Tondou Ramen

Ramen restaurant · Palmerston–Little Italy

Tondou Ramen

Ramen restaurant · Palmerston–Little Italy

1

596 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4, Canada

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Highlights

Authentic Okinawan ramen with tender chashu and rich broths  

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596 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4, Canada Get directions

tondoutoronto.com

CA$20–30

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596 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4, Canada Get directions

+1 416 588 8317
tondoutoronto.com
TondouToronto

CA$20–30

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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Rose NPSN

Google
I recently visited a Tondou Ramen restaurant and tried a few dishes that left a great impression. For the appetizer, I ordered the Korokke, which was part of their newly launched menu. Unlike the original version, this one came with a new sauce that had a mildly spicy kick. The flavor was delicious and a great start to the meal. For the main dishes, I ordered two items. The first was the Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich pork bone broth served with a boiled egg. The overall flavor was excellent. However, I found the ramen noodles slightly too firm for my personal taste as I prefer noodles that are neither too hard nor too soft. The soup had a nice balance of spiciness, which I really enjoyed. The second dish was the Okinawa Soba, a chicken-based ramen served with pork chashu. Similar to the first dish, the noodles were a bit too firm for me, but the broth had a pleasant flavor. Overall, this restaurant serves tasty ramen in a clean and welcoming environment. The interior is decorated in a traditional Japanese style, adding to the authentic dining experience.

Eric Liu

Google
Really enjoyed the ramen, service and environment at this shop. They serve Okinawa style ramen which is a bit unique and has a variety of ramen from thick to thin, hot to cold for the summer. Definitely plan to go back and try other flavours.

Benny Lau

Google
Congratulations to Tondou Ramen for 7th anniversary. This is my favourite place to Japanese ramen (esp. for Okinawa style). This is the one I am willing drive there for meal 4-5 times a month. The atmosphere is very good. You feel like traveling to Okinawa.. Thanks for the great luck having 2 big prize in the lucky draw. I win a 2 packs of frozen cha-siu. Their cha-siu is amazing. It feels like smelting in your mouth and full mouth of favor. I always order special ramen which have 6 pieces of cha-siu and cha-sou don. I am 100% recommend this for any Ramen lovers.

Eric Garcia

Google
My favourite ramen in Toronto so far and I’ve tried almost all of them only comparable one would be Isshin but this Okinawa style is just tooo good! The owner Koda is super kind and attends his customers as if they’re family even if it’s your first time there. The beers are ice cold and the Nanban Karaage is a must try as well! The star of the show is the Tonkotsu Special for $21 it brings 6 pieces of cha shu that melts in your mouth and honestly just come try and let the soup do the talking. Atmosphere is immaculate too! Looks like an izakaya or ramen shop pulled straight from Japan and imported to Toronto! Brought 3 people here and they all loved it. Best of success Koda! 🙏🏼

Belle

Google
First time trying Tondou and it was pretty good! I didn’t expect the extra space in the back, which was a nice surprise. The karaage was super crispy and tasty. The spicy tonkotsu ramen wasn’t spicy and could use a bit more flavor, but they give a lot of noodles. The yuzu cheesecake was really good too. I’d come back again since it’s just in my neigborhood.

Martin B.

Google
I’m giving 4 out of 5 stars because while the food was excellent, there were a few bumps in the experience. On my first visit, I found a hair in my food. The team followed up and offered a complimentary takeout meal for two and a ramen voucher for later use. I appreciated the gesture and confirmed everything over chat. I placed a preorder as instructed, and while the food was ready when I arrived, it hadn’t been bagged or handed off, so it sat getting cold for 20 minutes. It was a busy afternoon, which may have contributed to the delay, but a heads up upon arrival would have gone a long way. One staff member was very apologetic and kind, which didn’t go unnoticed. I appreciate the effort to make up for the initial issue. The food was great and I hope the team continues to improve the pickup process moving forward.

Anita

Google
Cozy interior. Great service. Had to try their Okinawa soba since I’ve never seen it anywhere else. It was good. Their pork chashu was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth and super flavorful. Also enjoyed their deep-fried octopus. Order and pay directly from the QR code on the table!

Natasha Ong

Google
Hands down the best ramen I’ve had so far! It’s different from the ones I’ve tried here in Toronto and even in Japan, it has its own unique flavor that really stands out. The broth was just right, not too strong and not too bland, it’s perfectly balanced. Everything about it just hit the spot. Can’t wait to come back here!!!! I highly recommend this!
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Reston S.

