Ishita Ramen: A Cozy and Authentic Ramen Spot in St. Paul, MN

Ishita Ramen Introduce

An Introduction to Ishita Ramen

Located on University Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ishita Ramen is a cozy and inviting Japanese restaurant that has become a go-to spot for ramen enthusiasts across the Twin Cities. This establishment is more than just a place to grab a bowl of noodles; it's a culinary gem that offers a wide variety of authentic Japanese dishes in a casual and trendy atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming ambiance, making it a comfortable place for everyone, including college students, families, and tourists. Ishita Ramen prides itself on serving visually appealing dishes with a harmonious blend of flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The menu at Ishita Ramen is a testament to its commitment to providing a diverse and high-quality dining experience. While the ramen is the star of the show, with popular options like Crispy Chicken Ramen and Char Siu Ramen, the restaurant also features an impressive selection of appetizers, donburi (rice bowls), and stir-fried ramen. The addition of happy hour drinks, healthy options, and vegetarian choices ensures that there is something for every palate. Ishita Ramen is known for its fast service, which makes it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Despite some mixed reviews on food consistency, many customers praise the flavorful broth, springy noodles, and tender meat, solidifying its reputation as a great place for authentic Japanese comfort food.

Location and Accessibility

Ishita Ramen is conveniently located at 712 University Ave W #103, St Paul, MN 55104, USA. This address places it in a well-connected area of St. Paul, making it easily reachable for both locals and out-of-town visitors. Its central location makes it a great spot to grab a bite after exploring the city or for a quick lunch break.

The restaurant is dedicated to providing an accessible experience for all of its patrons. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures that guests with mobility challenges can dine comfortably and without barriers. Additionally, the availability of both a free parking lot and free street parking adds a layer of convenience for those who are driving, making it a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Services Offered

Ishita Ramen provides a range of services designed to accommodate the diverse needs of its customers.

Dine-in: The restaurant offers a comfortable and cozy setting for guests to enjoy their meal inside. The casual, trendy, and quiet atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and savor your food.
Takeout: For those on the go, Ishita Ramen offers a convenient takeout service. You can call ahead or order in person and enjoy your favorite Japanese dishes wherever you are.
Delivery: The restaurant also provides both regular and no-contact delivery services, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal from the comfort of your home or office.
Reservations: Guests have the option to make reservations, which is particularly useful for groups or during busy times to ensure a table is ready for you upon arrival.
Amenities: The restaurant offers amenities such as clean restrooms and Wi-Fi, enhancing the overall dining experience. High chairs are also available, making it a great option for families with young children.

Features and Highlights

Ishita Ramen is well-regarded for several key features that contribute to its popularity.

Diverse Menu: The menu extends far beyond just ramen. Guests can choose from a wide variety of appetizers like Gyoza and Fried Chicken Buns, as well as hearty donburi and stir-fried ramen. There are also an extensive number of additional toppings to customize your dish to perfection.
Fast Service: The restaurant is highlighted for its fast service, making it an ideal choice for a quick and efficient meal during a lunch break or before an event.
Comfort Food and Healthy Options: The menu is designed to cater to various tastes and dietary needs. It offers classic comfort food dishes alongside healthy and vegetarian options, such as the Vegetable Ramen.
Welcoming Atmosphere: Ishita Ramen is known for its casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. It's a place that welcomes a diverse crowd, from college students to families, and is noted as being good for kids and groups.
Happy Hour Specials: The restaurant offers happy hour drinks, including beer and wine, providing a great opportunity to enjoy a meal and a beverage at a more affordable price.
Payment Flexibility: Ishita Ramen accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing a seamless and convenient transaction process.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or place a takeout order, you can contact Ishita Ramen using the following information:

Address: 712 University Ave W #103, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
Phone Number: (651) 300-3220

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Ishita Ramen means opting for a restaurant that delivers on both taste and experience. While some customer feedback mentions minor inconsistencies in the food, the overwhelming majority of reviews highlight the delicious and comforting nature of their dishes. The rich broths, springy noodles, and tender meats in their ramen are consistently praised, and the menu's variety ensures that there is always something new and exciting to try. Whether you’re craving a classic Char Siu Ramen, a flavorful Kimchi Ramen, or a unique stir-fried ramen, Ishita has a dish to satisfy you.

