Jordan McCraeIf you’re anything like me, you understand the profound joy that a steaming bowl of perfectly crafted ramen can bring to your soul.
I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the diverse culinary landscape of this vibrant city, and let me tell you, when it comes to ramen, Auckland does not disappoint.
In this guide, I’m excited to take you on a mouthwatering journey through Auckland’s top 8 ramen spots.
Each of these establishments has earned its place on this list through their dedication to quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and, of course, unforgettable flavors.
So, grab your chopsticks, prepare your taste buds, and join me as we embark on an epicurean adventure in search of the perfect bowl of ramen!
1. Ramen House MEN-ICHI
| Address | Unit H/491 Pakuranga Road, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2010 ニュージーランド (Google Maps) |
| Phone | 095336500 |
| Website | https://men-ichi.com/ |
| Operating hours | Monday 17:00-20:30 (Last Order)Tuesday – Sunday 11:30-14:30 (Last Order) , 17:00〜20:30 (Last Order) |
| Must-order menu items | Tantan Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Ramen House MEN-ICHI is a Japanese noodle restaurant that takes pride in offering handcrafted ramen with homemade noodles and a rich, original soup base. Led by the experienced Chef Masa, the restaurant blends authentic Japanese culinary traditions with local freshness to create a memorable ramen experience in Auckland.
MEN-ICHI stands out for its commitment to quality by making noodles in-house every day. The noodles are firm, chewy, and crafted using carefully selected ingredients, offering a satisfying bite that elevates the ramen.
The broth is a major highlight—simmered for hours using pork and chicken bones with New Zealand’s clean water, it results in a complex, rich flavor. This meticulous preparation gives the ramen a signature depth that keeps customers coming back.
Chef Masa brings over 18 years of combined experience from Japan and Auckland. His mastery of both traditional techniques and modern flavor profiles ensures each bowl is crafted with precision and passion.
From the atmosphere to the ingredients and preparation methods, MEN-ICHI delivers a true Japanese ramen dining experience. The care taken in crafting each element reflects a dedication to authenticity rarely found elsewhere.
Despite their dedication to tradition, the team at MEN-ICHI is unafraid to experiment. Chef Masa is known to introduce new flavors and variations, offering regulars something fresh while maintaining consistent quality.
2. KG Japanese Restaurant
| Address | 211 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052 |
| Phone | 64 9 307 8080 |
| Website | https://kg-jp.com/ |
| Operating hours | Monday to Saturday: 11:45 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Must-order menu items | Ramen (can be customized from various menus) Teriyaki Pork Ramen KG Tanmen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
KG Japanese Restaurant is as close as you’ll get to eating fine ramen without heading to the Land of the Rising Sun.
I went here one time because I needed a quick meal. Fortunately, I chanced upon KG, where I found some of the most affordable ramen I’ve seen in Auckland.
Nearly all the Donburi Bowls were $19, save for a few options. The prices were low already, so I decided to splurge a bit by getting their Tempura Ramen.
For the sides, I chose prawn gyoza and a Chu-Hi Hyoketsu. For below $40, KG Japanese restaurant gave me some of the most flavorful ramen I’ve tasted for that price point.
The noodles were filling with a nice chew, and the broth was just filled with umami flavor. Even better, the Hyoketsu was a great palate cleanser after a hearty meal.
I’ll definitely come back here to try the other ramen options!
3. Tanpopo Ramen
| Address | 13 Anzac Avenue, Auckland CBD, New Zealand |
| Phone | 09-308-9705 |
| Website | https://tanpoporamen.co.nz/ |
| Operating hours | Tuesdays to Sundays: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (L/O 8:30 PM)Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays |
| Must-order menu items | Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen Tanpopo Ramen Miso Tonkotus Negi Chashu Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Tanpopo Ramen CBD opened on Anzac Avenue back in August 2005. This year marks 20 years of sharing tasty ramen with everyone. The current owner, Masanori, worked as a ramen chef in Japan for 14 years before joining Tanpopo Ramen CBD in 2011. After working here for 10 more years, Masanori took over as the owner in 2021.
With over two decades of experience, Masanori is a passionate ramen chef who puts great care into every bowl, keeping the flavour just as delicious as it’s always been.
Our place is loved by locals, uni students, business folks, and visitors from all over. We’re always working to make our ramen even better.
Thanks for being part of our journey!
4. Chop Chop Noodle House
| Address | 140 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Central, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 360 0708 |
| Website | http://www.ponsonbychopchop.co.nz/ |
| Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: 12 – 9 pm |
| Must-order menu items | Pork Ramen Miso Ramen Cobra Kai Super Mega Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Chop Chop Noodle House is considered one of the city’s best spots for ramen. In fact, it’s self-proclaimed as a “noodle saloon.”
