Best Ramen Picks and Those Not Worth the Wait in Tokyo: A Local’s Honest Guide
- Yuwei
- Jun 29
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Ramen is deeply embedded in Japanese food culture. It has a long history and remains a popular culinary experience for both locals and travelers from around the world.
As a ramen lover, I have tried over 50 ramen restaurants across Tokyo, exploring a wide range of styles. From famous spots that top the ranking lists to hidden gems rarely discovered by tourists, this evaluation is based entirely on my personal tasting experiences.
*All reviews reflect my own preferences and impressions, with no advertisements or sponsorships involved.
I prefer a rich, balanced soup that is not too salty (many Japanese ramen shops tend to overdo the salt), a focused menu that shows long‑term expertise, and a wait time that is reasonable enough to justify the experience. Check out my evaluations of 10 ramen restaurants in Tokyo and find out the one that suits you the best!
Before diving into the ramen reviews, take a look at our handpicked tours that combine sightseeing with delicious ramen tasting!
My Honest Evaluations of 10 Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo
Menya Imamura: My Top-Pick for Authentic Chicken-Soup Ramen in Tokyo
I’ve been to Menya Imamura more than ten times and have introduced it to friends and family. In my opinion, it truly deserves its Michelin recognition in the future.
The shop offers two main ramen options: chicken broth with salt and chicken broth with soy sauce. Occasionally, there are seasonal specials, although these aren’t very common.
If you prefer a less salty option, I recommend starting with the salt‑based chicken broth, which really brings out the pure, savory flavor of the chicken. The chicken itself is tender, juicy and never greasy.
The wait is very manageable. Even during rush hours, it’s usually about within 10 minutes. The shop has roughly 15 counter seats and doesn’t use any gimmicks to draw long lines. As soon as a seat opens, customers are quickly invited in.
One thing you might find uncomfortable is the smoky atmosphere, as the staff grill chicken over an open flame, filling the space with some fumes.
For me, overall, this is an absolute top recommendation.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Everyday，08:00–22:30
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 3-minute walk from Sugamo Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 2,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Abura Soba Zuboshi: The One Ramen Bowl to Try in Tokyo
This is the place that made me gain 7 kilograms in just 2 months. If you have only one chance to try abura soba before leaving Tokyo, Abura Soba Zuboshi is the one and only bowl you should go for.
Abura soba means “oil noodles,” a style of Japanese ramen served without soup and focused instead on its sauce called tare. The noodles are thick and chewy, coated in a rich sauce and oil, offering a flavor completely different from traditional soup-based ramen. It is especially great for summer if you want a lighter, more refreshing option.
There are two Abura Soba Zuboshi shops on the same street, both owned by the same group.
Also, do not miss their summer-exclusive kakigōri, a shaved ice dessert that rivals many dedicated ice shops.
What’s the biggest downside to this place? Probably its portion size: they’re so generous, you might leave a few pounds heavier.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
11:00–23:00
Closing days: every Sunday
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 3-minute walk from Waseda Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 1,500 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Mutekiya: The Original Taste of Authentic Soup Ramen in Ikebukuro
You should start with Mutekiya if you want to try one of the most authentic chashu (Japanese roasted pork) soup ramen in Japan, as it preserves the original taste and ingredients.
Be prepared for a queue that can last at least an hour before you get in. Located in the heart of bustling Ikebukuro, Mutekiya keeps the classic ramen shop atmosphere with energetic staff and lively service, staying open until 4 AM.
One of Mutekiya’s defining features is its generous portions, guaranteed to satisfy any adult’s appetite. I highly recommend this ramen, especially after a day of shopping and sightseeing in Ikebukuro.
Whether it’s worth queueing for over an hour is a matter of personal taste. For me, there are other great places that offer a similar experience without the long wait.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Everyday 10:30–04:00
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 6-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 2,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Nakiryu: Revisiting Tokyo’s Former Michelin Star Ramen
Nakiryu was once the only ramen shop in Tokyo to hold an official Michelin star and is conveniently located within a five-minute walk from my apartment. I finally had the chance to try it in May, but unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations, with only one highlight.
The staff were surprisingly unfriendly and abrupt, which felt out of place in a city celebrated for its warm hospitality and “omotenashi” culture.
On the plus side, the shop has introduced a new queuing system. Now you can pick up a numbered ticket and select a time slot, rather than waiting in line for hours. It’s best to arrive before 10 AM to secure a spot for the day, then return a few minutes before your assigned time.
