Maya RichardsonI guess you can say that ramen is now considered a comfort food of many people around the world, including me. Even on the hottest days, you look for that warm and soothing feeling that no other kind of food can provide.
And the best thing about it is how it is. So, even if you get the cravings a few times a week, you’re never really stuck eating the same flavor again and again.
That’s exactly why it never gets old. So whenever I need a quick noodle fix, these are my go-to ramen restaurants in Columbus.
1. Meshikou Ramen
Address: 1506 Bethel Rd.
Phone: +16144571689
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 11 AM–9:30 PM
When we asked around, many people said that Meshikou Ramen has the best noodles in the state. This cozy spot opened in 2014 and is actually the first ramen restaurant in the city.
It’s known for its rich, flavorful broths that are simmered for hours. They offer a wide range of options, including noodle styles, protein choices, and plenty of extra toppings.
Not to mention, they also have mazemen (broth-less) and vegetarian-friendly options. Aside from the noodle dishes, their chicken karaage, steam chashu buns, and signature cocktails are also popular.
For the pricing, most bowls range from $10 to $20, depending on the toppings and upgrades. Even the appetizers are just around $6 to $10—it’s inexpensive, and you can easily have a full meal without going overboard.
However, the place is pretty small, so the tables fill up quickly. Also, they do not accept reservations here, and you should expect a long line when you come.
You will not be disappointed
“Absolutely wonderful place, if you love ramen or want to try it for the 1st time, definitely check out Meshikou. You will not be disappointed. Everything was delicious and you get so much food at a good price point. I will definitely be a regular here.”
- Donovan Honesty, Google Review
Easily the #1 ramen spot I’ve been to
“Meshikou is easily the #1 ramen spot I’ve been to anywhere. Their flavor is always on point. And the music playlist? Pop punk and emo music every time! Anywho, I ordered the Curry Ramen as I wanted to try something new. Pretty much their Sheo Pitan ramen but with a light curry flavor. GOOD! My wife got the normal Sheo Pitan ramen. Also, so delicious! The pork Belly or Tenderloin option it comes with, it can’t go wrong with either. We ALWAYS get an order of the Karaage Chicken as well. The breading is fried to perfection, and the red sauce it comes with tastes so good! Their hot tea is also a great drink to add. Highly, highly recommend this spot! Enjoy the vibes and even better food!”
- Carlo, Google Review
2. Tensuke Ramen
Address: 1155 Old Henderson Rd.
Phone: +16144514010
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 4–8 PM
- Friday to Sunday, 11 AM–2:30 PM, 4–8 PM
If you want the classic ramen style rather than experimental flavors, Tensuke Ramen hits close to home. It’s located within the Japan Marketplace, and it’s named the “Best Ramen in Columbus” by the Columbus Navigator.
Here, it’s more ideal to build your own bowl. Simply pick your broth base, then your preferred main protein and toppings. They have a lot of options, but their signature is the pork-bone broth with chashu slices.
Besides ramen, other noodle dishes, like soba and udon, are also quite popular. Some long-time customers even say they come back more for the curry and cutlet meals.
However, many regulars have also noticed inconsistencies over the years. Some people feel that portions have gotten smaller, while others mention salty broth and different noodle textures.
They’re also quite affordable, with most guests spending between $13 and $18. The setup is fairly casual, with a self-service system where you place your order at the electronic kiosks, then wait for your pager to buzz before picking up your food.
Everything was so delicious
“This was our first time there and, Oh My Goodness, was it amazing! The portions were great, and we ended up with some to take home. My spouse and I both had Tonkotsu Ramen. I had mine with Katsu pork and my spouse had beef and onions. We also had an order of the pan-fried Gyoza and Taiyaki. Everything was so delicious! The Gyoza were just the right mix of crispy and tender. The Taiyaki was a nice sweet treat and the Ramen was a beautiful blend of flavors, rich, and creamy, and savory. I didn’t ask, but the noodles taste homemade. We plan to return in the near future.”
- Terese Cline, Google Review
Excellent service
“The restaurant has a clean, modern atmosphere. I tried the Unagi Don and Chicken Katsu—both were excellent. The chicken was fried just right, tender and not dry, while the flavor of the eel sauce was well-balanced and not too salty. Since this is a ramen specialty place, I’ll definitely try the ramen next time.”
- Mike, Google Review
3. Fukuryu Ramen
Address: 1600 W Lane Ave #160, Upper Arlington
Phone: +16149295910
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday, 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday, 11 AM–9:30 PM
Fukuryu Ramen has been in business for over 10 years and has three locations across the region. The restaurant was even voted the #1 Best Ramen in Columbus by 614 Magazine.
They serve authentic Japanese soul food described by many as umami-packed, especially the ramen bowls. They have everything here, from light to rich and creamy options, which you can customize to your liking.
