Best Ramen Places in Chicago [2024]

RAMEN-SAN

Address: 59 W Hubbard St #2, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 377-9950
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

RAMEN-SAN is a Japanese restaurant located in Chicago, offering delicious and authentic ramen dishes. The restaurant has a vibrant and urban atmosphere, with fun music and open space, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing excellent service to all customers.

The menu at RAMEN-SAN includes a variety of ramen dishes, such as tonkotsu, vegetarian tantan, coconut curry shrimp, and spicy chicken kimchi. The dishes are made with fresh and flavorful ingredients, and the broths are piping hot and delicious. The restaurant also offers wagyu gyoza, karaage chicken nuggets, and sumo bowls as appetizers. The lunch special is a great value and a perfect way to end the night.

RAMEN-SAN is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Japanese ramen in Chicago. The restaurant offers a great variety of dishes, with different levels of spiciness and flavors, making it suitable for everyone’s taste. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is vibrant and fun. The restaurant is also accommodating to special diets, making it a great spot for gluten-free and allergy-conscious diners.

Ramen Wasabi

Address: 2101 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 (773) 227-8180
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

Ramen Wasabi is a Japanese restaurant located on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, that offers a deeply satisfying array of dishes from snacks and appetizers to hearty bowls of ramen. The restaurant has a comfortable and rather small space with a minimalist decor, which creates a warm and informal atmosphere. The staff is very helpful, attentive, friendly and professional, providing excellent service to all customers.

The heart of any ramen is a rich broth, and Ramen Wasabi combines a wonderfully balanced broth with flavorful homemade noodles. The menu includes a wide range of ramen options, from mild to spicy, and different kinds of broth, such as Hakata Red and Shoyu. The pork broth, which is slow-cooked, is phenomenal and the meat in the soup is silky and tender, almost like butter. The appetizers, such as pork belly bao and charred brussels sprouts, are also intensely flavored and delicious.

Ramen Wasabi is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Japanese ramen in Chicago. The restaurant offers a great variety of dishes, with deep rich flavors like nothing experienced at a ramen restaurant. The service is attentive and helpful, and the atmosphere is warm and informal. The restaurant is accommodating to all customers, and it is worth the wait for a table. The prices are correct and portions are small, but fulfilling. The draft beer option is a perfect compliment to the food.

Bites

Address: 3313 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: +1 (773) 270-5972
Details: $$, Chinese restaurant

Bites is an Asian fusion restaurant located in Chicago, offering a diverse menu that gives customers a lot of options to choose from. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, with a fireplace in the middle, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The staff is polite, fast, and ready to answer any questions, providing excellent service to all customers.

The food at Bites is excellent, with amazing flavors and creative presentations. The menu has a good variety of dishes, from small bites to big bites, sandwiches, and ramen. The pork in the ramen is perfectly cooked, soft, and juicy, and the soup base is right, which is most of the battle. The squid ink fried rice and the Polynesian sandwich are among the favorites of the customers, with the fish and chips being light and crispy with great flavor.

Bites is a great value for the money, with a lot of options for happy hour deals and a good price for tapas. The restaurant offers a huge food selection, and the portions range from tiny to very generous. The choice of half roll maki is a plus for customers who want to try more rolls without overeating. The restaurant has a lovely patio, perfect for outdoor dining. Overall, Bites is a great place for catching up with friends, having a good time, and enjoying excellent food and service.

Oiistar

Address: 1385 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: +1 (773) 360-8791
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

Oiistar is a ramen restaurant located in Chicago that offers excellent food and service. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a great selection of sake that is perfect for cold winter days. The staff is attentive and helpful, providing excellent service to all customers.

The ramen at Oiistar is exquisite and massive in portion size. The house favorite ramen and the spicy garlic ramen are among the favorites of the customers. The broth is flavorful, and the pork is tender and juicy. The pork belly in the Umani is exquisite, and the Oiimen ramen comes with the best pork belly paired with ramen. The fusion of flavors in the ramen is a plus for those who like a little bit of fusion in their bowl of ramen.

