We’re Letting You In On A Secret: These Spots Serve The Best Ramen In Chicago

We know just an image of delicious noodles can trigger cravings for a warm, savory broth of ramen. So, get the real thing: here are the best ramen spots in Chicago.

Tori Levy - Staff Writer • December 1, 2024

ramen dish from Menya Goku — Source/ Menya Goku

The 15 Best Cocktail Bars In Chicago For One-Of-A-Kind Drinks

The Best Bars In Chicago Right Now

After this past weekend, it’s safe to say that winter has officially arrived. Naturally, thoughts are drifting toward a hot cup of soup or a bowl of flavorful ramen. Regardless of your broth preference, nothing quite comforts the soul like a steaming ramen bowl. If you’re looking to enjoy delicious noodles in a rich, flavorful broth, here are some of the best ramen spots in Chicago.

Akahoshi Ramen

Akahoshi Ramen is one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. and has the best ramen in Chicago—without question. This Logan Square gem stands out for its humble beginnings, with owner Mike Satinover starting as “Ramen Lord” on Reddit before opening his restaurant. Akahoshi offers a unique blend of Japanese and American cooking styles, featuring dishes like miso ramen with Sapporo-style noodles and a brothless tantanmen with tingly mala spice powder.

📍 Location: 2340 N California Ave Suite B, Chicago, IL 60647

Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya

What makes Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya one of the best spots for ramen in Chicago? They prepare their dishes using traditional Japanese methods and employ a unique technique of roasting bones before boiling them. This innovation makes them the first in the Japanese ramen industry to adopt this approach, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth that is aromatic and full of depth.

Committed to replicating the authentic flavor of traditional Japanese ramen, Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya import ingredients directly from Japan when suitable substitutes are not available in the United States. We highly recommend trying the Garlic Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen with Pork Belly, which is both delicious and wonderfully comforting.

📍 Location: 1482 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Urbanbelly

Urbanbelly, located in Wicker Park and founded by Chef Bill Kim, offers a unique ramen experience that blends bold flavors from his Korean heritage with his wife’s Puerto Rican roots. This fast-casual eatery features dishes that are truly one-of-a-kind.

The menu includes creative ramen options such as the Shoyu Mushroom, featuring spiced shoyu broth and Phoenix bean tofu, and the Pork & Kimchi, which combines kimchi-braised pork with a savory mix of radish, egg, and cilantro. Other standout offerings include the Chicken Katsu, served in a spicy gochujang pork broth, and the Chicken Wonton, both erupting with flavor.

📍 Location: 1542 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Menya Goku

If you’re searching for an intimate and casual ramen spot, you should check out Menya Goku. The Goku Tonkotsu Ramen is incredibly delicious, with pork belly that melts in your mouth and is packed with flavor. Another must-try dish is the Goku Tan Tan Men, especially if you enjoy a numbing spice kick. Keep in mind that the space is small, and they do not accept reservations, so be prepared to wait during busy hours.

📍 Location: 2207 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

TenGoku Aburiya

TenGoku Aburiya, a hidden gem for sushi, recently launched its first-ever chef collaboration series called “Bento & Co.” This innovative series reimagines the traditional bento box, featuring collaborations with some of Chicago’s most sought-after restaurants. However, besides sushi, TenGoku Aburiya happens to have the best ramen in Chicago—the Chicken Paitan Ramen, which involves chicken Paitan broth, green onion, minced garlic, tsukemono, and noodles.

📍 Location: 651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101A, Chicago, IL 60661