Categories > Guides and Tips
The 12 Best Ramens in Portland That Real Ramen Lovers Swear By
There’s something magical about that first slurp of ramen—the rich broth, springy noodles, and toppings that feel perfection for your taste buds.
From creamy tonkotsu to the tangy punch of tsukemen, Portland’s ramen scene is packed with bowls so good you’ll already be craving your next visit before you even finish.
Hungry yet? Let’s dive into the spots serving the city’s most irresistible ramen spots!
1. KIZUKI Ramen & Izakaya
Media credits: kizukiramen
Website: https://www.kizuki.com/
Address: 33 NW 23rd Pl
Contact: (877) 839-5498
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00
Price: $
KIZUKI Ramen & Izakaya is a place that ramen lovers shouldn’t miss. The restaurant sticks to traditional techniques, including roasting bones before boiling them to create a rich and savory broth that stands out.
One of their most popular dishes is the Gekikara Super Spicy ramen. It’s packed with heat and deep flavor—perfect for anyone looking for a bit of a challenge in their meal.
If you’re in the mood for more than just ramen, they also have side dishes like gyoza and rice bowls that complement the noodles perfectly.
And if you’re craving KIZUKI at home, they offer a customizable in-house ramen kit with all the ingredients you need to make a bowl of ramen that tastes just like the restaurant’s. It’s a solid option for recreating the experience at your own pace and place!
Pro tip: The Gekikara Super Spicy ramen is not for the faint of heart. If you’re unsure about your spice tolerance, consider starting with a milder ramen option before diving into the Gekikara.
2. Kinboshi Ramen
Media credits: kinboshiramen
Website: https://www.kinboshiramen.com/
Address: 609 SE Ankeny St A
Contact: (503) 894-9021
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00
Price: $
Kinboshi Ramen is a solid place for anyone into authentic ramen. They’ve got a range of ramen options no matter your taste or dietary needs.
If you’re vegan, check out their Vegan Shio Tonyu Ramen—it’s got a rich, creamy broth made from plant-based ingredients that still packs a lot of flavor. Another vegan favorite is the Vegan Spicy Miso Ramen, which mixes miso’s deep umami with a nice spicy kick.
For a more traditional taste, their paitan shio ramen is a great pick—it’s got a hearty, savory broth that’s smooth and full of aroma.
And don’t forget the sides! The gyoza here is a crowd-pleaser. But if you want something with a bit more protein, the vegan crispy tofu is a solid choice. Plus, they’ve got some fresh Japanese-inspired salads and pickled veggies that pair perfectly with the rich ramen.
Pro tip: To avoid long wait times, consider visiting during non-peak hours, such as early weekdays or late afternoons.
3. Matsunoki Ramen
Media credits: matsunoki_ramen
Website: https://www.matsunokiramen.com/
Address: 126 SW 2nd Ave
Contact: (971) 888-5453
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00
Price: $
Known for its legit Japanese flavors with a modern twist, Matsunoki Rameni offers a menu that appeals to both purists and those craving something different.
Their black garlic ramen is a fan favorite. Its rich, aromatic broth is layered with the deep umami of roasted black garlic. Topped with tender cha shu pork, a perfectly soft-boiled egg, and fresh scallions, it’s a bowl that hits all the right notes.
For something off the beaten path, the Taiwanese-style ramen delivers bold and spicy broth inspired by Taiwan’s unique culinary traditions. It offers a fresh take on the ramen experience.
To round out your meal, Matsunoki serves up sides like crispy gyoza and crunchy tempura. They also serve classic edamame, which adds texture and variety to the hearty main dishes.
Pro tip: You can tweak the spice level and add extra toppings like nori or more chashu. You can even pick your favorite type of noodles to create your perfect bowl.
4. The House of Ramen PDX
Media credits: thehouseoframen
Website: https://www.skiplinow.com/shop/396352g
Address: 223 SW Columbia St
Contact: (971) 279-5757
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $
The House of Ramen PDX sticks out in Portland’s lively ramen scene for its authentic and creative takes on this beloved dish.
A highlight is their Hokkaido ramen. It’s known for its rich, miso-based broth with nutty, slightly sweet taste—a nod to traditional Hokkaido-style ramen.
Another favorite is the chef’s special ramen. It’s a rotating creation that features seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors, offering something fresh and unique every time you visit.
Aside from their ramen, the side dishes pair perfectly with the hearty bowls. Chashu, with its melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly, is a crowd favorite.
Pro tip: Don’t be shy to ask about the daily specials and creative dishes you won’t find on the regular menu!
5. Senyo by Ramen Ippo
Media credits: senyo_byramenippo
Address: 6200 SE Milwaukie Ave
Contact: (503) 388-9035
Operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday & Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Price: $
Senyo by Ramen Ippo brings a taste of Japan’s ramen tradition to the local culinary scene. They offer dishes that cater to both hearty comfort seekers and veggie lovers alike.
One star on their menu is the Garden ramen. It’s a refreshing, veggie-forward bowl with a zestful house-made broth that’s perfect for those craving something lighter.
