Discover the Top 10 Best Ramen Spots in Cleveland for the Ultimate Noodle Fix!

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Discover the best ramen in Cleveland at our top picks! Satisfy your cravings with authentic flavors and hearty bowls of deliciousness.


Cleveland, Ohio may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of ramen, but this Midwestern gem has a surprisingly vibrant food scene. And if you're looking for the best ramen in Cleveland, you won't have to look far. From traditional tonkotsu to inventive fusion dishes, there's something for everyone in this city.

One standout spot for ramen is Noodlecat, located in downtown Cleveland. Chef Jonathon Sawyer has created a menu that combines classic Japanese flavors with local ingredients, resulting in some truly unique and delicious dishes. Their signature ramen bowl features tender pork belly, a perfectly cooked egg, and a rich and savory broth that will leave you wanting more.

Another must-visit spot for ramen in Cleveland is Xinji Noodle Bar, located in the city's bustling Ohio City neighborhood. This casual eatery serves up steaming bowls of noodles that are made fresh daily, along with a variety of other tasty dishes. Don't miss their spicy miso ramen, which packs a flavorful punch.

If you're in the mood for something a little less traditional, head over to Ushabu in the trendy Tremont neighborhood. This upscale spot offers a unique take on ramen, with options like duck confit ramen and vegan mushroom ramen. The sleek and modern atmosphere only adds to the dining experience.

For those who prefer a cozy and intimate setting, Ramen Katsu is the perfect spot. Tucked away in a strip mall in the eastern suburb of Beachwood, this unassuming restaurant serves up some of the best ramen in Cleveland. Their tonkotsu ramen is a standout, with a rich and creamy broth that's sure to satisfy.

If you're looking for a true hidden gem, check out Otani Noodle in the city's St. Clair-Superior neighborhood. This family-owned spot may not look like much from the outside, but their homemade ramen noodles and flavorful broth are not to be missed. And with prices that won't break the bank, it's the perfect spot for a casual meal.

No matter what your preferences are when it comes to ramen, Cleveland has something to offer. And with so many great options to choose from, you'll never run out of new places to try. So next time you're in the mood for this comforting and delicious dish, head to one of these top spots and see why Cleveland's ramen scene is not to be overlooked.


Introduction

Cleveland is a city that has seen a significant increase in the number of ramen restaurants over the years. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide where to go for the best ramen. This article will take a closer look at some of the top-rated ramen spots in Cleveland and what makes them stand out.

1. Noodlecat

The Atmosphere

Noodlecat is a popular spot located in downtown Cleveland. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a casual dinner with friends. The decor is modern, with wooden tables, dim lighting, and colorful murals on the walls.

The Ramen

Noodlecat offers a variety of ramen dishes, including the classic tonkotsu ramen, which is made with pork broth, noodles, and various toppings. Their vegetarian ramen is also very popular, made with a miso-based broth and seasonal vegetables. The noodles are cooked to perfection, and the broth is rich and flavorful.

2. Xinji Noodle Bar

The Menu

Xinji Noodle Bar is a trendy spot located in Ohio City. The restaurant has an open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs prepare your food. The menu is extensive, featuring a variety of noodle dishes, dumplings, and small plates.

The Ramen

Xinji Noodle Bar's ramen menu includes several options, such as the spicy miso ramen and the chicken paitan ramen. Their most popular dish is the tonkotsu ramen, made with pork broth, pork belly, and marinated egg. The noodles are thick and chewy, and the broth is creamy and delicious.

3. Otani Noodle

The Authenticity

Otani Noodle is a small, family-owned restaurant located in Lakewood. The restaurant has a traditional Japanese feel, with low tables and floor seating. The owners are from Japan, and they take pride in serving authentic Japanese cuisine.

The Ramen

Otani Noodle offers a variety of ramen dishes, including the classic tonkotsu ramen and the spicy miso ramen. Their ramen is made from scratch, and the broth is simmered for hours to achieve the perfect flavor. The noodles are thin and delicate, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful.

4. Nobi Asian Grill

The Fusion

Nobi Asian Grill is a fusion restaurant located in Cleveland Heights. The restaurant serves a mix of Asian cuisines, including Japanese, Korean, and Thai. The atmosphere is modern and trendy, with colorful murals on the walls and a sushi bar.

The Ramen

Nobi Asian Grill's ramen dishes are a fusion of different Asian flavors. Their most popular dish is the kimchi ramen, made with spicy pork broth, kimchi, and pork belly. The noodles are thick and chewy, and the broth has a unique and delicious taste. They also offer a vegetarian ramen made with miso broth and tofu.

