Few things soothe the soul like a big steaming bowl of ramen on a cold day. So, as we near the colder months, we knew we had to compile a list of the seven best ramen bars in Brooklyn, New York.
When it comes to ramen, Brooklyn has got some truly amazing options so we’ve ensured to include only the best by factoring in the following requirements: fresh chewy noodles (and lots of them), intensely flavorful broths, and generous toppings – both cooked and fresh.
The 7 Best Ramen Bars in Brooklyn
1. Ichiran Ramen, Bushwick
Many New Yorkers don’t even know this place exists. It’s in an unusually industrial area and a bit out of the way (if you don’t live in Bushwick) but SO worth the journey.
Ichiran Ramen is perfect for the solo diner. Guests sit alone in “flavor concentration booths” consisting of a table with a window and bamboo screen, and dividers on each side separating them from other diners. They then place their order via a sheet of paper customizing the strength of flavor and richness, how much garlic and onion they’d like, the spice level, and noodle firmness. A short time later, the ramen appears through the window, with minimum human interactions, allowing guests to focus entirely on their meal.
The ramen is simple and straightforward but more expensive than average at $18.90. Delicate savoury pork broth and silky noodles transport guests to Hakata Japan – the epicenter of the tonkotsu ramen movement – and where Ichiran began. The chain also has locations in Midtown, Times Square, and around the rest of the world.
2. Okonomi // Yuji Ramen, Williamsburg
Okonomi by day, Yuji Ramen by night. If elevated, unique, and out-of-this-world meals are your thing – then the tiny Yuji in Williamsburg is definitely the place for you. You know it’s good when people are waiting outside in the freezing cold for a table in the 12 seater restaurant. Toppings include fresh uni and ikura. Not only is their ramen amazing, but so is their bothless mazumen with crimped yellow noodles.
3. Chuko Ramen, Prospect Heights & Williamsburg
With locations in both Prospect Heights and Williamsburg, Chuko Ramen is a cult favorite. You can truly feel the love in their ramens – from the springy and chewy noodles to the delicious broths and generous toppings.
The spicy miso ramen with hot ground pork never fails to make our dreams come true. Add an order of spicy pickles and gyoza for a perfect meal. Ask about specials as there’s usually a yummy chef creation hiding in the kitchen.
4. Suzume, Williamsburg
The richest broth imaginable can be found at this Hawaiian-Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant in Williamsburg. We’re talkin’ intense, concentrated, and complex flavor profiles with thanks to pork bones from whole pigs used in the slow-cooked stock process.
Opt for the pork ramen with white tonkotsu soup, pork shoulder, bok choy, scallion, chili oil, and sesame seeds. Their salmon ramen is amazing too.
5. Umai Ramen, Bensonhurst
Further down in Brooklyn, you’ll find Umai Ramen straddling the border between Bensonhurt and Mapleton. Umai’s menu holds 10 ramens, mainly using a chicken-based shoyu broth. Highlights include the golden ratio ramen and the black garlic paitan ramen.
6. Ryujin, Williamsburg
Back to Williamsburg once more for the amazing Ryujin on Grand Street – a firm favorite with ramen loving Brooklynites. Go hungry as the bowls of steaming ramen are huge here. You’ll definitely have enough to take home.
Our favorite is the Ryujin samurai miso with chicken and pork broth, bean sprouts, onion, garlic paste, ginger paste, bamboo shoots, seasoned egg, scallion, and the best pork loin and ground beef pork mixture you will ever taste. A bowl of heaven – honestly. They also have three different kinds of noodles – the original, the whole wheat, and the gluten-free – major points.
7. Rakuzen, Borough ParkÂ
Looking for more great eats in Brooklyn and New York? Check out these 7 Great Restaurants in NYC & Brooklyn for Outdoor Dining.
