Cleveland's top 3 shops for slurp-worthy noodles

Cleveland's top 3 shops for slurp-worthy noodlesPhoto: Xinji Noodle Bar/Yelp
Hoodline
Published on May 03, 2018

Got a hankering for noodles?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top noodle sources in Cleveland, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fill the bill.

1. Otani Noodle

Photo: Mike H./Yelp

Topping the list is Otani Noodle at 11472 Euclid Ave. in University Circle. Boasting four stars out of 138 Yelp reviews, it's the top-rated noodle spot in Cleveland. Further down Euclid, Otani's new downtown location is also becoming a local favorite.

The noodle shop recommends you "sip the broth, slurp the noodles and then dig into the roasted vegetables and broth-soaked meats." The red and black space, with colorful murals and barstool seating, can get busy during lunchtime, so be prepared. The menu features a wide assortment of ramen, including the best-selling char-siu (roast pork topped with mushrooms, seaweed and a boiled egg in a tonkotsu broth); shrimp tempura served over a shoyu-based broth; as well as miso and vegetarian options. 

2. Xinji Noodle Bar

Photo: XinJi Noodle Bar/Yelp

Ohio City's Xinji Noodle Bar, located at 4211 Lorain Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bar and noodle spot four stars out of 93 reviews. Xinji, which sources its ingredients from Northeast Ohio farms, has an urban vibe with brick walls and exposed ductwork. Start off with the steamed buns stuffed with pork or fried chicken or try the kimchi balls. Standout noodle dishes include the ramen with shrimp and pork wontons, wood ear mushrooms and bok choy or the vegetarian no-broth ramen with bean sprouts, poached egg and pickled mushrooms. Cleveland Scene recently picked Xinji as its favorite noodle shop, saying it edged out a win over Otani with its "steamed buns, daily chef's specials and full-service setup."

3. Tea House Noodles

Photo: Tea House Noodles/Yelp

The simply decorated Tea House Noodles is another go-to, with four stars out of 90 Yelp reviews. Head downtown to 1900 E. Sixth St. to check out the daily specials. Meals are easily customizable by selecting a rice or noodle bowl, a sauce or broth (try the Vietnamese-style chicken broth or the coconut ginger) and your favorite protein (chicken, tofu, bean medley or shrimp). Wash down your meal with a smoothie or one of the freshly squeezed juices. Yelp reviewer Ryan C. raves the inexpensive spot is "the best lunch in Cleveland."