Where to buy best ramen noodles in chicago

1. Ramen House Shinchan

Address:

1939 S Plum Grove Rd
Palatine, IL 60067

(847) 496-4189

The city’s ramen scene has grown significantly in the last several years but it’s a Palatine strip mall restaurant that’s churning out arguably the finest tonkotsu in Chicagoland.

 

2. Santouka

Address:

100 E Algonquin Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

(847) 357-0286

Eaters journey to the northwest suburbs for what might be the best ramen in the area. This outlet of Hokkaido’s popular ramen chain, tucked away inside Japanese marketplace Mitsuwa, has a devoted following of noodle enthusiasts.

 

3. Ramen Misoya

Address:

1584 S Busse Rd
Mount Prospect, IL 60056

(847) 437-4590

Just like its suburban counterpart Santouka, this ramen shop is the local outpost of a Japanese chain. The menu highlights three varieties of miso-based ramen, with the Hokkaido-style version being a crowd favorite.

 

4. Futatsuki Ramen

Address:

4621 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 561-9999

Located across the street from the CTA Wilson train station, this nondescript, family-owned operation gives the far North Side a terrific ramen option.

 

5. Kameya

Address:

806 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 935-3474

This Lincoln Park restaurant doesn’t get as much recognition as some other noodle specialists in town but its efforts are nevertheless deserving of praise.

 

6. Ramen Wasabi

Address:

2115 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 227-8180

Ramen is a labor of love and at Wasabi, it shows. Though the menu offers a selection of Asian small plates, ramen is the main attraction. Rich and creamy tonkotsu broth is slow-cooked for days and served with Berkshire pork belly, soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, scallions, sesame, wood ear mushrooms, and garlic oil.

7. Izakaya Mita

Address:

1960 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 799-8677

This family-run Japanese pub has garnered a local following in Bucktown due to its extensive beverage collection and comfort dishes. In addition to the classic miso, shoyu, and tonkotsu bowls, the menu presents special regional ramen styles as well.

 

8. Furious Spoon

Address:

1571 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 687-8445

Shin Thompson has turned his casual ramen bar into a burgeoning empire in next to no time.

9. Urbanbelly

Address:

1542 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 904-8606

Bill Kim’s fast-casual eatery reimagines Asian flavors in exciting ways. Noodles are a big part of the menu and the ramen has been a longtime staple, featuring a pho-like soup base with braised pork belly, mushrooms, and soft-boiled egg.

 

10. Kizuki

Address:

1482 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 270-4150

Thanks to the growing popularity of ramen in Chicago, Japanese chains are taking notice and expanding here.

 

11. Oiistar

Address:

1385 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 360-8791

Mussels, chicken tikka masala, and barbecue beef aren’t the usual toppings in ramen but they’re what diners can expect to find at Oiistar.

 

12. Arami

Address:

1829 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

(312) 243-1535

Pristine pieces of sushi are the focus at Arami, but don’t sleep on the ramen. It’s a bowl worth ordering and comes with longanisa sausage, onsen egg, fish cakes, seaweed, and long onions.

 

13. Ramen-San

Address:

59 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 377-9950

Lettuce Entertain You’s dedicated noodle shop touts both traditional and unorthodox varieties.

 

14. Ramen Takeya

Address:

819 W Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 666-7710

Logan Square’s Wasabi has established itself as a Chicago favorite so it’s no surprise that its owners opened a sister restaurant specializing in a different type of ramen.

 

15. Ajida

Address:

201 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60606

(312) 332-6878

The Loop is short on ramen spots so Ajida is a veritable oasis. Stop in for shoyu bowls topped with pork belly, beef, chicken, or shrimp.

 

16. Izakaya at Momotaro

Address:

820 West Lake Street, Lower Level
Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 733-4818

Boka Restaurant Group’s contemporary Japanese venue is an impressive tour de force.

 

17. Kinton Ramen

Address:

163 N Sangamon St
Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 374-3942

The Canadian-based ramen chain expanded down south in 2019 with the opening of two Chicago locations.

 

18. High Five Ramen

Address:

112 N Green St
Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 754-0431

Brendan Sodikoff’s subterranean ramen lair is an experience that appeals to spicy food fanatics.

 

19. Strings Ramen

Address:

2141 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60616

(312) 374-3450

Noodles are a vital component of the best ramen and few take it more seriously than this Chinatown shop. They’re made daily using a Japanese machine, which helps impart a firm and chewy texture.

 

20. Shinya Ramen House

Address:

3240 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60608

(312) 877-6008

When those late-night cravings hit, head to this Bridgeport izakaya for sustenance.