Ever wondered where to eat the best ramen in Tokyo? With a ramen shop on almost every corner, where to even start? Well, wonder no longer, because the following shops are the best ramen restaurants in the capital!
All of them have been tried and tested, so without further ado and in no chronological order (how could you have a favorite child?), these are the top 10 Ramen shops in Tokyo. So let's dig in!
1. SHAKA Ramen
Shaka Ramen n Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
SHAKA ramen is a little off the beaten track near Shinjuku san-chōme station, in what is known as the trendy district of Shinjuku Ni-chōme!
The chef here really takes her time preparing each bowl one by one. And you can taste the attention to detail.
The special spice ramen at 980¥ is the most expensive item on the menu. But it doesn't just look great, the promise of Middle Eastern spice-infused ramen came more than true in this delicious bowl!
Address: 1 Chome-32-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-002
Opening Hours: Closed on Sundays, otherwise daily from 11-3 pm and 5-10 pm
2. Mazesoba Ramen
Mazesoba Ramen n Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
Mazesoba Ramen, without a doubt, deserves to be one of the top 10 ramen shops in Tokyo!
Like most Ramen shops, it's pretty straightforward, you buy a ticket at the machine when you come in and a few minutes later, delicious ramen will appear.
With prices around ¥ 900, this is pretty standard, but their smokey meat is truly exceptional. The spicy ramen is their number 1 seller and highly recommended if you can handle a little heat.
Address: 〒150-0031 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Sakuragaokachō, 16−10
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11.30 am to 10 pm
3. Aburasoba Chigo
Aburasoba Chigo Ramen n Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
Aburasoba Chigo, takes its inspiration from Italian Cuisine. With one of their ramen creations even called “the Italian flag”!
It is a small space, where you can watch how the ramen is made right in front of you! It might be a little bit distracting, but well…
They have poached egg to add as a topping, how could one resist? The recommendation is the spicy oily ramen for 700¥, featuring some unusual toppings such as rocket, tomato, and diced raw onion, making it almost healthy.
Address: 1 Chome-24-16 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073
Opening hours: Every day 11.30 am to 11 pm
4. Gomaryuu Ramen
Gomaryuu Ramen in Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
Gomaryuu is a small ramen shop near Okubo station and it's famous for its extra spicy ramen!
You can adjust the spice level, but the recommendation at medium heat is the “Asyura” for 900¥ or if you prefer it a bit milder the “Gomaryu” for 800¥. There is spicy oil as a condiment too, so you can always add some more.
The soup here at Gomaryuu Ramen is thick, flavored with sesame and topped with Japanese spinach, ground meat, and spices. A little different and so delicious!
Address: 〒169-0073 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Hyakunincho, 1 Chome−23−17 大久保南口共同ビル 1F
Opening hours: Closed on Monday. Otherwise daily from 11.30 am -3 pm and 5–10 pm
5. Kipposhi Ramen
Kipposhi Ramen in Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
You might have seen this one, as Kipposhi Ramen has been all over the social networks with its signature blue ramen!
The blue ramen is delicious and equally photogenic. Also at ¥900, this blue chicken ramen won't break the bank. You will find it in the center of Shibuya, close to Tower Records, perfect to pop in after a busy day of shopping.
Address: 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−11−5 ダイネス壱番館渋谷102
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 11:30 am – 3 pm and 6 – 9:30 pm, closed on Wednesday
6. Mentoku second-generation Tsujida Kojimachi Ramen
めん徳 二代目 つじ田 麹町店 or freely translated to “Mentoku second-generation Tsujida Kojimachi Ramen” is located in Yotsuya.
Famous for their special salt ramen, a bowl comes in at 970¥, which is fairly priced. Expect it to arrive in a big stone bowl, beautifully decorated with all the goodness; egg, meat a few leafy greens. Irresistible due to its creamy broth and tender meat, and the surprising addition of tiny bits of Yuzu rind to it! Unexpected but so good!
The portions are incredibly generous, however, if you really feel like more food, they give you extra boiled eggs for free!
Address: 〒102-0093 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Hirakawachō, 1 Chome−4−11
Opening hours: Closed on Sunday. Otherwise daily 11 am –10.30 pm
7. Tatsunoya Ramen
Tatsunoya Ramen in Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
Tatsunoya Ramen is a pretty famous ramen store in Shinjuku and rightly so!
Pretty much any time you walk by, you will see a queue in front of this popular ramen shop. But the good news is, the wait is not crazy.
Make sure you try the “Tsukemen”, cold noodles that you dip in the separately served soup, it is absolutely delicious!!! Especially the chewy meaty bits swimming in it, so yum!
It costs 880¥ to 980¥ depending on the size. Add a boiled egg for 100¥, a total must. Spicy bean sprouts are free and you can add them to your liking, as well as their signature pickles, what's not to love?
Address: 〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿７丁目４−5
Opening Hours: Every day 11 am to 10.30 pm
8. Abura-Kun Ramen
Abura-Kun Ramen n Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
Abura-Kun (油君) Ramen is a great abura soba restaurant, a type of ramen, serving delicious oily soup-less ramen.
It's a small shop, maybe 7 counter seats and two tables of two, nice and cozy with a great variety of ramen to pick from. Another plus, you pay for the style, not for the size, so you can get a bigger portion without paying extra, that is pretty sweet, right? They also divide each ramen into spice levels, very clever.
Address: 〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2-chōme−7, 新宿２丁目７−1不二川ビル一階
Opening hours: Everyday 11 am – 11 pm
9. Noseya Ramen
Noseya Ramen in Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat.jpg
Noseya Ramen is another great ramen place located right next to Okubo stations south exit.
Decorated with photographs and signatures from previous well-known dinners, it has a nice izakaya feel to it. Behind the counter, you will see its iconic owner with his signature headband and tattoos.
The menu is sharp, with abura soba being the main hero. Make sure you add some extra toppings at 100¥ each, you can get egg, more meat, shallots and many more.
What's special is that you get an array of condiments to customize your bowl of ramen even further. Create your own flavor journey from the first to your last slurp. Definitely add the hot oil and if you dare, the wasabi mayo!
Address: 〒169-0073 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Hyakunincho, 1 Chome−23−17 大久保南口共同ビル1F １F
Opening Hours: Closed on Sunday. Otherwise daily 11.30 am –11 pm
10. Ramen Bario
Ramen Bario in Tokyo, Photo by Cindy Bissig for Lets Travel and Eat
Ramen Bario is an amazing ramen shop with a twist located near Shinbashi Station, right in the heart of Tokyo. There is always a queue however the good news, it moves fast and you can wait inside and once you get to the front you can watch the guys do their magic.
The Tsukemen is served with a good spoonful of chili, so be careful it's spicy! But the biggest surprise is the pasta-like ramen noodles! A bit crazy but they totally worked together with the rich, creamy broth this bowl of ramen is pretty sensational!
And at 890¥ considering the huge portion served a real bargain, another strong top 10 ramen in Tokyo contender!
Address: 1 Chome-21-1 Nishishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0003
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11 am - 11 pm and weekends 11 am –3 pm and 5 pm –9 pm
