Always great, fresh and delicious foods here. Whether it’s in person or takeout.
Food: 5
Emma White
The fried chicken was definitely the highlight—crispy, flavorful, really well done. Atmosphere and service was great. As for the ramen, while the noodles and broth weren’t bad, they didn’t taste like authentic Japanese ramen. More of a fusion or casual take than something you'd find at a traditional ramen shop. I also found it interesting that the bean sprouts were raw. Not bad, but was hoping to get a taste of some authentic ramen around these parts.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Josh E.
Legit! Can't wait to go back.
Anonymous
The atmosphere of this restaurant is very warm and inviting, super cozy. Food prices are so affordable for the quality of the food. The food was amazing, everyone must try! Honestly this food may be one of my new favorites, from their sashimi (which was very fresh) to their ramen and belly bowls, everything was a 10/10. Even the service was fast, and very patient, answering all our questions. Highly, Highly Recommend!!
JaQuavis Reviews
Walked into Ramen Belly thinking I was about to have a soul-warming bowl of ramen. Instead, I got a masterclass in confusion, cultural cosplay, and waiting.
Let’s talk about the wait time first. We were told 20 minutes. Cute. Nearly an hour later, I was still ramen-less, emotionally spiraling, and considering a DoorDash order from the sidewalk. I genuinely think I could have learned how to make my own ramen from scratch in the time it took to get served.
While I waited, I had plenty of time to soak in the ambiance: an anime blaring on the TV like we were pre-gaming a Comic-Con, and right next to it, a Chinese cooking channel showing someone make mango sago. So now I’m watching Goku power up while a very kind elderly woman explains gelatin ratios—and neither had anything to do with the Japanese ramen I came here for. It was like cultural roulette.
The menu leans heavily on “fusion,” which I think is code for “we threw everything in a bowl and hoped you wouldn’t notice.” The branding feels like someone said “Let’s monetize Asia,” then slapped together TikTok aesthetics and ramen emojis without any real connection to the culture behind the food.
Also, not to mention, flies. Yes, flies! At a Chinese establishment. Embarrassing at best. They need to lean into their culture and realize that this is American washed ramen you could purchase at Walmart for much cheaper.
Look, I’m not asking for a culinary pilgrimage to Tokyo, but maybe just a little respect? Or a shorter wait? Or maybe don’t mix anime, Chinese desserts, and Japanese food and call it a vibe?
One star for the server who, honestly, looked like they wanted to be anywhere else too.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Hallie Russell
I got insane food poisoning from this place back in February
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Anna Wimmer
seriously the best ramen i’ve ever had! no place in iowa can beat it. absolutely love the atmosphere, especially in the winter eating warm ramen and they usually have a studio ghibli movie playing! they always have the best, most unique local beer selection! 12/10 recommendation this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zaid Alsamawi
I’ve been considering getting 12 orders of pot stickers as a main dish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marc Arduser
This is a out of the way, very neighborhood spot. Dinner only option,but if you like Ramen ...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amber
Recently ordered takeout from here after not having it for a while. We had 2 ramen bowls, 1 with pork belly and 1 with short ribs, as well as their potstickers. The amount of actual protein that you get for the price that they charge is hard to comprehend. 2 tiny pieces of pork and 3 small short ribs. I also paid $1.50 to add their house pickles and I received 6 tiny, thinly sliced pieces of cucumber (you used to get a small container of them). I paid $9 for 4 potstickers which were cold and mushy. Overall, we spent $60 for broth (which lacked flavor) and noodles with a tiny bit of protein, and mushy/cold potstickers. We won't be ordering from here again any time soon, especially at those prices.
Recommended dishes: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, House Miso Ramen
Hailee Tyynismaa
Ramen Belly always hits the spot! Delicious ramen, and belly bowls. We also love the house pickles! The staff is very nice and it's a cozy place with good vibes! Never disappointed when we eat here! I will proudly wear my Ramen Belly shirt around town.
Kyle Johnson
The Abura (brothless) ramen is phenomenal! I've been told that the other ramen is also great, but I love the Abura ramen so much that I've never been able to convince myself to order something else. All of the ingredients are delicious, and there is just the right amount of sauce to let all the flavors emerge. Employees are always friendly and keep drinks full, and the restaurant has fun decor. The place is small, but there's a nice patio area when the weather cooperates.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lucy
Pork belly dumplings divine Seeweed salad amazing Short ribs a little too charred Ramen could have been a touch more flavorful
Phil Arnold
I had shot ribs, pot stickers and ramen with brisket. All I can say is OH MY GAWD!!! I usually never eat my food. Portions are not small. Ate EVERY bite and now want more. If you haven’t been. You need to go…..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Short Ribs, Tonkatsu Ramen, Pot Stickers
Always great, fresh and delicious foods here. Whether it’s in person or takeout.
