Ramen (meaning ‘pulled noodles’ in Japanese) is an incredibly popular dish for its heartiness, and how quickly it can be prepared. The ingredients of this Japanese adaptation of wheat noodle soup vary by region but usually consist of signature kansui noodles served either hot or cold in a meat, fish, or vegetable broth, and decorated with various toppings.
Over the years, ramen has become an increasingly popular meal in the West and, with Brighton’s penchant for Asiatic cuisine, there are many restaurants in the city featuring classic bowls or new twists on their menu. Below are some of the best places in Brighton to sit down and experience the varied flavours of Japan’s pride and joy: ramen.
Craving Ramen? Check Out These Must-Try Places in Brighton
| Goemon Ramen Bar | Authentic Japanese ramen in Brighton. Known for their mild, creamy, and full-bodied broth. |
| Shogun Ramen | Offers fast, casual service with an extensive menu, featuring a famous 14-hour tonkotsu broth and various Japanese dishes in a spacious setting. |
| Tonkotsu | Quality ramen with scratch-made noodles, broths, and ethical pork. Offering classic bowls, curries, and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere. |
| Kor-pan | serves Japanese and Korean cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a friendly atmosphere and a variety of meat, veggie, and vegan options. |
| Sunoso | Asian fusion dine-in, collection, and delivery featuring a diverse menu of teriyaki, curry, salads, steamed buns, and flavorful soup noodles. |
| Murasaki | Izakaya-style restaurant provides a cosy atmosphere to enjoy classic Japanese plates, sake, and a variety of noodle soups, offering a diverse menu. |
| Kusaki | Contemporary plant-based restaurant offering artfully plated organic dishes, including the Holy Ramen featuring roasted kabocha squash in a dashi broth. |
Goemon Ramen Bar
The founders of Goemon Ramen Bar, Nobu and Rui, relocated to Brighton and opened their restaurant in 2014 with one goal in mind: bringing authentic Japanese ramen to the UK. They felt that although Japanese cuisine was popular in Britain, it was still very different from the dishes commonly enjoyed in Japan.
Goemon Ramen Bar has since gained a strong customer base and has communicated with their patrons to arrive at a broth recipe which is mild, creamy, and full-bodied. This communication and ambition saw Goemon Ramen Bar place in the top 20 of Brighton’s restaurants in 2019.
The restaurant itself is a casual laid-back affair, located close to the seafront – a few minutes’ walk from the i360. Their most popular dish, the tonkotsu (pork) ramen bowl is cooked with their special recipe broth that is simmered for 15 hours to create a rich and flavourful soup, this is then enhanced with their special tare sauce adding a punch of familiar Japanese umami to the bowl.
Goemon features meat and veggie ramen bowls to warm you and fill your stomach, but if you’re looking for something a little lighter, they also offer a variety of poke bowls, rice dishes, and bao buns.
Address: Goemon Ramen Bar, 12 Preston St, Brighton, BN1 2HN
Website: https://goemonramen.com/
Shogun Ramen
Traditional Japanese ramen bars are lauded for their casual atmosphere and fast service, and this is exactly what you can experience at Shogun Ramen in Brighton. Located in the south lanes not far from the town hall, Shogun Ramen gives its diners a taste of an authentic Japanese noodle spot.
From the restaurant’s exterior, the understated entrance, which is simply a black door, you may assume that you are entering a tiny restaurant – however, the interior of Shogun Ramen opens up to a long bar-side kitchen and another seating area downstairs. Great for a quick lunch at the bar while chatting to the friendly staff, or an evening meal with table service in a group, Shogun never disappoints.
The menu at Shogun is extensive and offers something to everyone’s tastes. From meaty rice dishes, refreshing sashimi salads, classic katsu curries, and a plethora of sides there’s much to choose from.
However, the star of the show is their famous ramen, tonkotsu, which is served in a rich 14-hour broth and topped with either tangy char siu pork, or tender chicken thigh. Compliment it with a soft drink or a Japanese beer, or – for those with no plans in the morning – a traditional glass of sake or two.
Address: Shogun Ramen, 11 Prince Albert St, Brighton, BN1 1HE
Website: https://foursquare.com/v/shogun-ramen/53d64560498efde7e4b46388
Tonkotsu
The Brighton branch of Tonkotsu is a ten-minute walk from Brighton train station and sits right next to the Brighton Pavilion’s gardens. Tonkotsu owners, Emma and Ken, opened their first restaurant in London’s Soho in 2012 after finding success with their Saturday night pop-up.
Since then, Tonkotsu has expanded to 17 restaurants but still maintains its love for quality ramen. All of the restaurant’s noodles, broths, curries, and gyoza (filled dumplings) are still made from scratch. Their pork is sourced from Dingley Dell – an ethical family-run farm – and their noodles and marinated eggs use free-range products from Clarence Court.
The inside of the restaurant has a warm relaxed feel with a minimalistic Japanese aesthetic and is dog-friendly. The menu comprises of classic ramen bowls and curries but also offers options with a fresh take on the cuisine utilising non-traditional ingredients such as pickled scotch bonnet peppers.