5. Ramen Katsu

The Specialization

Ramen Katsu is a small restaurant located in Parma. The restaurant specializes in ramen dishes, and they take great care in preparing each bowl. The atmosphere is simple, with a few tables and counter seating.

The Ramen

Ramen Katsu offers several types of ramen, including tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Their tonkotsu ramen is made with pork broth that has been simmered for over 12 hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth. The noodles are thin and delicate, and the toppings are fresh and delicious.

Conclusion

Cleveland has a lot to offer when it comes to ramen restaurants. Each of the five restaurants mentioned above has its own unique atmosphere and style of ramen. Whether you prefer traditional Japanese ramen or a fusion of different flavors, there is something for everyone in Cleveland's ramen scene.


Best Ramen in Cleveland: A Hearty and Flavorful Journey through the City's Noodle SceneCleveland may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about ramen, but the truth is that this Midwestern gem has a vibrant and diverse ramen scene that can satisfy any craving. From traditional Japanese flavors to inventive and creative twists on the classic dish, Cleveland's ramen restaurants offer a range of options for every taste bud and dietary preference. In this article, we will explore some of the best ramen spots in Cleveland and highlight their signature dishes, must-try items, and unique features.Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen: A Fiery Favorite Among ClevelandersIf you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, then the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen at Noodlecat is a must-try. This dish features a rich and creamy pork broth infused with chili oil, garlic, and ginger, topped with tender chashu pork, scallions, and a soft-boiled egg. The noodles are thick and chewy, making them the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious broth and spices.Noodlecat is a popular ramen spot in downtown Cleveland that focuses on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu also includes vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as a variety of appetizers, small plates, and desserts. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Kimchee Fried Rice or the Pork Belly Buns, both of which are highly recommended by regular customers.Vegetarian Ramen: The Best Meat-Free Option in the CityFor vegetarians and vegans, finding a satisfying and flavorful ramen can be a challenge, but not at Superior Pho. This cozy and casual restaurant in Cleveland Heights offers a Vegetarian Ramen that rivals any meat-based option in terms of taste and texture. The broth is made with shiitake mushrooms, kombu seaweed, and soy sauce, creating a savory and umami-rich flavor. The toppings include crispy tofu, bok choy, bean sprouts, and enoki mushrooms, adding a variety of textures and colors to the dish.Superior Pho also serves traditional Vietnamese pho, banh mi sandwiches, and various appetizers and drinks. The restaurant has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen on a cold day.Shoyu Ramen: A Classic Flavor that Never DisappointsWhen it comes to classic ramen flavors, Shoyu Ramen is a staple that never goes out of style. This soy sauce-based broth is light and refreshing, allowing the other ingredients to shine through. At Otani Noodle, a family-owned restaurant in Lakewood, you can enjoy a delicious and authentic Shoyu Ramen that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine.The broth is simmered for hours with chicken bones, pork bones, and dried fish, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. The toppings include sliced pork, bamboo shoots, nori seaweed, and green onions, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. Otani Noodle also offers a Spicy Miso Ramen for those who want a little kick in their soup.Tsukemen Ramen: A Unique and Delicious Noodle ExperienceIf you're looking for a different kind of ramen experience, try Tsukemen at Ushabu in Tremont. This style of ramen involves dipping the noodles into a separate bowl of broth, allowing you to control the amount of soup and seasoning you want with each bite. Ushabu's Tsukemen features a tangy and citrusy broth made with yuzu juice, soy sauce, and dashi stock, topped with tender slices of beef, bean sprouts, and scallions.Ushabu is a modern and upscale Japanese restaurant that specializes in hot pot dishes, sushi, and cocktails. The ambiance is sleek and elegant, making it a great spot for date night or special occasions.Miso Ramen: A Savory Broth that Will Warm You Up on a Cold DayFor a hearty and comforting ramen that will warm you up from the inside out, head over to