Ramen-Ya is a relative newcomer to St-Laurent in the Plateau, and I certainly hope it’s a restaurant that’s here to stay for a long time. I recently had one of the best (and most affordable!) lunches there than I’ve had in a long time, and I am looking forward to eating there on a regular basis.

Ramen-Ya is a small resto, with only a few tables and benches at the bar. However, it’s clean, sleek and tastefully decorated, and a lovely place to sit down and have a meal. The star of the place is their ramen soup, which is not to be confused with the insane amount of pho that is available in this city; no, the ramen soup here is lighter, less greasy, fresher and filled with ramen noodles.

You are offered a choice between three different types of broth: shoyu, (the clearest and lightest in flavour) miso, or curry (the darkest and heaviest in flavour). The traditionalist in me went for the shoyu broth (which the waitress also recommended), and a side of tonkatsu, or breaded pork cutlet, to put in the soup.
Alone, the pork was a bit dry, but after it had sat in the ramen soup for a bit, it became tender and a wonderful addition to the already-full soup. Along with a plentiful serving of ramen noodles in the bowl were mushrooms, crunchy bean sprouts and seaweed. Not heavy at all, this soup was hearty and filling, and full of freshness.
For appetizers, we went with the gyoza, perfectly pan-fried on one side, so there was a mixture of textures; slightly chewy on one, crispy on the other.
They could’ve been filled a little more pork, but what was there was rich in flavour, as was the dipping sauce. The serving size was ideal.
The other appetizer we ordered was the grilled squid, served on a bed of lettuce. I loved every tender bite of it.

I loved the meal and will be a repeat visitor. And with two appetizers, one big bowl of soup and a pork cutlet and a small sake, Ramen-Ya fed two people for $30, tax included. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

Ramen-Ya
4274 St Laurent
(514) 286-3832