This bitter cold weather calls for hearty slurps of tasty broth, preferably those with hand-pulled noodles and ingredients that quite literally, melt in your mouth. Here in Washington, DC, visitors and residents like myself have a number of options to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Check out the best ramen in Washington, DC. Some of the locations do not accept reservations but with the increasing popularity of delivery services such as Uber Eats, you might just be in luck with ramen delivery, right on your doorstep during your stay in Washington.
Best Ramen in Washington, DC
Daikaya
Daikaya’s Shoyu RamenThis Japanese restaurant is centrally located near DC’s Capital One Arena (previously Verizon Center) and is a favorite by locals. Most folks opt for spots at the first floor ramen house. The downside is that reservations aren’t allowed; and on cold weather game days, wait times can go as long as 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re not keen on waiting, you can try your luck and make a reservation to the actual restaurant located on the second floor. Sometimes, it offers a special ramen on the menu.
Address: 705 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: 202-589-1600
Price range: $12.75 for a bowl
Toki Underground
Toki ClassicErik Bruner-Yang’s first foray into a brick and mortar restaurant was met with plenty of praise. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for this Asian fusion restaurant to get noticed despite its then somewhat challenging location on the newly developed H Street Corridor. Toki Underground’s claim to fame is it’s steamed buns but it’s also known to have one of the best ramen in Washington. Try the classic or go for red miso if you like something with a bit of spice.
Address: 1234 H Street NE, Washington DC 20002
Telephone: 202-388-3086
Price range: $13.50 for a bowl
Reren Lamen & Bar
Reren ClassicNo, it isn’t a typo because lamen is actually the Chinese version and predecessor of the Japanese ramen. Reren Lamen & Bar, located in the heart of DC’s Chinatown, offers a variety of flavors, starting with the traditional ramen with pork belly and soft-boiled egg to a vegetarian Buddha-style with shiitake broth, red pepper and tofu. The tastes have more of a Chinese influence but this relatively newcomer to the DC food scene quickly became one of the places to go for the best ramen in Washington. It’s also one of the most accessible, with early morning openings starting at 9:30 a.m. and late closings at 2 a.m. on Fridays and weekends.
Address: 817 7th St NW Washington DC 20001
Telephone: 202-290-3677
Price range: $10.00 for a bowl
Daikaya’s Shoyu RamenToki ClassicReren Classic