Yelp
I stopped by Tondou Ramen to catch up with friends after a solid recommendation from one of them, who promised it was worth the travel. Located on the corner of College St., the place offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it versatile and welcoming for both small and larger groups. Inside, it's cozy but still spacious enough to handle a crowd. Service was friendly and attentive, adding to the good vibes. I went for the Tonkotsu Special, and let me just say--it really lived up to the hype! The ramen noodles were thin and easy to slurp, perfectly matched by a rich, savoury broth that had incredible depth. The highlight was definitely the pork; they served up a generous six slices that melted in your mouth, a rarity compared to other ramen spots. Topped off with a soft-boiled egg, the bowl felt like it could have been an upgrade but was the real deal. Paired with a cold house sake, each bite and sip was smooth and satisfying. All in all, Tondou Ramen is a top-notch spot for ramen lovers. Highly recommended!
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Karl L.

Yelp
I visited this ramen spot with friends for a quick noodle fix and had a great experience. From the outside, the restaurant captures an authentic Japanese vibe with its red and white ramen signage, traditional lanterns, and a noren curtain draped over the entrance. The cozy, inviting atmosphere continues inside, making you feel like you've stepped into a bustling street in Japan. The large patio, where I saw many Japanese patrons dining, further adds to its charm. The interior reflects the essence of Okinawa, Japan's southernmost region, with wooden tables, red lighting, and nostalgic City Pop music from the 70s and 80s playing in the background. It's a great spot for those looking to immerse themselves in a local Japanese ambiance. I ordered the Tonkotsu Regular: a solid bowl of ramen with a thick pork bone broth, tender pork chashu, fresh veggies, and a soft-boiled egg. The rich, fatty topping added depth, but the broth itself was a little mild for my liking. Unfortunately, I realized too late that their signature dish, Okinawa Soba, was further down the menu. It was a shame, given how much effort they put into replicating an Okinawan vibe. Although I missed out on trying their specialty, I still enjoyed the meal. Service was minimal, likely due to how busy it was, and the single washroom resulted in a long wait. Despite these minor drawbacks, I'd definitely return to explore more of their offerings and soak in the authentic atmosphere.
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Mary T.

Yelp
In early August, I was in Little Italy and walked by Tondou Ramen. It seemed like the perfect spot after attending an event to have lunch. I made a mental note of it. It was probably closer to 1 pm on a Saturday when my event was over. I felt like ramen. I walked over to give this place a try. This eatery is on the northwest corner of College and Clinton. The main entrance is at the corner. I walked in. It felt stuffy. A friendly man greeted me. He said that I could dine on the patio. I was game. I was the only customer, so I sat myself at a picnic-like table, facing Clinton Street. It was cool and pleasant sitting here, as there were paper lanterns and a roof over this area. It was great, especially with a light breeze. There was a menu on the table. I scanned the QR code to see if that menu was different than the physical ones. The latter highlighted the specials better. I got the following items: - Pork gyoza - Shikuwasa lemonade (2) - Chicken special ramen My server was attentive and wonderful. He asked if I was good with pork in my gyoza. I could also get chicken. Pork was great. I got some water first. It hit the spot. I needed it. It was cold and refreshing. My shikuwasa lemonade came out next. Shikuwasa is a type of citrus fruit from Okinawa. It was excellent. It had a nice tart finish and this beverage was cold with a decent amount of ice. I loved it so much that I ordered another one. It was that good. I still think about how awesome it was. My pork gyoza came out next. Yay, food! I was hungry. The gyoza were deep-fried. Thinly sliced onions and green onions were on top of them. My server recommended the gyoza sauce and koregusu (chili vodka). They were awesome sauces that paired nicely with the gyoza. Each gyoza was generously filled with a pork mixture. It was flavourful and yummy. My ramen came out next. The aroma was the first thing that I noticed. The chicken stock base was stellar. It had so much rich chicken flavour without tasting heavy. It wasn't oily, either. By far, it was the best chicken soup base that I have ever had. Such a dream! I loved my ramen. The chicken slices were tender and yummy. I loved the mushrooms, jammy egg, and lots of green onion in this bowl of deliciousness. The ramen noodles were perfect. They were chewy and enjoyable to eat. I haven't had ramen this amazing in a while. It was the perfect lunch for me on a casual Saturday afternoon. The place started getting busy halfway through my meal. My server gave me a call button device if I needed any help. I never used it because he was so attentive. I asked for my bill. I paid with a credit card. I tipped and all was great. I wished him a great day and walked out of the patio area. I parked at a Green P lot on Clinton. Parking can be a challenge if you are looking to park on the street. I highly recommend coming her for your ramen cravings. I loved my experience. I'd return in a heartbeat. It was a terrific find. (352)
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Michelle D.

Yelp
Came here today in the afternoon with my bf and we shared the tako karaage which was tasty, hot, and pretty oily, served with a side of kewpie mayo. I had the spicy tonkatsu ramen and he had the garlic oil ramen. The broth was incredibly flavourful and rich. However, the chashu was quite fatty with very little meat. For $20.5/bowl felt like it could've been a bit more special but I did enjoy the meal. Love how they have sesame as a condiment. The service was nice. They have QR codes at the tables which you can either order through their or through their server. The ambience was really nice - they played some nice music.
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Eugene L.

