It is no secret that Cape Town, a city that is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, has been embraced by the global ramen craze with open arms. With ramen spots ranging from rich, umami-filled broths to hand-pulled noodles and perfectly soft-boiled eggs, the Mother City offers a variety of ramen options to suit any palate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a ramen aficionado or just curious about trying ramen for the first time, this guide will show you the 10 best ramen restaurants in Cape Town, with detailed reviews, personal insights, and practical tips that will make your ramen adventure more enjoyable.
1. Ramenhead
Best for: Authentic ramen in a vibrant setting
Location:Â Speakers Corner, Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 12pm – 2:30pm; 6pm – 9pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 2:30pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact:Â 067 312 8061 |Â [email protected]
Website:Â Ramenhead
Nestled beneath the acclaimed FYN restaurant, Ramenhead is a celebration of Japanese street food that has quickly become a Cape Town favorite. Chef Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss have created a space where diners can watch their noodles being made fresh using an imported Yamamoto noodle machine. The broths, simmered for hours with umami-rich ingredients, are the heart of every bowl.
Personal Experience:
“The first time I visited Ramenhead, I was struck by the energy of the place. The open kitchen, the aroma of simmering broth, and the lively chatter of diners created an atmosphere that was both cozy and electric. I opted for the classic tonkotsu ramen, and it was love at first slurp. The pork belly was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth had a depth of flavor that lingered long after the bowl was empty.”
Menu Highlights:
- Tonkotsu Ramen: R145
- Miso Ramen: R135
- Vegan Ramen: R125
Pros:
- Fresh, handmade noodles
- Vibrant atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating
- Extensive drink menu, including sake and Japanese whisky
Cons:
- Limited seating; arrive early or be prepared to wait
- No cash payments accepted
FAQs:
Q: Can I make a reservation?
A: Only certain sections of the restaurant accept bookings. The counter and outdoor tables are walk-ins only.
Q: Is Ramenhead family-friendly?
A: Yes, but the vibe is more suited to adults and older children.
2. Obi
Best for: Authentic Japanese cuisine with a focus on ramen
Location:Â 14 Long Street, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 9:30pm
Contact:Â 021 418 4040 |Â [email protected]
Website:Â Obi Restaurant
Obi, co-owned by chefs Hatsushiro Muraoka and Ben Bettendorf, is a no-frills eatery that delivers authentic Japanese flavors. The ramen here is a standout, with a comforting shoyu broth that pairs perfectly with slices of pork belly chashu, a 6-minute egg, and fresh spring onions.
Personal Experience:
“Obi feels like a hidden gem on Long Street. The simplicity of the space lets the food take center stage. I tried the shoyu ramen, and it was a revelation. The broth was light yet flavorful, and the pork belly was perfectly cooked. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.”
Menu Highlights:
- Shoyu Ramen: R120
- Udon in Umami Dashijiru Broth: R110
Pros:
- Authentic Japanese flavors
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Limited seating
- No reservations
FAQs:
Q: Is Obi vegetarian-friendly?
A: While the focus is on meat and seafood, there are vegetarian options like the udon with inari tofu.
3. Bodega Ramen
Best for: Creative ramen variations in a cozy setting
Location:Â 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 6pm – 11pm (kitchen closes at 9:30pm)
Contact:Â 078 241 3285 |Â [email protected]
Tucked above Honest Chocolate and the Gin Bar, Bodega Ramen is a hidden treasure. The menu features inventive ramen bowls, including a braised-beef short-rib and kimchi ramen, as well as a vegan option with shiitake mushrooms and glazed tofu.
Personal Experience:
“Bodega Ramen feels like stepping into a secret club. The dim lighting and retro decor create a cozy, intimate vibe. I tried the Sichuan hotpot pork ramen, and it was a flavor explosion. The spice level was just right, and the noodles had the perfect chew.”
Menu Highlights:
- Sichuan Hotpot Pork Ramen: R150
- Vegan Ramen: R130
Pros:
- Creative ramen options
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Great for date nights
Cons:
- Limited opening hours
- Small space; can get crowded
4. Tjing Tjing Torii
Best for: A multi-sensory Japanese experience
Location:Â 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Torii: Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
- Rooftop Bar: Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm – late
Contact:Â 021 422 4374 |Â [email protected]
Website:Â Tjing Tjing
Tjing Tjing Torii is a vibrant street-food joint that offers a range of ramen bowls, including pork tonkotsu, chicken paitan, and miso mushroom. The Harajuku-inspired decor and eclectic playlist make it a feast for the senses.
Personal Experience:
“Tjing Tjing Torii is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The bright colors, the music, and the aroma of ramen create an unforgettable experience. I loved the smokey beef ramen, which had a rich, complex flavor profile.”
