Cancel

Open app

Search

Zao Stamina Ramen

4.2 (186 reviews)
ModerateRamen, Comfort Food
Updated 3 months ago

Order Zao Stamina Ramen Takeout or Delivery

Zao Stamina Ramen Photos

ZAO STAMINA RAMEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Trendy
Classy
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

More like Zao Stamina Ramen

Recommended Reviews - Zao Stamina Ramen

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Paul J.

I don't know why this Yelp page says that Zao Stamina Ramen is CLOSED? I was just there (APRIL '26), so there's an error here. And what an error, because Zao isn't just open, it's serving up some tasty ramen in downtown Bethesda. The interior is classic Japanese noodle shop motif, but orders are made on a video kiosk, and you take a number and sit down, and the food comes out quickly. We started with the Ouchi Salad (Ouchi means "house" in Japanese) and it was fresh and crisp with a nice sesame dressing. Then the ramen arrived - I got the Tan Tan Vegan ramen - warm and nutty with ground soy and chewy handmade noodles. Washed it down with a bubbly Yuzu soda, and I left the clearly OPEN ramen shop with a fulll belly and a smile on my face. Definitely going back to Zao, and you should too!

Tokyo Tonkotsu and Gekikara Tonkotsu
Amanda T.

I had a great experience trying out Zao. I came on a Saturday afternoon and was able to place an order through the kiosk. I liked that it was self serve and the food came out quickly. I ordered the Tokyo Tonkotsu and the Gekikara Tonkatsu. I enjoyed the Japanese music that was played in the background and the overall vibe of the restaurant. The ramen broth was very rich, along with everything else in it was well cooked. For about $18-20, I will say the portions felt a little bit small. Other than that, I would visit again to try the other menu items.

Hojicha custard
Alice L.

Absolutely love this place! 10/10 recommend. They recently rebranded to "Ramen Menri". We stumbled upon this ramen shop on Valentine's Day weekend, where they were doing a prix fixe menu "Choco Mole tsukemen". It was incredible. The noodles were so soft, chewy, and light, and they created a masa and cacao noodle too. The dipping sauce was so smoky but very flavorful with a spicy punch. They offered a small amount of crema and miso on the side, and a couple of slices of dry aged beef to dip. Everything paired so nicely together. We also got to try their dessert custard and hojicha tea. It was so rich and delicious and a perfect meal. The owners (husband and wife) came out to chat with customers and they were such a sweet pair, expressing a lot of gratitude to everyone who came out. Definitely will be back to try their other menu!

Jay K.

The housemade ramen here is the best I've had since having ramen in Tokyo. The housemade broth is everything! The servings are also very generous in my view. Never left hungry or dissatisfied. We are faithfuls now and come every week. (Also the service is top notch and the single stall bathrooms are always very clean.)

Kabocha ice cream
Chris W.

I've had the privilege to dine at Zao twice, 2 years apart - and both times I have come away extraordinarily impressed with the team's attention and devotion to the craft of ramen. It's an unassuming storefront off Bethesda's main thoroughfare, and as soon as you enter there's an aura of calm and peace that greets you. A short queue and a few tablet taps later, you're making yourself comfortable at a table of your choosing, perhaps with your self-serve beverage or a dear friend (or 2), until with great anticipation your chosen noodles and broth arrive almost ceremoniously in front of you. Face to face with the bowl, you understand that not even their gorgeous Instagram photos can do justice to their permanent and special offerings. Breathe, slurp, chew, smile, then repeat. Bring your mom, bring your sibling, bring your boss - it's too good not to share, though I selfishly wish it could be our secret. I'm already wondering how many years it will be until to my next trip to DC (and thus to Zao...)

Stamina ramen
Fabian M.

Still some of the best ramen in the DMV imo. Got the gekikara and yea it's very spicy. Do it at your own risk. I wish they still had the spice bottles to help urself with on the table. Service was fast and friendly. They assisted with setting up a table fast for our large family. Also don't forget to ask for a stamp card, which they will stamp for ur full price bowls. They won't stamp for stamina Mondays.

Tori Kara - Age
Tommy V.

A great ramen spot! The place has self service ordering. You order on a kiosk, grab a number and choose your seat. They bring the food out to you. There are plenty of seats inside. The past couple times I've been there was no wait. The Tokyo Tonkotsu ramen was very good. Broth was flavorful and creamy. Pork was tender. Overall portion size was decent. I also got the Karrage. It was crispy and juicy, but nothing to rave about. The mayo sauce they give you adds a nice savoriness to the chicken. The ramen is what stands out here. Give this place a shot if you're in the mood for a quick bowl of ramen! I'll definitely be back.

Special item, Konbusui Tsukemen
Celina G.

