Tonkotsu, shoyu, miso — if we could eat ramen every day, we would. From the rich broth to the slurpable noodles, it’s nothing but love in a bowl, and you don’t have to look far to find it. Get your fix at these top ramen restaurants in Cape Town.
Bodega Ramen
Bodega Ramen serves up some of the best ramen in Cape Town, and that’s no exaggeration. Situated above The Gin Bar and Honest Chocolate, this trendy restaurant is the ideal spot for a casual dinner with friends. While the menu is ever-changing, you can expect an exceptional dining experience with each visit — familiar favourites are pinned on the menu. The food is experimental in terms of flavours, ranging from Sichuan to Korean and Malaysian to Japanese cuisine.
Location: 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Tues-Sat: 18h00—21h30 (Dinner)
Contact: 078 241 3285 | Bookings
Ramenhead
Owned by chef Peter Tempelhoff of FYN, Ramenhead offers the same exceptional cuisine with a casual dining approach. With Ashley Moss and Julia du Toit at the helm, patrons are guaranteed an unforgettable and authentic ramen experience. The Tonkotsu, Tori Paitan and the Torched Cape Wagyu are favourites. The housemade noodles are slurp-worthy and the broth is consistently delicious. Visit for Happy Hour cocktails and their lunch specials.
Location: Speaker’s Corner, 37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre | Time Out Market, The Old Power Station, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
Hours: Tues-Sat: 17h00—22h00 (Dinner) | Time Out Market: Mon-Sun: from 11h00
Contact: 067 312 8061 (WhatsApp) | Bookings
Yatai Ramenbar
With gorgeous contemporary interiors and a sophisticated yet casual vibe, Yatai Ramenbar is ideal for intimate dining occasions and date nights. This ramen hotspot is located below its sister restaurant, Nikkei Japanese Peruvian restaurant, which forms part of the Pan Collection Hospitality group. From Pork Tonkotsu to Miso Dashi Tofu and Chicken Shio, the ramen selection is impeccable. They also have vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. If you want a complete experience, order a cocktail or two.
Location: Ground Floor, Below Nikkei Japanese Peruvian, 87 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–22h30
Contact: 021 109 8094
Three Wise Monkeys
Three Wise Monkeys has been a favourite for locals since the noodle bar opened in 2016. Specialising in izakaya snacks, sushi and ramen, the dishes are inspired by Asian fusion cuisine. The Beef Brisket and Duck ramen are standouts; try the Tempura Prawns while you wait for mains.
Location: La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00—23h00
Contact: 021 433 1837 | Email
Downtown Ramen
A trip downtown will lead you to one of Cape Town’s ramen hotspots. With its laidback interiors and old-school arcade machines, this unsuspecting locale delivers on the food front. Handmade noodles are made fresh, daily, and the broth is equally delicious. Menu favourites include Shoyu Pork and Katsu Chicken Ramen. The gyozas are not far behind; first-timers can expect to be pleasantly surprised by Downtown Ramen’s offering.
Location: 103 Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00—22h00
Contact: 068 150 3420
Kanji Ramen
Partners, Gavin Hagger and Seelan Sundoo — the owner of South Indian street food and tapas restaurant Sundoo — offer customers a unique dining experience at Kanji Ramen. From the small plates to the ramen, the menu delivers heaps of flavour. The Mushroom Ramen is a definite winner. For something meatier, try the Double Beef or Chicken Ramen. As for dessert, the Japanese Flan Cheesecake with miso caramel and the Matchamisu (matcha tiramisu) come recommended.
Location: 12-16 Kloof Nek Rd, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Hours: Mon: 16h00—late | Tues-Sat: 12h00—late
Contact: 021 745 6625 | No reservations; strictly walk-ins
TOMO Japanese Restaurant
TOMO offers authentic Japanese cuisine and a relaxed vibe. You’ll likely visit for sushi, but the ramen is just as tasty. While the menu only has a few ramen options, your taste buds will be in for a treat with chef David in the kitchen. Make sure to enjoy a whisky or beer at this ramen restaurant.
Location: 160 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon-Sat: 12h00—22h00 | Sun: 12h00–21h00
Contact: 078 735 6537
*All times and restaurant offers are subject to change.
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