Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Toronto is absolutely wonderful! The food is delicious, perfectly seasoned, and paired with the company of incredibly pleasant people. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back every day!👏👏👏👏👏👏☺️

We came here about a year ago and hoped that another visit would change my opinion.... and it has! I had the Miso lunch special and my mother had the breaded pork. The miso broth was creamy and with lots of umami and the noodles were bouncy with just the right amount of chew. The chashu pork was tender and the dumplings were a nice accompaniment. Although the breaded pork was tender, it could have sat in the strainer for a minute longer as it was a tad oily. However the star of the show was the ramen and it was far better than our first visit.

For Ramen lovers 🍜, Santouka is definitely one of the best options in the neighborhood. The restaurant is very organized, has great service from all employees, has a cozy atmosphere and the food is delicious. The menu is quite varied, with starters, hot dishes and the house specialty, Ramen. They have beer and drinks to accompany your meal. In addition to serving in the restaurant, they also offer take-out and delivery. The prices are not out of line with the average restaurant in the area, especially since the dishes are very well served. For customers who need assistance with disabilities, the restaurant has an accessible entrance, access ramp and adapted toilet. For those who go with children, there are high chairs. Santouka is close to bus stops and Dasville metro station.

This is a good place to get good ramen. We came here on a Saturday at 4 pm. The place looked like it could accommodate around 20-30 people but it was not busy when we arrived. The staff were welcoming. They have great customer service. We did not wait long for our food. We got the Toroniku Kara-Miso Ramen (about $24) and the Miso Cha-Shu Ramen (about $20). We also ordered extra mushroom and bamboo shoots (about $2 each), and takoyaki (a little over $4). The Toroniku Kara-Miso ramen broth was rich and flavourful with just the right amount of spice, and the pork cheek was very tender. The Miso Cha-Shu Ramen basically had the non-spicy version of the kara-miso broth and had pork belly as the protein. The pork belly was well seasoned and tender. However, the noodles did not have enough chew for us. The mushrooms and bamboo shoots made up for the lack of chew from the noodles, but I DO NOT RECOMMEND having the additional bamboo shoots. For me, It had that smell of bamboo shoots that came from a can. The bamboo shoots that is already included in the ramen is just the right amount. They had appropriate portion size. The extras we ordered were enough to be shared by 2 people. Overall it was a good dining experience.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in [location] offers an authentic taste of Japan with their delicious shio ramen that rivals those in Japan itself. The broth was rich and perfectly balanced, complementing the noodles and pork slices wonderfully. Service was impeccable, with attentive and polite staff who ensured a comfortable dining experience. The restaurant was impeccably clean, from the tidy restroom to the hygienic kitchen, reflecting their commitment to quality. Overall, dining here was a delightful reminder of Japan, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Japanese ramen and hospitality.

Amazing experience for the taste buds. I got the spicy veggie ramen, which was very tasty, hearty and has a unique flavour that differs from other spots I have tried. My partner got the spicy pork, which he said was one of the best he has tried in town. Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys a good bowl of ramen.

Food was great. The ramen is tasteful and flavourful. I would recommend the Shio Ramen. Reasonable price as well.

After a brutal day of moving, we stumbled our way to this joint, relying on nostalgic memories and a hope that it hadn’t gone downhill like so many other places post-pandemic. To our delight, the service was friendly and attentive, even better than the downtown location. (I know, downtown location is normally busy, it's luxury to expect the such) Off to a good start! Skeptical about whether the food quality had taken a nosedive, we played it safe with the classics: Salmon Cutlet, Shoyu Ramen, and Shio Chashu Ramen with butter (don't judge me). If there's one of few things to dent, the menu booklet was a bit cluttered, not the streamlined selection I remembered. But onto the important stuff, the food! The soup base was just right, with a comforting pork aroma. It wasn’t as sweet as I remembered, but it still hit the spot. The chashu (sliced meats) was thinner than before but not disappointingly so as I've seen in many other places recently. And the butter? It added a lovely richness to the Shio ramen, perfect for those who like a bit more depth. If not, the Shio’s mild yet rich flavor and the Shoyu’s robust kick will more than suffice. Now, the salmon cutlet was a pleasant surprise. Thick, tender, and devoid of any fishy smell, it was akin to a well-cooked chicken breast, only better. Santouka proves that corporate-owned restaurants can maintain quality and standards. While so many others have let us down big time, this place remains a reliable refuge for ramen lovers. It's a place I'd revisit in a heartbeat.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Toronto is absolutely wonderful! The food is delicious, perfectly seasoned, and paired with the company of incredibly pleasant people. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back every day!👏👏👏👏👏👏☺️

We came here about a year ago and hoped that another visit would change my opinion.... and it has! I had the Miso lunch special and my mother had the breaded pork. The miso broth was creamy and with lots of umami and the noodles were bouncy with just the right amount of chew. The chashu pork was tender and the dumplings were a nice accompaniment. Although the breaded pork was tender, it could have sat in the strainer for a minute longer as it was a tad oily. However the star of the show was the ramen and it was far better than our first visit.