Food: 5
The fried chicken was definitely the highlight—crispy, flavorful, really well done. Atmosphere and service was great. As for the ramen, while the noodles and broth weren’t bad, they didn’t taste like authentic Japanese ramen. More of a fusion or casual take than something you'd find at a traditional ramen shop. I also found it interesting that the bean sprouts were raw. Not bad, but was hoping to get a taste of some authentic ramen around these parts.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Legit! Can't wait to go back.
The atmosphere of this restaurant is very warm and inviting, super cozy. Food prices are so affordable for the quality of the food. The food was amazing, everyone must try! Honestly this food may be one of my new favorites, from their sashimi (which was very fresh) to their ramen and belly bowls, everything was a 10/10. Even the service was fast, and very patient, answering all our questions. Highly, Highly Recommend!!
Walked into Ramen Belly thinking I was about to have a soul-warming bowl of ramen. Instead, I got a masterclass in confusion, cultural cosplay, and waiting.
Let’s talk about the wait time first. We were told 20 minutes. Cute. Nearly an hour later, I was still ramen-less, emotionally spiraling, and considering a DoorDash order from the sidewalk. I genuinely think I could have learned how to make my own ramen from scratch in the time it took to get served.
While I waited, I had plenty of time to soak in the ambiance: an anime blaring on the TV like we were pre-gaming a Comic-Con, and right next to it, a Chinese cooking channel showing someone make mango sago. So now I’m watching Goku power up while a very kind elderly woman explains gelatin ratios—and neither had anything to do with the Japanese ramen I came here for. It was like cultural roulette.
The menu leans heavily on “fusion,” which I think is code for “we threw everything in a bowl and hoped you wouldn’t notice.” The branding feels like someone said “Let’s monetize Asia,” then slapped together TikTok aesthetics and ramen emojis without any real connection to the culture behind the food.
Also, not to mention, flies. Yes, flies! At a Chinese establishment. Embarrassing at best. They need to lean into their culture and realize that this is American washed ramen you could purchase at Walmart for much cheaper.
Look, I’m not asking for a culinary pilgrimage to Tokyo, but maybe just a little respect? Or a shorter wait? Or maybe don’t mix anime, Chinese desserts, and Japanese food and call it a vibe?
One star for the server who, honestly, looked like they wanted to be anywhere else too.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
I got insane food poisoning from this place back in February
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
seriously the best ramen i’ve ever had! no place in iowa can beat it. absolutely love the atmosphere, especially in the winter eating warm ramen and they usually have a studio ghibli movie playing! they always have the best, most unique local beer selection! 12/10 recommendation this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been considering getting 12 orders of pot stickers as a main dish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a out of the way, very neighborhood spot. Dinner only option,but if you like Ramen ...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recently ordered takeout from here after not having it for a while. We had 2 ramen bowls, 1 with pork belly and 1 with short ribs, as well as their potstickers. The amount of actual protein that you get for the price that they charge is hard to comprehend. 2 tiny pieces of pork and 3 small short ribs. I also paid $1.50 to add their house pickles and I received 6 tiny, thinly sliced pieces of cucumber (you used to get a small container of them). I paid $9 for 4 potstickers which were cold and mushy. Overall, we spent $60 for broth (which lacked flavor) and noodles with a tiny bit of protein, and mushy/cold potstickers. We won't be ordering from here again any time soon, especially at those prices.
Restaurantji Recommends
Best ramen in town hands down!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, House Miso Ramen
Ramen Belly always hits the spot! Delicious ramen, and belly bowls. We also love the house pickles! The staff is very nice and it's a cozy place with good vibes! Never disappointed when we eat here! I will proudly wear my Ramen Belly shirt around town.
The Abura (brothless) ramen is phenomenal! I've been told that the other ramen is also great, but I love the Abura ramen so much that I've never been able to convince myself to order something else. All of the ingredients are delicious, and there is just the right amount of sauce to let all the flavors emerge. Employees are always friendly and keep drinks full, and the restaurant has fun decor. The place is small, but there's a nice patio area when the weather cooperates.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pork belly dumplings divine
Seeweed salad amazing
Short ribs a little too charred
Ramen could have been a touch more flavorful
I had shot ribs, pot stickers and ramen with brisket. All I can say is OH MY GAWD!!! I usually never eat my food. Portions are not small. Ate EVERY bite and now want more. If you haven’t been. You need to go…..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Short Ribs, Tonkatsu Ramen, Pot Stickers
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