Two words: ramen noodles. Whether you’re nursing a hangover or out to a nice dinner, ramen is a dish that meets you where you are. It’s the perfect combination of comforting and savory without being overfilling. Ramen is recognized as one of Japan’s national dishes. However, it originated as an adaptation of Chinese-style wheat noodle soups introduced in Japan during the mid-19th century.
Today, ramen is a popular dish all over the world — including right here in metro Detroit. Many local chefs add their own regional twists and variations to the highly modifiable dish.
In honor of Oct. 6 — National Noodle Day — here’s a list of 15 restaurants where you can find ramen in Detroit and its surrounding suburbs.
Ima Izakaya/Ima Noodles — Multiple Locations
Michigan-born Mike Ransom traveled the country as a chef trained in classic French cuisine before returning to his home state and opening Ima in 2016. The concept was a success, earning him three James Beard semifinalist nods, and allowing him to expand to three locations (Corktown, Midtown, Madison Heights). Known for its rich, ultra-savory broths, Ima has a large menu that includes satisfying options for vegetarians and vegans. One of those options includes the Yuzu Miso, made with porcini broth, shiro miso, yuzu, and lemon. 2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit (Corktown Izakaya location); 4870 Cass Ave, Detroit (Midtown/Wayne State location) 32203 John R Rd, Madison Heights (Madison Heights location); imanoodles.com
Johnny Noodle King — Detroit
It may feel like an eternity ago, but back in 2014, when Johnny Noodle King opened inside the former Johnny’s Ham King building on Fort Street, ramen restaurants were few and far between within city limits. More than a decade later, the Japanese-inspired eatery remains a top choice for ramen lovers, with conventional ramen bowls and some wild card selections like Cajun Catfish and Corned Beef; the latter is made with a very popular Eastern Market export: Wigley’s Corned Beef, along with carrots, napa cabbage, and scallions. 2601 W Fort St, Detroit; johnnynoodleking.com
Shiromaru — Troy
Just because it’s an order-at-the-counter spot designed for the corporate lunch rush doesn’t mean food quality comes second here. Shiromaru’s authentic ramen dishes feature fresh house-made noodles and full-bodied, creamy broths — tonkotsu (pork bone broth), paitan (chicken bone broth); veggie broth is also an option. A popular ramen selection here is the Classic Tonkotsu, topped with pork belly chashu, a half-marinated egg, green onion, bamboo, and kikurage (wood ear mushrooms). 5365 Crooks Rd, Troy; shiromarutroy.com
Shun Ramen and Sushi — Madison Heights
With the stated mission of bringing “the authentic flavors of Japan to Madison Heights,” Shun Ramen and Sushi has proven to be a popular destination for a piping bowl at a reasonable price (ranging $13-15). With tasty broths like tonkotsu and shoyu (soy sauce broth), Shun dares guests to kick it up a notch with the Spicy Miso Ramen, a super-seasoned miso broth with noodles, ground pork, bean sprouts, corn, and scallions. Be on the lookout for regularly rotating specials. 30491 John R Rd, Madison Heights; shun-ramen-and-sushi.wasabistl.com
Chi Fan — Madison Heights
This fast-casual eatery on West 14 Mile known for boba tea and poke bowls has a solid selection of ramens — with the option to build your own. Choose your favorite protein, base, and veggies: whatever your noodle hankering of the day happens to be can become a reality. 1401 W 14 Mile Rd, Madison Heights; chifanfoods.com
House of Umami — Canton Township
After opening in 2023, House of Umami quickly solidified itself as a highly rated establishment among Canton locals. The restaurant, which prides itself on delivering “true authentic” ramen, serves up warm bowls of noodles with tonkotsu, shoyu, tantanmen, and miso broth. And those avoiding meat will appreciate selections like the Curry Ramen (fried tofu, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, sweet corn, and nori), as well as the Vegan Ramen (tofu chashu, scallions, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, crispy onion, and nori). 45250 Ford Rd, Canton Township, eatatumami.com