The appetizers at Oiistar are also delicious, with the steamed bun with tempura shrimp being a favorite of customers. The fillings of the appetizers are served on the dough, so customers need to eat with a knife and fork. The sangria is also amazing, and the prices for alcoholic drinks are great. Overall, Oiistar is the perfect place to go for an excellent bowl of ramen and appetizers, with great service and a cozy atmosphere.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

Address: 230 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 662-4888
Details: $$$, Asian restaurant

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar is a restaurant in Chicago that offers an excellent dining experience. The staff is friendly, attentive, and accommodating, making sure that customers have a great time. The atmosphere is cool with great music playing, and the lighting is dim, adding to the overall mood of the place.

The menu at Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar is varied, with a great selection of sushi rolls, skewers, and ramen. The black rice sushi sampler is awesome and the sweet potato sushi is a must-try for vegetarians. The pigtail ramen is the best ramen in Chicago, with a rich and flavorful broth made with love. The mushroom ramen is a huge bowl of vegetables and ramen in a delectable soup, and the spicy chicken ramen is a bowl of well-developed flavors. The bbq items are good too, and the crabcake sliders are tasty.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar is also a great spot for happy hour, with $1 oysters and $5 mules. The Pacific coast and Hokkaido sushi rolls are quite good, along with great cocktails like Surprise + Delight and Kuro Smash. The restaurant also has a great selection of sake. The restaurant is a win overall, with outstanding service, atmosphere, menu selection, and quality of the food.

Strings Ramen Shop

Address: 2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: +1 (312) 374-3450
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

Strings Ramen Shop is a restaurant located in Chinatown, Chicago, that offers an excellent ramen dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy but can get busy quickly, so it’s best to come early or be prepared to wait. The restaurant has a waiting area and a small space that’s great for people watching while dining alone.

The menu at Strings Ramen Shop consists of incredibly flavorful broths, fresh noodles, and well-prepared meat, making it one of the best ramen places in Chicago. The Tonkotsu ramen with pork belly is amaze-balls, and the seafood is excellent. The restaurant allows customers to choose their spice level, and the ramen has not disappointed over three visits. The service is excellent, with knowledgeable and helpful waiters who explain the types of ramen and broth and point out all the vegetarian options to meet dietary needs.

Strings Ramen Shop is BYOB, which is a unique policy for a restaurant, but they do have soda and other non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant also does not serve alcohol, but customers can bring their own wine or beer. The restaurant has a very nice ambiance, and the noodles are really great, with good options and fresh ingredients. The pork belly that accompanies the soup is awesome and tender. The broths they make here are incredibly flavorful, and the ramen is the best customers have ever had.

In conclusion, Strings Ramen Shop is an excellent spot to try authentic tonkotsu ramen in Chicago. The service is excellent, the atmosphere is cozy, and the food is flavorful and well-prepared. The restaurant is BYOB and allows customers to choose their spice level, making it a unique and personalized dining experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for great ramen in Chinatown, Chicago.

High Five Ramen

Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 (312) 344-1749
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

High Five Ramen is a cozy and unique ramen spot in Chicago that is known for having the best ramen in the city. The restaurant has a dark and underground feel, with only 16 seats available, making it a popular spot with long waits of up to 3 hours. However, customers can grab a drink at Green Street Meats while they wait, which helps to pass the time. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the service is swift, making it a quick in-and-out experience.

The menu at High Five Ramen is focused on full-bodied broths with tons of flavor, with the signature 25% spice being a popular choice. The ramen is prepared with slow-cooked egg, roasted pork belly, locally grown sprouts, and black garlic oil, making for a unique and delicious rendition. The pork is perfectly cooked, and the broth is full of flavor, making it an incredible bowl of ramen. Customers can choose their spice level, with medium being a good choice for those who don’t want too much heat.

