Most of these specialise in tonkotsu, a creamy broth that’s made from pork bones but there’s more to try. From traditional bowls to places that are mixing it up, here is the best ramen restaurants in London.
1. Monohon Ramen
102 Old St, London EC1V 9AY
Founded by an Englishman with a love for Japanese food culture, this authentic style restaurant started as a pop up in 2015. Now based on Old Street, they make all their noodles fresh in-house and serve them with a delicious tonktotsu base. Enjoy watching the open kitchen as the expert chefs quickly dart around carefully crafting each bowl. You can’t book, and in traditional Japanese style, it’s not ideal for big groups. The queue is worth the wait, grab a seat at the counter and enjoy the hustle and bustle.
Website: monohonramen.com
Try their: Big Boy Spicy Special: Shouyu Tonkotsu large size, all the toppings, extra egg and spicy miso pork mince
Price: £13 – £20
2. Kanada-Ya
28 Foubert’s Pl, Carnaby, London W1F 7PR, United Kingdom
Known as one of the most authentic ramen shops you can get in London, you’ll usually find this place with a huge queue outside. They have locations in Covent Garden, Piccadilly and Angel, and won’t leave you disappointed.
Their broth is made from pork bones simmered for 18 hours, and you get to choose the firmness of your noodles just like in traditional Japanese ramen shops – making it a strong contender for London’s best ramen. You also get complimentary toppings to choose from – from pickled mustard greens to pickled ginger and roasted seaweed.
Website: www.kanada-ya.com
Try their: Tonkotsu X: Pork and corn fed chicken bone broth, chashu pork belly, spring onion, wood ear fungus, yuzu-shoyu
Price: £13 – £17
3. Hakata
177 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UW
This no reservations ramen shop and basement bar on Bermondsey Street focuses on high quality comfort food with a friendly service. They use premium Japanese and British ingredients to serve up classic tonkotsu ramen and other delicious side dishes. After your meal check out their intimate basement bar serving Japanese inspired cocktails, craft beers and spirits.
Website: hakata.co.uk
Try their: Kumamoto – Shio tare with our 12-hour pork broth, chashu pork, wood ear mushrooms, garlic chips & burnt garlic oil
Price: £12
4. Supa Ya Ramen
499 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AU
Originating as a series of pop ups, and supper clubs in the head chef’s flat, Supa Ya Ramen now has two restaurants in Dalston and Peckham. Expect a constantly changing menu with unique flavour combinations not normally found in ramen, such as Cumberland sausage, lamb and bacon. Although not traditional, they’ve earned their spot as one of the best bowls of ramen in London.
Website: resy.com/cities/ldn/supa-ya-ramen
Try their: Cumberland Sausage Tantanmen: Chicken Soup, Sesame Miso, House Chilli Paste, Spicy Sausage, Green Onions, Fudgy Egg
Price: £15 – £16
5. Koi Ramen Bar
19 Sayer St, London SE17 1FY
Based in Brixton, Tooting, Herne Hill and Elephant and Caste, Koi specialises in traditional tonkotsu at a very affordable price. Customise your ramen with extra toppings, and wash it down with a cold bottle or Asahi or Sake. You can also pick from a couple of miso options including a vegan version.
Website: www.koiramenbar.co.uk
Try their: Pure White Tonkotsu: Creamy pork soup noodle, chashu belly pork, black kikurage mushrooms, spring onions.
Price: £7.50 – £9
6. Tokoton Ramen
25 Bartholomew St, London SE1 4AL
Tokoton means ‘thoroughly’ in Japanese and that’s what this top rated restaurant does. Created by 3 Japanese men with a passion for finding new ways to cook simple and fresh food, they are passionate about quality and ensure every dish has a vegan alternative so everyone can enjoy their food. Their meat broths contain both chicken ad pork, creating a creamy ramen base served with Cha Siu pork.
