Exploring the London Ramen Scene
You can approach ramen on many levels. Some embrace experimental fusion bowls, while others pursue the purist path, recreating an authentic Japanese experience overseas. We’re somewhere in between—honoring tradition while leaving room for a few subtle tweaks.
London’s ramen scene is broad and diverse, making it hard to know where to start your ramen journey. We’ve curated a list of 10 ramen spots that stay true to authentic Japanese flavors. But remember, we’re not in Japan—recreating those original tastes with local ingredients is a challenge every overseas ramen-ya faces. Still, we believe that with a bowl from one of these 10 places, you just might find your taste buds transported straight to Japan.
1. Hakata Ramen
Address - 177 Bermondsey St, London
Known for its bold tonkotsu ramen inspired by the Hakata region in Japan, this spot is a walk-in-only eatery that often draws a crowd. Hakata Ramen on Bermondsey Street is a hidden gem for those craving authentic, rich Japanese flavors in the heart of London. The setting is industrial and cozy, with a downstairs speakeasy-style bar where you can sip on sake or cocktails while you wait. Hakata’s menu offers a broad appeal: meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike can find a bowl to love, with choices from pork-rich broth to a mushroom-based vegan option that’s packed with flavor. You can also customize with a variation of toppings, from soft-boiled soy eggs to spicy soy mince.
2. Menya Ramen House
Address - 29 Museum St, London
Nestled in Bloomsbury, Menya Ramen House brings London a taste of Japanese ramen with a twist of Korean heat. Known for its rich, 48-hour simmered pork and chicken broth, Menya’s ramen bowls pack serious depth. The standout? Their seafood sundubu ramen, a blend of prawn, mussel, and crab claw set in a fiery broth, perfect for chilly days. If you’re in the mood for spice, the Karai Ramen delivers a satisfying heat that’s not for the faint-hearted.
Menya’s casual, minimalist setting is great for those solo ramen runs, where the focus is on flavors and textures over frills. You can customize the noodle firmness and spice level. Just a quick detour from the British Museum, it’s a welcoming spot for ramen purists and spice-seekers alike.
3. Kanada-Ya
Locations - St. Giles High St│Panton St│Foubert’s Pl│and more
Kanada-Ya is a must-visit for anyone in London with a love for ramen. Known for its signature 18-hour tonkotsu broth, this ramen chain brings a serious depth of flavor to each bowl, thanks to simmered pork bones that create a creamy, rich base. Started in Fukuoka, Japan, Kanada-Ya has expanded to several locations across London, each drawing queues of eager diners, and for good reason. Their famed truffle ramen is a standout, featuring chashu pork, spring onions, and a dash of truffle oil that adds a unique twist to the traditional bowl.
The atmosphere at Kanada-Ya is all about customization: diners can pick their preferred noodle firmness (try it “hard” for the authentic experience) and are encouraged to spice things up with toppings like takana, the pickled mustard greens. It’s worth the wait to taste ramen crafted with such careful attention to detail.
4. Tonkotsu
Locations - Soho│Bankside│East│Battersea│and more
Tonkotsu is known for its rich, creamy pork bone broth and impressive selection of whiskies. The atmosphere is lively, especially at their original Soho branch, where the mouthwatering scent of hand-pulled noodles fills the air. Tonkotsu takes its ramen seriously; each bowl is crafted with precision, featuring their signature Kyushu-style tonkotsu ramen, topped with tender chashu pork and a perfectly gooey egg.
You can watch the noodles being made at their East London location, where the Noodle Room showcases their commitment to quality. Pair your ramen with some of their scrumptious side dishes like gyoza or karaage, and don’t forget to try the Eat the Bits chili oil for an extra kick!
5. Seto
Address - 5-6 Plender St, London
Seto in Camden is one of those rare finds that manages to blend cozy, unpretentious vibes with authentic Japanese flavor. Known for its soul-warming miso and shoyu ramen, Seto’s menu offers beautifully balanced broths that avoid the heavier fats typical of other ramen spots in London. This family-run gem has a warm, rustic interior and generous portion sizes that locals love, especially paired with the fried gyoza. Seto is also a top spot for affordable Japanese favorites, from teriyaki to katsu curry. So if you’re near Mornington Crescent and in the mood for a comforting bowl of ramen, this unassuming spot is well worth a visit.
