
Ittou Noodle Bar
Quick info
About Ittou Noodle Bar
Ittou Noodle Bar is a noodle shop at 9 King's Parade in Cambridge, set in a basement down a narrow side alley. The menu spans Korean, Japanese and Chinese dishes, with tonkotsu ramen alongside Korean wings and katsu curry. The room is small, and the format is walk-in. A queue often forms, sometimes along the alley or stairs, though some visits have no wait. Customers order and pay at the table. The restaurant asks guests to buy their soft drinks from it rather than bring their own, and free water is provided.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention tonkotsu ramen, galbi tang beef rib soup, korean chicken wings and chicken karaage.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention tonkotsu ramen, galbi tang beef rib soup, korean chicken wings and chicken karaage.
Customer Review Summary
Tonkotsu ramen is what reviewers return to most, with diners describing the broth as rich and creamy, the pork and egg cooked well, and the noodles perfectly cooked. Close behind are the beef rib soup, Korean wings, chicken karaage and katsu curry, along with octopus balls and veggie dumplings as starters. Several call the food authentic and the menu reasonable, and a few praise the friendly front staff and quick service. The main trade-off is space. The basement room down a narrow alley is described as small, cramped and snug, with queues reaching the stairs and outside at busy times. Opinions split on the food itself. One reviewer found the noodles tasted cheap, like packet super noodles, and ruined the dish, and another called the meal decent but not the best. One felt pressured to order and was told to put away a soft drink brought from outside, though the staff did give free water. Reviewers also mention the chefs working tirelessly in the kitchen, and one diner seated within minutes of the food arriving noted how quickly the plates came out.
Customer Review Summary
Tonkotsu ramen is what reviewers return to most, with diners describing the broth as rich and creamy, the pork and egg cooked well, and the noodles perfectly cooked. Close behind are the beef rib soup, Korean wings, chicken karaage and katsu curry, along with octopus balls and veggie dumplings as starters. Several call the food authentic and the menu reasonable, and a few praise the friendly front staff and quick service. The main trade-off is space. The basement room down a narrow alley is described as small, cramped and snug, with queues reaching the stairs and outside at busy times. Opinions split on the food itself. One reviewer found the noodles tasted cheap, like packet super noodles, and ruined the dish, and another called the meal decent but not the best. One felt pressured to order and was told to put away a soft drink brought from outside, though the staff did give free water. Reviewers also mention the chefs working tirelessly in the kitchen, and one diner seated within minutes of the food arriving noted how quickly the plates came out.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Very small and hidden, but food and service did not disappoint! Went with a group of 7 people and it was a still snug. There was a variety of East Asian cuisines including Korean, Japanese and Chinese foods.”
- Google user
“This was a hidden place down a side alley in Cambridge. I was looking for a noodle bar and was directed here. Upon entering I asked the lady what food they had and was immediately given a menu and asked to sit down, so I felt pressured to order from them. In the end, I bought the noodles and chicken option for around £11. Whilst waiting the waiter and the cook were standing over me looking in my direction. It was kind of intrusive in a way. I then pulled out my own drink and put it on the table, to which this didn't go down well. I was immediately told I must put the soft drink away and must buy from them. Fair enough I suppose. They gave me free water at least. The food was reasonable. It wasn't great. I've had better in many other places. It wasn't for me.”
- Google user
“Going to be honest - I don’t get the hype. The queues are usually long but we managed to get a table without having to wait. I thought the flavour of ramen was fine and it was well priced but the noodles tasted very cheap, like from 50 p packets of super noodles and they ruined the whole dish. Maybe I should try other dishes”
- Google user
“Food was great. From the outside it looks like a dodgy end of alley restaurant but the food is really good. I wasn't expecting much but this was a very nice surprise. We had ramen, katsu curry and chicken karaage. All of which were good. Will go again.”
- Google user
“Not bad but not the best either. Service was fast, food was decent, prices were ok. Really nice touch with the wavy chopsticks 🥢!Would I visit again? Maybe, if my other options in Cambridge had no availability. If this review made your decision easier, a 👍 would be greatly appreciated. And if you're curious, I’ve got plenty more reviews you can check out. Thanks!”
Highlights
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Casual
- Onsite services
- Dessert
- Solo dining
Show more amenities
- Restroom
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Dining options· 1
- Table service
Location
Restaurants near Ittou Noodle Bar
- 0.3 mi£20–50Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
raclette, sunday roast, fish pie
- Garden House4.59480.3 mi£20–70Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
riverside setting, afternoon tea, roast beef
- 0.6 mi
shrimp dumplings, cash only policy, braised beef
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ittou Noodle Bar | 4.5548 | — | £10–20 | tonkotsu ramen, galbi tang beef rib soup, korean chicken wings |
| d'Arry's Restaurant, Bar & CheesemongerOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.31,202 | 0.3 mi | £20–50 | raclette, sunday roast, fish pie |
| Garden HouseOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.5948 | 0.3 mi | £20–70 | riverside setting, afternoon tea, roast beef |
| Cafe Oriental Dumpling Bar | 4.6849 | 0.6 mi | — | shrimp dumplings, cash only policy, braised beef |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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