“Some meals feed you. Ramen restores you.” ~ Author Unknown
The days surrounding the beginning of a new year can be an opportunity to slow down, savor simple joys, and nourish the soul, one comforting meal, one memorable moment at a time. The holidays left us in that familiar, happy haze of cooking, celebrating, entertaining, and cherished time spent with the circle of family & friends we’re so grateful for. On January 1st, John and I set our sights on Bloomington for a cozy lunch for two at Itton Ramen and Japanese Street Food, to ponder the previous 12 months and to look forward to what’s ahead. Steaming bowls of ramen, a taste of Japan, and our souls fully nourished, it was exactly what we needed as we segue into 2026.
Ramen has always been restorative for us, we’ve been to Japan three times and after spending an unforgettable 10 days in Tokyo and Kyoto with lifelong friends last May, it has continued to live rent-free in our minds. (Click here for the details on our adventure) That first slurp felt like a nostalgic nod to that trip: warm, familiar, and inspiring. The Ramen at Itton is crave-worthy and hits every note.
With locations in both Bloomington and Burnsville, Itton Ramen and Japanese Street Food delivers more than just exceptional ramen. The dine -in and take out menus are filled with authentic street food classics including chicken karaage, pork chashu buns, garlic edamame, pan-seared gyoza, and more. The menu also features a tempting lineup of small bites, perfect for sharing. We were focused on rich broth and perfect noodles. I ordered the spicy miso ramen and John chose the classic tonkotsu ramen, both were complex and flavorful. Exactly the kind of dishes you crave on a cold, blustery January day in Minnesota. Twin Cities Ramen enthusiasts, Itton Ramen belongs on your radar!
Stay tuned for the next cozy table to gather around, more memorable bites from local favorites are coming soon.
- Nourish Your Soul with Ramen at Itton
- 6 Friends, 10 Days, 2 Cities: Our Unforgettable Tokyo & Kyoto Adventure
- 7 Twin Cities Breakfast Sandwiches That Should Be On Your Must-Try List
- Travel Japan – Our 2 Day Itinerary In Tokyo
- Empty Nester Adventures: 4 Days in San Diego
Follow along with The Empty Nesters Kitchen on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X. Don’t miss my Empty Nesters Kitchen Travels Instagram account, now officially live. I’d love to see you there.
Looking for a birthday, hostess or holiday gift that’s a little different? Delight the food lover on your list with my Eat Your Words Puzzle Book, packed with clever word puzzles and foodie fun. Grab your copy on Amazon or if you live in the Twin Cities, head to the Westside Wine & Spirits Market, located in St. Louis Park.
“Farm to Table…Ocean to Fork…and Vineyard to Glass. We cast our votes in favor of the planet one bite, one sip at a time” ~ Lisa Patrin