For Ramen lovers 🍜, Santouka is definitely one of the best options in the neighborhood. The restaurant is very organized, has great service from all employees, has a cozy atmosphere and the food is delicious. The menu is quite varied, with starters, hot dishes and the house specialty, Ramen. They have beer and drinks to accompany your meal. In addition to serving in the restaurant, they also offer take-out and delivery. The prices are not out of line with the average restaurant in the area, especially since the dishes are very well served. For customers who need assistance with disabilities, the restaurant has an accessible entrance, access ramp and adapted toilet. For those who go with children, there are high chairs. Santouka is close to bus stops and Dasville metro station.

This is a good place to get good ramen. We came here on a Saturday at 4 pm. The place looked like it could accommodate around 20-30 people but it was not busy when we arrived. The staff were welcoming. They have great customer service. We did not wait long for our food. We got the Toroniku Kara-Miso Ramen (about $24) and the Miso Cha-Shu Ramen (about $20). We also ordered extra mushroom and bamboo shoots (about $2 each), and takoyaki (a little over $4). The Toroniku Kara-Miso ramen broth was rich and flavourful with just the right amount of spice, and the pork cheek was very tender. The Miso Cha-Shu Ramen basically had the non-spicy version of the kara-miso broth and had pork belly as the protein. The pork belly was well seasoned and tender. However, the noodles did not have enough chew for us. The mushrooms and bamboo shoots made up for the lack of chew from the noodles, but I DO NOT RECOMMEND having the additional bamboo shoots. For me, It had that smell of bamboo shoots that came from a can. The bamboo shoots that is already included in the ramen is just the right amount. They had appropriate portion size. The extras we ordered were enough to be shared by 2 people. Overall it was a good dining experience.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in [location] offers an authentic taste of Japan with their delicious shio ramen that rivals those in Japan itself. The broth was rich and perfectly balanced, complementing the noodles and pork slices wonderfully. Service was impeccable, with attentive and polite staff who ensured a comfortable dining experience. The restaurant was impeccably clean, from the tidy restroom to the hygienic kitchen, reflecting their commitment to quality. Overall, dining here was a delightful reminder of Japan, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Japanese ramen and hospitality.

Amazing experience for the taste buds. I got the spicy veggie ramen, which was very tasty, hearty and has a unique flavour that differs from other spots I have tried. My partner got the spicy pork, which he said was one of the best he has tried in town. Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys a good bowl of ramen.

Food was great. The ramen is tasteful and flavourful. I would recommend the Shio Ramen. Reasonable price as well.

After a brutal day of moving, we stumbled our way to this joint, relying on nostalgic memories and a hope that it hadn’t gone downhill like so many other places post-pandemic. To our delight, the service was friendly and attentive, even better than the downtown location. (I know, downtown location is normally busy, it's luxury to expect the such) Off to a good start! Skeptical about whether the food quality had taken a nosedive, we played it safe with the classics: Salmon Cutlet, Shoyu Ramen, and Shio Chashu Ramen with butter (don't judge me). If there's one of few things to dent, the menu booklet was a bit cluttered, not the streamlined selection I remembered. But onto the important stuff, the food! The soup base was just right, with a comforting pork aroma. It wasn’t as sweet as I remembered, but it still hit the spot. The chashu (sliced meats) was thinner than before but not disappointingly so as I've seen in many other places recently. And the butter? It added a lovely richness to the Shio ramen, perfect for those who like a bit more depth. If not, the Shio’s mild yet rich flavor and the Shoyu’s robust kick will more than suffice. Now, the salmon cutlet was a pleasant surprise. Thick, tender, and devoid of any fishy smell, it was akin to a well-cooked chicken breast, only better. Santouka proves that corporate-owned restaurants can maintain quality and standards. While so many others have let us down big time, this place remains a reliable refuge for ramen lovers. It's a place I'd revisit in a heartbeat.

The best ramen chain in Toronto! Always happy to get extra cha shu since I'm really impressed by their pork belly preparation. Usually a wait, but always worth it. The service is quick, they just get bogged down as the restaurant is always busy. I think it's a good looking restaurant and love coming by.