As for the ramen itself, the tantanmen was a disappointment: the flavor felt flat, and the meat was served cold, as if pulled straight from the refrigerator. The standout item was the wonton, which was as delicate and flavorful as those at Chinese restaurants with fame, perhaps even better.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
11:00–15:30
Closing days: every Tuesday
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 7-minute walk from Ōtsuka Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 2,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Ramen Nemuru: For When You Crave a Lighter Ramen
Ramen Nemuru was selected as one of the top 100 ramen restaurants in Japan, which speaks to its quality and value. Despite its fame, it remains a hidden gem in Hongo Sanchōme, with no queues outside.
The menu offers a wide variety of ramen, including soup ramen, tsukemen (dipping noodles), and abura soba (oil noodles), along with several seasonal specials. When I was a student, I often went there after a long day of studying to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of clam soup ramen, which perfect for chasing away the winter chill.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Everyday，11:00–23:00
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 3-minute walk from Sugamo Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 2,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Mugi to Olive: Your Spot to Stop after Shopping in Ginza
Mugi to Olive may not be extraordinary, but it deserves mention for its prime location facing Ginza SIX. Considering the quality and prices of restaurants in Ginza, this modern-style ramen spot is a great choice to satisfy your hunger.
I especially enjoy their maze soba, which feature a rich yet balanced sauce. The addition of cheese adds a delicious extra layer of flavor. Overall, it’s definitely an above-average recommendation!
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
11:00–15:30
17:30–21:30
Closing days: every Wednesday
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 5-minute walk from East-Ginza Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 1,500 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Menya Fujishiro Meguro: The Local Office Worker’s Ramen in Tokyo
Menya Fujishiro Meguro is my go-to spot to unwind after a long day at work and shake off fatigue. It can be a bit challenging to get a seat at first, as the place fills up quickly with office workers in suits coming in after hours.
If you’re interested in sharing the space and experiencing an authentic local atmosphere, this spot comes highly recommended. I especially prefer their classic chicken soup ramen and enjoy the feeling of relaxing alongside locals in the neighborhood.
The only downside is that the chicken broth is still a bit salty, though it’s better balanced than many of its competitors. Overall, this spot is an above‑average choice for ramen lovers.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Everyday, 11:00–00:00
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 2-minute walk from Meguro Station
💴 Average Cost
0 - 1,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Mensho: Innovative Concept, Moderate Taste
I’m always open to new ideas in the world of ramen because I believe innovation helps the culture grow. Mensho is one restaurant dedicated to creating fresh concepts and pushing the boundaries of this classic dish.
Mensho was selected as one of Japan’s top 100 ramen restaurants for several times, and it has earned its place through long-term creativity. They boldly experiment with ingredients like matcha, bonito, wagyu, and even sea urchin to redefine the ramen experience.
If you’re seeking a unique and inventive spot, Mensho will definitely catch your interest. Just keep in mind that while it offers an intriguing experience, the flavor tends to be solid and moderate as it may not completely blow you away.
There are several Mensho locations in Tokyo, so be sure to double-check the address before you go.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
11:00–21:00
Closing days: every Monday
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 3-minute walk from Gōrakuen Station
Approx. 3-minute walk from Kasuga Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 2,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Koike no Iekei: A Solid Tonkotsu Shōyū Ramen
Koike no Iekei feels like a neighborhood spot, the kind of place you’d drop by after work or classes if you lived nearby. It’s a tiny shop with just one chef and one staff member, and while it might not be worth a long queue over one hour, it has a quiet charm of its own.
Although it earned a spot in the Michelin Guide and gained some fame, I’d say the soup is a bit salty but still solid, above average, yet not particularly surprising. It doesn’t diminish the heritage of tonkotsu ramen, but it won’t redefine it either.
If you’re in the area, around Sugamo Station or the Ikebukuro neighborhood, it’s worth stopping by after some shopping or sightseeing.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
11:00–15:00，17:30–21:00
Closing days: every Friday
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 7-minute walk from Sugamo Station
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 2,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Afuri: Yuzu Ramen with a Refreshingly Light Taste
Afuri wasn’t the first to create yuzu-based ramen, but it’s the brand that popularized and redefined it. By focusing on natural ingredients, especially yuzu, and expanding rapidly, Afuri has become a household name popular both at home and overseas.
While the taste may not surprise you that much, it reliably delivers an above‑average, consistent standard. It’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for a lighter, more refreshing option after too many rich meals during your trip. Its many locations across Japan only add to its convenience and appeal.
Most notably, Afuri offers a 100% vegetarian ramen, making it a rare gem for those seeking a meat‑free bowl.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Varies by Location of Branch Restaurants
📍 Location & Access
Address: Varies by Location of Branch Restaurants
💴 Average Cost
1,000 - 2,000 JPY each
🔗 Official Info & Links
Can't Wait to Start the Best Ramens in Tokyo?
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