Seemor
Arashi RamenA-Worth Trying
5401 20th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
· Ramen restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1314 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Cozy Ballard ramen shop serving rich, consistent bowls with fast, friendly service and good value; small, crowded room and occasional service slip-ups to note.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Arashi Ramen delivers exceptional food quality with rich, carefully crafted broths and tender chashu that justify its loyal following in Ballard. Quick, friendly service and fast execution keep the compact space moving efficiently. However, tight seating and crowding at peak hours, combined with occasional consistency variations and minor service lapses, prevent the grade A territory that would require more polished overall execution.
Restaurant Summary
A compact Ballard ramen-ya with a cozy, bustling vibe, Arashi wins fans for rich bowls and quick, friendly service. Lines move fast, bar seats help solos, and window perches invite people-watching. As one diner put it, the broth was deep and delicious and the team kept things moving. The cooking leans elevated traditional: miso and shio tonkotsu, a sesame-driven tantan men that regulars crave, black garlic oil for extra aroma, and a creamy veggie ramen that satisfies without meat. It is not theatrical, just careful broths, chewy noodles, and crunchy karaage that make an easy comfort-food fix on chilly days. Families do fine here thanks to familiar flavors like chicken karaage, miso ramen, and mild spice levels. There is no kids menu, seating is tight, and waits happen, but the menu has straightforward options most children will recognize. Vegetarians have credible choices; gluten-free needs require caution due to soy-marinated eggs.
At a Glance
- Rich, reliable broths (miso, spicy miso, tantan) with tender chashu
- Fast, friendly service with quick table turns
- Good value at $15-17 per ramen; happy hour reported
- Very small dining room; waits and tight seating at peak
- Occasional service errors (missed mods, timing) and rare quality lapses
What Sets It Apart
- sesame-forward tantan broth
- vegan karaage option
- fast-turn ramen-ya vibe
What People Love
- Craveable sesame-rich tantan broth
- Deep, satisfying miso tonkotsu
- Crispy karaage sides
- Consistent, fast service and cozy vibe
Points of Concern
- Space is very limited; groups may struggle to sit together
- Occasional misses on order modifications and timing
- Extras like egg and noodles raise the price if you customize heavily
- Review patterns show mostly authentic posts with high photo engagement; minimal templating observed
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value combo: Share karaage ($10) and choose miso or spicy miso ramen ($15).
- Vegetarian path: Creamy veggie ramen ($15.75) plus tofu topping ($3.00).
- Flavor boost: Add black garlic oil ($3.30) to shio or miso for aroma.
Perfect For
- A quick, warming ramen lunch in Ballard
- Casual date night with comfort food
- Solo slurp at the counter
- Takeout when you crave rich broth
Location Insights
Area: Lively Ballard corridor with shops, bars, and casual eateries; draws locals and weekend foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked area; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near Ballard retail streets, breweries, and bus lines; mostly street parking.
BallardBallard offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual seafood spots and craft breweries to upscale restaurants. The neighborhood has a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with a strong emphasis on local businesses and outdoor activities, attracting both locals and visitors.
Ballard Locks AreaThis micro-neighborhood near the Ballard Locks is quieter and more residential, with easy access to waterfront parks and nature. Dining here tends to be more casual and family-friendly, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday11:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →