Where to Get the Best Ramen in NYC in 2024
Both locals and tourists to the Big Apple these days are finding themselves on a delicious hunt for the best ramen in NYC. There's no shortage of fantastic food of all types in the city that never sleeps, but ramen checks every box: delicious, satisfying, budget-friendly and oh-so-accessible.
With so much great ramen in the Big Apple, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've rounded up the 24 best ramen shops in NYC for you to check out.
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Find the Best Ramen in NYC
The Big Apple is full of food — more than you could ever discover by yourself. Food tours in NYC put you in the capable hands of experienced local guides who know where to go for the best of everything, from the top pizza parlors to the best ramen restaurants in NYC.
For now, read on to find out where to get the best ramen in NYC when you’re out and about on your own.
24 Best Ramen Joints in NYC
1. Jin Ramen
Jin got its name from the owners’ desire to bring people together in a positive manner through their food. The left side of the character in jin represents a human being, and the right side means two. Together, the word portrays how humans treat each other. This Japanese ramen in NYC joint specializes in Hakata- and Nagehama-style ramen, made in a tonkotsu or pork rib broth.
The Vibe
Warm lighting and an abundance of wall art complete the homestyle feeling that diners get when walking in the door of this ramen shop in NYC.
What to Order
The tonkotsu ramen can be ordered as spicy or regular, topped with braised pork belly and a pork-flavored soft-boiled egg. The pork buns pair well with a ramen bowl or work as a standalone dish. This delicious combo earns Jin Ramen a spot among the best ramen restaurants in NYC.
Jin Ramen | Multiple Locations | $$
2. HinoMaru Ramen
In operation for over a decade, HinoMaru serves seven different types of regional Japanese ramen dishes, one of the many unique factors that earn it the title of best ramen in NYC. It also earned its place as the first ramen shop to open in their area, and they boil their homemade broth for up to 17 hours at a time to bring out the most flavor.
The Vibe
Date night in NYC just got even better. At HinoMaru Ramen, Japanese artwork coupled with intimate booths provides customers a chance to get cozy while enjoying some of the best ramen in NYC.
What to Order
The miso ramen is one of the spicier dishes on HinoMaru’s menu but still ranks high among their beloved ramen bowls.
HinoMaru Ramen | 33-18 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105 | $$
3. Totto Ramen
Rather than stick to the traditional tonkotsu broth that makes up ramen, Totto worked extensively to supply some of the best chicken ramen in NYC. You can order other broth flavors depending on your preference; however, the chicken broth is the ramen shop in NYC’s staple.
The Vibe
A modern exterior to match the inside, with barstool seating so you can watch while waiting for your food!
What to Order
The signature dish of this ramen shop in NYC is the chicken paitan ramen, topped with nori, scallions and onions. Some of the other locations give you the option to try the paitan ramen with pork or without meat.
Totto Ramen | Multiple locations | $$
4. Chuko
The ramen at Chuko plays on the traditional ingredients while simultaneously using ones that are more unique to their bowls. This Japanese ramen place in NYC's menu is smaller, but with so many options for customization, customers can create their own flavor set to satisfy their stomachs.
The Vibe
Dark colors and red neon make this NYC ramen place a hit for the night scene, and its intimate booths make it a great option for a date night or a birthday dinner in NYC.
What to Order
The kimchi ramen is made with curly yellow noodles, kimchi, cabbage and scallions but can be modified further with the shop’s many add-ons. The ability to customize your bowl lets you design your own version of the best ramen in NYC.
Chuko | 565 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238 | $$
5. Ichiran
Tonkotsu ramen is the only flavor available at Ichiran, but the recipe has been mastered at this shop in order to provide some of the best ramen in NYC. All broth and noodles are made fresh-to-order, but speed and accuracy are their biggest draw: The time it takes your meal to go from their stovetop to your table? Fifteen seconds.
