After living in Japan for a year and acquiring what some might call a “mildly obsessive” appreciation for proper ramen, I’ve learned just how hard it is to find truly authentic bowls stateside. So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Neko Ramen and Rice—a place that not only honors the craft but serves up ramen that could easily hold its own on the streets of Osaka or Fukuoka.
I ordered the spicy miso, which leaned more “pleasantly assertive ve” than fiery, but that’s nothing a little chili oil can’t fix. The broth was rich, complex, and clearly the result of patient, loving simmering; the noodles had that perfect bite; and the chashu? Silky, savory, and the kind of thing that should come with a warning label for how fast it disappears.
Yes, the maneki-neko theme teeters on the edge of cat-based maximalism—but really, with a name like “Neko Ramen and Rice,” one must expect (and embrace) the feline fanfare. It’s charming, not cloying.
In short: If you’re looking for the real deal—authentic ramen with personality, soul, and just enough kitsch to make you smile—this is the spot. Come for the noodles, stay for the vibe, and maybe bring a friend who doesn’t mind being ignored while you savor every slurp
Zach Wilson
Cool place, friendly staff, great food. Order at the counter. I couldn't help but order several side plates. App, two entrees, two drinks, dessert ~$63. Well worth, high quality ingredients you'd eat on their own. Easily two meal entrees if not a big eater.
Tyler Korn
The miso was amazing. The broth was excellent. The egg was perfect. The meet was a nice bbq kind of flavor. Best to dine in and I got a sake that costs over $10, but I feel great and it was so worth it. I started with the sake from Japan with the blue label. Got a ginger ale to go along with that sat down then went back up to order the ramen. The timing was perfect this way & I am so happy to try to reach a reward goal to try something else.
Emily Queen
The food was so good and the service was amazing! The lights and music really made it enjoyable and fun.
Tina Lucero
Yummy Ramen bowls , friendly staff and fast .
John G.
Came in and ordered the pork and egg bowl along with gyozas. The rice in the bowl was mushy and not the sticky white rice consistency you usually see from Japanese places, the gyoza was ok same kind of mushy consistency. Also, while I was dining a fruit fly flew near my bowl and wound up landing on my chopsticks. Not sure where the fruit flies are coming from but they need to be addressed especially if the restaurants has a lot fruit or vegetable products. Overall not what i would expect from a Japanese place where usually everything is fresh and carefully prepared. I ended up not finishing my food and I would like to note as I was leaving ANOTHER fruit fly was making its way into my bowl. Totally unacceptable I couldn't even eat comfortably. Nothing about the food tasted authentic to me especially since they werent able to cook proper sticky rice in the first place. I would try another place there is plenty of better Japanese places where the food is fresh and its an actual Japanese restaurant where the dishes are fresh and authentic
dkinnett
Nice atmosphere and clearly marked vegan ramen option. Also had the spicy edamame.
Updated from previous review on 2025-03-17
frinethevegan
Hands down, this is the best vegan ramen i’ve tried and this guys are not even vegan
Ethan
The food here is AMAZING! Super flavorful and delicious. Had an amazing experience every time I’ve been here. I will definitely be coming back as often as I can!
The food was delicious. We started with the Vegetable egg rolls. then moved on to the ramen. The egg rolls were crispy, fresh, and left me actually wanting more. I don't normally care for the sauce however the sauce here was on point. I had the Mi-So hot and my wife had the Black garlic ramen. The serving size is right, this is a big bowl with plenty of everything. I will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: MI-So Hot Ramen, Miso Spicy Ramen
Jeremiah Williams
This place is literally the best ramen place I have ever been to omg and it is a great price literally cannot beat the price plus the flavor is top tier everything was perfect and cooked perfectly omg the egg in my ramen was poached to absolute perfection ?? not many places can do that ? ? ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Honey Chicken, Tori
dusty kiraly
Best fast Ramen here! Friendly staff! Clean restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christina Porter
Delicious! The noodles was smackin! And the both was the best part! I added the brussel sprouts, game changer! Decor is dope, and the staff is real cool!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jimmy Ferrazas
Read an article about best Ramen in Denver and chose Neko’s over Osaka, still gonna try Osaka. Food was delicious and everyone was friendly and helpful. Wasn’t busy when we went in so the food came out fast. I would definitely recommend! We had the Mi So Hot and Black Garlic Ramen.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gyoza 4pcs, Karaage, MI-So Hot Ramen
very good ramen.
