The Michelin is at it again, giving out three stars and 21 Bib Gourmand recommendations. The little red book has a fair amount of controversy (who are these people, anyways!), but it is still a popular choice for go-to dining choices. For those out of the loop, Bib Gourmand is their casual gourmet distinction; shops in this tend to be more affordable and less “classy” than the starred shops.
Ramen Adventures hasn’t been to all of these, but if I have, I will link to the article and provide a photo.
Menya Ishin - 麺や維新
Menya Kintoki - 麺や 金時
東京都練馬区小竹町1-2-7
1-2-7 Kotakecho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
Kintoki serves up an excellent shio ramen, but for my money it is their soupless tantanmen that must be slurped.
Ramen Gottsu
東京都練馬区練馬1-29-16
1-29-16 Nerima, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
Fish heavy gyokai soup with some intense chashu. This shop is relatively new, and has grown a significant following in the last few years.
Tsuta - Japanese Soba Noodles 蔦
東京都豊島区巣鴨1-14-1
Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Sugamo 1-14-1
Tsuta was the first shop to receive a star, and they have enjoyed quite a bit of success after that. They are well known for their shoyu ramen, topped with a bit of truffle oil. This truffle oil has caused a bit of controversy, and many critics said that you put truffle oil on something, you can get a star. Frankly, this is one of Tokyo's most well regarded shops, and they master really puts his heart into this bowl.
Toy Box - ラーメン屋 トイ・ボックス
Bigiya - 麺処 びぎ屋
東京都 目黒区 鷹番 2-4-9
2-4-9 Takaban, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Deep shoyu ramen with a flavor that really lingers.
Sobahouse Konjikihototogisu - 金色不如帰
東京都新宿区新宿２丁目４−１−１０５ 第２２宮庭マンション１Ｆ
1F, Dainijuni Kyutei Mansion, 2-4-1 Shinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo
No one was surprised when Hototogisu was given a Michelin star. They are the 3rd shop in Tokyo to get one, and many people think they should have been the first. Robust shoyu and shio ramen blended with a light clam broth for extra umami. A must-hit shop.
Mitsufuji - 三藤
東京都 目黒区 緑が丘 1-14-2
1-14-2 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Ramen Yamaguchi - らぁ麺 やまぐち
東京都新宿区西早稲田３丁目１３−４ 1F
3-13-4 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Yamaguchi serves up an amazing all-chicken ramen topped with equally amazing sous vide chicken chashu. Noodles are made in house.
Ramen Koike - らぁめん小池
東京都 世田谷区 上北沢 4-19-18
4-19-18 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Incredible niboshi ramen, with a slew of other choices to keep you coming back.
Sosakumenkobo Nakiryu - 創作麺工房 鳴龍
東京都豊島区南大塚２丁目３４−4 ＳＫＹ南大塚
1F, Sky Minamiotsuka, 2-34-4 Minamiotsuka, Toshima-ku Tokyo
The 2nd shop in Tokyo to be given a Michelin star. The shoyu and shio are both excellent, but the tantanmen really shines. The broth is made with a touch of beef and oysters. You won't really taste shellfish, just the underlying umami flavors. Expect a long line.
Menson Rage - 麺尊 Rage
東京都杉並区松庵3-37-22
3-37-22 Shoan, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Rage is a hidden gem out on the west side of Tokyo. Mature game cocks are used for their meaty flavor and beautiful golden fat. The shoyu is the one to get, but the soupless mazesoba is also excellent.
Ramen Ichifuku - らぁめん 一福
東京都渋谷区本町2-17-14
1F, Koizumi Bldg, 2-17-14 Hommachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Ichifuku is a surprising choice for the Michelin Guide. It is super old school, with a nice old grandma serving a medicinal miso ramen. It is made with shark cartilage and sake lees, something you won't find anywhere else. This shop is super close to my house, so let me know if you go!
Ramen Sugimoto - らぁ麺 すぎ本
東京都中野区鷺ノ宮4-2-3
Tokyo, Nakano-ku, Saginomiya 4-2-3
Sugimoto is a favorite among ramen chefs in Japan. Classic shoyu and shio inspired by the classic shinasoba style. The master even acquired the machine used by Sano-san, probably the most famous ramen chef who lived.
Ramen Yamaguchi Ratsushiki - らぁ麺 やまぐち 辣式
東京都江東区東陽4-6-3
Tokyo, Koto-ku, Toyo 4-6-3
Yamaguchi's 2nd location serves up a completely different menu. The highlight is a spicy, soupless bowl hit with a lot of spice. Inspired by mabodofu, this one is on the Japanese side, meaning much more milder than the Chinese style dish.
Homemade Ramen Muginae - 麦苗
東京都品川区南大井6-11-10
Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku, Minami Oi 6-11-10
Muginae is a textbook-perfect bowl. Fun fact, they rejected all media and magazines, but I think Michelin just does what they want.
Mendokoro Kinari
東京都北区西ヶ原1-1-15
Tokyo, Kita-ku, Nishigahara 1-1-15
Kinari is a great little spot up on the north side of Tokyo. For some reason, the Michelin Guide loves this part of Tokyo.
Men Mitsui - 麺 みつヰ
東京都台東区西浅草2-10-4
Tokyo, Taito-ku, Nishiasakusa 2-10-4
Mitsui is a hidden gem in the mega-popular Asakusa area. Tourists don't think to walk down this small alleyway to see when the line is for. They serve a kitakata-style shoyu or shio ramen. Noodles are made in house and hand massaged before cooking. A strange bonus, the shop also has a rice bowl topped with a deep-fried, sauced pork cutlet. A lovely husband and wife team head this six seat shop.
Yakumo - 八雲
東京都目黒区大橋1-7-2 オリエンタル青葉台2階
Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Ohashi 1-7-2 on the 2nd floor
Popular shop with incredible wontons. Get the mixed version for a mix of shrimp and pork dumplings.
Ramen Nijubunnoichi - にじゅうぶんのいち
Kane Kitchen Noodles - カネキッチン ヌードル
東京都豊島区南長崎5-26-15
Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Minami-Nagasaki 5-26-15
Topping-heavy bowl with a rich soup. There are a few options, and all are great. Be careful, if you get extra toppings it may be more than you can handle.
Chukasoba Nishino - 中華蕎麦 にし乃
東京都文京区本郷３丁目３０−７ 熊野ビルＢ101
1F, Kumano Bldg, 3-30-7 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Simple ramen topped with an aromatic sansho oil. From the guys at Koike.
Chukasoba Ranchu - 中華蕎麦 蘭鋳
東京都杉並区堀ノ内2-13-13
Tokyo, Suginami-ku, Horinouchi 2-13-13
Ranchu is a tiny shop a little ways west of Shinjuku. Incredible chashu.
