Washoku Guide
Cities/Washington D.C./Ramen/Ramen by UZU
Washington D.C. · Ramen · casual

Ramen by UZU

Japanese hometown ramen and comfort foodJapanese-ownedUnion MarketNagoya-styleOkonomiyaki

Chef-owner Hiroaki Mitsui was born and raised in Nagoya, lived in Osaka, and came to DC in 2011. His Ramen by UZU — a beloved Union Market stall turned permanent vendor since 2016 — serves Japanese comfort food rooted in his hometown: rich chicken bone broth ramen, okonomiyaki, curry rice, and seasonal specials. A second location operates at 3210 Grace Street NW in Georgetown.

Price
¥¥
Area
Union Market District
Since
2016
Chef
Hiroaki Mitsui
Ramen by UZU — authentic japanese hometown ramen and comfort food restaurant in Washington D.C., Union Market District
Plate № 75
Editorial placeholder
About
Hiroaki Mitsui grew up in Nagoya, a Japanese city renowned for its distinctive comfort food traditions, before moving to Osaka and eventually to DC in 2011 originally as a semi-professional basketball player. He channeled his homesickness and culinary passion into a ramen pop-up at Union Market in February 2016 that quickly became one of the market's most beloved permanent vendors. The menu reflects Mitsui's hometown tastes: a deeply savory chicken bone broth ramen distinct from Tokyo or Sapporo styles, savory okonomiyaki pancakes, curry rice, and rotating seasonal items. The Washington Post has cited Ramen by UZU among the best ramen in the DC area, and the restaurant's authenticity stems directly from a Japanese owner-chef cooking what he genuinely grew up eating.
Neighborhood & visiting

Ramen by UZU sits in Union Market District, one of Washington D.C.'s neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional ramen restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Genuine Nagoya-born perspective on Japanese comfort food — not ramen-by-the-book but a personal, hometown expression of the craft.
  • Okonomiyaki alongside ramen makes this one of the most complete Japanese comfort-food stops in DC.
  • Started as a humble pop-up in 2016 and earned a permanent home at Union Market through consistent quality and loyal regulars.
  • Second Georgetown location at 3210 Grace Street NW makes the UZU experience accessible across the city.

Counter stall inside Union Market DC. No direct phone line; reservations not applicable (walk-in counter). Owner Hiroaki Mitsui, Nagoya-born. Japanese-led kitchen confirmed.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →

More authentic ramen in Washington D.C.

Other authentic cuisines in Washington D.C.

Browse by cuisine in Washington D.C.:KaisekiSushiIzakayaDonburi

Authentic ramen in other cities

Frequently asked

About Ramen by UZU

Is Ramen by UZU an authentic japanese hometown ramen and comfort food restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Ramen by UZU is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese hometown ramen and comfort food in Washington D.C.: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused ramen format.
Where is Ramen by UZU located?
Ramen by UZU is located at 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, Washington D.C., USA in the Union Market District neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Ramen by UZU?
Ramen by UZU does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular ramen restaurants in Washington D.C. we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Ramen by UZU?
Ramen by UZU sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese hometown ramen and comfort food of this format in Washington D.C..
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Washington D.C. →Ramen in Washington D.C. →Authentic ramen worldwide →All cities →