Yelp
I was excited to try this spot, hoping to relive the ramen I once had at the Ramen Museum in Japan. While I expected more dishes representing Okinawa, I was a bit disappointed by the limited selection. However, the Okinawa Soba I ordered was pleasantly similar to what I had in the past. Though the broth and toppings weren't exactly the same as the Ramen Museum's offerings, the combination of bonito and pork broth set it apart from other places in Toronto. The thick, chewy noodles were also satisfying and added to the authenticity. What really surprised me, though, were the chashu and kamaboko (fish cake) toppings. Despite not advertising any fancy sous-vide techniques, the toppings were incredibly tender and mildly flavorful, delivering a subtle yet impressive experience. I hope this restaurant continues to showcase its unique qualities for a long time. And honestly, with flavors like these, maybe they should advertise them a bit more boldly!
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Koji S.

Yelp
Updating to account for the Okinawa soba that I finally tried, as well as the Shikuwasa lager, which I believe is concocted especially by this restaurant! (Shikuwasa is a citrus fruit that, even within Japan, is only associated with Okinawa.) The Okinawa soba was not exactly a revelation - based on what appeared to be a classic bonito broth - but was wonderful and comforting.
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Dave C.

Yelp
My first time here and it was an absolute treasure. You know you're in something good, when you're greeted with a warm welcome. The interior very cool .I asked for their best style of Ramen soup and I was blown away. From the taste of the soup, I knew I was in for something great. I was told the broth was brewed for 18 hours, levels of flavours were amazing. The noodles were perfect and the pork was so tender. Loved this restaurant , great food!!
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Clyde C.

Yelp
Ate at Tondou again, still believe it's the best Ramen restaurant in Toronto, great atmosphere like a local Japanese Ramen shop, and great taste
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Gerald W.

Yelp
I went to Little Italy for a street festival. I walked by this Tondou ramen place. They were selling yakisoba on the street for $10.00. I ordered one but was surprised that the box they put it in was not filled to the top. The portion was so small. The taste was pretty decent but it was not worth it. Also, I thought that the cook has to wear a hairnet or hat while cooking. But this one wasn't. Probably won't come back.
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Veronica C.

Yelp
Haven't been here for a while. Setting changed a bit. Nanban chicken (Score: 4/5) A bit salty but went well with beer!! Special Tonkotsu Ramen (score:5/5) I was impressed with the pork bone broth. It was so delicious!!!! The type of noodles was the thin one, it was light and easy to chew. There were bean sprouts, 4 pieces of chasu, scallions, 2 halved eggs and something similar to black fungi vegetables. Can't expect anymore out of that. That's the reason I would need to drive all the way to downtown to satisfy my soul with their noodles.
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Idan R.

Yelp
What an incredible ramen place. It's easily one of the best ramen places I've tried in Toronto. Why wait in line for some overrated ramen place when you can visit this gem of a spot? I had the house special. It was perfect! The broth was super rich and perfectly balanced. The noodles were perfectly cooked. The pork belly was melt-in-your-mouth and the egg was cooked to perfection. The place is perfectly situated in Little Italy and is open late.
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Lina D.

Yelp
After coming back from Las Vegas, I was really craving for ramen. I stumbled upon this place on SkipTheDishes and found there was a vegan ramen for $23! I was stoked when I seen this on their menu and it must be good since it was the most expensive ramen bowl on the menu so my expectations were really high. I also ordered the curry chicken katsu for my friend to cure her hangover that day. The food arrived in time and I hurried to open it to eat. I was surprised by the size of the ramen bowl. It was TINY! So I thought the tiny bowl was stuffed with ramen and toppings. WRONG! The toppings were separated from the ramen with a top lid to separate the ramen noodles from the ingredients. There were instructions to heat up the soup first then pour into the noodles to loosen the noodles up since they were stuck together. There was a very small portion of noodles which made me question if this was even enough to get me full for the day. There were barely any toppings either. There was more soup then noodles and toppings combined. It was certainly not worth $23. It was more like a snack. On top of that, my friend's curry chicken katsu was raw! Yes the chicken was RAW! My dog can't even eat this. I am shocked that the kitchen even allowed this kind of quality to be delivered. I was still hungry after my tiny bowl of $23 ramen and my hungover friend had to re-cook her chicken to eat. This is probably the worst order-in experience I've ever had. Fortunately we got a full refund for our entire order via SkipTheDishes. They should re-price their menu or change the portion size to justify selling ramen at $23. I am never eating here again. Period.
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Jacob N.

Yelp
Absolutely Delicious and the staff has always been a delight! The building is decorated great and always has happy music playing!
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David N.

