Must-Try Ramen: 11 Greater Seattle Restaurants Dishing Up Delicious Noodles

Slurp, slurp! Few meals have perfected the family crowd-pleaser factor quite like ramen — and with good reason! This staple Japanese comfort food, consisting of satisfyingly slurp-worthy noodles, meat and toppings served in a flavorful slow-cooked broth, has quickly become a warming favorite in the Pacific Northwest’s chilly climate, appealing to everyone from foodie parents to discerning teens and picky tots. Who doesn’t love a steaming bowl of noodle soup? 

Plenty of casual, authentic ramen shops are popping up around Greater Seattle to feed the demand for the cozy bowls, serving up their twists on specialty broths and combinations, along with other Japanese favorites like chicken karaage or gyoza. Many feature kid-friendly menus, and the laid-back settings are perfect for families looking to grab a quick, fuss-free bite.

I’ve got the scoop (or should I say ladle?) on the must-try ramen spots in Seattle, the Eastside and beyond. Tip: Portions tend to err on the generous side, so come hungry! 

Kayava, Seattle

Kayava’s existing Fremont location was just joined by a newly opened one in Belltown: a modern, cozy space that we were delighted to check out on a family outing to the city. Kayava, which has a shop in Japan and takes its name from the Kayabacho region of Tokyo, prides itself on its authentic, scratch-made broth and noodles, thoughtfully presented in special preheated bowls. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, along with several appetizers.

Family favorites on the menu: A must-try specialty is the creamy chicken paitan ramen, which I loved as someone who prefers my ramen on the lighter side; along with the unique truffle shantan ramen that enticed my foodie teen. We also enjoyed the crispy chicken karaage and garlic waffle fries, served in a paper bag you shake up before plating.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Seattle and Bellevue

With locations in University Village and downtown Bellevue, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is easily recognized by the crowds of devoted customers it draws during peak dining times (reservations aren’t accepted, so plan ahead). The hyped franchise gets a cult following for its bright and modern interiors, freshly made noodles, and extra-flavorful broth bases made with their in-house soybean paste. A variety of dishes from sushi to Japanese curry are available.

Bonus: Both locations neighbor fantastic play spots — the Bellevue Downtown Park and University Village’s playground.  

Family favorites on the menu: The kids menu combo is one of the best around, with a choice of ramen, an appetizer side, a drink and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya, multiple locations

This popular national chain, with several locations around Greater Seattle and the Eastside, is known for having been the first to bring an authentic Japanese ramen cooking technique to North America: roasting bones before cooking, resulting in an extra-rich, fragrant broth. In line with its commitment to authenticity, Kizuki imports ingredients from Japan — along with flying in a Japanese interior designer to recreate an authentic ramen shop feel for each location.

Family favorites on the menu: Signature ramen like the yuzu shio or garlic tonkotsu are available in various spice and sodium levels to taste, along with vegetarian options and a simple kids menu with smaller plain ramen bowls. 

Jinya Ramen Bar, Bellevue

Jinya Ramen Bar has multiple locations around the country, but only one in Washington state and we’re lucky to have it right here in Bellevue’s Crossroads Shopping Center. In addition to traditional ramen offerings, Jinya serves up fun fusion takes on the Japanese classics: from Chinese influences with wonton ramen, to an unexpected Mexican spin with birria ramen and poke tacos.

Family favorites on the menu: We love the kids meals, which come in regular and vegetarian versions and include ramen, chicken or vegetarian entree, French fries, orange slices and even a lollipop for a sweet finish. 

Menya Musashi Tsukemen & Ramen, multiple locations

A well-established ramen shop in Japan, Menya Musashi chose Seattle’s Capitol Hill as its very first U.S. location; now joined by three others in Federal Way, Kirkland and Issaquah. The menu boasts one of the region’s most extensive vegan ramen offerings and a variety of bento boxes. The kids menu offers regular or vegan ramen or a chicken karaage meal. 

Family favorites on the menu: Setting Menya Musashi apart is their signature tsukemen ramen, made with a rich base that includes flavorful fish broth in addition to the standard pork version.

Slurp Station Aburasoba UW, Seattle

The fun name will be enough to get your kiddos excited about this family-owned spot in the University District — but be prepared to find your ramen bowl looking a bit different here. The shop’s specialty is aburasoba, an alternative to traditional ramen, which keeps the noodles but forgoes the broth. The ramen noodles are served dry, flavored with savory soy-based sauces and all the traditional, customizable topping choices.

Family favorites on the menu: There is no dedicated kids menu, but the regular menu is short and easy to navigate with a few aburasoba and appetizer options, along with a small bubble tea bar for a refreshing treat.  

Arashi Ramen, Seattle and Tukwila

The signature pork bone broth speaks for itself in this cozy, low-key ramen shop; it’s handcrafted by their Japanese master chef and simmered for over 16 hours. Two locations in Ballard and Southcenter dish out a selection of traditional ramen varieties in a homey setting, along with sides and rice bowls.

Family favorites on the menu: Try the tantan men, a ramen made with sesame paste and ground pork, with spicy versions available for the daring. No kids menu is offered, but the rice bowls come in a small size for little bellies. 

Midnite Ramen, Seattle

Ever seen a food truck — indoors? This novel concept makes Midnite Ramen one of a kind in the city’s restaurant scene, and a unique dining experience for the whole family. Inspired by yatai, the ramen food carts in early 1900s Japan, Midnite Ramen cooks up its dishes in a food truck kitchen, set inside the vast industrial space of the Figurehead Stoneway taproom in Fremont. Kids are allowed to dine in, and a drive-thru online order option is available for a quick pick-up.

Family favorites on the menu: Try one of their regional old-world inspired specialties like the Onomichi ramen of Hiroshima, or the kobe beef shoyu, made with brisket simmered for four hours.

Nuna Ramen, Seattle

A cool brick storefront welcomes you to Fremont’s Nuna Ramen, which has been cooking up authentic Japanese specialties for over ten years. The restaurant prides itself on its fresh ingredients, with a selection of traditional ramen types like shoyu, tonkatsu, chicken and veggie. Also on offer are rice dishes, poke and salad, along with cold vermicelli noodle bowls and a selection of appetizers with some pan-Asian influences.

Family favorites on the menu: Try the pork bao or crispy vegetable croquettes. 

Ooink, Seattle

I love the cute name and piglet logo of this eatery, which dishes up ramen with a modern twist and Malaysian influences at its two locations in Fremont and Capitol Hill. Spice enthusiasts will appreciate the Mala ramen, with spice levels ranging from 1 to a tongue-numbing 4. And for those who aren’t fans of the pig, the Shanghai style and vegetarian miso options offer a no-pork broth base.

Family favorites on the menu: Don’t miss the Malaysian-inspired appetizers like kabocha squash in curry sauce, or the spicy ayam goreng (fried chicken). 

Tsuki Shokudo, Seattle

Got family members who prefer a burger over a bowl of noodles? No problem! At Tsuki Shokudo, conveniently located by the Seattle Center, there is something for everyone: from the expected ramen, with classic standbys like miso and tonkatsu, to katsu (a Japanese breaded pork cutlet) or beef bulgogi burgers, sashimi and more.

Family favorites on the menu: Try the fun fusion nori French fries, topped with Japanese furikake seasoning. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a dish of spicy chicken feet, simmered in a Korean chili sauce.