20 Best Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo (2024)
Tokyo is a ramen haven with over 10,000 restaurants that serve the dish in different varieties. But the most popular ramen among the Japanese people is the Tonkotsu Shoyu which combines tonkotsu pork broth and soy sauce broth.
In Japan, you don’t have to worry about finding authentic ramen for a decent price (around $8 for quality ramen)
Dotted throughout the city, Japanese ramen is a dish that everyone should try at least once. Some ramen restaurants offer take-out while others are for dining in.
There are even some places that serve you ramen without ever talking to a human being! These reasons are why I highly recommend taking a solo trip to Japan.
Best Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Ramen Nagi -Shinjuku Golden Gai Honkan
A hidden ramen restaurant located in Shinjuku City, Ramen Nagi is an up close and personal dining experience with a view of the cooks working in the kitchen.
Although the restaurant is small, its flavorful dishes are a favorite among locals and visitors especially the tender pork and the fish-based broth.
Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−1−10 2F
Tip: For most of these ramen restaurants in Tokyo, expect to wait in line depending on when you go.
2. Tokyo Ramen Street
Next up on the list isn’t just one restaurant but encompasses 8 noodle shops at Tokyo Station. This iconic ramen street is an opportunity to try unique flavors and classics that remind you of Japan’s food scene.
Located in the basement of Tokyo Station, it may seem confusing or overwhelming at first but you will be delighted in the quick ordering system that involves a vending machine.
While the ramen is not any more spectacular than your typical ramen restaurant in Tokyo, the lineup of restaurants offers an inviting atmosphere.
Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京駅一番街 B1
3. Sosakumenkobo Nakiryu
A great place to dine for dinner, Sosakumenkobo Nakiryu is a hidden gem with an array of ramen and noodle soups.
Even though there is limited seating at this Michelin-star restaurant, it is worth standing in line to taste their flavorful dishes.
The prices are also reasonable with excellent service. Don’t be surprised to come across unique broth flavors that can’t be found anywhere else in Japan!
Japan, 〒170-0005 Tokyo, Toshima City, Minamiotsuka, 2 Chome−34−4 SKY南大塚 1F
4. Oreryu Shio-Ramen
This casual restaurant on the corner of a street offers an intimate atmosphere and seating area for eating ramen.
While they mostly serve ramen, you can also grab a dish of fried chicken. (They are known for their tender chicken.) Indulge in refreshing drinks and tasty ramen varieties.
This restaurant is also foreign-friendly with an English menu so you don’t have to worry about translating it! The outside vending machine is cash only!
2 Chome-23-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
5. Kyushu Jangara Ramen Harajuku
Feel the tender chicken on your tongue combined with the flavor-filled noodles carrying a soft texture.
Similar to other ramen restaurants in Tokyo, this place in Harajuku has limited seating and forces people to sit up close and personal with others.
There is also the option of ordering vegetarian ramen. You won’t be disappointed in the creamy and rich broth with the tender chicken but don’t expect the noodles to be top-notch.
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−13−21 1F
6. Nippon Ramen Rin Tokyo
One of the restaurants inside Tokyo Station and Gransta, Nippon Ramen Rin is a minimalist destination with assorted ramen dipped in a flavorful broth.
One thing to keep in mind is that the serving may be smaller than in other ramen places with fewer customization options.
Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京駅グランスタ B1
7. Iruca Tokyo Roppongi
Located in Minato City, Iruca Tokyo Roppongi is an open kitchen serving restaurant that specializes in soy sauce ramen and truffles.
Do keep in mind that this is one of the most popular ramen eateries in the city and will often have a queue of up to 2 hours at times.
If you do decide to eat here, make sure to try the truffle ramen and yuzu shio ramen.
4 Chome-12-12 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
8. San Tora
If you prefer pork ramen, San Tora in Shinjuku may be the place to go. The compact-style restaurant offers a small getaway from the busy city.
One of their most popular dishes—miso ramen is a favorite amongst locals and visitors with the perfect amount of ginger in the broth accompanied by a smokey flavor.
Japan, 〒162-0801 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yamabukicho, 362 プレステージ362 1階
9. Kippōshi
This cozy yet compact place in Shibuya is a great restaurant to try unique ramen variations. They also have ramen in different color broths for an impactful appearance.
Although the taste of the ramen is not at the level of a Michelin star, it’s worth stopping here if you’re in the area with their cheap prices. Try the clam ramen and chicken ramen.
Japan, 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−11−5 ダイネス壱番館渋谷102
10. Ramen Cique
Offering an inviting industrial warehouse interior, Ramen Cique is on the fancier side when it comes to ramen restaurants in Tokyo.
The giant bowls of flavorful noodles mixed with perfectly cooked eggs and meat makes this place so mouthwatering. The roasted tomato topping in particular enhances the flavor.
