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3 Raleigh-area restaurants ranked among Yelp’s best ramen spots. Which ones?

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Ramen lovers, rejoice! North Carolina is home to some of the nation’s best ramen shops, Yelp reviewers say.

Three Raleigh-area spots and a Greensboro gem earned spots on the business review site’s list of the Top 100 Best Ramen Shops in the U.S. for 2025. Here’s how they ranked:

Published Thursday, Dec. 11, the list highlights standout spots for steamy bowls of broth, tender “noods” and toppings, as rated by Yelp users. Emerging trends including flavor fusions, plant-based dishes and “dry ramen” have also grown in popularity among noodle enthusiasts, according to Yelp.

Yelp users named four North Carolina ramen shops among the best in the U.S.
Yelp users named four North Carolina ramen shops among the best in the U.S. AKAY Getty Images

“Ramen shops have become some of America’s most popular and affordable places to eat, thanks to passionate chefs, creative menus, and a community of noodle-obsessed fans,” editors wrote.

Here’s what makes these North Carolina spots so special:

Gen Ramen in Raleigh

“My Tonkotsu Ramen was chef’s kiss!” a Yelp reviewer wrote. “This is my new absolute favorite Ramen spot in the area. I’ve traveled to Okinawa a couple of times and truly enjoy Ramen, and honestly, this location has the best tasting food that makes me feel like I’m right back.”

Qinji Hawaiin BBQ & Ramen in Greensboro

  • Rank: No. 59
  • Yelp rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Location: 2224 Golden Gate Dr, Greensboro, NC 27405
  • Why folks love it: Spicy beef ramen is on the menu, as is spam musubi and shrimp katsu, according to the restaurant’s website. Ramen lovers will also find fried fish and shrimp, Hawaiian pineapple chicken and beef short ribs, among other classics.

“When I am in the mood for the most comforting bowl of ramen, Qinji is where I go,” one customer wrote of their recent visit. “It’s a warm bowl of love. So flavorful with the perfect amount of heat to make your eyes water and nose run just a tiny bit. Every slurp is spectacular.”

Miso Ramen Bar was ranked No. 64 in a national list of best ramen spots.
Miso Ramen Bar was ranked No. 64 in a national list of best ramen spots. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com

Miso Ramen Bar in Raleigh

“This was the most stellar bowl of ramen I have ever had, and I’ve been to LOTS of ramen restaurants around the Southeast!,” one Yelper wrote, noting the “broth was creamy and full of punchy flavors.”

“If you love ramen, this ramen will love you back. That’s a promise.”

Steam rises off a bowl of Shoyu Ramen with braised pork belly, bok choy and a soy-marinated ajisu egg in a fragrant umami-rich broth at Noodle Boulevard in Cary.
Steam rises off a bowl of Shoyu Ramen with braised pork belly, bok choy and a soy-marinated ajisu egg in a fragrant umami-rich broth at Noodle Boulevard in Cary. 2016 News & Observer File Photo – Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com

Noodle Boulevard in Cary

Noodle Boulevard also earned high marks for its laid-back, casual vibe and outdoor seating options.

“The chicken ramen is the BEST!” one user wrote. “Love this home-cooked, local spot of authentic noodle bliss! Amazing and authentic Asian flavors and warms you up on a chilly Fall or Winter day. If you’re craving food that’s both comforting and elevated, Noodle Bar is an absolute must.”

How Yelp came up with the rankings

For the list, Yelp said it identified businesses in the ramen category and ranked them using factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews.

All restaurants on the list had a passing health score as of Oct. 22.

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Tanasia Kenney

Sun Herald

Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

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Tanasia Kenney

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