Located in the heart of Portland, Maine, Ishi Ishi Ramen stands as a dedicated destination for those seeking an authentic and comforting bowl of noodles. Situated at 93 Washington Ave, this establishment has become a notable part of the local culinary landscape, drawing in residents and visitors alike who appreciate the craft of traditional ramen preparation. The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in simplicity and patience, focusing on the fundamental elements that make a bowl of ramen truly memorable: the depth of the broth, the texture of the noodles, and the harmony of fresh, quality ingredients.
Stepping into Ishi Ishi Ramen, guests are greeted by an atmosphere that prioritizes warmth and hospitality. The space is designed to offer a respite from the bustling city streets, providing a quiet corner where the focus remains entirely on the dining experience. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Japanese cuisine or someone exploring ramen for the first time, the menu is curated to offer a balanced selection that honors time-tested recipes while maintaining a clean, approachable profile. It is a place where the art of slow cooking meets the vibrant energy of Portland’s food scene.
What Defines the Ishi Ishi Experience
Commitment to Broth Craftsmanship: The foundation of every bowl is a meticulously prepared broth. By simmering ingredients for extended periods, the kitchen achieves a complex flavor profile that serves as the soul of the dish, ensuring that every spoonful is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Focus on Noodle Texture: Understanding that the noodle is just as vital as the soup, the restaurant places great emphasis on the bite and consistency of its noodles. Each serving is prepared to maintain the ideal firmness, allowing it to hold the broth perfectly and provide a pleasant mouthfeel throughout the meal.
Thoughtful Ingredient Selection: Quality is prioritized in every component, from the crispness of the fresh vegetables to the tenderness of the proteins. By sourcing ingredients with care, the kitchen ensures that each bowl is not only flavorful but also reflects a commitment to freshness and seasonal availability.
Welcoming Neighborhood Atmosphere: Located conveniently on Washington Avenue, the restaurant serves as a community hub. The environment is intentionally kept inviting and unpretentious, making it an ideal spot for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner with friends, or a quiet solo meal after a long day of exploring the city.
The dedication to the craft of ramen at Ishi Ishi is evident in the consistency of the dishes served. Rather than relying on trends or overly complex flavor combinations, the kitchen finds strength in the classic techniques that have defined ramen culture for generations. This approach allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, resulting in a dining experience that feels both familiar and refined. It is this dedication to the basics that keeps guests returning, as they know they can expect a reliable and high-quality meal every time they visit.
Beyond the food itself, the restaurant prides itself on being an accessible part of the Portland community. The staff is focused on providing attentive service that enhances the overall experience without being intrusive. This balance of professional hospitality and a relaxed, casual setting is what sets Ishi Ishi Ramen apart. It is a testament to the idea that great food does not need to be complicated; it simply needs to be prepared with intention, care, and a genuine respect for the traditions of the craft.
A Culinary Destination in Portland
As you navigate the diverse culinary offerings of Portland, Maine, Ishi Ishi Ramen remains a standout choice for those who value authenticity and comfort. Whether you are looking to warm up during a chilly coastal day or simply craving a well-made bowl of noodles, the doors at 93 Washington Ave are open to provide a genuine taste of ramen culture. We invite you to experience the care and passion that goes into every bowl, and we look forward to serving you in our neighborhood home.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeout
Dine-in
Offerings
Comfort food
Vegetarian options
Menus
Photos
Reviews Ishi Ishi Ramen
Jesse III
05-04-2026
Tasty outside ramen w/ a white ale all the while observing urban Portland. Soothes the soul on a cold day.
Kevin Conley
05-04-2026
Pat Palmer
05-04-2026
Akimitsu Hogge
05-04-2026
Evan Praetorius
05-04-2026
Adam Benedict
05-04-2026
Amy Black
05-04-2026
Brenton Heidel
05-04-2026
Great good, great atmosphere, great keychain.
Jason Walker
05-04-2026
You need to try the Ishi Gordita-Crunch asap
Sadie Allgood
05-04-2026
ISHI ISHI BABY! Best ramen in Portland!
Alex Reinhard
05-04-2026
Awesome Ramen spot. Reasonable prices, BYOB. Whats not to love?
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Ana Lucia Otarola
05-04-2026
Really good food and good service
Local Image Co.
05-04-2026
Sooo that was the beet ramen I’ve ever had. Thank you!!
Lucas Theriault
05-04-2026
Delicious!!!!! Excellent menu. Awesome friendly service. Food was spot on and amazing. Highly recommended!
Alex Reinhard
05-04-2026
Awesome Ramen spot. Reasonable prices, BYOB. Whats not to love?
Order type…
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Katrina Shaffer
05-04-2026
Yum! Really great ramen! Has limited seating inside and out but well worth a visit.
Daniel Bornstein
05-04-2026
Fantastic place for a quick bite. As I write this their worst review says that their food tastes like an oriental home cooked meal if that tells you how good this place is.
Drew Taylor
05-04-2026
Bought my girlfriend a vegetarian gordita crunch today, i think. it was great. we're stingy, but it was well worth the price.
Kana Kliethermes
05-04-2026
Great food and service! We really enjoyed Tonkotsu broth. Also the owner's dog Chashu was cute & friendly. Give them a try!
Lilit Danielyan
05-04-2026
The food is absolutely delicious! I highly recommend this place for a hot bowl of ramen (especially on a cold New England day).
Roy DeFio
05-04-2026
Fun Ramen shop. Best in town. Uplifting atmosphere.
Young K
05-04-2026
The food was absolutely amazing and very flavorful!
Meg Quinn
05-04-2026
Wow! We live in Taiwan and frequently visit Japan. This is the real deal! Great ramen, yummy yuzu lemonade (not too sweet!), and an amazing napa cabbage salad. Super friendly service, too!
Darren Brown
05-04-2026
Incredible ramen in Portland, Maine. I used to live in Austin where I frequented a Ramen place called Tatsu-ya, which I loved and adored. When I heard one of the guys from Tatsu-ya was opening a place on Washington Ave, I was beside myself … More
Matt Herbert
05-04-2026
Portland definitely needs more quality ramen places, but unfortunately Ishi Ishi isn't it. Their ramen was lacking in flavor and preparation, and the price was way too high for what you get. It feels like a half completed design, and opened … More
P J
05-04-2026
Coming from someone who used to work in Japan and has a Japanese husband, their ramen is overpriced and lacking in preparation. Their chicken broth needs a lot more depth of flavor. I couldn’t taste any typical dashi ingredients like kombu, … More
Curtis Cormier
05-04-2026
This was probably my favorite restaurant in Portland. I had the tacos and the Ramen. Both were fantastic. This should be a go to spot if you want a very tasty lunch. It's primarily outdoor seating, because the place is small, so expect that.
Garrett FitzGerald
05-04-2026
While they started as primarily ramen (which was and continues to be outstanding), Ishi Ishi has pivoted slightly to have nice small menu of excellent sandwichy & salady items - plus the ramen. … More
Marc Provencher
05-04-2026
We split the mazemen, chilled summer ramen and the gyro. Flavors and textures were excellent in all three dishes. Portions and prices were very good as well. It's a one man band during covid with the chef/owner doing it all- taking your … More
Jan Hofmann
05-04-2026
If you're reading this review you are obviously considering eating here. Seriously do yourself a favor and just go already! I've been meaning to give it a shot for a while and can't believe I waited until now. The food was incredible! These … More
Reviews Ishi Ishi Ramen