Where to find the best ramen in metro Atlanta

As the colder weather approaches, what better way to stay warm (and full) than with a hearty bowl of ramen? Whether it’s the combination of noodles, broth, meat and vegetables, or the countless creative variations on this traditional Japanese meal, Atlanta has several fantastic bowls of ramen packed with flavor to satisfy any craving.

If you’re looking for the perfect bowl of classic ramen or something more innovative, we’ve got you covered. There are so many slurp-worthy options around town that it can be hard to choose just one, but the list below is a great place to start.

E Ramen +

Enter the contemporary, family-owned E Ramen located in the heart of midtown. Try one of their excellent ramen dishes, such as the award-winning E Signature Ramen or the Lobster Ramen. Other mouthwatering ramen options on their menu include their brand-new Wagyu Ramen with Japanese Mizayaki A5 Wagyu beef, The Dark Knight with black garlic Tonkotsu, Miso-Hot with a spicy kick, Garden Ramen with pumpkin puree and steamed tofu, and The Dirty Vegan, which is made with a creamy vegan broth and vegan noodles. Don’t forget to order their delectable Green Tea Cheesecake for dessert after exploring their full menu.

Location: Midtown - 1110 W. Peachtree St. NW, #300; Website: eramenatl.com; Contact: 404-913-4142

Yakitori Jinbei

With its marinated meats, vibrant seasonings, fresh ingredients and outstanding selection of toppings, Yakitori Jinbei in Smyrna lets you experience the authentic flavors of ramen. It is highly recommended to order their Katsu Curry Ramen, topped with a fried panko-crusted pork cutlet. To top off your ideal bowl, pick from a variety of ramen toppings. Their menu also offers Tonkotsu Ramen, Tan Tan Ramen, Spicy Nappa Ramen, Miso Ramen and Naruto Ramen.

Location: Smyrna - 2421 Cobb Pkwy. SE; Website: yakitorijinbei.com; Contact: 770-818-9215

Okiboru Tsukemen & Ramen

There are three Okiboru restaurants in the Atlanta area, and their menu is packed full of tasty dishes that are all worth trying. After starting out with their Okiboru bao buns and Ebi Karaage, try their Truffle Shoyu with light chicken and fish broth, Tori Paitan, which is available in both spicy and non-spicy, their vegan Yasai or their famous, deliciously rich Spicy Tonkotsu.

Location: Multiple Locations (Sandy Springs, Duluth, Buckhead); Website: okiboru.com

Wagaya

The owner of Wagaya wanted to offer Atlantans the traditional Japanese cuisine he grew up eating, which includes everything from donburi and ramen to fresh sushi and more. Wagaya, which in Japanese means “our house,” earned its name from this desire and passion of his. Learn more about the delicious ramen selections they offer, such as the White, Black, or Red Tonkotsu, Chicken Chintan, Truffle Veggie, Shoyu or Spicy Curry. Additionally, they feature a great “Ramen + Two” combination where you can select the ramen of your choice and two sushi rolls for a delectably filling meal.

Location: Multiple Locations (Westside and Emory Village); Website: wagayaatlanta.com

KinNo Tori Ramen Bar

For a quaint ramen spot on Ponce, visit KinNo Tori Ramen Bar where you can experience a variety of warm, savory broths and chewy noodles on a chilly day. Along with the cozy atmosphere, KinNo Tori features plenty of tasty menu options like the vegan Midori Kale Ramen, the Hone Miso with honey soybean paste, the Seafood Ramen with house-cut squid and bay scallops, or the Ultra Spicy Tori Paitan if you’re looking for some extra heat.

Location: East Atlanta - 650 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: kinnotoriramen.com; Contact: 470-312-2964

Lifting Noodles

Lifting Noodles has become a popular destination in Atlanta’s ramen scene (and beyond) in just about five years after it first debuted in EAV’s We Suki Suki food hall in 2018. You’ll quickly understand why Lifting Noodles has four locations in Houston, Philadelphia and Charleston, in addition to three in the Atlanta area, if you haven’t had a chance to try it yet. Whether you opt for the 1 Up with a creamy vegetarian broth, the Village Classic with a creamy pork broth or the Angry Zuko with a fiery pork broth, their ramen bowls offer distinctive and one-of-a-kind flavor combinations.

Location: Multiple Locations (East Atlanta Village, The Battery, Duluth); Website: liftingnoodlesramen.com

Ramen Bar by Hajime

Ramen Bar by Hajime in Alpharetta is a must-try, from their Takoyaki and crispy brussels sprouts to their scrumptious buns and rich Tonkotsu Ramen. With chicken, minced garlic, onions, a seasoned boiled egg, tree ear (a type of Japanese mushroom), scallions and fried garlic for a powerful finish, their Nin Niku Tori Ramen is packed with flavor. Among the various other selections on the menu, the Ika Shoyu and Hiro Chashu are two other excellent choices. Their Midori Kale Ramen is offered with green kale noodles as a vegetarian option.

Location: Alpharetta - 4180 Old Milton Pkwy.; Website: ramenbarbyhajime.com; Contact: 770-802-5898