20 Top Spots to Find the Best Ramen NYC Locals Recommend
20 Top Spots to Find the Best Ramen NYC Locals Recommend
Once upon a time, the average person thought ramen noodles were simply a staple of a college student’s dorm room. Now, many travelers have discovered the delicious, savory delight of an authentic ramen bowl.
When there’s a chill in the air in New York City there are few better ways to warm up than a ramen bowl. New York is full of the best food trucks NYC locals love and places to eat in Time Square cheap. But, there’s something about a nice bowl of ramen that warms the soul.
The Best Ramen NYC Locals Recommend
Ramen is a popular meal any time of year! It’s also appealing to meat-eaters and vegetarians, alike. So, without further ado, here’s where you can find some of the best ramen bowls in NYC!
1 | Jin Ramen | A variety of ramen awaits at this Upper West Side neighborhood spot. A large dining room and several broths to choose from await your presence. Enjoy exotic Thai-inspired flavors or turn up the heat. A favorite of the spicy variety is based on pork-bone Tonkotsu and achieves its heat with chile oil and black garlic.
WHERE: 462 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 | WHO: 646-657-0755
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2 | Momosan Ramen & Sake | From celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, Momosan adds a brilliance to ramen that only Chef Morimoto can provide. Tsukemen is one of the most popular ramen choices. A small mound of green scallions sit on top of the soup, lime juice adds brightness in a pork-bone broth, while firm noodles await to be slurped. Momosan strikes a balance of modern-day branded experience with authentic flavors.
WHERE: 342 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016 | WHO: 646-201-5529
3 | Zen Ramen & Sushi | Everyone can find a ramen they’ll love at Zen Ramen and Sushi. Spicy Tonkotsu, with its homemade spicy paste and shredded red hot pepper and the Beef Ramen are two of the most popular ramens on the menu. For light flavors, consider the Seafood Ramen, loaded with fresh seafood or the Vegetable Ramen. Mix things up and enjoy some fresh sushi, too.
WHERE: 150 W 36th Street, New York, NY 10018 | WHO: 646-870-7509
4 | HinoMaru | This very serious ramen joint is where to go for authentic ramen. The most popular is a creamy Tonkotsu broth. A must-do is HinoMaru’s “New York Style” with the Tonkotsu broth. Another great choice is the fish cake and a signature “fireball,” a loose meatball of peppery ground pork placed into the broth with tender ramen noodles, filling the bowl with savory and fiery flavors.
WHERE: 33-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 | WHO: 718-777-0228
5 | Bow Ramen | Bow Ramen is one of those hole-in-the-wall places you just fall in love with. Head to Bow Ramen for a quick, comforting bowl of ramen. There isn’t much seating here and the service is fast. The signature dish is the Bow Ramen with chicken broth, spicy ground chicken, one piece of pork belly and other toppings.
WHERE: 212 E 45th Street, New York, NY 10017 | WHO: 917-261-4868
6 | Totto Ramen | With a focus on its Chinese roots, Totto serves up authentic ramen pure and simple. A chicken-pork broth is the perfect pool for wavy blond noodles. You can spice things up then cool things down with a side of avocado. Totto Ramen has a few locations, with the Midtown East location having an irresistible counter to sit at and take in the energetic kitchen.
WHERE: 248 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022 | WHO: 212-421-0052
7 | Kuro-Obi Ramen GC by Ippudo | Kuro-Obi specializes in a pork and chicken broth, “Tori Paitan,” that’s light and simple without too many add-ins. The bowls are small but satisfying. Pork belly and delicate noodles are the perfect match for the delicious broth. Seating is at tables and along windows that look out onto Times Square.
WHERE: 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169 | WHO: N/A
8 | Nishida Sho-ten | Ramen was born in Japan, and Nishida Sho-ten is practically an homage to its birthplace. You’ll feel transported back to the 1950s during the Showa period, which ushered in a new modernized era for Japan. The Black Kakuni Ramen with Ma-yu oil, pork, egg, onion, scallion, bok-choy in chicken and pork broth is a must-have. For a lighter version, consider the White Kakuni Ramen.
WHERE: 302 E 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 | WHO: 212-308-0791
9 | Teppen Ramen | This cozy noodle parlor is filled to the brim with Japanese flavors. Teppen Ramen is open late at night with Japanese beer and cocktails. Patrons slurp down delicious ramen, with Teppen Miso Ramen and Teppen Shoyu Ramen contending for the top spot. No matter which ramen you choose, you’re bound to enjoy the authentic cuisine contained in each bowl.
WHERE: 159 E 55th Street, New York, NY 10022 | WHO: 212-355-2974
10 | Jun-Men Ramen Bar | Although Jun-Men is a relatively small ramen parlor, the blonde woods and open kitchen make for a bright atmosphere. The Mazeman bowl is full of surprising ingredients, including urchin, mushrooms and pancetta. The Spicy Miso Ramen with pork shoulder is another fantastic choice. Vegetarian ramen is also available.
WHERE: 249 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 | WHO: 646-852-6787
11 | Kogane | Ready for imaginative ramen creations? Kogane’s menu is sophisticated yet fun with a Lobster Ramen, a Ramen Burger and Parco Ramen with a rich curry broth and noodles that are made daily on the premises. Prices are higher than the average ramen spot, but the elevated experience is on par with the price point.
