5Five Best Places
Upper East Side · Food & Drink · New York

Best Ramen in Upper East Side

Updated July 28, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume

Where to find the best ramen in Upper East Side

Kuu
1

Kuu

1275 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
$$
★★★★★4.8(2,768 reviews)

Kuu offers a cozy, Zen-like Japanese counter experience, highly praised for its delicious ramen and other Japanese fare. While some items like poke bowls receive mixed reviews, diners consistently rave about the flavorful Tonkotsu Ramen, unique shrimp katsu sandwich, and delightful tuna tartar. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a comforting meal.

warm and welcoming vibedelicious bowl of ramen
Meijin
2

Meijin

1574 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
$$
★★★★★4.7(2,349 reviews)

Meijin captivates with its beautiful, unique atmosphere adorned with colorful paper cranes, setting the stage for an impressive Japanese dining experience. Beyond the stunning decor, the restaurant shines with its flavorful ramen, especially the Spicy Tonkatsu, and luxurious small plates like the Wagyu Foie Gras Uni Toast. Attentive service and thoughtful presentation complete this hip izakaya experience.

beautiful atmosphere and decorationSpicy Tonkatsu Ramen is the star
Peng's Noodle Folk
3

Peng's Noodle Folk

1016 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
$
★★★★★4.7(752 reviews)

Peng's Noodle Folk provides a low-key, wood-lined setting perfect for warming up with a hearty bowl of noodles. Guests frequently praise the rich, flavorful broths, incredibly tender braised pork, and delicious chicken dumplings. It's a highly recommended spot for those seeking authentic and satisfying Chinese and Japanese noodle dishes with friendly service.

rich and full of flavor brothbraised pork incredibly tender
Naruto Ramen
4

Naruto Ramen

1596 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
$
★★★★4.4(2,447 reviews)

Naruto Ramen offers an intimate, small environment that many describe as feeling authentically Japanese, despite limited seating. This cozy spot is celebrated for its flavorful noodle soups, including comforting miso vegetable ramen and an outstanding spicy and tangy shrimp ramen. The quick service and welcoming staff add to the genuine experience, making it a beloved local gem.

feels just like being in Japanshrimp ramen outstanding
Tabata Ramen
5

Tabata Ramen

1435 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
$
★★★★4.4(1,541 reviews)

Tabata Ramen is a cherished Japanese noodle shop known for its truly unique and unforgettable Sutamina Ramen, a dish many claim cannot be found elsewhere. Beyond this signature item, the restaurant consistently delivers amazing ramen options, delicious pork katsu curry, and top-tier hospitality. Its cozy new location with wooden panels and brick offers a comfortable setting for an authentic meal.

Sutamina Ramen you can't get anywhere elsehospitality always top tier

Contenders

Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.

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How we ranked the best ramen in Upper East Side

Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.

score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)

The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.

Frequently asked about Upper East Side ramen

What is the highest-rated ramen in Upper East Side?

Kuu has the highest Google rating in our list of the best ramen in Upper East Side, with 4.8 stars across 2,768 reviews.

How are the best ramen in Upper East Side ranked?

Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.

When was this ranking last updated?

This ranking of the best ramen in Upper East Side was last refreshed in July 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.

Why isn't my favorite ramen on the list of best ramen in Upper East Side?

To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Upper East Side area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.

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