The ramen scene in New Jersey has come a long way. What started as a handful of niche noodle shops is now a full-on culinary movement. All across the state, ramen chefs are crafting rich broths, house-made noodles, and inventive toppings that delight the senses. To celebrate our favorites, we’re showcasing a list of NJ’s 20 Best Ramen Shops.
From classic Tonkotsu to spicy seafood, and vegan miso to truffle-infused noodles, these spots go above and beyond. Each one offers something uniquely craveable, focusing on either traditional Japanese recipes or bold new fusion flavors. These authentic, family-run spots are the result of years of training and tireless commitment to technique. Without further ado, it’s time to sit and slurp through the state’s best ramen bowls.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the Best Ramen Shops nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Featured from Bergen County:
Batten Ramen
Where: 243 Main St, Fort Lee
Details: Batten Ramen has been serving beloved Japanese noodles and more since 2003. In fact, it was one of the first ramen restaurants in all of America. The spacious interior is clean and neat, with English versions of 4-5 popular manga series available to read. Their signature Shiawase Aori Miso Ramen is an upgraded version of classic Miso Ramen. To prepare the dish, the vegetables and pork slices are flambéed and simmered to mellow out the miso flavor. Co-Owner and Chef Toshiyuki Nakajima says it’s perfect on cold winter days. The word “Shiawase”means happiness, while “Aori” means flambé stir-fry. So the dish roughly translates to “Flambeed Miso Ramen which makes us smile and happy”. Their Aori Miso Ramen is available for dine-in guests only, as it is meant to be eaten right away. The restaurant also serves familiar dishes like chicken teriyaki, Katsu Don, and fried shrimp curry. For 2025, Chef Toshiyuki received a prestigious Certificate of Commendation from Bergen County.
| Visit Their Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-592-0020 |
Featured from Bergen County:
Menya Ramen House
Where: 76 North Maple Ave, Ridgewood
Details: Menya Ramen House serves traditional Japanese ramen bowls, putting heart and soul into every bowl. This includes their classic Shio Ramen with chicken broth, shio tare, and thin straight noodles topped with roasted marinated pork. But locals really love their Spicy Miso Tonkotsu, as it is the restaurant’s top-selling bowl. The bowl uses a pork bone broth & miso paste base, with roasted marinated pork, scallion, onion, and charred corn. (Plus a little homemade spicy oil for extra heat.) But we personally recommend the Vegan Kimchi Miso Ramen, a surprising option that has taken New Jersey by storm. (It consistently ranks as one of the Top 15 ramen bowls in the state.) This dish contains vegetable broth, vegan kimchi, and homemade tofu. New for this year, Menya Ramen offers fried chicken that comes in three flavors: Crispy, Honey Butter, and Spicy Gochujang. Wings come in orders of 6, 12, 18, and all the way up to party sizes of 48. All wings are breaded and battered, then brined in homemade sauces.
| Visit The Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-588-2288 |
7 Doors Down Eatery
Where: Bloomfield
Details: Formerly known as 7 Doors Down Ramen, the new hybrid 7 Doors Down Eatery combines ramen and pizza. Specifically, the team has partnered with Blue Steel Pizza Co. to offer Detroit-style pies in addition to their classic menu of ramen and buns. They still serve their most popular ramen options, including Chicken Ramen and Duck Ramen, as well as beloved bao buns. We recommend either the Tempura Eggplant or Coconut Shrimp Bao Buns, with an order of Tokyo Style Ramen. (With Chairman’s Reserve Pork Belly.)
Blackbeard Ramen
Where: Cliffside Park
Details: Blackbeard Ramen is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, with no signs of slowing down. This popular spot is Cliffside Park’s go-to destination for Japanese and Asian-style noodles, curry, and soup. Their namesake Blackbeard Ramen features Tonkotsu broth mixed with charred garlic oil, black pepper, black sesame seeds, and pureed garlic. It is then topped with half an egg, pork belly, scallions, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and nori (dried seaweed). Besides ramen, their Steamed Chicken Gyoza is our recommended starter.