Yelp
I'm always up to try a new ramen joint, so when the suggestion to check out Ryukyu Shinmen Tondou Ramen arose, I was pretty gung-ho and excited. We arrived right as they opened at noon on a recent Saturday, so we had our pick of tables on their surprisingly large patio. A quick perusal of the menu led me straight to the Garlic Oil Ramen ("Pork bone broth with egg white noodles served with 2 slices of pork chashu. Topped with bean sprouts, kikurage mushroom, scallions, homemade garlic oil and yaki-nori") and I ordered the "regular" size. It's a decent bowl of ramen. I have to admit, though, that the broth didn't immediately knock my socks off. It seemed a little bland and overly salty, and didn't have that depth of flavor I associate with a really good bowl of ramen. But it did grow on me the more I ate it, particularly as the various other components were incorporated. The pork chashu was especially good and honestly it was about the best I've ever had. We also started with the Takoyaki ("5 pieces of deep fried octopus ball, topped with bonito flakes, takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise and pickled ginger") and though I've had this venerable dish many, many times, I have to say that this was one of the best versions I've ever sampled.
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Kim T.

Yelp
Lovely place. They also have a outdoor patio. The inside is small and a little warm for eating hot ramen. But the vibe us good. I like that they have the option for "Special" Tonkotsu, which has more slices of cha su than the regular one. Broth is on the oily side which is more rich. I wished they have options for the noodles thickness. Overall, good ramen.
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Siobhan G.

Yelp
I was so delighted by my experience here! I got a small garlic oil ramen. It was filling and I love how they fry the chashu for added pizzazz. The broth was delicious if not a bit on the salty side. They've got so many interesting options, like chicken broth ramen and even a plant based ramen. If you're a chashu lover, the tonkotsu special comes loaded with pork. Also on the menu are various appetizers and desserts. We got a fried chicken app and a veggie croquette, both of which were tasty! They've got a house beer which goes well with the ramen - it's not super carbonated so you don't feel too full after having beer and ramen. Plus you get a frosty mug, and for the price, what more could you ask for?! The service was thoughtful and friendly. Their bathrooms were clean with adorable art on the wall. I can't emphasize how awesome the patio is, it's covered and off the main drag of College street so it feels a bit more private. Most of the tables outside were for 2, and there was a picnic table that could accommodate a larger group. We were seated quickly when we arrived on a Friday night at 6, but by 6:30 the tables had filled up (although they seem to turn over quickly). I can't wait to come here again and try more of their stuff, between the food and the charming ambiance of this place it's worth checking out!

Emma F.

Yelp
so so yummy! gyoza were 10/10 and got spicy ramen 10/10! one the best ramens i've ever ate, would go again!
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Kayo T.

Yelp
Dined in for lunch with my friend. This ramen shop is the only place that serves Okinawa ramen in Toronto (I believe). I of course had Okinawa ramen that noodles were unique - thick and chewy. The broth was nicely seasoned but not greasy. It was delicious. I'd highly recommend this place!
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Janny L.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday night and waited about 10 minutes for a table for 3. The restaurant was pretty packed and we were seated in the back. We waited about 15 minutes before our order was taken. We ordered two small and one regular tonkotsu ramen, in addition to some nambam chicken. While waiting, we overheard the server apologize to another table for taking so long with their order, and offering them ice cream. We thought "it's ramen, it shouldn't take that long." However, after 40 minutes, our ramen finally came out. During this time, we had already observed another waiting table finishing their pitcher, long before their food had arrived! The two mini tonkotsu ramen did not include an egg, in comparison to the regular size. We we're not aware of this until we read the fine print. We had also ordered garlic oil on the side, which was forgotten. While eating, we wondered why our fried chicken was taking so long. Turns out, they had forgotten the order. Another 15 mins into eating our ramen, the plate of chicken arrives. Overall, the ramen was delicious, however, it's definitely not worth the waiting time. I would give it another chance, perhaps through ordering through Ritual or going at a less busy time.
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Daniel F.

Yelp
Awesome variety including vegan and chicken options on this thorough menu. Very reasonably priced! Good patio. Great service too.
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Zoe T.

Yelp
Not that impressive compared to Ikkousian or Isshin. Nice location and very good vibes. Unfortunately when I paid the visit last time, the patio wasn't really clean, greasy table and chopstick packagings were left on table from last guest. I wish they pay more attention on such details.
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
Ryukyu Shinmen Tondou Ramen is a new ramen joint opened in Little Italy serving Okinawan Style ramen. We walked by on a Saturday around 8 pm and it was not too busy with no wait and empty tables. We ordered a Mini size each to try. Spicy Tonkotsu ($9) and Spicy Miso ($10): Perfect size as a snack or even lunch as the broth is rich and heavy. The noodle cooked to a nice texture. I usually try to drink the broth when eating a good bowl of ramen as the star is usually the broth which takes hours to simmer. Sadly the broth here is just too salty and heavy for my preference. Service though friendly but the kitchen just too slow. We waited 20 minute+ for our ramen and it took 3 reminders to the servers about the beer we ordered. I really can't imagine how it would be if the place is pack. Ryukyu Shinmen Tondou does have this lay back Okinawina vibe and have potential as a friendly neighbourhood ramen joint. Since it is quite new, I would not write it off.
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Karen L.