One unique thing about Zao is that they are one of the only ramen shops in the area that can offer you a wide array of ramen! It's really great for anyone that wants to try something different. And unlike Menya Hosaki, they have more reasonable open times. From their monthly specials calendar, I ordered their Kombusui Tsukemen, which was only being offered for two days. When the food arrived, a staff member explained the process of how to eat everything (salt dip to noodles and then broth), and then was willing to repeat it all when I asked! The whole wheat noodles were cooked to the softness of my liking. The kombu (kelp) broth and the chicken and dashi soup on their own were so good and unlike any ramen broth I've had. It's delicious with the noodles and meat mixed in. In the end, my stomach was full and I was hoping to avoid another food coma but still felt it a little this time. This special was $25 before tip, so remember it's a bit more than the regular bowls of ramen. Can't wait to come back for another special!

Vegan Ramen
Max G.

This place has a lot of the standard ramen shop things going on but I want to highlight it specifically because of what it can offer vegetarians. Usually veggy broth for ramen is... not good. The Vegan ramen here, where meat is absent from the entire process including the broth, is actually pretty good. In a landscape that often treats those options as an afterthought that makes this restaurant worth having on your reference sheet. Complimented by helpful and friendly service and the type of ambiance everyone likes having in a local shop.

Traditional shoyu ramem with ajitama egg.
garland w.

I had the traditional shoyu ramen. Overall pretty good. Broth can be a little tastier. I also ordered the chicken karaage an that was really good.

Elaine C.

Not impressed. Nowhere near authentic Japanese ramen. Order kiosk and open seating. Would not come back.

See all

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of D K.
129
35
94

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

23 days ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jay K.
27
28
13

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Wow! The broth has amazing flavor!! We had the Tan Tan... and didn't want it to end :).

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Tyler H.
10
13
11

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Monday Stamina spice Ramen was delicious. I got a seasoned egg and side of pork dumplings . It was so delicious

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Julian B.
143
318
170

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Marty A.
30
41
44

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of G. W.
0
23
2

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 5

Zao Stamina Ramen Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Zao Stamina Ramen

Are dogs ok if we sit outdoors?

Yes of course!

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Oishii Ramen Cafe - Vegetable Ramen

Oishii Ramen Cafe

4.4(151 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$

It was a particularly cold day when I stopped in, which made a hot bowl of ramen all the more…read moresatisfying! I usually order tonkotsu and am hesitant to try others since the broth makes all the difference but I ordered the shoyu ramen this time and it was delicious! Lighter than tonkotsu broth but still super flavorful. And the noodles had that good chew/mouth feel which makes all the difference. I also ordered the house black tea with boba and cheese foam which was also oishii! I appreciated that they had brewed tea options since often find milk tea to be too much with food. Sometimes places that do both boba and food nail one, but not the other but this place was great on both fronts! Service was quick and friendly as well.

I had no idea how amazing soup could be. Oishii ramen is my go to for comfort, especially when I've…read morehad a bad day, feel under the weather...or pretty much anything else. The pork broth is standout, but I absolutely dream about the spider ramen. Named for the fried softshell on the top (which you can ask to swap for more shrimp), has a tom yum-like flavor. Creamy, spicy and slightly acidic, the broth could be poured on cardboard and I would eat it. Noodles are always perfect and the seafood is present, but not a huge portion - so you can focus on the broth. My only complaint? The lobster broth in the spider ramen dish is not listed as an option for the "make your own" bowl...which would allow me to perfectly customize it. I will regularly order the spider bowl in the meantime with no softshell, extra shrimp, and if I'm feeling down additional noodles and broth (allowing me to indulge for multiple meals) . Bubble tea is tasty - especially the rose milk tea. This place has a counter with a handful of seats and two tables for 4-6. After waiting for a table, we decided to mostly do takeout. We can order online. Would be great if they had a spot out front for takeout pickup as parking around the restaurant can be hard at times.

Photos
Oishii Ramen Cafe - Tables

Tables

Oishii Ramen Cafe - I love the Tonkatsu here!

I love the Tonkatsu here!

Oishii Ramen Cafe - Tonkatsu Ramen! Damn good.

See all

Tonkatsu Ramen! Damn good.

Akira Ramen & Izakaya - Tonkotsu Miso Ramen

Akira Ramen & Izakaya

4.0(892 reviews)
5.5 mi
•$$

Before checking out with online order make sure you check out the auto tip ( that's on me 12 sec…read morelater) like this place and the employees are nice BUT pay your employees more upfront OR make this a giant optional screen for takeout. I'm getting Pho next time of walking into my other Ramen spot next time. It cost me almost 45% more and I'll order in person next time.

Driving down the pike with a grumbling stomach is never a good idea. Actually, driving on the…read morepike is never a good idea, but I digress. I admit, I pulled into the first plaza I saw that was easy to get in to find something, and wound up at Akira. I've had their ramen before at other locations, but this was my first time at this one. The place had a little bit of a crowd in it, but I was quickly seated. The Rockville location here is perhaps not the most beautifully decorated, with some rather odd ornamentation (like an actual, possibly functional, payphone? ), but it's still a nicer spot than a typical lunch counter. Okay, confession. I have no idea what the different ramens are. I always just kind of pick one randomly, and I've never met a ramen I didn't like. This time, I got the tantanmem. Of course, picking randomly, I picked one that used ivory soap as a topping -- or as you fancy people call it, "cilantro." Realising my error, I quickly caught the waitress and asked for it to be omitted. Akira actually skipped it! YAY! Thank you. I cannot tell you the number of times that request gets met with a "no problem" only for my dish to be overflowing with soap bubbles later. The broth had a little bit of a spice to it, not much, which was delightful. Everything was well cooked, and it really hit my hangry spot. My only small complaint was that my egg was still cold -- but, also, the bowl was set in front of me, and I simply hit the "ON" button and vacuumed it in.

