The stamina ramen was very good. The broth was flavorful and the spice level was just right. The noodles were on the thick side and had a good firmness to them. You don't need to wait to sit at the bar, and you can order from your phone, which I thought was convenient.

Some of the best ramen I've had in the area. Got there with a huge group right at Noon and they were able to easily accommodate us. The Tan Tan Men will now be my go-to ramen order thanks to Zao. The broth was rich and full-bodied and it was loaded up with noodles and chicken. It had just the right amount of spice. The Chicken Kara-age may be the best version of it I've ever had. The Chicken was unbelievably hot and coating was perfectly crisp and very flavorful. I was so so happy with my entire meal here.

What can I say, the food was phenomenal. The Karaage was nice and Krispy and juicy. The ramen was out of this world. I rarely see food advertised as spicy that's actually spicy.... Well these guys nailed it, the heat, spice and flavor were all there. I left with a huge smile on my face. Definitely try this place if you want a good bowl of ramen and or a really spicy dish.

Zao is one of, if not THE best ramen place in the DMV area. I lived in Japan for four years, and I even prefer it to some places I frequented there because not only do the owners of Zao have a true passion and skill for making ramen, but they have a unique creativity that is unlike anywhere else. Their 'Gentei' or limited time bowls are always a culinary adventure that keeps me coming back again and again (as seen by my many many point cards...). Pictured are limited flavors I've tried over the years like Pumpkin Spice Miso which I had today in the spirit of Halloween, and previous ones like Spicy Yuzu Tsukemen, Hiyashi Kani (Crab) Corn Ramen, Corn Croquettes, Mapo Tofu Ramen, JIRO Style, etc. Also pictured is my usual go-to on the standard menu, their amazing Tan Tan Men (with extra scallions, or 'Kara negi'!). You can see (and taste!) the amount of work that goes into each bowl on Zao's menu. Though a lot of the bowls pictured here aren't available at the moment, the gentei flavor is always updating with new interesting flavors each month, or rotating old favorites back in; Check their Instagram to see what's coming up. Like others have mentioned, their fried chicken is also a must order! The self ordering at the front is simple and straightforward, and if you're a single or duo diner, you can sit and order at the counter! They also make all their noodles in-house every morning -- You won't get a more authentic Japanese ramen experience anywhere else. I also highly recommend trying the fruit beer- the Hokkaido Melon actually tastes like they packed a real melon in there! Really unique flavor if you like sweeter alcohols, but for those who prefer a normal one, nothing beats a pint of Japanese beer with a bowl of ramen. As you can tell, I love this place and am a regular. The staff here truly care about the customer experience, and are a wonderful team who are quick and helpful. Definitely worth stopping by!

Very nice flavorful broth and noodles. Easy ordering system and food also came out quick. Nice place for a quick lunch/dinner.

Been going to Zao's for a long time now. I enjoy getting my standard bowl, a toyko tonkotsu but I have been enjoying the monthly specials so much recently. It's a breath of fresh air and allows me to try new ramen types I've never had before! (Pictured is their recent special Niboshin Seabura Wonton Men) On another note the general Zao's chicken has been such a great addition, you gotta try it if you have a chance!

Can't believe I passed this place so many times before without realizing it was the same place on my 'want to visit' list. Finally stopped in and glad I did. The ordering system is pretty unique: you order up front and take a placard to your table or sit at the bar (which is time limited) and order via QR code. The ramen was very good, though for a spicy option there wasn't as much heat and I'd expected. Otherwise the noodles were springy, the broth excellent, and they don't skimp on toppings either. Definitely one of the better ramen options in Maryland and worth a visit.

I’m obsessed with their karaage aka fried chicken. The dark meat chicken is so darn tender and flavorful. I get it as an appetizer every time. We go there on Monday for their Stamina Monday deal. The chicken broth is delicious. A bonus for us is to add butter to add creaminess to the broth. Another thing I love is they often serve limited-edition ramen bowls that are not on the regular menu. They are usually super unique and can’t be easily found anywhere else. Highly recommend to any food adventurers!