Seattle’s love of Asian cuisine, large international district, and cold weather make it a perfect place to enjoy a bowl of ramen. From classic shoyu broth to new recipes inspired by local ingredients, there are so many ways to enjoy a hot bowl of ramen with friends, family, or even just by yourself on a rainy day.
With so many ramen places and chain restaurants popping up all around the city, it can be hard to choose a place to eat. Below are 10 of some of the best ramen restaurants in Seattle, where to find them, what they’re known for, and more.
Ooink
This laid back popular ramen joint has classic pork-bone broth and vegetarian ramen dishes as well as other popular small bites. With two locations in Seattle, Ooink focuses on fresh yet simple dishes made with the best ingredients available. They serve classic pork shoyu and light vegetarian ramen but they also have original dishes like spicy ramen with Chinese mala.
Rondo Japanese Kitchen
Founded by legendary chef Makoto Kimoto, Rondo Japanese Kitchen is known for some of the best comfort Japanese food in the city. In addition to their fresh sushi and fried chicken appetizers, Rondo is known for their noodle dishes. Their top dish is their Tokyo Shoyu Ramen made with ox-tail broth and egg noodles. Other dishes include Black Garlic Ramen made with spicy pork and their original tan tan broth base, as well as their soupless ramen dishes like Rondo Maze-Men.
Ramen Danbo
Known for their Fukuoka style Tonkotsu ramen, Ramen Danbo offers customizable ramen dishes and a vegan menu. They source the best ingredients possible from both the Pacific Northwest and Japan to create some of the greatest ramen the city has to offer. Guests can choose from 4 different broths, including spicy or sliced pork variations, noodle types, ramen toppings, side dishes, and drinks to create a unique meal like no other.
Arashi Ramen
With locations in Ballard and Southcenter, Arashi Ramen is famous for their signature Tonkotsu broth. Handcrafted by their chef Daisuke Ueda, their broth is simmered for 16 hours and made using premium ingredients. They have 10 types of ramen available on their menu, like Miso Tonkotsu, Cream Veggie Ramen, and Cold Sweet Soy Ramen. Guests can also order combo dishes which include ramen, a side salad, and an appetizer. Their menu also includes appetizers and rice bowls, as well as a selection of toppings for ramen dishes.
Yoroshiku Japanese Restaurant
With a specific focus on cuisine from Hokkaido, Yoroshiku Japanese Restaurant combines traditional flavors with a modern izakaya setting. They are best known for their ramen and karaage fried chicken, although their menu also includes other small dishes like shishito peppers and meat baos. They have 10 ramen options available including Fisherman Ramen, Wagyu Shoyu Ramen, and Mushroom Miso Ramen.
Betsutenjin Ramen
This unassuming looking restaurant is actually one of the most unique ramen spots in the city. It focuses on Hakata-style pork bone ramen, originating from the southern part of Japan. Located in Capitol Hill, Betsutenjin Ramen slowly prepares their broth over the course of 8 hours and uses the highest quality special-cut pork bones. They also serve dumplings and have a unique drink menu consisting of specially imported Japanese beverages, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. They are open every day from 5:30 PM to 2 AM, making it a great spot to satisfy any late night cravings.
Ramen-Ya TEINEI
The word “Teinei” means “with care and politeness” and that’s exactly what Ramen-Ya TEINEI embodies. Their goal is reasonably priced food combined with excellent service so every customer feels satisfied and comfortable. Meat and vegetarian options are available, as well as super ramen dishes that are exclusive to the restaurant like garlic tonkotsu carbonara. They also serve rice bowls, gyoza, takoyaki, edamame, and more.
Samurai Noodle
Opened in 2006, Samurai Noodle has two locations in Seattle. One location is near Lumen Field. Although they now have multiple locations all over the country, Samurai Noodle’s journey began in Seattle with the goal of serving up authentic Tonkotsu ramen, along with other delicious menu options. Their menu is primarily ramen with classics like Miso Ramen and Tampopo Shoyu Ramen and house specials like the spicy Tonkotsu From Hell and giant Ramen Mt. Fuji. They also have a seasonal ramen dish that changes throughout the year and dipping ramen for those that want to try a new way of eating ramen.
Menya Musashi Tsukemen & Ramen
Originally opened in 1996 in Asia, Menya Musashi Tsukemen & Ramen brought its tried and true ramen to Seattle in November 2018. Their style of ramen is inspired by the classical two sword technique known as Niten Ichiryu, which is also the name of a ramen and Tsukemen dish at the restaurant. Their Niten Ichiryu dishes combine large pieces of braised pork belly with Tonkatsu to create a delicious combo dish. They also have ramen variations like spicy ramen, black garlic ramen, curry ramen, and more. Guests can also purchase take-home ramen kits that can be cooked at home which includes a selection of different broths to choose from.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Open every day from 11 AM to 8:30 PM, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is conveniently located in the University Village in Seattle. They also have a smaller location in Bellevue for those that don’t want to make the trek into Seattle. Their ramen dishes use a white broth which is carefully crafted for each dish. They are most well known for their Shio ramen topped with pickled plum, although their menu also includes 7 other ramen dishes, 1 maze-men dish, and 2 Tsukemen dishes. Combo options are available which include side dishes like small rice bowls or Gyoza. There is also an additional list of appetizers that can be ordered a la carte and ramen toppings that customers can use to customize their meal.