Best spot on a cold winter day they happened to have the Winter Holiday menu which was about $25 for a 3-course. Love that they also have a good vegetarian option! What we ordered: Combo A: 1) Takoyaki (Octopus balls) 2) Shoyu Ramen 3) Hokkaido Cream Mini Waffle Combo C: 1) Vegetable Springrolls 2) Veggie Seafood Ramen 3) Hanami Dango Our servers were so friendly and offered us a little container to put our belongings in. Our food came quickly and everything was delicious.

We ordered the Shime Saba, a mackerel fillet appetizer. It was a delightful way to whet our appetites for the main course. We also tried Miso ramen and the double Cha-shu ramen. Both bowls were bursting with rich, savory flavors that perfectly complemented the tender noodles. The broth was heavenly! Speaking of ambiance, the cozy and warm vibe created a welcoming atmosphere, making us feel right at home. It was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen. Also, I must mention the staff for their exceptional service. Their warm hospitality added a personal touch to our visit, making us feel valued as customers. I'll likely visit next time when it's snow :) If you're a ramen lover, I highly recommend visiting this place. You won't be disappointed!

Service: 2 stars Food: 5 stars We've been to the downtown location and just found out there was a mid-town spot. We found ourselves looking for lunch around here and decided to give it a try. For service, I give them 2 stars. Normally, I'd expect a nod or a simple "hello" upon entering a restaurant - some form of acknowledgment. We entered and there was another couple ahead of us. We waited almost 5-10 minutes before anyone came to see us. When ordering, our server was pleasant and food came at a decent pace. All we want is to feel welcome when we enter an establishment. Food, we ordered the shoyu ramen and tan tan men. The shoyu soup was flavourful and noodles were good. I didn't really like the pork as it had a strong pork flavour which isn't very appealing to my tastebuds. The tan tan men was very nice. The meat was more seasond/marinated and the soup was delicious. Unfortunately, I'm giving 3 stars because I believe service is as important as the food quality and taste.

I do not frequent this area often but my friend was craving ramen so we chose to go here. I did not know what to get so I has the nice server on what to get and she recommended the tsuke-men. I was very surprised on how yummy it tasted. The broth was flavourful and the noodles were chewy and fresh. This was a good portion as I was not too full after finishing it. The sauce looked intimidating because it was really red but it was not spicy at all. I do not eat dipping noodles often and eating this made me want to try it out more.

I came here the past weekend right after my flight into Toronto. As my first meal here, I can say that I was not disappointed! Service was attentive. Food came out quick, which was a plus because we were on a time crunch. I got the traditional Shio Ramen with an additional Ajitama. Great flavors, cannot complain about anything really. Def would come back!

After a brutal day of moving, we stumbled our way to this joint, relying on nostalgic memories and a hope that it hadn't gone downhill like so many other places post-pandemic. To our delight, the service was friendly and attentive, even better than the downtown location. (I know, downtown location is normally busy, it's luxury to expect the such) Off to a good start! Skeptical about whether the food quality had taken a nosedive, we played it safe with the classics: Salmon Cutlet, Shoyu Ramen, and Shio Chashu Ramen with butter (don't judge me). If there's one of few things to dent, the menu booklet was a bit cluttered, not the streamlined selection I remembered. But onto the important stuff, the food! The soup base was just right, with a comforting pork aroma. It wasn't as sweet as I remembered, but it still hit the spot. The chashu (sliced meats) was thinner than before but not disappointingly so as I've seen in many other places recently. And the butter? It added a lovely richness to the Shio ramen, perfect for those who like a bit more depth. If not, the Shio's mild yet rich flavor and the Shoyu's robust kick will more than suffice. Now, the salmon cutlet was a pleasant surprise. Thick, tender, and devoid of any fishy smell, it was akin to a well-cooked chicken breast, only better. Santouka proves that corporate-owned restaurants can maintain quality and standards. While so many others have let us down big time, this place remains a reliable refuge for ramen lovers. It's a place I'd revisit in a heartbeat.

It was about time to try this place after hearing many good things. I'm always on the hunt for great vegetarian ramen, I've been disappointed too many times. I didn't have high expectations going in, but I left extremely satisfied. I would say this place is on my top 10 list. The broth is soy milk based which turned out to be creamy and delicious. I prefer a thick/milky broth over a thin/clear broth. You have a choice of egg noodles or kale noodles, I chose egg noodles and added in a soft boiled egg. The size of the bowls can be deceiving, I considered ordering a large but the amount of noodles I received was plentiful. Don't forget to get a stamp card!

