Top 15 Most Popular Ramen Shops at Mejiro Station

The area around Mejiro Station is known for its calm, residential atmosphere, its academic institutions, and its long-standing traditional shops. While it may not immediately strike you as a "ramen battleground," it is home to a scattered collection of hidden gems known only to those in the know. The appeal lies in the diverse range of ramen available, from classic shoyu (soy sauce) bowls at historic establishments to trendy creative and rich, creamy varieties. Located close to famous ramen hubs like Ikebukuro and Takadanobaba, Mejiro offers many high-quality shops that fly under the radar. Beloved by students, business people, and locals, these shops range from convenient daily haunts to legendary spots worth traveling for. Here, we present the top 15 ramen shops in the Mejiro area that are truly worth your time, ranked based on reviews and ratings.

Top 15 Recommended Ramen Shops at Mejiro Station

Tucked between the major ramen hubs of Ikebukuro and Takadanobaba, the Mejiro station area is a hidden gem that features a wide variety of unique ramen shops. From long-standing historic spots serving classic shoyu ramen to elegant tori-paitan (chicken white broth) popular with women, and even authentic tsukemen, there is a diverse range of genres to discover. Many shops are "hideaway" style, matching the tranquil vibe of the town—a unique charm of Mejiro. We have curated the "Top 15 Recommended Popular Ramen Shops at Mejiro Station" based on reviews and ratings. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, we invite you to find your perfect bowl.

No. 1: Marucho Mejiro (4.0 stars / 721 reviews)

"Marucho Mejiro" is a historic ramen institution representative of the Mejiro area, famous for being the originator of tsukemen. Their signature "Tsukesoba" has been served with the same unchanged recipe since its inception, characterized by a sweet and tangy soy sauce-based broth. The stock, made by simmering pork and chicken bones, is infused with a distinct depth through the addition of acidity and sweetness. The noodles are medium-thick and straight, offering a delightful chewiness and wheat aroma. Topped with generous servings of chashu, bamboo shoots (menma), and chopped green onions, this simple yet perfect bowl has attracted a legion of fans for years. With queues often forming at lunchtime, this is a must-visit for those seeking a bowl rich in history.

Shop Information

• Address: 3-19-4 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM / 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays and Holidays
• Phone: 03-3951-4378

No. 2: Homemade Aged Noodles Yoshioka Mejiro Main Branch (3.4 stars / 140 reviews)

As the name implies, "Homemade Aged Noodles Yoshioka" prides itself on its house-made "aged noodles." The noodles, refined through a unique aging process to maximize the aroma of the wheat, feature a supple texture and rich flavor. The broth is a classic shoyu style based on chicken and pork bones, offering a mellow depth. The bowl is meticulously designed to pair with the noodles, allowing you to fully enjoy the quality of the wheat in a simple presentation. Their popular "Special Ramen" comes topped with luxuriously tender chashu and a seasoned egg, making it visually appetizing. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere, and its counter-seating focus makes it easy for solo diners to enjoy. It is a well-regarded, local favorite with many regulars.

Shop Information

• Address: Fujiya Building M2F, 3-5-13 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Closed: —
• Phone: 03-5996-7155

No. 3: Thai Ramen (4.3 stars / 252 reviews)

"Thai Ramen" is a popular shop where you can enjoy authentic Thai-style street food ramen in Mejiro. Replicating the authentic local taste, the broth is based on chicken and pork bones and infused with fish sauce (nam pla) and aromatic herbs, resulting in an ethnic finish that is refreshing yet deep in flavor. Their signature "Tom Yum Ramen" is a tri-fold harmony of acidity, spice, and herb fragrance, drawing many repeat customers, especially women. The noodles are thin and straight, clinging well to the broth; add a squeeze of lime and some cilantro, and you are immediately transported to the authentic experience. The table is stocked with condiments like chili and fish sauce, allowing you to customize your flavor to your liking. Highly recommended for fans of ethnic cuisine or those looking for a different take on ramen.

