The food was remarkable. Reminded me of Japan. It was a little off putting to ordering first via iPad, but it all works out. Highly recommended.
Albert Hutama
I think this is the best ramen place in Bethesda ? Love the real spicy of Gekikara Ramen. Taste great with perfect level of saltiness. The spicy is not overpowering the broth and other stuff
Really delicious ramen. Chewy and flavorful broth!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
Brooke D.
We frequent this place often. Staff is very kind, atmosphere is cute, food comes out quick and is DELICIOUS! Highly recommend.
Tommy Y.
A friend highly recommended ZAO Stamina in Bethesda, and since it's so close to Rockville I had to check it out . Their branding and social media is definitely on point, plus they offer some unique weekend specialty ramen as well ! Zao prides itself with their handmade inhouse ramen noodles, skinny and curly varieties, and their authentic broths with modern spins. For the appetizers /drinks we got: Tori Kara-Age Mini Chashu Don Umeshu Japanese Plum Wine For the ramen we got: Gekikara Tonkotsu Old School Shoyu Mazesoba The Tori Kara-Age was some nice tender bites, and the chashu don rice bowl was savory and sweet ! The Gekikara Tonkotsu was the SECOND most spiciest ramen on the menu, and it was pretty intense , tasty broth but it had a BOLD spicy KICK . The Ramen broth in general is more on the oilier side, which if that's your preferred style, then it works well! My Old School Shoyu was tasty, but I think the broth could've had a bit more flavor/saltiness to it. Besides the basic toppings listed in the description, you can add extra toppings from their menu for additional costs, but this can make your ramen end up being pretty pricey. Definitely want to come back and check out their weekend specials, as well as their skinny ramen noodles.
Matthew Rossi
First time having Ramen in DC. Blew me away. I have ramen roughly once a month in south Florida from the same 3-4 places and this is better than all of them. Can’t wait to try more of what this place has to offer before I leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stamina
Takashi Ushijima
Revisited for Jiro Ramen.I increased the rating one star. They did good job of making Jiro ramen. The taste was good and it is good to enjoy Jiro ramen here in this area. Very rare opportunity.However, I ordered Mt. Fuji Jiro which costs about 10 dollars more than the normal Jiro, and I was expecting that Mt. Fuji Jiro would be equivalent to Jiro with 'Mashi Mashi' vegetables etc. however, Mt. Fuji Jiro's portion was quite disappointing. It would have been better ordering the normal Jiro with adding some toppings like bean sprouts etc. It's way pricy than Yume Wo Katare in Boston. Considering all these, yes I increased one star rating but it would not be enough to give 5-star. I wish they will offer another Jiro days and bring true Jiro spirit here (Jirorians (Jiro enthusiast) love and enjoy 'Mashi Mashi' portion)***********************************It is ok taste, not very bad. This shop does not have a parking so you should park at a parking lot nearby. The service was ok. It is a bit pricy but understandable because of its location.It says a real Japanese ramen which probably true, but I, born and raised in Japan, have never heard Zao ramen when I lived in Japan. I looked it up on google and it looks like Zao ramen (蔵王ラーメン) in Japan is not that popular (the rating is like 3 out of 5) and I totally agree with the rating (I do not know if this Zao in Bethesda is related to Zao ramen in Japan though).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Claire Johnson
I had never tried creamy ramen but decided to order the Tokyo Tonkotsu based on a recommendation from a ramen aficionado. It was divine. I wanted to enjoy the frothy cream so much that I decided not to add chiles. It was best as prepared. The ordering is efficient. You’re not going to go for the service and ambiance so it is what it is. You go for the food. And I’d return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Ax
My friends and I frequently dine here and hold Zao's tonkotsu soup base in the highest regard—arguably the best in the U.S. Although there's room for improvement in the pork's tenderness, the gyoza and chicken karaage come highly recommended for their exceptional flavor.A humble wish for extended hours until 9 PM would make our experiences even more delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Limited Edition Ramen Bowl, Pork Gyoza, Ajitama Seasoned Egg 味玉, Tan Tan Men, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
Food was really good. Service was excellent too. I got takeout, and I really like that they give it to you separately. Keeps everything fresher. Great taste.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ethan S.