Overall, High Five Ramen is a must-visit for ramen lovers in Chicago. The unique underground atmosphere and incredible food make it worth the long wait. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the menu is focused on full-bodied broths with tons of flavor, making for an unforgettable ramen experience. Whether customers are in the mood for a late-night bite or a quick lunch, High Five Ramen is the perfect spot to satisfy their ramen cravings.

Enso Sushi & Bar

Address: 1613 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 (773) 878-8998
Details: $$, Asian restaurant

Enso Sushi & Bar is a Japanese restaurant located in Wicker Park Bucktown that offers a great selection of sushi rolls and a diverse menu that includes ramen bowls for picky eaters. The restaurant has a variety of sakes available, making it a great spot for those looking for a unique dining experience. The menu also features typical starters and a Prix-Fixe Lunch, which is a best-kept secret in the neighborhood.

The staff at Enso Sushi & Bar are friendly, hospitable, and take pride in their craft to ensure high quality with local purveyors to deliver an overall excellent experience. The service is outstanding, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu, providing advice and recommendations to customers. The pomegranate ginger tini is a must-try, made from fresh ginger, lemon, and pomegranate, mixed with love.

The atmosphere at Enso Sushi & Bar is cozy and intimate, making it a great spot for a solo traveler or a small group of friends. The restaurant has a bar where customers can sit and enjoy their meal while watching the chefs at work. The food is outstanding, with spicy ramen with succulent belly pork, great maki rolls with interesting flavor combinations, and top-notch steam bun sliders that are highly recommended.

In conclusion, Enso Sushi & Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great Japanese restaurant in Wicker Park Bucktown. The staff is friendly, hospitable, and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. The menu features a great selection of sushi rolls, ramen bowls, and typical starters, and the pomegranate ginger tini is a must-try.

RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar

Address: 219 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 (773) 645-0085
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

Ramen-San Whisky Bar is a trendy and simple Japanese restaurant located in Chicago, known for its customizable ramen bowls and great flavor. The restaurant offers a ramen of the week, which is a favorite among customers, and the menu is customizable, making it easy to find the perfect bowl of ramen. The staff is friendly and accommodating, providing excellent service to customers.

The atmosphere at Ramen-San Whisky Bar is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. The restaurant offers a Thai Beef & Noodle Salad that is a must-try and is priced at only $14. The kimchi and fried chicken ramen is too spicy for some customers, while others find the imperial shio much better. The menu also includes chicken pork dumplings and ice cream dessert cones, which are highly recommended.

Overall, Ramen-San Whisky Bar is a great spot for anyone looking for a simple and tasty Japanese restaurant in Chicago. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. The menu features customizable ramen bowls, a ramen of the week, and a must-try Thai Beef & Noodle Salad. The kimchi and fried chicken ramen is a favorite among some customers, while others prefer the imperial shio. The chicken pork dumplings and ice cream dessert cones are also highly recommended.

Saucy Porka

Address: 335 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: +1 (312) 285-2303
Details: $, Asian fusion restaurant

Saucy Porka is a unique and flavorful fast-casual Asian fusion restaurant located in the South Loop of Chicago. The staff is friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the menu, making recommendations to customers. The food is amazing, with a wide selection of dishes that are interesting and tasty, including the Mexican Pho and Yammy Yammy Banh Mi sandwich. The restaurant also offers a variety of aioli sauces that customers can add to their dishes for an additional 50 cents.

The atmosphere at Saucy Porka is cozy and inviting, with holiday decorations during the winter months. Although the location is small, the restaurant packs customers in, making it a popular spot for lunch in the area. The take-out option is recommended, as it can be difficult to find a table during peak hours. The restaurant offers a unique twist on Asian food, with dishes that are both filling and flavorful.

Overall, Saucy Porka is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful lunch spot in the South Loop of Chicago. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. The menu features interesting and tasty dishes, with the Mexican Pho and Yammy Yammy Banh Mi sandwich being highlights. The restaurant also offers a variety of aioli sauces that customers can add to their dishes for an additional 50 cents.

