Our Washingtonian Recommends lists bring you the best places to eat, drink, and be entertained—all selected by Washingtonian editors.
Daikaya
705 6th St., NW
Go for Sapporo-style, wok-seared ramen at this high-energy shop near the Verizon Center that’s always packed (though stools turn over quickly). Our favorites: spicy miso, nutty mugi-miso, and a stellar vegetarian—don’t forget the “spice bomb” on all for extra heat. Review
Bantam King
501 G St., NW
Chicken ramen is the specialty of sister ramen shop to Daikaya and Haikan. We’re fans of the spicy miso bowls—but go ahead and splurge on fiery chicken dumplings and rice drizzled with butter and poultry drippings (or if you’re really hungry, fried chicken). Review
Toki Underground
1234 H St., NE
Hearty, pork-based ramen soups are the signature of this funky little H Street Northeast eatery tucked above The Pug (now serving a limited Toki menu as well). Kimchi ramen is one of our top picks. We’re also fans of the curry chicken and vegan soups for a bacon break, plus dan dan mien (broth-less noodle bowls). Review
Momofuku CCDC
1090 I St., NW
David Chang’s CityCenterDC restaurant is intentionally ditching ramen thanks to a big menu shakeup from the celebrity chef. But! Devotees can still order the classic pork ramen at lunch, and (ssshhh) off-menu at dinner. Review
Haikan
805 V St., NW
Haikan exudes cool with a mod indoor-outdoor space and fusion-minded “nibblings” such as mapo-tofu poutine. Delicate shoyu or spicy vegetable ramen are our top picks for soup. Review
Sakuramen
2441 18th St., NW
This Adams Morgan ramen shop isn’t super traditional. Sacrilegious as it sounds, the Monterey Jack that melts into the DC miso bowl makes a perfect pairing with pork belly. Review
Sushi Taro
1503 17th St., NW
One of the best sushi spots in DC is steal for lunch, where you’ll find prix-fixes, bento boxes, and lunchtime specials for a fraction of the dinner tab. Delicious tonkotsu-style ramen frequently makes an appearance—keep an eye out on the restaurant’s social media. Review
Uzu at Union Market
1309 5th St., NE
Japanese comfort food purveyor Hiro Mitsui operates a regular weekend pop-up at Union Market (Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 8 PM) where you’ll likely find his delicious ramen—and if you’re lucky, okonomiyaki pancakes. Review (past location)
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