Definitely one of the best-tasting ramen I've tried. I got the vegeterian ramen and it was the perfect blend of spicy and filling. My only reccomendation would be for the spot to to add more non-pork options, including for the broth. As someone who is non-veg but does not eat pork, I could only have the one veggie ramen. The midtown location is also a lot more spacious and welcoming than the downtown one!

stopped by for some late night ramen since they close at 11pm on weekends! we were pleasantly surprised by how well the broth was made, given the depth of flavour. we all got the tokusen toroniku ramen, which is basically pork neck/cheek meat instead of chashu and got to choose from any of their signature ramen broths. the shio was my favorite of the three because it was rich with a bit of seafood umami taste. i would definitely come back if i'm in the area again and craving a solid bowl of noodles! on our menu: - spicy miso - shio - miso

It was tasty but really pricey. For one ramen is almost $20, this meal after tax and tip was $36! Shared it with the kid, and we had leftovers. It was a nice environment with other kids too.

I went to Hokkaido Ramen Santouka restaurant for some dinner. The restaurant was not too busy. I was not given a menu, but was told to scan a QR code. I placed my order and got my ramen in quick order. The ramen was pretty pretty good and in line with other Ramen restaurants. I am not sure if the Hokkaido Ramen is better than the Kinton Ramen restaurant up the street. But I enjoyed my meal.

I wish I could find this place earlier! It is such an amazing place for Japanese ramen. They offer various types of ramen, appetizers and drinks. I went into this place on a chilling and rainy night . The first sip of soup warmed my heart If you have craving for ramen or looking for some comfort food, don't miss it! Will back for a visit soon

The ramen was delish here. The service also was top notch. They serve their customers so fast and yes expect line ups but ramen is consumed fast here. It's very good not an extensive menu easy few items to choose from. Would return here A++

Had the Negi Meshi combo. Good on a rainy day. Service was friendly. We made it at good time. It started to get busier just as we're leaving. Pretty busy for a Tuesday. Always a cozy place

I was so excited when I found out they had a location mid-town instead of downtown -- then I realized they were opened for like a year haha. Absolutely love the location and restaurant. Unlike the one downtown, it was spacious and also because of covid, tables were spaced out. I haven't had Santouka since the pandemic and it brought back lots of memories. It was soo delicious. The zanji was very juicy.

I've ordered takeout from this place a number of times in the past few months and I have to say, I absolutely love their ramen. It's expensive, around $20, but it's really delicious, probably the best ramen I've had. My favourite is the Shio Cha-Shu Ramen; it's so creamy and flavourful. I also really enjoy the Zangi, or Japanese fried chicken, which is crispy and tender. So nice with a squeeze of lemon. The takoyaki is very tasty but didn't have much octopus in my last order. Still good, though. I'm looking forward to being able to dine in again, but will continue to order takeout until then. I just wish their "extras" weren't so expensive. $1 for some green onions is a bit much!

I was around the area and looking for something light. Ramen came to my mind as I haven't had ramen for a very long time . There are lots of small restaurants along young and Eglinton area. They have a few patio seating if you like to have some breeze air. Inside was not a big dinning area but sit comfortably. Is is an open kitchen and you will see the chef making your ramen. They offer stamp system, eat 4 bowls of ramen gets a free gyoza or zangi at that location only. We had a combo of Kara-miso ramen, salmon rice and egg, another one was just a shogun ramen. Kara-miso looked spicy but was not spicy enough to my liking! Overall, it is a ok experience!

Greatly located at Yonge/ Eglinton area, perfect for those who don't like to travel all the way to downtown for a bowl of authentic ramen. Tried their shoyu and spicy miso ramen on this visit. The broth was rich and flavourful yet not too heavy. The spicy miso was spicy enough for those who couldn't handle spicy but still able to give you a punch of hotness without being overpowering. The noodles were cooked just right, the al dante level! However, I do have to agree with most reviews here that the broth did get a little too salty for our liking. Plus the price was a bit higher compare to most ramen chain.

We don't have much ramen these days but it was honestly a pleasant experience overall. Decent fresh noodles and rich broth base. I'd skip the spicy one though as we found the spiciness and saltiness overwhelming in the broth. A little pricier than other ramen places we used to frequent downtown but it's reasonable considering Covid inflation and the area.

One of my favourite meals on a cold winter day is something soupy! After an evening at the Distillery Winter Village, my friends and I decided to warm up with a nice bowl of soupy ramen. We stopped by on a Friday evening and was surprised that it wasn't too busy (probably because we went later in the evening too). We got a nice and comfortable booth seat and the servers attended to us immediately. They had a seasonal strawberry sake which peaked our interest, but maybe for another day since we really wanted to warm up. I saw a poster on their wall for their new clam chowder ramen, so I went with that while my friends ordered a kara miso ramen and shio ramen. The clam chowder ramen is very hearty with lots of seafood in the bowl. The broth really pulled the flavour from the ingredients and was very flavourful and delicious. It was definitely a great night for ramen!

