Came here around 5 pm and it was empty so we got seated immediately. They don't give you menus as they use a QR code on the table to see the menu, then you order with the waiter. I ordered the dc miso which was sooo good and the portion was very large. I took a to go box since it was way too big. My friend ordered the cold noodles which looks like bunny food but once mixed with sauce it was actually quite delicious and flavorful! The waiter was also very kind and filled up our water every time before it got to the half way point. There is a single stall bathroom with stairs to get to it, and there are also stairs to enter the restaurant since it is in the basement and a bit hard to find read more

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In terms of the flavor and richness of the broth, I'd say this is has a good flavor, but it can seem a bit heavy. I'm disappointed the egg is extra, as some other places include it. The atmosphere is warm, and I like the long table setting. No complaints about the service, will probably go back at some point. Also, I recommend the yuzu lemonade, goes well with the ramen. read more

Sakuramen - Tonkotsu Mild - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Grabbed dinner here with a friend in a cold fall day and it was great! We sat at the communal table, which seats several parties together, and ordered drinks. I asked our server what he recommended and went with the Lychee-tini which was sweet and balanced, not overly sweet in any way. We ordered the pork buns to start, which were a little bigger than we thought and so flavorful (recommend!). I ended up ordering the spicy miso and chose spice level 5 (levels range from 1-10) and it was a mild spice for me. Excited to come back in colder months! read more

Sakuramen - Spicy Pork Buns - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A cute underground ramen spot with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant has sit-down tables and communal counter seating. My friend and I were seated at the counter when we dined here. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen, which was rich and flavorful. Next time, I'd opt for extra noodles and chashu for a more filling and satisfying bowl. We also tried the bulgogi buns. The marinade was tasty, the beef was ground and shaped into a patty. I would have preferred thinly sliced beef. The staff was quick and efficient. While Sakuramen isn't my favorite ramen spot in the city, it's a solid choice if you're in the neighborhood and craving a flavorful bowl. read more

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In need of some ramen during the cold weather in DC and we tried out this spot. We got the bulgogi baos and the flavor was perfect. It was so yummy and juicy, so definitely something to try. I got the gojiramen which is like the shoyu ramen I usually get. The pork belly had a great flavor and the noodles were so yummy. I just wish they didn't put so much bean sprouts and it would've been perfect, well, if it also had an egg, but still happy with my order. Definitely a place to check out if you're hungry, needing warmth from the cold and/or are visiting or live in the area. Lots of other restaurants in the area too that looked really good. read more

Sakuramen - Gojiramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I went here for dinner with some friends and we enjoyed our evening! I don't eat a lot of ramen, but I have to assume that this is premium ramen because the broth and accompaniments were really good! The pork was cooked perfectly, but I wish there was more! Less corn and more pork. But again, the broth was super flavorful and there was a good amount of spice. My friend got the ramen with kimchi and she said it was absolutely delicious and that the egg was cooked perfectly! My other friend enjoyed the bao. All in all, this place is good. The interior is super small so we did sit outside because we didn't want to wait for a table to open up. But our waiter was attentive and everything came out quickly. I would come back if I was craving ramen! But I don't think it's my new favorite spot, but good all around if this is what you are really in to! read more

