I’ve been living in Barcelona for almost three years, and as a ramen lover who is also interested in Japanese matches in Barcelona, I’ve tried nearly every Japanese ramen shop I could find in the city. Today, I’d like to share a few places that I think are quite good, hoping this helps fellow fans of Japanese cuisine.
My Go-To Ramen Shops
Takumi Ramen - Eixample
This shop is located on Carrer de Girona and it’s my personal favorite. Their tonkotsu ramen has a very rich and savory broth, and the noodles are made fresh daily. Prices range from about €12-15, and the portions are quite generous. I recommend making a reservation if you go on the weekend, as there’s often a queue. The atmosphere is great too, with the feel of a small Japanese eatery.
Ramen-ya Hiro - Gothic Quarter
This one is in the Gothic Quarter. The shop is quite small but has a lot of character. The owner is Japanese and speaks a little Spanish and English. I think their miso ramen is exceptionally good, and they also offer some seasonal specials. One thing to note is that they only accept cash, and their hours are quite short—they close at 8 PM.
Here’s a quick comparison of the basic info for these shops:
| Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Recommended Dish |
|---|
| Takumi Ramen | Eixample | €12-15 | Tonkotsu Ramen |
| Ramen-ya Hiro | Gothic Quarter | €10-13 | Miso Ramen |
| Chuka Ramen Bar | Gràcia | €11-14 | Spicy Ramen |
Chuka Ramen Bar - Gràcia
This is a newer spot that opened just last year. Their specialty is fusion-style ramen, like a creative ramen with Iberian ham. I was a bit skeptical at first, but after trying it, I found it surprisingly delicious. If you’re looking to try some less traditional flavors, this place is worth a visit.
A Few Personal Tips
Whether you’re exploring the Japanese football scene in Barcelona or just here for the food, if it’s your first time visiting these shops, I suggest starting with a classic like tonkotsu or shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. It’s a great way to gauge the quality of the shop. Also, most ramen places let you customize the noodle firmness and broth richness, so don’t be shy about telling the staff your preferences.
Finally, I have to say that while these places are all great, they honestly don’t quite compare to the ramen you’d get in Japan. Still, to be able to find ramen of this quality in Barcelona is something I’m very happy about. If you know of any other delicious ramen shops, please feel free to share them in the comments below!
