The finest ramen in Cape Town: Top ramen places to dine
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish of Chinese origin that has taken the world by storm recently. The flavour-filled noodle dish is the ideal comfort food that is also affordable, contributing to its popularity. Where can you find some of the finest ramen in Cape Town?
Source: Getty Images
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Prices of ramen in Cape Town vary. However, depending on the restaurant and location, you can expect to pay between R120 and R180 for a ramen dish. These values are estimates based on previously reported values.
Since ramen has become increasingly popular in South Africa and globally, many restaurants offer ramen options. However, experiencing authentic Ramen in Cape Town requires visiting an establishment specialising in ramen dishes.
Top 10 ramen spots in Cape Town
Once you have decided to try authentic ramen, what are some of the top spots in Cape Town to try? If you are looking for the best ramen in Cape Town, here are some of the highest-rated ramen restaurants which specialise in authentic ramen dishes.
Our rankings are based on a combination of objective and quantifiable criteria. These criteria may include data from reputable sources, including Eat Out, Inside Guide, and GQ South Africa. We also use official statistics, expert opinions, user feedback, and other relevant metrics.
| Restaurant | Address |
| Kanji Ramen | 16 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town |
| Downtown Ramen | 103 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town |
| Obi Restaurant | 14 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town |
| Three Wise Monkeys | 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town |
| Kyoto Garden | 11 Kloof Nek Road, Gardens, Cape Town |
| Tomo Japanese Restaurant | 160 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town |
| Lucky Bao | Main Road, Scott Estate, Cape Town |
| Izakaya Matsuri | The Rockwell, 32 Prestwich Street, Green Point, Cape Town |
| Bodega Ramen | 141 Albert Road, Cape Town |
| Ramenhead | 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town |
10. Kanji Ramen
Source: UGC
- Website
- Facebook and Instagram
- Address: 16 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
- Contact: Kanji Ramen
- Rating: 4.3/5 by Google reviews
Kanji Ramen is a reportedly new ramen restaurant in Cape Town that brings traditional ramen and Japanese street food styles to ramen enthusiasts. The restaurant offers carefully crafted ramen bowls with tenderly thin meats or smaller Japanese plates such as Gyoza, Edamame, Takoyaki, and Karaage.
9. Downtown Ramen
Source: UGC
- Website
- Facebook and Instagram
- Address: 103 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
- Contact: 068 150 3420
- Rating: 4.4/5 on Google reviews
Downtown Ramen provides patrons with traditional Japanese noodle meals, including the shōyu ramen bowl, for ramen noodle lovers to enjoy. You can also enjoy their smaller Japanese dishes and sides available if you do not have a big appetite.
8. Obi Restaurant
Source: UGC
- Date of establishment: 2016
- Website
- Facebook and Instagram
- Address: 14 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 418 4040
- Rating: 4.7/5 on Dineplan
Based in the heart of Cape Town's CBD, Obi Restaurant specialises in tempura, sushi, and ramen made with ocean-fresh ingredients. Although the eatery has limited ramen options, Obi's quality of dishes keeps patrons returning for more.
7. Three Wise Monkeys
Source: UGC
- Date of establishment: 2016
- Website
- Facebook and Instagram
- Address: 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 433 1837
- Rating: 4.4/5 on Google reviews
Three Wise Monkeys opened its doors in 2016 and was inspired by New York's bustling ramen bars that adorned The Big Apple's corners. The Asian-fusion-styled dishes are created with seasonal ingredients and are locally sourced, increasing the quality of each meal.
6. Kyoto Garden
Source: UGC
- Website
- Address: 11 Kloof Nek Road, Gardens, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 422 2001
- Rating: 4.5/5 on Dineplan
Kyoto Garden is a popular ramen spot in Cape Town thanks to its chef and kitchenware, which is boastfully 'imported from Japan'. You can look forward to a wide variety of ramen dishes from traditional ramen dishes imported from Japan. The dishes include wagyu beef, chicken, bok choy and vegetarian options.
5. TOMO Japanese Restaurant
Source: UGC
- Facebook and Instagram
- Address: 160 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Contact: 078 735 6537
- Rating: 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor
In the bustling Cape Town City Centre, TOMO offers patrons authentic Japanese food, including beef or vegetarian ramen options made richer with broth, egg, and other ingredients, depending on the chosen meal. The restaurant is also halaal-friendly.
4. Lucky Bao
Source: UGC
- Facebook and Instagram
- Address: Main Road, Scott Estate, Cape Town
- Contact: 064 661 4415
- Rating: 4.4/5 on Google reviews
If you are looking for a fusion of traditional and modern Asian cuisine, Lucky Bao is a must. The venue offers modern Asian street food, delicious ramen, bao, burgers, and authentic Asian beers.
3. Izakaya Matsuri
Source: UGC
- Website
- Address: The Rockwell, 32 Prestwich Street, Green Point, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 421 4520
- Rating: 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor
Izakaya Matsuri is a Japanese restaurant and tapas bar that gained popularity thanks to its delicately balanced flavours, fresh ingredients, and cosy environment. It serves traditional Japanese dishes, including ramen meals and other bite-sized options.
2. Bodega Ramen
Source: UGC
- Facebook and Instagram
- Address: 141 Albert Road, Cape Town
- Contact: 078 241 3285
- Rating: 4.8/5 on Dineplan
Bodega Ramen is a cosy spot nestled in Cape Town. It provides the ideal venue for a date night or a quiet catch-up with a loved one. The Bodega Ramen menu is not limited to standard ramen and has vegan, gluten-free, and vegan starters.
1. Ramenhead
Source: UGC
- Date of establishment: 2022
- Website
- Address: 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Contact: 067 312 8061
- Rating: 4.8/5 on Google reviews
Established in 2022, Ramenhead is a new ramen restaurant in Cape Town with a sleek, modern environment contrasted against its traditional ramen cuisine. The Ramenhead Cape Town menu consists of four main meal options bursting with flavour, from vegetables and tofu to chicken to wagyu beef. You can also enjoy varying street food snacks off the menu.
The best ramen in Cape Town provides traditional, flavour-filled dishes with various options ranging from hearty wagyu beef to light vegetable options. A cosy, welcoming atmosphere adds to the venue's popularity, making these ramen spots a top pick for quality time with loved ones.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take based on the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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