Ramen has become a global phenomenon, moving beyond its humble origins in Japan to become a beloved dish worldwide. From rich, savory broths to perfectly cooked noodles topped with an array of fresh ingredients, ramen offers a comforting yet gourmet dining experience.
In the United States, ramen restaurants and chains have proliferated, each offering their own unique take on the classic dish. Below are nine of the best restaurant chains serving the finest ramen, offering everything from authentic Japanese flavors to creative fusion bowls.
1. Jinya Ramen Bar
Locations: 60+ across the U.S.
Jinya Ramen Bar is a well-known name in the U.S. ramen scene, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist. Founded in Tokyo, it expanded to the U.S. in 2010 and has since grown into a chain with over 60 locations.
The rich, slow-cooked broths, such as creamy tonkotsu and spicy chicken, are made from scratch and paired with fresh, house-made noodles. Jinya’s dedication to quality and variety is evident in its extensive menu, which includes options like wonton ramen, shrimp dumplings, and vegan bowls for those looking for plant-based alternatives.
Top Bowl: Tonkotsu Black Ramen, featuring rich pork broth, thin noodles, and a signature black garlic oil.
2. Kyuramen
Locations: 40+ across the U.S.
Kyuramen, founded in New York in 2014, has quickly become one of the most popular ramen chains in the U.S. The founder, Gary Lin, fell in love with ramen during a trip to Japan and brought his passion back to create this chain.
Kyuramen offers a wide variety of ramen styles, including traditional tonkotsu and miso, alongside innovative house specialties like Korean Kimchi Ramen. Each bowl is crafted with care, using fresh ingredients and authentic cooking techniques.
Top Bowl: Spicy Miso Ramen, featuring a spicy broth balanced by the rich umami of miso.
3. Momosan Ramen & Sake
Locations: California, Hawaii, New York City, Boston, and Seattle.
Owned by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, Momosan Ramen & Sake is a casual yet refined ramen experience. With rich tonkotsu, chicken, and miso-based broths, the flavors are deeply satisfying.
In addition to ramen, the chain also offers a selection of appetizers and sake, creating a well-rounded dining experience. Chef Morimoto’s signature ramen dishes highlight the high-quality ingredients and flavors he is known for, making Momosan a must-visit for ramen aficionados.
Top Bowl: Tonkotsu Ramen with braised pork and soft-boiled eggs.
4. Mecha Noodle Bar
Locations: Connecticut, Colorado, Ohio, and along the East Coast.
Mecha Noodle Bar blends Vietnamese and Japanese influences, offering a menu that includes both ramen and pho. Their tonkotsu broth is simmered for 24 hours, ensuring a deep, flavorful base for their ramen bowls.
Creative options like the Kai Miso Ramen with soft-shell crab and lobster tail push the boundaries of traditional ramen, making Mecha a standout for adventurous eaters.
Top Bowl: Kai Miso Ramen, featuring seafood like lobster and crab in a rich, umami-packed broth.
5. Wagamama
Locations: Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia.
Wagamama offers a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine, including a variety of ramen options. With a fun, casual dining atmosphere and an open kitchen concept, Wagamama’s menu features fusion ramen bowls like Chili Shrimp and Kimchi Ramen.
The chain is known for its focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients, providing a lighter and healthier option for ramen lovers.
Top Bowl: Chili Chicken Ramen, a spicy, tangy bowl with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables.
6. Marafuku Ramen
Locations: California, New York, Texas, and Las Vegas.
Marafuku Ramen prides itself on delivering an authentic Japanese ramen experience. Known for its creamy pork bone broth and thin noodles, Marafuku’s ramen bowls are carefully crafted to highlight traditional flavors.
The chain’s chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables elevate the dining experience, making it a favorite for those seeking a true taste of Japan.
Top Bowl: Hakata-style Tonkotsu Ramen, made with a thick, creamy pork broth.
7. Ippudo
Locations: New York and California.
Founded in Japan in 1985, Ippudo has made its mark as one of the most famous tonkotsu ramen chains worldwide. Since opening its first U.S. location in New York’s East Village in 2008, it has become a favorite for ramen lovers in the city.
The restaurant focuses on traditional ramen bowls with no fusion distractions, making it the go-to place for authentic tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso-based soups.
Top Bowl: Shiromaru Classic, Ippudo’s original tonkotsu ramen with pork loin, cabbage, and scallions.
8. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Locations: Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington State.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is a global ramen brand that started in Hokkaido, Japan, in 1988. Known for its signature shio (salt) ramen with a delicate white broth, Santouka has become a favorite in cities across the U.S.
The chain offers a range of ramen styles, including spicy miso and classic shoyu, making it a versatile option for different taste preferences.
Top Bowl: Shio Ramen, featuring a light and creamy pork bone broth with tender slices of pork.
9. Kizuki Ramen And Izakaya
Locations: Oregon, Washington, Texas, Illinois.
Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya is dedicated to crafting flavorful broths by slow-roasting chicken and pork bones to remove fat, then simmering them for 15 hours to create a rich, aromatic base.
Their signature garlic tonkotsu shoyu ramen is a customer favorite, and the restaurant offers an unlimited amount of clear, unsalted broth with every bowl so diners can adjust the flavor to their liking.
Top Bowl: Garlic Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen, a rich and savory bowl with perfectly tender pork and a robust garlic flavor.
Conclusion
Ramen has become a global comfort food, and with so many exceptional restaurant chains now offering their take on this Japanese classic, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
Whether you prefer traditional tonkotsu or are looking for fusion flavors, these nine restaurant chains are sure to deliver a delicious and satisfying ramen experience.
FAQs
1. What Makes A Great Ramen Dish?
A great ramen dish balances the flavor of the broth with the texture of the noodles and toppings. High-quality ingredients, like slow-cooked pork, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked eggs, contribute to a perfect bowl.
2. What Are The Different Types of Ramen Broth?
Common ramen broths include tonkotsu (pork-based), shoyu (soy sauce-based), miso (fermented soybean paste-based), and shio (salt-based).
3. Can I Find Vegetarian Ramen Options At These Chains?
Yes, many ramen chains, including Jinya Ramen Bar and Wagamama, offer vegetarian ramen bowls with vegetable-based broths and tofu or other plant-based ingredients.
4. What Is Tonkotsu Ramen?
Tonkotsu ramen is made from boiling pork bones for hours to create a creamy, rich broth. It’s one of the most popular styles of ramen due to its depth of flavor.
5. Is Ramen Typically Spicy?
Ramen can be spicy depending on the ingredients used. Many restaurants offer spicy versions of ramen, but you can also opt for non-spicy varieties like shio or shoyu ramen.