The set lunch items offer diners a ramen bowl and a side till 5 pm which is perfect for anybody new to ramen who may be unsure where to start. Tonkotsu also offers a kid’s menu featuring smaller portions served in a bento box so children can put together their own ramen or curry.
Address: Tonkotsu, 20 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UF
Website: https://tonkotsu.co.uk/locations/brighton/
Kor-pan
Brighton’s Open Market is a hub for community focussed events, and local artists & businesses. Among the shops, stalls, and studios are some great places to eat with a variety of different cuisines.
Among these is Kor-pan, an extremely welcoming Japanese/Korean café with seating adjacent to the hustle and bustle of the market stalls. Kor-pan prides itself on using locally produced fresh ingredients to create authentic homemade food, not to mention the friendly and relaxing atmosphere provided by the staff.
Kor-pan offers a wide range of meat, veggie, and vegan options with all of their mains made available with your choice of beef, chicken, or tofu. Japanese items include ramen, katsu curry, and yakisoba (fried noodles), and their Korean section offers tteobokki (rice pasta) and bibimbap.
The owner of Kor-pan, Mi, also makes delicious mochi in various flavours and a delicious homemade kimchi jar (also with a vegan option). Eating at Kor-pan feels less like a restaurant experience and more like visiting a friend and enjoying a lovingly made meal.
Address: Kor-pan, Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton, BN1 6JU
Website: https://brightonopenmarket.co.uk/portfolio-item/unit-32-kor-pan/
Sunoso
Only a stone’s throw from Brighton train station, Sunoso is a cosy little eatery offering dine-in, collection, and delivery of Asian fusion dishes.
Open late most days, Sunoso is a perfect spot to unwind after work and watch the world rush along through the window while you sit down and enjoy some fresh, clean, satisfying food. Seating is limited so I’d suggest going solo or as a couple, but it’s all the more rewarding when you sit down in this modern-style intimate restaurant.
The menu has a lot to offer from teriyaki/curry dons, specials, crisp salads, steamed buns, and more. Even though a lot of the mains contained fried food such as chicken karaage or prawn tempura, everything tastes fresh and healthy.
Their bowls of soup noodles are served with either egg, udon, or glass noodles in a freshly prepared miso broth. Available with chicken, veggie, or (personal favourite) beef brisket, these noodle soups are warming and energising. A tip for when you visit: do not miss out on their chicken karaage with signature creamy kimchi sauce!
Address: Sunoso, 55 Queens Rd, Brighton, BN1 3XD
Website: https://www.sunoso.co.uk/
Murasaki
Murasaki is an izakaya-style restaurant, generally thought of as the Japanese answer to a pub. Izakaya means ‘sit down sake-shop’ and the food is traditionally served as small plates akin to tapas.
Located in the Seven Dials area of Brighton, a short walk from Churchill Square, Murasaki is a friendly and comfortable izakaya to peel off from the madding crowd and enjoy a drink accompanied by classic Japanese plates.
The restaurant has an elegant Japanese design with wood and bamboo textures decorated throughout which makes it feel cosy, but not cluttered. Seating ranges from two-seater tables for couples to bar-style group seating making it perfect for both birthdays and first dates.
Murasaki’s menu has a good selection of sakes, beers, and wines (including plum wine) and their menu contains a delicious section of tapas dishes to share with the company, and main meals if you need something more filling. Their noodle soups come as wakame (seaweed), or with mixed seafood tempura.
Both options come with your choice of soba (more traditional thin noodles), or udon (thicker, more toothsome noodles). To round off your meal, Murasaki also offers tempura ice cream – vanilla ice cream flashed in hot tempura batter. Their wide variety of dishes makes Murasaki a great place for the adventurous or the indecisive!
Address: Murasaki, 115 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3JE
Website: www.murasakirestaurant.co.uk
Kusaki
A little further afield, but still within walking distance from the town centre, is Kusaki. Literally translated, Kusaki means ‘plants’, which is very fitting for this contemporary, plant-based restaurant.
Featured in The Michelin Guide’s list of best restaurants in Brighton, Kusaki offers a true dining experience. The interior, designed by Fabio Lauro, is a beautiful blend of classic wooden details and subtle lighting to give their guests the experience of sitting in a futuristic, yet traditional Japanese garden complete with a blossom tree nestled between tables.
The elegance doesn’t stop at the design, every dish Kusaki serves is plated like a piece of art and offers its customers organic plant-based food which can lead to surprising new flavour combinations in a healthy and satisfying meal.
Although Kusaki prides itself on its elevated dining experience, its menu prices are still affordable, making a great experience available to most people. Kusaki’s Holy Ramen dish features roasted kabocha squash in a dashi broth, topped with green beans, carrots, and sesame. While a lot of ramen dishes can feel heavy and rich, Kusaki’s interpretation leaves their diners feeling full and rejuvenated.
Address: Kusaki, 5-6, Circus Parade, New England Rd, Brighton, BN1 4GW
Website: https://www.kusakibrighton.com/
The ramen scene in Brighton offers vibrant flavours, with each local eatery contributing a unique twist to this beloved Japanese dish. With so many places serving ramen it can be hard to choose which one to go to, so why not try them all?
