DowntownWhat you're getting: Tonkotsu 'Tonzen'When it comes to truly authentic ramen, this one is the go-to. It boasts decadent, expertly prepared soft-boiled eggs and a dense, fatty broth that coats the noodles almost as though it were a sauce while the sharp strands of pickled ginger add a dramatic bit of flavor. It's easily Minneapolis' best bowl of pork ramen.

Where Masu’s finds its niche as an unapologetic caricature of Japanese pop culture, Zen Box Izakaya successfully operates as an honest-to-goodness Izakaya modeled after the comfortable and fail-safe bars in Japan where businessmen and locals gather after work for food and drinks. Co-owner and Chef John Ng, along with his wife and Front Of House Manager Lina Goh, serve ramen with conviction and authenticity. Zen Box’s “Tonzen” Tonkotsu Ramen ($12) is built on the foundation of a pork stock that’s painstakingly simmered for 36 hours, a labor of love that creates a creamy texture and a deeply layered pork flavor.

These days you can find an incredible bowl of ramen in practically every corner of the city, but the tonkotsu ramen at Zen Box Izakaya — the city's first dedicated ramen joint — is still nearly impossible to beat. Executive chef and owner John Ng stays mostly true to the Japanese process of cooking ramen broth, tweaking the tradition just slightly by roasting the chicken and pork bones before tossing them in the pot to boil for 10-12 hours. The resulting broth is rich, fatty and creamy, with just a hint of smokiness: the perfect base for your noodles, egg, menma, kikurage and pork chashu.

This Mill District eatery celebrates the fun and electric side of Japanese dining culture through its street signage, its Hitachino beer tap handles, and its steady line of ramen obsessives waiting for tables. Married team John Ng and Lina Goh travel to Japan often, where they seek out the best ramen shops and learn noodle and broth techniques to bring home. Weekend specials often sell out, but the standard pork-broth tonkotsu never disappoints, especially sided by takoyaki octopus balls or flame-torched raw aburi salmon.

If you’re on the lookout for Japanese comfort food and top-notch Green Tea Tiramisu, look no further than Zen Box Izakaya. Located in the heart of Minneapolis’ East Town neighborhood, Zen Box is a local staple for Japanese favorites such as Ramen and Bento dishes. The food is also perfect for soaking up a night of drinking, and you can choose from crispy fried karaage or hearty bowls of udon.

For fancy and delectable ramen that won’t break the bank, visit Zen Box Izakaya in the Mill District downtown. Try the Tori Tantanmen ramen, which features ginger chicken in a creamy broth filled with shredded cucumber, scallions, Szechuan chili oil, kikurage, and more. You can get other Japanese comfort foods here, too, like chicken karaage and bento boxes, but the ramen is the true star.

Four varieties of ramen (pork broth with kimchi, chicken broth with duck, a vegan-friendly mushroom-eggplant-tofu version) from someone who knows ramen, and knows it well. There's also a pair of bento boxes (one vegan-friendly), chicken dumplings and three Japanese-style curry dishes served with rice, all on a pay-as-you-can basis. Takeout and curbside, 4-8 p.m.

Chef John Ng from Zen Box Izakaya self-describes as “The Ramen Architect.”Believing that every handmade noodle should be crafted to perfection and paired with only the freshest ingredients, you’ll notice the difference when the bowl arrives in front of you at Zen Box. The ramen here is just as much a lunch menu item as it is an art form.

According to Bring Me The News.com, the ownership team behind the new food hall includes: Grant-Spangler and Ben Spangler, co-owners of Bebe Zito, 704 W 22nd St., and John Ng and Lona Goh, co-owners of Zen Box Izakaya, 602 S Washington Ave. Beverage director Trish Gavin has worked at such restaurants as Khâluna, Lat14, and Lemongrass.

Downtown Minneapolis is home to Zen Box Izakaya, where the essence of Japanese comfort food is brought to life. This spot is ideal for exploring a variety of small plates and sake, offering a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for dining with friends or family. Address: 602 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

601 Marquette Ave., #204 Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 341-3313 Directory | Website. For Japanese cuisine, Zen Box is a must downtown. The bento box sets make perfect lunch portions, with a variety of options from freshly steamed gyoza and zen salad to teriyaki chicken and yaki soba.

Washington Ave, Minneapolis, has a lot of great spots, but the top of the list is Zen Box Izakaya. This traditional-style Japanese restaurant cannot be beaten. We thought that after we visited Japan, we wouldn’t like Zen Box Izakaya as much, but we were wrong.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (151 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Asian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 602 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1115- Read more on Tripadvisor

If you can hit the edge of downtown, Zen Box Izakaya is the best ramen by far. It’s not even close. John Ng and Lina Goh run an excellent restaurant, and the passion and care he puts into ramen is amazing.

Downtown East's Zen Box Izakaya, located at 602 Washington Ave. South, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the izakaya and tapas bar, which offers ramen and more, four stars out of 567 reviews.

John Ng and Lona Goh, co-owners of Zen Box Izakaya, first had the idea and worked with the co-owners of Bebe Zito, Ben Spangler and Gabriella Grant-Spangler, to further develop the plan.

602 S Washington AvenueMinneapolis, MN 55415(612) 332-3936 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Zen Box Izakaya is a bustling eatery serving Japanese comfort fare and craft ramen.

Best Ramen in Minneapolis, MN - Ramen Kazama, Tenka Ramen , Ichiddo Ramen , Moto-i Ramen and Sake House, Zen Box Izakaya, Tori 44, Master Noodle, Tori,

World Street Kitchen and Zen Box Izakaya offer international flavors that can expand your family's palate, making dining out an trip in taste.

Zen Box Izakaya is a fun Japanese bar and grill that has a casual feel making a trip here one of many great date ideas in Minneapolis.

602 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415Phone: 612-332-3936 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by ???