Ika Ramen

For those in Nebraska, particularly the vibrant community of Omaha, a truly satisfying bowl of ramen can be the ultimate comfort food. When it comes to rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and a lively atmosphere, Ika Ramen stands out as a local favorite. Nestled in the heart of Omaha's Benson neighborhood, Ika Ramen has quickly earned a reputation for serving up authentic, flavorful ramen that keeps patrons coming back for more. Whether you're craving a classic Tonkotsu, a unique regional blend, or a spicy kick, Ika Ramen aims to deliver a memorable dining experience that feels both traditional and uniquely Omaha.

Ika Ramen is conveniently located at 6109 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104, USA. This address places it squarely in the eclectic and bustling Benson neighborhood, known for its vibrant local businesses, unique shops, and diverse dining scene. Maple Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Omaha, making the restaurant easily accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas. Its location within Benson means it’s surrounded by a lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out or a casual meal. There is generally ample street parking and nearby lots available in Benson, contributing to a convenient visit for diners.

Ika Ramen provides a comprehensive and enjoyable dining experience, focusing on authentic ramen and a variety of complementary Japanese-inspired dishes.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a cool spot with a "dope" playlist and a lively, hip atmosphere, making it a great place for casual dining, groups, or date nights.

• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Ika Ramen offers takeout services. They are also available through popular delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, allowing you to enjoy their piping hot ramen and small plates from the comfort of your home.

• Extensive Ramen Menu: Their menu boasts a wide array of ramen options with unique names, including customer favorites like "68104," "East LA," "Mary Jane," "Spicy Seafood Ramen," "Tonkotsu Ramen," "Kimchi Ramen," "Shoyu Ramen," and "Vegetarian Ramen." Each bowl is crafted with specific broths and toppings.

• Diverse Small Plates and Appetizers: Beyond ramen, Ika offers an impressive selection of small plates perfect for sharing or as appetizers. Popular choices include Pork Gyoza, Spicy Cucumbers, Steam Buns (with various fillings), Fried Brussels Sprouts, Kimchi Tempura, Tokyo Fried Chicken, Spicy Tuna Tots, and Crispy Chicken Skins.

• Donburi and Poke Bowls: For those seeking rice-based dishes, Ika Ramen also provides a selection of Donburi (rice bowls) and fresh Poke bowls, offering diverse choices beyond noodles.

• Beverage Selection: While not explicitly detailed, mentions of a "cool spot" and "dope playlist" suggest a full range of beverages to complement the meal, including soft drinks and possibly alcoholic options in line with an izakaya-style eatery.

Ika Ramen has several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its high praise and popularity among Omaha locals.

• Delicious and Authentic Ramen: The most significant highlight is the quality of their ramen. Customers consistently describe the food as "great" and "piping hot." Specific bowls like the "Spicy Seafood Ramen," "68104," "East LA," and "Mary Jane" are highly recommended for their rich flavors.

• Speedy Service: Even with larger parties or during busy times, the food is noted to "come out fast," which is a great feature for those looking for a quick and efficient meal without compromising on quality.

• "Chef's Kiss" Small Plates: The appetizers receive significant acclaim. The Pork Gyoza and Spicy Cucumbers are particularly highlighted as receiving a "chefs kiss," indicating exceptional taste and preparation. Other popular small plates include various Steam Buns and Tokyo Fried Chicken.

• Unique and Engaging Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as a "cool spot" with a "dope playlist," creating a vibrant and enjoyable dining environment that adds to the overall experience.

• Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Servers like Monica receive praise for being "sweet" and providing excellent recommendations (e.g., suggesting the soy marinated egg with the Spicy Seafood Ramen), enhancing the customer's meal.

• Consistent Quality: Patrons express high satisfaction and a strong desire to return, with one even stating, "If I lived in Omaha I’d be here at least 1x a week," highlighting consistent positive experiences.

• Diverse and Creative Menu: Ika Ramen offers a creative menu that extends beyond traditional ramen, including unique small plates, Donburi, and Poke bowls, catering to a wider range of tastes.

• Named "Best Ramen Restaurant" by City of Omaha: Public information indicates Ika Ramen has been recognized as the "Best Ramen Restaurant" by the City of Omaha since its inception, underscoring its local reputation.

Ika Ramen in Benson offers attractive happy hour deals, making it an even more appealing choice for locals looking for value.

• Happy Hour: Ika Ramen has a dedicated "Happy Hour" running from Monday to Thursday, 3 PM to 6 PM. During this time, they offer:

  • $2 Off All Ramen: (Excludes Spicy Seafood Ramen).

  • $11 All Poke Bowls: A great deal for their fresh poke options.

  • $4 All Small Plates: (Excludes Hot Noods and Hot Rocks), providing an excellent opportunity to sample their popular appetizers.

  • Drink Specials: Including 20% off all Sake Bottles, $2 off selected cocktails, $1 off all beers, and $6 Sake Bombs (PBR and 4 oz. Shirakabe Sake).

• Late Night Happy Hour: While the Benson location's official site does not list a Friday reverse happy hour, other Ika San locations sometimes feature one, so it's always good to check for potential late-night deals.

• Multiple Locations for Accessibility: While specific to the Maple St. location, Ika Ramen (and its sister concept Ika San Ramen) has expanded to several locations across Omaha, Papillion, and Lincoln, increasing accessibility for Nebraska residents to experience their cuisine. Check their website for promotions specific to each location.

Ready to satisfy your ramen craving or explore their delicious small plates? Here's how to connect with Ika Ramen in Omaha:

Address: 6109 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104, USA

Phone: (402) 558-2482

For residents of Nebraska, especially those in the Omaha area, Ika Ramen is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. Its location in the vibrant Benson neighborhood makes it easily accessible and an integral part of the local scene, offering a "cool spot" with a lively ambiance that resonates with community members.

The core appeal lies in its consistently "great" and "piping hot" food. Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor of their ramen bowls, with specific mentions of unique and delicious options like the "68104," "East LA," "Mary Jane," and the much-loved "Spicy Seafood Ramen." The excellence extends beyond ramen to their "chefs kiss" small plates, such as the Pork Gyoza and Spicy Cucumbers, providing perfect accompaniments to the main course. The fast service and the "sweet and attentive" staff further enhance the dining experience, making every visit enjoyable. Moreover, the attractive happy hour deals provide fantastic value, allowing locals to enjoy premium ramen and appetizers at discounted prices. Ika Ramen's ability to combine authentic, flavorful Japanese cuisine with a modern, welcoming atmosphere, all while delivering quick and friendly service, makes it a truly outstanding choice. It's the kind of local establishment that you'll want to visit "at least 1x a week" if you live nearby, solidifying its place as a top-tier ramen destination for the Omaha community.

Ika Ramen

6109 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104, USA