Where to Get the Best Ramen in Chicago in 2024
If you’re searching for the best ramen in Chicago, this guide has all the top spots covered. Are you cold after a walk in the Windy City? Warm up with a bowl of steaming broth, filling noodles and delicious toppings. From casual shops to more upscale eateries, there is no shortage of great ramen in Chicago. Here are 15 of the best spots to check out next time you’re craving ramen.
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Find the Best Ramen in Chicago
Chicago is home to restaurants that feature cuisine from all over the world, and if you need help finding the best new places to try, food tours in Chicago are a great way to explore your options. A local guide will take you to the most popular, delicious spots so you can discover all that Chicago has to offer. And one thing the Windy City has to offer is ramen. You can indulge in this savory meal as a quick stop between sightseeing excursions or take part in a more indulgent ramen experience before a night on the town.
Either way, here are 15 Chicago ramen spots guaranteed to satisfy your craving for egg noodles, broth and unique topping combinations.
15 Best Ramen Spots in Chicago
1. Ramen Takeya
If you’re looking for a lighter take on classic ramen flavors, try Ramen Takeya in West Loop. A sister restaurant to Ramen Wasabi and Menya Goku (two top Chicago ramen spots that also earned a place on this list), their distinctive dishes paired with urban styling only add to the experience of eating their delicious noodles.
The Vibe
Outdoor seating and street sign décor will transport you to Tokyo as you indulge at this classic Chicago ramen spot. Even if the weather is cold, the spicy soup will warm you right up.
What to Order
Try their famous chicken paitan ramen, which is made with a lighter broth than a normal bowl of ramen. Add a specialty cocktail from their extensive selection to complete your meal.
Ramen Takeya | 819 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
2. High Five Ramen
High Five Ramen offers a unique, speakeasy-type experience. Located in a basement space, this Chicago ramen spot boasts a small but powerful menu.
The Vibe
This industrial, underground Chicago ramen restaurant is incredibly popular with Chicago locals. The intimate space and dark interiors add to the mysterious atmosphere. Be sure to arrive early to avoid a long wait time.
What to Order
While High Five Ramen’s ultra-simple menu only features four ramen bowls, you can customize the spice level of your order. Try the traditional tonkotsu bowl with whatever level of spice you choose. They also offer cocktail slushies if you need something to relieve the heat from the spices.
High Five Ramen | 112 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
3. Ramen Wasabi
For some of the best traditional ramen in Chicago, Ramen Wasabi is a clear-cut favorite. Their dishes may not be the trendiest, but you can’t beat their tried-and-true method of making broth that takes over 45 hours.
The Vibe
Ramen Wasabi features a modern interior space as well as a soothing outdoor patio for dining al fresco. With its traditional menu and streamlined décor, it is one of the best restaurants in Chicago for ramen purists.
What to Order
Their original tonkotsu bowl is a classic for a reason. The delicious pork broth, egg, scallion and garlic oil flavors combine perfectly with the noodles to make a wonderful meal. You can also add special flavor boosters to your bowl for an added kick.
Ramen Wasabi | 2101 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 | $$
4. Ramen-San
Known for unusual flavor combinations and a vibrant atmosphere, Ramen-San is another great option for ramen in Chicago.
The Vibe
Spacious and full of energy, this Chicago ramen spot has plenty of seating and a wide variety of drinks to choose from at the bar.
What to Order
Start with an order of buns for the table, then try one of their more adventurous ramen offerings, like the kimchi and fried chicken bowl that features buttered corn and fried garlic. Alternatively, if you go at a time when they're offering the mapo doufu ramen, make sure to grab it up.
Ramen-San | 59 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654 | $$
5. Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya
If you’re looking for a great Wicker Park restaurant, try Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya. They feature broth made from pork bones that have been roasted before boiling, which lends a distinctive flavor to the soup.
The Vibe
An authentic Tokyo restaurant for ramen in Chicago, Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya features a warmly decorated interior with plenty of seating for hungry patrons.
What to Order
Try the gekikara spicy ramen, which features a unique blend of peppers and spices. If you’re in the mood for something else to munch on besides ramen, they also offer izakaya dishes like octopus dumplings, onigiri and chilled tofu.
Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya | 1482 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 | $$
6. Strings Ramen Shop
Strings Ramen Shop is a longstanding favorite with Chicagoans. Stop by on a date night for a warming bowl of miso or their spicier flavor combinations.
The Vibe
Committed to authentic excellence, Strings Ramen boasts cozy interiors with lanterns and plants on the ceiling.
What to Order
If you’re up for a challenge, try the Hell Ramen, with four different levels of spiciness to choose from. If not, there is a wide variety of more traditional dishes on the menu, from miso ramen to warm tsukemen.
Strings Ramen Shop | 2141 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60616 | $$
7. Shinya Ramen House
Open until 1:30 at night, this Chicago ramen spot is one of the best in the city for late-night eats. Stop by after a night out for delicious dishes at Shinya Ramen House.
The Vibe
Cozy and intimate, Shinya Ramen boasts both table seating and floor seating options for late night diners looking for great food in an atmosphere you don’t find everywhere.
What to Order
You can certainly find traditional ramen dishes on the menu at Shinya, but it might be worth trying one of their trendier dishes for the full experience. Try the curry chicken ramen for a delightfully unique flavor combination.