Yelp
Legit. 100%. I am not Japanese. I am not a ramen expert. I have, however, travelled extensively throughout Japan and have sampled a significant amount of ramen. This is the real deal. It's actually from Okinawa! If you like tonkotsu, this is like finding the holy grail in Toronto. Starting with the very first whiff of pungency from the broth... this is the smell of authenticity. In Fukuoka, you smell this everywhere. We tried the tonkotsu ramen, the shio garlic oil ramen, and a bowl of the negi shio chashu don. We were totally satisfied. The complimentary marinated bean sprouts were really tasty too! Don't forget to press some garlic and grind the sesame seeds into your bowl! The noodles and egg are better than Santouka. The broth is better than Sansotei. The overall taste is better than Kinton. It's better than Isshin cuz there's no line (yet). This is a hidden gem! Go go go!
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Cherrie T.

Yelp
New ramen spot opened in Little Italy! This one is definitely worth trying in my books :) Decided to come here because recently I saw an IG mukbang guru promoting this spot and she tried to tackle the Mega Ramen Challenge here at Tondou lol. I think they have another round of Mega Ramen Challenge happening tomorrow June 14, 2018 from 5-10pm if you're interested! If you can finish it within 20 minutes, it's free! Otherwise you pay $35 for it. What I liked about this ramen spot: 1. Fantastic service - always checking on how we were doing. They also offered us free a jar of house-marinated spicy bean sprouts to go with our ramen! Thank you :) 2. Mini versions of ramen available - finally I don't have to order a full size bowl of ramen! I ordered the mini size Garlic Oil ramen bowl ($10) and it was the perfect size for me! 3. Silky broth - the one I got was pork bone based. It was delicious and not too overpowering. The broth surprisingly did not start to curdle when I left it sitting after I was done - it is a good sign lol. The broth is not as fat I'm guessing? 4. Uses different types of ramen noodles: thin ramen noodles, egg white noodles, veggie noodles, and I quite enjoy the whole egg wavy noodles! 5. That pork cha siu tho - delicious, and pork to fat ratio was great! It did not feel too fatty nor too heavy (although on the thinner side). I would come back again for ramen when I'm in the area :) P.S. Warning: Their version of takowasa IS HELLA SPICY #iwarnedyou
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Michael L.

Yelp
The place gets hot. Like, no-AC stuffy. The food's great, but...it's difficult when they don't have the proper climate to enjoy it. But on the other hand......perhaps that is meant to feel like how it might feel in a ramen shop in japan so maybe it's better that way! When we arrived around 7:30, the restaurant was pretty empty. It's not a big restaurant, but it's not too small either (about 12 tables?) Washrooms are pretty interesting: there's a men's washroom. And then there are two "everyone" washrooms. And the men's washroom is unusually large. The waiter asked us if it was our first time at this restaurant, and asked us if we had any question about ramen or other items on the menu. When we asked what he would recommend, he picked the spicy miso because that was his favorite and he had it earlier. Definitely tried his best to answer hard-hitting questions like how big are the mini bowls vs regular bowls and how many slices of tonkotsu comes in each bowl. Also checked up on us from time to time. While taking our orders, he also asked if we'd like to order any appetizers, recommending items that would go well with the ramen, and finally if we would like a round of beer because of course, it is a necessity. We also received a complimentary jar of spicy bean sprouts as "extra service", which were tasty. I enjoyed the ramen. The portion size is not amazing, but the broth was quite rich and satisfying despite the lack of portions for pretty much everything else: two thin slices of tonkotsu, a handful of noodles, some ground pork, mushrooms... it's a pretty small bowl. Actually most japanese-run ramen places in Toronto have pretty small portions anyways (to me, for $10+) so portion-wise, about the same as other places. But that broth. Definitely something. Lots of flavor. Also, they assign nicknames when they're taking orders and on your bill you might see a quirky name. I was given a number so that wasn't too interesting but the others at the table had some more amusing ones. Hopefully they don't run into trouble like some other restaurants.
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Darius N.

Yelp
Most amazing black garlic tonkotsu broth Ive tried across all ramen spots in toronto and north york area! Gyoza has a nice slightly crisp and chewy wrapper although I prefer mine more crispy still very good filling inside. Cant wait to come back and try more menu items
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Fontaine M.