Beyond the food, the restaurant’s strong commitment to customer service and convenience makes it a worthwhile choice. The fast service is a major highlight, perfect for busy individuals who don't want to compromise on a high-quality meal. The comfortable and welcoming atmosphere is another compelling reason to visit, making it an excellent spot for everything from a solo meal to a get-together with a group of friends. The inclusion of accessibility features and family-friendly amenities further underscores its dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all. In essence, Ishita Ramen offers a compelling combination of delicious comfort food, efficient service, and a pleasant atmosphere that makes it a top contender for anyone in the Minnesota region looking for an excellent Japanese dining experience.

Ishita Ramen Food & drink

APPETIZERS
Char Siu Pork Bun $3.99
Steamed bun, lettuce, roasted pork belly, Japanese mayo, and house made sauce.
Fried Chicken Bun $3.99
Steamed bun, lettuce, fried chicken, Japanese mayo, and house made sauce.
Tofu Bun $3.99
Steamed bun, lettuce, fried tofu, Japanese mayo, and house made sauce.
Short Ribs (4) $7.25
Fried Japanese style marinated with sesame seeds.
Crab Jalapeno $6.25
Deep-fried jalapeno, cream cheese, and crab meat with house special sauce.
Aged Tofu $6.25
Deep-fried tofu with Japanese classic skewer sauce topped with bonito flakes.
Edamame $5.25
Fresh soy bean with house blended sea salt.
Sweet Potato Fries $6.25
Deep-fried sweet potato, waffle-cut.
Gyoza (6 Pcs) $6.50
Pan-fried pork with veggie stuffing with house special sauce.
Calamari $6.95
Deep-fried ring squid with sweet and spicy sauce.
Harumaki (3 Pcs) $5.25
Deep-fried veggie stuffing with sweet and spicy sauce.
Chicken Wings (6 Pcs) $7.25
Deep-fried chicken wings with house made spicy sauce or hirata sauce.
Salted Cucumber $6.25
Sliced cut cucumber with shichini tagarashi and sesame oil.
Roasted Char Siu (3 Pcs) $6.25
Roasted pork belly with house made sauce.
Tokoyaki $5.50
Fried octopus dumpling with Japanese mayo tonkatsu topped with bonito flakes.
Chicken Kara-Age $5.50
Deep-fried Japanese style marinated chicken thigh with lemon on the side.

DONBURI
Beef Donburi $13.95
Sliced beef and onion simmered in chef's special sauce over white rice.
Fried Rice $8.95
Fried white rice with egg, green onion, and corn soy sauce.
Steamed Rice $1.95
Shredded Char Siu Donburi $12.95
Shredded char siu, half-cooked egg, Japanese pickled radish, and rice seasoning with nori over white rice.
Char Siu Donburi $13.95
Hand-sliced char-siu pork, Japanese mayo, chef's special sauce, green onions, rice seasoning, and nori over white rice.

RAMEN
Vegetable Ramen $12.95
Bamboo shoot, black fungus, mushroom, bean sprouts, corn, sliced cabbage, pickle ginger, green onion, black ginger, green onion & black garlic oil in miso base (let us know if you are vegetarian).
Kimchi Ramen $14.95
Sliced beef, fish cake, kimchi, bamboo shoot, green onion, red chili pepper spicy oil & black garlic oil in spicy base.
Tsukeman (Dipping Ramen) $13.95
House made spicy sauce in tonkotsu broth, bamboo shoot, black fungus, green onion, served char siu, half cooked egg, cold noodles.
Tan Tan Ramen $12.95
Cold noodles in spicy broth, topping with sliced cucumbers and shredded char siu.
Char Siu Ramen $14.95
Roasted pork belly, fish cake, half cooked egg, bamboo shoot, black fungus, green onion & black garlic oil in soy sauce base.
Beef Ramen $14.95
Sliced beef, fish cake, half cooked egg, bamboo shoot, black fungus, green onion, spicy sauce & black garlic oil in soy sauce base.
Niku Soba Ramen $15.95
Hakata- style niko soba ramen in tonkotso broth, fish cake, topped with green onion, roasted sesame seed, thin sliced pork belly and onion simmered in chef special sauce.
Shredded Char Siu Ramen $13.95
Shredded char siu, fish cake, half cooked egg, bamboo shoot, bean sprouts, corn, pickle ginger, green onion, spicy oil & spicy sauce in soy sauce base.
Teriyaki Ton Ramen $14.95
Terriyaki pork, black fungus, bean sprouts, bamboo shoot, corn, green onion, red chili pepper, spicy sauce & black garlic oil in miso base.
Crispy Chicken Ramen $14.95
Crispy chicken, fish cake, sliced cabbage, black fungus, corn , green onion. red chili pepper, spicy oil in soy sauce base.
Seafood Ramen $15.95
Shrimp, muscle, squid, crab meat, fish cake, bean sprouts, corn & black garlic oil in miso base.

