I think this is the best ramen place in Bethesda ? Love the real spicy of Gekikara Ramen. Taste great with perfect level of saltiness. The spicy is not overpowering the broth and other stuff
Really delicious ramen. Chewy and flavorful broth!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
Matthew Rossi
First time having Ramen in DC. Blew me away. I have ramen roughly once a month in south Florida from the same 3-4 places and this is better than all of them. Can’t wait to try more of what this place has to offer before I leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stamina
Takashi Ushijima
Revisited for Jiro Ramen.I increased the rating one star. They did good job of making Jiro ramen. The taste was good and it is good to enjoy Jiro ramen here in this area. Very rare opportunity.However, I ordered Mt. Fuji Jiro which costs about 10 dollars more than the normal Jiro, and I was expecting that Mt. Fuji Jiro would be equivalent to Jiro with 'Mashi Mashi' vegetables etc. however, Mt. Fuji Jiro's portion was quite disappointing. It would have been better ordering the normal Jiro with adding some toppings like bean sprouts etc. It's way pricy than Yume Wo Katare in Boston. Considering all these, yes I increased one star rating but it would not be enough to give 5-star. I wish they will offer another Jiro days and bring true Jiro spirit here (Jirorians (Jiro enthusiast) love and enjoy 'Mashi Mashi' portion)***********************************It is ok taste, not very bad. This shop does not have a parking so you should park at a parking lot nearby. The service was ok. It is a bit pricy but understandable because of its location.It says a real Japanese ramen which probably true, but I, born and raised in Japan, have never heard Zao ramen when I lived in Japan. I looked it up on google and it looks like Zao ramen (蔵王ラーメン) in Japan is not that popular (the rating is like 3 out of 5) and I totally agree with the rating (I do not know if this Zao in Bethesda is related to Zao ramen in Japan though).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Claire Johnson
I had never tried creamy ramen but decided to order the Tokyo Tonkotsu based on a recommendation from a ramen aficionado. It was divine. I wanted to enjoy the frothy cream so much that I decided not to add chiles. It was best as prepared. The ordering is efficient. You’re not going to go for the service and ambiance so it is what it is. You go for the food. And I’d return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Ax
My friends and I frequently dine here and hold Zao's tonkotsu soup base in the highest regard—arguably the best in the U.S. Although there's room for improvement in the pork's tenderness, the gyoza and chicken karaage come highly recommended for their exceptional flavor.A humble wish for extended hours until 9 PM would make our experiences even more delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Limited Edition Ramen Bowl, Pork Gyoza, Ajitama Seasoned Egg 味玉, Tan Tan Men, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
sergio palacios
Food was really good. Service was excellent too. I got takeout, and I really like that they give it to you separately. Keeps everything fresher. Great taste.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Wood
Has some of the best ramen in the area, highly recommend eating here!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
s k
Ramen noodles and broth were very good. I got miso ramen - its chicken broth is much cleaner tasting and less oily than pork broth. I think it's so much better than Jinya and Oishii but on par with Akira.
Great place for a quick, yummy meal. The tonkatsu is on point. Noodles are good. Good beverage selection. I'd love it if they added more veggies as side dishes, but otherwise a solid place to eat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Justin Lieu
Atmosphere was great, the service was speedy and the food was delicious! We ordered the Tan Tan Men and the Miso lunch specials with the Tori Kara-Age & Pork Gyoza sides. The ramen was packed with flavor and the noodles tasted heavenly, especially on a cold day. We left satisfied and will recommend Zao to all of our family and friends!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso, Tan Tan Men
Ben Murphy
Excellent for eating in and takeout. And they are on Doordash which is great.Parking: Easy access near public garage
It was just as delicious as the ramen I eat in Japan! Both the soup and noodles are handmade and all natural!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: bean sprouts もやし, corn コーン, vegan gyoza ビーガン餃子, tan tan men 担々麺 spicy, spice bomb スパイスボム, tori shio 鶏塩らーめん, wakame salad わかめサラダ, chicken chashu 鶏チャーシュー, shoyu ramen 醤油らーめん, tori kara-age 鶏の唐揚げ, edamame えだまめ, tokyo tonkotsu 東京豚骨らーめん, miso ramen 味噌らーめん
Pone Kyaw Oo
I usually don’t order take out for ramen but when the situation arises ZAO handles it very well. They usually double bag their take out orders for less chance of the bag tearing. Broth and noodles/toppings are always separated with this type of container. Bottom has the broth and the top has the noodles/toppings. Even when they had the black to go containers the noodles were still separated from the broth. As long as the containers are handles with care there should be no spillage or mishaps.