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Saturday night, bae and I decided to brave the cold for a ramen date. As a single mom, nights out without my little one are rare, so when I go out, I expect to make the most of my time. After a quick search, bae picked Sakuramen Ramen Bar as "the best ramen spot in the DMV," and off we went. Parking? Street and garage options are available, but I snagged a street spot. We arrived, wrote our names on the sign-in sheet, and waited. About 15 minutes later, a staff member came out to start seating people. Here's where things went left. The staffer asked if we were with the party of five seated near us (we weren't) and then proceeded to seat two white gentlemen who had arrived after us. To their credit, those men immediately corrected him, pointing out that we were there first. (Shoutout to them for standing on principle--respect!) Even after this, the staffer hesitated, asking, "Do you want to be seated now?" Excuse me? Why would you assume we wouldn't want to be seated? Isn't that why we're here? Eventually, we got seated, but my mood was already off. The space is divided between communal seating and a more intimate area. We were placed at a communal table, which was fine, but what followed wasn't. Another staff member wandered by to give checks to nearby tables and glanced at us like we didn't belong. Finally, the first guy came back and asked if we wanted to order, but by then, I'd had enough. Here's the thing: I don't take situations like this lightly. There was a sign-in sheet clearly stating we were next. The two gentlemen seated vouched for our place in line, yet we were still treated like an afterthought. Now, let's address the elephant in the room. I don't like pulling the "race card," but it felt impossible to ignore the implicit bias in this interaction. From assuming we were part of another Black party to blatantly prioritizing white guests over us, the experience left a sour taste--one no bowl of ramen could fix. As a customer, my time and money are valuable, and I refuse to patronize establishments that fail to recognize that. Nights out are rare for me, and this one was wasted on an experience that left me feeling overlooked and undervalued. Sakuramen may have great ramen (I wouldn't know), but if you can't value all your customers equally, that's a dealbreaker for me. I'm taking my hard-earned coins elsewhere. Final note: If you want your guests to feel welcome, take accountability when mistakes happen, listen to your customers, and leave bias at the door. It's not just about food; it's about how you make people feel. And I didn't feel valued at all. read more

The plating looks nice but I've had better ramen. This spot fell short and while I can appreciate the decor, the space felt cramped.

Came here on a cold Saturday before heading to the zoo. 5 of us seated right away. Service and food was amazing. Staff was so friendly and cool. Definitely loved the vibe and made us feel at home. read more

Loved the different searing arrangement here, and the food was delicious. The Spicy Pork Buns are a must try!!! read more

For the Adams Morgan area Sakuramen is definitely one of the best ramen spots, however in general it wasn't the best ramen I've had. I ordered the goji ramen which is a tonkotsu ramen and it was pretty standard. I do see myself going back to try some of the other ramen options they have. With ramen being the main menu item, theres a variety of broths and combinations that sound delicious and will probably surpass the goji ramen in flavor. Overall it's a good option if you're craving ramen in Adams Morgan! The restaurant itself is pretty casual so you'll have no issues just walking in. read more

Sakuramen - gojiramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is a gem for ramen in DC! I've tried the Spicy Miso Ramen, Spicy Tonkatsu Ramen, and the Gyoza (appetizer). Each dish was amazing. The noodles have the perfect bouncy texture that I love from ramen. The broth in the Spicy Miso and Spicy Tonkatsu ramens were both delicious, flavorful, and perfectly hit the spot! To be honest, I was worried that the gyoza may not be worth the high price, but I tried it anyways, and it was excellent! Each piece of gyoza is huge and packed with a lot of filling to really make it worth the high price tag. The decor in the waiting area is nice. If you come during a busy time in the winter, you may have to wait for a while to be seated because there aren't many seats indoors. The wait was worth it to me though because the food was so good! read more

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Last weekend my niece and her husband came in from out of town and I had promised to take them to Sakuramen, since I had raved about it before. They were NOT disappointed and praised the food and the warm welcome we got from the owner, who greeted us at the door. We ordered spicy miso ramen soup and appetizers, and each dish was customized to our tastes and full of rich flavors . It's obvious the food is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and prepared with care and attention. The kimchi was a favorite, and we found out it was freshly made each week by the owner's mother. Sakuramen was busy and a person at the next table told us she came every Saturday. If I didn't live so far, I would too!. read more

I've never taken the time to really explore Adams Morgan. The traffic deters me but I see why there's so much traffic in the area. Great eats! My best friend & I went on a Friday evening. We were quickly seated. We didn't order any appetizers. I ordered the Chosun ramen. She got the Shoki bowl. There was no talking going on, just eating. It was so delicious. I can't stop thinking about it. The only thing we both agreed on is that our dishes could've been spicier. That's on us. You can choose your own spice levels. I will definitely be returning, SOON. The place was lively. This was a Friday like I said so the place was filled but not overwhelming. Music was playing, people were talking. It was just an all around good vibe to take in. read more

