Best ramen in Chicago: 9 warming bowls to try ASAP

Friends Ramenwas inspired by traditional izakayas and is inspired by casual, convivial Japanese pub and snack restaurants. The kitchen is known for its hot noodles and meticulous broth preparation, serving ten variations of ramen in miniature bowls with handles that make sure you don’t waste even a single drop. The choice of wavy or chanponmen noodles and a roster of sides lets you customize the best ramen in Chicago exactly to your liking.

With four locations serving some of the best ramen in Chicago, RAMEN-SAN hits the spot from River Northto Streeterville, Lincoln Park, and Fulton Market. Decked out with industrial chic interiors across the four locations, RAMEN-SAN’s buzzy vibe is one that will make you want to linger. Frosty beers and a selection of Japanese whiskies amp up the vibe set by the signature 1990s hip-hop beats, while innovative small plates and limited-edition ramen make RAMEN-SAN a spot to visit again and again.

With four locations serving some of the best ramen in Chicago, RAMEN-SAN hits the spot from River Northto Streeterville, Lincoln Park, and Fulton Market. Decked out with industrial chic interiors across the four locations, RAMEN-SAN’s buzzy vibe is one that will make you want to linger. Frosty beers and a selection of Japanese whiskies amp up the vibe set by the signature 1990s hip-hop beats, while innovative small plates and limited-edition ramen make RAMEN-SAN a spot to visit again and again.

With four locations serving some of the best ramen in Chicago, RAMEN-SAN hits the spot from River Northto Streeterville, Lincoln Park, and Fulton Market. Decked out with industrial chic interiors across the four locations, RAMEN-SAN’s buzzy vibe is one that will make you want to linger. Frosty beers and a selection of Japanese whiskies amp up the vibe set by the signature 1990s hip-hop beats, while innovative small plates and limited-edition ramen make RAMEN-SAN a spot to visit again and again.

With four locations serving some of the best ramen in Chicago, RAMEN-SAN hits the spot from River Northto Streeterville, Lincoln Park, and Fulton Market. Decked out with industrial chic interiors across the four locations, RAMEN-SAN’s buzzy vibe is one that will make you want to linger. Frosty beers and a selection of Japanese whiskies amp up the vibe set by the signature 1990s hip-hop beats, while innovative small plates and limited-edition ramen make RAMEN-SAN a spot to visit again and again.

Tsukiji Sushi Sake Baris known for some of the best ramen in Chicago, served in an elegant setting and Japanese-meets-Latin menu. Owners Sam and Jessy work closely with their team to create their signature fusion rolls along with steaming bowls of tonkotsu and miso ramen. The bold and vivid interior makes this a top spot for celebrations, as well as a great post-work go-to for events.

Hailing from the Nishiazabu district in Tokyo, RAKKAN RAMENbegan its mission to deliver Japanese cooking and flavors to the world after founder and CEO Ryohei Ito worked as a chef on cruise ships. RAKKAN RAMEN is known for its rich plant-based broth, which adds its signature umami to both meat toppings and fully vegan renditions. Limited-edition ramens make special appearances, and the menu of shareable Japanese small plates makes RAKKAN RAMEN a top spot for groups.

Itoko’s name means “cousin” in Japanese, a reference to chef Gene Kato’s other fine-dining restaurant, Momotaro. Presenting a neighborhood robata concept with fireside cooking, Itoko serves charcoal-fired dishes with hot and cold appetizers like gyoza and hamachi crudo. The restaurant’s signature tantan ramen marries chicken broth and spicy pork in a family-style serving. Itoko also adds excitement to its menu with a range of “happenings,” creating limited-edition options for celebrations, specials, and to-go sets.

With a heritage that dates back to Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ goes all-in on tableside grilling. The smokeless grilled specialties can be sampled alongside some of the best ramen in Chicago, and Gyu-Kaku has locations in Streeterville, West Loop, and Lakeview. A selection of ramen and garlic noodles hits notes from pork bone to oxtail, and the thorough menu of BBQ selections plus go-to sides makes Gyu-Kaku a great destination for large groups.

With a heritage that dates back to Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ goes all-in on tableside grilling. The smokeless grilled specialties can be sampled alongside some of the best ramen in Chicago, and Gyu-Kaku has locations in Streeterville, West Loop, and Lakeview. A selection of ramen and garlic noodles hits notes from pork bone to oxtail, and the thorough menu of BBQ selections plus go-to sides makes Gyu-Kaku a great destination for large groups.

With a heritage that dates back to Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ goes all-in on tableside grilling. The smokeless grilled specialties can be sampled alongside some of the best ramen in Chicago, and Gyu-Kaku has locations in Streeterville, West Loop, and Lakeview. A selection of ramen and garlic noodles hits notes from pork bone to oxtail, and the thorough menu of BBQ selections plus go-to sides makes Gyu-Kaku a great destination for large groups.

Green Tea Japanese Restauranthas been a Chicago mainstay since 2000. The menu blends top-quality freshness with a range of Japanese cooking styles. Hot and cold appetizers, salads, maki, and more sit alongside Green Tea’s noodle program. The ramen menu includes both tonkatsu and Hokkaido variations, along with udon and yakisoba. Green Tea’s lunch specials and all-day menu make it a top spot for everything from solo working lunches to celebratory occasions.

BITES Asian Kitchen & Bardraws inspiration from Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other cuisines, with a menu that ranges from sushi and bao to some of the best ramen in Chicago. The fan-favorite beef rib ramen is served bone-in, playing up the kitchen staff’s flair for fun presentation. Enjoy it along with vegetarian selections in a lively, playful interior.