Brookline Ramen Destination Gets a Sibling Filled With Octopus Dough Balls

Brookline’s Coolidge Corner now has even more Japanese dishes: The popular Ganko Ittetsu Ramen just debuted part of the menu at its new sibling, across the hall within the neighborhood’s Arcade Building. Gantetsu-Ya is now serving takoyaki, or doughy octopus balls, at 318 Harvard St., and there will soon be more Japanese street food dishes on the menu.

Gantetsu-Ya has been in the works since earlier this year, appearing with samples from its menu at Boston’s Japan Festival in April and teasing dishes on social media. Where Ganko Ittetsu offers a small menu of Sapporo-style ramen, Gantetsu-Ya mirrors this refined focus, but featuring doughy street snacks. To start, the restaurant will serve only takoyaki (available for $9.50), but down the line, it will add okonomiyaki, or savory pancakes filled with vegetables and meats.

Ganko Ittetsu first opened in October 2015, drawing long lines for Ken Iwaoka’s miso, shoyu, shio, and tan tan ramen dishes. A second location has since opened in Providence, and Gantetsu-Ya gives the Ganko team a firm hold on the Coolidge Corner neighborhood. Gantetsu-Ya will offer mostly takeout, with a few tables for dining within the building.

Update 9/4: Gantetsu-Ya will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The full menu will launch on Monday, September 9.

• Popular Brookline Ramen Spot Will Get a Sibling That Features Octopus Balls [EBOS]
• Gantetsu-Ya Coverage on Eater [EBOS]