Menya Sandaime
Where: Fort Lee | Jersey City
Details: This popular spot offers authentic Japanese-style Ramen that is thoughtfully prepared over many hours. Menya Sandaime serves house-made noodles in their signature Tokyo-style pork broth made using fresh and natural ingredients. Since opening their original location, Menya Sandaime has opened a second spot in Fort Lee and another in Jersey City. Most of their ramen comes topped with bean sprouts, scallions, spinach, marinated egg, & grilled pork belly. But we recommend the spicy Karakuchi Ramen in particular.
Muteki Ramen
Where: Hoboken | Jersey City
Details: With locations in two of North Jersey’s major cities, it’s no surprise Muteki Ramen is a social media favorite. In addition to classic options like Miso and Tonkotsu ramen, their menu stands out for its inventive creations. One example is their Vegetarian Creamy Ramen, made with soy milk broth and fried tofu. Other modern options include Seafood Ramen (with shrimp, clams, and scallops) and their popular Yuzu Shio Ramen. The latter uses a chicken broth with a spicy citrus kick and chicken chashu in a savory-sweet sauce.
Ramen Matsu
Where: Closter
Details: Ramen Matsu is an unassuming spot in Closter that is very easy to miss. A true mom and pop store owned by a Japanese couple, the restaurant offers genuine, authentic Japanese ramen. Their curated menu is pure addition by subtraction, offering nothing but home runs. But if we had to pick a single dish, we’d recommend the Wafu Shoyu Ramen with Chicken. The classic, Original Shoyu Ramen is also a must-try. The restaurant does not accept reservations, and only offers takeout for pickup during the week (no delivery).
Tori Ramen & Chicken
Where: Ridgewood
Details: Anyone looking for ramen with a side of chicken wings has a strangely-specific home at Tori Ramen. But don’t let their split focus draw suspicion, the restaurant expertly (and seamlessly) executes both types of dishes. They cook their ramen broths for up to ten hours at a time, and make them fresh each morning. These broths use either seaweed, chicken, or a chicken and pork mixture, and there are no wrong answers. As for their crispy chicken wings, they offer them alongside secret house sauces like Soy Garlic and Sweet & Spicy.
Central Jersey
Featured from Middlesex County:
Menya Ramen House
Where: 399 Main St, Metuchen
Details: Menya Ramen House serves traditional Japanese ramen bowls, putting heart and soul into every bowl. This includes their classic Shio Ramen with chicken broth, shio tare, and thin straight noodles topped with roasted marinated pork. But locals really love their Spicy Miso Tonkotsu, as it is the restaurant’s top-selling bowl. The bowl uses a pork bone broth & miso paste base, with roasted marinated pork, scallion, onion, and charred corn. (Plus a little homemade spicy oil for extra heat.) But the Spicy Kaisen Ramen is our favorite during cold weather seasons. This seafood-heavy ramen features prawns, clams, cuttlefish, and homemade tofu in a clear chick broth with spicy oil. It’s the perfect bowl for chilly winter nights. New for this year, Menya Ramen offers fried chicken that comes in three flavors: Crispy, Honey Butter, and Spicy Gochujang. Wings come in orders of 6, 12, 18, and all the way up to party sizes of 48. All wings are breaded and battered, then brined in homemade sauces.
| Visit The Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 551-235-4714 |
Ajika Ramen
Where: Ewing
Details: For those looking to venture outside of their comfort zone, Ajika Ramen is the spot for unique specialty ramen. They of course offer traditional favorites like Shoyu, Miso, and Chicken Katsu. But what really sets them apart from other ramen shops is their Spicy Seafood and Ox Tail ramen dishes. The former mixes shrimp, scallops, and squid into one dish, while the latter combines ox tail, mushrooms, and onions. They also have a robust drink menu of smoothies, lattes, milk caps, traditional bubble tea, and fruit bubble teas.