Yelp
This is an absolute gem that makes you feel like you have arrived in a ramen place in japan. They used to be a couple of doors down doing authentic Japanese food (I forget the name of the place) but they have closed and open this location focusing on ramen. They have just opened a few months and you get a complete Japanese vibe with Japanese servers and the well known greetings upon entering the restaurant. The service was immaculate. We ordered the tonkatau special and the garlic oil ramen, both of which felt extremely authentic. The takoyaki was average but the meal with the ambience made for a wonderful experience. (Not to mention I recognized all the anime music - pop versions). Will definitely be back!
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Caroline D.

Yelp
my god it's so good, definitely don't miss out on the veggie ramen. the broth has a basil-y flavor which I thought was different and so pleasant.
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Richmond O.

Yelp
Spontaneously had some ramen cravings so I decided to go look for a place I have not been to before. This place popped up and so the journey begins. Most reviews on here hinted that the ramen was good but to stay away from the others and that's the direction I followed. Arrived here and was surprised with how humid it felt inside. Could be because the shop is smaller but it was just bearable. Ordered the tonkatsu special and it came with complimentary spicy sesame bean sprouts. Bean sprouts are offered in some ramen shops in japan so it was a nice touch. Ramen broth was extremely creamy with a small touch of gelatinous. Could definitely tell that they spent time in the broth. Noodles resembled the ones from japan as well. Serving of pork was excellent. Overall a great experience and would be coming back.
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Jade D.

Yelp
When considering the vibe, service, and food, this was in top three my favorite dining experiences during my visit to Toronto. We were one of the only parties at the restaurant, and seated next to a window. As I looked into night time on an active city street, our dining experience felt like a pretty intimate/cozy experience; and our warm ramen contrasted the cold outdoors we came from. I actually had already eaten dinner, so I only planned to join for a $3 beer (which I still had) but when I saw the ramen options I decided to order a bowl to go. Or I thought it was going to be to go! I wound up eating more than half right then and there because the broth was too flavorful for me to pass up in the moment. I definitely stuffed myself but it was worth it! They also gave us complimentary bean sprouts that had been flavored which was a nice addition. Our waitress was really sweet and helpful with suggestions despite even as we seemed to be her last table and the largest group there. I'll remember this restaurant as a special experience during my Toronto visit.
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Daisy W.

Yelp
I was here just past midnight to get a late night bite with my friends after an eventful evening. I'm really happy this restaurant closes at 2am as opposed to all the other ramen shops. The ramen bar is small and cozy. There's a few small tables in the front of the restaurant, a long table by the bar and there's a back section with additional tables. It appears the patrons at this location are mainly returning customers and people who got hungry after a night of partying and drinking. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen. I'm really happy I got a whole egg in addition to the pieces of chasu. Many places do not give you an egg and even if they do, you only get half. When I was recommended this ramen bar, I was told I have to try the garlic they marinate in what appears to be soy sauce. This is a condiment they have that you can put on your ramen. How it works is, you will be giving a garlic press. You will scoop out a clove of garlic and use the garlic press and top it on your ramen. The broth was good and portion was perfect for a hungry lady who just burnt approximately 400 calories. The taste of the raw garlic will really add a kick to your ramen! This is a great option for a chilly evening!
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Cybil M.

Yelp
Soki soba! Thick chewy noodle, clear bright broth, clean, sweet pork ribs and it's just dying for a serious blast of spicy koregosu. Seriously do not be afraid, it's a mild sweet heat that brings this bowl to life. A real treat that's a reminder that there's more to noodles than shio ramen.
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Kerry W.

Yelp
If you want to find out the depth of your patience, go here. First of all, the food is mostly decent. I had the tonkatsu ramen, and thoroughly enjoyed it. My buddy also ordered a side dish of squid appetizer, but that wasn't a hit with everyone who tasted it. Very chewy, and the taste was off. But the server had no idea about how we felt because she didn't ask us about our meals. The one cool feature of this restaurant is that you can get free refill of ramen while you still have left over soup. Unfortunately, it took the refills almost half an hour to appear. The soups were cold by then. And the inefficiency continued with settling the bill. She could have came to the table with the machine while accepting cash, but no. Multi-tasking was not her best skill. It was painful as we also had to wait a while before she appeared to settle the bill. Like I said, this is the place to test your patience. And it's not like the ramen is so outstanding that you give up at least 3 hours of your time waiting around their snail-like pace of slow service. Unless you have time to wait around.

Greta A.

Yelp
I only have a picture of the Okinawan soba, but I've been here twice and we've tried: Chicken Namban, Gyoza, Tonkotsu Special, Karaage, and a Tsukemen. They were all great. Easily just as good quality as what you would get in Japan in general. Service is great, too!
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Jenelle C.

