The Best Spots For Ramen In Denver, According To A Local

There's something about ramen that people are undeniably drawn to. It may be because it evokes images of instant cups guzzled down in college or the fact that the gourmet version is bursting with flavors and textures. Denver is home to a collection of fantastic ramen restaurants, as well as a few that don't measure up. Some offer homemade noodles and a wide selection of toppings and broths, while others seem to take a more of a backseat approach to this beloved dish. If you want to ensure you never waste your time and money at a sub-par place again, this list of the best spots for ramen in Denver has you covered.

I've lived in Denver for over 20 years, and while I haven't always been a ramen fanatic, my interest in the city's ramen scene has grown over the past decade. My personal experiences at these restaurants helped me compile this list, although recommendations from fellow ramen lovers and friends also played a role in deciding where I should visit. These are some of the spots in the Mile High City you have to stop at for a steaming hot bowl of springy noodles and flavorful broth.

If you ask most people what the best place for ramen is in Denver, Uncle will be likely at the top of their list, or at least very close. In fact, some would even suggest it belongs in a list of the best ramen restaurants in America. I prefer Ramen Star because it has a more laid-back atmosphere, but Uncle takes ramen to a whole new level with its gourmet ingredients and superior quality standards all around. I love coming here for date nights.

When I first went to Uncle, I was blown away by the elevated culinary creations it serves. The menu features lots of familiar Japanese dishes, including various signature ramen bowls. Each dish is created with the utmost attention to flavor and texture. You'll have to pay a bit more than other places, but once you get a taste of each bowl, you'll see why. The duck ramen, spicy chicken ramen, and veggie khao soi are fan favorites. I also love the buns, and people rave about the two different kinds of ribs available as a shareable appetizer. 

Uncle started as a gourmet spot in the Highlands neighborhood, but due to its overwhelming popularity, it now has a location in the West Wash Park area as well. Even so, you should expect it to be busy. The Highlands location doesn't take reservations either, so be prepared to wait for a table. Still, it is more than worth the extra time.

uncleramen.com

Multiple locations in Denver

Jinya Ramen Bar serves slow-cooked ramen that Denverites can't get enough of. It features broths that simmer for upwards of 20 hours, which leads to complex flavors and special bowls you're unlikely to find anywhere else. You'll discover several tonkotsu ramen recipes on the menu, three vegan options, a couple of wonton ramen bowls, and more. There's something for everyone here, whether you enjoy spicy, creamy, or unique ramen. One of my favorite things is the crispy fried onions topping on the vegan bowls. I also love the tempura Brussels sprouts as an appetizer.

Jinya Ramen Bar serves its delicious menu in an ultra-modern space that is both contemporary and approachable. It's the kind of setting you'd feel comfortable in regardless of whether you wear athletic or cocktail attire (I've done both). Regardless, the attention to detail and expert level of customer service are superb.

When I visit other cities, I don't normally go to restaurants I can enjoy at home, but Jinya Ramen Bar is one of my exceptions to this rule because I love its food. It has various spots across North America, and no matter which one I visit, it always exceeds my expectations.

jinyaramenbar.com

Multiple locations in Colorado

You may not have thought chef-driven ramen in a comfortable setting was possible, but Menya makes it a reality. From the use of family recipes and exceptional quality standards to a casual ambiance, it's got it all. It has two convenient locations in the downtown area (and another in Colorado Springs), so it's a fantastic place to get a quick bite before a game at one of the stadiums or any other time you are exploring the heart of the city.

Menya's menu contains a wide selection of ramen with amazing flavors and textures. You'll find thick and classic ramen noodles, just about any kind of broth you could want, and fantastic topping combinations. I love the spicy broths and thick noodles the best, but the entire menu really is delicious. I also order the veggie egg rolls every time I go. While this isn't really a traditional ramen restaurant menu item, Menya's egg rolls are super yummy, so I can't resist ordering a side of those too. In addition to ramen, Menya offers a wide range of tasty Japanese small plates and poke, including a build-your-own bowl option.

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Multiple locations in Colorado

Dragonfly Noodle specializes in fresh, house-made noodles made by a machine in the front window. Watching it do its thing is almost hypnotizing and makes you excited to sample the rest of the stuff on the menu. It may not have the largest selection of ramen compared to my other top spots, but its super savory broths paired with the springy, fresh noodles make the bowls something you won't soon forget. I've only been here once, but I'll definitely be returning in the near future.

Dragonfly Noodle offers several miso ramen broths, including black tonkotsu and butter lobster — which have received high praise from my friends. I had the miso veggie ramen here and loved it. This broth can be made vegan or gluten-free, which makes it excellent for eaters with dietary restrictions. 

If you are dining with someone who isn't super into ramen but still wants to satisfy a craving, Dragonfly Noodle also offers yummy pho soups, bao buns, and more. You can also order fresh ramen noodles to take home and make however you like. I bought some the last time I went and made them the next day. They cooked up super quickly and tasted almost as good as at the shop, but my seasonings didn't compare.

dragonflynoodle.com

Multiple locations in Colorado

Sera's Ramen Enclave has a funky hip hop vibe and phenomenal pan-Asian cuisine with Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese influences. As the name suggests, it specializes in ramen, but the menu also features rice bowls, drool-worthy appetizers, and more. I don't make it to the Highlands neighborhood that often, but when I do, Sera's is at the top of my list of places to get a bite. Not only is the food at this family-run spot amazing, but it also has a fun dining room and quirky patio space perfect for warm days and nights. The prices are reasonable, too.

Some of Sera's best ramen bowls include the Flavorsome ramen with slow-simmered broth, the Saigon curry ramen, and the sesame pork belly ramen. The black ramen, which is served without broth, is also a favorite. From my experience, you really can't go wrong with anything on its menu. Sera's also offers a range of refreshing beverage options, both with and without alcohol. I personally enjoy the fruit-infused limeades.

It's important to note that Sera's is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan your visit for another day of the week.

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(303) 455-2858

3472 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211

I used to be one of those misinformed people who thought all ramen was like the instant stuff you get from the store, so why would anyone bother paying gourmet restaurant prices for it? However, I had a life-changing bowl of ramen in Vancouver, and ever since then, I've been on a search to find the best ramen in my home city of Denver. Over the last decade, I've explored spots across the Mile High City to discover my favorite places. This list is primarily populated based on my attempts and experiences.

I have visited most of the spots on the list but also relied on recommendations from friends and reviewers to supplement my selections. I factored in the menu selection, as well as the quality and flavor of broths, noodles, and toppings at each location. I also examined each shop's unique offerings and its ability to accommodate different dietary preferences. No matter which place you try first, be prepared to be blown away by what's in your bowl.