The Vibe
Every seat is within arm’s length of the kitchen, giving the NYC ramen restaurant a bustling and upbeat energy. Sit down to eat at their ramen focus booths, designed to minimize the common distractions at ramen joints, and let your attention rest entirely on your flavorful, aromatic meal.
What to Order
The tonkotsu bowls at this best ramen in NYC spot are completely customizable, with the ability to add in anything from kikurage mushrooms to extra chashu pork.
Ichiran | Multiple Locations | $$
6. Marufuku Ramen
From traditional tonkotsu to vegetarian ramen, there’s something for everyone at Marufuku Ramen. They also have rice bowls, gyoza, chicken karaage and geso fry (fried squid legs).
The Vibe
Soft, floating lights decorate the ceiling, fully completing the modern look with the brick walls and marble counters.
What to Order
Whether spicy or mild, the chicken paitan is sure to satisfy. Patrons of this NYC ramen spot can customize to their hearts’ content to create their own personal bowl of the best ramen in NYC.
Marufuku Ramen | 92 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$
7. Ramen Danbo
With ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan, Ramen Danbo's dishes are made in the most popular style in Japan, kyushu hakata (the beloved tonkotsu-style with rich, flavorful broth), while maintaining the flexibility of building your own bowl.
The Vibe
Sleek and simple indoor and outdoor seating to keep the focus on the best ramen in NYC.
What to Order
You can never go wrong with a classic ramen bowl — the best ramen in NYC can be the most simple, but still delicious!
Ramen Danbo | Multiple Locations | $$
8. Ippudo
Ippudo’s tonkotsu ramen is what they are most known for, with its silky texture and savory taste. It takes advantage of the creative liberty that ramen affords, allowing every individual to fashion their own bowl of the best ramen while in NYC.
The Vibe
A funky sculpture stands tall in the middle of this ramen restaurant in NYC, with individual strands decorating the ceiling.
What to Order
The pork buns at this NYC ramen spot have rave reviews and pair well with a bowl of akamaru shinaji, which is made with chashu, boiled spinach, seasoned bamboo shoots, naruto, fragrant garlic oil and topped with Ippudo’s “Umami Dama” paste.
Ippudo | Multiple Locations | $$
9. Ivan Ramen
Ivan Ramen has changed and evolved over the course of a decade but has continuously been a hit among Japanese and American audiences. The chef and owner has honed his technique and even made a cookbook of his ramen recipes!
The Vibe
Unique and colorful art adorns every inch of the space, giving customers plenty to view while they enjoy some of the best ramen in NYC.
What to Order
As the name suggests, the spicy red chili ramen ranks high on the spice level and is one of the most popular dishes on the menu.
Ivan Ramen | 25 Clinton St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
10. KYURA MEN
KYURA MEN was initially built to make ramen a more affordable, daily choice for ramen lovers searching for the best ramen in NYC. Instead of focusing on one style, KYURA MEN works to bring all three of Japan’s most popular ramen styles to locals and visitors in the city that never sleeps.
The Vibe
Bright and cheerful, it’s welcoming and inviting without even having to try.
What to Order
The sapporo miso ramen is constructed with pork chashu, nori, bamboo shoot and wakame, and comes in four levels: regular, mild, spicy and hot.
KYURA MEN | Multiple Locations | $$
11. Tonchin
Tonchin established its roots in Japan for 25 years before landing in the United States to become one of the best ramen spots in NYC. They use the freshest ingredients and strive to give their customers prime, just-made, homestyle food.
The Vibe
Tonchin’s name means “a place to come together,” and the close tables and seating work to bring its meaning to life.
What to Order
The spicy Tan Tan ramen is one of Tonchin’s signature dishes, crafted with homemade noodles, Tokyo tonkotsu pork broth, roasted chashu and ground pork, egg, scallions, menma, cashew nuts and chili pepper.