Sakuramen - Sparkling Water Chosun Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My friends and I came here for dinner after a day in the snow. We were craving hot soup and this ramen spot was perfect after a cold, snowy winter day in DC. It's small inside but we were seated pretty quickly in the upstairs level. Service was good and atmosphere was relaxed. I ordered the goji ramen and was really impressed! I love ramen and am pickier about ramen spots that I enjoy. The shoyu base was so savory and rich, well-seasoned and a slight spice kick in the aftertaste. They didn't skimp on the meat, which is something I find that ramen spots tend to do. The chashu was also not overly fatty. The portion of the ramen bowl was generous as well. read more

Sakuramen - three bowls of food on a table - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've ordered from this location on DoorDash a few times and their Ramen is always so good!! I normally get the Tonkotsu Red. Today, there was an issue with DoorDash to get it delivered, and the staff was very accommodating and even trying to figure out another way to deliver me the food. The delivery issue got resolved and I just want to thank the staff for their help and also thank them for the great food! read more

As I write this, my nose is running, my lips are burning and my mouth is happy. A level 2 spice is plenty for most of us gringos. If the flavor underlying the spice (level 2.5) weren't so fantastic, the spice would be too much for me, but it's complex, rich and full. I'm eating the Shoki Bowl w a mound of tender bulgogi, rich pork belly and a marinated egg. Eat here in their cozy and tiny basement spot. They had great suggestions and unasked, brought me a bowl of unspiced broth to temper the heat. The base broth is just fantastic all on its own. I'm swirling the salty deliciousness around in my mouth like wine. read more

Solid bowl of ramen. Pretty small venue and no reservations so bets to go at an off time to get a seat right away. Service of quick and food was great read more

Sakuramen - Tonkotsu Red Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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i love this place, amazing ramen. It goes to show that while we're there we saw 3 people dining by themselves which i think says something. the line was crazy because it is a small place but very home like. i got the dc ramen and it was awesome ALSO the gyoza fried was the best i have ever had by far! read more

I got take out from this place & loved the components of the tonkatsu red! The meat was braised and tender, noodles were cooked well and had a great texture, but the broth lacked the richness/depth I was looking for in a tonkatsu. Will try their other options in the future! read more

Sakuramen - Tonkotsu Red Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Delicious ramen spot! My friend has been hyping this place up and I must say, it did not disappoint and lived up to the expectations! Firstly, their BAO buns were very delicious! I only tried the chashu buns and I'm excited to come back and try the other meat buns, pause. Secondly, I went ahead with their house ramen, the Sakuramen and it was so delicious!! You're able to choose a spice level as well. The staff ensured we were properly taken care of, and a huge special shoutout to the lovely owner! Unfortunately I don't recall her name, but we've had the honor of meeting her and personally thanking her. Once again, Arigato gozaimasu! read more

Sakuramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is my go-to ramen place in the city, and one of the first restaurants I recommend for others. The restaurant isn't huge, and sometimes the music is loud, so it might not be the best fit for larger groups. The food is always amazing though! I love the chosun ramen with kimchi in it- it's a great fusion ramen with really cool flavors and a great concept. I also love the gojiramen for a more traditional option. The soup bases are always rich and flavorful with the right fatty texture. The noodles are fresh, the toppings are unique and plentiful, and do I even need to say that the egg is perfect? I would recommend Sakuramen for anyone trying to get a ramen fix in DC! read more

Came right when they opened on a Saturday and it slowly got packed! Did not know what to expect from ramen in DC, but this place did not disappoint! This ramen was packed with meat! Very interesting to have the bulgogi meat in it, but it was good bulgogi so no complaints. The charsiu was a great fatty and meat piece as well. The soup was a nice clear shoyu(?) so it was really easy to sip on. Slowly the flavor of the bulgogi seeped into the soup so make sure to eat quick if you want to keep that initial flavor! Good amount of noodles! we thought about getting appetizers, but glad we didn't because this filled us up! 8.6/10 read more

