Totto Ramen Is Expanding to Dorchester

Totto Ramen is expanding to Dorchester’s Boston South Bay, a growing development that will also eventually include a Gyu-Kaku location, a Midici pizzeria, a Wahlburgers, and other dining options. Totto Ramen, a small chain founded in New York City, currently operates two locations in Greater Boston — one in Allston (169 Brighton Ave.) and one in Somerville at Assembly Row (463 Artisan Way).

Totto Ramen partner Nghi Nguyen told Eater that he started thinking about the expansion a year ago and chose Dorchester because he grew up there.

“There was an old 88 market here, and I grew up shopping there,” said Nguyen. “The opportunity to go back to the area and add something to the community was very appealing to me.”

Nguyen said the Dorchester location will have much the same menu as the Allston and Somerville locations, but it will also feature local products like beer from Dorchester Brewing Company. Nguyen said that Totto Dorchester will open in January or February of 2019.

Ramen isn’t the only thing on Nguyen’s plate, however: He also plans to bring Yakitori Totto — Totto Ramen’s sister restaurant — to Boston.

“That’s definitely next in the pipeline,” said Nguyen. “A number of izakayas in Boston offer yakitori, but this would be the first dedicated yakitori restaurant in the city.”

Yakitori means “grilled chicken” in Japanese. The chicken is skewered and cooked over charcoal. The form has evolved to involve other meats and vegetables as well. Nguyen said he hopes to bring Yakitori Totto to Boston within the next two years.

Update, September 25, 2018: This article has been updated to reflect the fact that the development previously referred to as South Bay Town Center is now called Boston South Bay.

• Totto Ramen Plans to Open at South Bay Town Center in Dorchester [BRT]
• Totto Ramen Coverage on Eater [EBOS]