My rating:4.5 Since becoming a pescatarian, I've had to explore options suitable for my current diet. So far, I think Hokkaido offers the best tasting vegetarian ramen in the city. Their broth is creamy, sweet and very flavourful- really satisfied my ramen cravings. I ordered the takoyaki to share, vegetarian ramen with egg, and my friend ordered the miso ramen with an egg. Takoyaki- tasty! Vegetarian ramen- my favourite Egg- a little overcooked and could be marinated longer They also give out stamp cards where 4 ramen purchases would give you 1 free gyoza and 8 ramen purchases would give you 1 free ramen!

Do yourself a favour and go here. Number one ramen spot in Toronto. The downtown location is better than the Yonge and eglinton one. It's also more "authentic" when it comes to the Japanese ambiance. I've tried a million ramen spots in the city and nothing comes close to this. My favourite menu item is the Kara miso ramen & I really love the plum wine. The melon float is so good too, but they never have it at the yonge and eglinton location so that's another reason to go downtown. The ramen also comes out in 5 min, service is so fast.

July 30/2020: A very good experience. The place was small but they made up for it by having an expanded patio right out on Yonge street. The food was very good but the service was awesome. Very attentive servers that worked hard to deliver. Our server "James" was excellent. As for the food it was solid as well. I ordered the spring rolls & chicken bites. They were both tasty & decent quantity. I'd go again.

Tried this place out in Vancouver and it was great. Only issue I had was the saltiness of the miso soup base I ordered there. However I said if I ever try this place again I would get the shio flavour. The shio soup base has a ton of flavour, not to salty, and the noodles are cooked perfectly. The Toronto location on yonge and eglinton has the same quality and taste as the Vancouver location. It did not disappoint. We got 2 ramen, mine was the toroniku shio and my hubbies was the chashu shio. We added an egg to each and got a couple apps. The zangi chicken was super moist and the batter was nice and crunchy. I felt like the takoyaki could have used an extra chunk of octopus in each ball, but overall it hit the spot on flavour and texture. The ramen was excellent as I mentioned already. The broth is super flavourful and with all the toppings it was a perfect mix. I ended up getting a small size ramen thinking it would be enough since we got apps, but I really should have ordered a large. Not a huge difference but you get more noodles and soup. This place doesn't do side order of extra noodles so if you want to make sure you get your fill, just go for the large order. COVID REVIEW - place is kept pretty clean, they make sure to spread out the customer seating fairly well and barriers are up as extra precautions. We felt that this place handles the covid measures quite nicely.

Love the background jazz music, makes me feel relaxing. Ordered my favourite tsukemen and a cup of hot tea. The waitress is kind enough to give us rice crackers on the house. Ikura Gohan Basically it's fish roes on top of rice. It does have a lot of fish roes and it tastes good. Between the fish roes and the rice, there are thin slices of scramble eggs. I enjoy looking the craftsmanship of slicing the scramble eggs so thin like hair. This dish looks simple but not simple at all. Tsukemen It's very authentic. Like most of the other restaurants, the broth is kind of salty to me but they do offer extra bowl of fish broth to add into the original broth to make it less salty and to keep the soup hot. When the broth is cooked right, the noodle tastes good as the broth is the soul of the noodle. Although it only came with an egg without any chasu, I still love it. This is well done. Hope they could open a shop uptown.

Stopped by this cute little ramen store along yonge (in between Davisville and Eglinton station). There was a 5 min wait or so but it goes by fast. There was a mini jazz group playing jazz music which was different but also a little weird in my opinion for a ramen shop. We were seating promptly after and ordered the shoyou cha-su ramen and the shio cha-su ramen. Both at a cost of $17.25. We opted for the cha su ramens because it said it was 'double' the pork. Which really meant four slices versus 2. The portion size didn't seem like a lot but it was enough food for me. The shio broth was good, creamy, fragrant and just enough soup. The noodles were cooked to much for my liking and felt a little too soggy. The shoyu soup base had a deeper taste which was still good. We also ordered their special - roast beef sushi $9.25 which was roast beef on top of ponzu soaked rice and cheese and topped with green onions. This dish was surprisingly really good and the flavours blended really well together. The service was attentive and quick. Overall, the ramen was good, the price is higher than other ramen places in relation to the portion and the taste was average, what you'd expect from a Japanese ramen place.

Go-to ramen 4lyfe! This location is better than the Dundas one, staff is also very friendly and kind.

