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My guide · updated September 2026

Best ramen in New York, 2026.

I still remember the first time I had truly great ramen in New York City, it changed what I thought was possible. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find the best ramen in New York City, and this guide is the culmination of that journey. Every pick here is one I’d order from again tomorrow.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · 10 places I went to · 2 reader questions answered
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2 reader questions, answered by me · Ask yours

The list, in my order

10 I’d go back to. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.

1

Mr. Taka Ramen

RestaurantLower East Side
Worth it
Mr. Taka Ramen
  • Address170 Allen St, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Mr. Taka Ramen opened in New York City in 2015, but the restaurant has had roots in Japan long before that. Chef Takatoshi Nagara earned a Michelin Star at his Tokyo outpost, Bigiya Ramen, before gracing us with some of the best ramen in NYC. In terms of favorites, it’s a toss up between the miso ramen (made with chicken and fish broth), and the spicy tonkotsu made with pork broth.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
2

Ichiran

RestaurantMidtown & Brooklyn
Worth it

If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a proper bowl of ramen solo, Ichiran gets my vote. Traditional tables are replaced with single-player booths that encircle the closed-ff kitchen. The reason? Your senses shouldn’t be distracted!

As soon as you’re seated you’ll get an order form with options. Once completed, you’ll be instructed to press the call button and the right people will take it from there. Within a matter of minutes your steaming bowl of ramen will be delivered through the sliding door that separates you from the kitchen.

I suggest digging in as soon as your bowl hits the table when the texture of the noodles is perfect. Don’t wait too long or else they’ll expand. The incredible flavors paired with such a unique experience earns Ichiran a spot on my list of the it.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
3

Tonchin

RestaurantMidtown & Williamsburg
Worth it
  • Address13 W 36th St., New York & 109 N 3rd St, Brooklyn
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Tonchin was founded in Japan in 1992 by two brothers, Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno. Katsuhiro’s son opted to take the. Every dish at Tonchin is bound to impress, but tonkotsu ramen is where this gem truly shines.

Both the broth and noodles are made from scratch! Many locals consider this the best ramen New York City has to offer and I don’t disagree. Heck, the Michelin Guide awarded Tonchin a Bib-Gourmand rating (good value restaurants).

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
4

Momofuku Noodle Bar

RestaurantEast Village
Worth it
Momofuku Noodle Bar
  • Address171 1st Ave, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

A true powerhouse in NYC’s food scene, Momofuku’s ramen is considered some of the best in town. The open kitchen design gives the restaurant inviting vibes, making it easy to linger too long with a few craft cocktails in hand.

The spicy mushroom ramen is a clear standout (miso, toasted chili, yu choy) but the smoked pork ramen (served with the restaurant’s famed pork belly) is a close second. Regardless of what you order, don’t leave without trying the pork buns!

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
5

ROKC

RestaurantHarlem
Worth it
  • Address3452 Broadway, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

ROKC (Ramen, Oysters, Kitchen, and Cocktails) is a Harlem hangout that dishes out some of the most unique ramen in New York City. Don’t just take my word for it! With options like bone marrow and wagyu (a soupless ramen) and sea urchin and salmon caviar, this the place to go for a swanky date.

If your palate is feeling less adventurous, opt for the Kyoto ramen (soy sauce flavored chicken swimming in a creamy fish broth) or the soupless yokosuka curry made with coconut milk.

Unpopular opinion. Hot take. You don’t need to spend $300 on omakase to have incredible sushi in NYC.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
6

Ivan Ramen

RestaurantLower East Side
Worth it
Ivan Ramen
  • Address25 Clinton St, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Ivan Orkin, the visionary behind Ivan Ramen, first moved to Japan in the 1980s, where he developed a deep appreciation for the country’s culture and cuisine. After graduating from food school in the United States, he returned to Japan, where his wife encouraged him to open a ramen shop. Against all odds, the restaurant thrived. Building on that success, Orkin expanded to New York by opening Ivan Ramen in the East Village in 2013.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
7

Totto Ramen

RestaurantHell’s Kitchen & Midtown East
Worth it
Totto Ramen
  • Address464 W 51st St, New York & 248 E 52nd St, New York
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

While most New York City ramen joints focus on pork-based broth, Totto Ramen highlights chicken-based ramen instead. The signature paitan (white soup) ramen. If you’re looking for a more unique bowl consider the fried chicken ramen, which tastes as good as it sounds.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
8

Ippudo

Restaurant
Worth it
Ippudo

Ippudo continues to serve some of the most delicious pork-based ramen in New York City. With three locations to choose from, the East Village flagship remains the standout, if you can handle the wait. Want to beat the crowds? Go alone or find an excuse to leave work early. And don’t even think about skipping the pork buns!

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
9

Kohoku-Ku

RestaurantHell’s Kitchen
Worth it
  • Address709 9th Ave, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Kohoku-Ku is known two things, great ramen and affordable prices. Tucked away in Hell’s Kitchen, this ramen is served in a cozy, lantern-lit spot with makeshift seating fashioned from repurposed Suntory crates. If you’re into thicky almost gravy-like ramen, this the place for you.

The Kumamoto, with its intensely rich pork and black garlic broth, is a must-try, though the spicy miso and grilled mackerel options hold their own. Beyond ramen, the menu features izakaya staples like yakitori, curry rice, and crispy karaage. Just a short walk from Times Square but blissfully removed from the chaos, it’s a great low-key pre-theater pick.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
10

E.A.K. Ramen

RestaurantMidtown & Greenwich Village
Worth it
E.A.K. Ramen

The result? A deeply savory, almost creamy soup that stands out from the usual ramen offerings.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
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What readers asked

2 in the thread

Ask me about ramen restaurants in New York

I read every one. The best questions get answered up in the guide.
Mike D.

Glad you mentioned Mu Ramen. Feels like everyone just lists the Manhattan spots but Mu in LIC is the real deal.

Sarah H.

Ivan Ramen is so good it makes me angry I waited so long to try it. That triple garlic mazemen is life changing.

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