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ZipPicks Awards

Best Japanese in Washington Heights

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Tampopo Ramen 8.6
Washington Heights (North)
Tampopo Ramen is Washington Heights’ from-scratch noodle shop, where chicken paitan, shio, and yaki soba bowls anchor a compact, always-busy corner space. Locals treat it as the dependable move for a comforting bowl after work, a museum visit to The Cloisters, or a low-key neighborhood date.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Paitan Ramen, Hungry Man Ramen, Yaki Soba
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 9.2 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: House-made ramen noodles and rich chicken paitan make this the neighborhood’s most focused Japanese noodle shop.
Who should go: Ramen obsessives and comfort-seeking uptown locals.
When to visit: Weeknights or chilly weekends around dinner.
What to order: Chicken Paitan Ramen, Hungry Man Ramen, Yaki Soba.
Insider tip: If you’re hungry, add a side of karaage and treat yaki soba as a shared second course.