5 Best Ramen Restaurants in Denver
Sick of going out for burgers or ordering pizza on a Friday night? Why not try something different for a change, like a beautiful hot bowl of ramen? We’ve got you covered with these five ramen restaurants in Denver!
Ramen is traditionally a Japanese take on Chinese noodle soup. It has a broth base and can include toppings such as pork, egg, vegetables, seaweed, etc.
Ramen is not strictly Japanese, and many ramen restaurants on our list draw inspiration from Vietnam and Korea.
If you are looking for a warm, filling, and flavorful dinner in Denver, you may want to try one of these top five ramen restaurants.
Ace Eat Serve
Address: 501 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Ace Eat Serve is a combination of a ramen restaurant, a ping pong hall, and an event space. It guarantees you a memorable night of fun in Denver with your favorite people.
They offer an impressive menu including poke bowls, various dim sum dishes, bao buns, and ramen and noodle dishes.
Why we love it
The owner, Josh Wolkon, created Ace Eat Serve to deliver a dining experience – which we think he has accomplished with this restaurant and ping pong palace.
The head chef, Thach Tran, comes from Vietnam, where he first began to learn the art of Vietnamese cooking from his grandmother when he was a child. We love that he eventually brought his passion and talent to Denver.
Chimera
Address: 2014 10th St, Boulder, CO 80302
Chimera Ramen originated in Boulder, but this Chimera location in Denver is a newer addition to the world of ramen restaurants, having just opened in June of 2020. They are currently a takeout restaurant for those nights when you are in the mood for a grab-and-go meal.
In addition to their tasty ramen options, Chimera also offers several salads and bao buns and saké and Japanese beer (to go!).
Why we love it
Their website shows clear pictures of their food items, so you know what to expect, and any of the photos will have you craving ramen as soon as you see them.
We appreciate the simplicity and clarity with which they present their restaurant to the world.
They don’t overwhelm you with too many options, and the ones they do have, look fantastic.
Mizu Izakaya
Address: 1560 Boulder St UNIT 100, Denver, CO 80211
Mizu Izakaya is self-described on their website as a “Japanese restaurant serving tapas-style food meant to be shared among friends.” Izakaya means “Japanese Pub,” so that description definitely fits the bill.
Their tapas options are plentiful, and the rest of their menu is just as extensive. They offer rice bowls, skewers, cold dishes, soup and salad, entrees, and of course, ramen noodle dishes.
They also take great pride in their bar, which serves whiskey and saké, and encourage customers to take their time and enjoy the night.
Why we love it
Mizu Izakaya is about as legitimate as it gets for authentic Japanese dining in Denver. The owner video calls to Japan fish markets each morning to make selections and send them to the restaurant. If that’s not impressive, we don’t know what is.
At Mizu Izakaya, they want you to come in and stay for a while to enjoy the environment and the food. It’s a chic dining experience that you should check out when you are in the mood to linger and relax.
Tora Ramen
Address: 950 Broadway Suite 3, Denver, CO 80203
Tora Ramen is another newer addition to Denver’s ramen restaurants.
Their menu is unique because items include Mexico’s flavors, where the chef, Jesusio Silva, is from. Aside from their unique flavors, they strive to keep it simple by focusing mostly on ramen at this location.
Many reviewers of the restaurant on Google recommend the spicy miso ramen, and say that their menu offerings are creative and unique. We agree!
Why we love it
The atmosphere is chic, and the menu is simple yet effective. You come here because you know what you want, and that’s to eat delicious and different ramen at Broadway Market.
Sera’s Ramen Enclave
Address: 3472 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Google reviewers have referred to Sera’s Ramen Enclave as “unsuspecting.” It’s a bit of a hidden gem, with an alleyway entrance into a quaint restaurant that packs big flavor into their Asian cuisine.
Sera’s Ramen Enclave offers yummy favorites like spring rolls, wontons, and bao buns and their many ramen and rice bowl options.
Why we love it
The owner, Sera Nguyen, got her skills from her mother, who also owned a noodle shack in Vietnam in the 80s. They eventually came to America, and Sera followed in her mom’s footsteps and opened up her own restaurant to carry on this tradition.
We think this family history makes Sera’s a truly magical ramen spot right in Denver’s heart.
Who’s hungry for ramen?
We can officially say we’re now in the mood for a hearty bowl of noodle soup. How about you?
Whether it’s to take your time at a Japanese pub or to grab something to go, ramen is a great change-up from your standard American fare, and we’d highly suggest any of these great spots in Denver.
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