Tanaka Ramen Izakaya, a Japanese ramen and izakaya-style restaurant, is getting ready to open in Kirkland at 312 Central Way, Unit 103.
The company’s new location will open in the former home of Island Soul – Kirkland (Arleana’s), according to a recent liquor license application. Franchise owner Jue “Tina” Wang tells What Now Seattle that the restaurant expects to open in late January 2026. Customers can expect traditional Japanese ramen, rice bowls, izakaya-style small plates, and desserts in a modern, casual environment.
Tanaka Ramen was founded to bring fresh, gourmet, and affordable Japanese ramen to multiple U.S. cities. The concept is named after its Japanese head chef, who traveled across Japan to develop recipes for the menu. The brand has locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Hawaii, and is now expanding into the Seattle metro area.
The Kirkland location is part of Tanaka Ramen’s broader U.S. expansion, introducing the brand to new regional markets. This will be the company’s first restaurant in Washington, offering a new option for local diners seeking traditional ramen and Japanese small plates. The space will serve dine-in customers, offer takeout, and include a variety of menu items suitable for sharing.
The menu at Tanaka Ramen Izakaya includes ramen bowls, Tokyo-style curry bowls, rice bowls, and izakaya dishes such as pork gyoza, soft shell crab buns, karaage chicken, takoyaki, fried oysters, and rock shrimp ebi-mayo. Seasonal salads, vegetable dishes, and signature sides like truffle or cumin fries are also part of the offerings. Jason Feng and Tina Wang are leading the franchise in Kirkland, building on the brand’s success in other states.