Sakuramen - Gojiramen Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The spot is very cozy and small . The place was really busy for a Sunday afternoon. I came here with with a friend based on his previous experience and we were not disappointed. We had a bit of a wait when we first entered the restaurant because of how popular and small the restaurant is it is. Be prepared to wait also ,it is a bit cramped and there isn't ample space between tables. I ordered the Sakuramen Ramen with Chicken Spice Level 4 . The amount of noodles given was sufficient, and the broth was really hot and flavorful. Will be back to try more of the menu when in Adams Morgan read more

Sakuramen - Sakuramen Ramen with Chicken Spice Level 4 - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I decided to come to Sakuramen for the first time because I was in a ramen kind of mood this past Sunday. I typically use the cold weather as an excuse for my ramen adventures. The building's outside wall art walking upon it was pretty cool to me. When I walked in, I must admit, I was not expecting it to be so small. I suppose it makes sense because it's an "underground"/basement restaurant. I reckon no more than 20 people at a time can dine in. It took a while to be seated because the restaurant suddenly got full, and a long line formed behind me. The wait wasn't too long, though. Thankfully, I came in solo. They have patrons sign their name on a waitlist in case it becomes too crowded. The wall art inside is a Samarai, I think, which is pretty awesome. It adds a fiery touch to the ambiance. The Food: I ordered the Tonkotsu Red ramen bowl. I noticed on the menu that the noodles were "thin," but it didn't take away from the overall experience. The bowl itself was quite delightful. I typically rate how well a ramen will be if the chashu is cooked properly and the aromatic oils. The chashu was perfection, nearly melted in my mouth with a perfect lean to fat ratio pairing well with the broth. The oil (black garlic) and the red pepper tare were barely noticeable. I think improvement is needed on that. The mushrooms added a very interesting kick to me, mainly because this was my first time having mushrooms in my ramen. My main issue was the seasoned egg. I typically prefer & expect mine soft boiled with the runny yolk. As one can see, it was overcooked to my dismay. It was also quite overpriced (almost all of the "Extra Toppings" are very overpriced, in my opinion). Though the bowl I had was pretty solid (not the best I ever had in DC, but can be better), I am unsure if I will return any time soon. The restaurant is located in Adams Morgan, which is a hike for me even without heavy traffic. The parking was also atrocious in the area so it'll take a minute to find something. If I am in the neighborhood by chance, I will come in for a bite. For those living in the Adams Morgan neighborhood or close by, I do recommend it. Just get there in the times when they aren't busy. I think that will typically be before 7 pm, even on weekends. They offer a decent variety in bowls and also have appetizers, drinks (regular drinks & Japanese + local beers), and a short list of side dishes & mochi ice cream as the dessert. read more

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Came in here on a whim on a Saturday night in desperate need of warm food. The restaurant is set up so you write your name and the number of people in your party on a sheet of paper right at the entrance and then wait to get seated. From when we got there to when we left, the turnover was insanely fast, quick seating, service, arrival of food, and back out the door which was exactly what we needed. I got the gijaramen which is a shoyu ramen and I really enjoyed it, it wasn't the best I've ever had but I have no specific complaints. I didn't have the appetite to also order any buns like bulgogi buns but every time an order came out for another table they looked so so good! read more

Sakuramen - Gojiramen Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Good food in Adam's Morgan! Took off one star for the service, they weren't very attentive and it was tough to get a drink refill. A waiter finally stopped by with more water after we were done eating and ready for the check. The bulgogi in the ramen was super good and the portions of meat were very large! It's a very small space so be prepared to wait if you're going during peak time. read more

Sakuramen - Shoki Bowl Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A truly 5 star ramen spot. Great flavor and delicious food. I got the spicy miso and it was delicious. You can even add more spice if you're looking for something a bit hotter. My partner also enjoyed their Tonkotsu Red. We went on a Weds which was much more manageable so I would recommend visiting on a weekday vs. a weekend. Great service as well. read more

Sakuramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My gf and I visited DC and had this on list of places to go. We went around 8pm. We got the spicy pork buns and Shoki ramen. The ramen was so good, the star was the pork. I was not expecting the pork to be that tender, it was very pleasant. I enjoyed how busy it was and the people that surrounded us. It deff had positive vibes read more

They got the good ramen here. Small and cozy, hole in the wall but good service and solid ramen make it worth it. Call ahead to find out when the crowd comes because it'll be a wait if you time it wrong. read more

Sakuramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Absolutely delish. Highly recommend the bulgogi bubs and gyoza and we haven't had ramen this good since living in Hawaii. Real deal!