I had this ordered twice while I was admitted into the Sunnybrook hospital for 8 days. The miso ramen and vegetable gyoza certainly beats the hospital food any day! The flavour, portions and presentation for take out was everything and more. It was very tasty and fulfilling especially during my painful recovery from a skin graft surgery. It certainly lifted my spirits up. Thank you Hokkaido for existing! Haha!

This place has an excellent setup during COVID. A hand sanitizing station is place right at the front entrance and sanitation must be completed in order to enter the restaurant. Menus and forms were all through a QR code which is important during a time like this. The Shio Ramen was delicious. The broth was creamy and had a very good aroma to it. The pork was cooked to perfection, it was nice and tender. The noodle texture was a bit on the softer side but nonetheless still good. The Vegetable Ramen is the best I've had by far. The soup base was creamy but light and had a slight sweetness to it from the vegetables. This ramen is a must have if you're feeling for a lighter and healthier meal alternative. The Takoyaki was amazingly delicious. There was a large piece of octopus in each ball and flavouring was on point. If I could rate this ramen restaurant 10/5 I definitely would. Would definitely recommend anyone who lives in Toronto to try this wonderful place out!

It may not be the cheapest ramen in town, but it's one of the most delicious. And authentic. Hey I've been to Japan (once) so I have cred, right?? The waitress says the shoyu (soy) broth is her fave--and it is good--but I recommend the miso broth. Also, I love adding corn (it's $2.50 but I splurge) and extra scallions ($1.00). The gyoza are also excellent. Highly recommended.

Great place for a casual dinner! Tried their Shio and spicy miso ramen. I was very impressed with both. The Shio ramen had an amazing creamy and flavourful white tonkotsu soup. I have always been a big fan of spicy food. I was quite happy with their spicy miso broth, I found that It was the perfect level of spice. It compliments the salty and savoury elements of the soup but is not over powering. The one downside is that both broth got really salty near the end. The waiters were enthusiastic and friendly. Overall I had a great experience, and would definitely recommend this place to any ramen lovers.

Yonge and Eglinton is somehow in the middle of a ramen explosion. In the last few years, we've gotten locations of Touhenboku and Kinton, in addition to a few smaller izakayas. Now Santouka has arrived on the scene, and if my first experience is any indication, they might just be the best of the bunch. I arrived around 12:30 on either their first or second day open, and the place was jam-packed with people. I was fortunately able to snag a spot at the bar, which is actually right in front of the kitchen. (There's a partition preventing you from actually seeing what they're doing/sneezing on the food.) I decided to go with the Kara-Miso Ramen ("Our pork broth seasoned with hot spices and miso"). It arrived shortly after and looked amazing. Like, it looked like a bowl of soup you'd see in a commercial. I took one sip of the soup itself and was instantly gobsmacked by its deliciousness. This is one rich, flavorful broth. It's also got an irresistibly spicy bite to it, too. I could've eaten an entire bowl of just that. The other components were just as top-notch. The pork belly and beef chunks were soft and tender, while the noodles were perfectly cooked. (I will say, and this is a weird complaint, that I probably could've used less noodles. They just take away from that amazing broth, ultimately. The least interesting part of a bowl of ramen is the ramen itself.) I'm very happy that Santouka's made its way to Yonge and Eglinton, and I look forward to trying more of their offerings.

My friend and I were looking for a quick late bite and thankfully this was one that was open later than most other places near Yonge & Eg. The cutest and friendliest staff served us. So that staff alone is worth going back for. Yakii Gyoza - We opted for the veggie one and I must say it was one of the best I've had. It tasted so fresh as though they had literally made them by hand just before serving. Was also perfectly pan fried with the perfect amount of flavour. Would definitely get this again and may go for the pork next time. 5/5. Takoyaki - I always have to have takoyaki if it's on the menu. They were a little smaller than the others I've had however I still liked the flavour. Wish there were a little more of the bonito flakes though. 4/5. Spicy Miso Ramen - We shared a bowl of the spicy miso ramen with the pork cheek which was bursting with flavour. Would have preferred it to be just a teeny bit spicier but it had enough flavour. And that pork cheek?! So good!!! I wasn't sure what to expect but it was juicy and tender. Would definitely get this again. 5/5. Lastly, we had this parfait which had a slice of a type of sponge cake, whipped cream, frozen strawberries, vanilla ice cream, popped rice crisps, chocolate sauce and some slice of fruit that looked like sour apple but wasn't. Minus the mystery sliced fruit, the dessert was good. My friend and I both liked the crispy rice. Don't think I'd get it again though. 3/5.

Love this place for their fast and friendly service and always consistent bowl of ramen. The classic Shio ramen in size small ($1 less than "regular" size) with some toppings (I liked the seasoned egg and tofu) is quite perfect of a portion for an hungry adult. The dipped ramen is also tasty. If you bring kids, they have cute utensils and plates and highchairs but they do not allow any outside food not even milk. Overall highly recommend this place especially the Davisville location!

