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Tag: Yelp reviews

  • 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.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    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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  • These are the top 5 most popular restaurants in Texas right now, Yelp says

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    If you’ve ever wondered which restaurants in Texas are actually living up to the hype, Yelp’s latest rankings offer some answers.

    The review-based platform just released its list of the 100 most popular places to eat across the state, using data like searches, reviews and user activity to determine what’s trending.

    The top five aren’t just clustered in major metros, they span from beach towns to countryside cafes, serving everything from cheesesteaks to ceviche.

    Each spot earned its place on the list through standout food, welcoming service and a loyal fan base that keeps coming back.

    Here’s what to know about the top five restaurants that made the list.

    1. Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy — San Antonio

    Address: 13210 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX

    Website: myginosdeli.com

    Yelp rating: 4.8 out of 5, with 2,476 reviews

    What they’re known for: Gino’s is all about big sandwiches, bold flavors and top-tier customer service. Favorites include the “Smoke Stack,” “Bad Ass Brad,” Philly cheesesteak and Italian subs.

    Promising review: “Super sweet service. They gave me a free drink and chips for it being my first time. The food was AMAZING. I’m super picky with sandwiches and this place hit the spot.”

    2. El Taquito — El Paso

    Address: 1422 Airway Blvd, El Paso, TX

    Website: Facebook.com/pages/El-Taquito

    Rating: 4.8 out of 5, with 494 reviews

    What they’re known for: This cozy breakfast and lunch spot is praised for its traditional dishes and consistently friendly service. Favorites include flautas with chipotle sauce, barbacoa tacos and huevos rancheros.

    Promising review: “I stopped in for breakfast and was blown away by both the food and the service. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.”

    3. Cafe Homestead — Waco

    Address: 608 Dry Creek Rd, Waco, TX

    Website: cafehomestead.com

    Yelp rating: 4.8 out of 5, with 839 reviews

    What they’re known for: Farm-to-table meals served in a rustic, peaceful setting. Reviewers love the scratch-made quesadilla burger, corn fritters and hearty breakfast options.

    Promising review: “Very friendly and genuine staff. The food is excellent — from the corn fritters to the quesadilla burger. Fries are fried in beef tallow so they’re EXTRA good.”

    A screen grab of chicken and waffles with a fried egg on top, right, and sweet potato waffles with ice cream, left, on Cafe Homestead’s Facebook page
    A screen grab of chicken and waffles with a fried egg on top, right, and sweet potato waffles with ice cream, left, on Cafe Homestead’s Facebook page Cafe Homestead Facebook

    4. Ceviche Ceviche — South Padre Island

    Address: 1004 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX

    Website: Facebook.com/cevichecevichesouthpadreisland

    Yelp rating: 4.8 out of 5, with 709 reviews

    What they’re known for: Build-your-own ceviche bowls with fresh Gulf shrimp, mahi mahi, tuna poke and more. It’s a casual stop for beachgoers craving something light and refreshing.

    Promising review: “Food was super yummy. The place is very cute and decorated. Really recommend if visiting South Padre.”

    5. 1618 Asian Fusion — Austin

    Address: 1618 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX

    Website: 1618asianfusion.com

    Yelp rating: 4.7 out of 5, with 3,798 reviews

    What they’re known for: Pan-Asian favorites with a twist. The pineapple fried rice (served in an actual pineapple) is a standout, along with crispy Pad Thai and coconut fried rice.

    Promising review: “Food and service are both amazing. The desserts are to dye [sic] for.”

    Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Tiffani Jackson

    Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Tiffani is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions about life in North Texas. Tiffani mainly writes about Texas laws and health news.

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    Tiffani Jackson

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