New York’s ramen scene—stretching from Long Island to Queens—just earned national recognition from Yelp. The review site’s newly released Top 100 Ramen Shops in the U.S. showcased several local spots in New York, reflecting a scene that’s equal parts meticulous, comforting and increasingly inventive.
Leading the charge is Youta Ramen in Mineola, which claimed the #2 spot nationwide. Opened in 2023, the Long Island restaurant has quickly built a reputation for doing things slow (its signature pork broth is simmered for 16 hours), which obsessive ramen lovers always appreciate. Bowls range from classic tonkotsu to lighter options like shoyu truffle, all built with springy noodles, tender chashu, custardy ajitama eggs and razor-thin scallions.
Youta’s space blends modern design with traditional Japanese touches, creating a warm, relaxed setting that feels closer to a Tokyo neighborhood ramen shop than a suburban strip-mall find. Beyond ramen, the menu also includes donburi and carefully prepared tempura.
Queens also showed up strong on the list. Susuru Ramen in Astoria landed at #20, earning national recognition for a house ramen built on a chicken cream-based broth rather than the usual pork-forward profile. The result is still savory, but a bit lighter on its feet. The menu here keeps things focused: ramen, classic Japanese snacks and a solid selection of sake, wine and ice-cold beer.
Astoria’s Sake Kawa (#57) adds another layer to the borough’s ramen credentials, while Brooklyn’s Konoha Yakitori Ramen and Sushi House (#72) and Manhattan’s Peng’s Noodle Folk (#77) round out the city’s presence on the list.
Taken together, the rankings show just how wide—and well worth traveling—New York’s ramen map has become.