The Best Ramen In DC
Lifestyle
If ramen is good for the soul, then DC’s the place to be — not just this winter, but all year long. Whether you’re seeking a reprieve from the cold or searching for a spark to reignite your culinary routine, we’ve got you covered.
From tried-and-true hotspots to newcomers on the sizable DC broth scene, here’s our roundup of the best ramen in DC today.
#1 Menya Hosaki: When it comes to ramen, this relative newcomer to Petworth leaves no detail overlooked. Find classics like tantanmen and tonkatsu, riffs like truffle shoyu and a “triple threat” with three broths blended, and two vegetarian options (one is vegan).
#2 Hokkaido Ramen Santouka: This massive chain out of Japan touched down in Tysons only a couple years ago, but its pearly white broth served in a cozy, brick-lined dining room has been around since the 1980s, when the Santouka was founded in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Their specialty? The white tonkotsu soup.
#3 Sakuramen: This basement restaurant in Adams Morgan has become a staple known for melding different styles of ramen. Sakuramen has a whopping 12 ramen bowl options, including a vegetable-broth variety, a Korean bowl with bulgogi, and a spicy red tonkotsu — and optional toppings like bacon, kimchi, and cheese.
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#4 Haikan: The sibling restaurant to Daikaya in Chinatown, Haikan has become a go-to for clear, delicate chintan broth. The vegetarian ramen is particularly popular here, and small plates like Old Bay crab rangoons or mapo tofu poutine make for great appetizers. Haikan’s ideal location (next-door to Atlantic Plumbing Cinema and right by 9:30 Club) also makes it a popular stop for pre- or post-movie and concert meals.
#5 Chaplin’s Restaurant: This ramen bar with a 1930s vibe has an option for gluten-free noodles and sources pork from Catoctin Mountain Farm in Maryland. The patio here is packed with outdoor diners, even in the winter.
#6 Daikaya: Since launching in 2013, Daikaya has remained a go-to destination for ramen lovers all over DC. The fast-paced shop on the first floor doles out traditional broths with salty shio, shoyu (dark soy sauce), and white miso bases (add pork to the vegan ramen for a sacrilicious option).
#7 Toki Underground: After opening its doors in 2011, Toki Underground has gained the adoration of DC locals and tourists alike, as well as the recognition of its industry colleagues. Named “America’s Best Ramen” by Travel & Leisure, the small but fierce (think hipster vibe) storefront serves up Taiwanese-style Ramen dishes along with some tasty toppers and additional small plates. Along with the classics, Toki Underground stands out as a “Ramen Wonderland,” featuring menu items such as the Taipei Curry Chicken Ramen and specials like Scallop Tonkatsu.
#8 Jinya: Jinya is self-described as “ramen culture, where the relationship between broth and noodles is serious but delicious business.” Founded by Tomo Takahashi, the son of a successful restaurateur in Japan, the goal of Jinya was to bring traditional Japanese ramen to the US. Today a franchise with more than 50 stores across the country, he’s done just that.
