The 8 Best Ramen Restaurants in Calgary That’ll Save You a Ticket to Tokyo
If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’d know that the taste of authentic ramen is out of this world. The last time I was there, it was basically all that I ate (even for breakfast!).
So when I came back home, I immediately embarked on a mission. I told myself that I wouldn’t rest until I found a top-notch, local ramen spot that I could keep coming back to.
It’s been a few years since I started this ramen journey, and I’m happy to report that it was a success. I didn’t just discover a decent ramen restaurant, I actually found several amazing ones!
So if you’re looking for suggestions, listed below are the best ramen restaurants in Calgary that are just as good as the ones you’d find in Japan.
1. Jinya Ramen Bar
Address: 1800 4 St SW #180
Contact details: +1 587 356 0721
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Spicy Chicken Ramen
Jinya Ramen Bar opened their first location in America all the way back in 2000. Today, they have over 60 branches worldwide, and we’re lucky to have one right here in Calgary.
If you’ve heard of them before, it’s probably for their signature broths. The restaurant simmers the broth for more than 30 hours and flavors it with ingredients like pork bones, chicken, miso, dashi, bonito, and more.
The best way to taste it is in their Spicy Chicken Ramen. It’s okay if you’re not a huge fan of heat; you can just adjust the spice level depending on how brave you are. What matters is that you get some of that flavorful broth with the noodles and seasoned egg.
You can also check out their menu for some vegan ramen options and new food additions. We always keep an eye out for the next creative dish that’ll be listed under the rotating chef’s special.
| Pro tip: You can get rewarded just by ordering any of your favorite meals at Jinya Ramen Bar. All you have to do is sign up on their website, and you’ll earn discount points every time you dine with them. |
2. Shokunin
– Media credit: shokuninyyc
Address: 2016 4 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 229 3444
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday, Wednesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Must-order: Shokunin Tori Ramen
Since they opened in 2016, Shokunin has consistently been included in multiple lists of Canada’s Top 50 Restaurants. When you get a chance to dine at this upscale Japanese gastropub, you’ll understand why.
They initially gained popularity as one of the city’s first yakitori restaurants. Grilling meat is what they do best. But of course, we’re here for their noodles.
At first, you might be surprised that they only have one ramen listed on the menu. However, the paitan-style Shokunin Tori Ramen is still one of their most popular bestsellers.
The sake-infused soup that comes with it is flavorful but not heavy at all. They also put a ton of meat in the bowl, so you’ll still be able to taste a bit of their signature yakitori cooking.
Remember to put some of their wagyu fat chili oil as well. It’s only a little bit spicy, but it adds that unique and rich wagyu flavor to the ramen.
| Pro tip: For those who plan on dining at Shokunin for dinner, try to arrive after 5 PM. This is when they provide free underground parking for their customers. |
3. Shiki Menya
– Media credit: shikimenya
Address: 824 1 Ave NE
Contact details: +1 403 454 2722
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Tonkotsu Black Ramen
Don’t expect a traditional Japanese dining experience at Shiki Menya. From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted with a loud blast of rap or hip-hop music.
The whole place honestly feels more like a club, especially with their funky, modern decor. But don’t let that fool you; they take their food very seriously.
In fact, the number of bowls they serve every day is limited. To ensure that their customers are only getting the best quality, they only accommodate people dining in on a first-come-first-served basis.
This might all sound so overwhelming, but it’ll be worth it once you get your hands on their Tonkotsu Black Ramen. This bowl gets its signature color from squid ink, which adds texture to the soup.
As for the flavor, it’s savory and a little bit garlicky. Their fresh handmade noodles also have a satisfying, springy feel that’s fun to chew.
| Pro tip: The best time to eat at Shiki Menya is early lunch, right after they open. They usually get busy within an hour of opening, and there’s a chance that you won’t get a table if you arrive late. |
4. Wakado Ramen
– Media credit: wakadoramen
Address: 907 10 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 457 8828
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Must-order: Mala Tonkotsu Ramen
When Wakado Ramen opened in 2018, they instantly found a loyal customer base. People loved their open kitchen concept, where they could see the chefs assembling their ramen bowls.
This design wasn’t just for show either. It proved that the ingredients they used were prepared from scratch, from the broth to the noodles.
If you’re not sure what to order, we highly recommend getting the Mala Tonkotsu Ramen. It might numb your tongue with spice, but underneath that is a flavorful, sweet, and savory soup.
