Due Italian

A ladle of molten cheese floating in clear golden broth, flanked by slices of cured ham: anyone visiting Ogon no Shio Ramen Due Italian Honten in Ichigaya will likely be drawn first to the flagship Ramen Nama Ham Fromage. The clean, refined chicken-based salt broth provides an elegant foundation, while the creamy cheese and savoury prosciutto infuse Italian culinary sensibilities into a bowl of Japanese ramen.

The real pleasure of the dish lies in how the flavours develop as you eat. Rather than blending the cheese into the broth right away, diners are encouraged to lift the thin, straight noodles through the cheese, creating a striking contrast between the clean soup and the rich dairy. Once the noodles are finished, a small bowl of rice is served to tip into the remaining soup, turning the last spoonfuls into a deeply savoury cheese risotto.

While the innovative cheese bowl draws headlines, the restaurant's purist foundations—such as the standard Shio Ramen and Shoyu Ramen—are equally well calibrated. The salt ramen is accompanied by citrusy mikan pepper paste for a sharp finishing touch. In warmer months, vibrant seasonal options like the Chilled Tomato Collection or an acid-bright Lemon Ramen provide refreshing alternatives. Diners can also accompany their meal with Italian beers or a glass of wine.

The dining room is clean, quiet, and comfortable for solo guests. Ordering is handled via a ticket machine by the entrance, and self-serve water stations feature options like lemon-infused water and rooibos tea. Service is walk-in only and cash-only, making it an easy, unpretentious stop for a spontaneous lunch or a quick dinner on the way home from work.