10 Best Ramen Restaurants in New York (NYC)
The first small Japanese restaurants in NYC began to emerge in the early 20th century, serving authentic dishes like sushi and tempura to a niche audience. However, the Japanese community in NYC remained relatively isolated until the 1970s, when sushi gained immense popularity among non-Japanese New Yorkers. Today, over 50 years later, NYC has embraced Japanese cuisine as one of its own, with both traditional and fusion restaurants found on nearly every corner.
Yet one particular dish has risen above the rest, demanding attention - Ramen.
What sets the ramen scene of NYC apart is the craftsmanship behind it. Many of the ramen spots are helmed by culinary visionaries, some even trained ramen masters from Japan, bringing decades of expertise across the ocean to hungry New Yorkers. As the ramen wave swells, chefs are getting more daring—experimenting with everything from house-made noodles to fusion broths and wild, unexpected toppings. From the eclectic alleyways of the East Village to the fast-paced streets of Midtown, ramen has become an art form.
Below, you’ll find a handpicked list of ten essential ramen joints that promise an authentic, mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.
1. Nakamura
Area - Lower East Side
Address - 172 Delancey St, NY 10002
Nakamura, a groundbreaking ramen shop in the Lower East Side, was established in 2016 by renowned Tokyo ramen chef Shigetoshi Nakamura. After gaining recognition in New York through Sun Noodle’s Ramen Lab, he opened this intimate eatery. Today, Nakamura is known for his innovative approach, crafting his own noodles while experimenting with unique flavors. On the menu you find a variety of shoyu and curry options with Nakamura’s signature chicken broth as the base. For those wanting to recreate the Nakamura experience at home they have personal ramen kits. The shop is vegan friendly as well, with vegan options including a truffle miso dish.
2. Ivan Ramen
Area - East Village
Address - 25 Clinton St, NY 10002
A beloved gem in the East Village, Ivan Ramen has gathered a devoted following thanks to its blend of Japanese and American culinary influences. Founded by Ivan Orkin, a Jewish-American chef who honed his craft in Tokyo, this ramen haven features rich, savory broths and impeccably textured noodles. The Tokyo Shoyu Ramen is an absolute must-try, boasting deep, resonant flavors, while the Triple Pork Triple Garlic Mazemen is a garlic aficionado’s fantasy come true. Catering to vegans as well, Ivan Ramen’s light yet flavorful vegetable broth options ensure no one is left out. The bold ambiance mirrors the vibrant flavors, solidifying its status as a favorite among NYC ramen aficionados.
3. Kuu Ramen
Area - Financial District
Address - 20 John St, NY 10038
Located in the Financial District, Kuu Ramen is a masterclass in spicy, flavor-packed bowls. Here, the focus is on chile-infused broths that deliver a punch. Their pièce de résistance is the chicken paitan ramen—boiled to creamy perfection over hours and elevated with “chili skin” and spicy ground chicken, making every bite an explosion of taste. Kuu Ramen doesn’t stop there; innovative offerings such as beef ramen with aromatic garlic chips and miso broth beckon the adventurous diner. Whether nestled in their cozy ambiance or grabbing a quick, spicy bite to go, Kuu Ramen serves up an exhilarating fusion of spice and comfort in each bowl.
4. Momosan Ramen
Area - Murray Hill
Address - 342 Lexington Ave, NY 10016
Crafted by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Momosan Ramen offers a sophisticated yet inviting interpretation of traditional ramen. The menu’s highlight is the tantan ramen—boasting a spicy coconut curry broth enriched with ground pork and red miso, it reimagines a classic dish with flair. For those wishing to avoid spice, the tsukemen—served with noodles and soup separately—presents another delightful option. With sleek interiors and expertly crafted bowls, Momosan infuses a touch of celebrity chef magic into the NYC ramen scene, attracting food lovers from all corners of the city.
