Got a hankering for ramen? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top ramen outlets in Minneapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs.
1. Zen Box Izakaya
Topping the list is Zen Box Izakaya. Located at 602 Washington Ave. South in Downtown East, the Japanese eatery and bar is the highest rated ramen spot in Minneapolis, boasting four stars out of 468 reviews on Yelp.
The restaurant comes courtesy of married couple John Ng and Lina Goh, who "share the many complexities and nuances of Japanese cuisine and ramen with loyal fans and guests," according to its website.
Check out small plates like edamame, raw salmon with pickles and beef short ribs. Ramen dishes include tonkotsu and kimchi made with heritage bone broth, kamo shoyu with a chicken-niboshi double broth and the broth-less mazemen. Thirsty? Grab a traditional Asian beer on tap. Here's the menu.
2. Ramen Kazama
Next up is Ramen Kazama, situated at 3400 Nicollet Ave. South With four stars out of 293 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score ramen has proven to be a local favorite.
Founded by Matthew Kazama, this business now has two locations in the city and offers up a variety of ramen dishes. Look for notable menu options like the veggie curry ramen with vegetarian broth and egg, tonkotsu with pork bone broth and classic spicy miso. Here is the full menu.
3. Ichiddo Ramen
Ichiddo Ramen, located at 2710 Nicollet Ave. South, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the restaurant four stars out of 192 reviews. Established in Minnesota, it now has multiple locations, including one in Dinkytown and another in St. Paul.
Ramen offerings include the teriyaki ton, crispy chicken, seafood, shredded beef with fish cake, among others. The eatery's extensive menu also includes appetizers like calamari, pork gyoza and edamame; chicken, beef and seafood stir-fried ramen; and beef, shrimp and squid shish kebabs.
4. Tenka Ramen
Tenka Ramen is another go-to, with four stars out of 32 Yelp reviews. Head uptown to 1404 W. Lake St. to try it for yourself. The fast-casual eatery offers spicy miso ramen, which comes with ground pork, bean paste, corn and scallions as well as tonkotsu, shoyu and kaisen ramen dishes.
Take it from Yelper Beau G., who reviewed it on July 18: "The ramen was absolutely fantastic and the staff was equal to the food. I tried the spicy pork belly and what I loved was the kiss of spice, not crazy overwhelming. The flavors were bold but yet settled. I would eat here again and again and again."
