Ramen Buta Nibo's exterior proudly claims this is the first restaurant in Toronto to serve Jiro-style ramen. The front bay windows make for a good people-watching space.

Futo Buta, a popular South End eatery that opened before Charlotte ramen shops became cool, announced its permanent closure on Saturday. The late Michael Shortino opened the restaurant in 2015 ...

Heiwa and Gan Shan West both make a reliably mean ramen. Though Futo Buta suggests a pork-heavy menu, and the pork-based tonkotsu broth is suitably stellar, there's actually plenty more in stock here.

While ramen might be the thing at Futo Buta ... Contact him at [email protected]. The restaurant: Futo Buta, 828-552-3335, www.futobuta.com, 121 Biltmore Ave. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday ...