I’ve been living in DC for the past three years, and I can safely say that it has some amazing ramen places to offer. With the winter months approaching, ramen is pretty much the perfect comfort food to warm your body (and soul). So I’ve decided to compile a list of the best ramen places in DC – here it is.
And if you can’t escape your house/apartment/dorm room, then you can try upgrading your instant ramen instead. But it won’t be as good. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
1. Daikaya
Oh Daikaya, thank you for always being fantastic, but no thank you for not taking reservations. Although this place can sometimes have a two-hour wait during peak times, the ramen is just too good to pass, trust me.
While you’re waiting, head upstairs and get a seat on the second floor (same place, but a Japanese-style tapas restaurant), which has some awesome happy hour deals. And when you order your ramen, make sure you get an egg on top – they’re marinated in soy sauce and they are heavenly.
2. Toki Underground
Contrary to its name, Toki Underground is actually located upstairs, in an ultra-small space with only bar seating. But, it holds some of the greatest ramen you will ever eat. My personal favorite is the miso ramen, because it’s light and salty. And if you’re really hungry, get the fried chicken buns.
3. Sakuramen
I guess it’s a common theme for ramen restaurants to not take reservations, but regardless, they’re all worth it. Sakuramen is no exception, with tons of different ramen options. Word to the wise: the spicy ramen is really spicy. If you like it mild, get the chosun ramen instead.
4. JINYA Ramen Bar
Three words: Fried. Chicken. Ramen. Have you heard of anything better? Not to mention JINYA has tons of toppings to add, from Brussel sprouts to a poached egg. If you’re looking for an adventure in your ramen bowl, come here ASAP.
5. Chaplin’s Restaurant
Chaplin’s is a Japanese restaurant and ramen bar in a funky space that resembles a Charlie-Chaplin-themed lounge. Highly recommend this place for a date night or a night out with friends, because it has some awesome (read: strong) cocktails. My favorite ramen is the chicken yakisoba.
6. Haikan
Haikan serves “Sapporo style ramen,” meaning that they ship all their noodles from Sapporo, Japan. If that doesn’t read authentic, then I don’t know what does. This ramen is especially great if you don’t like things too salty (like me!). Go with the classic shoyu ramen.
7. Oki Bowl
Lucky for all of us, Oki Bowl just opened up another restaurant, so now there’s one near GW University and Georgetown University. So if you’re a college student that likes ramen, particularly spicy ramen, you know where you should go. My personal fave is the curry ramen.
8. Bantam King
I am in love with chicken on ramen (especially if it’s fried), and that’s literally what Bantam King is all about. Choose your chicken, choose your ramen, choose your toppings, and you are set to go. Also highly recommend the fried chicken plate, but I might be biased in this situation.
9. Momofuku CCDC
Would this be a ramen article if I didn’t mention Momofuku? My personal favorite of their ramen is the short rib on top. I love coming to this place – I don’t know if it’s the great food, the awesome decor, or the fact that Milk Bar is right next door.
9. Kintaro
A super small hole-in-the-wall sushi and ramen restaurant right off of M St in Georgetown, Kintaro doesn’t hold back on their ramen. They only offer three choices, but they’re all pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.
10. Gaijin Ramen
Okay, so Gaijin isn’t necessarily located in DC, but it is in Arlington which is close enough. Plus, the ramen is just too good that any Uber fare is totally worth it. With a HUGE list of ramen, from soft shell crab to pork to veggie, and over fifteen topping options, your ramen cravings will be beat in no time.
12. Reren Lamen & Bar
Now this isn’t a “ramen” bar, but it is a “lamen” bar – lamen is basically the Chinese version of ramen. Still equally delicious though, so don’t shoot it down. If I were you, I’d go for the grilled chicken or buddha style, but that’s just if we switched positions, you know.
11. Kofuku Ramen & Sushi
Right in the heart of Chinatown lies Kofuku Ramen & Sushi, a place where you can cozy up to a delicious bowl of piping hot ramen. It’s also right near Daikaya, so if you’re not in the mood to wait over an hour for some delicious ramen, you’re in luck.
12. Yona
Another great ramen place located right outside DC in Arlington, Yona serves up some seriously cozy bowls. The restaurant is Mike Isabella’s Asian-inspired take, and also serves some great classics like poké bowls if you’re not feeling all the noods.
It’s pretty clear that this city is the place to grab some quality ramen. And with just a year-and-a-half left in this great city, I’ve made it my mission to try every single one of the best ramen places in DC. Will you join me?