Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, the Hawaii-born ramen and izakaya concept, quietly slipped into Kirkland this month with a new location on Central Way. The opening brings the brand’s signature heavy-broth bowls and izakaya-style small plates to Moss Bay, where downtown’s restaurant lineup has been steadily filling out. Regulars can expect many of the chain’s Hawaii staples, along with a few items aimed squarely at Washington palates.
As reported by Pacific Business News on Feb. 13, Tanaka opened its first Washington location and indicated that more mainland restaurants are in the works. The outlet cast the Kirkland spot as the brand’s first West Coast foothold after several years of growth across Hawai‘i.
Where It Landed
The chain’s official locations page lists the Kirkland address as 312 Central Way, Suite 103, complete with hours and a local phone line for reservations, as shown on Tanaka Ramen’s website. The storefront sits in the Moss Bay area and is set up for both dine-in customers and to-go orders.
How the Eastside Deal Came Together
Local reporting notes the space previously housed Island Soul (Arleana’s), and franchisee Jue “Tina” Wang told What Now Seattle that the team was aiming for a late-January opening after filing for a liquor license. According to the outlet, the Kirkland restaurant would serve ramen bowls, Tokyo-style curry and izakaya small plates.
Menu Moves And Washington Exclusives
The menu features Tanaka’s signature bowls, including the Tanaka Classic, Tanaka Rich Garlic, Tonkotsu Curry and a Spicy Creamy Vegan option, alongside izakaya plates such as pork gyoza, soft-shell crab buns and takoyaki, per the restaurant’s online menu at Tanaka Ramen. Pacific Business News adds that the Kirkland outpost will also introduce a handful of Washington-exclusive dishes tailored to local tastes.
Who’s Behind The Brand
Franchisee Jue “Tina” Wang has launched several Honolulu-area concepts, including MangoMango and the Dumpling Factory, a track record Hawaii News Now highlighted when covering the dumpling shop’s 2025 debut. Her experience with island concepts has helped steer Tanaka’s growth, and the Kirkland expansion arrives as local critics have noted a busy stretch of restaurant openings across the wider Seattle area…