19 Montreal Spots To Take Your Favourite Person On A Ramen Date
- Below are listed 19 of the best ramen spots in Montreal to bring your favourite person on a little date this winter.
- When the wind bites and the sidewalks are icy, there's nothing better than a warm bowl of ramen!
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For many current or past broke college students, the word ramen evokes memories of styrofoam containers filled with dry noodles and sachets full of mystery spices. This quasi-universal struggle meal is, for many, not something to be sought out at a restaurant. However, ramen is so much more than cheap dollar-store containers to be filled with boiling water.
Ramen has been prepared in Japan for centuries, and almost every region has its variation on the delicious dish, which consists of wheat noodles in broth with various toppings such as pork, seaweed, scallions, and sesame seeds.
These ingredients combine to make a warm, spicy, filling soup filled with carb-y goodness.
And, in Montreal, we are spoiled with a wide array of enterprises that offer the traditional Japanese dish, from casual hole-in-the-wall spots to more upscale restaurants.
There's a variety of ramen out there for everyone, whether you're a meat-lover, someone who loves spice, or a vegan.
With so many places to try, you're going to need a good partner to share some new experiences with.
So, grab your favourite person, lover, friend, coworkers etc. and treat them to a bowl of delicious goodness.
Yokato Yokabai
Where: 4185 Rue Drolet
What: Yokato Yokabai is a strong contender for the best ramen in Montreal. They have a variety of broths, meats, and toppings to choose from, so you can really make your ramen your own.
They're well-known for being the first ramen restaurant to serve porc bone broth, a broth specific to the Tonkotsu region.
The restaurant's location and atmosphere make it highly recommendable, too, as do its excellent cocktails.
Kinka Izakaya
Where: 1624 Rue Saint-Catherine O.
What: Kinka Izakaya is a beautiful restaurant in the heart of downtown well-known for its tapas-style menu of shared plates.
Their menu includes a savoury porc ramen, and a ton of delicious, Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Kinton Ramen
Where: Locations throughout the city
What: Sure, this restaurant is a chain, but that doesn't mean that it compromises on authenticity.
Kinton Ramen, with locations in Canada and Korea, amongst other places, serves a wide selection of ramen bowls.
Vegetarian options available!
Tsukuyomi
Where: 5207 Boulevard St-Laurent
What: This cozy restaurant in the Mile End is known for its homemade noodles and excellent broths (including a vegan option!).
This place won't keep you waiting once you've placed your order, making it a great option for a quick lunch or a casual dinner!
Kazu
Where: 1844 Rue Sainte-Catherine O.
What: This upscale Japanese restaurant serves more than just ramen: from homemade tofu to trendy bowls.
However, the authentic ramen is really worth trying, along with a great cocktail or some sake.
Kinoya Izakaya
Where: 4250 Rue St-Denis
What: Kinoya Izakaya is a contemporary Japanese pub, which serves small sharing plates.
Their décor is unlike any other restaurant in the city, and the atmosphere is upbeat and fun.
Although everything on the menu is worth trying, nothing beats a warm bowl of ramen on a cold winter day.
Ichigo Ichie Izakaya
Where: 360 Rue Rachel E.
What: This cozy Plateau haunt has a refined menu of authentic Japanese dishes.
Wash down your warm bowl of ramen with an excellent cocktail or a cold beer, and enjoy this familial atmosphere.
Biiru
Where: 1433 Rue City-Councillors
What: Biiru is a lovely Japanese restaurant with a variety of refined and inspired sharing plates and an amazing cocktail menu.
Hidden between skyscrapers in the downtown area, this restaurant even has a little terrasse tucked away for the summer months.
The ramen, topped with ground cherries and sriracha peas, is an original must-try.
Ichifuku
Where: 1925 Rue Sainte-Catherine O.
What: Ichifuku is a ramen haunt located in the heart of downtown. It's beloved by patrons thanks to its homemade noodles and wallet-friendly prices.
Ramen Misoya
Where: 2065A Rue Bishop
What: This tiny spot located in Montreal's Golden Square Mile is the perfect place for a delicious, hearty lunch.
Their specialty? A miso-based broth perfect for slurping.
Kurobuta Izakaya aka Ramen Ya
Where: 4274 Boulevard St-Laurent
What: This cozy ramen spot has some excellent ramen options, including a vegetarian ramen.
They also have an extensive non-ramen menu, if your date isn't in the mood for the delicious soup.
The warm atmosphere and super-friendly staff will keep you coming back again and again.
Sumo Ramen
Where: 1007 Boulevard St-Laurent
What: This quirky Chinatown spot serves some truly authentic ramen in a casual, laid-back restaurant.
Pair your ramen with one of their many sides for a truly belly-filling experience.
Hakata Ramen
Where: 1216 Rue Stanley
What: This ramen restaurant in downtown Montreal will send you into a full-on food coma with its variety of ramen, sushi, and delicious drinks, all for a really reasonable price.
Ramen 9000
Where: 4609 Rue Notre-Dame O.
What: Ramen 9000 is a winter ramen pop-up restaurant in what is normally the crèmerie Dalla Rose in St-Henri.
The quaint location and miso broth make it a great place to slurp on some comfort food.
Oh, and did I mention that there are vegan options?
Seoul Chako
Where: 1824 Rue Sainte-Catherine O.
What: This Korean restaurant is well-known for its all-you-can-eat BBQ and its late hours (the restaurant closes at 11:30 on most nights), but it also has a healthy offering of spicy, warm ramen.
This restaurant in the Guy-Concordia area also has good service and even better prices.
Kumamoto
Where: 1812 Rue Sainte-Catherine O.
What: This restaurant, which takes its name from a Japanese city, specializes in ramen. It also has a variety of sake and dishes to share.
KÒI Noodle Bar
Where: 1775 Boulevard Saint-Martin O., Laval
What: This fusion restaurant in Laval makes a filling, flavourful ramen at a price that isn't too difficult on your wallet.
Ryu
Where: Locations in Montreal and Laval, though not all locations offer ramen.
What: This upscale Japanese restaurant specializes in sushi, but the ramen is nothing to scoff at.
Whether you like your ramen mild or spicy, there are a few great options for you to choose from.
A good spot for lunch or dinner.
Hanzo Izakaya
Where: 417 Rue Saint-Nicolas
What: Though this Old Port restaurant has an extensive menu, the ramen is really worth a try — tourtière, ramen egg, bamboo shoots, and spinach are combined in a warm chicken broth for an interesting culinary experience.
There's nothing better than a warm bowl of noodles and broth on a cold winter day.
With so many options in a variety of neighbourhoods, there's no excuse to not grab your favourite person and go on a ramen date.
Bon appétit!