Shinya Ramen House | 3240 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608 | $
8. Oiistar
If you’re looking for creative takes on ramen in Chicago, try Oiistar. This Chicago ramen spot is known for unique concoctions that blend traditional ramen ideas with other flavors from around the world. Head to Oiistar for cuisine that is truly some of the most delicious multicultural Chicago food.
The Vibe
A modern, industrial feel greets diners at Oiistar. Grab a seat inside or order their dishes for take-out if you need to eat on the go.
What to Order
Go bold with one of their cross-genre dishes, like the tikkamen bowl, which blends the flavors of chicken tikka masala with more traditionally Japanese flavors.
Oiistar | 1385 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 | $
9. E Ramen
The broths at E Ramen are simmered for hours at a time, which gives them a rich, traditional flavor that can’t be beat.
The Vibe
This cozy Chicago ramen spot is perfect for a quick bite, but they are also known for their takeout service. Try taking a meal to go on your next trip to the Windy City.
What to Order
Try the traditional tonkotsu here. You may be expecting a normal bowl of ramen, but the tonkotsu at E Ramen has a thick, creamy broth unlike any other. For something lighter, try the chicken wonton ramen, which is served with thin noodles, bok choy, a chicken wonton and green onion.
E Ramen | 451 W. 31st St., Chicago, IL 60616 | $
10. Monster Ramen
Monster Ramen is best known for specializing in gyukotsu, a broth made from beef bones, but they also have specialty dishes that are unique to them.
The Vibe
Cozy and intimate, this Chicago ramen restaurant will make you feel at home while you indulge in some seriously spicy dishes.
What to Order
Try the house shoyu dish, which features tori chintan, beef jam and katsuo soy tare. And no matter what you order, be sure to savor the noodles, which are made fresh in-house and are organic.
Monster Ramen | 3435 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 | $$
11. Menya Goku
Ramen Wasabi’s sister restaurant, Menya Goku focuses on tan tan men, a Japanese noodle broth that is often blended with chili oil and sesame paste.
The Vibe
A simple and streamlined interior featuring light wood bars and tables lets the signature dishes shine at this Chicago ramen restaurant.
What to Order
Try the goku tan tan men made with traditional pork broth and nikumiso pork as well as marinated bamboo, bok choy and numbing spices. This dish will give you the chance to appreciate a different flavor palate within the world of classic ramen dishes.
Menya Goku | 2207 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 | $$
12. Gyuro Ramen
This Chicago ramen restaurant owned by the same company as Strings Ramen is another restaurant that focuses on gyukotsu, or beef-based ramen. You’ll enjoy hearty broths made from bison bones and aromatic flavors at Gyuro Ramen, a creative ramen spot in the Windy City.
The Vibe
Bright, fun interiors make eating at Gyuro Ramen a special experience. You’ll feel like you’re eating outdoors on a Tokyo street with their projections of colorful art and street scenes.
What to Order
Order their signature gyukotsu with creamy beef bone broth, or upgrade to the premium bowl, which is served with wagyu, beef tongue and other delicacies.
Gyuro Ramen | 171 N. Aberdeen St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
13. Kinton Ramen
Kinton Ramen started in Canada before coming to the United States. With a menu full of ramen options and shareable items like karaage fried chicken and edamame, as well as some rotating specials, this Chicago ramen restaurant has something for everyone in your group.
The Vibe
A gold and black color scheme gives the spot a warm, casual vibe with industrial overtones. There’s plenty of space here, too, so grab a group of friends and head to Kinton to enjoy a delicious, traditionally inspired meal.
What to Order
Try their golden sesame ramen if it's in season. It has thick noodles, ground pork and a variety of tasty vegetables and spices added in. This Chicago ramen restaurant also features a dine-in exclusive ramen and sake special if you’re interested in trying both traditional delicacies together.
Kinton Ramen | 163 N. Sangamon St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
14. Musashiya Ramen
Musashiya is the top Chicago ramen spot for customizable bowls of ramen. You can see the chefs at work as they prepare each individual bowl of soup. Just about every conceivable aspect of the dish can be made to your exact specifications.
The Vibe
With an open kitchen and bright, well-lit interior, Musashiya is a casual eatery that still feels polished. You’ll feel right at home stopping by for a quick lunch or easy dinner option.
What to Order
Try the traditional pork tonkotsu ramen or go for something different, like their shrimp tempura miso ramen, all customizable down to the noodle type and softness.
Musashiya | 2938 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60657 | $$
15. Kameya Ramen
Quick, friendly service and large portion sizes characterize this Chicago ramen restaurant. Kameya Ramen is a great place to enjoy a casual meal with friends or lunch during the workday.
The Vibe
With outdoor seating options complete with string lights and cute folding chairs, Kameya Ramen specializes in ramen but also serves other traditional Japanese dishes like sushi.
What to Order
Try the beef ramen with a Dynamite roll to complete your experience at this great spot for ramen in Chicago.
Kameya Ramen | 806 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Whether you opt for the traditional Ramen Wasabi or the adventurous flavor profiles at Oiistar, there is a ramen spot in Chicago for everyone. This warm meal is sure to fill you up and give you the energy you need to keep exploring the city.
For even more fun ways to explore Chicago and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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