Shop Information

• Address: Eicho Building 1F, 3-14-20 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 4-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Closed: Mondays
• Phone: 03-6908-0773

No. 4: Haguregumo (3.9 stars / 306 reviews)

"Haguregumo" is a popular shop in Mejiro where you can enjoy classic old-school Chinese-style ramen (chuka-soba). It has a charming shop front that retains a sense of nostalgia, offering a simple yet profound flavor. Their signature "Chuka-soba" uses a shoyu-based broth with chicken and dried sardines (niboshi), providing a clean finish while delivering a well-rounded umami punch. The medium-thin, straight noodles pair perfectly with the broth, keeping you engaged until the last bite. The classic topping style includes chashu, bamboo shoots, spinach, and green onions. The shop has a relaxed atmosphere, with many local regulars, and a welcoming homey feel that makes it easy to drop in alone. It is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic, traditional taste rather than the flashy bowls of the ramen battlegrounds.

Shop Information

• Address: Ikebukuro Crown Heights 1F, 3-8-3 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone: 03-5954-1888

No. 5: Saikai Mejiro (3.8 stars / 368 reviews)

"Saikai Mejiro" is a shop that specializes in refreshing tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen based on the flavors of the Saikai region of Nagasaki. It is distinct for its mild broth, which, despite being simmered for a long time, remains free of harshness, making it light and easy to consume. Their signature "Saikai Ramen" incorporates ago-dashi (flying fish stock), which adds an elegant aroma and depth to the pork flavor, achieving a unique balance not found elsewhere. The noodles are characteristic of Nagasaki-style thin, straight noodles, which grip the soup perfectly and offer an excellent throat feel. Topped with chashu, wood ear mushrooms, and green onions, the bowl is simple but highly refined. Its combination of Kyushu-style lightness and seafood flavor is popular with women and older diners.

Shop Information

• Address: 3-4-13 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: —
• Closed: —
• Phone: 03-3951-3850

No. 6: Mimizuku Ramen (3.3 stars / 187 reviews)

"Mimizuku Ramen" is a shop with a unique personality in Mejiro. True to its name, it has a friendly, homey atmosphere that is beloved by students and locals. The signature "Mimizuku Ramen" features a shoyu-based chicken stock enhanced with the sweetness of vegetables. While the broth is light, it is flavorful and possesses a gentle, addicting quality. The noodles are medium-thick and slightly wavy, making them easy to pair with the broth and offering a satisfying bite. Topped with chashu, bamboo shoots, and an egg, it evokes a warm, homemade comfort. With late-night hours, it is a convenient spot for students’ late meals or a bite on the way home from work. Recommended for those seeking a comforting bowl over flashy spectacle.

Shop Information

• Address: 3-2-6 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 4-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays and Holidays
• Phone: 03-3971-0584

No. 7: epilogue08 (4.5 stars / 124 reviews)

"epilogue08" is a new-wave establishment in Mejiro offering a stylish ramen experience. With its cafe-like interior, it has gained popularity among female diners and couples. Their signature dish is "Tori Paitan Ramen," an ingenious bowl of rich yet mellow chicken white broth infused with herbs and spices. It is aesthetically beautiful and possesses a level of perfection that elevates it from simple ramen to culinary "cuisine." The noodles are medium-thin and straight, made with whole wheat, resulting in a perfect marriage of toasty wheat flavor and broth. Topped with low-temperature cooked chicken chashu and colorful vegetables, it is a healthy option favored by the health-conscious. In the evenings, it functions like a bar where you can enjoy ramen with drinks—a must-visit spot providing a new food experience that transcends traditional ramen.

Shop Information

• Address: 2-9-5 Naka-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: —
• Closed: —
• Phone: —

No. 8: Toden Table Zoshigaya (3.9 stars / 118 reviews)

"Toden Table Zoshigaya" is a unique dining spot that fuses ramen with an izakaya (pub) menu. The interior, with its warm wood accents, creates a cafe or bar-like atmosphere that is popular with families and female customers. The ramen they serve is characterized by a gentle flavor profile that eschews chemical additives. The "Chicken Broth Ramen," in particular, is light yet features a slowly building chicken umami that is soothing for both body and soul. The noodles are medium-thin and made with domestic wheat, pairing excellently with the clean broth. Topped with seasonal vegetables and carefully prepared chashu, it is also visually stunning. At night, you can enjoy dishes and alcohol alongside your ramen, making it a valuable spot for casual gatherings.