Tonchin | 13 W. 36th St., New York City, NY 10018 | $$
12. Karazishi Botan
Japanese ramen interlaced with New York-style cooking, Botan provides the best of both cultures. The dish names are all plays on New York slang and are crafted by the chef’s unique blend of Japanese cuisine and Big Apple influences, making the shop stand out as one of the places with the best ramen in NYC.
The Vibe
Small and unassuming, a relaxing environment decorated with soft colors and greenery.
What to Order
The Knuckle Head One-Off is a tonkotsu topped with a red spicy sauce special to Botan. Don’t worry: If you don’t like spicy ramen, you can opt for the regular Knuckle Head at this popular ramen place in NYC.
Karazishi Botan | 255 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 | $$
13. Nakamura
Not only can you head to Nakamura to have freshly cooked ramen, but they also offer ramen kits so you can have some of the best ramen in NYC from the comfort of your home. After the success his restaurant had in Japan, the chef opened his own shop in the U.S. once he had established himself as a “ramen god.”
The Vibe
Cool, pastel colors and brick walls give the small NYC ramen shop a chill aura.
What to Order
The truffle miso ramen bowl is a favorite among vegan diners, crafted with chewy noodles to start and mixed together with bean sprouts, white truffle oil, cauliflower and sautéed crimini mushrooms all in a homemade miso broth.
Nakamura | 172 Delancey St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
14. Jun-Men Ramen
Ramen rounds out most of the menu at Jun-Men, but they also have buns, sweets and bites to go with your bowl. They’ve been bringing unique flavors to their customers since 2015 and continue to provide quality service at one of the best ramen shops in NYC.
The Vibe
Sophisticated and modern blend together to frame a casual dining experience, perfect for relaxed get-togethers, formal date nights or something in between.
What to Order
The pork bone broth ramen, both spicy and regular, is a classic for its lightness and fresh taste.
Jun-Men Ramen | 249 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10001 | $$
15. E.A.K. Ramen
E.A.K. Ramen's recipe is only known by the owner himself, so you know you’re in for a unique bowl of ramen when you visit. They cook in the iekei style, a mixture of shoyu and tonkotsu styles, known for thick broth and delicious flavor.
The Vibe
Fun, tiled art lines the brick walls that surround close-quartered seating, making this intimate but fun restaurant one of NYC's best ramen spots.
What to Order
Their signature bowl is the E.A.K., made with their signature broth, shoyu noodles, chashu, spinach and nori.
E.A.K. Ramen | Multiple Locations | $$
16. NONONO
Don’t let the name fool you, NONONO earns a spot as one of the best ramen joints in NYC; they use up all the pieces of the meat for their yakitori and broth to create grilled Japanese cuisine with a twist.
The Vibe
Elegance shaped by floating light fixtures along with minimalist decorations and design are in store at this best ramen in NYC spot.
What to Order
The cream curry udon and short rib yakitori are favorites among customers, both well-known must-haves for those who visit.
NONONO | 118 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016 | $$$
17. Jeju Noodle Bar
Open since 2017, Jeju Noodle Bar serves up Korean-inspired ramen called ramyun. They are currently reservation-only, but don’t let that sway you from swinging by for some great comfort food. They have some of the best ramen NYC has to offer!
The Vibe
A circular, warm chandelier hangs above small tables and a bar area, adding a sophisticated elegance to your dining experience.
What to Order
Try the sharp and spicy gochu ramyun — a pork broth ramen with pork belly and white kimchi — and have the gochujang bokum as a starter dish.
Jeju Noodle Bar | 679 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10014 | $$
18. Menkoi Sato
A small and quaint shop with an eye-catching golden logo, Menkoi Sato is notably one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC as you can get vegan and vegetarian options in addition to their shoyu bowl. They have quick dining options and both delivery and takeout, so you can enjoy some of the best ramen in NYC whenever you’d like.
The Vibe
A graffiti tiger is plastered to the brick walls, and the exposed construction-style rafting gives a splash of NYC style to this ramen shop.