My friends raved about this ramen spot so I had high expectations going in. I ordered the bulgogi bun as an appetizer and I was really disappointed in this. I was expecting shredded beef bulgogi (like how it says on the menu) but instead got a bulgogi patty that was a little too salty. The tonkotusu ramen was good, but I wish the broth was creamier and had more flavor. The noodles were cooked very well, and the pork belly chasu melted in my mouth! read more

Sakuramen - Bulgogi Bun - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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As it is described on the menu, the Shoki Bowl is just that--a meat lover's dream! The dish comes packed with great portions of both bulgogi and chasu pork! I really liked that the restaurant allows you to swap out your noodle choice, and as a result of that, I was able to order my bowl with thick curly noodles, which I highly recommend. The chasu was a tad too fatty for my preference, but the meat itself was excellently tender. The only thing I would change about this dish would be maybe including some acidity with some pickled ginger or sweetness with some sweet corn as a topping to help add some contrast to the intense savory flavor of the dish. read more

Sakuramen - Shoki Bowl Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Lovely dinner vibe at the Ramen Counter! The food was amazing including the Gyoza, Boa Buns, and the Ramen. Service had room for improvement but everyone was kind and friendly. read more

Sakuramen - Sakuramen with Egg - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Such a delicious spot! Had this as my last stop on my weekend trip to DC while walking around Adams Morgan. Got the red tonkatsu ramen and spicy pork buns. The pork buns are a must try! read more

Sakuramen - Red Tonkatsu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

**Update to my original March 2015 rating** We wanted something nice and light for lunch, so we decided on ramen. This was my umpteenth visit to SAKURAMEN and Babe's first. He enjoyed it. Here's what we had: We: BULGOGI BUNS (no heat) Him: GOJIRAMEN (level 5) ME: SPICY MISO (level 4) Per usual, both ramen dishes were flavorful and HOT. You will sweat. Ramen is the perfect remedy to cure a cold and clear those sinuses, so the leftovers will be frozen for later use. NOTE: The space is small and the seating is tight. They don't take reservations. This is a better move for a solo outing or date. I wouldn't recommend large parties. Pack your patience if seating is at capacity. __ I eat. @f.hux I thrift. @DCthriftish read more

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SO GOOD! It was our first time going there. The ambience is really nice and calm - great for a solo dinner or a date! The service was 10/10. They were accommodating and checked in frequently to answer any questions. We got the pan fried gyoza which were delicious, and the spicy miso ramen & the shoyu ramen. Both were tasty! The spicy miso is pretty spicy so I would keep an eye out. I got 3/10 spice level and was reaching for my water constantly. Super flavorful though! read more

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Dined here for lunch after a long day at the Zoo as a party of 4 and had a good experience. We ordered 4 ramens - one vegetarian. Most of us liked our ramens. Delicious broth, lovely egg, springy noodles. Awesome! My broth was incredibly salty which I mentioned to the waiter who promptly corrected the issue and apologized. Would definitely come here again as a treat after the Zoo! read more

Sakuramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Not only is this place some of the best ramen I've ever had but the service is fast and everyone is so knowledgeable and kind! They can get busy but make the most of the space and the food comes out quickly. read more

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Absolutely delicious! I got the Tonkotsu Red Ramen level 6. It was so flavorful even the noodles taste like garlic. I decided to find a last minute food spot and decided on ramen (which I love) and I'm very picky with my ramen, most places have good broth yet the flavor of the noodles are always bland. So the first bite into my ramen I was more than happy! It wasn't packed, easy to find, staff was quick and friendly. Came on a Saturday so I feel I got lucky, the restaurant is clean and on the smaller side. I saw they offer door dash so keep that in mind as well. I'll definitely be back for more when in the city! read more

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