You will find packs of seaweed, furikake seasoning, quality rice, and more! Since sushi is a popular food for social gatherings in America, the Tanabe’s wanted to introduce these materials and ingredients to people of different communities, including the wider Asian-American community. This neighborhood Japanese restaurant in Falls Church has soba in several formats, including a tempura soba dish (both a hot and cold take), yakisoba, and an Okinawa-inspired version with pork. It’s long since past the time when you needed to clarify whether or not you were referring to freeze-dried bricks of noodles resembling '90s era-Justin Timberlake when discussing ramen. Ramen has passed out of novelty and entered the daily culinary vernacular of DC’s dining public, but hasn’t quite reached the ramen near me saturation of a city like New York.
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. Chef Darren Norris knows his way around Japanese food, and earned notoriety in DC for his skills at Kushi in the mid-2000s. He’s back in the game at Shibuya Eatery, which specializes in small plates and grilled skewers along with plenty of noodle options. The hot options swim in a bowl of dashi broth with combinations like roasted vegetables, sugar-cured kurobota pork belly, or wagyu beef.
We’ve explored every corner of the city, from H Street to Adams Morgan, to bring you this list of top-notch ramen spots. From the spicy miso ramen at Jinya Ramen Bar to the tonkotsu ramen at Menya Hosaki, there’s a bowl to satisfy every craving. Take advantage of the decadent chicken ramen at Bantam King.
This DC-based Asian spot is known for its busy takeout operation with the phone ringing nonstop, and after one bite of sushi at their Washington location, we understand the popularity. An unmissable gem in the bustling neighborhood of Adams Morgan, Sakuramen offers an extraordinary take on traditional ramen. Their menu boasts an assortment of ramen, including the fiery ‘Spicy Miso’ and a delightful ‘Shoyu’, each brimming with unique flavors.
There are elaborate combinations like Tempura vegetable sushi and mock beef with basil, as well as humbler options like the show-stealing hand-made egg rolls. This modern Japanese joint excels with its perfect bowls of shoyu ramen, featuring chewy noodles and a flavorful, clear broth. The restaurant’s fresh sushi and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and ramen enthusiasts alike, ensuring a dining experience that is as pleasurable as it is unforgettable. Angel hair noodle stir fry with curry flavored sauce, shiitake mushroom, bean sprout, bok choi, egg and fried tofu.
"I call them the pioneer," says Sushi Taro owner Jin Yamazaki, "even though technically, Toki isn’t the first ramen shop." 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. 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.
The staff was friendly, the restaurant was cozy, and the menu was really interesting. We split the poutine and both really enjoyed the quality of the cook on the fries and the Japanese curry. My wife had the pho, which she gave a very positive rating. I had a ramen with a coconut curry broth that was exactly what I wanted on a cold day. Having no expectations going in, I really enjoyed the meal and will be happy to return. Your choice of protein with baby spinach, bean sprout, broccoli, carrot, red onion, scallion, cilantro and crispy ramen.
Locals with a keen appreciation for authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly the comforting and complex flavors of ramen, RAMEN BY UZU stands as a noteworthy destination. Tucked away within the vibrant Union Market, this Japanese eatery has earned a reputation as a true hidden gem, a place where genuine Japanese comfort food is crafted with care and served with a friendly touch. It’s more than just a quick meal; it's an opportunity to experience meticulously prepared ramen and other delightful dishes that cater to a diverse range of palates across the District.
The rolls are fresh and well packed and it’s a good value. I especially like the shrimp tempura roll and angry dragon roll. If a tranquil Japanese tea garden decided to serve generous bowls of comfort food with a side of great tunes, you’d get Donburi, the serene sibling of DC’s bustling dining scene. The restaurant shares that authentic Japanese commitment to quality—as well as some of the city’s best shrimp tempura—but that’s about where the comparisons end.
Discover bold Japanese flavors at JINYA Ramen Bar in Logan Circle, Washington, DC. Nestled in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, our authentic ramen experience features rich slow-simmered broths, hand-crafted noodles, and perfectly balanced toppings. Whether you’re exploring the local shops, enjoying the nightlife, or simply craving a comforting bowl of ramen, JINYA is your go-to destination in Logan Circle for an unforgettable dining experience. Led by third-generation sushi chef Sonny Lee, this narrow Dupont counter is quickly drawing notice for its open-style temaki (hand) rolls at lunch and dinner. A playful Japanese bagel variety loops in salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and cucumber. The two-story setup with room for 40 also offers a curated 11-piece nigiri “collection” at any given time, plus generously portioned sushi and sashimi samplers full of high-grade tuna, toro, and yellowtail.
Choose from various small plates, sushi, and many types of rolls and soups. If you enjoy surprises, order their “Omakase” and leave it to the chef to decide. Nama Sushi Bar is one of two locations in D.C.; the other is on 14th St. inside TICO.
That’s a comeback in itself, but just as impressive is the way this cozy dinner spot from the original owner picks up where the old favorite left off. The room is dominated by warm lighting that illuminates the place like a lantern in a garden. Securing a prime evening reservation at Perry’s Restaurant right now might be trickier than snagging a last-minute ticket to a sold-out show.
The entryway is modeled after a Japanese garden, with trickling water and a stone path that leads you to a number of rooms cloaked behind a curtain. Tachibana has an healthy list of noodle dishes on offer, almost all of which can be ordered with udon noodles or soba noodles. Vegetable ramen is not something you will likely ever find in Japan, but indicative of the creative licenses chefs have taken with the dish. Kim prepared a vegetable broth mixed with soy milk and topped with fried Brussels sprouts, carrots, pea shoots, fried enoki mushrooms, and a half-boiled egg. Toki Underground’s most appropriate foil would be Sushi Taro.