We’ve been astonished by our city’s nonstop growth and spate of newcomers to our dining scene. Moreover, we’ve been blown away by the irrepressible spirit of our long-standing chefs and restaurateurs who have dug in, gotten creative, and adapted so they can continue to serve delicious food and drink to us hungry diners. For this year’s Restaurant Issue, there are no bests. For anyone still in the business and doing the work, that’s a best, in and of itself. Salud!
We’ve looked back over the past year or two and assembled some favorites, including these top ramen slurps!
OTAKU RAMEN
Shoyu
Sarah Gavigan deserves huge credit—she introduced Nashville to the joys of slurping ramen. Her pop-ups led to her opening Otaku Ramen, a Gulch staple, followed by Otaku shops in East and West Nashville. Decisions are difficult, but, if you choose Shoyu, you get a full range of flavors: rich, clear chicken broth, pork belly, fish cake, nori, and ramen egg. (1104 Division St., 615-942-8281; otakuramen.com)
TWO TEN JACK IZAKAYA + RAMEN HOUSE
Yasai Shoyu
Chefs Jess Benefield and Trey Burnette have meticulously researched, tested, and constructed the most gratifying ramen bowls: Their Yasai Shoyu, made with clear vegetable broth then arranged with burnt corn, collards, red pickled ginger, and smoky black garlic oil, is a revelation. We also must praise their Spicy Crab noodles— technically not ramen, but irresistible. (1900 Eastland Ave. #105, 615-454-2731; twotenjack.com)
BLACK DYNASTY SECRET RAMEN HOUSE
Hellfire Tonkotsu
Secret no more! Black Dynasty has taken up residence inside Bearded Iris Brewing at Sylvan Supply, ladling up lush bowls of Japanese Soul Food. Chef Rooney and team make everything in house down to the noodles. Savor those noods in Hellfire Tonkotsu, creamy pork broth, fiery miso tare, pickled collards, Fresno chilies, scallions, and nori. Slurp or Die! (4101 Charlotte Ave., Ste. E40, 615-730-9654; blackdynastyramen.com)
