broth with shoyu), DC Miso (Berkshire pork belly chashu, bamboo shoot, scallion, shredded Monterey jack cheese, Naruto, nori, chicken broth with miso) or Bimbim which is a seasonal brothless ramen.
Reren
817 7th St NW Washington, DC 20001
(202) 290-3677
If you love ramen, are in Washington, D.C. and want to try the precursor to one of your fave Japanese dishes, make a pit stop at Reren. This Chinese brick-and-mortar has a full menu of traditional appetizers, entrees and dumplings, but boasts its homemade Lamen Noodles as a must-taste. Served in China for more than 4,000 years, Lamen Noodle Soup is kind of like Ramen’s Uncle. Reren’s makes its Lamen daily in house with high-gluten, whole wheat flour to offer the perfect chewy, flavor soaking noodle. If you’re a ramen head, stop in to try something new like the Signature Lamen (rich and creamy broth, soft pork belly, tea egg, baby bok choy) or Buddha Style Lamen (shiitake broth, baby corn, red pepper, tofu picked ginger, scallion). You may be surprised how familiar it tastes.
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