Osaka Ramen
Where: Somerset
Details: Despite the casual interior, Osaka Ramen is serious about their noodles and Japanese comfort food. Customers can choose between traditional and udon noodles for any of their nine signature ramen bowls. This includes favorites like Spicy Miso, Beef, Chicken, Tonkotsu, Shrimp, and Vegetable ramen. We recommend the TanTan Ramen, complete with minced pork, fish cake, and all the traditional toppings. Their drink menu also stands out for its variety of flavored teas, bubble milk teas, and Japanese soft drinks.
Ramen Nagomi
Where: New Brunswick
Details: If there can be such a thing as “craft ramen,” then Ramen Nagomi is at the forefront. Each of their Japanese ramen dishes are made from scratch, complete with a variety of broth options. They thoughtfully prepare every order, using high-quality ingredients and time-consuming methods to ensure maximum flavor. Their signature ramen is the Nagomi Shoyu, a clear organic chicken broth with choice of braised pork belly or chicken. Other favorites from locals include the Miso Crab and Tori Paitan, which uses a house-made dashi broth.
Terakawa Ramen
Where: Princeton Junction
Details: It’s hard to find a more authentic ramen shop than Terakawa Ramen. That’s because the chefs prepare their dishes using traditional recipes straight from the Japanese city of Kumamoto. In addition, they use both familiar egg noodles as well as the Kyushu tradition of straighter, lighter-colored noodles. The end result is a variety of flavors and textures deto suit any palate. When available, we recommend the Hiyashi Chuka ramen (available May through September). Other menu options include Udon, Curry, Donburi, and mochi dessert.
Yaraku Ramen
Where: Edison
Details: Locals love Yaraku Ramen for a number of reasons. From the portion sizes to the tender meats, to the dozen ramen options, Yaraku delivers on both flavor and flair. Their version of Tan Tan Ramen uses spicy ground pork, while their Truffle Butter Ramen is one of a kind. It’s made with shuyo paste and truffle butter in a Tonkotsu pork broth with pork belly cashew and sweet corn. (Topped with scallions and a boiled egg.) Rice bowls, appetizers like gyoza, bubble tea, and seasonal specials including dry noodles in the summer round out the menu.
Jersey Shore
Hiro Ramen
Where: Brick
Details: Hiro Ramen brings the spirit of Japanese cuisine to Brick. Many of their traditional ramen dishes use the same savory pork broth as a base. Meanwhile, others like the Grilled Chicken Ramen use a chicken broth. We recommend the unique Chicken Curry Ramen, which has a coconut milk-based curry broth topped with sweet corn. Their stir-fry Beef Udon, Chicken Udon, and Pork Belly Udon are also popular choices. Appetizers, milk teas, Japanese sodas, smoothies, Mochi ice cream, and fruity yogurts round out the menu.
Ippin Ramen
Where: Oakhurst
Details: The signature dish at Ippin Ramen is none other than the classic Tonkotsu Soup. This specialty of the Kyushi region follows a three-stage preparation technique and is served piping hot. Other standout dishes include the Beef Sukiyaki Ramen, Wahoo Ramen (grilled chicken), Veggie Miso Ramen, and Spicy Minced Pork Ramen. Aside from their ramen, we also recommend their classic pork buns, Chicken Katsu Curry and Chashu Fried Rice. Save room for dessert, which features mochi, green tea ice cream, chocolate souffle and more.
Ramen Wakana
Where: Egg Harbor Township
Details: The sushi and ramen at this spot has guests walking out shouting “Wakana Forever” with a smile. That’s because their popular Tonkotsu Ramen, Beef Tataki Ramen, and Shoyu Ramen are all made using authentic Japanese cooking techniques. They also have the distinction of serving a dedicated sushi menu in addition to their specialty ramen bowls. Signature special rolls at Wakana include the Naruto Roll (tuna and salmon), Super Dragon Roll (shrimp tempura), and Dalmatian Roll. (Deep fried eel and white fish.)