Website: tokotonramen.com
Try their: Classic Ramen: Signature chicken and pork broth Shoyu Ramen, served with Cha Siu pork, vegetables, Nori seaweed and half Ajitama egg
Price: £12-13
7. Uzumaki London
107 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NB
If you’re an anime lover, this is the place to go. Their goal is to bring anime food to real life, with their ramen line inspired by Naruto. If their creations don’t appeal to you, you can also build your own ramen, choosing the broth, noodles and toppings. Other than ramen they also offer a range of delicious sides, onigiri and desserts.
Website: www.uzumakilondon.com
Try their: Naruto Ramen: Tonkotsu Miso Broth, Chashu Pork, Menmma Bamboo Shoot, Half Tamago, Nori Seaweed, Naruto Maki & Spring Onion
Price: £14 – £20
8. Cocoro
31 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2NH
You can find Cocoro in Marylebone, Highgate and Bloomsbury, but despite their trendy locations, it’s a very affordable place to eat. They are one of the more upmarket Japanese restaurants on the list, also selling amazing sushi, set lunches and bento boxes. They aim to be a place where people can experience authentic Japan in London. The vibe is cosy and homely, with soft jazz playing and people bustling.
Website: cocororestaurant.co.uk/en/
Try their: Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich and creamy pork broth with straight egg noodles, char siu, seasoned egg and assorted toppings
Price: £13- £15
9. Tantanmen
75 Commercial St, London E1 6BD
Tantanmen was created by a team of Cordon Bleu alumni brought together with a love of ramen. They aim to increase awareness of ramen’s Chinese origins, sourcing ingredients from both China and Japan to create their signature stocks, seasonings and spices. Their signature dish Tanan Men, the star of the menu and their namesake is a Japanese ramen version of a Sichuan Dish ‘Dandan Mien’.
Website: tantan.men
Try their: Tantan Men: delicious thin noodles with secret sesame base, home-made Sichuan Hong You chilli oil and unique double chicken and dashi soup
Price: £12 – £13
10. Bone Daddies
31 Peter St, London W1F 0AR, United Kingdom
Bone Daddies is a must-visit for all noodle enthusiasts in London. Led by an Australian chef, this restaurant aimed to revolutionise the Japanese dining scene in the city by introducing the grungy and edgy elements of Tokyo’s backstreet ramen shops.
The restaurant offers a variety of broths to choose from, including a rich and flavorsome 20-hour pork bone broth, a comforting and delicious chicken bone broth, or a vegetarian-friendly mushroom broth. But what sets Bone Daddies apart is not just the amazing noodles; it’s also the vibrant rock and roll atmosphere that engulfs the space. With its funky decor and energetic vibe, dining at Bone Daddies feels like being transported to a lively underground scene. You have the option to personalize your bowls by adding extra toppings.
Website: bonedaddies.com
Try their: T22 Ramen: pulled chicken, cock scratchings™, onion, beansprouts, nori, spring onion, shiitake mushrooms + half soy egg
Price: £12 – £15
11. Shoryu Ramen
3 Denman St, London W1D 7HA, United Kingdom
Shoryu Ramen is a popular ramen restaurant with multiple locations across London, Manchester, and Oxford. As soon as you walk through the doors, you’re immediately hit with the aroma of their tonkotsu broth. The rich and flavorful broth is simmered for over 12 hours, creating a velvety texture that perfectly clings to the noodles. You’re able to choose the firmness of your noodles to create your own perfect ramen bowl. If you can’t get enough of their delicious ramen, you can now take it home with you. Shoryu Ramen offers take-home kits that can be purchased from The Japan Centre on Leicester Square.
Website: shoryuramen.com
Try their: Miso Tonkotsu: tonkotsu broth with a miso sauce, soy marinated braised kakuni pork belly, pak choi, nitamago egg, kikurage mushrooms, spring onion, red ginger, nori seaweed
Price: £13 – £16
12. Tonkotsu
63 Dean St, London W1D 4QG, United Kingdom
Tonkotsu is a popular ramen restaurant in London that is known for serving one of the best noodle dishes around. Open since 2012, Tonkotsu has a rich history that started with a series of pop-up ramen events at their sister sushi restaurant, Tsuru.