The Chasu pieces always steal the show. From what we’ve heard, they’re marinated in sauces and spices for hours. That’s why they burst with flavor as they melt in your mouth.
| Pro tip: The portion sizes of the ramen are on the smaller side, so it’s ideal to order another dish with your bowl. Most customers recommend their crispy menu items, like their Pan-Fried Gyoza or the Deep-Fried Chicken Karaage. |
5. Fuji Ramen and Sushi
– Media credit: fujiramenandsushi
Address: Avenida Place, 12100 Macleod Trl #111
Contact details: +1 587 352 5595
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Black Fuji Tonkotsu Ramen
It might seem crazy when you hear that Fuji Ramen and Sushi launched in 2020 and immediately had to survive through the pandemic. But less than a year later and their hard work was already paying off.
In 2021, readers of Avenue Magazine voted them as the #1 Ramen Restaurant in all of Calgary. Since then, they’ve consistently placed on the list every single year.
The Black Fuji Tonkotsu Ramen is a big reason why they keep winning. You can opt to have it spicy, but we like it mild so we can fully enjoy its smooth, creamy broth.
You’ll also be getting your money’s worth since their portions are quite big. Despite this, we can’t help but get additional toppings like their delicious chasu or another egg. You can also order extra noodles if you end up with leftover broth.
| Pro tip: Fuji Ramen and Sushi is an incredibly busy dining establishment. If you want to be guaranteed a table, you have to reserve one at least a week in advance. |
6. Globefish Ramen and Izakaya
– Media credit: globefish.sushi
Address: 326 14 St NW
Contact details: +1 403 283 6555
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
Globefish Ramen and Izakaya is a very straightforward restaurant. They don’t have fancy decor or any unconventional menu items. People like them simply because they serve good, traditional ramen.
Before you dive into their menu, take a moment to chat with their lovely servers. They can tell you a lot about their food, and they always manage to give spot-on recommendations.
For us, the Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen is divine. The hearty broth has this distinct umami flavor, and the noodles are always perfectly cooked, without being too hard or too soft.
And since you’re already there, you should also try some of their affordable appetizers. The Butterfly Squid, Takoyaki, and Shrimp Dumplings are very popular among their regulars.
| Pro tip: Globefish Ramen and Izakaya provides fully stocked condiments for each of their tables. Their chili oil and spice mix, in particular, are great additions to their ramen bowls. |
7. Goro + Gun
– Media credit: goroandgun
Address: Scotia Center, 225 7 Ave SW #245
Contact details: +1 403 237 5596
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Tonkotsu Ramen
If you ever find yourself hungry for Japanese flavors in Downtown Calgary, Goro + Gun is the place to go to. This 150-seat noodle bar is decorated with modern Japanese designs but serves traditionally prepared food.
Their best dishes are their Hakata-style ramen, which comes with a creamy and almost milky broth. The Tonkotsu variant is our go-to, since we can’t get enough of the fatty meat slices they place on top.
Some time ago, we discovered that this ramen bowl tastes even better when you add a smoked egg to it. It’s so rare to find this topping in Calgary, but we just love its subtle savory flavor.
Don’t forget to complete your meal with one of their special sakes as well. It’s refreshing and will make the entire dining experience even more authentic.
| Pro tip: If you’ve never been to Goro + Gun before, you should know that the best time to dine here is during happy hour between 2 PM to 7 PM. All the good stuff on their menu is discounted, including the ramen, sushi rolls, and alcoholic drinks. |
8. Redheads Japa Cafe
– Media credit: redheadscafe
Address: 638 11 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 532 0600
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Katsu Curry Ramen
Redheads Japa Cafe is one of the most popular Japanese cafes in the city. They’ve been providing locals with authentic comfort food since 2010.
Before you go here, you should know that the place is cozy, but it does get cramped when it’s busy. However, the service is always quick and very friendly.
You’ll notice that they have an extensive menu, which their regulars treat like a challenge. They love the place so much that they order something different each visit.
If you ask us, though, the curry dishes are where they really shine. Their Katsu Curry Ramen is something we crave all the time.
The soup is thick and has just the right amount of spice. And by the time the bowl gets to your table, the breaded pork slices are still crispy but soft and juicy when bitten into.
| Pro tip: Despite the fast service at Redheads Japa Cafe, it’s still recommended to arrive right after they open. A lot of their customers struggle to find tables during the lunch rush. |