The ramen dish was very tasty and the ingredients seemed fresh and of good quality. One downside was the price and the fact that they charged 25 cents for a piece of sliced lemon and $2.50 for draft soda water. Times are hard for the restaurant industry, but this is kind of ridiculous.

Shio ramen was great as always and on par with their other locations, but their tsukemen needs some work. Tsukemen: The noodles were really nice in texture and the large portion ($1.00 extra) is a decent amount of noodles and worth the upgrade. However, the soup was thin, almost like their regular ramen broth but saltier, and it completely cooled down to room temp within a few minutes. Not sure why they don't serve their tsukemen soup in the same types of bowls as their regular ramen so that it can actually retain some heat... My friend's bowl of regular ramen stayed warm for at least 15 mins after my soup became cold. The tsukemen egg was fully hard-boiled: I'm talking gray outer ring on the yolk, instead of the regular delicious soft-boiled egg served with ramen. All of the meat was chopped up in to really tiny pieces and it did not seem like there was much of it. Overall, it felt like they had left over crappy meat scraps and overcooked eggs and put it in a bowl of soup that was slightly more boiled down than normal. To be fair, the soup and ramen tasted good for the first 2 bites when the soup was still above room temperature, but after that it got worse and worse as the soup kept getting colder. I had some of my friend's shio ramen after I finished my Tsukemen and it was piping hot and delicious. I'd recommend sticking to the regular ramen that they do and staying away from the tsukemen if you want to enjoy your meal.

I have been there once, I would describe this as an average experience, below expectations. If it wasn't for the price I would have gave it 4 stars, the restaurant is clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. I have ordered their signature which is Shoyu Ramen, recommended by their staff, the dish was large, and came without the egg, i had to order on the side, fresh ingredients but teeny tiny 2 pork slices were, I expected more or larger pieces for 15 dollars bowl. The broth is not as creamy as expected, and the flavor was overpowered by the spice mix added. The noodles were a bit under cooked, and tasted not fresh. The bill I paid was over 21 dollars which is very expensive for a bowl of ramen with no added pork. I will not be doing this again, I don't recommend people to try it unless they are ready to spend more than 20 dollars on an average meal

I came on a night where they had 50% off four types of ramen. We waited 30 minutes in line. It was a small cozy restaurant. I ordered the Shio ramen. It had a good salty broth. The portion which is regular size was very small. It only consisted of two slices of pork. It had a red plum on top. Got good service from the wait staff. They were very attentive and always refilling water.

Ramen was different from your typical ramen shop. For one, the ramen was not full of MSG and overly salty. Portions were just right (not huge) and the broth in the spicy miso ramen was flavourful and spicy without being overly spicy. There was a bit of a mishap with the fried chicken (there was raw meat) but we got a free second plate. Would be down for coming back again, after the corona virus is over.

We came here on Christmas Day because it was one of very few things open for Japanese food. We ordered salmon rolls and fried chicken. The salmon rolls had way too much rice and not enough salmon! To make it worse it had a strong fishy taste and I barely ate some of them. The chicken was nicely marinated and cooked. It was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I was not impressed with the service. Other than us there was just another couple there. Despite that our food took 25 mins to come. The sever also forgot to punch in the second order of chicken. That's fine because she apologized and brought our second order after 10 mins. I wish that after bringing our food to the table she could have asked us if everything was good. Another negative thing is that you need to place a minimum order of 10$ per person. To me that's sleezy business. I will not be returning to this place.

Thank God they decided to open up this location! The one at Yonge & Dundas always has a line, and it often takes over 30 minutes to get a seat - which is a big deterrent for me. However, this location is relatively new and when I went I didn't have to wait at all to get a seat. They seem to have the same offerings with the same great service, with a fraction of the wait time! Only callout is that space is tight - literally! Space between tables are non existent - its hard to get in and out of your spot without hassling the next table. The most unique thing about Hokkaido Ramen's menu is their speciality Tsukemen, which many other ramen locations don't have. The dish essentially has the broth/soup separated from the noodles, but their broth for the Tsukemen is completely different from their traditional ramen. Its salty and rich in flavour, while still being light in texture! Your ability to dip the noodles in the broth allows you to have a unique tasting experience. Definitely would come again!

