Dashi, a Japanese ramen shop and pub, will make all your ramen dreams come true. Don’t forget to ask for their pages-long menu of options for whiskey lovers. The izakaya space upstairs is cozy and comforting, serving small plates and the full ramen menu around a full bar. For a special occasion, book one of the monthly omakase dinner events with seasonally rotating ingredients and themes.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Went here last night and we got the wagyu sliders, which were amazing, and tonkotsu ramen. Tonkotsu is my favorite, and I could say a lot of good things about the broth, noodles, and egg, but I'm really here to rave about the pork belly. It was crispy, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect. Literally the best pork belly I've ever had. The atmosphere was great and everyone working was super nice. Highly recommend if you're in downtown Durham.
Emily Eichenlaub
Nov 12, 2025
5
One of the best restaurants in Downtown Durham, and THE best ramen in the area hands down. Staff are always incredibly friendly and the vibes in both the ramen bar downstairs and the izakaya upstairs are so aestheticly pleasing. We love Dashi and can't wait for our next date night here!
PS: Yes, you DO want another egg in your ramen. You're welcome.
-Emily with Offline
Kelsey Hathaway
Sep 27, 2025
4
Dashi nails the balance between cozy ramen shop and lively izakaya. We started with kimchi (bright and spicy), duck skewers (smoky and tender), and wagyu sliders (rich, juicy, and topped with kimchi — a must-order).
For ramen, the chicken bowl was light and clean with silky broth, while the tonkotsu was creamy, porky comfort with charred belly and a jammy egg. Both were excellent in their own style.
The warm bar vibe and crisp cocktails tied it all together.
Andrew Turnbull
Jul 24, 2025
5
Best traditional ramen around. Sit upstairs got a different experience. The wings are spectacular. Sam was an amazing server who offered superb guidance and helped make our evening extra special. We love this place.
Darrell Annas
Apr 24, 2025
5
Nice little restaurant, a couple blocks from DPAC. The food, drinks, and service was awesome. It was a great place to eat dinner before our show! I would definitely go back again.
Emily G
Apr 4, 2025
5
A Durham must! The ramen is so good and well priced! There is only one vegetarian option and it’s good. The appetizers and house-made drinks were delicious, as well! Seating can be a bit limited but when we went on a weekday night there was no wait although a large group might have a harder time. Overall, a fantastic experience!
Patrick Turner
Mar 18, 2025
5
Dashi Ramen is a gem in downtown Durham, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for a casual meal. The space is charming, with a warm, intimate vibe that makes you feel right at home.
The service was friendly and attentive, adding to the welcoming experience. Sitting at the bar gave me a front-row seat to the action, where I watched my meal being freshly prepared. Everything was made from scratch, and the attention to detail was clear in every bite.
The food itself was fantastic—rich, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and fresh ingredients that elevated the dish. Despite the lunchtime rush, my order came out quickly without sacrificing quality.
If you’re in Durham and craving top-notch ramen with great service, Dashi is absolutely worth a visit!
Imisha Debuka
Feb 15, 2025
4
Would recommend the tofu buns (the tofu is extra chewy than usual) and dumplings (part of their special menu). I had the vegetarian mazemen which I liked. The vegetarian ramen was not that flavourful. We had sake which was really nice and the vibes were great.
Annika Patterson
Dec 31, 2024
4
Went for the New Year’s Eve Omakase tonight. Absolutely amazing food, every course was delicious.
Our server Selena was great.
We were disappointed with the required, surprise, service fee/tip added on to our party of two. 23%.
Anna Ferrin
Dec 27, 2024
5
Fantastic ramen, gluten free noodles were yummy. Cauliflower is next level! Musubi was nostalgic, used to live in Hawaii and it took me back. Love the vibe! Everything we had was yummy!
