Maki & Ramen
97-101 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG
Ikigai Ramen
13 W Crosscauseway, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9JW
Ikigai Ramen has won the hearts of everyone in the city with its cozy and intimate setting. With room for about eight people, booking is a must. Once you secure a table, the ramen experience at Ikigai is unforgettable. Specializing solely in ramen, they offer an extensive variety, from the rich and creamy Hakata Tonkotsu with pork bone broth to the Spicy Tantanmen and comforting chicken-based ramen.
UMI Japanese Cuisine
12-14 Chapel St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9AY
Umi, the latest gem from the creators of Kenji and Bento Ya, is a top pick for Japanese food enthusiasts. Tucked in a Stockbridge Georgian basement, it offers a European twist on sushi, miso, ramen, tempura, nigiri, sashimi, and rice dishes. With red crimped lanterns, horigotatsu tables, and a street scene mural, the cozy and intimate decor sets a relaxed Asian vibe. The menu, slightly more experimental than its sister venues, provides a variety of dishes with a European twist. The tonkotsu ramen steals the spotlight with its 20-hour cooked creamy white broth, Chashu pork belly, soft-boiled egg, leeks, sweetcorn, sesame seeds, and nori. A vegetarian option with tofu is also available. Finish off the meal with a palate-cleansing matcha ice cream.
MIRIN
9 Albert Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HN
Formerly known as Gulp, this popular restaurant has undergone a rebranding and is now named after the Japanese kitchen staple. Offering a mix of Japanese, Korean, Thai, Scottish, and Chinese cuisines, the menu boasts imaginative fusion dishes.
A must-try from their noodle soup selection is the shoyu noodle soup. This dish features a flavorful chicken and pork broth, complemented by Chinese cabbage, spring onion, woodear mushroom, a confit egg yolk, and ramen noodles.
For those leaning towards a vegetarian option, the veggy noodle soup presents a curry, roast onion, and shiitake mushroom broth. It comes with Chinese cabbage, spring onion, woodear mushroom, a confit egg yolk, and ramen noodles.
Hibiki
45 N Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3BG
Situated on North Castle Street, Hibiki is a bistro and restaurant drawing inspiration from Japanese ‘Izakaya’ culture. Reflecting the tradition of gathering for drinks, snacks, and meals after work to unwind, Hibiki’s menu showcases a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. In addition to these, the restaurant offers a selection of ramen, curries, and noodle dishes.
MIJU
93 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2AB
Edinburgh welcomed a new Japanese gem in September with the opening of Miju on Dalry Road. This authentic Japanese restaurant invites guests to experience a taste of Japan, offering a menu featuring sushi, mochi, chawanmushi, skewers, and ramen. The aim is to transport patrons to Japan or evoke memories of their past travels.
Now, let’s talk ramen. Miju’s Tonkotsu ramen (£11.90) and Miso ramen (£11.50) present meaty bowls without overwhelming the palate. The flavors are present but delivered in a lighter and less-industrial tone compared to some ramens. Thin slices of pork belly, balancing sweet and smoky notes, grace the bowls, avoiding the hefty block approach. The Miso ramen introduces a light touch with green beans and a gingery tang, while the Tonkotsu is a direct meaty hit.
Hakataya
Hakataya is your go-to spot for seriously good ramen. This family-run eatery, led by Chef Tang, a former head chef at a leading London Japanese restaurant, delivers an authentic culinary experience. The iconic pork broth ramen features three-day slow-cooked Chashu pork slices and a delicious marinated egg. For the adventurous, the Hell Ramen awaits – a super-spicy rich broth adorned with bean sprouts, green onion, black mushroom, and leek.
Bentoya
13 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AL
Tucked away on Bread Street, just off Lothian Road in Edinburgh, Bentoya is a hidden gem that surprises with its size – appearing small from the street, yet extending further back with additional seating downstairs. Inside, the decor features light wood and tatami-like seating along the back wall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
They have a few ramen options to choose from, including a couple for veggies. They have the classic tonkotsu, spicy tonkotsu, miso ramen, tantanmen and their soy milk vegetable broth. Choose between chashu, chicken katsu, or prawn katsu toppings.
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