Crafty Ramen, a popular Guelph-based ramen shop founded by husband and wife team Jared and Miki Ferrall, is bringing their bowls to downtown Toronto.
Known for its unique take on classic ramen and its at-home ramen meal experience, Crafty Ramen’s first Toronto restaurant location will open its doors on Thursday, March 16.
Situated at 217 Ossington Avenue, recently named one of the coolest streets in the world, the team’s third noodle shop will share their unique house-made, locally influenced take on classic ramen in a space reflective of the warmth, creativity, and care for which the brand has become known.
After studying at Japan’s Yamato Ramen School and dedicating several years to exploring ramen shops throughout Japan, Jared and Miki opened the first Crafty Ramen in Guelph, Ontario in 2017.
They were inspired to share their love of ramen with their new community while creating unique dishes that represented both Japanese and local, Canadian flavour.
What began as a single mom-and-pop ramen shop has since become a name recognized nationwide thanks to their high-quality, make-at-home ramen experiences. In the last year alone they have been named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies and successfully landed a deal on CBC’s Dragons’ Den.
Now, with the opening of their third restaurant location, Toronto ramen lovers (and noodle-curious) can get a taste of a Crafty Ramen bowl made fresh for themselves.
The space serves as an homage to the shops Miki grew up with in Japan.
Diners seated along the bar have a full view of the open kitchen and are encouraged to watch and learn, while the narrow intimacy invites everyone inside to engage in the cooking experience as their meals are prepared.
The closeness of the space also allows guests to enjoy the interior ‘craftiness’ of the restaurant’s decor.
Two back walls are covered in an intricate Japanese pop culture collage, assembled by hand by Miki herself, while the adjoining wall is made to recreate the feel of an open-air ramen stall, with an awning overhanging the seating area and a mural hand painted by a local artist.
Every aspect of the design sets the tone for a space alive with fun, care, creativity, and appreciation for the full ramen experience.
The new restaurant will also include a mini-market at the front of the shop so that guests can easily grab from an array of Asian-inspired products made by other local small businesses, along with Crafty Ramen’s own make-at-home meals and sauces — and soon an exciting new frozen ramen product launching in the coming weeks.