Best Cheap Eats Ramen Restaurants in New York
31 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Ramen Spot made in NY
A high-volume, low-frills ramen counter with big bowls under $20.
Notable Picks
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Ramen Spot made in NY is a tight, counter-focused shop where a long list of shoyu, miso, and spicy bowls comes out fast and generously topped. With thousands of recent reviews and all-day hours, it functions as Greenpoint’s default neighborhood ramen stop for quick, filling meals under $20.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Ramen with Pork Belly, Miso Classic Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: A high-volume, low-frills ramen counter with big bowls under $20.
#2
Taco Mix
8.7
Tiny, perpetually busy East Harlem taqueria where carved-to-order al pastor is the main event and lines run late into the night. The menu stays tight—tacos, quesadillas, and a few plates—but execution and salsa variety make it a citywide taco destination. Expect to stand at the counter and eat quickly while the next round is sliced from the trompo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Barbacoa tacos, Flor de calabaza quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Iconic East Harlem taqueria built around carved-to-order al pastor.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Enerugi Ramen is a cozy, ramen-dedicated dining room where a 16-hour pai tan broth, yuzu shio, and vegetarian shoyu anchor a compact menu. Locals treat it as the more focused sit-down option in Greenpoint, with slightly higher prices balanced by careful broth work and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pai Tan Ramen (Signature Hakata-Style), Spicy Miso Ramen, Veg Shoyu Ramen
What Makes it Special: A ramen-only shop built around long-simmered pai tan and carefully tuned broths.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Zen Ramen & Sushi is a high-volume Midtown West standby for big-bowl ramen, happy-hour sushi rolls, and bento boxes a short walk from Penn Station and Times Square. Locals and visitors lean on it for dependable noodles, broad menu coverage, and one of the neighborhood’s more generous happy hour deals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tonkotsu shoyu ramen, Seafood ramen, Salmon teriyaki bento box
What Makes it Special: A sprawling Japanese crowd-pleaser with popular ramen and aggressive happy-hour pricing.
#5
Karakatta
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact Greenwich Village ramen bar near NYU focused on spice-forward bowls and customizable heat levels. Students and locals come for rich broth, well-marked vegan options, and quick, reliable service that works for both solo slurps and casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Miso Ramen, Spicy Vegan Curry Ramen, Teriyaki Rice Bowl Set
What Makes it Special: Spice-centric ramen from the Mr. Taka team with strong vegan options.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucked inside Katagiri’s Lexington Avenue grocery, Brooklyn Ramen runs a compact counter turning out shoyu, tonkotsu, and veggie miso bowls in disposable containers. It’s a low-frills but flavor-forward option for commuters who want real ramen instead of deli soup before or after a Grand Central train.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Veggie Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Ramen counter hidden in a historic Japanese grocery, serving serious bowls in a grab-and-go format.
#7
Yama Ramen
8
A compact Midtown noodle spot delivering straightforward, satisfying ramen with a loyal following. Tonkotsu and shoyu bowls lean classic rather than experimental, and portions feel fair for the area. A solid value play steps from Rockefeller Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Homemade Pork Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Dependable classic ramen at a rare Midtown-friendly price.
Worthy Picks
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact ramen counter tucked inside historic Japanese grocer Katagiri, turning out focused bowls at everyday prices. The setup is simple, but broths and noodles lean more craft-minded than you’d expect from a grocery-adjacent stall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Veggie Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Serious ramen served from a counter inside one of the city’s most storied Japanese markets.
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Japanese-leaning Asian fusion spot on Coney Island Avenue where sushi rolls share space with Thai and Chinese dishes. It is especially popular for value-focused lunch specials and combo platters that keep sushi nights affordable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Philadelphia Roll
What Makes it Special: Fusion menu that lets you mix sushi with cooked Asian favorites.
#10
Ramen Setagaya
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Setagaya is a straightforward Bedford Avenue ramen shop known for reliable bowls and value-focused lunch sets. It’s where nearby residents duck in for a quick, filling tonkotsu or spicy bowl before heading back out onto Bedford.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lunch ramen set with gyoza, Spicy ramen, Shio tonkotsu ramen
What Makes it Special: Classic, no-frills ramen with popular lunch combos on Bedford Avenue.
