Ramen, the broth-based Japanese noodle soup, first caught fire in the United States in the 2000s. Here in the Valley, we've got some pioneering spots that introduced Arizonans to the delightful dish, along with newer restaurants that are adding their own touches and infusing new flavors.
Ramen is a category on our annual Best of Phoenix Awards, and some spots have also landed on our Top 100 Restaurants list. From Laveen to Mesa, north Phoenix to Tempe, these are the 10 best ramen restaurants in the Valley.
Origami Ramen Bar
4810 E. Ray Road, Suite A-1Ahwatukee hasn't historically been known as a culinary destination, but people come from far and wide for Origami Ramen. Owner and chef Yusuke Kuroda, an Osaka native and Nobu alum, opened the affordable, family-friendly, casual joint in summer 2020, and we've deemed it the best ramen in Best of Phoenix multiple years running. The classic creamy chicken and pork broth is rich and fragrant, while the black soy with black garlic oil imparts otherworldly earthy umami. More than a dozen bowls come with curly noodles with a slight chew or silky, slender noodles; you can't go wrong. Protein choices are tender, fall-apart white meat chicken, pork belly or tofu, and garnishes include fresh-as-can-be green onions with a sting, sweet corn kernels and perfectly soft-boiled eggs. Origami also sells a smattering of fried appetizers, Japanese curries, rice bowls and sweet drinks, and it's adorable inside thanks to an eye-catching origami light fixture and walls plastered with anime stickers.
Ramen Kagawa
111 W. Monroe St., #130Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Ramen Kagawa is a great spot to stop for a quick bowl of delicious soup. The ramen menu is split into three categories, based on the base. Pick between chicken, pork or vegetable broth. Next, choose between a bevy of bowls with different meats, spice levels and toppings. Each dish features tender noodles and savory, piping-hot broth. The drinks menu includes local and Japanese beers plus soju-based cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Order at the counter at this casual eatery and find a spot to sit and sip. Smaller groups can grab a table around the exterior of the restaurant, but singles or large parties can find a stool at the long, community table in the center.
Yutaka Japanese Restaurant keeps its ramen options straightforward, serving tonkotsu and a spicy miso version. The tonkotsu broth is creamy and rich, brimming with tender slabs of pork.
Sara Crocker
Yutaka Japanese Restaurant
751 E. Bell Road, #9We were first won over by Yutaka Japanese Restaurant with its great sushi and shareable plates such as the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna. But, Yutaka’s ramen may be our favorite menu item at this north Phoenix eatery. Yutaka keeps its offerings straightforward with two options: tonkotsu and spicy miso ramen. Both come with tender, flavorful chashu pork, chewy noodles and a soy-cured soft-boiled egg. The tonkotsu’s umami-rich pork broth is enhanced with layers of savory flavor from shredded mushrooms, black garlic oil and a haystack of fried onions. If you’re feeling extra hungry, you can make your meal a combo and add on a house salad, California roll or tempura at a discount.
Silverlake Ramen offers a menu of soups that range from traditional tonkotsu to fusion-inspired dishes. The Blaze Ramen is at the former end of that spectrum, adding spice to a creamy pork broth packed with bean sprouts, seaweed, chicken and an egg.
Sara Crocker
Silverlake Ramen
920 E. University Dr., D-103, TempeSilverlake Ramen, the popular and growing Los Angeles-based Asian restaurant chain, debuted its first Arizona location in Tempe in March 2024. Admittedly, we were skeptical about this new addition that “unapologetically does our food our way,” per its website. Hyperbole aside, the Tempe outpost, located near Arizona State University on University Drive and Rural Road, quickly won us over with great food, bubbly staff and wickedly efficient service. Ramen options range from traditional tonkotsu, chicken broth-based options and fusion-inspired soups such as a Cajun version with sausage and shrimp. Try the spicy shoyu ramen, which packs heat in the broth along with a roasted jalapeno. This is a relatively affordable night out too: diners can create a meal by pairing a starter – like Silverlake’s garlicky, tahini-laced broccolini – with a bowl of ramen for $20.
Obon Sushi Bar Ramen has two Scottsdale outposts. The restaurant's namesake soup is made a with spicy red miso broth.
