One of the tastiest ramens I've had in a while. I always walk past Ikkousha on Queen St. and am so glad we finally got to give it a try! We walked in at around ~7 pm on a Saturday and it was looking busy - however, we were seated pretty quickly given there was only 2 of us. Lots of seating inside for different groups, and I appreciate how there was some bar seating that accommodated single patrons. We ordered takoyaki and 2 ramen - I had the regular Tori Paitan while my partner had the God Fire (level 2). You had the option to customize your bowl from beginning to end - from softness of the noodles, saltiness of the broth, extra toppings - this place really reminded me of the local ramen spots we went to when we were in Japan. Despite how busy the restaurant was, the food came out quick!! Takoyaki was delicious and piping hot. The broth for both ramen came out very flavourful and I will say - while my partner loves spicy food and I do not... I cannot imagine what level 4 would taste like, level 2 definitely had a kick! The staff were amazing and navigated a small space so well. We really enjoyed our dinner - we were in and out within an hour. I'll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend! read more

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Absolutely loveeee Ikkousha! The menu is very limited with only 9 different ramen options, but the taste is always great, and each bowl is very customizable. You can also get some side dishes and added toppings. Space is a decent size, and there's individual seating as well if you come here alone. It's a great place to come and talk as well, because it's not a loud atmosphere. And the service is amazing! Servers are very attentive, refilling your water and check in to make sure your table is doing well. They also hand out punch cards where you can earn toppings or items based on the number of bowls you get. read more

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Really solid ramen spot. The broth is super rich and flavorful, and the noodles have that perfect chew. I liked how focused the menu is, it feels authentic and not overcomplicated. Great place to stop by on a cold day. read more

One of the perhaps snobbiest things about me is I only want to eat ramen in Japan because in my limited experience, the ramen I eat elsewhere pales in comparison. Most specifically, I have found the ramen in Chicago to be lacking at least the ones I've tried. I'm happy to report that Ikkousha bucked the trend, which makes sense because it's a chain from Fukuoka, Japan. It was recommended to me by my friends who have also visited Japan and said that trying this transported them back to Japan. While I didn't feel quite as strongly lol, I did find it really good, reasonably priced, and full of great toppings. A great meal that is the right portion for one person. I had their signature tonkotsu. We also tried their karaage which I never gravitate to on a menu but was really really good. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Ikkousha ramen - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I came here for a quick lunch and it was fabulously delicious! I had their gyoza, which is much more delicate and fragile than other gyoza I've had. The tops were largely not sealed, so they were a bit soft. These were not my favourite, but still quite tasty. And because they were so small, it was the perfect amount for me! Their signature tonkotsu ramen was delicious. I ordered it Japanese "taste" level of salt, and with the spicy pickles (taraka) that I added to it, it was almost too salty. But fabulously delicious. If I were to add the spicy pickles next time, I would order the less salty broth. The bowl of ramen as-is probably will be a good size for a smaller appetite. If you have a normal appetite, you can safely order a side dish OR extra toppings and not worry about it being too much. If you have a larger appetite, definitely add extras to your ramen and feel free to order a side dish! The service was fast and very efficient, and the place was very clean and comfortable for solo diners. Definitely will be back! read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Their classic Signature Tonkotsu 博多豚骨ラーメン with extra kikurage - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Was on my list of places to visit while in Toronto and was looking forward to their signature tonkotsu ramen. I went with normal on the noodles and saltiness, no extra toppings and got 3 piece fried chicken. Fried chicken - it came with dried seasoning, would been nice to get mayo on the side as well. The chicken was juicy and moist. Tonkotsu - disappointed, the broth was bland... tried adding other condiments on the table but that didn't really help to enhance the flavor. I guess my palate has a higher standard thanks to many visits to Japan. Interior was your standard ramen shop. Friendly staff members, the service was quick and fast, food came out relatively quickly. For now 2 out of 5 for their tonkotsu ramen. read more