But the crowd favorite here is definitely the Red Dragon Ramen, which has actually developed a huge following among spicy food lovers. If you would prefer something less intense, they also have vegetarian and gluten-free (shirataki noodles) options.
And it’s not just about the ramen—other dishes like takoyaki, rice bowls, and bao buns are just as popular.
Prices are also affordable, with ramen bowls ranging from $14 to $20. Guests can also enjoy discounted menu items and cocktails during Izakaya Hour (happy hour).
Although infrequent, some customers have reported occasional instances of rude staff behaviour.
Will 100% return and recommend
“This is a 5 by definition. Wonderful, authentic ramen and side dishes prepared perfectly. I tried a bowl called The Red Dragon. When I got excited about choosing a spice level of 3 out of 4, I was warned by my waitress to step down if it was my first time. Dropped to 2 and it was just right for me. The noodles were a perfect consistency and texture and the pork was incredibly tender. Will 100% return and recommend.”
- Triss Hill, Google Review
Definitely going to be a regular spot for me
“”Good” doesn’t even begin to describe it. This place is FANTASTIC. I’ve tried several menu items now and not a single one has let me down. The ramen is king here, though. The broth is out of this world, the noodles are the perfect texture and the toppings are just as flavorful as the rest of the dish. I brought my picky children with me and even they were wowed, one of them said it was the best restaurant they’d ever been to. I’ve never seen them demolish a meal that size before. The prices are extremely reasonable for the VERY generous portions. Definitely going to be a regular spot for me any time I crave Japanese food.”
- Shane Scheidig, Google Review
4. Slurping Turtle
Address: 4049 Worth Ave.
Phone: +16144146310
Business Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 11 AM–10 PM
Slurping Turtle is a trendy spot that’s known for putting some culinary twists on traditional Japanese comfort food. They have house-made ramen, unique sushi selections, and creative cocktails.
The ramen menu (they call them slurps) features freshly made noodles and rich broth bases. Their offerings range from classics to vegan-friendly options.
But their most famous dish is probably the Duck Fat Fried Chicken Miso Ramen, or commonly known as DFFC ramen. If you enjoy heat, you’ll probably love this one.
Aside from the noodles, their poke bowls and small plates are pretty famous, especially for group dining.
Dining costs here are slightly higher than at a traditional ramen bar, typically averaging between $20 and $30 per person. However, what sets them apart is that they accept reservations made at least one day in advance.
Some of the regulars also recommend booking a table, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If not, you’ll have to wait in line for at least 45 minutes to 2 hours.
My curry was a bit spicy, but still really good
“Enjoyed lunch at the Slurping Turtle while staying at a hotel nearby. The restaurant wasn’t super busy because it was a snowy day. Staff was VERY attentive and quick. All dishes were correct and delicious. My curry was a bit spicy, but still really good. Would come back here again, no question.”
- Michelle McKenzie, Google Review
Fantastic food
“The food was fantastic. I had the duck fat chicken stir fry, absolutely awesome. Can’t remember which roll we got, but it was just as good, and the presentation was cool. Wasn’t too busy on a Friday. The drinks were very potent as well.”
- Chad Walter, Google Review
5. Kyushu Ramen Bar
Address: 1280 W 5th Ave
Phone: +16143725842
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 11 AM–9:30 PM
Kyushu Ramen Bar is another highly rated Japanese restaurant serving authentic, hand-crafted noodles prepared by a chef trained in Osaka, Japan.
The restaurant is known for its rich and creamy tonkotsu-style broth, which is available in both classic and spicy versions. It also offers other variations, such as miso-based and shoyu-based ramen.
In addition to noodles, they also offer a variety of starters, including takoyaki, chashu buns, and rice bowls.
You can enjoy their ramen at a fair price, starting at around $16, though many regulars like to customize their bowls by adding extra noodles and toppings.
While available at three different locations in Columbus, the Grandview Heights branch is the most popular, and seats there fill up quickly. As a result, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially on weekend nights.
The food was amazing
“The place is amazing. Nice and cozy with artwork along the walls. Great staff, they were very friendly and helpful. The food was amazing, tasted great, and was perfect for the weather. I had the original ramen while it rained outside. It definitely warmed me and was filling. My fiance had the garlic ramen, which he enjoyed, and I also liked (I stole a bite). He was very full after but admitted it was great. We will definitely be going again sometime.”
- Silver Wolf, Google Review
Best ramen I’ve had in a long time
“Some of the best ramen I’ve had in a long time! Service was excellent, and they even made sure to check their fishcakes for me as I have a shellfish allergy (yes, even to imitation) highly recommend this place and will be coming back if we are ever in the area again.”
- Adrianna Milam, Google Review