Really great ramen, service setup is a little bit strange but the food quality is the best in this part of MD/
Richard L.
Came here with a group of 5 on the way back from skiing up in Pennsylvania one Saturday. The store front confused us at first but were able to find it after circling back. The inside had a pretty cool classic ramen shop feel. You order at the stand up front via the machines and take a number to your table. We got a variety of noodles and what helped was a day of skiing and the fact that it was like 28 degrees outside so a bowl of ramen really helped hit the spot. That being said, while the broth was good, I wished there were more things in the ramen and the meat selection was a bit different. The thin slices for some of the bowls did not feel very substantial for the price. Overall it was good in terms of flavor but not somewhere I would go out of my way for. If I lived closer wouldn't be against going when I was craving a bowl but there are better places closer to the downtown DC area that I would choose over this place.
James H.
The taste is ok, but my opinion is that this bowel of ramen does not deserve this price. It's in the expensive Bethesda area, which may be a factor driving this price. I ordered classic shoyu ramen. It was essentially just noodle, two slices of thin chashu and menma. Its broth is not so impressive. Something is missing considering the price. If it were a lower price, I would come a little more frequently. But there are a few good ramen restaurants in the DMV area (Santouka, Hosaki etc) such that I would rather go there as the taste is better, overall price is better and food volume is better.
Matthew H.
Zao Stamina Ramen is located in Bethesda, right off of Wisconsin Ave. Upon walking into the restaurant, you must place your order at one of two iPads. Once the order is placed, take a number and find an empty table. Your food will be out shortly. The noodles in the ramen are homemade and delicious. I recommend getting pork, rather than chicken, as the protein in the ramen. The staff is very friendly. There is also a self-serve water station. Give this place a try for lunch, dinner, dine-in, or takeout.
The food was remarkable. Reminded me of Japan. It was a little off putting to ordering first via iPad, but it all works out. Highly recommended.
I think this is the best ramen place in Bethesda ? Love the real spicy of Gekikara Ramen. Taste great with perfect level of saltiness. The spicy is not overpowering the broth and other stuff
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The ramen here is delicious!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Pork Gyoza, Pork Butt Chashu 2pc, Ajitama Seasoned Egg 味玉, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
Really delicious ramen. Chewy and flavorful broth!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
We frequent this place often. Staff is very kind, atmosphere is cute, food comes out quick and is DELICIOUS! Highly recommend.
A friend highly recommended ZAO Stamina in Bethesda, and since it's so close to Rockville I had to check it out . Their branding and social media is definitely on point, plus they offer some unique weekend specialty ramen as well ! Zao prides itself with their handmade inhouse ramen noodles, skinny and curly varieties, and their authentic broths with modern spins. For the appetizers /drinks we got: Tori Kara-Age Mini Chashu Don Umeshu Japanese Plum Wine For the ramen we got: Gekikara Tonkotsu Old School Shoyu Mazesoba The Tori Kara-Age was some nice tender bites, and the chashu don rice bowl was savory and sweet ! The Gekikara Tonkotsu was the SECOND most spiciest ramen on the menu, and it was pretty intense , tasty broth but it had a BOLD spicy KICK . The Ramen broth in general is more on the oilier side, which if that's your preferred style, then it works well! My Old School Shoyu was tasty, but I think the broth could've had a bit more flavor/saltiness to it. Besides the basic toppings listed in the description, you can add extra toppings from their menu for additional costs, but this can make your ramen end up being pretty pricey. Definitely want to come back and check out their weekend specials, as well as their skinny ramen noodles.
