Ramen Isshin

What is Ramen Isshin? Located at 421 College Street on the eastern edge of Little Italy, Ramen Isshin is the celebrated flagship where chef Koji Zenimaru first launched his Tokyo-inspired noodle concept in Canada. The bustling, compact dining room features a striking hand-painted dragon mural, tight-knit wooden tables, and a quick-turn bar counter facing the open kitchen. The room runs on high-voltage energy, filled with hearty greetings from the staff and the steady sizzle of woks firing in the line.

Ramen Isshin Menu & What to Order The marquee order is the Stone Bowl Shoyu Kotteri Tsukemen, pairing thick dipping noodles with a furiously bubbling pork-and-seafood double broth kept piping hot in thick stone. Traditionalists gravitate to the wok-fried Red Miso Ramen or the rich Black Sesame Tan Tan Noodle, which comes with a miniature mortar and pestle to grind roasted sesame seeds directly over your bowl. Plant-based diners also get exceptional mileage here thanks to a dedicated Vegetarian Red Miso broth served with egg-free noodles, best rounded out with crunchy chicken karaage or a cold Hitachino beer.

Know Before You Go Ramen Isshin operates on a walk-in policy and utilizes a digital waitlist during prime lunch rushes and weekend evenings, so putting your name down early is wise. Street parking along College Street is limited, making the 506 Carlton streetcar or a short walk from Spadina the best transit route. The kitchen serves continuously starting at 11:30 a.m. daily, closing at 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.