Must Try: 3 Best Ramen Spots in Boston Metro — Top Places for Ramen Lovers
Alright everyone, now that winter is in full spring in Boston, ya’ll know what that means… let’s talk ramen!
This popular noodle dish has many regional variations in Japan, each with its own unique flavor, base broth, and toppings. And that spirit carries over to the Boston Metro Area, with most neighborhoods featuring at least one if not more amazing options to try.
The truth is there are SO many great ramen and noodle places around, so narrowing this list down wasn’t easy. Keep in mind this is not exhaustive by any means – but they are all places I have tried and can be visited by public transportation.
So no matter where you are or where you plan to go, you’ll find somewhere to grab a cozy bowl.
#1. Ganko Ittetsu – Coolidge Corner, Brookline
Best Spicy Miso
- Location: Coolidge Corner, Brookline, MA
- Vibe: Cozy, Authentic
- Price: $$
- Best Dish(es): Gankara (Spicy) Miso, Kara-age
- Dietary notes: Pescatarian & Vegetarian Options
- Reservations: Required
Ganko Ittetsu is my personal #1 spot and a hidden gem in the heart of Brookline. Nestled in the historic Coolidge Corner Arcade, Ganko Ittetsu’s selection of broth options and extra toppings makes it a great location for ramen lovers with different tastes. They don’t master any single type of broth but instead do a few really well. My go-to is the gankara miso, an absolute must if you enjoy a kick in your food. An added bonus is right across the way they opened a sister eatery called Gantetsu-ya which specializes in takoyaki (fried octopus fritters).
Due to the small space wait times are pretty gnarly here. They do offer take-out but if you’re looking to snag a seat, reservations are highly recommended / at times required.
ProTip: Study the menu ahead of time, as often the hostess will offer to take your order while you wait for a seat to get your food to you faster.
#2. Yume Wo Katare – Porter Square, Cambridge
Best Overall Experience
- Location: Back Bay, Harvard Square, Allston
- Vibe: Location Dependent
- Price: $$
- Best dish(es): Takoyaki
- Dietary notes: Vegetarian Option Available
- Reservations/wait time: Varies
Santouka is another great option if you’re looking for a spot that has consistent, reliable, and good ramen. Out of the options in this post, I would say Santouka has the least memorable in terms of flavor or uniqueness, but by no means bad. The food is absolutely delicious, and they have the second-best takoyaki I’ve had in the area to date (#1 would be Ittoku Izakaya in Porter Square).
Santouka is the ramen spot you go to if you want the extras, and I love how everything is served on the side so you get to enjoy putting your meal together. I’m a creature of habit so I got the spicy miso here too, and it’s worth every drop, I promise. Dumplings were delicious as well, but if you had to choose one or the other for an app, go for the takoyaki. Trust me on this.
ProTip: The Harvard Location is going to be your best bet if you want access to the larger menu and, well, seating. The tiny Back Bay location is extremely charming and has an authentic backstreet Japan feel, but can fit maybe 8 people at a time and almost always has a line out the door.
#3. Santouka – Back Bay
Best Variety / Combos
- Location: Back Bay, Harvard Square, Allston
- Vibe: Location Dependent
- Price: $$
- Best dish(es): Takoyaki
- Dietary notes: Vegetarian Option Available
- Reservations/wait time: Varies
Santouka is another great option if you’re looking for a spot that has consistent, reliable, and good ramen. Out of the options in this post, I would say Santouka has the least memorable in terms of flavor or uniqueness, but by no means bad. The food is absolutely delicious, and they have the second-best takoyaki I’ve had in the area to date (#1 would be Ittoku Izakaya in Porter Square).
Santouka is the ramen spot you go to if you want the extras, and I love how everything is served on the side so you get to enjoy putting your meal together. I’m a creature of habit so I got the spicy miso here too, and it’s worth every drop, I promise. Dumplings were delicious as well, but if you had to choose one or the other for an app, go for the takoyaki. Trust me on this.
ProTip: The Harvard Location is going to be your best bet if you want access to the larger menu and, well, seating. The tiny Back Bay location is extremely charming and has an authentic backstreet Japan feel, but can fit maybe 8 people at a time and almost always has a line out the door.
How to Choose the Best Ramen Spot for You
So of the three options outined here, which one should you choose?
If you’re looking for a cozy, authentic Japanese back-street feel, Ganko Ittetsu or the Back Bay Santouka are your best bet, but bring your gloves ’cause you’re going to be waiting.
If you want to have the best variety or are going with a larger group, Santouka Harvard Square or Allston are going to be better options. This is especially true if you have vegetarian friends to consider.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a really fun, unique experience and simple menu, go for Yume wo Katare and have your dreams ready to share. Keep in mind there’s no vegetarian option here.
Previously Included
The original version of this list inclued Kenmorre Square’s TsuruTonTan and Porter Square’s Sapporo Ramen, both of which are now closed. Sapporo Ramen has locations in Central Square (H-Mart) and Cambridge Galleria, but I have not been so I can’t honestly review those locations. TsuruTonTan’s closest location is Midtown, Manhattan.