Ramen Katsu in Ohio City. Their Miso Ramen features a thick and creamy broth made with miso paste, pork bones, and chicken stock, topped with marinated bamboo shoots, corn, scallions, and a soft-boiled egg. The noodles are firm and springy, providing a satisfying chewiness to the dish.Ramen Katsu also offers a Spicy Garlic Ramen for those who want an extra kick of flavor, as well as unique appetizers like Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings). The restaurant has a cozy and intimate vibe, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a solo ramen date.Seafood Ramen: A Fresh and Flavorful Option for Seafood LoversIf you're a seafood lover, you'll be pleased to know that Cleveland's ramen scene has plenty of options for you. At Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar in Westlake, you can indulge in a Seafood Ramen that combines the best of both worlds: the briny sweetness of seafood and the rich umami flavor of ramen broth.The broth is made with fish stock, soy sauce, and sake, creating a delicate and nuanced flavor that highlights the freshness of the seafood. The toppings include shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and squid, as well as vegetables like cabbage, bean sprouts, and carrots. Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar also serves a Spicy Seafood Ramen for those who want to add some heat to their meal.Curry Ramen: A Fusion of Japanese and Indian Cuisine that Will Delight Your Taste BudsFor a creative and innovative take on ramen, try the Curry Ramen at Naniwa Chaya in Avon. This fusion dish combines the aromatic spices of Japanese curry with the hearty broth and noodles of ramen, resulting in a unique and flavorful combination. The broth is made with chicken stock, coconut milk, and Japanese curry roux, creating a creamy and slightly sweet flavor. The toppings include sliced pork, green beans, carrots, and potatoes, adding texture and color to the dish.Naniwa Chaya also offers other Japanese specialties like sushi, tempura, and udon, as well as a variety of sake and beer. The restaurant has a traditional and cozy ambiance, making it a great place to unwind after a long day.Chicken Ramen: A Light and Healthy Choice for Those Watching Their Caloric IntakeIf you're looking for a lighter and healthier option for your ramen fix, consider the Chicken Ramen at Xinji Noodle Bar in Shaker Heights. This dish features a clear and delicate broth made with chicken bones, ginger, and scallions, topped with tender slices of chicken breast, bok choy, and mushrooms. The noodles are thin and curly, providing a light and refreshing texture to the soup.Xinji Noodle Bar specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine, offering a range of noodle dishes, dumplings, and small plates. The restaurant has a modern and minimalist decor, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.Ramen Bowls with a Twist: Creative and Inventive Takes on the Classic DishFor those who want to explore the boundaries of ramen and try something new, check out the Ramen Bowls with a Twist at Ninja City Kitchen and Bar in Gordon Square. These bowls feature unconventional ingredients and flavors that challenge the traditional notion of ramen.For example, the Ramen Carbonara Bowl combines spaghetti noodles, bacon, parmesan cheese, and egg yolk with a tonkotsu broth, resulting in a decadent and indulgent dish. The Ramen Pho Bowl fuses Vietnamese and Japanese cuisines, using pho rice noodles, beef broth, and hoisin sauce with shoyu flavorings. The restaurant also offers a variety of small plates, cocktails, and desserts, as well as a funky and eclectic decor that reflects its name.Ramen for Breakfast: The Perfect Way to Start Your Day in ClevelandLast but not least, if you're a ramen enthusiast who believes that noodles are not just for dinner, then you'll be delighted to know that Cleveland has some breakfast ramen options as well. At Rood Food and Pie in Ohio City, you can enjoy a hearty and wholesome breakfast ramen that features scrambled eggs, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, and miso broth.The flavors are familiar and comforting, yet the concept is unique and refreshing. Rood Food and Pie also offers a variety of sweet and savory pies, sandwiches, and salads, making it a great place to start your day with a satisfying meal.In conclusion, Cleveland's ramen scene is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition and appreciation. From traditional flavors to inventive twists, there's a ramen spot for every taste and mood in this city. Whether you're a meat lover, a vegetarian, a seafood enthusiast, or an adventurous foodie, you'll find something to love in Cleveland's ramen restaurants. So, grab your chopsticks and slurp away!