First time having Ramen in DC. Blew me away. I have ramen roughly once a month in south Florida from the same 3-4 places and this is better than all of them. Can’t wait to try more of what this place has to offer before I leave.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stamina
Revisited for Jiro Ramen.I increased the rating one star. They did good job of making Jiro ramen. The taste was good and it is good to enjoy Jiro ramen here in this area. Very rare opportunity.However, I ordered Mt. Fuji Jiro which costs about 10 dollars more than the normal Jiro, and I was expecting that Mt. Fuji Jiro would be equivalent to Jiro with 'Mashi Mashi' vegetables etc. however, Mt. Fuji Jiro's portion was quite disappointing. It would have been better ordering the normal Jiro with adding some toppings like bean sprouts etc. It's way pricy than Yume Wo Katare in Boston. Considering all these, yes I increased one star rating but it would not be enough to give 5-star. I wish they will offer another Jiro days and bring true Jiro spirit here (Jirorians (Jiro enthusiast) love and enjoy 'Mashi Mashi' portion)***********************************It is ok taste, not very bad. This shop does not have a parking so you should park at a parking lot nearby. The service was ok. It is a bit pricy but understandable because of its location.It says a real Japanese ramen which probably true, but I, born and raised in Japan, have never heard Zao ramen when I lived in Japan. I looked it up on google and it looks like Zao ramen (蔵王ラーメン) in Japan is not that popular (the rating is like 3 out of 5) and I totally agree with the rating (I do not know if this Zao in Bethesda is related to Zao ramen in Japan though).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I had never tried creamy ramen but decided to order the Tokyo Tonkotsu based on a recommendation from a ramen aficionado. It was divine. I wanted to enjoy the frothy cream so much that I decided not to add chiles. It was best as prepared. The ordering is efficient. You’re not going to go for the service and ambiance so it is what it is. You go for the food. And I’d return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
My friends and I frequently dine here and hold Zao's tonkotsu soup base in the highest regard—arguably the best in the U.S. Although there's room for improvement in the pork's tenderness, the gyoza and chicken karaage come highly recommended for their exceptional flavor.A humble wish for extended hours until 9 PM would make our experiences even more delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Limited Edition Ramen Bowl, Pork Gyoza, Ajitama Seasoned Egg 味玉, Tan Tan Men, Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was really good. Service was excellent too. I got takeout, and I really like that they give it to you separately. Keeps everything fresher. Great taste.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really great ramen, service setup is a little bit strange but the food quality is the best in this part of MD/
Came here with a group of 5 on the way back from skiing up in Pennsylvania one Saturday. The store front confused us at first but were able to find it after circling back. The inside had a pretty cool classic ramen shop feel. You order at the stand up front via the machines and take a number to your table. We got a variety of noodles and what helped was a day of skiing and the fact that it was like 28 degrees outside so a bowl of ramen really helped hit the spot. That being said, while the broth was good, I wished there were more things in the ramen and the meat selection was a bit different. The thin slices for some of the bowls did not feel very substantial for the price. Overall it was good in terms of flavor but not somewhere I would go out of my way for. If I lived closer wouldn't be against going when I was craving a bowl but there are better places closer to the downtown DC area that I would choose over this place.
The taste is ok, but my opinion is that this bowel of ramen does not deserve this price. It's in the expensive Bethesda area, which may be a factor driving this price. I ordered classic shoyu ramen. It was essentially just noodle, two slices of thin chashu and menma. Its broth is not so impressive. Something is missing considering the price. If it were a lower price, I would come a little more frequently. But there are a few good ramen restaurants in the DMV area (Santouka, Hosaki etc) such that I would rather go there as the taste is better, overall price is better and food volume is better.
Zao Stamina Ramen is located in Bethesda, right off of Wisconsin Ave. Upon walking into the restaurant, you must place your order at one of two iPads. Once the order is placed, take a number and find an empty table. Your food will be out shortly. The noodles in the ramen are homemade and delicious. I recommend getting pork, rather than chicken, as the protein in the ramen. The staff is very friendly. There is also a self-serve water station. Give this place a try for lunch, dinner, dine-in, or takeout.