Shop Information

• Address: 2-21-6 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Zoshigaya Station / 10-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Closed: 1st & 3rd Monday, Every Tuesday
• Phone: —

No. 9: Ramen Ikedaya Tokyo Takadanobaba Branch (4.0 stars / 558 reviews)

"Ramen Ikedaya" is a famous Jiro-inspired shop that holds massive support from fans seeking hearty, heavy ramen. Located in the Takadanobaba area, which is easily accessible from Mejiro, it is a popular spot that often sees queues, primarily of students. Their signature "Ramen" is a style where you can customize the amount of vegetables, fat, and garlic added to an ultra-rich pork-bone soy sauce broth combined with super-thick noodles. The combination of the chewy, robust noodles and the punchy broth is often described as "addictive." The thick slices of chashu are juicy and incredibly filling. For those looking for a hearty meal, this place is truly a sanctuary. Even beginners to the Jiro style can enjoy this stable, high-quality bowl.

Shop Information

• Address: Kudo Building 1F, 1-3-13 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station / 15-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM / 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Closed: Thursdays
• Phone: Private

#10: Kiraku (4.0 stars / 60 reviews)

"Kiraku" is a community-focused ramen shop in Mejiro that serves traditional-style chuka soba. Having preserved the same taste since its founding, the shop is well-loved by locals. Their signature "Ramen" features a soy sauce-based soup made from chicken and pork bone broth—a classic flavor that is clear yet packs a solid umami punch. The medium-thin, straight noodles go down smoothly and pair perfectly with the soup. The toppings are simple—char siu, menma, naruto fish cake, and green onions—evoking a sense of nostalgia. The shop has the atmosphere of an old-school diner and is always bustling with regular customers and local students. While not flashy, this long-standing Mejiro staple offers the kind of "comforting bowl" you'll want to eat again and again.

Shop Information

• Address: 5-18-14 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 - 14:30 / 17:00 - 21:00
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone: 03-3953-7467

#11: Fukuya (4.2 stars / 102 reviews)

"Fukuya" is a ramen shop gaining steady popularity in Mejiro. Their signature "Miso Ramen" features a soup made from a blend of several types of miso; it's rich yet has a sharp finish that makes you want to drink every last drop. The savory aroma of stir-fried vegetables blends into the soup, adding depth, while a hit of garlic makes it impossible to resist. The medium-thick, curly noodles cling well to the soup and offer a satisfying, firm texture. The char siu is thick and simmered until tender, making for a hearty meal. With its homey, counter-seating-focused interior, it’s a great spot even for solo diners. If you're looking for miso ramen in the Mejiro area, this shop is a must-visit.

Shop Information

• Address: 1-8-4 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:00 - 14:00 / 18:00 - 23:00 (Saturday 18:00 - 23:00)
• Closed: Mondays, Sundays, and Holidays
• Phone: —

#12: Mentatsu Umaya (3.7 stars / 525 reviews)

"Mentatsu Umaya" is a popular, high-volume ramen spot located near the student district of Takadanobaba, but easily accessible from Mejiro. Their signature "Tonkotsu Soy Sauce Ramen" is rich yet surprisingly easy to drink. By adding a sharp soy sauce edge to the deep pork bone broth, they've created a flavor with minimal "funk" that is loved by a wide range of customers. The medium-thick, straight noodles balance well with the soup and offer plenty of substance. The char siu is soft, juicy, and satisfyingly thick. With perks like free rice and free upsizing, it's a favorite among students and office workers alike. Being open late, it’s also a frequent stop for a post-drinking bowl. With its great value and reliable taste, this is the perfect go-to ramen shop for daily dining.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F, 3-1-2 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 12-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station / 5-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Hours: 11:00 - 02:00
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone: 03-5389-4333

