Debating who has the best ramen in SLC, is as just as tough as asking the same question about pizza or burgers. Everyone has a favorite, and everyone prefers something a little different to the next. That said, certain names always rise to the top of the general consensus. The following list is some of the very best restaurants that specialize in ramen in Salt Lake.
1 – Koyote
The American shoyu ($14) is my favorite bowl at this Marmalade restaurant. I’m a huge fan of the house-smoked brisket, slow-cooked for hour upon hour before being galvanized in beef tallow. This alone should steal the show but a coy co-star – ajitama – is equally captivating. The soft-boiled eggs are boiled at a specific temperature and time, then peeled, left to marinate for several days. The process renders a dreamy, custard-esque texture. Green onions, scallions, blanched spinach, and fermented bamboo shoots complete the picture.
Oh, the broth? It’s a mere ten-hour creation built upon chicken and pork stock. It’s utterly mesmerizing. From the fractally hypnotic oils that lacquer the surface, through to the soulful, savory depth. The lighter, clear chintan-style broth is my personal favorite, but those who prefer more heft to their bowl won’t be left disappointed. Read my full writeup of Koyote in this story.
551 W 400 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(385) 262-5559
https://koyoteslc.com
2 – Tosh’s Ramen
The Tosh in question here is Toshio Sekikawa, a name you might be familiar with if you followed the Utah dining scene for a decent amount of time. Toshio Sekikawa first got to work in Utah at the now-defunct Mikado. He also spent time launching Park City’s Hapa Grill before turning to Mikado and it’s fresh as Naked Fish. Sekikawa ultimately sold his tow namesake operations to new owners. Both restaurants are still usually immediately mentioned when someone asks, “what’s the best ramen in SLC?”. My pick is the Holladay location.
Murray | 1963 E Murray Holladay Rd, Holladay, UT 84117 |(801) 466-7000
toshsramen.com
3 – Jinya Ramen Bar
Jinya is part of a larger national chain of ramen restaurants, albeit a fairly boutique one with no more than two or there dozen locations. In Utah, you’ll find a location in Sugar House and one in Murray. Both serve up big bowls of slurp able noodles at light speed. Crazily fast service is the name of the game here.
Murray | 905 State St, Murray, UT 84107 | (385) 474-6818
Sugar House | 675 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 | (801) 883-9466
jinya-ramenbar.com
4 – Kobe
Chef and owner Mike Fukumitsu first made his name on the SLC dining scene working behind the counter at the fabulous Kyoto Japanese Restaurant. From there, Fukumitsu decided to spend time in Japan, to hone his skills for his next project – ramen. On his return to SLC, Fukumitsu purchased the Kobe Japanese Cuisine restaurant in the Olympus Hills area, turning its focus toward world-class ramen. Kobe was one of the first ramen specialty restaurants in town, and many say, still the best.
3947 Wasatch Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124
(801) 277-2928
facebook.com/KobeJapaneseRestaurant/
Other ramen shops in the valley
Samurai Noodle
The only restaurant on this list that (we know of) that makes their own noodles in-house. As you can see above the restaurant is rightly proud of this, and displays the machine right in the dining room.
11483 State St, Draper, UT 84020
(801) 987-3887
facebook.com/ramenutah/
Should you find yourself toward the South end of the valley – check out this restaurant – Fukumistu’s second outing in Utah; again focusing squarely on the popular noodle dish.
Ramen Haus
Ramen Haus in Ogden Utah was the first location for the guys behind Ramen Bar – a downtown SLC restaurant sadly no longer with us.
2550 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
(801) 393-0000
Ramen 930
Another business with a brace of locations, this time in downtown SLC and another in Lehi. The bold and vibrantly designed restaurant focuses on a fast casual approach.
SLC | 45 E Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 | (385) 522-2742
Lehi | 2975 Club House Dr, Lehi, UT 84043 | (801) 393-0000
ramen930.com
Tonkotsu
1898 W 3500 S #10, West Valley City, UT 84119
(385) 202-5241
tonkotsu.us
Yoko Ramen
473 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 876-5267
yokoramenslc.com
Who did we miss?
If you think we’re missing a really great addition to this list, please email us at stuart@gastronomicslc.com – we’d love to hear from you. Let us know who you think should be on this list and why. If you have a really great picture of one of more dishes, please send that too! We’re always excited to check our more businesses!
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