This is a COVID update! I've been a regular at Santouka for quite some time -- this is, hands down, the best ramen in Midtown and my personal favourite restaurant in the area. After multiple visits, the service, ambiance, and food has been consistently awesome. Aside from their delicious ramen, they've got snacks like takoyaki and gyoza. My bf (who avoids gluten) enjoys their rice bowls. They've also got great drink options, like yuzu or green tea beer from Godspeed and different types of sake (the sake flight is worth trying). And let's talk about their specials! They usually have some kind of special going on. Most recently, it was 2 drinks (beer or sangria) and a massive serving of fries for $10. Fries at a ramen place, you ask? They were great, and for the price you can't go wrong. With new safety measures, they expanded their patio area to include seating on Yonge street. There is some seating inside now. There is a QR code at each table rather than touching a potentially dirty menu. All in all, 5 stars!

If you like Ramen ... you will like this place. If you LOVE Ramen, you have to visit this place. It's small, it's local, it's consistent!!! All the best qualities in a ramen shop. If you've watched Ramen Headz, you know the deal. It's all about good food at decent price. This place is top notch! 5 out of 5 ... I'd dine there again.

Came by for dinner on a Saturday night at this new location. This is my first time at this ramen chain from Japan. We caught a lucky break and were seated within minutes before it got busy. A table then opened up and the server was kind enough to let us switch since we had a small child. The restaurant has a large kitchen and prep area but not much seating. There is a small patio, small tables inside, seating and a few booths for larger groups. The interior is modern and sleek. Everything was so clean and tidy. The menu had the traditional ramen and appetizer choices with some unique extras. Loved the Japanese feel. We had the shio ramen, spicy miso ramen,vegetarian ramen and several appetizers, gyoza, chicken zansei, and rolled fluffy omelet. The gyoza was nice with lots of meat filling. You mix your own gyoza sauce loved the trio sauce that comes with it beforehand. Chicken was juicy and meaty big chunks. Rolled omelet reminded me of tamago in Tsujiki market. The spicy miso ramen is a must try. It was not overly spicy or over powering. The noodles are thin and chewy and so satisfying with the rich broth. Shio ramen was comforting. The add ons come on the side which is nice. I loved the vegetarian ramen it was made with spinach ramen noodles and had a good blend of vegetables in a soy milk and white miso soup. So delicious ! Service was fast and friendly. Overall great ramen chain from Japan and wonderful addition to the area.

I forget the number of times I have been to Santouka on Dundas and even the now-shuttered Bloor location. Heck, I have even been to Santouka in the good old USofA (before Trump showed up of course). My first time at the Yonge near Eglinton location took me by surprise. This is not so much a ramenya as it is an izakaya. They do have their signature ramens, but the space accommodates a larger and more varied menu with the associated larger kitchen. I did have the ramen, but instead of the standard Toroniku with its sweet and tasty chashu I opted for the Tsukemen. It is a very good ramen. Santouka does ramen very well. The noodles were thick, which is good for Tsukemen, and the broth was tasty. I missed the fish stock of Ryus, but Santouka is no slouch. I still prefer the Toroniku chashu, but have to say I didn't mind saving several dollars because Toronto ramen prices are getting up there. I also risked and had the gyoza. I love gyoza, but the Santouka gyoza has never been good. Well, good news. They have changed their gyoza. Their gyoza has always tasted like the crap they sell at supermarkets, but this gyoza was tasty and flavourful. I could taste the garlic, herbs and spice and it was packed with meat. Thanks for stepping up Santouka. Most restaurants get worse. You have improved. The menu offers rice items, meat items (Mongolian grill for example because it is a famous dish in Hokkaido from where the chain originates) and alcohol. The washroom was clean. There is a respectable patio and mostly the cute and bubbly waitress was eager to serve. She was polite and friendly, which reminds me of another reason I like Santouka. Unlike other restaurants and chains it seems they only hire Japanese with which comes a higher level of service and authenticity.

On a freezing cold night, a bowl of hot ramen is a great way to spend the evening. I started with a jelly shot of Ikezo peach sake. It had a slight jelly consistency to the carbonation. Hint of sake with the sweet peach taste in front of your palate. Enjoyed an order of gyoza which were hot (temperature) with a texture of slightly grilled. When biting into them, it was filled with what I assume was pork. Very savory and delicious. I also ordered the trio of edamame which one was salted, one had sesame seeds (was not a fan of these) and there was one I couldn't identify. There was a hint of spice but complimented the edamame. I finished those first. Also sampled the spicy miso ramen which had a very strong but flavorful spice to the broth. Accompanied with pork, this would warm anyone's stomach. I will need to return to check out the other ramen options available.

This Ramen is simply and somehow familiar favour, which has a hint of fish,is quite popular. This has a delicious favour and it's is with pork. I highly recommend this place to eat for lunch

The food was all tasty, the atmosphere is cosy and inviting and the servers are attentive and helpful. Will come back again