5. Hide-Chan Ramen
Area - Midtown East
Address - 248 E 52nd St #2Fl, NY 10022
Tucked away on the second floor of a Midtown building, Hide-Chan Ramen is an intimate sanctuary revered for its deeply flavored tonkotsu (pork) broth. Guided by the skilled hands of chef Hideto Kawahara, this ramen-ya champions authenticity and simplicity, offering bowls like the signature ma-yu ramen, imbued with black garlic oil for an enchanting smoky flavor. Guests can tailor their experience by customizing noodle firmness, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet quality meal. Hide-Chan’s no-frills approach is perfect for purists yearning for genuine ramen experiences.
6. Minca Ramen
Area - East Village
Address - 536 E 5th St, NY 10009
A beloved staple in the East Village, Minca Ramen embraces a cash-only policy and a straightforward ethos that locals adore. The restaurant’s Tokyo-style ramen allows diners the freedom to mix and match thick noodles with a range of broths, from spicy miso to savory pork-chicken hybrids. The open kitchen and cozy atmosphere foster an inviting space, ideal for solo diners or casual dates. Signature dishes like the chashu ramen, featuring tender pork and a rich, buttery broth, epitomize Minca’s commitment to the art of ramen. This eatery is a true embodiment of the city’s enduring romance with the dish.
7. Okiboru House of Tsukemen
Area - Lower East Side
Address - 117 Orchard St, NY 10002
Michelin-rated Okiboru shines as a specialist in tsukemen, the delightful dipping ramen featuring thick, udon-like noodles served alongside a robust, flavorful broth. Situated on the Lower East Side, this minimalist ramen haven serves up two main offerings: tsukemen and tontori ramen, both customizable with your choice of pork or chicken. The meticulously crafted broths, infused with a blend of chicken and fish, create a unique depth that elevates each bite. For ramen enthusiasts seeking a refined experience that transcends the ordinary, Okiboru’s focused menu is a must-visit.
© Okiboru
8. Totto Ramen
Area - Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown
Address - 248 E 52nd St, NY 10022 and 464 W 51st St, NY 10019
Totto Ramen distinguishes itself by specializing in chicken-based ramen, a refreshing departure from the pork-centric options prevalent in NYC. With locations in Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown, Totto’s paitan ramen—crafted from a luscious, creamy chicken broth—has garnered acclaim for its rich, satisfying profile. The eatery’s compact layout and swift service make it a go-to for lunchtime diners. Their miso ramen is another highlight, featuring wavy noodles and a fermented soybean paste that contributes a delightful nutty depth to the soup.
9. Ippudo
Area - East Village
Address - 65 4th Ave, NY 10003
Undoubtedly one of the most celebrated ramen chains globally, Ippudo’s East Village outpost draws enthusiastic crowds for its decadent tonkotsu broth and flawlessly cooked noodles. Known for long wait times, Ippudo’s ramen justifies the anticipation, especially the Akamaru Modern, which showcases pork belly, boiled spinach, and bamboo shoots nestled in a creamy tonkotsu broth. The restaurant’s sleek modern decor and communal seating foster a vibrant atmosphere, making it a premier ramen destination for both locals and tourists alike.
© Ippudo
10. E.A.K. Ramen
Area - Greenwich Village
Address - 469 6th Ave, NY 10011
E.A.K. Ramen introduces the flavors of Japan’s Iekei-style ramen to NYC, serving up bowls featuring a creamy, salty broth that artfully blends pork and chicken bones. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, this ramen house delights diners with thick noodles and inventive toppings like spinach instead of the usual scallions. The Oh So Hot! Ramen, enhanced with sesame oil and spicy miso, is a standout for spice lovers, while the Zebra ramen, infused with roasted umami garlic oil, promises a profound savory experience. For ramen enthusiasts eager to explore new flavors, E.A.K. is an essential stop.
This curated guide illustrates the rich diversity and authenticity within NYC’s ramen scene, showcasing both revered traditions and innovative interpretations. Whether you identify as a ramen purist or a culinary adventurer, these ramen-yas promise some of the finest bowls the city has to offer.
Explore Japanese Food in Cities Worldwide
A deep dive into London’s ramen scene with must-visit Japanese spots.