Photos
Akira Ramen & Izakaya
Akira Ramen & Izakaya - Salmon roll

Salmon roll

Akira Ramen & Izakaya - Okonomiyaki

See all

Okonomiyaki

Ren's Ramen - Ren's Ramen Miso Tan-Tan Men with sesame paste, hot sesame oil, bok choy, scallion, ground pork

Ren's Ramen

3.3(791 reviews)
4.7 mi
•$$

My cousin suggested we eat here, since he used to come here regularly when living in the…read moreneighborhood. It's a simple storefront in a strip mall, with a narrow menu focused on ramen dishes. The restaurant describes their dishes as "Sapporo Style," meaning that they could suffice as a main dish and are cooked in a wok, seasoned with roasted garlic and onion. Both of our dishes were from the Specials Menu: his the Miso Tan-Tan Men (with sesame paste, hot sesame oil, bok choy, scallion, ground pork) and mine the Hot & Sour Ramen (with sliced pork, egg drop, tofu, assorted veg and sesame oil). The bowls were entrée size and beautifully prepared. The ramens didn't seem fresh cut noodles, like you may find elsewhere, but the delicious full-bodied soups more than made up for that. Some might find the prices high for considering what you get, especially for me compared to NYC similar hole-in-the-walls, yet when in the area I'd recommend Ren's Ramen. It was totally enjoyable and I'd go back excited to also explore other items on their menu.

Enjoyed the decoration and the different types of specials available. The service was good, with…read morethe waiter checking on us as needed. Decided to visit at around 5 and the restaurant was almost empty so my table got all the attention. The pork belly bun ($5) was very good. Small but really enjoyed it. Also, the home made gyoza ($7.50) was tasty too! Piping hot! Decided to go for the Sapporo style miso ramen ($17) and loved the broth and noodles. I would say the broth is a bit salty but I enjoyed it. During my time there one person came for pick up and when I left, the restaurant remained empty. It was a weekday so I hope it gets busier then. The only con is the parking. Very limited with only a few spots for all the shops.

Photos
Ren's Ramen - Front of house

Front of house

Ren's Ramen - Homemade Gyoza

Homemade Gyoza

Ren's Ramen - Inside

See all

Inside

Temari Japanese Cafe - Edamame at Temari Cafe

Temari Japanese Cafe

4.1(855 reviews)
6.5 mi
•$$

Temari is a very casual Japanese-owned restaurant offering homey Japanese cuisine. I've been…read moremeaning to check it out and I finally did a couple Saturdays ago. It was really popular that evening, so the three of got squished at the table meant for two, but we didn't mind. The menu is pretty extensive, offering ramen, udon, tonkatsu, rice bowls, grilled fish sets, and more. We ordered pretty quickly, but with how busy it was, it took a bit for the food to come out CHILEAN SEA BASS - 37 As I scanned through, my eyes immediately fell on the miso sea bass. Despite the price point, I knew I had to go for it because sea bass is hard to find around here. This set came with rice, house salad, miso soup, and cold tofu. The sides were pretty standard -- no compliments, but no complaints either. On the other hand, the sea bass was wonderful. Super creamy and soft, with a strong miso sweetness that packed so much umami upon each bite. I would definitely splurge on this set just for the sea bass. My friend got the ramen and didn't love it, so I'll probably avoid that during future visits. The katsu curry that the table next to us ordered looked and smelled amazing. Overall, food was delicious and homey. I'd definitely recommend!

Cutest hole in the wall!!…read more Authentic Japanese food on Rockville Pike. Never knew what I was missing... their sushi seriously tastes like it was made with love. Absolutely floored by the fatty tuna sushi roll. It is on the pricier side, but honestly, I don't think I even minded. We got the katsu and sashimi combo plus some rolls on the side. The katsu was delicious, and the sashimi was super fresh. The combo also came with the cutest little side dishes, really adorable presentation overall. The staff was also incredibly attentive about my friend's allergies (dairy and nuts). They kept checking in with us and even showed us the sauce ingredients to make sure everything was safe. One of the staff members called my friend "kawaii" after hearing her long list of allergies lol, and honestly, that made my day.

Photos
Temari Japanese Cafe - Interior

Interior

Temari Japanese Cafe - Love love their Onigiris!!

Love love their Onigiris!!

Temari Japanese Cafe - Salad at Temari Cafe

See all

Salad at Temari Cafe

Zao Stamina Ramen - ramen - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...