Boston's Best Ramen Restaurants

You might have noticed more Japanese ramen restaurants appearing in Boston recently. There is a wide variety of Japanese ramen, each with geographical and ingredient differences. Depending on the type of ramen, the two main ingredients – noodles and broth – may differ. Fortunately, you don't have to travel to Japan to try these ramen dishes. You can find them right here in Boston. Here are some of the best.

Photo credit: Inaka (Facebook)

Inaka
72 Brighton Ave
Boston, MA 02134
(617) 562-1668

Inaka serves a variety of ramen such as Miso Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, and even Vegetarian Ramen. The ramen is prepared in a large bowl with a big wooden spoon to spice up the restaurant's Asian atmosphere. Unlike most other restaurants, Inaka's ramen is not too greasy and comes with 5 pieces of thick pork (tofu for Vegetarian Ramen) along with many other toppings. The restaurant also offers other comfort food such as the Eel Don, Spicy Mapo Tofu, and Katsu Combo. So even if your companion doesn't like ramen, you have nothing to worry about.

Yume Wo Katare
1923 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 714-4008

Yume Wo Katare is famous for its huge bowls of ramen. There is only one type of ramen, but you can choose to either get 2 slices or 5 slices of pork. Contrasting to other types of ramen, Yume Wo Katare's ramen has a vast amount of garlic and soy sauce so it can get a bit too salty for some people. Nevertheless, its ramen is one of the most authentic ramen in Boston. Depending on how much of the bowl you finish, you will earn either a "Better luck next time!", "Good job!" or "Perfect!" from the servers. If you finish your whole bowl (including the broth), your waiter will make an announcement to the whole restaurant with a "Perfect job!" and everyone will clap for you.

Note: Cash only.

Sapporo Ramen
1815 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 876-4805

Sapporo Ramen is known for its thick broth for any type of ramen you order. There is also a variety of ramen that will suit everyone's taste. If you order extra noodles in the beginning, the ramen will be served in a larger bowl. Sapporo Ramen's Pork Bun is a very good choice for an appetizer. You might end up sitting next to a stranger if you come by yourself because there is limited space. But the delicious ramen will distract you from any potential awkwardness. Usually there is a long wait line so make sure you visit as soon as it opens!

Note: Cash only

Photo credit: Pikaichi (Facebook)

Pikaichi
1 Brighton Ave
Boston, MA 02134
(617) 789-4818

Located within Super 88 (a Chinese supermarket), Pikaichi serves comfort food for everyone. The restaurant feels very cozy and the servers are very polite. Pikaichi's ramen is just as good as the atmosphere. Many Japanese people claim the ramen to be authentic and to remind them of their home. There is a variety of ramen as well as different types of curry rice dishes. Its ramen portion is decent but you can always order extra noodles, which will be given separately in a small bowl. You can also enjoy Pikaichi's famous Tatsuta Chicken while waiting for your ramen.

Photo credit: Totto Ramen

Totto Ramen
169 Brighton Ave
Boston, MA 02134
(617) 202-5075

Totto Ramen is a popular restaurant, originally from New York City. It recently opened its first Boston location in Allston and has gained lots of attention. Totto Ramen differentiates itself from some ramen restaurants by adding lots of scallion as a topping. Also unlike other ramen places that have their miso paste diffused in advance, Totto Ramen's Miso Ramen is topped with a scoop of miso paste when served. Totto has an Extra Spicy Ramen for those who love spicy food, Vegetable Ramen, and even Cold Ramen. The Cold Ramen is soupless with a side of vinegar sauce and various toppings.

Note: Cash only