Hokubu Ramen — Restaurant in Toronto

A Hidden Gem Near the Fox: Hokubu Ramen

Hokubu Ramen is a delightful surprise tucked away just steps from the Fox Theatre. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm smile and attentive service that immediately sets the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience. The ambiance is quaint, quiet, and peaceful—a welcome escape from the hustle outside, perfect for winding down before a movie or lingering over a satisfying meal.

The menu is impressively extensive, offering a wide range of appetizers, ramen styles, and sides to suit just about any craving. We started with the agedashi tofu, which was beautifully prepared—crispy on the outside with a soft, pillowy interior and a flavorful dashi broth that didn't overpower. The takoyaki were golden, gooey, and rich with umami, while the edamame was perfectly seasoned—simple, but done right.

As for the ramen, Hokubu truly shines. The black garlic ramen was a standout, bursting with deep, roasted flavor and rich, aromatic broth. The bull ramen, on the other hand, struck a perfect balance with its bold, slightly spicy kick, tender slices of beef, and perfectly cooked noodles. Each bowl was a masterclass in comfort and complexity.

That said, there’s still a little room for growth. While the appetizers were solid across the board, I found myself wishing for one more unique or playful option to elevate the starter selection—something that could serve as a conversation piece or add a creative flair. Similarly, while dessert options were available, none stood out as a strong enough reason to linger post-meal. A signature sweet could really round out the experience and make Hokubu a true destination rather than just a stop before the show. I also wish there were more gluten free options available as most ramen places in toronto have now found ways to accommodate these allergies.

All in all, Hokubu Ramen is a fantastic choice for dinner—especially if you're headed to the Fox Theatre. It’s cozy, the food is consistently delicious, and the vibe invites you to slow down and savor. Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or just looking for a satisfying meal in a calm setting, Hokubu is well...

From the moment my friends and I walked into the restaurant, we were greeted by a welcoming atmosphere that set a positive tone for the entire visit. The interior of the place was aesthetically pleasing, with a warm and cozy ambiance that made me feel right at home.

The food was absolutely delectable, showcasing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. We tried both the ramen and the poke, and each dish was prepared to perfection. The ramen had a rich and savory broth, complemented by perfectly cooked noodles and a variety of fresh toppings, however the meat was slightly overcooked. The poke bowl, on the other hand, was a vibrant medley of fresh fish, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that tied everything together beautifully.

What really stood out to me, however, was the level of service provided by the staff. Every single staff member I interacted with was incredibly polite, professional, and attentive to my needs. They made sure that our dining experience was seamless from start to finish, and their genuine kindness added a special touch to the evening.

I left the restaurant feeling completely satisfied and with a heart full of positive emotions. The combination of the delightful atmosphere, scrumptious food, and outstanding service made for a memorable dining experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone who’s a fan of ramen and poke, or to anyone simply looking for a great place to eat. You will not be...

This is my second time coming here now, and it surely didn’t disappoint. It’s a nice little ramen shop on Queen St E by the Beaches. The server is really nice and constantly made sure that we were doing okay, constantly filling our water glasses. The first time we came here, my girlfriend wanted specific toppings on a different broth and they were able to accommodate that, which is nice that you can customize your bowl instead of simply choosing a set bowl or dish! +1 points for that

Now the food, mad tasty but doesn’t feel too greasy like other ramen spots. I was hungry so I got the King Black Tonkotsu, which is a bigger bowl than the regular one, with more noodles and more toppings. This is like a supersized regular Black Tonkotsu for only $4 more. It’s a rich and creamy pork bone broth with black garlic oil. I rate the dish a 9/10.

My girlfriend got the Netsu Ramen. It has a small spicy kick to it but nothing too spicy, more of a taste. She rates the dish an 8.5/10 I really like the taste, it’s not too salty and it still gives a fresh taste at the end of each bite. It’s a salt based broth, but wasn’t too salty where you’d get tired of the flavour.

Overall we enjoyed, and we’ll be...