Where to go for ramen in Bristol

One of the best Japanese in Bristol, Woky Ko allows you to select from classic ramen dishes such as pork chasu shio ramen and tofu miso ramen. There are also Korean variations such as Korean fried chicken tantanmen. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the signature rice dishes too (the crispy fried cauliflower hits right) or a side that will help you manage cravings as you’re waiting for the main to be served: edamame beans, umami ribs, shiitake mushrooms, fried cauliflower and kimchi. Woky Ko offers just the right dose of quirkiness that will put you at ease while dining in.

Based in a colourful area of Bristol, KIBOU is the perfect hangout spot for both Japanese culture fans and those who are seeking unique experiences as its interior and food capture the most exotic aspects of Japan. You can find walls covered with vibrant art and upbeat service that will get you in the mood for a little adventure. And indeed, the menu highlight is, of course, ramen that comes with four rich toppings: chicken nanban (battered chicken thigh), chashu (braised pork belly), tantanmem (sweet and spicy pork) and seasonal vegetables. If this description’s making you drool, wait until you hear about the drinks menu. The unique cocktail flavours here should go well with any type of hot broth. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to try a mochi ice cream mix to fully appreciate the best Japanese cuisine has to offer.

If you’re looking for a more intimate vibe, Ramen Ya is the perfect place for you. The restaurant is a compact space with few seats, which lends to its charm. The venue is known for its tonkotsu ramen, served with a soy egg, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, onions, bean sprouts and seaweed to complete a delicious mix of flavours. If you’re already familiar with ramen and know the combination you like the most, you can ask to have extras added for a small fee. You can be sure you won’t leave dissatisfied.

Translating to ‘friend’s ramen’, Tomo no Ramen draws inspiration from Japanese family-run ramen shops where the quality of the food goes hand in hand with a friendly ambience. It’s a venue that ticks all the boxes: it satisfies your cravings, introduces you to new flavours and creates a great atmosphere for all kinds of occasions. Even if you venture there on your own you don’t have to feel out of place – you’ll be too busy drooling over the menu to worry about company anyway. The menu changes depending on the season but you can expect a variety of miso-based ramen dishes such as kare miso with creamy chicken paitan broth. Yum. You can’t go wrong with anything you choose because, as the restaurant says, it makes everything the right way. Head there to find out what proper ramen tastes like.

Four Wise Monkeys is an Asian super diner in the heart of Bristol’s Old City. These guys bring the bustle of 80s Tokyo with some of the best pan-Asian food, beers and cocktails in town. We especially love the Tonkotsu Ramen here: Roast aromatic pork belly with soy egg, nori, spring onion and chive oil. Insanely delicious.