Tori Ramen & Yakitori (Closed)

Tori 44 (and Tori Ramen, their St. Paul location), is literally one of the top ramen spots in the Twin Cities. This is because they embody the spirit of what ramen is. They have original and unique ramen. You won't find a ramen like their's in the state or in the country even. They make their own noodles, which is rare in the States. Their main ramen selections are poultry based, although they do run some unqiue ramen specials every now and then. My personal ramen picks here are the DraMN and Duck Ramen. The DraMN is their OG and first original bowl of ramen that I know of. They had this ramen back when they ran Unideli, a former ramen spot that used to occupy the deli area in the Japanese grocery store United Noodles (some MN ramen history for ya). The broth is emulsified chicken bone broth. Think tonkotsu, but instead of pork, it is chicken. The broth is thick, creamy, and fatty. It comes with chicken chashu, soft boiled eggs, and some other really delicious and unique toppings. This bowl incorporates unique flavors, salty, sweet, and umami. The Duck Ramen is a more citrusy broth. The Duck chashu is so moist and tender. Super delicious. Again, with the soft boiled egg and their unique and delicious toppings. Their noodles have a perfect bounce and bite to them. Again, they do a lot of specials. Sometimes, they run some unique ramen incorporating other kinds of meat like lamb. It is also a norm to find them doing specials that is vegan/plant-based (they had a really good vegan/plant-based tsukemen/dipping ramen one time). Speaking of plant-based, they are plant-based friendly and do have good options. See pictures I've attached for a couple photos of specials they had. My go-to appetizers/small plates here are their yuchayaki (plant-based takoyaki made of yucha), wings, and fried kimchi (think of extra crispy battered kimchi, making it like kimchi chips/karaage). Just think fried pickles, but kimchi instead. Just to note, they recently took out yuchayaki, but sometimes they bring it back. Lastly, their cocktails are amazing. The Shiso cocktail is so refreshing and aromatic. That being said, I hope you understand now why this spot is a top-notch ramen spot. If you're a ramen fanatic, Tori 44 (their Minneapolis location) and Tori Ramen (their St. Paul Location) is a must stop in the Twin Cities. Aside from ramen, they are just an awesome restaurant in general with delicious food. They serve other dishes besides ramen too.

We hadn't been to this place in several years and I will say it has changed. Instead of a super busy congested space, it was much more laid back, with perceivably less pressure to eat and get out. The ramen was a little pricey but super delicious, and a quality like I've had in a friend's home kitchen. Not overly fancy, and straight to the point. I'm not a fan of ordering on a digital menu, I'd rather walk up to a counter to ask questions, or see a person at the table, thankfully it was optional. The drink menu was only online, I wish I'd had a little more time to take it in - it was honestly refreshing to see they don't serve alcohol. I went there wanting a beer, but I left there not missing it. And the vegetarian/vegan/can be vegan (CBV) indicators on the menu were super helpful because I know where I can bring my veg friends for a good hot meal. I highly, highly recommend their fried kimchi.

A little beat up in the inside and in the parking lot. Food was on par for what I expect with chicken. Plenty of vegan options, the fried kimchi was a favorite.

This was the best meal I’ve had in months. I came in cold and feeling down about summer being over and I’ve been warmed to the bone with spicy fatty umami rich soup. I tried the DRAMN Ramen. Unbelievable! I added just a teaspoon of the hot sauce and it was a perfect medium to medium-high intensity on the spice. The broth was really rich and perfectly seasoned with a nice slick of garlicky chicken (or maybe pork) fat over the top. The meat and egg and veggie garnishes were perfect together and had a nice balance of chewy-crispy-soft textures. Noodles were amazing. I don’t know a ton about ramen but I’ve never had better in Minnesota. They were bouncy, maybe would be the word. I wish I’d gotten a double portion. Not that I needed it as I’m completely full but they were tremendous to slurp and bite. I wish I’d taken a picture because it looked great on the table but I killed it before I had the chance. 10/10 highly recommend and will be back soon.

Definitely ranks in the top 3 spots for ramen in Minneapolis, we really enjoyed the DraMN. The DraMN is like a chicken based version of tonkotsu ramen (pork). The chicken bone broth is so rich flavor, and the leek is a nice addition as a topping. For an appetizer, we really liked the friend kimchi, so delicious!

This place blows my mind everytime. Hands down the best ramen I've ever had. The wings are so unique and delicious and to top it off they have some of the best creme brulee I've ever had. The guy in the camo with the stellar old school tattoos is one of the best. Not only does he make the tastiest food he goes above and beyond to ensure guests are experiencing excellent service. From service to cooking this guys does it all. Top 5 restaurants in the city for a reason and everyone deserves a round of applause.

I went here about a year ago and was somewhat underwhelmed, though that impression was likely largely a result of a dish described as khao soi not having anything like the rich, spicy broth I love. This time my wife and I ordered the honey gochu wings, crispy and doused in delicious sauce with a side of fresh, crispy, complex kimchi. My wife had the DraMN and I had the Live a Lil Kimchi Ramen (the names a bit hipstery for my taste). These folks are doing something different with Ramen. The broth does not have the rich umami that I love from Ramen Kazama. The broths here are lighter, though just as complex. I believe all the broths are veggie, chicken, or duck-based. If you are looking for a super rich broth, you may be disappointed. But if you approach it with an open mind I bet you will find the food here excellent.

Incredible ramen, great service, wonderful staff. This place is my absolute favorite. Their kimchi ramen is amazing, and we love that they offer so many gluten-free options. Their interior decor is perfection. We will continue returning to enjoy their creations and support such a wonderful business! Thanks, team!

So excited about this place after moving to the area. Very casual joint. This place is perfect for a cozy winter night. Got the bali bali which had a balance of salty and sweeter notes. The Dra MN was salty and savory. Chef stopped by and asked how things were told us in the summer they make banh mi’s. We will definitely be going back to try wings and few other items.

A delicious ramen joint with broth to die for! Their ramen broth is so rich and creamy with loads of umami. The duck ramen and korean wings were incredible. Great atmosphere with very friendly and attentive staff. Lots of dishes are available vegetarian or gluten free. Ordering is all online, you open a tab for your table, making it super easy to customize dishes. Definitely coming back.