Bubbling bowls of steamy stock are not only all the rage across our city, but the restaurants offering them have got the rich Japanese flavours and killer side plates to back them up. From pairing noodles with sushi, takoyaki (those delicious deep-fried balls with octopus) or cocktails to creating truffle-packed twists, each of these places for the best ramen in Manchester is an absolute must-try.
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9 Best Ramen Spots In Manchester
Shoryu Ramen
The best ramen in Manchester city centre? Shoryu are certainly up there with the most popular and sought after. The restaurant specialises in tonkotsu from Fukuoka city in Japan, specifically the Hakata district. Executive chef Kanji Furukawa, native to Hakata, crafted the recipe to bring this rare example of authentic tonkotsu - featuring thin, straight ramen noodles in a white pork broth that's thick and rich - to the UK.
Settle into a booth at this sleek Northern Quarter spot, where your meal of 12-hour pork broth and toppings will be accompanied by the finest sake and wine. Whether you fancy bites of takoyaki, shoryu buns with char siu pork belly or grilled teriyaki salmon to share with your ramen, there's a whole host of other traditional dishes to chow down on too. Kids menus and vegetarian options? Opt for a mushroom broth instead.
Hopeless ramen-tics will appreciate this sleek setting.
Maki & Ramen Manchester
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, Maki & Ramen make sure you can nab everything from sushi rolls to katsu curry, gyoza and, of course, the main event - ramen. Founded by Tokyo sushi academy graduate Teddy Lee, the restaurant now makes six different UK cities its home, from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen to Leeds and Birmingham. The Manchester location though, you'll find on York Street, just shy of Piccadilly Gardens.
Our favourite flavour of ramen here? The unmissable black tonkotsu - a twist on the classic that's topped off by a good glug of homemade black garlic oil, alongside the usual pork belly, crispy onions and half a soft-boiled egg. Vegan options are available too, with their Miso option promising pak choi and vegan ramen noodles with tofu.
Every bowl of from the Maki & Ramen Manchester menu will leave you wanting more.
Tokyo Ramen
Toyko Ramen's Manchester menu is small but mighty, with Fire, Kinoko, Shio and Shoyu flavours making the final list of ramen bowls, meaning chicken bone broths are their speciality. Somewhat of a legend in our city, it's spent years serving us and has a dedicated following always ready to fill up all their walk-in only tables.
If that wasn't enough, then the crispiest koji fried chicken and plenty of flavourful veggie gyozas come on the side too, all to be swilled away by none other than an Asahi, peach highballs and Japanese sodas. This is casual NQ dining at its finest.
There's flavours and meats to suit every palate at this spot for authentic Japanese ramen in Manchester.
New Wave Ramen
Out of all the ramen in the Northern Quarter, New Wave is serving it up in the most vibrant of surrounds, Mackie Mayor food court and a newer Tib Street location - the former of which currently houses a Taiko takeover serving karashibi miso ramen, sandos and snacks. The main restaurant menu, however, focuses on the 'new wave' styles of ramen coming out of Tokyo, working closely with local suppliers to source sustainable ingredients and artisanal Japanese produce.
Our top pick would be the Paitan ramen, a creamy chicken broth-based cousin of the classic tonkotsu, and the spicy lamb Tantanmen with a fiery sesame broth and lamb mince. Although we're a bit sad they've done away with their pigs head korokke (croquettes), you can still nab chicken karaage and pork gyoza in a yuzu ponzu on the side instead.
Try the latest taste of Tokyo ramen houses here.
Samsi
Found in the heart of the city, Samsi is an elegant Japanese restaurant that's been whipping up authentic Japanese eats for over two decades. They employ the tradition of Washoku, which prioritises simplicity and balance in a dish.
You'll find plenty of ramen on their extensive menu, with flavours ranging from slow-cooked beef brisket to a creamy pork broth or spicy miso noodles. Enjoy this at traditional Japanese-style tables, surrounded by pretty artwork.
They've got all the flavours you could ask for at Samsi.
Suki Suki Street Food
Suki Suki Street Food is a fantastic Japanese restaurant on Deansgate specialising in, you guessed it, street food. Perfect for lunchtime or late-night fixes, this spot is inspired by the bustling streets of East Asia, and you'll find both a trendy indoor space and a sunny terrace here.
They've got a whole section dedicated to ramen on their menu, with a build-your-own bowl option. Choose from a miso, curry or soy sauce-based broth, before loading up on tofu, prawns, chicken and more.
This place offers all the appeal of street food, without the standing up to eat.
Wazuzhi
Wazuzhi is found in Chinatown, dishing out top-quality Japanese fare from the conveyor belt that runs around the venue. They offer an extensive selection on their a la carte menu, as well as a set lunch offering on weekdays for only £7.95.
Their signature Tonkotsu ramen soup is made from a rich, creamy pork bone broth, with flavours ranging from chicken gyoza to salmon belly or beef ribeye.
For rich, indulgent flavours, it has to be Wazuzhi.
Shogun Ramen & Bar
Shogun Ramen & Bar has opened on the site of what was formerly Peck & Yard in Chorlton at 55 Manchester Road. The pan-Asian fried chicken shop may have closed, but has relaunched as the friendly neighbourhood destination for broth-soaked noodles.
But that's not the best part, as it's also making sure to whip up halal ramen for Manchester too. With bowls from as little as £7 for kids and £8.50 for adults, this is one of the most affordable spots for ramen at its best. Shogun is also home to the sumo challenge, a huge bowl of ramen to devour in 10 minutes, as well as poke bowls and sushi.
From truffle-laced broth to yakitori skewers, this place is vowing for the top spot of best menu.
Lucky Ramen Manchester
For the best in Ancoats (13 Blossom Street to be exact), this is where you should be looking to. Not only that, but Lucky Ramen are pairing steaming bowls of noodles with sushi too, including maki, raw fish tacos and tataki, so you can get a taste of these Japanese favourites side-by-side.
With space for only a dozen diners, this intimate setting is walk-in only and especially worth the trip for their 50% off ramen deal on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our suggestion? The Nagoya with a spicy meat broth, stir-fry soboro pork and crispy shallots.
Thought good vegan ramen in Manchester was hard to find? Time to change that too.
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