6 Places to Visit if You’re Looking for the Best Ramen in Seattle

Seattle is known to see 152 sunny days per year -- it doesn’t sound too bad, however, they also see an average of 155 days of precipitation per year. This is nearly equal good days to bad days, and since there are a significant number of cold, and rainy days -- hot ramen noodle soup is exactly the pick me up everyone needs. The comforting noodles combined with warm broth and a mild tangy kick will get the blood flowing again and make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Since we know Seattle natives love ramen, we have put together a list of six locations that serve this dish. Try one or try them all and soon you’ll have your favorite go-to spot!

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1. Ooink

Non traditional bowl of ramen noodle soup served in a relaxed atmosphere 

1416 Harvard Ave | Seattle | ooinkramen.com

Ooink has been a number of years in the making, before opening their doors in 2016, they were on a quest for perfection. Before they felt ready to serve customers, the team put in years of hard work, experience, and sampled many, many bowls of ramen. They pride themselves on simple preparation that uses every part of the ingredient -- nothing goes to waste and all aspects of the ingredients are respected. When you visit, they ask that you please slurp your soup as a compliment to the chef! 

On the menu they offer a number of pork based broth options as well as vegan miso flavored soup with vegetarian add-ons. You have the choice to add additional ingredients to your soup on top of what already comes in the bowl. They also have a few non traditional menu items like fried chicken wings, a chicken sandwich, and pork dumplings. 

“The ramen here is soooo good especially for the Seattle cold weather. The dining in is very covid conscious and all the employees wore masks. The noodles were made in house if I am not mistaken.” - Yelp Review 

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2. Ramen Danbo

Modern Japanese location serving made to order bowls of ramen  

1222 E Pine St | Seattle | ramendanbo.com

With its origins in Japan, this restaurant chain moved to Canada before settling in Seattle. The menu is centered around traditional Tonkotsu ramen that is crafted using the Kyushu Hakata style. Their goal is to give diners an authentic taste of their signature Tonkotsu pork broth. However, they have a vegan broth that is served with tofu for plant-based eaters. If you’re in the mood to create something completely unique and one of a kind -- they have customizable ramen options to ensure you get the perfect bowl. 

On the menu, they offer four variations of their house Tonkotsu pork broth made with hand crafted noodles. You have the option to pick from classic, shio, miso, and negi-goma ramen with the spice level of your choice. Then you can turn to their vegan menu and see four types of ramen made with their vegan broth. The choice is yours and so are the ramen toppings!

“From pick up to bringing it home was a great experience. I appreciated the heat up instructions in the bag. Everything was separated; broth, sesame seeds, and noodles. I was quite shocked and surprised at how bomb it tasted.” - Yelp Review 

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3. Arashi Ramen  

Small but flavorful menu of ramen soups, appetizers, and rice bowls

5401 20th Ave NW | Seattle | arashiramen.com

Chef Daisuke Ueda handcrafts his pork bone broth with the best and freshest ingredients that is then required to simmer for 16 hours before it is ready to serve to customers! They offer a variety of ramen noodle soups that range in spice level, base, and toppings. Extra toppings are listed on the menu to make the perfect addition to your soup!

If you’re still left wanting more -- try their combination of any ramen, plus an appetizer, and a side salad! They also offer rice bowls, but customers say to try the black garlic ramen and the house Arashi ramen. 

“Oh, Arashi Ramen. Honestly, I often find myself making excuses for why it's a good day to order Arashi, and living in the Frelard area, it's been really difficult for me to ever come up with a reason why I shouldn't!” - Yelp Review 

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4. Tsukushinbo 

Hidden restaurant serving Japanese ramen, sushi, and more   

515 South Main St | Seattle | twitter.com/tsukushinbosea

This is a hidden gem of a restaurant, but quite literally hidden -- they don’t have so much as a sign on their door, so you have to know what you’re doing to try it. They have upgraded with a street number to make the location easier to find. 

We put this restaurant on our list because they serve more than just ramen, so this is for those looking for more! Customers say you can’t leave without trying the sushi, which they have a variety of -- from your basic california roll to specialty house rolls. In terms of soup, they offer soba and udon noodles. Choose from tempura, katsu, curry, and ten zaru which are cold noodles. This location offers more than your average ramen house -- you just have to find them first!

“Curry udon soup is insanely delicious and the best thing to eat on a cold day or wet day. The spice will make your senses tingle a little; it's not "hot" but it's a little subtle kick of heat.” - Yelp Review 

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5. Samurai Noodle

Small location with a variety of broths and add-ons 

606 5th Ave S | Seattle | samurainoodle.com

Beginning in 2006, Samurai Noodle was the first authentic Japanese restaurant in Seattle to specialize in ramen. They take pride in their Tonkotsu pork broth ramen that is made fresh with zero premade concentrated ingredients. The ramen noodles are an original recipe that are made in store. They also have an original seasoning recipe that is mixed in house, and all pork slices are homemade -- they have a goal to never buy commercial ingredients. 

Their menu includes a variety of ramen from miso to garlic shoyu and vegan options. If you’re in the mood for a taste of what’s in season -- try their seasonal ramen made with fresh ingredients. They also have dipping ramen and a wide variety of add-ons as well as other menu items. Give them a try to see where the ramen craze all began! 

“Favorite Asian cuisine bistro in Seattle. The staff is super friendly, clean, and courteous. I won't say they have a secret menu, but the cook seems to be open for discussion. Unique dining experience you'll be sure to love.” - Yelp Review 

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6. Nuna Ramen

Rustic atmosphere featuring ramen soups, poke bowls, and rice entrees

501 N 36th St | Seattle | nunaramen.com

Nuna Ramen has earned a spot among the ramen community of Seattle. They are known for a modern interpretation of traditional dishes using only high quality, fresh ingredients. Having been recognized for amazing Japanese cuisine, they also promise friendly service and a wonderful dining atmosphere. 

Their menu showcases ramen as well as vermicelli, poke bowls, rice entrees, small plates, and salad. Choose from pork, chicken, or vegetable based ramen with a variety of toppings and a spice level you can set for yourself!

“Nuna is my all time favorite for veggie ramen! It's my go-to for dinner when I don't want to cook at home. There are a lot of great menu options, the salad here is definitely shareable too!” - Yelp Review 

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We know choosing one location can be difficult, but if you live in the area -- try them all! If you’re just visiting, select a location on a whim, because the truth is, you really can’t go wrong with any warm and delicious bowl of ramen noodle soup.