WHERE: 337 W 14th Street, New York, NY 10014 | WHO: 212-337-9832
12 | Ippudo Westside | Brick walls are contrasted by bright white tables and chairs, and a glossy wood bar. Ippudo is a great spot to cozy up with a bowl of Spicy Ramen or Akamaru Modern Ramen, with some of the best pork broth around. Start off with a few bao appetizers to give yourself the full experience. Ippudo has multiple locations in NYC, as well as Los Angeles and San Francisco.
WHERE: 321 W 51st Street, New York, NY 10019 | WHO: 212-974-2500
13 | E.A.K Ramen | E.A.K. presents a confident approach to ramen. The most popular ramen on the menu is The E.A.K. of course. The broth is a combination of pork and chicken, with the noodles being firmer and thicker Quite a bit of branding adorns your dining experience here, so there is no confusion about where you’re enjoying your hot bowl of ramen.
WHERE: 469 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011 | WHO: 646-863-2027
14 | Takumen | One of the loveliest dining rooms of any ramen spot in NYC is found at Takumen. A blonde wood beam ceiling immediately creates a welcoming environment. Grab a spot at the counter that faces into the kitchen. It is hard to pass up the Spicy Goma Miso Ramen with sauteed ground pork, cha-shu pork, nira chives, bok choy, scallions, Takumen broth (chicken, pork, seafood and vegetable stock) and thick noodles. Or for something different, the Ban Ban Chicken Ramen has thin noodles, making it a great choice for warmer days.
WHERE: 5-50 50th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 | WHO: 718-361-7973
15 | Jeju Noodle Bar | Expand your ramen horizons with ramyun, which is Korean ramen. Jeju Noodle Bar has earned a Michelin Star, and you owe it to yourself to see why. If you want to indulge in an elevated ramen experience, order the expensive but worth it Wagyu Ramyun. Raw wagyu brisket bathes in a veal bone broth creating a luxurious version of ramyun. The most popular ramyun is the Gochu Ramyun, with thick slabs of pork belly and a rich, spicy broth. While the ramyun shines, don’t overlook the enticing appetizers, including mussels or refreshing cucumber kimchi.
WHERE: 679 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10014 | WHO: 646-666-0947
16 | Menkoi Sato | This no-frills ramen spot is dark and the seating is tight, but the energy is exciting. Simple, authentic ramen recipes reign at Menkoi Sato. Shoyu Ramen is the most popular bowl with chicken broth, ground pork, cha-shu (pork), scallions, menma and bamboo shoots, roasted seaweed, onions, sesame seeds and pork back fat.
WHERE: 7 Cornelia Street, New York, NY 10014 | WHO: 212-727-1050
17 | Camellia | Adorned with a femine touch both in decor and the restaurant’s approach to cooking, Camellia is a lovely change of pace. Ramen, gelato and tea make up the trifecta here. If you want the ultimate foodie post for your Instagram, you’ve got to go with the Rainbow Ramen. It’s served deconstructed with a signature plate of ramen noodles in all the colors of the rainbow. For one of the most flavorful bowls on the menu, go with the Stewed Pork Spare Ribs Ramen, which is full of tender pork spare ribs, baby bok choy, half-boiled egg, scallion and spare ribs stock.
WHERE: 155 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | WHO: 212-228-2070
18 | Karakatta | Near the NYU campus, you’ll find a compact space accented with neon. Karakatta is where to go if you desire to turn up the heat. The Spicy Ginger Stamina is the top rated dish with fresh, pungent ginger and chile oil. You can choose your level of hotness, so fear not if you’re not up to a scorching hot meal. Cold ramen selections are available, too, if you’re not into heat or want something refreshing.
WHERE: 230 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012 | WHO: 917-261-6297
19 | Minca | Experiment with ramen with the Tokyo Tsukemen Spicy Miso. It’s a deconstructed dish with a spicy miso broth and a glorious spread of ingredients for you to produce your very own creation. Additional pork and chicken ramen options provide traditional, authentic tastes. Sit along the counter facing the window and enjoy your ramen as you people watch in NYC.
WHERE: 536 E 5th Street, New York, NY 10009 | WHO: 212-505-8001
20 | Wanpaku | The focus here is chicken and vegetarian broths. These lighter broths allow for unconventional ramen toppings, like zucchini noodles, to shine. Yet if you crave a rich beef broth, then the popular BBQ Beef Rib Ramen is a must. Don’t miss out on the speakeasy-style cocktail lounge hidden away at the rear of the dining room. It’s named the Hidden Pearl.
WHERE: 621 Manhattan Ave Brooklyn, NY 11222 | WHO: 718-383-3139
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Last Tips on The Best Ramen Bowls You Can Eat in NYC
New York City is full of eclectic dining options, including the best bottomless brunch NYC has to offer, the best bakeries NYC locals love to show off their favorite food pics on Instagram and the best Irish pubs NYC locals love to get rowdy at. It’s a fast-paced city with New Yorkers looking for a good snack or meal at all hours of the day and night. The City That Never Sleeps sure does have it all!
Ramen is a very versatile dish. It’s as popular for lunch as it is for a late-night craving. Ramen is comfort food at its finest. There are all kinds of ramen, including tonkotsu ramen, iekei style ramen, pork broth ramen, braised pork belly and soft boiled seasoned egg ramen. The list goes on! Whether you're on the east side, east village or west side and west village, there are tons of ramen spots to check out.
Be prepared for a rush no matter what time of day. Many of these wonderful ramen restaurants are short on space, making for an energetic experience. Remember, it is appropriate to slurp your noodles and alternate between noodles, meat and broth as you eat some delectable signature ramen. Also, don’t forget to bring cash! Many establishments are cash-only.
For more NYC food guides, NYC food tours and the best tips and tricks for seeing the city, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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