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Teriyaki Hee Japanese Grill & Ramen is a fast-casual spot where grilled teriyaki plates, fried chicken combos, and ramen bowls share space with a compact sushi menu. It functions as a flexible everyday choice for Sunset Park residents who want something more substantial than simple takeout rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy garlic fried chicken combo, Chicken and beef teriyaki plate, House ramen with char siu toppings
What Makes it Special: Counter-service Japanese grill where ramen and teriyaki share top billing.
#12
969 NYC Coffee
7.8
A unique Japanese cafe in Jackson Heights known locally for its eclectic menu that includes tasty ramen alongside coffee and light bites, blending casual cafe vibes with unexpected comfort food. Reviewers appreciate the friendly service and neighborhood charm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ramen Bowl, Matcha Latte, Japanese Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Cafe meets ramen spot with casual, eclectic menu
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Carreon Grocery Deli is a tiny Inwood Mexican deli where Birria Thursday brings a rotating lineup that now includes birria ramen. It’s more corner grocery than restaurant, but the consomé-heavy ramen and tacos deliver serious flavor for a low-key counter-service meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Ramen, Birria Tacos, Lobster Grilled Cheese
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood Mexican deli where Birria Thursday includes a rich birria ramen bowl.
#14
Kiraku Sushi
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Kiraku Sushi is a casual Williamsbridge Road standby with a small ramen section, bento boxes, and a neighborhood sushi bar feel. Regulars come for approachable prices and comforting bowls of house ramen alongside familiar rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Ramen, Indiana Roll, Salmon Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Unpretentious neighborhood sushi bar where a simple bowl of ramen and a roll won’t break the bank.
#15
Mr KeKe Ramen
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Mr KeKe Ramen is a casual Linden Place storefront where tonkotsu, volcano-style spicy ramen, and veggie bowls sit alongside dumplings and other pan-Asian comfort staples. It’s a flexible option for neighborhood diners who want filling bowls, friendly service, and plenty of add-ons without pushing into destination pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Volcano spicy ramen, Mixed vegetable ramen
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood ramen shop blending Japanese bowls with broader Asian comfort food.
#16
Nishida Sho-ten
7.8
A late-hours, ramen-first pocket that reads more like a local regular’s stop than a Midtown headline. The best bowls lean classic—tonkotsu and richer styles—built for comfort, not theatrics, and it’s one of the few in the ZIP that’s explicitly positioned for late-night ramen. Go with one signature bowl and keep toppings selective so the broth stays the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Tonkotsu Ramen, Black Ramen, Karaage
What Makes it Special: Late-night ramen in 10018 with a low-key, regulars-first feel.
7.7
Hana Noodle Station operates inside DeKalb Market Hall, ladling big bowls of Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup, chicken noodle soup, and other brothy noodle dishes at food court speed. Downtown workers and shoppers lean on it for affordable, filling bowls where you choose your noodle style and watch them get pulled to order. It’s more about value and convenience than atmosphere, but the soup and noodle texture keep people coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Lan Zhou Beef Noodle Soup, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, Dan Dan Noodles
What Makes it Special: Hand-pulled noodle soups served fast inside bustling DeKalb Market Hall.
#18
Kamisama Ramen
7.7
A newer Jiro-style spot serving maximalist bowls with thick, chewy noodles and hefty toppings. Portions run large and the flavors skew bold, which makes it great when you want something filling and punchy. The space is simple, built for quick comfort meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Jiro-Style Ramen, Spicy Ramen, Karaage Chicken
What Makes it Special: Jiro-style heft at a budget-friendly price.
#19
Ramen Spot
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A smaller, newer ramen counter that’s strongest as a focused, in-and-out bowl when you want comfort without the full production of a big ramen chain. The move is a classic broth, one fried side, and an immediate eat—this place rewards you for catching the noodles at peak texture.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Karaage, Shrimp bun
What Makes it Special: Straightforward ramen built for speed, value, and hot-on-arrival timing.
#20
Simply Noodles
7.7
A beloved local noodle spot on Amsterdam Avenue offering hand‑pulled noodles and classic Chinese soups in a casual takeout‑friendly setting. Its balance of fresh dough, hearty broths, and speedy service makes it a neighborhood favorite for solo meals and quick bites. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand‑Pulled Noodle Soup, Dan Dan Noodles, Beef Noodle Bowl
What Makes it Special: House‑made noodles in a casual, efficient setting
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This long-running Japanese grocery on 41st Street backs its shelves of imported snacks and pantry goods with a small kitchen turning out ramen, udon, curry, and donburi. Ramen isn’t the only draw, but it’s a convenient way to get a hot bowl alongside onigiri and other quick bites near the library and Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Miso Ramen, Kimchi Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Japanese grocery institution where you can pair a hot ramen with excellent onigiri and snacks.