Sakazuki — Detroit
Located on the ground level of Detroit’s historic Book Tower, Sakazuki is a casual eatery. Its dishes and drinks are inspired by Japanese anime, pop culture, and city life. Its noodle offerings include the Tantan Ramen — a spicy dish balanced with toasted sesame paste, topped with ground pork, greens, and soft-boiled egg. 1265 Washington Blvd Suite #200, Detroit; sakazukidetroit.com
Hiroki-San — Detroit
Located in the Book Tower’s basement, this upscale Japanese eatery may be known for its elaborate omakase sushi and cocktails — but don’t sleep on its noodles, made in the kitchen it shares with Sakazuki. The Shoyu Ramen features a chicken broth, shoyu tare, menma, chashu chicken, ginger, and scallion oil. 1265 Washington Blvd, Detroit; hirokisandetroit.com
Hotaru — Novi
Hotaru has a wide variety of authentic Japanese noodle offerings. Fish cakes add umami and depth to dishes like the miso ramen, and there are several seafood-forward selections like the Asari ramen: light soy bonito broth with clams and sliced green onions; and the Nagasaki ramen: shrimp, clams and veggies in a chicken and pork broth. 39723 Grand River Ave, Novi; ramenyanovi0301.wixsite.com/website
Slurping Turtle — Ann Arbor
Per company policy, it is completely OK to audibly “slurp” your noodles here. In fact, Slurping Turtle encourages guests to do so as a sign of enjoyment. A popular gameday destination, Slurping Turtle offers a one-of-a-kind take on Japanese cuisine and plenty of ramen options, with noodles made from scratch at the same address. Unique bowls include the DFFC (Duck Fat Fried Chicken) Miso Ramen and the Tan Tan Men, topped with pork belly and meatballs. 608 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor; slurpingturtle.com/annarbor
Tomukun — Ann Arbor
This Korean restaurant has two sides: “Tomukun Korean BBQ” and “Tomukun Noodles.” On the “noodles” side, you’ll find a wide selection of ramens; including twists like Slow Roasted Beef, Kimchi Jigae, and even ramen served chilled: the Hayashi Ramen features cold noodles tossed in soy garlic dressing and topped with pork belly, crabsticks, bamboo, scallions, veggies, and a jammy egg. McKinley Towne Center, 505 E Liberty St Suite #200, Ann Arbor; noodlebar.tomukun.com
Jinya Ramen Bar — Royal Oak
With locations across the country, the popular noodle franchise chose downtown Royal Oak as the place to make its Michigan debut in late April 2025. According to the chain, its broths are simmered up to 20 hours in-house. Popular entrées include the Tonkatsu Black ramen, and the menu includes multiple Wonton ramen dishes. 129 S Main St, Royal Oak; jinyaramenbar.com
Bash Izakaya — Detroit
This popular date night destination in Detroit’s sleepy Woodbridge neighborhood offers the option to kick off your shoes and grab a seat at one of its traditional low tables. While sushi dominates the menu, its three ramen offerings — Tonkotsu, Shoyu Pork, and Mushroom Miso — are not to be missed. 5069 Trumbull, Detroit; bashdetroit.com
Ginza Ramen — Clinton Township and Rochester Hills
A top spot for takeout known for bento boxes and Korean-style wings, noodle offerings that set Ginza Ramen apart include a spicy peanut broth, which lends warmth and flavor to dishes like The Bacon Cheese and Spicy Peanut Ramen. Plus, for $4.95, diners can add their choice of pork, chicken, or fish katsu to any noodle dish. 43289 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township and 6866 N Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills; ginzaramen.smartonlineorder.com
BONUS: Mezcal Express Mexican Eatery — Dearborn
What is a Mexican restaurant doing in a ramen roundup, you might ask? For one reason only: their birria ramen. The fusion dish features noodles in a soothing beef birria, lime, onion, cilantro — with an option to add melted cheese. While Mezcal has two other locations in Detroit and Ferndale, its Dearborn outpost is the only one that serves this dish. 946 Howard St, Dearborn; mezcaldetroit.com
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