Now, when it comes to their ramen, it’s not just good; it’s legendary. We’re talking about flavor combinations that’ll make your head spin (in the best possible way).
Take, for instance, their Cobra Kai Super Mega Ramen. This dish is not for the faint-hearted.
Crispy fried chicken, pork belly, pulled pork shoulder, kimchi, bacon, mushrooms, corn – you name it, it’s in there, swimming alongside those trusty rye noodles and, of course, the obligatory egg.
It’s a ramen extravaganza that’ll leave you wondering why every bowl of ramen isn’t this epic.
And here’s the kicker: you can pair your ramen with a side of whisky. Yes, you heard that right.
Because why not add a little extra kick to your meal, right? It’s the kind of bold move that sets Chop Chop Noodle House apart from the rest.
5. ZOOL ZOOL
| Address | 405 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 630 4445 |
| Website | http://zoolzool.co.nz/ |
| Operating hours | Monday: 5 – 9 pm Tuesday to Thursday: 5 – 10 pm Friday and Saturday: 12:30 pm; 5 – 10 pm Sunday: 12 – 2:30 pm; 5 – 9 pm |
| Must-order menu items | Paitan Ramen Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Zoolmen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Here at ZOOL ZOOL, you’ll know you’re in the right ramen place, and every sip will be as good as you imagine because it was created by two award-winning chefs – Toru Hirae and Kazuya Yamauchi.
They’d go as far as to say this place is some of the best in Auckland, and their well-known Paitan is just one of the reasons why. But here’s the thing: it’s not an everyday affair.
Nope, this beauty graces the menu only from Tuesday through Thursday, adding an extra layer of anticipation to your ramen experience.
It’s a velvety chicken broth that’s been simmered to perfection, cradling tender chicken chashu, vibrant spinach, crunchy bamboo shoots, fresh spring onions, a perfectly gooey egg, and just a hint of wakame seaweed.
Every slurp is like a hug from your taste buds, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.
If you’re more of a ‘less broth, more noodles’ kinda person, Zool Zool’s got you covered with their Zoolmen menu. It’s like they’ve thought of everything!
And here’s a little insider tip from me to you: don’t be shy about slurping your ramen here. They believe that by doing so, you’re showing appreciation for the dish.
6. Ichiban Ramen Original
| Address | 17 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 303 4372 |
| Website | https://ichiban-japanese-restaurant-japanese-restaurant.business.site/ |
| Operating hours | Monday: 11:30 – 3 pm; 5 – 9 pm Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 – 12 am Saturday: 5:30 – 12 am |
| Must-order menu items | Chashu Tonkotsu Ramen Jigoku Chashu Ramen Shio Lemon Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
If you’re looking for an authentic ramen dining experience, try Ichiban Ramen!
Here, you can sit on one of the 10 stools while slurping down those piping hot bowls of noodles, just like you would if you’re in a real Japanese ramen bar.
But the real highlight of Ichiban is that they’ve got heat levels that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance or break out in a sweat, depending on your tolerance, of course (fair warning: level five is for experts only).
One of the all-time favorites is the Chashu Tonkotsu Ramen. Just imagine diving into a bowl of rich, pork-flavored broth, each slurp revealing tender roasted chicken and melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork.
How delicious, isn’t it?
7. Tanpopo Ramen
– Media credit: locavore.eats
| Address | 13 Anzac Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 308 9705 |
| Operating hours | Tuesday to Friday: 12 – 2:30 pm; 5:30 – 9 pm Saturday and Sunday: 12 – 3 pm; 5 – 9 pm |
| Must-order menu items | Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen Michio Miso Ramen Tanpopo Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
For over 35 years now, Tanpopo Ramen has been an integral part of the ramen scene here in Auckland, serving up bowls of the good stuff under the watchful eye of Tokyo-born Michio Kurihara.
Tanpopo is famous for its Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen. A rich, soul-warming pork broth infused with soy sauce is topped with tender slices of barbecue pork that practically melt in your mouth.
It’s no wonder this bowl of goodness earned itself a spot on the list of 2020’s Iconic Auckland Eats.
But hold onto your chopsticks, because here’s where Tanpopo Ramen takes things up a notch – extra toppings!
And we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill extras here. We’re talking about cheese.
That’s right, cheese on ramen! It might sound unconventional, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
8. IPPUDO Newmarket
| Address | Level 4M/309 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 213 0694 |
| Operating hours | Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 – 3 pm; 5 – 8:30 pm Thursday to Saturday: 11:30 – 9 pm Sunday: 11:30 – 8:30 pm |
| Must-order menu items | Bonito Tonkotsu Karaka Ramen Akamaru Tamago |
| Price range | $$ – average |
If you’re looking for a ramen experience that’s not just a meal but a journey, IPPUDO is the place to be. Apart from their global reputation, they take customization to a whole new level.
