12 Tasty Ramen Restaurants in New York City (NYC Guide)

Good to know First come, first-served

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.

Good to know Reservations not accepted, expect long lines,

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.

Good to know Famous for tonkotsu ramen, reservations are easier to get at Williamsburg location

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).

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!

Good to know Great for date night, incredible cocktails

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.

Good to know Ivan Orkin was featured on Netflix’s Chefs Table

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.

Good to know Totto Ramen focuses on chicken-based broth

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.

Good to know The largest ramen chain the world

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!

Good to know Cozy atmosphere, great selection of Japanese beer

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.

Good to know Famous for iekei ramen

For a unique take on ramen, check out E.A.K., with locations in the West Village, Hell’s Kitchen, and Moynihan Hall at Penn Station. Specializing in iekei-style ramen, their bowls feature a rich, milky broth made from chicken and pork bones, paired with thick, spaghetti-like noodles and spinach instead of scallions. The result? A deeply savory, almost creamy soup that stands out from the usual ramen offerings. The E.A.K. Shoyu bowl is a solid choice, but be warned, the chashu is so good you’ll wish there was more. Do yourself a favor and order extra.