Opening its doors in November 2024, Yatai Ramen provides an elevated Japanese street food dining experience. As no surprise, the star of the show on their menu is their wide selection of ramen. From miso grilled kinglip, served in a rich and creamy broth, with sea veg, fish cake, all within a steaming elderflower dashi broth and topped with marinated egg and chilli crisp oil, to miso dashi tofu.

Stepping off Bree Street into the dark and moody interiors, a riot of seductive cherry blossoms in the windows, with sizzling-hot beats and a buzz emanating from the open kitchen, it’s clear that Yatai (which opened in November 2024) is a must-visit hotspot. Immediately below sister restaurant Nikkei, it shares the same contemporary Japanese inspiration, but here chefs Rikku O’Donnchu and Warwick King put the spotlight on ramen, street food and a sparkle of sashimi. There’s a superb chef’s set menu that takes you through sashimi, gyoza, ramen, robata grill and more, or you can pop in to simply slurp a bowl of next-level ramen.

Yatai Ramenbar, tucked below Nikkei on Bree Street, takes inspiration from Japan’s yatais – traditional food stalls that pop up on busy streets, serving simple, delicious dishes from ramen to skewers. Chefs Rikku O’Donnchu and Warwick King elevate this street food concept with rich, slow-cooked ramen broths, hand-pulled noodles and a menu that goes beyond the bowl, featuring yakitori, dumplings and small plates. Yatai brings a taste of Japan’s vibrant food culture right to Cape Town, keeping the cosy, lively vibe of a classic yatai with a modern, refined twist.

Just downstairs of the Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant Nikkei, an intimate and sophisticated venue invites diners to explore Japanese street food turned into a true gastronomic experience. The seats at the open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs creating the most beautiful dishes may be a recall of the fast-disappearing yatai [Japanese street food stalls], and typical ramen bars. However, at Cape Town’s Yatai innovative cooking techniques, a trendy setting, and equally impressive menu has taken Japanese street food to the highest level.

With gorgeous contemporary interiors and a sophisticated yet casual vibe, Yatai Ramenbar is ideal for intimate dining occasions and date nights. This ramen hotspot is located below its sister restaurant, Nikkei Japanese Peruvian restaurant, which forms part of the Pan Collection Hospitality group. From Tonkotsu to Miso Kingklip and Truffle Shoyu Wagyu, the ramen selection is impeccable; they also have vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.

Yatai – Ramenbar is one of Cape Town’s newest Asian restaurants, located below Nikkei Japanese Peruvian. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese food stalls, known as Yatais, the restaurant reimagines this culinary heritage with a sophisticated, modern twist. Created by renowned chefs Rikku O’Donnchu and Warwick King, every dish offers an elevated dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation.

From culinary masters Rikku O'Donnchu and Warwick King, Yatai - Ramenbar brings the heart of Japanese street food to Bree Street. Inspired by classic Japanese food stalls known as Yatais, Yatai - Ramenbar promises rich broths, hand-pulled noodles, and mouth-watering toppings in every bowl. It’ll be below Nikkei with an opening date to be announced soon.

Cape Town Central, Western Cape Asian, Japanese, Seafood, Vegan, Vegetarian. Introducing Yatai Ramenbar - Where the vibrant essence of Japanese street food meets refined dining, blending simplicity and complexity in perfect harmony. Located below Nikkei on Cape Town&rsq...