They actually ask you how you want your noodles cooked!
IPPUDO’s must-try ramen dish is Karaka Men. This bowl features a flavor-packed tonkotsu broth, pork belly (sliced and ground), spring onions, and fragrant garlic oil.
9. Ajisen Ramen (Newmarket) Restaurant
| Address | 5/7 Kingdon Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 218 9977 |
| Website | http://www.ajisen.co.nz/ |
| Operating hours | Monday to Friday: 11:30 – 3 pm; 5 – 9:30 pm Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 – 9:30 pm |
| Must-order menu items | |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Another great place to visit if you’re craving some ramen is Ajisen Ramen in New Market! It’s got a reputation that precedes it, all the way from its overseas success to finally gracing with its presence right here in New Zealand.
They’ve got enough varieties to keep you slurping happily for months on end. If you haven’t tried Tonkotsu before, well, you should — to put this claim to the test.
It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, especially when paired with melt-in-your-mouth chashu and perfectly seasoned tamago.
But if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, Ajisen also has dry ramen on the menu!
10. Yawara Ramen Bar
| Address | 10 Cammish Lane, Orewa, Auckland 0931, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 889 8686 |
| Website | http://yawara.co.nz/ |
| Operating hours | Tuesday: 11:30 – 2:30 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 11:30 – 2:30 pm; 5:30 – 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday: 11:30 – 2:30 pm; 5:30 – 8 pm Sunday: 11:30 – 2:30 pm; 5:30 – 7:30 pm |
| Must-order menu items | Shoyu Ramen Yuzu Shio Ramen Miso Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
If you’re fond of authentic Hokkaido-style ramen, go to Yawara Ramen Bar in Orewa. Trust me, it’ll be love at first slurp!
They serve up traditional Japanese ramen, and their bowls of goodness are worth seeking out for the delightfully cloudy broth and thick noodles.
For a lighter-style ramen, you can have Shoyu Ramen. It’s like a flavor explosion in every spoonful, with that soy sauce-based broth bringing a depth of umami that’s simply irresistible.
And those noodles? They’ve got that perfect chewiness that you just can’t get enough of.
But then, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, lay eyes on the Yuzu Shio Ramen. It’s a bowl of sunshine, with hints of Japanese citrus cutting through the richness of the broth.
11. Daruma Ramen
| Address | 451 Ti Rakau Drive, Huntington Park, Auckland 2013, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 272 2600 |
| Website | https://daruma-ramen.nz/ |
| Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: 11:30 – 3 pm; 5 – 9 pm |
| Must-order menu items | Plenty Vege Miso Ramen Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen Tonkotsu Mega Chashu Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Walking into Daruma feels like coming home to a comforting hug from your favorite aunt! The aroma of their simmering broth wraps around you like a cozy blanket, instantly putting a smile on your face.
You can’t help but feel a rush of excitement as you eye their menu, knowing that whatever you choose, it’s going to be a flavor-packed adventure.
What sets Daruma apart? Well, for starters, they’re not just making ramen; they’re crafting it.
These guys are so dedicated to their craft that they’ve got their own factory, churning out top-notch ingredients like nobody’s business.
We’re talking about housemade noodles that are made with some serious Japanese noodle-making wizardry.
As per the crowd’s favorite, it’s Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen. If you’re into bold flavors and a little kick, this one’s for you.
12. KG Japanese Restaurant
| Address | 211 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052 |
| Phone | 64 9 307 8080 |
| Website | https://kg-jp.com/ |
| Operating hours | Monday to Saturday: 11:45 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Must-order menu items | Paitan Ramen Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Zoolmen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
KG Japanese Restaurant is as close as you’ll get to eating fine ramen without heading to the Land of the Rising Sun.
I went here one time because I needed a quick meal. Fortunately, I chanced upon KG, where I found some of the most affordable ramen I’ve seen in Auckland.
Nearly all the Donburi Bowls were $19, save for a few options. The prices were low already, so I decided to splurge a bit by getting their Tempura Ramen.
For the sides, I chose prawn gyoza and a Chu-Hi Hyoketsu. For below $40, KG Japanese restaurant gave me some of the most flavorful ramen I’ve tasted for that price point.
The noodles were filling with a nice chew, and the broth was just filled with umami flavor. Even better, the Hyoketsu was a great palate cleanser after a hearty meal.
I’ll definitely come back here to try the other ramen options!