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Ikkousha located along Queen St. W. near St. Patrick St. is a Japanese ramen shop from Hakata, the Southern part of Japan known for being the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. I've only tried their other ramen shop 2 stores down, where chicken is the focus. This location of Ikkousha only specializes in pork tonkotsu ramen. They also have another location in Toronto near Yonge and Dundas. With worldwide locations, this ramen shop is super popular in Toronto, so much so that I was only able to try it for the first time recently. The menu has about 8 different kinds of tonkotsu ramen from their signature to shio, black garlic, or their spicy broth. There are lots of toppings you are able to add on as well as your classic side dishes like gyoza, karaage, takoyaki or rice. On the table, you are able to customize the flavour of your ramen with takana, minced garlic, ginger, ramen sauce, sesame seeds, and pepper. I stopped by Ikkousha for lunch on a Monday around 12:30pm. As a solo diner I sat by one of the seats facing the wall to the right. It does get chilly there though since the door is located around that area. Sitting down, the ordering sheet is already pre-set in front of you where you choose what ramen and side dishes you want along with what noodle texture you prefer and how salty you want your broth. I decided to get: - Signature tonkotsu ($16 - has noodles, cha-shu, black fungus, and spring onions) where I added a flavoured egg ($3) - Gyoza ($6.5 - for five pieces) Food arrived at a reasonable time. Staff were friendly and efficient. Food wise, I've actually travelled to Fukuoka, Japan before where I lined up for numerous bowls of ramen there, including the spot where it is claimed to be the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. Let me tell you that when I had my first sip of Ikkousha broth here...it brought me right back to Fukuoka. There was a moment while I was eating lunch where I felt like I was back in Japan. The pork bone broth was creamy and rich and had that delicious depth of flavour. Happily slurping my noodles, they were cooked to my liking and the spring onions added extra flavour to the dish. Like in Fukuoka, I added several condiments to my ramen to make it more tasty and to my liking. It was a delicious bowl of ramen that I can't wait to eat again. The gyoza was great as well, the wrapper was thinner than I expected but the filling of the dumpling was tasty. Overall, if you're looking for delicious tonkotsu ramen, this is the place. Just like in Fukuoka, Japan, the flavours here are spot on. Service is efficient and it's easy to have a quick meal here if you are short on time. I definitely will be back when I'm craving tonkotsu ramen! read more

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What an absolutely amazing spot. Right from the moment you step in, you can feel that this place isn't like the average ramen spot. I loved the vibe of the place, very simple and it had a truly authentic Japanese feel to it, I felt like I was back in the ramen shops in Japan. The staff were super friendly, they explained how to order and answered any questions we had with patience and kindness. The best part, was the ramen of course. The broth was so rich and creamy but it wasn't overwhelming or too heavy. The chicken was nice and moist, not dry at all. I added an egg, of course, and it was surprisingly flavourful too. Honestly the only think I don't like about this place is the fact that it's so far away from where I live...but I'd make the trip to come here, totally worth it. read more

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If you're on the hunt for really solid tonkotsu in Toronto, Ikkousha is one of my favorites so far. The interior is very coazy with lively greetings from the staff, atmosphere alone already sets you up for a good meal. I am a big fan of the broth. It's rich, savory, and deeply porky, but it never tips into being too heavy. The portions are generous, and the chashu slices are tender, flavorful, and just fatty enough. I also love the customization options. You can choose your noodle firmness, saltiness, spice level, and add extras like an egg or more meat. And don't skip the condiments! The pickled ginger, mustard greens, and their extra ramen sauce really help brighten the bowl and add complexity. I especially loved the ginger, it cuts through the richness and keeps each bite interesting. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - tonkotsu ramen - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The food was pretty good and the service was very nice! This won't be a super detailed review because, well....it's ramen. But if you like ramen, this is the place to go! Only good for small parties, perhaps table for one or two. Amazing for solo dining, actually! read more

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The portions were huge!! Ramen was so rich and flavor. Service was quick and easy. I wish they gave more broth since the broth to ramen ratio was a bit off read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Absolutely delicious, high-quality ramen with rich, comforting flavors. The staff were friendly and attentive, and service was impressively fast. Everything arrived hot and fresh--exactly how ramen should be. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

One of the better ramen in the city, not my personal favourite but I can see this being someone's. Definitely worth checking out read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Spicy Miso Tonkotsu Ramen 辛味噌豚骨ラーメン - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I try to visit this place whenever I am in Toronto. Just excellent ramen. The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the environment is cozy. I got the Tonkotsu with a flavored egg this time around. Delicious. My partner got Karaage. Also, delicious. Just go there and get some good food! read more

