Bon Vivant on Unsplash

Los Angeles has long been a melting pot of culinary creativity, recognized for its finesse in the food world. It has the third greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the US. It's no wonder, then, that it's also been recognized for its ramen. According to Yelp users, LA's Bincho serves the best ramen in the country. 

How was this determined?

The ranking, which determines the top 100 ramen restaurants in the US, was determined using Yelp’s data-driven algorithm, which analyzes thousands of ramen restaurants across the U.S. based on review volume, overall star ratings, and the consistency of positive feedback. Extra weight is given to recent reviews, so the list reflects current performance. Only restaurants with passing health inspection scores were eligible.

What sets Bincho apart?

Bincho, barely over a year old, doesn't serve your typical noodle soup. Meticulous technique, high-quality ingredients, and bold flavors combine to elevate that humble bowl of ramen into something spectacular. 

Reviewers singled out the rich, pork-based tonkotsu broth, developed by chef-owner Toshiro Tagami, for its extraordinary complexity and creaminess. Paired with the house-pulled noodles that are perfectly springy and absorb the broth's deep flavor in every bite, it's basically heaven in a bowl. 

Other standouts include the yuzu chicken ramen, which balances citrusy brightness with umami richness. 

While Bincho took the crown, it's hardly the only notable ramen restaurant in the US. Ramen is now a $1.6 billion American business. All the way on the opposite coast, Youta Ramen in Mineola, New York, which previously took the number one place, came in second with its beloved "luxuriously creamy" broth, simmered for 16 hours. Diners also appreciate its variety of styles, from classic tonkotsu to lighter shoyu or truffle variations. 

In third place was Sushi Mura in Buena Park, California—around 20 miles southeast of LA—which earned praise for its Black Ramen, featuring broth simmered for more than 16 hours and enhanced with smoky garlic oil. Other favorites include the Habandero Miso Ramen, which adds a bold punch for spice lovers, and the Japanese curry-style noodles. 

Trends

Kyle Lui on Pexels

California, in particular, showcased its ramen prowess with multiple entries in the top rankings. From Los Angeles to Buena Park and La Habra, local chefs are pushing creative boundaries, combining authentic techniques with adventurous flavor profiles and regional influences. However, even small towns in Wisconsin and Indiana aren't immune to the ramen craze, both ranking in the top 50. 

So, what makes a good ramen? Among the top restaurants, there are some commonalities, including slow-cooked broth, which imparts a much richer flavor. 

Reviewers also gravitated towards more experimental options, with vegetarian, spicy, fusion, brothles mazemen, and the spicy and creamy tan tan men styles becoming increasingly popular. 

Food lovers and travelers interested in the best bowls in the U.S. now have a reliable guide thanks to the Yelp ranking. Whether you’re hunting for comforting tonkotsu, bright citrus-y chicken ramen, or brothless mazemen, this list provides a roadmap to some of the most exciting ramen experiences across the country.