Craving ramen? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top ramen sources in Cincinnati, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to achieve your dreams.
1. Stone Bowl
Topping the list is Stone Bowl. Located at 3355 Madison Road in Oakley, the sushi bar and Korean spot, which offers ramen and more, is the highest rated ramen spot in Cincinnati, boasting four stars out of 227 reviews on Yelp.
This spot's go-to meal is the restaurant's namesake: the Stone Bowl. Stone Bowls are served with your choice of protein on a sizzling hot stone bowl complete with sunny-side up egg, lettuce, pickled radish, bean sprouts, zucchini, carrots and crunchy rice. Options include the tofu stone bowl, the seafood stone bowl and the vegetarian stone bowl. Thirsty? Grab a signature cocktail, glass of wine or a pint of beer to wash it all down with. (Here's the menu.)
Danielle P. said, "The food was delicious, but the most notable things about this place was the top-notch service. The server was friendly and helpful with recommendations. The owner also approached us and told us a bit more about the place, how our dishes were made and their high expectations when hiring staff."
2. Maki Express Ramen House
Next up is CUF's Maki Express Ramen House, situated at 209 W. McMillan St. With four stars out of 145 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score ramen has proven to be a local favorite.
Appetizers, ramen and rice dishes monopolize this spot's menu. Ramen options include tom yum shrimp ramen, udon, shoe and tonkotsu varieties. Looking for something more carb-centric? Check out the teriyaki with stir-fried vegetables and choice of chicken, tofu or pork. (The menu can be seen here.)
Yelper Chad T. wrote, "This is easily the best ramen spot in the city and, since authentic ramen is making a wave here in the city, there a few spots to consider. The only thing keeping this place from really shining is that there are very few places to sit. Beyond that, the food is fantastic. Every time I go, the bowl of ramen is fresh and falvorful and I try to make the trip up to see them as often as I can."
3. Zundo Ramen and Donburi
Over-The-Rhine's Zundo Ramen and Donburi, located at 220 W. 12th St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the spot to score ramen and Japanese curry four stars out of 66 reviews.
The space's inner decor is Japanese themed and painted by local Cincinnati artists, per the website. Open late night, Zundo offers a wide variety of appetizers, ramen and donburi bowls and dishes.
Start off with pork gyoza, edamame or soft shell crab before opting for spicy miso ramen with soybean paste, pork broth, roast pork and a soft boiled egg, or tonkotsu ramen with creamy pork broth, a soft-boiled egg and green onions. (Here's the menu.)
Carlitos G., who reviewed it on Nov. 19, wrote, "This place is the place to go! Honestly, the best ramen in Cincinnati. I went by myself a while ago, and they have a wait for tables but no wait to sit and eat at the bar. They treated me really well, had friendly chats with me while there and the food is exquisite!"