6. Ramen Yokochō
Welcome to Ramen Yokocho, a delightful slice of Japan tucked away in the heart of London! Yokochi takes an extremly visual approach. An interior filled with colorful lanterns and retro decor transports you straight to the alleys of Japan. What truly sets Ramen Yokocho apart is its extensive menu, featuring regional ramen from across Japan—think hearty Sapporo miso and delicate Hakodate shio. Don’t miss their signature Yokocho ramen, a mouthwatering blend of soy-based chicken and pork broth, topped with BBQ pork belly and traditional garnishes. If you’re dining solo, the shuchu booths provide a cozy corner for you to enjoy your bowl in peace.
7. Bone Daddies
Locations - Soho│Bond St│Victoria│Leicester Square│and more
Bone Daddies is anything but your typical ramen joint. Blending Japanese tradition with a rebellious twist, Bone Daddies serves up deliciously bold ramen that’s hearty, inventive, and full of attitude. Each bowl starts with their famous 20-hour broth, made in-house, offering a rich foundation for playful dishes like the signature tonkotsu, buffalo ramen with fried chicken and American cheese, and even seasonal collaborations with other local eateries.
Taking inspiration for the Japanese rockabilly scene, the ambiance at Bone Daddies is fun and casual, complete with an extensive playlist of rock tunes. Beyond ramen, the menu includes sides like katsu curry-loaded tater tots. Bone Daddies is a go-to for ramen lovers seeking a lively experience with unexpected flavors, and with locations all around London, it’s never too far away when the craving strikes.
8. Ippudo
Locations - Canary Warf│St Giles│Villiers Street│Goodge Street
Ippudo in London is an exciting destination for ramen fans, bringing authentic Japanese flavors right from its birthplace in Fukuoka. Renowned globally, Ippudo has earned awards for its ramen and a solid fanbase for dishes like the Shiromaru Classic and the spicy Akamaru Modern ramen. Each bowl is a delicious symphony of their signature creamy tonkotsu broth and silky handmade noodles, crafted to offer a taste of traditional Japanese ramen culture. Ippudo’s London locations feature lively greetings from the staff, a casual yet polished ambiance, and an open kitchen, adding a theatrical flair as they serve up steaming bowls of ramen.
Ippudo’s menu features vegetarian options, add-ons like kara-age fried chicken, and sake pairings for a more rounded experience. Their Hirata buns and creative sides offer more reasons to return.$
9. Shoryu
Locations - Liverpool St│Shoreditch│Covent Garden│Soho│and more
Shoryu is a large collection of ramen shops in London where you can dive into authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, a regional specialty from Fukuoka known for its rich, creamy pork broth. Each bowl is simmered for 12 hours to achieve that intense, savory flavor, and topped with essentials like tender chashu pork belly and a soft-boiled egg. Entering Shoryu feels like stepping into Japan, with staff welcoming you with a lively “Irasshaimase!” and a beat on a traditional taiko drum.
Plus, vegetarians will find unique options like the White Natural, a plant-based miso and seaweed broth, perfect for a cozy ramen night. Pair your meal with one of their unique Japanese beers or refreshing teas for the perfect finish. With multiple locations around the city, Shoryu makes it easy to get your ramen fix wherever you are.
10. Monohon Ramen
Address - 102 Old St, London
We saved the best for last. Monohon Ramen is one of London’s most inviting spots for authentic Japanese ramen right by Old Street. This cozy, counter-seated gem is run by UK chef Ian Wheatley, who’s put a lot of heart—and training in Japan—into each bowl. The noodles here are handmade from imported Japanese flour, so they’ve got that perfect bite, and the broths? Slow-cooked and packed with flavor. If you’re craving a classic, the Shoyu Tonkotsu with its rich, velvety pork broth will hit the spot, but the Mentaiko Cream Ramen (yes, creamy cod roe!) is an absolute must-try for something different.
Monohon also keeps it fresh with seasonal dishes like chilled Hiyashi Chuka in summer and a vegan-friendly Tan Tan Men that even meat-lovers rave about. It’s got that traditional ramen-bar vibe, but with London’s flair, making it a favorite among ramen fans across the city
© Monohon
Now that you have acquired the necessary knowledge, it’s time for you to embark on your ramen journey in the streets of london. Fancy something more than a hearty soup, be sure to check out our curated list of London’s most authentic restaurants.
Explore Japanese Food in Cities Worldwide
A deep dive into London’s ramen scene with must-visit Japanese spots.