Yelp
This was my first time having ramen ever (please hold the shock lol). Came here with my coworkers for the first time and I can now say I am a fan. I'll start off by saying that we were nervous of the service being slow (that critique being a common one in their reviews), however, we were pleasantly surprised that wasn't the case...phew! Our waiter was friendly and made the experience a good one and we were never in need of water refills. The restaurant itself is super casual with limited seating. Shortly after ordering we were served a small complimentary bean sprout dish that was soooo yummy and super tasty. We waited no more than 15 minutes to receive our ramen and everyone seemed pretty satisfied with what they got. I ended up going with the regular size Shoyu Ramen option which was so filling that I wish I had went with the small size. My ramen included egg noodles, chicken and pork broth, cabbage, spinach, eggs, bamboo and some other stuff I can't remember. I really loved the small touch of having fresh marinated garlic to crush with this cool little garlic crusher gadget at the table, along with fresh grounded sesame seeds and other typical condiments one would eat with ramen. This place is a bit out of the way to me but it's definitely introduced me to "new" dishes I'd like to try going forward. I will I couldn't find the menu online besides whatever pictures people attached to their reviews. That's probably the only critique I would give so far. Overall I'd recommend this place.
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Sabrina N.

Yelp
I definitely consider this place a starter ramen joint if you never really tried ramen and is looking to explore but if your a veteran then this isn't the place for you it's a bit basic and no kick (spicy) But the hot house sake was awesome and the fried chicken was good as well but ramen just plain I used the broth to chase my liquor.
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Felix P.

Yelp
Friendly little ramen place. Food: 4/5 Yummy. Service: 5/5 Friendly and inviting Environment: 4/5 Cozy. Washrooms: 4/5 Has Gender Neutral Worth it?: 4.5/5 Stumbled upon this place on the way to hunt down some pen inks. Service was absolutely friendly and ramen was very affordable. This place isn't near where I live though I wish it was. I quite enjoyed the tako wasa but I wish they gave us more than 5 pieces of seaweed. The tako was plentiful so overall I was satisfied. I also had the Tonkasu Ramen Special. The ramen wasn't spectacular but great for the price. I will be sure to stop by the next time I am in the area!

Dmitrey K.

Yelp
I had lunch indoors at Tondou this Saturday, October 2, 2021. The vegetarian ramen has a lot of flavor and the portion is a good value. The matcha beer is very good and goes well with the ramen soup. I enjoyed looking at the Japanese art pictures inside the restaurant it has an authentic feel to it also there was Japanese music playing in the background adding to the atmosphere. The vegetarian curry is a good portion and tastes like authentic Japanese curry. For dessert ordered the matcha yuzu ice cream affogato with Jasmine tea. The Jasmine tea was amazing because it is prepared with a real Jasmine flower. It was an outstanding meal, good quality of food, authentic atmosphere and great service. I recommend Tondou if you want to visit Japan while in downtown Toronto!
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Emily H.

Yelp
Such a cute and welcoming atmosphere! I felt like I was back in Japan at a mom and pop ramen shop. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen and my boyfriend got the spicy miso. The broth was quite salty (which I like) but had good porky richness. The chashu was really delicious! Nice and smoky. I loved that they offered a smaller portion because I often can't finish my whole bowl. Service was super friendly and I really appreciate the mouthwash in the bathroom, since they offer marinated garlic to add to your ramen. Can't wait to go back and try something different Also much more affordable than some other ramen spots in the city! My small bowl was only $9.
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Stephannie L.

Yelp
Tondou Ramen is one of my favourite ramen places to go to in the GTA. Not only is their ramen delicious, but it's the only place that I know of that serves Asahi Black beer. To start we were given a jar of spicy bean sprouts (free) as a side dish. There was a subtle spice to it and was seasoned with sesame. They were quite addictive. We also ordered gyoza and karaage as appetizers. Each came with 5 pieces, which was perfect since there were 5 of us. These were pretty standard in terms of flavour and how they were cooked. I ordered a small garlic oil ramen bowl for $10. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned just right. The noodles had a nice chewiness to them and the pork was super tender. The broth was very rich and flavourful.
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Crystal N.

Yelp
Portions were small. Taste was okay. Service was timely. Lucky if you can find a spot to sit, but turnover is quick so no worries !
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Chris Z.

Yelp
I always jump on the ramen train, so when I heard about this restaurant, I knew I had to come. When I walked in, there was only one waiter doing everything--cleaning, bills, bringing food out. He told me to sit at the bar where the table wasn't cleaned yet (the previous people's dishes were still there) and he came afterwards to clean it. It was quite weird, seeing that there were lots of other empty tables, but I guess that's alright. I got the shio ramen (small for $9) and the karaage (for $6). The fried chicken came first and it was great. The chicken was fried just right but it wasn't as juicy as kinton's. Then the ramen came, and I was about to dig in, when the waiter walked up to me with two pieces of seaweed and told me he had forgotten to put it in there. The seaweed was in his bare hands, and I was worried if it would be dirty (seeing that he was also handling money and cleaning). The eggs weren't onsen eggs--they were just regular hard boiled eggs. The noodles weren't ramen noodles, they were egg noodles. The meat was okay. This reminds me of Hida Takayama's ramen from Vancouver. The broth was undrinkable--it was just salty water with fats in it. I would come back here for another type of ramen. The food is 3/5, service is 3/5, and the cleanliness is also 3/5.
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Fran F.

