The Ultimate Guide to Ramen in New York City

An epicenter of international cuisine, New York City lets you travel the globe through its remarkable diversity of culinary offerings – and Japanese culture and gastronomy are stunningly represented across the city.

The ramen circuit in particular is nothing short of iconic, well-traversed by locals and tourists alike. Read on for a sampling of the city’s best and brightest bowls of noodles, from delicate vegan and vegetarian options to uber-flavorful bone broths brewed for days.

TabeTomo: Best Long-Brewed Ramen in New York City

If you’re looking for atmospheric authenticity, TabeTomo takes the cake. With floor-to-ceiling, window-like doors, you can catch a cool summer breeze while enjoying a satisfying bowl of ramen.

The restaurant’s name pays tribute to its chef, Tomotsugu Kubo, and means “eating buddy” in Japanese – and you’ll find plenty of those here. Whether it’s Japanese expats chatting in their native tongue or cheerful couples on romantic dates, this airy local favorite welcomes everyone.

TabeTomo’s claim to fame is a remarkable pork broth, prepared and simmered for a whopping 60-plus hours. This Jiro-style ramen features raw garlic and thick chewy noodles, offering a distinct texture compared to thinner noodles often favored in Americanized kitchens. The place also specializes in tsukemen, in which the noodles are served on the side for dipping, ensuring they remain firm while the broth retains its fullest flavor. Phenomenal!

Ippudo: Best Sake Pairing in New York City

In the early 2010s, as ramen began trending globally, a wave of ramen restaurants flooded the city. Ippudo was one of the earliest, and it hasn’t wavered in popularity – or tastiness. Known for its rich pork and vegetarian broths, Ippudo boasts multiple locations across Manhattan.

In terms of quality, Ippudo’s standard sake list is exceptional, with staff trained to provide personalized recommendations. It offers a range of flavors from light and dry to rich and sweet, with a standout sweet and tangy citrus-yuzu sake featured on the menu.

When paired with a bowl of salty pork-broth ramen topped with the restaurant’s famed umami paste, the experience is unforgettable. The balance of the salty broth and the sweetness of the sake creates an epic pairing. Vegetarian ramen broths are also available and particularly tasty here.

Marufuku Ramen: Best Pork-Belly (Chashu) in New York City

If you have lived in either Tokyo or New York City for an extended period, or simply have a passion for ramen, you know that not all pork belly slices are created equal.

A special cut of meat known for its ultra-high fat content, chashu is a popular ramen topping that can also be enjoyed over a bowl of steaming rice. Marufuku Ramen’s chashu remains a cut above the rest – a far thicker and fattier slice than any other in the city. The restaurant also serves a deluxe version of its tonkotsu with an extra slice of pork belly, providing an indulgent experience.

The atmosphere is inviting, with excellent lighting and a dining area that offers a sense of separation from the bustling streets of 2nd Ave.

Zurutto Ramen: Best Chicken-Broth Ramen in New York City

Ramen served in pork broth is the common standard in New York, but the unsung heroes of the NYC ramen world are the chicken-broth offerings that sprinkle the city.

Zurutto, a modest storefront on West 72nd Street, is a dimly lit Upper West Side hideaway that’s surprisingly easy to overlook. However, upon entering, you’ll discover what might be the best chicken-broth-only menu in the entire city.

They say chicken soup is good for the soul, and Zurutto’s chicken ramen achieves this honor with a uniquely comforting ambiance. From attentive service to steaming bowls of chicken broth, this spot offers an exceptional dining experience. For peace and tranquility, visit during off-peak hours.

Ramen Ishida: Best Vegan Ramen

Finding vegan ramen that maintains a bold, savory taste can be a challenge, but Ramen Ishida excels at this. It is known for serving some of the finest vegan ramen in New York City – and perhaps the entire US East Coast.

Offering three distinct varieties: vegan shoyu with vegetables, vegan miso with a delightful miso broth, and spicy mushroom, Ramen Ishida’s offerings cater to diverse flavor preferences. The spicy mushroom variety features a rich broth topped with a delicious mixture of tofu and six types of mushrooms, showcasing an impressive depth of flavor.

This Lower East Side gem is charmingly small and low-key, with casual seating that allows diners to enjoy the delectable dishes made right before them. For vegan ramen enthusiasts, Ramen Ishida is a must-visit.