I've been to IKkousha several years ago but I was left with a very faint memory of their food. I decided to try it again and I found it okay. I ordered a small ramen (it was truly very small and served with a single thin slice of pork). I added a marinated egg and the total came to $20 pre tip. Our wait was very long which was understandable as it was a very small space with tightly arranged tables. The employees were very kind and kept a smile on their faces despite the dinner rush. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Came back after 3 years! Got the God Fire 3/4 and it was pretty consistent to the last time I had it. The broth was quite thick and flavourful and I upgraded to premium toppings for the extra substance. Fast and kind service! read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Great ramen spot! I got the gyoza and i normally like mine crispy all around but these were honestly the highlight of my meal. They were perfectly thin and crispy on the bottom and then soft throughout. Everything came out super fast and my server walked me through the whole ordering process. They also didn't judge me for getting noodles and broth only which is a plus! :) read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - 5pc Gyoza (5) 博多一口餃子（5ヶ） - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Great authentic ramen shop with tasty broth and noodles. I like that you can customize your ramen from the saltiness and noodle texture, and also with some side condiments. That said, I do think it's somewhat overpriced for the portion (no egg, thin slice of meat). I also found the god fire ramen to be a bit inconsistent because I got the same spicy ramen twice in two weeks and the second time was much spicier than the first time. The space is clean but a bit cramped. Great service. read more

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I can't believe it's been like 6 years since my last review?! Time flies. It seems like just a couple years ago that Ikkousha opened up in my hood. Since Ikkousha Chicken opened up and I moved, I haven't been back since. If I'm feeling like Ikkousha, it's always chicken version. However, I felt inspired to give the original Tonkotsu a try and you know what... it's not as good as I remember, or maybe my memory is foggy since it's been years since I had Hakata ramen specifically from Ikkousha. I ordered the regular salt level and I'm writing a review here to remind myself to get the less salt version next time... if there will be a next time (I'll stick to the chicken version), because it's definitely too salty for my preference, especially if you like to add takana (pickled mustard greens) to your noods. Maybe also because in my last visit to Japan a few months ago, I've had the authentic thing in Hakata (Fukuoka) and my expectations have risen. I could hardly finish and ended up taking the noodles home to dilute to my liking and perfect after that. You know what I noticed during takeout and cooling? The broth is pretty rich, almost a third is fat. So not the most healthy. We also ordered the karaage and takoyaki and it was delicious. Anyway, service is always stellar and warm at this spot. Standard Japanese hospitality all the way. I think now it's confirmed that I'll stick to my Ikkousha Chicken Paitan next door instead but I know many who prefers the pork version more. PS - check them out for their birthday special where you get the number of dumplings equivalent to your age. I took advantage and brought my dad before and they were so enthusiastic they even took a picture and featured us. read more

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Was on vacation and was told about this restaurant. Amazing food and amazing service. Would go back every day if I could.

Ikkousha Toronto delivers one of the best ramen experiences in downtown. The broth is unbelievably rich and silky -- perfectly balanced between depth and umami -- and the chashu practically melts in your mouth. The noodles are always made to your liking. The staff are warm, efficient, and make you feel welcome even when the line is out the door. If you love authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, this place is a must. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Signature Tonkotsu with Premium Toppings - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Efficient, attentive and prompt service, fast table turnover. A perfect stop for a quick comfort food craving. Friday night around 8pm, there were a few couples waiting outside before us when we arrived. But we are seated in 3 mins. Ordered: - SIGNATURE TONKOTSU (Noodle texture Hard) - Gyoza - Karaage Tonkotsu ramen's broth was great. Rich, silky and smooth, not oily. But the noodle texture was a bit disappointing. When I order "hard" I expected "al dente" - but it tasted more like "undercooked". The Char Shu was a bit too thin to my liking - and only a few pieces. For regular toppings that expect Japanese ramen such as "shinachiku" "egg", you have to pay extra $. Gyoza and Karaage were ok. Food 3 stars, 4 for the efficient service and well coordinated team work, and the broth. So, 3.5. Very good as a fast comfort food place. read more

