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Ramen Restaurants(82)
COURSE MENUJapanese Soba Noodles Tsuta
The first ramen shop to ever hold a Michelin Star, Tsuta passes along the legacy of its late owner, Onishi Yuki and continues to draw long lines of people eager to try its inventive truffle wonton ramen.
SEAT RESERVATIONthere is ramen
This Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen shop in Ogikubo prefers to let its food speak for itself, with simple menu offerings that belie the complex flavor of its soup.
SEAT RESERVATIONRamen Break Beats
Chef Takuro Yanase’s unorthodox spin on ramen has attracted a lot of attention, to the point where it’s earned him a Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024. Try seasonal menu offerings or stick to the tried-and-true classics of salt and soy sauce ramen.
SEAT RESERVATIONJapanese Ramen Gokan
Less than a year after starting operations, this Ikebukuro ramen shop has earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. All-natural domestic ingredients like Yamagata pork loin and Iwate duck breast come together to form ramen like no other.
SEAT RESERVATIONSetagaya Chukasoba Soshigaya Nanachome Shokudo
The name of this Soshigaya ramen shop is a real mouthful, but the perfectly-sculpted wontons here are even more so. Broth made from Shodoshima soy sauce and a healthy amount of dried sardine makes every bite of noodles burst with flavor.
SEAT RESERVATIONIruca Tokyo Roppongi
The popular shoyu broth at this Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen shop is actually a mixture of four different broths, made from luxurious ingredients like the Japanese spiny lobster and Satsuma black pork.
SEAT RESERVATIONHARU CHAN Ramen
Just like the owner and namesake, HARU CHAN Ramen is small but mighty. The titular Haru-chan runs a one-woman operation, from boiling the noodles to setting the bowl in front of the customer.
SEAT RESERVATIONKamigata Rainbow
Michelin-approved ramen made by ex-rocker-turned-chef Okumura Genki.
SEAT RESERVATIONMugito Mensuke
On the corner of a quaint street near Nakatsu Station, luxurious ramen with wagyu-stuffed wontons await in an elegant, traditional dining space.
SEAT RESERVATIONChukasoba Mugen
The secret to this Michelin-approved, flavor-packed ramen is in its soup, made with seafood and four types of chicken.
SEAT RESERVATIONNoodle Shop Rennosuke
More of a zen sanctuary than a chirpy joint, Rennosuke is known for its innovative, seafood-based ramen.
SEAT RESERVATIONChinese Noodles Roku
Chinese-inspired ramen built on a foundation of duck, venison bones, and dried longan — something you'd expect from the Michelin-starred chef of Velrosier.
SEAT RESERVATIONMenya Inoichi
Ramen at this Michelin-featured shop centers around the root of Kyoto's culinary soul: dashi.
SEAT RESERVATIONKobushi Ramen
Local Kyoto flavors in a bowl of ramen — the owner-chef creates one-of-a-kind broth made with Kyoto duck, blackthroat seaperch and dried sardines.
SEAT RESERVATIONRamen Kuon
Ramen-making process taken to the next level with a triple broth of chicken, shellfish and fish, and noodles made from three types of flour.
SEAT RESERVATIONMendokoro Janomeya
A gourmet stop of a lifetime — savor heavenly chicken-centric ramen in Kyoto with a seal of approval from the Michelin Guide.
SEAT RESERVATIONChukasoba Oshitani
Come for the textbook-perfect shio and soy sauce ramen once; return for the latest time-limited ramen innovation twice.
SEAT RESERVATIONHommachi Seimenjo Chukasobakobo
The underground ramen joint's broth, crafted with fish flakes, kombu kelp, chicken bones and conger eel, elevates it to Michelin-worthy status in Osaka.
SEAT RESERVATIONMuginoyoake
The 9-seat ramen joint in Kyoto tangles up traditional ramen with an unorthodox twist by using an umami-packed soup made with scallops and Japanese pepper.
SEAT RESERVATIONMenya 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.
SEAT RESERVATIONHomemade Ramen Muginae
At this top ramen shop close to downtown Tokyo, fast food is slowed down in the pursuit of incredible flavors, with every component given patient attention unheard of elsewhere.
SEAT RESERVATIONChukasoba Nishino
Ramen Koike’s new sister restaurant in Hongo serves fish-based broth for their ramen, light yet redolent with umami. It’s a simple, yet perfect bowl of ramen.
SEAT RESERVATIONMenya Jikon
Visit Menya Jikon for their famous ramen noodles, immersed in a savory chicken broth.
SEAT RESERVATIONYakumo
The usual soy sauce, pork or chicken ramen is ditched in place of the golden-hued, gentle wonton soups in this ultra-popular ramen-ya in Tokyo that’s flocked by both foodies and the media.
SEAT RESERVATIONDaruma
Relish multiple-dimensions of flavor in just one single bowl of ramen.
SEAT RESERVATIONRamen Hayato
Arguably the best miso ramen in Osaka, the queue at Ramen Hayato often extends to nearby stores before opening and stretches to two hours.
SEAT RESERVATIONRamenya Toy Box
With the carcass as the base, the breast as a topping and the skin as flavorful oil, experience the nose-to-tail approach that creates one of Tokyo’s Michelin-approved chicken ramen bowls.
SEAT RESERVATIONSobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu
Grab a bowl of umami-packed shellfish ramen from one of the handful of Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded ramen eateries in the world, located in the thick of Shinjuku.
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.