Winter’s almost here! The snow on the ground tells us so. Whether you’re excited about it or not, we’re here to give you one reason to be especially excited. R-A-M-E-N. We’re not talking about that stuff you add water to mindlessly from a package. We’re talking about the ramen you get in an actual restaurant, filled with the flavor of umami and toppings ranging from seaweed, to shrimp tempura, to jelly eggs, to pork and so much more. What better time of year to cozy up over a steaming bowl of noodle soup then when the weather is biting cold?! Boston has tons of awesome ramen spots to offer, so here is a roundup of our favorites!

Sapporo Ramen

Photo Credit: @hellozzchen via Instagram

This place is tucked away inside one of Lesley University’s buildings in Porter Square. The spot where it is, also known as Little Japan, is called the Porter Exchange. It’s easy to miss as it looks like part of a food court but don’t miss it. We love the Yasai Ramen!

Address: 1815 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: 617-876-4805

Hanmaru Restaurant

Photo Credit: @asianpotter via Instagram

This is another place that you could easily walk right past and never go in, we did just that until one day we stopped in to see what this unassuming spot was all about and we fell in love. Known for shared hot pot, Hanmaru also serves delicious ramen! They offer three broths: soy sauce, beef bone, and tomyam. The last two are super spicy, while the soy is deeply flavorful and a nice vegetarian option.

Address: 168 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-779-7907

Pikaichi

Photo Credit: @simpsonsparadox via Instagram

This itty-bitty spot is located right next to Allston’s well-known Asian market, Super 88. Expect to wait for a table as this restaurant is very small, but it’s worth the wait, trust us! Sadly, they are closing their doors soon so get it while you can. They will keep us posted as to where their next location will be.

Address: 1 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Phone:617-789-4818

Ruckus

Photo Credit: Rukus

Sister restaurant to Shojo, and just a couple doors down, Ruckus recently opened bringing another modern storefront to Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. They are a noodle-focused spot and we are all about it. They make all their noodles by hand and give you the option to add extra swag (toppings) to any bowl. We’ll take an extra umami bomb (whipped pork butter) please and thank you!

Address: 5 Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 857-305-3129

Ganko Ittetsu

Photo Credit: @jr.risch via Instagram

Nestled inside the Arcade building in Coolidge Corner this is another gotta-know-it-exists-or-you’ll-miss-it place. They serve some of the most flavorful broth in the city as they make Sapporo-style ramen. This means that each bowl of soup is made in a wok, so the broth is caramelized with the vegetables making it even more tasty. This requires extra skills and steps but that’s what sets them apart from the pack.

Address: 318 Harvard St #3, Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: 617-730-8100

Pagu

Photo Credit: Pagu

PAGU is a tapas restaurant in Cambridge that brings together the experiences of Chef Tracy Chang, combining the flavors and cooking techniques of Japan and Spain. This unique gathering space allows you to enjoy food, community, and collaboration. You MUST go for the famous Guchi’s Midnight Ramen. It’s filled with pork belly, umami oil, and a six-minute egg. *drool*

Address: 310 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-945-9290

UNI

Photo Credit: UNI

Located inside the Elliot Hotel, this swanky spot calls itself a “contemporary izakaya,” and offers an elevated dining experience provided by Chefs Ken Oringer and Tony Messina. They offer their ramen during the late night hours on Fridays and Saturdays. It has grown a cult-following. There are two options: a roasted chicken dish made with schmaltz, seaweed tare, and roasted hen, and a slow-roasted pork ramen with miso soy broth and optional black truffles.

Address: 370A Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-536-7200

Santouka Hokkaido

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Boston is lucky enough to have two locations of this beloved ramen spot. The whole thing started with the founder declaring to his family, “I will make delicious ramen,” and that he did. They offer a variety of options including one vegetarian choice. Ramen for one, ramen for all!

Harvard Square

Address: 1 Bow St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-945-1460

Back Bay

Address: 66 Hereford St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 857-310-5194

Ittoku

Photo Credit: @shawn.gilhuly via Instagram

This Japanese izakaya-style restaurant offers a lengthy menu of Japanese dishes, including ramen. Their ramen is simple but delicious. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some of the other places but it’s tasty and comforting and a great place to go with friends to share some of the other small plates along with your bowl of ramen. What’s great about ramen is that you don’t really share it. While we’re all for sharing, you can share all the accompaniments, but this bowl is your own.

Address: 1414 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-608-3630

Hojoko

Photo Credit: Hojoko

Located inside the Verb Hotel in the Fenway neighborhood, this hip Japanese tavern serves up some fantastic bowls of ramen. They have a “funky chicken ramen” that has a 48-hour chicken broth that is outstanding. This is the definition of “shhh don’t talk to me I’m eating” kind of food.

Address: 1271 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-670-0507

Don’t forget, slurping is not only accepted, it’s encouraged! Here’s why:

1. It cools off your mouthful of noodles just enough to let you enjoy them while the rest of the bowl stays piping hot, and
2. It aerates the noodles and the broth, allowing the flavors to mellow out and fully develop before you chew and swallow.