It’s no secret that Toronto has acquired a good number of ramen shops this year, and there’s still more on the way. Coming to Toronto from Okinawa, Japan is Ramen & Izakaya Ryoji, set to open soon in Little Italy.
Founder Ryoji Kinjo opened his first izakaya in 1988 at the age of 27. The brand now has 11 izakayas and ramen shops across Okinawa; this is its first international venture. Ramen & Izakaya Ryoji will replace Vecchio Frak at 690-692 College Street.
Ryoji calls its signature style of ramen “tondu,” and it comes in two styles: otoko-aji and onna-aji. The former is made from boiling pork bones, chicken and vegetables (such as garlic, onions, leeks, carrots and ginger) for 18 hours. The latter is a salty broth made from three types of soup (pork/chicken, fish/bonito and vegetable) with a special salt blend added. The soups are topped with pork, green onions, kelp or bean sprouts, among other items.
The restaurant is hoping to open sometime before Christmas.
Ramen & Izakaya Ryoji, 690-692 College St.
