West Seattle restaurants: Peek inside Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya as it gets closer to opening

EDITOR’S NOTE: The in-the-works West Seattle restaurant we’re getting the most questions about right now is Kizuki Ramen, previously Kukai when we first reported its Junction plan last August. So if you’re wondering when it will open (etc.), here’s what we have found out:

IMG_1899 (1)

By Randall Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Ramen fans of West Seattle can look forward to late April, the current target for the opening of Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya in The Junction.

The West Seattle outlet of Kizuki will be the fourth Seattle-area location for the Japan-based ramen chain that’s currently undergoing a name change from Kukai. When the company opened its Bellevue location late in 2012, that was its first outside Japan. Now, after successful openings in Northgate, Capitol Hill, and Beaverton, Oregon, Kizuki’s management is excited to come to the peninsula.

“Kizuki recognized the opportunity to be a part of an ever-growing destination and diverse neighborhood in West Seattle,” says Kizuki District Manager and 17-year West Seattle resident Patrick Haight. “We are excited about offering a unique and different dining experience in The Junction.”

Haight says the company already employs several West Seattle residents at other locations, including a general manager, which should help bring some local feel to a restaurant dealing in one of the world’s great comfort foods. Here, by the way, are two Kizuki interior photos shared with us to give you an idea of what you’ll find inside the 42nd/Alaska location:

whatlookslike

likethis

In addition to a variety of ramen styles, Kizui also offers many “small dish” (Izakaya) items, including Chicken Karaage, Potato Croquettes, and a Japanese Pork Bun with Tender Pork Belly.

But make no mistake, the ramen is the main attraction, with the slow-simmered broth helping Kizuki offer what they describe as “the most traditional, authentic, and delicious Japanese ramen that you can possibly have without flying to Japan.”

Those with dietary restrictions can also rejoice. Kizuki offers Shirataki yam noodles, providing an option for the gluten-free and low-carb crowds. There is even a vegetarian ramen broth, which is also gluten-free.

For those with beverage needs, Kizuki will have beer, wine, and spirits, with a heavy focus on Japanese beer, Japanese whiskey, sake, and soju.

Kizuki will be open at 11:00 a.m. seven days a week, but will close at 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, reopening for dinner from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the restaurant stays open through the entire day until midnight. Kizuki will also remain open through Sunday afternoons, but closes at 9:30 p.m.

Reservations are not accepted at Kizuki, so it’s first-come, first-served. Customers can call ahead, however, for takeout orders. Haight anticipates also offering delivery, but has not yet identified a vendor for the service.

19 Replies to "West Seattle restaurants: Peek inside Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya as it gets closer to opening"

  • seattle_sunburn February 24, 2016 (4:09 pm)

    Will the vegetarian broth be vegan too? I like the idea of adding the yam noodles to the broth for a vegan option. Thanks!

  • Amanda C. February 24, 2016 (4:17 pm)

    Its about time we get a good ramen place in W. Seattle! I’m very excited!

  • Bonnie February 24, 2016 (4:38 pm)

    I can’t wait!

  • Casey February 24, 2016 (4:52 pm)

    Wow I can’t wait, I want noodles now! But don’t you think this space could have served a better purpose, like another Starbucks? We need more. I miss when there were two Starbucks across the street from each other at the Morgan Junction. Starbucks, it’s just so good!! *bang*

  • coffee February 24, 2016 (4:57 pm)

    I eat at the Cap Hill location at least once a month.  This place is the BOMB!!!  Love it!  And now its close.  I am so excited!

  • Wsgal February 24, 2016 (5:46 pm)

    Love all the style coming to west Seattle! Can’t wait to eat some yam noodles! 

  • Eric1 February 24, 2016 (7:06 pm)

    I  was wondering when were they going to change the name. Food and Kukai is like naming a car Nova.

    • Baffled February 26, 2016 (1:09 pm)

      Huh?

  • Joe Szilagyi February 24, 2016 (10:09 pm)

    Their extra rich broth ramen, the tonkotsu shoyu is so, so good, especially with the takoyaki octopus on the side. So good. 

  • newnative February 24, 2016 (11:05 pm)

    Of course, Joe, opting for maximum density.  Miso ramen is my favorite so far.  Too bad it won’t be open for breakfast.

    • Joe Szilagyi February 25, 2016 (10:44 am)

      Touche! I laughed. But seriously, it’s so good.

  • Matt S. February 25, 2016 (8:38 am)

    Is it April yet?

  • D. Radke-Bogen February 25, 2016 (11:08 am)

    We just watched “Tampopo” the ’80’s Japanese ramen western. Worth watching while you wait. Oops I need to return the SW branch copy…

  • HelperMonkey February 25, 2016 (11:32 am)

    is it weird I’m already camping out in line? OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN 

  • Carissa February 25, 2016 (2:42 pm)

    Super excited! Can’t wait for April!!

  • Natalie February 25, 2016 (3:00 pm)

    So excited!!

  • grrrrr February 25, 2016 (4:45 pm)

    Bring on the Hibiki and Yamazaki!!!!!

  • Ex-Westwood Resident February 25, 2016 (9:34 pm)

    Kinda off topic, but any news on the Wing Stop that was/is planned for Westwood Village?

Sorry, comment time is over.