Compact Chinese spot specializing in soup dumplings and bowls of porky, straightforward ramen at budget-friendly prices. Expect a crowded room, quick turnover, and comforting carbs more than refined presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Soup Dumplings, Beef Mala Mix Noodles, Scallion Pancake
What Makes it Special: Xiao long bao and ramen share the table in a fast-moving, no-frills space.
#23
Naniwa Sushi
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Compact sushi counter on Kings Highway where creative rolls like the Sizzling Love and Sex on the Beach share space with simple maki and bento boxes. Regulars lean on it for affordable sushi sets and rice bowls rather than long, drawn-out dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sizzling Love Roll, Sex on the Beach Roll, California Roll
What Makes it Special: Small neighborhood sushi bar with playful signature rolls and bento sets.
#24
Open Market
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Open Market is a high-traffic Financial District deli and buffet where a long hot line, salad bar, and made-to-order stations include ramen alongside stir-fries, fried rice, and deli staples. It’s more of an all-purpose lunch hall than a dedicated ramen bar, but office regulars use its ramen and noodle options as a quick, filling upgrade over standard grab-and-go plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ramen, Bibimbap, Chicken Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Busy FiDi deli-buffet where ramen shares space with a wide hot-food and salad bar lineup.
7.6
A casual noodle house in Jackson Heights serving hearty bowls with a focus on ramen‑style options and tea pairings, earning warm local buzz despite modest review volume. Portions are generous and the affordable pricing keeps regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Ramen Bowl, Spicy Beef Noodles, Bubble Milk Tea
What Makes it Special: Affordable noodle bowls with hearty broth and tea pairings
#26
Ramen Goku
7.6
A newer, low-key Chelsea counter serving straightforward tonkotsu and miso bowls with solid fundamentals. Portions are satisfying for the price, and the menu stays focused on comfort over experimentation. The kind of spot you duck into when you want ramen without ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Japanese Curry Rice
What Makes it Special: Affordable, no-frills bowls in a prime Chelsea corridor.
7.5
Daimaru Ramen & Udon operates from stall #23 in the New World Mall food court, serving sauerkraut pork, spicy tonkotsu, and miso ramen alongside unagi and gyu udon. Guests stop here between other Flushing eats for fast, filling noodle bowls with bigger-than-expected portions rather than polished decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tonkotsu beef ramen, Miso ramen, Unagi gyu udon
What Makes it Special: Food-court ramen and udon counter known for hearty, affordable bowls.
#28
Oki Poke & Ramen
7.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Oki Poke & Ramen is a fast-casual counter by Grand Central where kiosk ordering and quick ticket times make it a practical stop for customizable poke bowls and hearty ramen like the Volcano and Oki Classic. Portions are generous for the area, and many nearby office workers treat it as a dependable weeknight standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Ramen, Oki Classic Ramen, Build-Your-Own Poke Bowl
What Makes it Special: Kiosk-driven poke and ramen shop delivering fast, filling bowls near Grand Central.
7.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A takeout-first Bay Ridge sushi shop where rolls are best treated as simple, sauce-light staples. Order classic combinations and add one hot item—this place is about convenience and speed more than dining-room polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Fast, affordable sushi rolls built for no-friction takeout.
7.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A delivery-tilted ramen-and-poke operation where the best results come from keeping it simple and choosing the most straightforward bowl. It’s a practical weeknight move when you want something hot fast—just don’t treat it like a destination ramen counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Poke Bowl
What Makes it Special: A delivery-first ramen option paired with poke for flexible ordering.
7.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Umi Tea Fried Chicken & Ramen is a downstairs Union Street hangout that pairs Japanese ramen with Korean-style fried chicken, bento-style plates, and bubble tea. It functions as a late-night crossover spot where groups mix ramen, snacks, and drinks long after many nearby kitchens close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Spicy miso ramen, Soy garlic fried chicken
What Makes it Special: Downstairs ramen, fried chicken, and bubble tea joint open until 4am.