New Ramen Concept Misolado Opens in Omaha, Transports Diners to Japan

A new Japanese ramen restaurant has opened in central Omaha, offering diners what one critic calls "a joyful journey" to Japan through carefully crafted bowls and imported snacks.

Crafted Ramen Misolado, located at 7425 Dodge St. in the space formerly occupied by Sakura Bana, opened earlier this year after owners Kenichi and Akiko Ota spent more than six months searching for the right location. The Otas previously opened a successful Crafted Ramen location in Kansas City and partnered with a ramen shop from Japan for their Omaha venture.

"We wanted to find a place where we could be needed by the community and become something meaningful there," Kenichi Ota said. "That search eventually led us to Omaha."

The restaurant's development was facilitated by David Utterback, a James Beard Award finalist who owns Yoshitomo, Koji and Ota restaurants in Omaha. Utterback purchased the Sakura Bana property and helped the Otas connect with local contractors to remodel the dining room.

The restaurant focuses on junmai miso ramen with origins in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, made without additives or flavor enhancers. The signature Misola Black ramen features a pork broth base and black garlic oil, topped with pork belly chashu, soft-cooked eggs and house-made noodles.

Beyond the ramen, Misolado operates as more than just a restaurant. The front of the establishment features an aisle of imported Japanese snacks, candies and collectibles that owner Ota says aren't available elsewhere in Omaha. The dining model is efficient: customers select drinks from a cooler, pay upfront and order from their table or at the register during lunch service.

The Otas report receiving positive responses to their menu. "Omahans are adventurous eaters, looking to try something they haven't had before," Ota said. The restaurant expanded to include lunch hours in March 2026.