🍜 Montreal Ramen Showdown: Yokato Yokabai vs. Kinton Ramen

Montreal’s ramen scene is buzzing—and as self-proclaimed noodle lovers, my boyfriend and I decided to dig into two of the city’s most talked-about ramen spots: Yokato Yokabai and Kinton Ramen. After our back-to-back visits, one emerged as our favorite—but both offered something special. Here’s the full scoop.

First Stop: Yokato Yokabai

📍 4185 Drolet St., Plateau-Mont-Royal

Located in the heart of the Plateau, Yokato Yokabai is known for its authentic tonkotsu-style ramen. The restaurant is small and cozy with a minimalist wooden interior—it instantly feels like a hidden gem tucked away in Tokyo.

Their tonkotsu broth is incredibly rich, made from organic pork bones simmered for over 12 hours. The noodles are fresh, the toppings traditional, and you can customize your bowl from broth thickness to garlic levels. Every detail screams craftsmanship.

But here’s the catch: it’s always packed. No reservations. Expect to write your name down and wander around until they call you back (which could be a while). It's worth the wait if you're in no rush, but if you're hangry, proceed with caution.

Next Up: Kinton Ramen

📍 1211 Rue Bishop, Downtown Montreal

A completely different vibe—but in the best way. Kinton Ramen is sleek, modern, and energetic, located downtown near Concordia. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with friendly staff and seated right away—big plus.

Their menu offers way more variety than Yokato, with pork, chicken, and vegetarian options, plus seasonal bowls and fun sides like gyoza and takoyaki. We both went for their Spicy Garlic Pork Ramen, and it was love at first slurp. The broth was smooth and flavorful, the noodles chewy and springy, and the toppings perfectly balanced.

What stood out most was how wholesome and complete the experience felt—from service to portion size to overall satisfaction. It’s the kind of place where you can try something different every time and never be disappointed.

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Verdict: Why We Preferred Kinton Ramen

While Yokato Yokabai brought intensity and tradition, Kinton Ramen offered a more balanced, accessible, and enjoyable experience overall. The atmosphere was lively, the service fast, and the ramen bowls hit the spot without feeling overly heavy.

Plus, having vegetarian and spicy options made it easier to cater to different cravings.

If you’re new to Montreal or just visiting, and you can only try one spot, we’d recommend Kinton Ramen for the full package: flavor, comfort, and fun.

Final Thoughts

Montreal is a treasure trove for foodies, and its ramen scene is no exception. Whether you’re all about deep, rich broths or looking for a variety of slurp-worthy options, both Yokato Yokabai and Kinton Ramen deliver. But for us, Kinton was the winner we’d go back to again (and again).

Have you tried either of these ramen spots? Drop a comment and let us know your favorite—and what we should try next!