Where to enjoy ramen in Turin: the 8 best restaurants chosen by Gambero Rosso

The preparation of ramen requires mastery and expertise in every phase, especially long and patient cooking times. Additional ingredients can be added or removed according to personal taste, giving rise to various variations. Despite the fact that Italian culinary tradition is by no means lacking in soups, ramen has unquestionably become part of those comfort foods that people in Italy enjoy, especially when the weather is cold, as it is during this time of year.

Here are the 8 best restaurants to enjoy ramen in Turin

Donburi House – Ramen Izakaya

Japanese. Located in Borgo Nuovo, this cozy establishment with all-wood furnishings offers reasonably priced, authentic ramen. Available types include Veggie, Amazing, Gyuniku, Tan Tan, and Kaisen, with the option to add extra ingredients. The menu also features a variety of intriguing choices to complete your meal. Noteworthy is the opportunity for interesting sake pairings guided by expert sake sommeliers. Important service note: reservations are not accepted. Another location at Via Stampatori 12, tel. 375 8432594.

Donburi House – Ramen Izakaya – via Maria Vittoria, 34/D – 375 6506812 – www.donburihouse.it

Japs! Sushi and Ramen

Japanese. Of the three city locations, this one is primarily dedicated to ramen, featuring wheat noodles served with long-cooked flavorful broths and various toppings. The menu offers five types, including "Shoyu" – with soy-based meat broth, braised pork belly (chashu), marinated mi-cuit egg, pak choi, spring onion, and naruto (fish cake) – and "Tantan" – with miso-based meat broth, chashu, tobanjan (fermented bean and chili paste), marinated mi-cuit egg, grilled corn, soybean sprouts, and spring onion – spicy. A vegetarian ramen option is also available.

Japs! Sushi e ramen – corso Dante, 53 – 011 19717471 – www.japs.it

Kensho Restaurant

Japanese. The right address to savor excellent Japanese cuisine and spend a relaxing break in a minimal-chic environment with high ceilings, beautiful paintings, and well-thought-out lighting. Choose from the surprise Omakase tasting menu or the five-course Gingko menu, or explore a rich menu with suggestions, including ramen made with fresh pasta, chashu, marinated egg, spring onion, wakame seaweed, and soy-based chicken and pork broth. The wine list is well-stocked, including important foreign references, wines by the glass, and a suitable selection of sake.

Kensho Restaurant – via dei Mercanti, 16 – 011 19781256 – www.kenshorestaurant.com

Osaka

Japanese. Starting with a classic base – long-cooked broth, nori seaweed, vegetables, egg, naruto, and handmade noodles – this restaurant in Borgo San Paolo offers five ramen variations: miso ramen (with miso and miso broth), pork ramen (with grilled pork and chicken broth), the highly popular chicken ramen (with grilled chicken and pork broth), beef ramen (with Argentine beef and beef broth), and sea food ramen (with grilled shrimp, seaweed, and shrimp broth). Options for vegetarians, celiacs, tartare, and combinations of sushi, sashimi, and rolls are also available.

Osaka – via Rivalta, 23/E – 011 3823439 – www.osakaristorantegiapponese.com

Ramen Bar Akira

Japanese. Over the years, Akira Yoshida, the Japanese owner, has gained recognition by offering "tailor-made" ramen (seven types) where each step is almost maniacally curated. The pasta-making machine comes directly from Japan, the broth is slow-cooked for 12 hours, and the ingredients are of the highest quality. After the basics, it's time for customization, choosing size, toppings, and noodles. In addition to the "main branch" near Porta Nuova Station, there is another location at Mercato Centrale, Piazza della Repubblica 25.

Ramen Bar Akira – corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 29 – 011 6994576 – www.ramenbarakira.com

RamenStation

Japanese. The restaurant is small, and the tables are a bit close together, creating an informal atmosphere without too many frills. However, here, as the sign suggests, ramen is the true protagonist and one of the best in the city. There are seven variants (with roast pork, spicy pork, duck, meatballs, veal, shrimp and calamari, and vegetarian), all characterized by the care taken with raw materials. "Fire bowls" and gyoza, with the right thickness of the wrapper and well-balanced filling, are also worth mentioning. Convenient delivery service.

RamenStation – via G. Mazzini, 8/M – 011 8136714 – www.facebook.com/ramenstationto

Ramen-ya Luca

Japanese. It has been just ten years since Gianluca Zambotto, originally from Taranto and a Turin resident, after learning the secrets of ramen from a Japanese master, decided to open this small ramen bar, still one of the best in the city, in the Quadrilatero area. In modern, minimally styled spaces, you have the opportunity to taste one of the six available versions, noticing the quality of the ingredients, starting with handmade noodles. The menu includes other interesting items that fully satisfy the taste. Japanese beers are also available.

Ramen-ya Luca – via San Domenico, 24/F – 011 7653240 – www.facebook.com/ramenyaluca/

Wasabi

Japanese. A calm and relaxing atmosphere pervades this restaurant in the Cenisia neighborhood near Politecnico, active since 1997 and recently merged with the Miyabi restaurant. For an authentic experience, you can dine barefoot at low tables, and in any case, you will be pampered by staff dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. The culinary journey is engaging and satisfying, starting with the welcome appetizer (offered). You can opt for a tasting menu or choose from a rich and very interesting à la carte menu that lists all the classics, including a valid version of ramen.

Wasabi – corso F. Ferrucci, 72 – 011 4473812-351 6160558 – www.instagram.com @ristorante_wasabi_torino