Soho Ramen
Where: Freehold
Details: Fans come to Soho Ramen for the ramen, but they stay for the equally-exciting appetizers. Just try not to fill up on options like Korean fried wings, Gua Bao buns, chicken gyoza, and szechuan fries. For those that make it to the ramen section, there are over a dozen options to choose from. This includes unique dishes such as Duck Ramen, Lobster Ramen, Salmon Ramen, and Ribeye Ramen. But we recommend the spicy Taiwanese Braised Beef ramen. In addition to ramen, they offer entrees including hibachi dishes and donburi.
South Jersey
Umai Ramen
Where: Cherry Hill
Details: Umai Ramen brings a taste of authentic Japanese street food to Cherry Hill. Their signature pork broth takes many hours to complete, but the prolonged simmering gives it a milky consistency. Besides the classic Miso and Tonkotsu Ramen, we recommend the Black Garlic Ramen with freshly roasted black garlic oil. As for the street food side of the menu, popular picks include Robatayaki skewers (Chicken, Steak, Broccoli, and Fish Tofu); as well as traditional Donburi (rice bowls) like Chicken Teriyaki, Katsu Don, and Unagi (Eel) Don.
Ramen Spot
Where: Deptford
Details: Ramen Spot is not affiliated with the similarly-named locations scattered throughout the East Coast. This independently-owned spot is open six days a week for lunch and dinner (open as early as 11:00 am). Before digging into any of their 14 different ramen dishes, head over to the appetizer section of the menu. Here, they offer a number of tasty choices like Charshu Onigiri, Mango Chicken Wings, and Japanese Scallion Pancakes. When it’s time for the ramen course, we recommend the Korean Kimchi Ramen.
Oishii Ramen
Where: Glassboro
Details: This is another spot that shares its name with many other ramen shops throughout the county. But Oishii Ramen in Glassboro operates independently as an authentic source for traditional Japanese ramen. “Oishii” translates to delicious or tasty (hence the popularity of the name), and the menu backs it up. Fan-favorite ramen choices include Shrimp Tempura, Chicken Shoyu, and Spicy Miso. A vegetarian ramen is also available. In addition to ramen, their top-notch dessert offerings include a variety of Mochi ice cream flavors.
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NJ’s Best Ramen Shops FAQs
The classic Shoyu or Tonkotsu bowls are a safe (and delicious) place to start. We recommend Menya Sandaime in Jersey City and Fort Lee for their Tokyo-style pork broth with grilled pork belly. For a clear chicken-based version, Ramen Nagomi in New Brunswick offers a light and flavorful Nagomi Shoyu ramen.
Muteki Ramen in Hoboken serves a standout Vegetarian Creamy Ramen made with soy milk broth and crispy tofu. For a spicier twist, try the Vegan Kimchi Miso Ramen at Menya Ramen House in Ridgewood or Metuchen.
Tonkotsu ramen features a rich, creamy pork bone broth simmered for hours, while Shoyu uses a soy sauce-based clear broth. Authentic Tonkotsu fans should check out Ippin Ramen in Oakhurst or Umai Ramen in Cherry Hill
Soho Ramen in Freehold stands out with Duck, Lobster, and even Ribeye ramen. In Edison, Yaraku Ramen adds flair with Truffle Butter Ramen served in a pork broth. Meanwhile, Ajika Ramen in Ewing offers an Ox Tail Ramen.
Tori Ramen & Chicken in Ridgewood offers Korean-style wings with house sauces like Soy Garlic. Ramen Spot in Deptford features creative bites like Mango Chicken Wings and Japanese Scallion Pancakes. For a real twist, 7 Doors Down Eatery in Bloomfield blends bao buns with Detroit-style pizza for a hybrid dining experience.
Top Photo: © Menya Ramen House | Website