Joy Yee Noodles

Address: 2159 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: +1 (312) 873-1736
Details: $$, Restaurant

Joy Yee Noodles is a popular Chinese restaurant in Chicago, known for its vast menu of Pan Asian cuisine and delicious drinks. The staff is friendly and accommodating, providing prompt seating and service to customers. The restaurant offers a huge variety of food and drink options, including baked goods, bubble tea, and smoothies made from every fruit imaginable.

The atmosphere at Joy Yee Noodles is festive and inviting, with large portions and generous servings. The menu features a wide range of dishes, from sweet and sour chicken to beef brisket udon noodles. The Vietnamese egg rolls and bone marrow soup are also highly recommended. The restaurant offers vegan options and is accommodating to specific requests, such as adding pineapple to fried rice.

Overall, Joy Yee Noodles is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious and affordable Chinese restaurant in Chicago. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is festive and inviting. The menu features a vast selection of Pan Asian cuisine, with large portions that are perfect for sharing. The drinks, including bubble tea and smoothies, are also a highlight of the restaurant.

Niu B

Address: 888 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: +1 (312) 922-1127
Details: $$, Japanese restaurant

Niu B is a stylish and inviting restaurant located just a block or two away from the Chicago Hilton. The staff is friendly and efficient, with excellent service that is prompt and helpful. The atmosphere is cozy and beautifully decorated, making it a comfortable place to spend the dinner hour. The menu is extensive, with a wide range of dishes that are delicious and light.

The food at Niu B is some of the best in Chicago, with standout items including the spicy miso ramen, beef tataki, and seasonal sushi specials. The vegetarian ramen and taro fries are also highly recommended. The restaurant offers a Ramen happy hour, where customers can get a few bucks off their favorite dishes. The sake flights are also a highlight, with really nice options to choose from.

Overall, Niu B is a great restaurant with cool design, good drinks, and awesome food. The menu is extensive and can be a bit intimidating at first, but the staff is helpful in making recommendations. The restaurant is located right on Michigan Avenue but has a neighborhood-like feel. The non-alcoholic mojitos and generous glasses of Prosecco are also worth mentioning. Whether you are looking for a date spot or a casual dinner with friends, Niu B is a must-visit in Chicago.

Blowfish Contemporary Sushi Restaurant

Address: 1131 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: +1 (773) 654-3369
Details: $$, Sushi restaurant

Blowfish Contemporary Sushi Restaurant is a must-visit in Chicago’s uptown neighborhood. The owners and sushi chefs are brothers with impeccable tastes and professionalism, resulting in fresh and beautifully presented sushi that is above average in selection. The menu also features other delicious options such as ramen and poke bowls, which are equally wonderful.

The staff at Blowfish is incredibly polite and attentive, providing excellent service that sets a high bar. The small space can get busy, so reservations for bigger parties are recommended. The restaurant is conveniently located just steps from the redline Bryn Mawr stop, making it easily accessible for those who prefer public transportation.

The ramen at Blowfish is delicious, with little details like the perfectly cooked egg and the incredible Holland pork chashu. The stuffed avocado and black garlic tonkatsu ramen are highly recommended, as well as the octopus salad and pork belly buns. The shrimp tempura and rainbow rolls are also a fan favorite. The restaurant is worth the drive up to Edgewater anytime, providing a satisfying and filling dining experience that will leave you happy and contented.

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya

Address: 1482 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: +1 (773) 270-4150
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago that serves excellent ramen and other Japanese dishes. The staff is friendly and informative, making for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with some reviewers noting that Princess Mononoke was playing during their visit.

The ramen at Kizuki is flavorful and filling, with some reviewers even saying that it’s the most authentic flavor they’ve had since returning to the United States from Japan. The Garlic Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen and the Yuzu Ramen are highly recommended, with perfectly cooked noodles and a rich broth that is not overly spicy or fusion-like. The veggie ramen is also a standout, with a rich broth that is fatty enough to make you not miss a pork base.