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was highly recommended to us but it fell short of expectations. it was missing that umami oomph im used to. the noodles were alright. i think i prefer the wavier noodles at other ramen spots and possibly a fattier thicker slice of pork. the gyoza was really good though. crispy and juicy and not too doughy. service was attentive and friendly and it was easy to get a seat when they open on a weekday for lunch. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - God Fire lowest spiciness - it was good but not mindblowing - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We came here for the birthday gyoza and enjoyed some ramens too. The place itself is pretty small, and it can be quite crowded with larger groups. The Black Tonkotsu Ramen that I had was okay. Nothing too unusual, but my friends said that their spicy ramens were pretty good. The gyoza itself was really good. I would definitely come back just to order more of it. The service is pretty quick and food comes pretty fast. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Black Tonkotsu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

HONESTLY... magical. It is next level, food-coma-inducing, super authentic, cutie Japanese waitress having, and OVERLY DELICIOUS. Closest thing to Tokyo I've had in a long time. Also really really fast service, affordable, and great quality. read more

I'd give the ramen 3.5/5, the noodles are very close to Ichiran. I got the god fire level 2 and it was a good amount of spice (if you can handle your spice). I'd probably go for level 3 if I were you to go back. I also got the flavoured egg as an extra topping - I wouldn't recommend (not that its not good, just didn't really make a difference in the ramen). The place is small and busy. They made us wait outside before they sat us in. Its very much a sit, eat, leave kinda place read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Two names come up when you talk about ramen in Toronto, one of them being Ikkousha. There are two, one dedicated chicken and their regular menu. I went to Ikkousha Ramen. The space is small and to be expected for a prime Downtown location. We had to wait for a table but it wasn't too long, maybe five minutes. Ordering process was really quick as you note down what you want on a paper and it is delivered to your seat. I went with their more simple ramen, and it was delicious. I think these have been my favourite ramen noodle. I like that you were able to choose how salty the broth was or the texture of the noodles. We also got the gyoza which were delicious I think I finished everything in two bites. The price was reasonable for downtown ramen and honestly would go again. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Shiyo Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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This place was a gem in downtown Toronto. It's a little bit of a walk from Union Station but well worth it. Tables are limited, but if you're willing to sit at the bar area, you can get a seat a little quicker. The ramen is wonderful, but the one thing I think they can improve on is fountain drinks versus just getting a single can, and a cup of ice. That's a minor issue, but with salty ramen, I tend to drink more than 12 ounces of liquid to compensate. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - This is an image of some of the limited seating at this restaurant. - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Good ramen place! When you sit down, they have small bins by your table/seat where you can place any bags or jackets which is so nice - reminded me a lot of restaurants in Japan. I got their signature ramen which you can customize by saltiness, spice, noodle firmness, and toppings/additions. It was very tasty and definitely a solid ramen spot. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Signature tonkatsu - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Stopped by during a weekday lunch and there was a slight wait. The interior is quite small with limited seating and a narrow hallway for the servers or diners to walk through. Because my friend and I were given aisle seats facing the wall, it was a little difficult to talk to one another. There were also no coat hooks or space for jackets so they were draped on the stools that we sat on. A paper menu is given to each patron to mark off their order (choice of ramen broth, thick or thin noodles, noodle texture, saltiness, additional toppings, and extra noodles if preferred). This ordering system made it easy and efficient for them to place the order without error during the lunch rush. I had the Black Tonkatsu with a flavoured egg, which I found overly salty as I had to drink water several times during the meal as well as after. The broth was decent, but not as rich and thick as I would have liked, though the garlic flavour was great. The pork was on the leaner side and nothing special. A good helping of noodles came with the dish and we left with our bellies full. Coming in with high expectations due to the hype, I can say the meal was decent but nothing extraordinary. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Black Tonkatsu with thick noodles - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Nice ramen place! We came here on a weekday only about 20 mins after opening but it was also completely packed! Totally unexpected, so definitely plan your trip if you can. I heard lots of this place being super delicious, but perhaps it was the god fire broth I chose that don't quite meet my expectations. The broth felt oily/fatty in a non-pleasant way, where it coated the inside of my mouth and felt like it stuck to my lips if licked them. The flavour itself was very nice, but it was the feeling of it that I found a bit unpleasant. The pork was melt-in-your-mouth delicious though! Definitely recommend getting the premium toppings to get extra pork and a delicious ramen egg. One thing I thought was odd was the noodles--they feel like a thin egg noodle vs. a ticker ramen noodle. The noodles are good, but didn't quite meet my expectation of ramen. I may come back to try again, or visit one of their other global locations, but probably not anytime soon. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Signature tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Tasty spot for ramen and bonus if you come on your birthday. They offer you gyoza for the age you are if you have 4 people with you. I ordered the god fire ramen with 4 peppers and I'll say I was expecting more heat. It was fairly mild for the peppers but the broth was delicious. The gyoza was the groups favourite part too. Very crispy and flavourful. read more