Grab a beer and wait as long as 5 minutes for your favorite ramen!
3 Chome-10-8 Asagayaminami, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0004, Japan
11. Tokyo Abura Soba Hiroo Branch
Voted as one of the best ramen in Giza in 2020, Tokyo Abura Soba Hiroo is a less traditional-style ramen restaurant with a modern interior. Offering more room than the typical ramen place, there is more room to accommodate larger groups.
The high-quality ramen for a cheaper price makes this restaurant an absolute must-visit when in Tokyo.
You also don’t have to worry about not being full with the large servings of noodles, veggies, and meat.
5 Chome-3-12 Hiroo, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0012, Japan
12. Tokyo Ramen Ten
Filled with just the right amount of fresh veggies, the ramen dishes take you on a flavorful journey. When ordering ramen, it is also a good idea to order gyoza to dip in their delicious sauce.
Although this restaurant doesn’t have the hype that many others do, Tokyo Ramen Ten deserves recognition for its friendly staff and authentic dishes.
3 Chome-48-21 Honmachi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan
13. Ramen Taketora
A laid-back and chill place in Tokyo, Ramen Taketora in Shibuya is a ramen lover’s dream with an abundance of flavors and generous portions.
The most unique presentation of the ramen bowls includes long pieces of pork hanging over the edge with a very light soy sauce broth flavor.
1 Chome-32-1 Hatagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0072, Japan
14. Ramen Waka Tokyo
If you love ramen with seafood flavors, this low-key restaurant in Shinagawa is the perfect place!
One of the top ramen places in the area, the noodles are cooked to perfection with a flavorful broth that keeps visitors coming back for more.
Tip: This place is a bit hidden but you can easily find it through GPS.
3 Chome-2-1 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001, Japan
15. Ippudo Meidaimae
Hidden away from the main area of Setagaya, this authentic restaurant caters to the tastebuds with plenty of ramen variations and toppings.
The thin noodles and stock mixed with the dim lights bring in repeated visitors from Japan and the rest of the world.
Tip: Make sure to go early so you don’t miss out on the delicious toppings.
2 Chome-46-6 Matsubara, Setagaya City, Tokyo 156-0043, Japan
16. Ramen World
Located in Shibuya city, Ramen World is a casual dining place popular amongst Japanese people for dinner after work.
The most recommended ramen is spicy ramen but you are free to choose how you want your noodles (soft, hard, or medium) as well as the type of broth.
The generous amount of toppings and noodles leaves visitors feeling quite satisfied.
3-3 Maruyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0044, Japan
17. Kanaya
Bowls are filled to the brim with pork, creamy broth, noodles, and veggies with the right amount of saltiness to balance out the rest of the flavors.
Located in Suginami, Kanaya may not have a modern interior but the ramen is nearly as good as the top ramen restaurants in Japan.
1 Chome-3-13 Horinouchi, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0013, Japan
18. Bassanova
The first thing about this unique restaurant that helps it stand out is the bright orange building complementing the massive grey letters of the restaurant name.
Although the outside mirrors a grungy- basement style, the interior is fairly normal with an open kitchen concept and limited seating.
One of the most surprising dishes on the menu for visitors is the Thai green curry ramen with the proper spice level that measures up to the classic green curry found in Thailand.
This ramen restaurant also allows you to order half-size portions to waste less food.
1 Chome-4-18 Hanegi, Setagaya City, Tokyo 156-0042, Japan
19. Hook
Piled high with bean sprouts and pork, Hook is a ramen restaurant in Tokyo that leaves locals and visitors quite full after one bowl.
The narrow eating space is a signature style for ramen places throughout Japan but Hook does it well with the opportunity to meet new people.
The BBQ pork rice and miso ramen are two classic dishes that are worth waiting in line for.
2 Chome-40-11 Kamiogi, Suginami City, Tokyo 167-0043, Japan
20. Samurai
Indulge in the steaming broth of the ramen with the heavy-flavored pork, noodles, and veggies. While the menu is not foreign-friendly, they do have an easy-to-use machine with pictures to help with food selection.
You can also customize your veggie toppings to enhance the flavor of your dish. While Samurai only has Tonkotsu ramen, there are a variety of ways to customize it to your liking.
4 Chome-12-14 Ikejiri, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0001, Japan
Ramen Restaurant Guide for Tokyo
When going to Japan and Tokyo in particular, don’t be surprised to find many ramen restaurants and cafes with long queue lines during peak dinner or lunchtime.
To avoid waiting in long lines, consider going early in the morning if the ramen restaurant is open.
Did you know that Japanese people usually have ramen after drinking?
Although this iconic dish is not the healthiest, there are ways to add in your favorite protein and veggies to ensure you’re getting your nutrients.
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