The menu is extensive, with other delicious options such as takoyaki, Gyoza, and Agedashu Tofu, all of which are perfectly cooked and flavorful. The servers use an electronic device to give you your bill, which works well for some but may not be for everyone. Overall, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya is a great choice for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Japanese food in Chicago.

Arami

Address: 1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: +1 (312) 243-1535
Details: $$$, Japanese restaurant

Arami is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago that serves some of the best sushi and Japanese dishes in town. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients, simple recipes, and outstanding curated sake list. The staff is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, providing excellent service that adds to the dining experience.

The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The menu is extensive, with some standout dishes like the black cod nigiri and the buta (slow-braised pork belly) finished on a yakitori with teriyaki sauce. The sushi is out of this world, with some reviewers saying that it melts in your mouth and that the quality of the fish is excellent.

Arami is a gem that is well-known among locals, with some reviewers noting that you wouldn’t even know it was there if you weren’t looking for it. The restaurant is located in a clean, neat, and beautiful space that is worth the visit alone. The restaurant also has a grab-and-go option for those on the go, making it a great option for a Midway Airport layover. Overall, Arami is a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality and inventive Japanese food in Chicago.

Ramen Takeya

Address: 819 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 (312) 666-7710
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

Ramen Takeya is a cozy and intimate ramen spot in Chicago that offers some of the best ramen in town. The restaurant has a small menu that features all of the “Ramen Joint” essentials, as well as some delicious appetizers like Brussels sprouts and chicken nuggets. The broth is delicious, and the pork belly melts in your mouth. The ramen and the egg are cooked to perfection, making for an excellent dining experience.

The atmosphere at Ramen Takeya is cozy and designed to look like a back alley in Japan. The restaurant has a cool decor with Japanese banners and art, as well as a glass wall that allows customers to watch their food being prepared. The service is exceptional, with the bartender walking customers through how their ramen is prepared and making great suggestions. The staff is friendly and efficient, providing a great dining experience.

The restaurant is small, so it’s recommended to come early for dinner or lunch. The wait can be long, but it’s worth it. The food and drinks are delicious and authentic, and the service is friendly and efficient. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for an excellent ramen spot in Chicago. Overall, Ramen Takeya is a fantastic value for money and a great experience that should not be missed.

AO Hawaiian Hideout

Address: 1315 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: +1 (312) 662-1100
Details: $$, Restaurant

AO Hawaiian Hideout is Chicago’s hidden tropical gem, featuring ono grinds and boozy libations. This husband and wife team invites you to join them on their journey to the tropics, featuring flavors from East Asia, Southeast Asia & Polynesia.

A few of the local favs includes the following items: spam musubi, Hawaiian pulehu beef short ribs, Poké bowls and fall-off the bone hoisin bbq baby back ribs. This place is perfect year-round, especially for those looking to escape the cold and brutal winters. The food is of great quality, and the portions are generous. The Indonesian Nasi Goreng is also a must try, with its savory, tangy, slightly sweet and spicy flavors.

The Tonkotsu ramen at AO Hawaiian Hideout is excellent, and don’t forget to ask for their house-made spicy garlic paste, a fantastic addition to the huge pieces of slow roasted pork belly as well as the veggies that accompany it. The ginger garlic fried chicken wings is one of the best in town. The restaurant concocted a great selection of signature cocktails at very reasonable prices. The servers have all been there since their opening in 2013, they are all attentive, quick, and know many of their regular customers by name. The restaurant is a great place to enjoy comfort food at its best. Overall, AO Hawaiian Hideout is highly recommended for those looking for a unique dining experience in Chicago.

Chicago’s ramen scene is thriving, with a diverse array of restaurants offering delicious and authentic bowls of this beloved Japanese dish. Whether you’re in the mood for classic tonkotsu or something more innovative, there’s a ramen spot in Chicago that will satisfy your cravings. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the trendy neighborhoods of Logan Square and Wicker Park, these ramen joints are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Chicago’s culinary scene.