Sara Crocker
Obon Sushi Bar Ramen
15037 N. Scottsdale Road, J-195, Scottsdale7300 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, #102, ScottsdaleThe Tucson-born ramen spot has two Scottsdale outposts, located at Scottsdale Quarter and The Grove at McCormick Ranch. Both serve an array of Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes in chic, vibey settings. Among pillowy bao buns, sushi rolls and plates of teriyaki and yakisoba, Obon features several styles of ramen made with broths of pork, spicy red miso or soy and mushroom. The eponymous Obon ramen is a knockout with spicy broth, garlic oil and fresno chiles. Chicken, a slab of glazed pork belly, beech mushrooms, noodles and an egg all pile into the pool of steaming broth. Pair your ramen with one of Obon’s thoughtfully crafted cocktails, such as the black tea old fashioned – a milk tea-inspired riff on the classic whose honey-sweetness is curbed by a float of activated charcoal bitters.
Mensho Ramen
805 N. Dobson Road #115, Mesa 5813 N. Seventh St. #140 Lines wound around the block when Mensho made its Arizona debut last summer. This international chain launched in Japan in 2005 and it has a serious fan base for good reason. At the Mesa restaurant, the lines have calmed, but the kitchen hasn't. Its tight menu features unusual options such as a ramen bowl with a bright green broth made with matcha. Our favorite is the Garlic Knock Out or G.K.O. ramen which features the fragrant bulb prepared in five different ways. But the flavor isn't all garlic. The thick broth is made with roasted tomatoes, filled with tender noodles and topped with sliced chicken. Enjoy a bowl at the bar which overlooks the efficient kitchen, or grab a table around the edge of the wood-walled space. From the food to the service and decor, this immersive restaurant will make you forget you're in Mesa for a while. A second location of Mensho Ramen opened in Phoenix this January.
SoSoBa
214 W. Roosevelt St., Suite C-1 Phoenix ramen spot SoSoBa is everything you want from a casual, cool, downtown eatery. The space is dark with red accents, it's great for groups of friends filling up before a concert or a quick stop at the bar solo and it stays open late. The drinks menu features beer, wine, sake and cocktails, and the food never disappoints. The concept started in Flagstaff before bringing its motto as "the nonstop noodle shop" to the Valley. The menu offers a fusion of flavors and the noodle soups feature udon, ramen and rice noodles. The TanTanMen is a spicy, satisfying option and the Katsu is punched up with roasted corn and hoisin sauce. SoSoBa also offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Hachi Ramen
655 W. Warner Road, #114, TempeCasual cafe-style spot Hachi Ramen serves pure comfort. The homey restaurant is located off Warner Road in Tempe and serves large, ice-cold Japanese beers and piping-hot bowls of ramen. Bases include tonkotsu, shoyu and miso, which customers can build on with extra toppings. The Spicy Miso Ramen adds a kick of heat, and the Hachi Special comes pre-loaded with tender pork belly, sweet corn kernels and all the fixings. The noodles are springy with great chew and the savory broths are rich without being overly salty. For a weeknight ramen craving, Hachi hits the spot.
Ja Ramen
5845 W. Baseline Road, #120, Laveen VillageTucked inside a modern shopping center just off the Loop 202 in Laveen, there's a small restaurant with a red and black sign shining brightly. Just through the doors of Ja Ramen, a feast for the eyes unfolds. The space is decorated with neon signs, paper lanterns and faux cherry blossoms blooming around the bar. Sleek black and red booths are nestled among black walls and wallpaper featuring jumping tigers. Take it all in before taking a look at the menu. Start with an order of crispy chicken katsu or tempura veggies before digging into a bowl of soul-warming soup. There are more than a dozen ramen options ranging from curry ramen to the Half Sea Tonkotsu, which comes piled with shrimp, squid katsu, seaweed and crispy onion rings. Each broth is distinct and flavorful and the noodles are cooked just right for a satisfying slurp every time. 
Clever Koi
4236 N. Central Ave. #10060 W. Vaughn Ave. #101, GilbertMany of the best ramen restaurants in town are ultra-casual spots perfect for grabbing a quick bite. But if you're craving ramen on date night, Clever Koi is dressed to impress. This modern, trendy restaurant is fun and friendly with top-notch cocktails and a tasty Asian-fusion menu. A few bowls of ramen leave an impression, such as the decadent duck ramen topped with a confit duck leg. The miso shoyu ramen is filled with shredded, braised chicken and tender noodles in a dark, soy-heavy broth. There's also a vegan ramen bowl, made with fragrant lemongrass stock. Pair your bowl with some fluffy steamed buns and a round of carefully crafted drinks for a winning evening.
