About
Welcome to the heartwarming culinary haven known as Ramen Belly, located at 1010 Martin St, Iowa City, IA. This delightful restaurant brings an authentic taste of Japanese ramen and poke bowls to the Iowa City dining scene. As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I am excited to introduce you to a place where fantastic flavors and a cozy atmosphere mingle seamlessly.
Ramen Belly is not just another ramen joint; it’s a treasure trove of rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and an array of delightful toppings. Their menu invites you to experience classic favorites like Tonkotsu Ramen and the unique Ginger-Garlic Abura Ramen. The glowing reviews from locals are a testament to the quality and care infused in each bowl. Customers rave about the food’s authentic taste, with one enthusiastic patron declaring it “the best ramen I’ve ever had!”
For those dining with children, Little Belly offers an inviting selection that includes Baby Ramen and Chicken Teriyaki Bowls, complete with juice boxes and sweet snacks, all lovingly crafted at accessible prices. It's a family-friendly atmosphere where even the pickiest eaters will find something delicious.
The poke bowls at Ramen Belly are a must-try. Featuring fresh options like Salmon and Tuna Poke, they combine quality ingredients such as house pickles and seaweed salad, making every bite a vibrant explosion of flavors. The generous portions ensure you’ll leave satisfied.
Beyond the delicious food, the inviting, cozy ambiance is enhanced by the charming touches, such as Studio Ghibli films playing in the background during winter. This thoughtful atmosphere contributes to an unforgettable dining experience that feels both special and homey.
Ramen Belly is also committed to excellent service, as reflected in numerous customer reviews. Patrons frequently comment on the friendly staff and the swift service that doesn’t compromise on attentiveness, even during peak hours. The unique drink options, including an eclectic selection of local beers and artisan sodas, add an extra layer of delight to your meal.
In summary, Ramen Belly is more than just a place to eat; it’s a sanctuary for ramen lovers and families alike. With its unique offerings, nourishing food, and a wholesome atmosphere, this restaurant deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Prepare to indulge in the warmth of delicious ramen and the joy of shared experiences with loved ones.
For inquiries or to make a reservation, you can reach them at +1 319-569-1057. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem; Ramen Belly awaits!
“ seriously the best ramen i’ve ever had! no place in iowa can beat it. absolutely love the atmosphere, especially in the winter eating warm ramen and they usually have a studio ghibli movie playing! they always have the best, most unique local beer selection! 12/10 recommendation this place! ”
“ Super delicious ramen and pretty authentic! A hidden restaurant deep into a suburb. As a vegetarian, I didn’t feel forgotten. Both Tonkotsu ramen and ginger-garlic abura ramen were delicious. The yuzu salmon salad appetizer with the strawberries and senbei was super good too. The house pickles were good enough that I asked for some to take home (to which I was obliged). We came right at opening time on a weekday and it was about half full. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Next time we’re in the area, we’ll definitely back with friends. ”
“ Just wanted to start off and say I was highly impressed. Food was amazing and service was great too! We went here on Valentine's Day and was able to snag a seat at the bar area. My fiance really recommended this place for ramen and I really had to be convinced to eat here because I'm 5 months pregnant and was already craving somethings else and since I'm from Hawaii, I've had a lot of great ramen from many different places across Oahu so I told him if this places ramen isn't good I'm gonna be mad at him lmao. But anyway, I ordered the Tonkatsu Ramen with Pork Belly and it was REALLY good. It even rivaled some of the ramen I've had in Hawaii. I ate it all and I really liked the options for drinks. They had some unique cans of soda which I really liked (I had the peaches and cream one) it's honestly great because I prefer more options other than water, Pepsi products, and alcohol. My fiance is also vegetarian so it was great he can have some options to customize his food. He had the Ginger Garlic sauce noodles and he had hot sake. Parking was hard because there isn't much room and the place is kind of small but if you want good ramen I would give this place a chance. Also service was very attentive. They were pretty busy because of Valentine's Day but we waited a reasonable amount of time for our stuff. You can also pay with your phone so that's nice. So overall, it's really good here. The baby in my belly had also approved! Also don't mind the pictures! We can't take food ones lol ”
“ The food was delicious, good size portions and the temperature of food was perfect. We had the Ramen and 2 of the Belly bowls. It was very quiet inside. The waitress that served us was great! Overall a worthwhile experience and we drove over an hour to get there! ”
“ The atmosphere of this restaurant is very warm and inviting, super cozy. Food prices are so affordable for the quality of the food. The food was amazing, everyone must try! Honestly this food may be one of my new favorites, from their sashimi (which was very fresh) to their ramen and belly bowls, everything was a 10/10. Even the service was fast, and very patient, answering all our questions. Highly, Highly Recommend!! ”
“ Considering the location and size, the food here far surpassed my expectations. I had the House ramen with pork belly and it was phenomenal. Pork belly was super tender, soup base was packed with flavor, and all the toppings were delicious. Overall service was excellent as well. ”
“ This is a out of the way, very neighborhood spot. Dinner only option,but if you like Ramen ... ”
“ The tonkotsu was amazing! I can't say enough how nice the quality of the food and decor was. They had real flowers in the centerpieces on each table! You don't see that anywhere else anymore! You walk in and order at a kiosk or use a QR code at your table which was actually a nice experience. Definitely recommend to anyone taking a significant other or just want a laid back place to come with a friend. Not much seating for singles other than the little bar area. ”