Ramen Rules: The Ultimate Guide to New York City's Top Ramen Spots

Ramen Rules: The Ultimate Guide to New York City's Top Ramen Spots

You've been Ramen-obsessed for a while now. You've slurped your way through most of the options in your borough, and you're starting to feel like you've hit a wall. You need something new, something different, something that'll make your taste buds jump for joy. Well, look no further: we've got the rundown on the best bowls of Ramen noodles in NYC.

Keep reading for our top picks, arranged from A-Z. And when you're done, don't forget to let us know what your favorite Ramen spot is in the comments!

What Makes NYC the Ramen Capital of the U.S.?

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Sure, Los Angeles might have started the ramen craze in the United States a few years back, but New York City has long laid claim to the title of Ramen Capital of the U.S. And for good reason: we've got some of the best ramen joints in the country.

Whether you're a fan of tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen, miso ramen or shio (salt) ramen, you'll find a bowl of noodles that'll make your taste buds sing here in NYC. We've got old-school joints like Ippudo and Ramen Setagaya, as well as trendy new spots like Ron and Chefs Club Counter.

So what are you waiting for? Dig into our list of the best bowls of ramen noodles in NYC and get slurping!

Tasting & Ranking the Top Bowls in NYC

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Regarding ramen, there's no shortage of excellent options in NYC. But if you're looking for the best bowls of noodles in the city, you'll want to check out these five spots.

At Ippudo, you'll find some of the richest and creamiest tonkotsu broth around. The handmade noodles are also some of the best in the city, and they're perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.

Totto Ramen is another great option, boasting a wide variety of ramen bowls to choose from. You can opt for a classic miso ramen, or try a spicy chicken paitan bowl for something a little different. And if you're in the mood for something really unique, Menkui Tei offers authentic Tokyo-style ramen that's sure to satisfy you.

Ramen Kagura is another great spot for ramen lovers, with a variety of rich and flavorful broths to choose from. You can enjoy a traditional pork-based broth, or opt for a vegan broth for a change of pace. And last but not least, Minca Ramen Factory is known for its thin and delicate noodles that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ivan Ramen is a unique and diverse ramen restaurant in New York City, known for its high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. Offers truffled butter and rye noodle ramen as well as other nontraditional options like bacon ramen, smoked fish, and brisket ramen. Highly skilled chefs, cozy atmosphere, and attentive service make it a must-visit spot for ramen lovers.


Soba-Ya is a Japanese restaurant in New York City that specializes in soba noodles, and also offers a variety of ramen options made with soba. Known for traditional Japanese flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a casual atmosphere. A must-visit spot for those looking for authentic and different experiences.


Credit: GQ

If you're looking for a unique and creative twist on traditional ramen, Chuko Ramen is a must-visit spot. This trendy restaurant in New York City is known for its innovative take on the Japanese classic, with a menu that features unexpected ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you're a ramen aficionado or a newcomer to the dish, you're sure to find something to love at Chuko Ramen. So, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, you might just be surprised by how delicious it is.

There are many different opinions on the best ramen in New York City. However, after careful deliberation, our team has determined that the number 1 ramen in the world can be found at

This unassuming ramen shop is often overlooked, but it offers some of the most unique and delicious ramen you'll ever taste. The broth is a perfect mix of savory and spicy, and the noodles are cooked to perfection. Make sure to try their signature dish, the pork and shrimp ramen. You won't regret it!

Non-Traditional, Innovative Fusion

Ready to venture out beyond the traditional ramen offerings? In that case, you need to check out the non-traditional, innovative fusion ramen in NYC. From sushi-inspired ramen to kimchi ramen, there's a ton of delicious, unexpected combinations for you to explore.

The Rising Sun Ramen spot in Brooklyn is known for their sushi-inspired dishesramen noodles with fresh fish and seaweed. Plus, they also offer vegan and vegetarian options, so everyone can enjoy a unique bowl of ramen.

On the other end of the spectrum is Tanoshi Ramen Bar in Manhattan. They specialize in kimchi-style ramen with a spicy kick. The flavors are rich, making it a must-try for any lover of bold tastes. There's also MisoRamen on the Lower East Side which is a great spot for more traditional Japanese ramen dishes, with an added creative twist.

No matter your preference–traditional or innovative fusion–New York City has something special and tasty to offer!

Vegetarian and Vegan Options for Every Taste

If you're looking for some veggie and vegan options, don't worry—there's something in the Big Apple for everyone! The brothy shoyu ramen at Tatsu Ramen is a great choice if you want to be adventurous. It's packed with umami flavor thanks to its shiitake mushrooms and they offer a vegan option as well.

If you want to be on the safe side, check out Chuko Ramen’s vegetable ramen. It's got a flavorful coconut-miso broth and comes topped with roasted vegetables like peppers and eggplant, plus crispy kale. It's the perfect indulgence for any vegetarian or vegan in search of that authentic ramen experience.

For something extra special, try the Tokyo Vegan Shio Ramen from Hide-Chan Ramen. This popular dish features some of the best vegan noodles around and comes in a tasty nori-infused broth. Top it off with some delicious bok choy, roasted sweet potatoes, and seasonal mushrooms and you've got a bowl that even meat eaters will love!

Where to Find the Best Ramen at Any Budget

 

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Whether you live in New York City, or are just visiting, there are plenty of options for great ramen without breaking the bank.

If you're feeling thrifty, or just want to try something a little less expensive, I recommend Ichiran. Ichiran serves tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen, and with its unique concept where customers sit at individual booths, it's an experience you won't forget. Plus, their ramen bowls cost no more than $15.

If you're willing to spend a bit more money and don't mind traveling to the outer boroughs of New York City, then I highly recommend heading over to Mu Ramen in Queens. They serve ramen with a rich broth that will tantalize your taste buds, and the noodle dishes range from $14 - $19 per bowl.

No matter what you choose for your bowl of deliciousness, these are just some of the spots in NYC that serve up quality ramen at a variety of price points that anyone can enjoy.

The bottom line on top

So, the next time you’re in the mood for some fantastic ramen noodles, be sure to check out one of these places. And if you’re ever curious about where to find the best ramen noodles in your area, be sure to do some research – you won’t be disappointed.

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