Menu Highlights:
- Pork Tonkotsu Ramen: R140
- Smokey Beef Ramen: R150
Pros:
- Unique, vibrant atmosphere
- Great for groups
- Extensive menu beyond ramen
Cons:
- No reservations
- Can get noisy
5. Kanji Ramen
Best for: A modern take on traditional ramen
Location: 12 – 16 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 4pm – 12am
Contact:Â 021 745 6625
Kanji Ramen, a collaboration between chef Seelan Sundoo and restaurateur Gavin Hagger, offers a modern twist on traditional ramen. The menu features four ramen bowls, including a vegan mushroom option.
Personal Experience:
“Kanji Ramen is a breath of fresh air in the Cape Town ramen scene. The double beef ramen was rich and hearty, with a broth that had been simmered to perfection. The hand-pulled noodles were a standout.”
Menu Highlights:
- Double Beef Ramen: R160
- Vegan Mushroom Ramen: R140
Pros:
- Modern, stylish setting
- Hand-pulled noodles
- Great for dinner and late-night eats
Cons:
- Limited lunch options (for now)
- Slightly higher prices
6. Three Wise Monkeys
Best for: A casual izakaya experience
Location:Â La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Street, Sea Point
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
Contact:Â 021 433 1837 |Â [email protected]
Three Wise Monkeys is a popular izakaya-style ramen bar that offers five ramen varieties, including beef brisket and duck. The casual, lively atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals.
Personal Experience:
“Three Wise Monkeys has a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a casual meal. I tried the duck ramen, and it was a delightful surprise. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the duck was perfectly cooked.”
Menu Highlights:
- Duck Ramen: R150
- Beef Brisket Ramen: R140
Pros:
- Casual, friendly atmosphere
- Great for groups
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- No reservations
- Can get crowded
7. Downtown Ramen
Best for: A grungy, no-frills ramen experience
Location:Â 103 Harrington Street, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
Contact:Â 021 461 0407 |Â [email protected]
Downtown Ramen is a no-frills ramen bar that has been a local favorite since 2014. The menu features four ramen bowls, including a spicy miso braised-beef option.
Personal Experience:
“Downtown Ramen is all about the food. The grungy decor and tavern-like seating add to the charm, but the ramen is the star. The braised-beef ramen was packed with flavor, and the spicy miso broth had just the right amount of heat.”
Menu Highlights:
- Braised-Beef Ramen: R130
- Katsu Chicken Ramen: R120
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Flavorful, hearty ramen
- Casual, laid-back vibe
Cons:
- Limited seating
- No reservations
8. Fujiyama
Best for: A traditional Japanese dining experience
Location:Â 77 Church Street, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Contact:Â 021 424 2491
Fujiyama is a hidden gem that offers a traditional Japanese dining experience. The ramen bowls, made with in-house noodles, are a must-try.
Personal Experience:
“Fujiyama feels like stepping into a small Japanese eatery. The miso ramen was comforting and delicious, with a broth that had been simmered to perfection. The homemade noodles were a standout.”
Menu Highlights:
- Miso Ramen: R120
- Chicken Ramen: R110
Pros:
- Authentic Japanese flavors
- Homemade noodles
- Friendly, welcoming atmosphere
Cons:
- Limited seating
- No reservations
9. Tomo
Best for: A fusion of Japanese and Asian flavors
Location:Â 160 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 9pm
Contact:Â 078 735 6537 |Â [email protected]
Tomo offers a fusion of Japanese and Asian flavors, with two ramen dishes on the menu: beef and vegetable.
Personal Experience:
“Tomo is a great spot for those who enjoy a fusion of flavors. The beef ramen was rich and flavorful, with a broth that had been simmered for hours. The tempura udon noodles were also a highlight.”
Menu Highlights:
- Beef Ramen: R140
- Tempura Udon Noodles: R130
Pros:
- Fusion of Japanese and Asian flavors
- Halaal-friendly options
- Great for groups
Cons:
- Limited ramen options
- Slightly higher prices
10. Mr Lin’s Sushi & Thai
Best for: A casual, under-the-radar gem
Location:Â 109 Lower Main Road, Observatory
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 11am – 9:30pm
Contact:Â 021 447 1811
Mr Lin’s is a small, casual diner that offers a range of Asian dishes, including ramen. The Tokyo ramen bowls are a standout.
Personal Experience:
“Mr Lin’s is a hidden gem in Observatory. The Tokyo ramen was hearty and flavorful, with a broth that had been simmered to perfection. The noodles were fresh and had the perfect chew.”
Menu Highlights:
- Tokyo Ramen: R120
- Chilli Ramen: R130
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Casual, friendly atmosphere
- Great for a quick meal
Cons:
- Limited seating
- No reservations
FAQs
Q: What is the best ramen in Cape Town?
A: Ramenhead and Obi are widely regarded as the best, offering authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Q: Are there vegan ramen options in Cape Town?
A: Yes, Bodega Ramen and Kanji Ramen offer delicious vegan ramen options.
Q: How much does ramen cost in Cape Town?
A: Prices range from R120 to R160 per bowl, depending on the restaurant and ingredients.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official websites or contact the restaurants directly.
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