Ramen Restaurants(82)
Menya Ittoku
Menya Ittoku may not be fancy, but if you’ve come this far, it’s all about the chicken-based salt ramen with a Michelin ping to its reputation.
Ramenya Iidashouten
Taste the magic in their ramen alchemy, just an hour down the coast from Tokyo.
Nishikawa
Regardless of the season, a bowl of Chinese-style noodles is always a great answer to the daily question of what to eat.
Nakiryu
The long queues at Nakiryu shouldn’t deter you from getting your hands on the best Michelin-recognized tantanmen ramen in town.
Shibata
West Tokyo is home to one of the best places for classic ramen varieties, done to perfection.
Chuka Soba Tomita Ramen
Could this Chiba ramen shop really be the best in Japan? Try it and decide for yourself.
Sakurai Chuka Soba-ten
Chinese-style noodle soup, which is said by some to be the best in all of Kanagawa.
Hinode Seimenjo
Go straight to the source for the freshest udon noodles possible, made with water from the Seto Inland Sea.
Tsukemen Michi
Slurp up dipping ramen with one of the most flavorful broths imaginable, a half-hour away from Tokyo Station.
Wa Dining Seino
Take a 2-hour trip from Osaka City to a lovely seaside town in Wakayama, and try a shoyu ramen using soy sauce from its place of origin.
Ramen Kai
With all the flavors of the ocean in a hearty bowl of ramen, this is one of the most unique bowls in Tokyo.
Seikoudoku
All good things are worth waiting for, especially a bowl of delicious, exclusive ramen.
Motenashi Kuroki
You’ll never be able to get enough of the heavily-guarded secret recipe for the best shio ramen ever.
Takano
Get in line for the most sought-after bowl of ramen in all of Tokyo!
Torikoku Chuka Suzuki
Be one of the lucky few to get a bowl of rich and flavorful chicken ramen at its best.
Ramen Nijuubunnoichi
Try for yourself the special shio (salt) soba from purportedly the most underrated ramen shop in Japan.
Kotobuki Seimen Yoshikawa
Kotobuki Seimen Yoshikawa serves not only the best bowls of noodles, but ones that suit the particular time of year.
Kadoya Shokudou
Relish in a classic, mouth-watering bowl of shoyu ramen — the best in all of Osaka.
Haru Noodles
Snag the best bowl of ramen from one of the top ramen shops in town, which assures quality ingredients all-round.
Chinese Noodle Yotsuba
Think outside of the box with the out-of-this-world ramen combos at a Saitama ramen laboratory.
Ichiban Ichiban
Get your fill of Chinese noodles at a competitive value.
butanohoshi
Distance is never an issue when the ramen is as good as at this Amagasaki shop, just across the river from Osaka.
Mendokoro Honda
This ramen-ya delivers the element of surprise in their noodles — will the noodle be chewy or tender this time?
~TRICK~
Don't be tempted by the ready-made menu choices — opt for a customized bowl of your perfect ramen!
Ramen Shibahama
Try out the first of its kind — a mini ramen kaiseki made from various types of wheat.
Ramen Yamaguchi
Try Tokyo's finest spicy tsukesoba at Ramen Yamaguchi in Takadanobaba.
Hashimoto (Nakano)
Control the depth of flavors and level of spiciness in your delicious bowl of ramen, at this restaurant, just a 4-minute train ride from Shinjuku.
Mendokoro Kinari
The broth of this delicious ramen is as warm as the kindhearted service of the staff.

Discovering the World of Ramen
Ramen, a beloved dish that has transcended its humble origins to become a global sensation, is more than just a bowl of noodles. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious foodie, exploring ramen restaurants offers a delightful culinary journey. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to local gems tucked away in your city, ramen restaurants cater to all tastes, showcasing the various styles and flavors of this iconic Japanese dish.
In Japan, ramen is not just food; it is a cultural experience. Depending on the region, ramen can come in many variations, each with its unique characteristics. For instance, the creamy tonkotsu broth of Fukuoka, the delicate shoyu of Tokyo, and the rich miso of Hokkaido. These regional specialties reflect the local ingredients and culinary traditions, offering a savory blend of flavors and textures that make every bowl unique.
Choosing the Perfect Ramen for You
When visiting a ramen restaurant, the first decision to make is choosing the type of broth. Broth is the soul of ramen, and it dictates the overall taste and aroma of the dish. You might find yourself choosing between a milky and rich tonkotsu, a savory and umami-packed miso, or a light and clear shoyu. Each broth has its character and complements the toppings and noodles differently.
Noodles also play a crucial role in the ramen experience. Depending on the style, you might encounter thin, straight noodles, or thicker, wavier versions. The texture and consistency of the noodles are designed to complement the broth, so it is crucial to consider how they contribute to the overall sensory experience of your meal.
Choosing the right toppings is the final step in creating your perfect bowl. From tender slices of chashu pork to soft-boiled eggs, and fresh green onions to nori, the toppings enhance the flavor profile, adding depth and interest to every bite. You can customize your bowl by choosing extra toppings or sticking to the traditional setup to enjoy ramen as the chef intends.
Experience Ramen at Its Best
Dining at ramen restaurants is not just about the food, but also the atmosphere and culture that surrounds it. Many ramen shops have an open kitchen design that allows diners to watch the ramen crafting process. This adds a theatrical element to your visit, as you see the chef skillfully prepare each component with precision and care.
While some prefer the bustling, spirited vibe of smaller, traditional street-side ramen shops, others might choose a more relaxed and modern setting. The ambiance greatly enhances the dining experience, inviting you to immerse yourself fully in the joy of ramen.
Whether you are exploring ramen restaurants in Japan or visiting places closer to home, the diversity of flavors and settings ensures there is a perfect noodle spot for everyone. With each bowl of ramen, you indulge in a story of regional innovation and time-honored tradition, all while savoring the comforting warmth and rich taste that has made ramen a worldwide favorite.