Another regular order of ours is their Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. It’s a rich, creamy delight that featurepork bone broth simmered to perfection for a deeply satisfying meaty profile.
Diners can also spice things up with chili oil or customize their bowls with toppings like nori and green onions, which add extra texture and tang.
Pro tip: You can also go for a ramen combo that includes a small side dish like gyoza or a salad.
6. Wu-Rons
Media credits: wurons
Website: https://www.wuronspdx.com/
Address: 1430 SE Water Ave
Contact: wuronspdx.getbento.com
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Price: $
Wu-Rons brings Nagahama-style tonkotsu ramen to life with its rich, creamy broths and carefully crafted dishes. At the heart of this ramen experience is their signature tonkotsu broth, simmered for hours to draw out a deep, savory taste from pork bones.
The result? A silky, full-flavored base that pairs perfectly with springy noodles and melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork. Plus, it’s topped with fresh green onions, bamboo shoots, and a marinated soft-boiled egg.
For those who like their ramen with a kick, Wu-Rons’ spicy chili chicken ramen is a standout. With its bold, layered flavors and just the right amount of heat, it’s a favorite for spice lovers.
Pro tip: You might want to try adding some takoyaki to your meal—these tasty Japanese street food snacks go perfectly with ramen and add a nice texture contrast.
7. Kayo’s Ramen
Media credits: kayosramenbar
Website: https://kayosramen.com/
Address: 3808 N Williams Ave # 124
Contact: (503) 477-6016
Operating hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 pm – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Price: $
Kayo’s Ramen is another stand-out in the city’s ever-growing ramen scene. It offers a menu that celebrates authentic Japanese ramen cuisine with a focus on rich broths and perfectly crafted noodles.
Their gluten-free shio ramen is a standout, catering to those with dietary restrictions while still delivering on taste. The delicate salt-based broth and gluten-free noodles come together to create a light yet satisfying experience that doesn’t skimp on depth.
For spice lovers, the mala ramen is a must-try. It’s packed with bold, fiery heat from Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil—perfect for anyone looking to turn up the flavor.
If you’re feeling like trying something new, the curry ramen provides a comforting fusion of traditional ramen and fragrant Japanese curry. It offers a warm, hearty twist on a classic dish.
Pro tip: Rich broths can be salty, particularly in ramen varieties like mala ramen. Adjusting the taste of your food both before and during meals can help.
8. Yokohama Skyline Eatery
Website: https://www.yokohamaskylinepdx.com/
Address: 33 NE 3rd Ave STE.325
Contact: (503) 206-4513
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $
Yokohama Skyline Eatery has gained attention for its unique take on ramen.
One of its star dishes is the Miso Ramen. It features a rich, umami-packed broth made from fermented soybean paste that pairs well with the noodles.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, the Creamy Tomato Ramen offers a modern twist. It blends traditional ramen elements with a creamy, tomato-based sauce.
Beyond the ramen, they also have tasty side dishes like Gyoza—filled with either pork or vegetables. For a refreshing side, the seaweed salad adds a tangy, crisp contrast to the rich ramen.
Pro tip: Try pairing your ramen with a Japanese drink while you’re at it. A cold Asahi beer or sake can really bring out the taste of the ramen and complete the meal.
9. Afuri Izakaya
Media credits: afuri_izakaya_pdx
Website: https://afuri.us/
Address: 923 SE 7th Ave
Contact: (971) 386-2945
Operating hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: $
Afuri Izakaya has a unique take on traditional Japanese ramen, with a big focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients.
If you’re a fan of bold-tasting ramen, the Yuzu Ratan ramen is a must-try. It’s got a spicy soy tare base mixed with rich chicken broth, with a twist of citrusy yuzu that gives it a refreshing kick you don’t often find in ramen.
For plant-based eaters, the Hazelnut Tantanmen Vegan is a game changer. The creamy housemade nut milk base gives it a savory, nutty richness that’s not your usual vegan fare.
And for something more unique, their Kara-Tsuyu Tsukemeni is a fun dipping ramen experience. The thick, chewy noodles come with a separate bowl of dipping broth, so you can control the flavor with every bite.
Pro tip: Try pairing your meal with some Japanese sake or a craft cocktail—they’re a great way to bring out the flavors in the ramen.
10. Baka Umai
Media credits: baka.umai
Website: https://www.bakaumai.com/
Address: 4703 SE Hawthorne Blvd #100
Contact: (971) 255-0116
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Price: $
Baka Umai puts a fun twist on traditional ramen, blending strong flavors and unexpected ingredients. One dish that really catches attention is the Chorizo-men, a spicy vegetarian ramen that doesn’t hold back.
It features tantan pork broth, Tokyo noodles, housemade chorizo (or soyrizo). It also has spicy cabbage, pickled daikon, cilantro, and green onion. It’s a fiery, well-seasoned bowl that hits the spot for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, without skimping on taste.
If you want to skip the broth, the Aka Mazemen Shellfish Alert is another must-try. This one’s a brothless ramen featuring a medley of shellfish, letting all those rich, briny flavors shine without the soup.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for any seasonal specials or limited-time offerings like Sake Gochujang Ramen–a fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors.