Yelp
Okinawa soba had this nice smokey bonito flavour. The noodles were also bouncy and fresh. Spicy Karaage was a fried version with a spicy sauce glazed on top. Spicy miso ramen had a smooth and creamy broth. Service here was impeccable with all the servers being really nice!
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Phil C.

Yelp
Wonderful little shop. The owner is friendly and welcoming and service is prompt and friendly. The restaurant is not a closed formal dining restaurant...set more for casual dining. Ramen is exellent here - almost as good as anyone else in the city. The hidden gem is the Japanese curry. It's outstanding. I'll be back.
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Arlene B.

Yelp
I am perpetually on a search for the best ramen in the city. I was reading about the authenticity and great tasting ramen from Tondou Ryukyu Ramen, which has been open for about a month now. Thankfully for me there wasn't a wait at 4pm on a weeknight. The restaurant appears small and cozy but has an additional section of seating towards the rear of the restaurant. The wait staff were polite and reasonably attentive. Spicy bean sprouts were offered as complimentary appetizer while I waited for my ramen. The sprouts had a nice sesame flavour and the spiciness was great for whetting the appetite. I ordered the mini shoyu ramen. The mini size was a perfect snack size for some but large enough as a small main for me. The ramen broth was flavourful and rich as you would expect with hours of boiling pork and chicken bones. It had tons of umami flavour as the collagen clings to your lips. The ramen noodles were chewy and al dente. I appreciated the cabbage and greens for texture and to help cut the richness of the broth. Tender slices of chashu had some fatty layers and allowed it melt in your mouth but it bordered on being a little too fatty for me. The major downfall for me was the saltiness of the broth but it may be because of the soy sauce used in the broth. I would consider returning to try the other ramen preparations such as the miso or tonkotsu ramen which I am hoping would be less salty. They also have karaage, takoyaki, and nanban fried chicken for those needing additional protein with their ramen which I hope to try next time. Did I find the best ramen in the city at Tondou? Not yet. But with rich savoury broth and tasty ramen, it has potential. 3.25 stars.
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Jessica Y.

Yelp
Very, very slow. And this restaurant does not even have that many table seatings. Slow start..... Then 25 min passed by, still no ramen or gyoza. After a long wait, they mentioned 'Oh we had printer issues. Is this merely an excuse or a just convenient excuse. I do however like how the menu is not too extensive, but has just the right amount of items on the list. Good thing is...we were seated next to people who were regulars and they asked for the usual bean sprout appetizer to keep me from turning hangry. Still waiting.... .... ...... ....( Moments after a long wait) Waitress cane and asked Oh your ramen will be here shortly. And said your gyoza is not here yet, right? She came back finally with my Tonkotsu ramen. Which I finished in a split second along with the not fully cooked and mildly cold gyoza. The Tonkotsu broth was mediocre and char siu was also too dry. The egg however was nicely cooked, eventho it looked overcooked. But was delicious. Mediocre, that's the word I'll use to describe this place, the food and service given the experience today. I would still give this place a second try, as the waitress was apologetic enough for the delay.

Jason W.

Yelp
Holy shit. This is the only ramen place in Toronto that meets the standard based on the places I've tried in Japan. Best Ramen in town with its flavourful soups that don't taste as synthetic
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Mitchell L.

Yelp
Tondou in the past has been alright but quality of service with patio dining has severely deterioriated during COVID. Recommend staying away from their patio until normal operations resume. We waited over an hour before the appetizer arrived. I can understand some delays during this time but waiting nearly an hour for an appetizer with no updates from the staff is just unacceptable. During the entire time, not even a water refill was offered... When the ramen finally arrived (after the appetizers which we already waited an hour for), the noodles were overcooked and soggy. This was one of those times when you seriously debate tipping or not (we did tip). Being cognizant of the times we're in, I still thought the restaurant / staff could have done much more in this situation. Yes, delays should be expected... but at most other restaurants, your ramen bowl is in front of you within 10 minutes of sitting. Waiting over 6x that amount seems a bit much. The underhwelming ramen at the end made the experience worse. Needless to say, we won't be returning to Tondou anytime soon. Perhaps they might get another chance once normal operations resume but even a 1 star is generous in my opinion for now.
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Anthony S.

Yelp
Great Okinawan style ramen shop! The pork belly chasiu here is easily one of the best in the city - super flavourful and tender Love the nanban fried chicken as well, the sauce on it is amazing! As are the spicy bean sprouts which is both tasty and refreshing at the same time. Owners are from the now closed Ryoji and knows what they are doing. This charming little shop is a downgrade in space (Ryoji was huge) but I think they have upped their game in terms of taste. Definitely worth a visit!