What to Order
The shoyu ramen is one of their signature dishes, with a strong, spicy and flavorful broth.
Menkoi Sato | 7 Cornelia St., New York, NY 10014 | $$
19. Ramen Misoya
Misoya’s menu is rounded out with three types of miso as their main broths, and there’s plenty of customization available to make yourself the best ramen in NYC. They also have vegetarian options for those that prefer to go meatless.
The Vibe
A sleek and modern interior, with small tables and booths for a more personal dining experience.
What to Order
Kome miso chashu ramen is made with rich Japanese soybean paste, pork- and chicken-based soup, bean sprouts and fried potato.
Ramen Misoya | Multiple Locations | $$
20. Wanpaku
Described as a modern izakaya and ramen shop, Wanpaku specializes in shoyu ramen amongst other Japanese-inspired cuisine. Not only do they participate in happy hour deals, but they also sell lunch sets for those on the go.
The Vibe
Very minimalist, which lends an air of poise and style to one of NYC’s best ramen shops.
What to Order
The spicy pulled pork ramen comes with bok choy and an egg in their homemade miso broth, an all-around flavorful delight.
Wanpaku | 621 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222 | $$
21. Kuu Ramen
Kuu has had their recipes passed down through generations, and this culinary heritage has provided its customers with some of the best ramen in NYC. Not only do they offer ramen, but they also have donburi — rice bowls with a side of miso soup — and sushi hand rolls.
The Vibe
The minimalist interior draws diners’ eyes to the dazzling chalk art while they eat under soft mood lighting.
What to Order
Their signature ramen is the kuu chili ramen, made with soy-based noodles, spicy ground chicken and kakuni pork. Try it with a side of hand rolls.
Kuu Ramen | Multiple Locations | $$
22. Kogane Ramen
Fresh ramen can always be found at Kogane, a great spot for both a larger group gathering or something more one-on-one, like a birthday dinner. Reservations can be made easily on their website, and their menu has plenty of different bowls to choose from.
The Vibe
Fun light fixtures dot the ceiling, with green accents along the counters and tables — not to mention the abundance of plants organized neatly in the space.
What to Order
Two dishes favored among visitors are the red tonkotsu ramen and the miso lobster ramen, both made with fresh meat and braised pork belly, producing unique bowls of some of the best ramen in NYC.
Kogane Ramen | Multiple Locations | $$
23. Shinka Ramen & Sake Bar
Shinka Ramen & Sake Bar is an award-winning eatery serving up some of the best ramen in NYC. This ramen restaurant in NYC prides itself on its traditional 14-hour tonkotsu ramen and has an extensive sake menu to accompany your food.
The Vibe
This cozy spot mimics a Japanese ramen shop and features cool neon signs and atmospheric lighting for a trendy NYC twist.
What to Order
The bone marrow ramen is one of Shinka's specialties and a must-try. However, any variation of their classic tonkotsu ramen is sure to please.
Shinka Ramen & Sake Bar | 93 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 | $$
24. Mokbar
Three of these Korean-inspired ramen shops can be found around NYC, with a constantly changing menu to reflect the seasonal ingredients they use. Every bowl at Mokbar contains gochujang, a traditional Korean red chili paste made with dried chili peppers, fermented soybeans, rice and salt.
The Vibe
Modern yet minimalist — a perfect combination for one of the best ramen restaurants in NYC — with an open kitchen that allows customers to watch as their food is prepared.
What to Order
Kimchi bacon broth, braised pork, stewed bacon kimchi, scallions and nori come together to make their delicious kimchi ramen, which pairs well with dumplings.
Mokbar | Multiple Locations | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
There’s never been a lack of places to eat in NYC, and the vibrant ramen scene keeps every noodle-loving foodie coming back for more. No matter the occasion, you’re sure to find the best bowl of ramen in NYC while you’re out on the town. If you're in the mood for more great Japanese food, also check out the best NYC sushi spots!
For even more fun ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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