3 Raleigh-area restaurants ranked among Yelp’s best ramen spots. Which ones?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Yelp placed four North Carolina ramen shops on its Top 100 U.S. list for 2025.
- Three Triangle spots — Gen Ramen, Miso Ramen Bar and Noodle Blvd — earned national ranks.
- Yelp cited review volume, ratings and trends like plant-based and dry ramen.
Ramen lovers, rejoice! North Carolina is home to some of the nation’s best ramen shops, Yelp reviewers say.
Three Raleigh-area spots and a Greensboro gem earned spots on the business review site’s list of the Top 100 Best Ramen Shops in the U.S. for 2025. Here’s how they ranked:
- Gen Ramen in Raleigh — No. 58
- Qinji Hawaiian BBQ & Ramen in Greensboro — No. 59
- Miso Ramen Bar in Raleigh — No. 64
- Noodle Blvd in Cary — No. 94
Published Thursday, Dec. 11, the list highlights standout spots for steamy bowls of broth, tender “noods” and toppings, as rated by Yelp users. Emerging trends including flavor fusions, plant-based dishes and “dry ramen” have also grown in popularity among noodle enthusiasts, according to Yelp.
“Ramen shops have become some of America’s most popular and affordable places to eat, thanks to passionate chefs, creative menus, and a community of noodle-obsessed fans,” editors wrote.
Here’s what makes these North Carolina spots so special:
Gen Ramen in Raleigh
- Rank: No. 58
- Yelp rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: 2330 Bale St # 112, Raleigh, NC 27608
- Why folks love it: Voted runner-up in the News & Observer’s Reader’s Choice poll for the best ramen spots in Raleigh, Gen Ramen is known for classics like tonkotsu ramen, pork belly bao and seaweed salad.
“My Tonkotsu Ramen was chef’s kiss!” a Yelp reviewer wrote. “This is my new absolute favorite Ramen spot in the area. I’ve traveled to Okinawa a couple of times and truly enjoy Ramen, and honestly, this location has the best tasting food that makes me feel like I’m right back.”
Qinji Hawaiian BBQ & Ramen in Greensboro
- Rank: No. 59
- Yelp rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: 2224 Golden Gate Dr, Greensboro, NC 27405
- Why folks love it: Spicy beef ramen is on the menu, as is spam musubi and shrimp katsu, according to the restaurant’s website. Ramen lovers will also find fried fish and shrimp, Hawaiian pineapple chicken and beef short ribs, among other classics.
“When I am in the mood for the most comforting bowl of ramen, Qinji is where I go,” one customer wrote of their recent visit. “It’s a warm bowl of love. So flavorful with the perfect amount of heat to make your eyes water and nose run just a tiny bit. Every slurp is spectacular.”
Miso Ramen Bar in Raleigh
- Rank: No. 64
- Yelp rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: 2409 Crabtree Blvd St 104, Raleigh, NC 27604 and 970 High House Rd #128, Cary, NC 27513
- Why folks love it: Beyond the ramen, customers raved about the pork belly buns, spicy tan tan, beef skewers and curry tofu rice bowl. Guests also gushed over the Tonkotsu, traditionally made with a rich, pork bone broth.
“This was the most stellar bowl of ramen I have ever had, and I’ve been to LOTS of ramen restaurants around the Southeast!,” one Yelper wrote, noting the “broth was creamy and full of punchy flavors.”
“If you love ramen, this ramen will love you back. That’s a promise.”
Noodle Boulevard in Cary
- Rank: No. 94
- Yelp rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: 1718 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27511
- Why folks love it: Standout dishes include the chicken curry ramen, fried pork belly and spicy seafood tom yum ramen, according to the restaurant’s Yelp profile.
Noodle Boulevard also earned high marks for its laid-back, casual vibe and outdoor seating options.
“The chicken ramen is the BEST!” one user wrote. “Love this home-cooked, local spot of authentic noodle bliss! Amazing and authentic Asian flavors and warms you up on a chilly Fall or Winter day. If you’re craving food that’s both comforting and elevated, Noodle Bar is an absolute must.”
How Yelp came up with the rankings
For the list, Yelp said it identified businesses in the ramen category and ranked them using factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews.
All restaurants on the list had a passing health score as of Oct. 22.
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 3:08 PM.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect each ramen bar’s correct address.