#13: Life is Better… from Yume Wo Katare (4.3 stars / 239 reviews)

"Life is Better… from Yume Wo Katare" is an offshoot of the Jiro-inspired legendary shop "Yume Wo Katare," and it's earned a reputation for bringing heavy-hitting, hearty ramen to the Mejiro area. Their signature "Pork Ramen" features extra-thick noodles in an ultra-rich pork bone soy sauce broth. The soup is punchy yet sharp, with the sweetness of the back fat creating an addictive flavor profile. The noodles are thick, straight, and have a chewy, "washi-washi" texture that lets you taste the wheat with every bite. The thick-cut char siu is so tender it practically falls apart in your mouth. Staying true to their philosophy of "making life better," the shop has a unique, vibrant atmosphere that makes you feel energized just by eating there.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Plaza Waseda, 1-18-2 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:30 - 14:30 / 18:30 - 21:30 (Sunday 11:30 - 14:30)
• Closed: Mondays
• Phone: —

#14: Yokocho (3.7 stars / 102 reviews)

"Yokocho" is a long-standing Chinese restaurant in Mejiro that also features popular ramen dishes. Their "Ramen (Chuka Soba)" in particular is known for its gentle, classic soy sauce soup infused with chicken bone and vegetable broth. The clear, low-fat soup is light enough that you'll finish the whole bowl. The thin, straight noodles pair perfectly with the mild broth, offering a nostalgic taste. The char siu is seasoned in the traditional way, and with the addition of menma and naruto, you can enjoy a classic Chinese-style noodle experience. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere, many regular customers, and is ideal for casual dining. If you are looking for a comforting, reliable bowl of ramen, this is the place for you.

Shop Information

• Address: 3-20-3 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 4-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 11:30 - 22:30
• Closed: Tuesdays
• Phone: 03-3952-4121

#15: Robata, Japanese Sake & Aomori Akakingyo (4.6 stars / 141 reviews)

"Akakingyo" is best known as an izakaya serving Aomori local cuisine and sake, but their ramen has recently gained attention as a popular way to end a meal. Their "Niboshi Ramen" is authentic, using the rich dried sardine broth characteristic of Aomori—the quality is so high, you wouldn't expect it from an izakaya. The soup, packed with the savory and slightly bitter notes of the niboshi, is bursting with umami and rivals any ramen specialty shop. The thin, straight noodles carry the soup well, allowing you to enjoy the full aroma and flavor. The toppings are simple—char siu, menma, and green onions—all chosen to highlight the personality of the niboshi broth. It's a popular choice for those finishing a night of drinking, and a precious spot to enjoy a taste of Aomori right here in Tokyo.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Mejiro Granite, 3-13-23 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station
• Hours: 17:00 - 23:30
• Closed: —
• Phone: 03-5983-7133

Summary of Ramen Around Mejiro Station

Although the Mejiro station area is sandwiched between major ramen battlegrounds like Ikebukuro and Takadanobaba, it is a hidden gem home to an eclectic and varied selection of shops. From long-standing institutions serving traditional soy sauce ramen to bowls with strong regional character—such as those from Kyushu or Aomori—and even creative fusions featuring ethnic flavors or curry, the sheer variety of genres is a huge draw. Whether you're looking for an affordable spot easy for students and salarymen to frequent, or a stylish venue popular with couples, you'll find the perfect place for any occasion.

Another unique characteristic of Mejiro is the number of izakayas and bistros—not necessarily ramen specialists—that serve surprisingly authentic ramen as a finale to a meal. There are many hidden "insider" spots that blend perfectly into the calm, sophisticated atmosphere of the town.

The 15 shops introduced here are all highly-rated, popular destinations. From your daily bowl to something for a special day, you're sure to find a ramen shop that suits your tastes. Next time you're in Mejiro, be sure to head out on a ramen pilgrimage to find your personal favorite.