Sakuratani Ramen & Izakaya

One of my favorite past times was getting drunken Ramen at 2am after a night of drinking in Japan. After learning gluten was a no go for me, I didn't think I would get to enjoy the experience again... Flash forward to Sakuratani, I was able to start the experience off right with a Scorpion bowl (admittedly not an authentic Japanese ramen experience, but a good one nonetheless [self imposed - they had a decent selection of sake, beer, and sochu]), only to be followed with a delicious bowl of a gluten free chicken ramen broth with rice noodles that was as good as I remember the original. Sure it was 20 years ago that I was in Japan, and sure I never had Ramen with fried chicken in it, and no I don’t know the quality of their actual glutenous ramen noodles, but man was this delicious for someone who doesn't eat gluten. Umaii (delicious) broth, slurpable noodles, tasty flavor options (garlic and spicy) on top of the 3 or 4 gluten free broths, and I'm already ready to go back again despite just getting home. I had the gluten free chicken ramen, which had a great chicken flavor, with underlying hints of sesame and umame. Price was super reasonable for New England: we got 2 bowls of Ramen, a scorpion bowl, and a mochi dessert, and it was under $80 with a 20% tip, which I would find normally myself paying $120 at any other sit down place. We both were stuffed and very happy with our meals. Service was efficient, despite not everyone being familiar with gochisousamadeshita and me getting a scolding from my spouse leaving the place buzzed from the scorpion with no response from staff. 100% will be there again. Hoping I hear irashaimase when I do. But not caring if I don't because it was so damn good.

Absolutely stellar crew—flexible as a gymnast at the Olympics. You say "vegetarian," they're already chopping the tofu. You murmur "gluten-free," and boom, they've got your back like a trusty wingman. The service? So smooth it could teach Sinatra a thing or two. Now let's talk ramen, the star of the show. Finding great vegetarian ramen is like hunting for a needle in a haystack, but these folks didn't just find the needle—they turned it into gold. So whether you're a herbivore or just ramen-curious, add this spot to your culinary bucket list. Trust me, your taste buds will send you thank-you notes.