ADDTIONAL TOPPINGS
Extra Beef $3.99
Extra Fried Chicken $3.50
Extra Chicken $2.50
Extra Shrimp $2.99
Add Mussel $2.99
Add Squid $1.99
Add Crabmeat $2.50
Add Noodles $3.50
Add Soup $3.50
Add Shredded Char Siu $2.50
Add Char Sui $1.95
1 piece
Add Fish Cake $1.50
Add Egg $1.50
Add Cabbage $1.25
Add Bean Sprouts $1.25
Add Green Onion $1.25
Add Corn $1.25
Add Bamboo Shoot $1.50
Add Black Fungus $1.25
Add Nori $1.25
Dried seaweed
Add Kim Chi $1.50
Add Kim Chi (Small Bowl) $2.95
Add Fried Tofu $1.50
2 pieces

STIR-FRIED RAMEN
Vegetable Stir-Fried Ramen $12.95
Bean sprouts, carrots, peppers, topped with rice seasoning (please let us know if you are vegetarian).
Shredded Char Siu Stir-Fried Ramen $13.95
Shredded char siu, bean sprouts, carrots, peppers, boiled ramen, topped with rice seasoning.
Chicken Stir-Fried Ramen $13.95
Sliced chicken, bean sprouts, carrots, peppers, boiled ramen, topped with rice seasoning.
Beef Stir-Fried Ramen $14.95
Sliced beef, bean sprouts, carrots, peppers, boiled ramen, topped with rice seasoning.
Seafood Stir-Fried Ramen $15.95
Mussel, shrimp, cab meat, fish cake, squid, bean sprouts, carrots, peppers, boiled ramen, topped with rice seasoning.

BEVERAGES
Can Soda $1.50
Hot Tea $1.50

Ishita Ramen Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Ishita Ramen Photos

Ishita Ramen Location

Ishita Ramen

Minnesota Ramsey County Saint Paul Summit - University University Avenue West

712 University Ave W #103, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

Ishita Ramen Reviews

I would not return. This is a Chinese version of Japanese ramen. I'm Chinese, but was looking for more authentic flavors.👎Happy hour half price beer not really half price as menu says full price $5, but a separate small menu says actually $3.25. No glass cups for beer, just plastic. Can smell cleanser on first entering. Gyoza looks like pan fried dumplings, that remind me of Costco. Char siu ramen noodles did not taste like Japanese ramen noodles to me. Char siu was seared well but overcooked and tough. Broth tasted like unfiltered water was used, with a lingering chlorine taste. But there was some depth to the broth.👍Great decor, including the dinnerware. Service was kind. Bathroom in good condition.
August 25 · Johnny Lok
I was first customer right after open on the day and ordered Ramen as usual(I go here often)But their foods is not good latelyThis time…The Ramen soup was spoiled.Taste bad.Looks much deferent from the picture on menu.(missing some ingredients )I told them but even no apologize and no discount or refundWe won’t go
August 15 · Mami Russell
Always a great experience every time I come here, worth my 2hr drive to go eat. The service is always great, the appetizers were phenomenal as always the chicken Kara age was juicy and well seasoned that sauce was not needed if you didn't want to use it but is great if you did. I usually end up placing a separate order to take home with me.
January 08 · Cyron stratos
Beautiful restaurant! Quiet little restaurant with decent food. It had a Dim laid-back atmosphere. I had the seafood ramen and it was decent. Overall a good experience,but I now realize that I would rather have Pho. Next time I come I will try some stir fry ramen or something totally different, the menu looks great
November 19 · Captain Snook
When me and my grandparents came here the first thing that I saw was obviously, the inside. Against my better judgment I didn’t trust it. Boy was I wrong. From the first sip of the exquisite taro milk tea with the chewy tapioca pearls to the last sip of tasty vegetable ramen my eyes watered with joy that such a place existed. Even after I was swaying and looking into to distance as the consequences of eating too much, I still continued, determined to finish it. From the polite service to the amazing food, I would die for this .
July 20 · sheldon berkowitz