After living in Japan for a year and acquiring what some might call a “mildly obsessive” appreciation for proper ramen, I’ve learned just how hard it is to find truly authentic bowls stateside. So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Neko Ramen and Rice—a place that not only honors the craft but serves up ramen that could easily hold its own on the streets of Osaka or Fukuoka.
I ordered the spicy miso, which leaned more “pleasantly assertive ve” than fiery, but that’s nothing a little chili oil can’t fix. The broth was rich, complex, and clearly the result of patient, loving simmering; the noodles had that perfect bite; and the chashu? Silky, savory, and the kind of thing that should come with a warning label for how fast it disappears.
Yes, the maneki-neko theme teeters on the edge of cat-based maximalism—but really, with a name like “Neko Ramen and Rice,” one must expect (and embrace) the feline fanfare. It’s charming, not cloying.
In short: If you’re looking for the real deal—authentic ramen with personality, soul, and just enough kitsch to make you smile—this is the spot. Come for the noodles, stay for the vibe, and maybe bring a friend who doesn’t mind being ignored while you savor every slurp
Cool place, friendly staff, great food. Order at the counter. I couldn't help but order several side plates. App, two entrees, two drinks, dessert ~$63. Well worth, high quality ingredients you'd eat on their own. Easily two meal entrees if not a big eater.
The miso was amazing. The broth was excellent. The egg was perfect. The meet was a nice bbq kind of flavor. Best to dine in and I got a sake that costs over $10, but I feel great and it was so worth it. I started with the sake from Japan with the blue label. Got a ginger ale to go along with that sat down then went back up to order the ramen. The timing was perfect this way & I am so happy to try to reach a reward goal to try something else.
The food was so good and the service was amazing! The lights and music really made it enjoyable and fun.
Yummy Ramen bowls , friendly staff and fast .
Came in and ordered the pork and egg bowl along with gyozas. The rice in the bowl was mushy and not the sticky white rice consistency you usually see from Japanese places, the gyoza was ok same kind of mushy consistency. Also, while I was dining a fruit fly flew near my bowl and wound up landing on my chopsticks. Not sure where the fruit flies are coming from but they need to be addressed especially if the restaurants has a lot fruit or vegetable products. Overall not what i would expect from a Japanese place where usually everything is fresh and carefully prepared. I ended up not finishing my food and I would like to note as I was leaving ANOTHER fruit fly was making its way into my bowl. Totally unacceptable I couldn't even eat comfortably. Nothing about the food tasted authentic to me especially since they werent able to cook proper sticky rice in the first place. I would try another place there is plenty of better Japanese places where the food is fresh and its an actual Japanese restaurant where the dishes are fresh and authentic
Nice atmosphere and clearly marked vegan ramen option. Also had the spicy edamame. Updated from previous review on 2025-03-17
Hands down, this is the best vegan ramen i’ve tried and this guys are not even vegan
The food here is AMAZING! Super flavorful and delicious. Had an amazing experience every time I’ve been here. I will definitely be coming back as often as I can!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was delicious. We started with the Vegetable egg rolls. then moved on to the ramen. The egg rolls were crispy, fresh, and left me actually wanting more. I don't normally care for the sauce however the sauce here was on point. I had the Mi-So hot and my wife had the Black garlic ramen. The serving size is right, this is a big bowl with plenty of everything. I will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: MI-So Hot Ramen, Miso Spicy Ramen
This place is literally the best ramen place I have ever been to omg and it is a great price literally cannot beat the price plus the flavor is top tier everything was perfect and cooked perfectly omg the egg in my ramen was poached to absolute perfection ?? not many places can do that ? ? ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Honey Chicken, Tori
Best fast Ramen here! Friendly staff! Clean restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious! The noodles was smackin! And the both was the best part! I added the brussel sprouts, game changer! Decor is dope, and the staff is real cool!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Read an article about best Ramen in Denver and chose Neko’s over Osaka, still gonna try Osaka. Food was delicious and everyone was friendly and helpful. Wasn’t busy when we went in so the food came out fast. I would definitely recommend! We had the Mi So Hot and Black Garlic Ramen.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gyoza 4pcs, Karaage, MI-So Hot Ramen
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