Readers' Choice 2026
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Best Ramen: Ramen Danbo
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2026 issue of Seattle magazine.
It’s easy to spot Capitol Hill’s Ramen Danbo—follow the line snaking up East Pike between 12th and 13th Avenues. As the restaurant’s first United States location, it specializes in Fukuoka-style Tonkotsu ramen. Known for its thin noodles, Tonkotsu ramen has a base of rich broth made by simmering pork bones in an hours-long process that creates the dish’s umami flavor. The original Danbo opened more than 25 years ago on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, gaining popularity after winning a TV poll for best local ramen shop. The menu is simple: four types of ramen broth, each paired with pork and vegan options, a rotating seasonal special, and sides like pan-fried gyoza and rice.
Runner Up: Arashi Ramen
About Readers' Choice 2026
Once a year, we turn the tables and ask our readers about their favorite local spots. The neighborhood café with the best coffee, the restaurant you book for every special occasion, and where you send out-of-town guests for top-tier cocktails. Seattleites have opinions, and they shared them with us. This year, we received more votes than ever before, with some familiar favorites returning and plenty of new names making the list.
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