There is nothing more satisfying on a cold day than a steaming bowl of ramen prepared by a skilled chef. Whether you prefer it with just vegetables, or an assortment of meats, greens, and other flavors, ramen offers something for everyone. Not to mention, it’s often very healthy. If you find yourself looking for a place to get a piping hot bowl of ramen in PDX, you’re in luck. Here is a look at some of the best ramen in Portland that you can check out today.
1. Wu Rons
Wu Rons is a Japanese restaurant in southeast Portland that specializes in Nagahama-style ramen. They offer only three options – two variations of a tonkatsu-style bowl and a vegetarian dish. Customers can choose between a soy or miso base with pork belly, broth, green onion, egg, sesame seeds, and thinly cut noodles.
The chefs at Wu-Rons have distinguished themselves from other ramen joints by mastering one dish to perfection rather than offering a variety of choices. Wu-Rons is open from 12 to 3 pm Wednesday through Sunday and they are also open for dinner on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 to 8 pm.
You’ll find Wu-Rons at 1430 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214.
2. Kayo’s Ramen Bar
Kayo’s Ramen Bar is an authentic Japanese restaurant in Northeast Portland that focuses on noodles and offering both meat-based, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. They specialize in Assari-style ramen, which has lighter, more refined broths.
For those on the hunt for healthier options, they offer low-carb and no-carb options, which are limited servings mixed with julienned zucchini and daikon. Plus, they have a mouthwatering Japanese-style Basque cheesecake that is a local favorite. Kayo’s Ramen Bar is open Monday through Saturday for lunch (11:30 to 2:30) and dinner (5 pm to 9 pm).
You’ll find Kayo’s Ramen Bar at 3808 N Williams Ave #124, Portland, OR 97227.
3. Mirakutei
Located in the heart of the industrial district, Mirakutei is a Japanese restaurant that serves sushi, small tapas-style dishes, and some of the best ramen in Portland. They specialize in Sapporo-style ramen, which is served in “Paitan,” a milky, white broth made with pork and chicken bones, dried konbu, anchovy, and yellow onion.
The restaurant is also a favorite among sushi-lovers. This delicious spot offers a delectable assortment of rolls and sashimi made in traditional and specialty styles. Plus, their starter menu includes shareable dishes like eggplant tempura, meat skewers, and more. Mirakutetei is open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm for both indoor and outdoor dining.
You can find Mirakutei at 536 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214.
4. Kinboshi
Kinboshi– formerly called Marukin – is a Japanese restaurant offering authentic, handmade ramen. They were the first ramen restaurant in Portland to offer Hakata-style bowls, which feature a rich pork broth with seasonal vegetables and a soft-boiled egg. Their menu also includes delectable dishes like Tebasaki chicken wings and vegan tonyu.
The chefs at Kinobosi make the ramen by hand and even offer a vegan option made with shio and organic soy milk. They bought Maruchin in 2016 and since then have branched away from their partners in Japan to create some of the best ramen in Portland. Kinoboshi is open daily for takeout, delivery, and onsite dining from 11 am to 8 pm.
You can find Kinboshi at 609 SE Ankeny Ste A Portland, OR 97214
5. Hapa PDX
Hapa PDX is a simple cocktail bar and ramen spot that boasts a mix of Japanese and Hawaiian food, as well as whiskeys and sake. Their food menu includes a selection of five different types of ramen (including vegetarian and vegan options) and a selection of mouthwatering appetizers, such as pork belly on a rice ball and salmon poke. Their best ramen (in our opinion) is the G-Star, which features pork belly broth, belly nuggets, spicy sprouts, shiitake, spinach, and a marinated egg.
Alongside their delicious food, Hapa is known for their impressive assortment of whiskeys and sake drinks that includes a Manhattan, Sazerac, Old Fashioned, and more. Hapa PDX is open Wednesday through Friday for lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner every night except Tuesdays from 5 pm to 9 pm (Sunday it closes at 8 pm).
You can find Hapa PDX at 3848 SE Gladstone St Portland, Oregon 97202
6. Afuri Izakaya
Afuri Izakaya is a chain of Japanese restaurants based in Tokyo that opened its first location outside of Japan in SE Portland. The menu at Afuri centers around their signature dish – a bowl of Yuzu Shio ramen with a light broth, locally raised chicken, niboshi fish, katsuobushi, dry seaweed, and vegetables.
Their menu includes eight different ramen dishes, made with the same techniques used at their flagship location in Japan. In addition they have classics such as dumplings, rice dishes, and a selection of small plates. Plus, the restaurant is housed in a repurposed warehouse space, giving it a cool, industrial ambiance. Afuri is open Sunday through Thursday, from 11:30 am to 8 pm, and Friday through Saturday, from 11:30 am to 9 pm.
You can find Afuri Izakaya at 50 SW 3rd Ave, Portland Oregon, 97204
7. Yataimura Maru:
Yatamai Mura is a popular Japanese Izakaya restaurant in SE Portland offering innovative ramen dishes made from scratch. In addition to ramen, their menu also includes a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, small plates, and cocktails. Their signature dish is the Shichifuku style Paitan, which includes seven distinct toppings to represent the seven lucky gods, including chashu pork, green onions, kikurage, mushrooms, corn, quail eggs, benishoga, and nori.
Yataimura Maru has a laidback, neighborhood vibe with a $5 lunch special that attracts customers from all over. Plus, it has an eclectic menu with everything from bacon-wrapped quail to fried squid. Maru is open from 1 pm to 10:30 pm every day except Tuesday (Sundays it closes at 9:30 pm).
You can find Yataimura Maru at 3810 SE Division St. Portland, OR 97202.
So, next time, you’re craving a piping hot bowl of ramen in Portland, check out one of these world-class restaurants for the best ramen outside of Japan.