Got a hankering for ramen?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top ramen outlets in Seattle, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. Wasabi Sushi & Izakaya
Topping the list is Wasabi Sushi & Izakaya. Located at 2311 2nd Ave. (between Battery Street and state Route 99) in Belltown, the sushi bar and izakaya (Japanese pub) is the most popular ramen spot in Seattle, boasting four stars out of 1,302 reviews on Yelp. In a review, Rachel M. says Wasabi's ramen, like the spicy tonkotsu with veggies and pork chashu, "is perfect for a rainy, Seattle day."
2. Ramen Danbo
Next up is Capitol Hill's Ramen Danbo, situated at 1222 E. Pine St., Suite A (between 12th and 13th avenues). With 4.5 stars out of 259 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score ramen has proven to be a local favorite. With more than 30 locations in Japan, Australia and British Columbia, this is the chain's first U.S. outpost.
It's all about customization at Ramen Danbo, where you can determine the thickness of the noodles and broth, and the amount of spicy sauce. Along with traditional ramen and the chashu-men, which comes with six pieces of braised pork belly, there is also a vegan option. Ingredients are sourced locally and from Japan.
3. Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
Capitol Hill's Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya, located at 320 E. Pine St. (between Bellevue and Melrose avenues), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the izakaya, which offers ramen, noodles and more, four stars out of 831 reviews. On its website, the growing chain touts its philosophy "to serve the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese ramen that you can possibly have without actually flying to Japan."
4. Aloha Ramen
Aloha Ramen, a spot to score ramen and noodles in Lake City, is another go-to, with four stars out of 730 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3004 NE 127th St. (between N. 30th Avenue and N. Lake City Way) to see for yourself. Formerly in Greenwood, Aloha Ramen owner and chef Lorenzo Rangel makes only enough chicken and pork stock each day for 100 bowls, reports The Stranger. The menu includes a long list of ramen dishes, from kalua pork with cabbage and onions to katsu curry with deep-fried pork cutlet.
5. Suika Seattle
Finally, there's Suika Seattle, a Capitol Hill favorite with four stars out of 521 reviews. Stop by 611 E. Pine St. (between Boylston and Belmont avenues) to hit up the Japanese tapas spot and bar, which offers ramen and more, next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings. Try your ramen in a salad, with julienned egg crepes, spiced ground pork and sesame soy dressing, or the Hellz ramen made with spiced ground pork, house-made noodles and an oxtail soy broth.
