It can't be denied: ramen is having a moment. From the long lines at Mensho Tokyo to the long lines at the Itani Ramen pop-up, folks on both sides of the Bay are eagerly licking their lips over this Japanese comfort food. Whether you're seeking a bowl straight from Asia or a new take on the classic, here are four East Bay spots where you should be slurping noodles.
(Photo courtesy of Itani Ramen)
Itani Ramen, Oakland
It seems like it's been ages since we first heard that Hopscotch chef Kyle Itani was opening a ramen shop, and our taste buds have been salivating ever since. Hence why we were so exited when the Uptown Oakland brick-and-mortar finally opened this week! Belly up to the counter for a delicious assortment of ramen bowls (both cold and hot) as well as other Japanese snacks (crispy pig ear, anyone?) The in-restaurant vending machine also offers an assortment of desserts for purchase including Soy Ice, Pocky, It's-It Ice Cream, Baumkuchen roll cakes, and other delicious Japanese treats. // 1736 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland), itaniramen.com
(photo via Shiba Ramen)
Shiba Ramen, Emeryville
In case you haven't heard, Public Market is getting a fresh new crop of vendors. Husband-and-wife team (and ex-chemists) Jake Freed and Hiroko Nakamura, opened their kiosk, Shiba Ramen, in the revamped Public Market at the end of last year. It's casual and quick—diners order at the counter and choose from among six ramens, a few sides, one ice cream sandwich (with Fenton's ice cream), and Japanese beer and sake. Ramen options include miso, shio, spicy tan tan mein, tori paitan, brothless, vegetable, and chicken ramen as well. // 5959 Shellmound St. (inside Public Market), Emeryville, shibaramen.com
(Chesapeake Tonkotsu Ramen, photo via Ippudo NY)
Ippudo, Berkeley
Global ramen chain Ipppudo, with locations in New York, London, Australia, and across Asia, is set to open its first West Coast branch in downtown Berkeley this year The "Japanese ramen noodle brasserie" with a cult-following specializes in pork-based Tonkotsu ramen as well as pork buns. Need another reason to head to Shattuck Avenue? The building that houses Ippudo will also be home to Berkeley's first Blue Bottle Coffee. // 2011 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, ippudony.com
The pork belly ramen with peaches (photo via Ozumo)
Ozumo, Oakland
Not one to be left behind, Ozumo is serving up steaming bowls full of ramen every Wednesday in Uptown Oakland. Chef Dennis Imazumi has only been at the helm for the last eight months, but you can already see his style all over the ramen menu. The ramen Wednesday menu is full of Asian-fusion creations such as Banh Mi ramen filled with tender pork belly in a jalapeño broth and sprinkled with pickled onions and a mushroom ramen that made good use of the classic Japanese ingredient (they always have at least one veggie option). Head there every week to see what else they'll cook up. // 2251 Broadway, Oakland, ozumooakland.com