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One of the best bowls of ramen I've had outside of Japan! This place made me feel like I was back in Japan, from their sign on the outside to the ambiance inside the place. They also have toppings at the table which reminded me of ramen spots in Japan. They also have additional free sides you can ask for, pickled ginger, garlic, etc. We tried the god fire ramen (level 1), which was a great level of spice for me without being too overpowering. The black king tasted amazing with a garlic flavor. The chicken karaage was juicy & the batter tasted flavorful. We enjoyed this place so much that we've been missing it ever since we left Toronto. Also wanted to note, We got lucky & didn't have to wait at all when we arrived. We came on a Monday around 1pm & were seated right away. However, by the time we left the place, there was a bunch of people waiting for a table. It is a small spot so keep that in mind & you might have to wait a bit. They also have the same ramen place that caters to only chicken which was 2 spots next door. read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - God fire ramen (bottom), black king (top), chicken karaage (3 pieces) - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I find this gem on Queen street west. When I entered the restaurant, I felt like I were in Japan. Impressive ambiance. I ordered god fire ramen which is spicy. I could choose noodle texture & saltiness as well as spicy level. As I chose what I want, I satisfied with the food so much. Staffs were helpful and kind. Would like to come back! read more

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Wowee wow wow, the rave reviews are warranted! It seems that Toronto has many, many options when it comes to ramen but I'm going to put Ikkousha Ramen at the head of the pack. I like things spicy but not so much that it becomes an episode of "Hot Ones," so when considering your tolerance to heat I highly suggest you follow the lead of the staff. I said I could handle the heat and was going to go for level two - I was talked down to one. Good advice. The spice level was perfect - my sinuses were cleared but I wasn't left mopping my brow and downing beer. The pork broth was delicious as was the chashu, the noodles tender - all in all some of the best ramen I've had. The price is more than reasonable and the service is fast, friendly and wise (see previous comment regarding heat). read more

The food was delicious. We visited when it was cold out, so it was a nice, warm cozy environment to pause and eat some hot food. I got the Karaage Dan which was deliciously flavorful and tender. A favorite at our table was the God fire ramen. The ramen was rated very good by the ramen lovers in our party. The restaurant was pretty busy so while that was reflected in the service, we had a great time! -@cophiescrumbs on insta read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Karaage Don - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Best ramen I've had for a while! I got the Tonkotsu ramen, and the soup base was so flavorful and creamy - just the way I wanted! Service was so kind and food was served fairly fast . I really liked how they gave you options to customize lots of details for your ramen, in order to accommodate to your liking as much as possible. For example, you could choose the toppings as well as the texture of the noodles that you prefer (hard, normal, soft) It's a small store, but it has a decent amount of seats read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I tried their vegetarian ramen - the flavour was decent but there was an unusual after taste in their broth. Their seating was planned in such a way that they could fit more people in a humble space which was pretty impressive. Although I did feel that the lack of room took away from the experience further. read more

Authentic Japanese ramen ! the soup and noodles were very flavourful and great! the service and ambiance is casual and love all bright the restaurant is :) read more

Ikkousha - Toronto - God fire - Ramen Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

No question - 5 stars!! Very authentic Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen shop. Honestly, tonkotsu ramen served here is very good - tasteful broth, thin noodle which you can ask preference for noodle softness (or hardness). ...well, not only noodle, but broth thinkness, other condiments, etc. I have not eaten this much authentic Hakata style tonkotsu ramen several years. If you have a chance, you should stop by and taste their authentic tonkotsu ramen. Additional note - gyoza was their hand made, made in that store. Each size is small, but easy to bite. They are nice side dish with their ramen. read more

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