Best Ramen in Cleveland: A Point of View

The Pros and Cons of the Best Ramen in Cleveland

When it comes to finding the best ramen in Cleveland, there are a few options to consider. Each restaurant has its own unique take on this classic Japanese dish, but they all have their pros and cons. Here is a breakdown of the best ramen spots in Cleveland:

1. Noodlecat

Pros:
  • Noodlecat offers a wide variety of ramen options, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Their broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked.
  • The restaurant has a fun and lively atmosphere.
Cons:
  • The prices at Noodlecat can be a bit steep compared to other ramen restaurants in Cleveland.
  • The portions are on the smaller side, so you may need to order multiple dishes to feel satisfied.

2. Xinji Noodle Bar

Pros:
  • Xinji Noodle Bar serves up some of the most authentic ramen in Cleveland.
  • Their broth is made from scratch and simmered for hours to create a rich, savory flavor.
  • Their toppings are fresh and flavorful.
Cons:
  • Xinji Noodle Bar can get very crowded, especially during peak meal times.
  • The restaurant is small and can feel cramped.
  • They only offer a few different types of ramen, so if you're looking for variety, this may not be the spot for you.

3. Otani Noodle

Pros:
  • Otani Noodle offers a unique take on ramen, with options like seafood and spicy miso.
  • Their prices are more affordable than some of the other ramen spots in Cleveland.
  • Their portions are generous, so you won't leave feeling hungry.
Cons:
  • Their broth can be a bit salty for some people's taste.
  • The restaurant's atmosphere is simple and not very fancy.
  • They don't offer as many toppings as some of the other ramen restaurants in Cleveland.

Table Comparison of the Best Ramen in Cleveland

Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of the best ramen restaurants in Cleveland:
Restaurant Pros Cons
Noodlecat
  • Wide variety of ramen options
  • Rich and flavorful broth
  • Fun and lively atmosphere
  • Higher prices
  • Smaller portions
Xinji Noodle Bar
  • Authentic ramen
  • Made-from-scratch broth
  • Fresh and flavorful toppings
  • Crowded atmosphere
  • Small restaurant space
  • Limited ramen options
Otani Noodle
  • Unique ramen options
  • Affordable prices
  • Generous portions
  • Salty broth
  • Simple atmosphere
  • Limited toppings
In conclusion, Cleveland has a few great options when it comes to finding the best ramen. Each restaurant has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to consider what is most important to you in a dining experience. Whether you're looking for a wide variety of options, an authentic experience, or affordable prices, there is a Cleveland ramen spot that will satisfy your cravings.

The Best Ramen in Cleveland: A Guide for Noodle Lovers

Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive guide on the best ramen spots in Cleveland. We hope that this article has not only satisfied your craving for delicious noodles but has also given you a new appreciation for the art of ramen-making.

If you're a local, we encourage you to try out all of the restaurants we've recommended and let us know which one is your favorite. And if you're visiting Cleveland, we hope that you'll make it a priority to check out at least one of these incredible ramen joints.

As you've probably noticed, each of the restaurants we've highlighted in this article has its own unique take on ramen. Some are traditional, while others have put their own spin on the dish. Some use pork broth, while others use chicken or even vegan broth. But no matter what your preference is, we're confident that you'll find something to love at each of these establishments.

We'd like to reiterate that this list is by no means exhaustive – there are many other great ramen spots in Cleveland that we simply didn't have room to highlight in this article. So if you come across a restaurant that's not on our list but still serves amazing ramen, we'd love for you to share your discovery with us!

One thing that all of these restaurants have in common is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients. From the noodles to the broth to the toppings, each component of the ramen is carefully chosen to create a harmonious and flavorful bowl of soup.

Another common thread among these establishments is their dedication to customer service. You'll find that each of these restaurants goes above and beyond to make sure that their customers are happy and satisfied with their dining experience.

It's worth noting that many of these restaurants have limited seating and can get quite busy, especially during peak hours. We recommend arriving early or making a reservation to avoid long wait times.

Finally, we'd like to thank the chefs and staff at each of these restaurants for their hard work and dedication to creating delicious ramen. It's not an easy dish to perfect, but they've all done an exceptional job.

Whether you're a longtime fan of ramen or are just discovering its wonders, we hope that this guide has inspired you to seek out the best of the best in Cleveland. Happy slurping!


People Also Ask About Best Ramen in Cleveland

What are the best ramen restaurants in Cleveland?

There are several great ramen restaurants in Cleveland that offer delicious and authentic Japanese ramen. Some of the best ramen restaurants in Cleveland include:

  • Yuzu
  • Ninja City
  • XO Prime Steaks
  • Noodlecat
  • Ramen Station

What is the most popular type of ramen in Cleveland?

The most popular type of ramen in Cleveland is Tonkotsu ramen, which is made with pork bones and is known for its rich and creamy broth. Many of the top ramen restaurants in Cleveland offer their own version of Tonkotsu ramen, including Yuzu and Ninja City.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan ramen options in Cleveland?

Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan ramen options available in Cleveland. Noodlecat offers a vegetarian ramen that includes tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. Ninja City also has a vegan ramen option made with vegetable broth, roasted mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables.

What is the price range for ramen in Cleveland?

The price range for ramen in Cleveland varies depending on the restaurant and the type of ramen you order. On average, ramen dishes in Cleveland cost between $10 and $15. However, some high-end restaurants like XO Prime Steaks may charge up to $25 for a bowl of ramen.