I think this is the best ramen place in Bethesda ? Love the real spicy of Gekikara Ramen. Taste great with perfect level of saltiness. The spicy is not overpowering the broth and other stuff
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The ramen here is delicious!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Pork Gyoza, Pork Butt Chashu 2pc, Ajitama Seasoned Egg 味玉, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
Really delicious ramen. Chewy and flavorful broth!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
First time having Ramen in DC. Blew me away. I have ramen roughly once a month in south Florida from the same 3-4 places and this is better than all of them. Can’t wait to try more of what this place has to offer before I leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stamina
Revisited for Jiro Ramen.I increased the rating one star. They did good job of making Jiro ramen. The taste was good and it is good to enjoy Jiro ramen here in this area. Very rare opportunity.However, I ordered Mt. Fuji Jiro which costs about 10 dollars more than the normal Jiro, and I was expecting that Mt. Fuji Jiro would be equivalent to Jiro with 'Mashi Mashi' vegetables etc. however, Mt. Fuji Jiro's portion was quite disappointing. It would have been better ordering the normal Jiro with adding some toppings like bean sprouts etc. It's way pricy than Yume Wo Katare in Boston. Considering all these, yes I increased one star rating but it would not be enough to give 5-star. I wish they will offer another Jiro days and bring true Jiro spirit here (Jirorians (Jiro enthusiast) love and enjoy 'Mashi Mashi' portion)***********************************It is ok taste, not very bad. This shop does not have a parking so you should park at a parking lot nearby. The service was ok. It is a bit pricy but understandable because of its location.It says a real Japanese ramen which probably true, but I, born and raised in Japan, have never heard Zao ramen when I lived in Japan. I looked it up on google and it looks like Zao ramen (蔵王ラーメン) in Japan is not that popular (the rating is like 3 out of 5) and I totally agree with the rating (I do not know if this Zao in Bethesda is related to Zao ramen in Japan though).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I had never tried creamy ramen but decided to order the Tokyo Tonkotsu based on a recommendation from a ramen aficionado. It was divine. I wanted to enjoy the frothy cream so much that I decided not to add chiles. It was best as prepared. The ordering is efficient. You’re not going to go for the service and ambiance so it is what it is. You go for the food. And I’d return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
My friends and I frequently dine here and hold Zao's tonkotsu soup base in the highest regard—arguably the best in the U.S. Although there's room for improvement in the pork's tenderness, the gyoza and chicken karaage come highly recommended for their exceptional flavor.A humble wish for extended hours until 9 PM would make our experiences even more delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Limited Edition Ramen Bowl, Pork Gyoza, Ajitama Seasoned Egg 味玉, Tan Tan Men, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
Food was really good. Service was excellent too. I got takeout, and I really like that they give it to you separately. Keeps everything fresher. Great taste.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Has some of the best ramen in the area, highly recommend eating here!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
Ramen noodles and broth were very good. I got miso ramen - its chicken broth is much cleaner tasting and less oily than pork broth. I think it's so much better than Jinya and Oishii but on par with Akira.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great place for a quick, yummy meal. The tonkatsu is on point. Noodles are good. Good beverage selection. I'd love it if they added more veggies as side dishes, but otherwise a solid place to eat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere was great, the service was speedy and the food was delicious! We ordered the Tan Tan Men and the Miso lunch specials with the Tori Kara-Age & Pork Gyoza sides. The ramen was packed with flavor and the noodles tasted heavenly, especially on a cold day. We left satisfied and will recommend Zao to all of our family and friends!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso, Tan Tan Men
Excellent for eating in and takeout. And they are on Doordash which is great.Parking: Easy access near public garage
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shoyu Ramen, Stamina Ramen, Stamina, Spicy Miso Ramen
It was just as delicious as the ramen I eat in Japan! Both the soup and noodles are handmade and all natural!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: bean sprouts もやし, corn コーン, vegan gyoza ビーガン餃子, tan tan men 担々麺 spicy, spice bomb スパイスボム, tori shio 鶏塩らーめん, wakame salad わかめサラダ, chicken chashu 鶏チャーシュー, shoyu ramen 醤油らーめん, tori kara-age 鶏の唐揚げ, edamame えだまめ, tokyo tonkotsu 東京豚骨らーめん, miso ramen 味噌らーめん
I usually don’t order take out for ramen but when the situation arises ZAO handles it very well. They usually double bag their take out orders for less chance of the bag tearing. Broth and noodles/toppings are always separated with this type of container. Bottom has the broth and the top has the noodles/toppings. Even when they had the black to go containers the noodles were still separated from the broth. As long as the containers are handles with care there should be no spillage or mishaps.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stamina Ramen