Have you ever had real ramen? I have, because I lived in China for six years and traveled extensively throughout Asia: Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia. And imagine my surprise when I tried ramen here, on the other side of the world, and it turned out to be some of the most delicious I've ever had! It's. Simply. Delightful. I won't go into detail about all the perks of wagyu ramen, I'll just say it's. Simply. Delightful! As for the gyoza, they're average in my opinion; they're a bit better at the modest cafe across the street. The service is also worth mentioning: all the staff are super professional and know their job. Can ramen cost 450 ZAR? Yes. Is this ramen worth it? Absolutely yes.
Overview
If you're in the mood for a delicious, comforting bowl of ramen in the heart of Cape Town, look no further than Ramenhead. Located at 37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre, this cozy spot has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering an unforgettable dining experience that goes beyond just great food.
When you step inside Ramenhead, you're immediately greeted by a modern yet relaxed atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends, family, or even on your own. The interior is stylish yet laid-back, with subtle Japanese influences that create an inviting vibe. The restaurant offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to unwind and savor every moment.
The menu at Ramenhead is a celebration of traditional Japanese flavors with a contemporary twist. Their signature ramen dishes are the real star of the show. Whether you prefer a rich and creamy tonkotsu broth or a lighter, more refreshing miso-based soup, youβll find something that suits your taste perfectly. One standout dish is the Spicy Miso Ramen, which packs just the right amount of heat while maintaining the depth of flavor that ramen lovers crave.
But Ramenhead doesnβt stop at ramen; their sides and appetizers are equally noteworthy. The gyoza, with its perfectly crispy edges and savory filling, is a must-try. And donβt forget to sample the variety of small bites like edamame and karaage fried chicken, which complement the main dishes beautifully.
What sets Ramenhead apart from other eateries in Cape Town is their commitment to quality and authenticity. The ingredients used are fresh and sourced from trusted local suppliers. You can taste the care and attention to detail in every bowl of ramen. The broths are simmered for hours to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, while the noodles are made in-house to ensure the ideal texture. This dedication to quality has earned the restaurant rave reviews from food critics and customers alike.
If you're unsure of what to order, the staff at Ramenhead is more than happy to offer recommendations. Their knowledgeable team can guide you through the menu, ensuring you pick the perfect dish based on your preferences. Many visitors find the service to be warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. The teamβs passion for what they do is evident in every interaction, making your meal feel like more than just dining out-itβs an experience.
While the food is undeniably the highlight, the drinks menu at Ramenhead also deserves a mention. They offer a range of beverages, from refreshing iced teas to Japanese-inspired cocktails that pair wonderfully with the ramen dishes. If you're in the mood for something non-alcoholic, their house-made sodas are a refreshing choice.
As for the location, Ramenhead couldn't be in a better spot. Situated in the vibrant Cape Town City Centre, itβs easy to pop in for a quick bite or settle in for a longer, more leisurely meal. Whether youβre visiting Cape Town for the first time or are a local looking for a new favorite spot, Ramenhead should be on your list.
The restaurant has garnered an impressive following, with many customers returning regularly for their ramen fix. The positive reviews speak for themselves, with diners praising everything from the rich, flavorful broths to the friendly, attentive service. Whether you're a seasoned ramen aficionado or a newcomer to the dish, Ramenhead offers an experience that will leave you craving more.
In a city full of dining options, Ramenhead stands out as a go-to spot for those in search of authentic, flavorful ramen in a welcoming environment. With its exceptional menu, fresh ingredients, and superb service, itβs no wonder this restaurant has quickly become a beloved gem in Cape Town. If you haven't had the chance to try it yet, make sure you swing by and indulge in one of their signature ramen bowls-you wonβt regret it!
Good to know
Service options
β Outdoor seating β Dine-in β DeliveryHighlights
β Great beer selection β Great cocktails β Great dessert β Great tea selection β Great wine listPopular for
β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Coffee β Small plates β Spirits β Vegan options β Vegetarian options β WineDining options
β Breakfast β Lunch β Dinner β Counter service β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β ToiletAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β Romantic β Trendy β UpmarketCrowd
β Groups β TouristsPlanning
β Dinner reservations recommended β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β NFC mobile payments β Credit cardsParking
β Free of charge street parking β Paid street parking β ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
My first time going to Ramenhead. I was a bit skeptical because their menu is very small. They only have 5 main course options on the menu, 2 pork, 1 chicken, 1 veg and 1 wagyu beef (overpriced). Service was fantastic. Ambience was fantastic. Food was great (I had the chicken option). The small portions are pretty small and work if you order appetizers but the regular portions are filling on their own. Although it's one of the more pricey ramen restaurants in Cape town I would still recommend it over similar places like Yatai and Downtown Ramen. Great atmosphere if you're going on a date or want a restaurant with a quiet, intimate setting.
The atmosphere was 10/10, it felt as we were somewhere in Asia. The service was exceptional and the waiter was very friendly. The food was also very delicious and had interesting options. Would definitely recommend to someone who likes asian food or is looking for a different experience.
Been on a little bit of a Ramen we exploration around Cape Town over the last few weeks and I must say - Ramenhead is by far the best Ramen I have had in our mother city so far! We started with the small plates which were all so yummy, but the Karaage chicken was by far my favourite. Hubby had the tonkotsu and I had the Wagyu Ramen for mains...both absolutely stunning. The tonkotsu broth was so rich and creamy with that distinct pork flavour (if you're into that). I personally much preferred the smoky, clean broth from the beef. The Wagyu slices alone made it all worth it! Melt in your mouth tender, with that unmatched beef fat flavour. Also need to add that the little garden setup on the plaza is so nice in the middle of the bustling city centre - just plan for finding parking nearby!
Wow, what a gem! We came here for ramen on Friday and the place was so vibey. We were warmly welcomed right away even though we were a few minutes early. The service was very attentive and warm, our waiter made us feel right at home. The food was definitely another highlight, we tried both of their pork ramen options and they were both perfect! The cocktails were good but a little lacking in balance for my taste. We tried the dessert too and their ice creams were incredible but the cheesecake a bit dry. Overall, we had an amazing experience and we will be back for more ramen very soon!
A bit pricey. Spent just over R1,000 for two during Restaurant Week with a bottle of wine. Strong design aesthetic and decent service, but the food didnβt quite wow me. Iβd go back to try their sake, cocktails, and Japanese drinks though.
The servers were very polite and the atmosphere was great. Food came in a decent time frame and was pretty decent. I prefer a more flavorful broth, but there were additives like chili oils that were on the side that helped with the flavor so it still turned out great.
I recently dined at this cozy, casual fine dining spot, and I must say, it was an incredible experience! As a first-time ramen eater, I was thoroughly impressed by the flavors and overall quality of the food. The ramen was not only delicious but also hearty, with well-seasoned broths that were rich and full of depth. For those who like a little extra kick, there are optional seasonings available on the table, such as mala spice, chili oil, and mixed ground peppercorns. We tried two different ramen bowls, each packed with bold flavor combinations and fresh ingredients. The TORI CHINTAN (chicken ramen) was a standout β the wontons were absolutely delicious, truly deserving of a βchefβs kiss.β The broth was hearty and comforting, with just the right amount of richness. We also tried the Tonkotsu Ramen, which surprised me with its great balance of flavors. I was initially skeptical about the miso, but it turned out to be a perfect complement to the dish. As for drinks, I kept it simple with a Coke and a double shot of rum β sometimes, itβs the simple things that hit the spot. All in all, this place offers fantastic food in a warm and inviting setting, making it a great spot for anyone craving delicious ramen. Highly recommend!