At Tonkotsu, they take pride in making all their noodles in-house, using their custom-made noodle machine and ensuring a precise pH level. This attention to detail results in noodles that are perfectly cooked with an excellent texture. One of the best things about Tonkotsu is their regular guest chef collaborations. For example, they’ve featured Jose Pizzaro’s Iberico pork ramen with piquillo peppers, served with a shot of sherry. Keep an eye out for them!
Website: tonkotsu.co.uk
Try their: Classic Tonkotsu Ramen: thin-cut noodles, sea salt base, roast pork belly, bamboo shoots, beansprouts & burnt garlic oil.
Price: £11 – £15
13. Ramo Ramen
28 Brewer St, London W1F 0SR, United Kingdom
Ramo Ramen offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with its unique fusion of Filipino and Japanese flavors. This innovative restaurant has created a menu that combines traditional ramen dishes with exciting toppings like chicken adobo, pork scratchings, and even lobster.
Beyond the food, Ramo Ramen’s stylish ambiance sets the stage for a memorable bowl of ramen. The modern decor and cozy seating create an inviting atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Website: ramoramen.com
Try their: Sinigang Ramen: spicy seafood tamarind broth, whole grilled king prawns, Tokyo noodles, roasted tomatoes, enoki, nori, nitamago egg, menma, scallions
Price: £12 – £15
Best Ramen in London FAQs
Londoners have grown to love ramen, with numerous spots around the city serving different variations and their own takes on the dish.
London is often praised for its diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines. When it comes to ramen, there are undoubtedly some exceptional options available in the city. Various restaurants specialize in this Japanese noodle dish, providing a unique and authentic experience for ramen enthusiasts. Some notable names include Kanada-Ya, Shoryu Ramen, and Ippudo London. Kanada-Ya is known for its rich and creamy tonkotsu broth, while Shoryu Ramen offers a variety of different flavors and toppings. Ippudo London, a branch of the renowned global chain, offers a modern and stylish setting with delicious bowls of ramen. These establishments have garnered reputations for producing high-quality ramen that rivals what can be found in Japan itself. With London’s growing interest in Asian cuisine, it’s no surprise that the city has embraced and excelled in the art of making exceptional ramen.
When it comes to choosing the best ramen to try, it ultimately depends on personal preference and taste. However, there are a few popular types of ramen that are definitely worth a try. Tonkotsu ramen, a rich and creamy pork-based broth, is a crowd favorite for its depth of flavor and tender chashu pork. Shoyu ramen is a soy sauce-based broth that offers a balanced and savory flavor profile, often paired with toppings like bamboo shoots, seaweed, and a perfectly cooked egg. For those who prefer a spicy kick, miso ramen with its fermented soybean-based broth delivers a satisfying combination of umami and heat. Lastly, vegetarians can also enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen with shio ramen, a lighter and saltier broth typically topped with an assortment of fresh vegetables. Ultimately, the best ramen to try is the one that aligns with your individual preferences, whether it’s a hearty and rich tonkotsu or a lighter and refreshing shio ramen.
One of the most iconic ramen dishes is the miso ramen. Originating from Hokkaido, Japan, it is characterized by its rich, tangy broth made from fermented soybean paste. The miso ramen typically includes chewy wheat noodles, slices of succulent pork, and various toppings such as bean sprouts, corn, green onions, and bamboo shoots. Its distinct flavor profile, with the combination of umami and slight sweetness, makes it a beloved and recognizable dish worldwide. Miso ramen is a comforting and satisfying meal that warms the soul, especially during colder months. Whether enjoyed at traditional ramen restaurants or made at home, this iconic ramen continues to satisfy cravings and provide a truly authentic taste of Japanese cuisine.
