Rachel SmithThere’s really nothing like a steaming, fragrant bowl of rich broth and chewy noodles to warm you up. Whether you’re a local craving some comfort or a visitor looking to explore the city, finding the best ramen in Indianapolis is a pretty delicious mission.
The local noodle scene has actually exploded lately. It now offers everything from traditional tonkotsu to vibrant vegan bowls. So, if you’re tired of your usual dining routine and want to slurp something spectacular, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the standout shops that are truly transforming the way this city eats.
And if you’re ready to try other Asian cuisines, check out the top Asian restaurants in the area, too.
How much does a ramen cost in Indianapolis?
A standard bowl of ramen in Indianapolis costs $16–$19 before tax and tip, with extra toppings adding a few dollars more.
| Item | Estimated Price |
| Standard Ramen Bowl | $16 – $19 |
| Restaurant-Quality Ramen | $15 – $25 |
| Extra Toppings (Chashu, Egg, etc.) | $2 – $4 per item |
1. Ramen Ray
Website: https://ramenray.com/
Address: 5628 E 71st St
Contact: (317) 288-7120 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Walking into this cozy space feels like stepping directly into a traditional Japanese noodle alley. Ramen Ray distinguishes itself by serving authentic Sapporo-imported noodles, specifically designed to grip their rich, direct-from-Japan soup bases.
I recently stopped by for lunch and could immediately taste the depth of their six-hourly, daily-simmered broth. They traditionally stir-fry meat and vegetables over high heat, then emulsify with liquid for a wonderfully aromatic finish.
Beyond the fantastic traditional bowls, they also cater to different diets with legit vegan options like the Tofu Tan Tan. You can even venture into unique fusion items, such as the Japanese-style Chicken Curry Ramen.
The only real downside is their restrictive schedule, as they close on Tuesdays and shut their doors at 3:00 PM on Sundays. This means you will need to plan your visits carefully if you want to satisfy a late weekend craving.
Customer Reviews
I was super happy
I was really sick last week so I decided to try to eat something that would be safe and this was my first time trying Ramen Ray. I was super happy to find that this is a Japanese owned business and the shoyu ramen was delicious! Super flavorful broth and once I’m no longer sick I’m going to get the curry because Japanese curry is super delicious! I can’t believe I’ve never eaten here before because I love Japanese food!
- Mark Vogel | Google Review
Absolutely the best spicy ramen
Seriously the best ramen place in Indy. Spicy level when you want it spicy is on point. The broth is incredible and pictured is extra soup and noddles because when you come you need a bench soup ready.
Absolutely the best spicy ramen is incredible! Also, the owner and service people are awesome.
- Chris Ortega | Google Review
2. Kyuramen x TBaar – Indianapolis
Website: https://www.kyuramen.com/
Address: 530 Massachusetts Ave, Suite 120
Contact: (317) 961-8888
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Kyuramen x TBaar on Mass Ave offers affordable luxury for students and professionals. This central spot offers a full Japanese dining experience, featuring regional styles from Kyushu, Tokyo, and Hokkaido.
Also, if you have a hard time choosing, their unique Yin-Yang Bowl lets you try two different flavors at once in a single divided dish.
The menu goes way beyond basic soups, too. They have creative fusion items like ramen burgers and great combo sets that come with steamed pork bao buns.
You can enjoy your meal in their signature honeycomb booths, which offer a private, relaxing space to eat.
Just keep in mind that some special items, like the honeycomb platter, are for restaurant diners only. You can’t get everything on the menu for takeout, so your options might be a bit limited if you would rather eat at home.
Customer Reviews
This is a really nice place and super fancy!
This is a really nice place and super fancy! I ordered the spicy pork ramen soup and purple potato fries. Pretty good! Then I ordered a green tea dessert and it was really good. I recommend giving this place a try!
- AJ | Google Review
A very satisfying meal
I ordered the Katsuobushi Pork Ramen and it turned out to be a great choice. The noodles had a nice texture and the soup was really comforting. I was planning to try something else too, but the ramen was already filling. A very satisfying meal. 🍜
- Aiden Adams | Google Review
3. Yujo
Website: https://yujoindy.com/
Address: 9431 N Meridian St
Contact: (317) 669-0315 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Finding a fast-casual spot that refuses to compromise on complex flavors is a rare treat. Yujo elevates the quick-service dining model by using authentic methods learned directly from the Tokyo Ramen Academy to build its menu.
I grabbed a quick bowl here before catching a movie at one of the local cinemas, and the fresh-brewed boba tea paired perfectly with the deeply savory, slow-cooked broth.
They have also successfully carved out a specific niche with their artisan noodles and made-to-order boba combinations. You get the convenience of easy pickup and delivery, along with high-quality ingredients that usually require hours of preparation.
They even offer catering packages for larger office lunches.
The primary drawback is their operating hours, as they close promptly at 8:30 PM every evening. Those hoping for a late-night noodle fix will definitely have to look elsewhere.
Customer Reviews
It was SO GOOD
I’ve been here many times before since 2023 but I just wanted to say the ramen is always so tasty and yummy! I’m a huge fan of the tempura as well. and recently I tried their curry dish and it was SO GOOD. I was genuinely enjoying myself. 100% recommend coming and trying the curry.
- A | Google Review
Decent ramen place in the heart of downtown
Decent ramen place in the heart of downtown. We had the takoyaki as an appetizer and it was extremely delicious. For our entrees, we had the chicken miso ramen and the pork curry ramen. Both were fresh and plenty flavorful.
The waitress was friendly and attentive. She kept checking in on us and brought us refills without us even asking.
I recommend giving this place a try if you are in the area!
- Clarissa V | Google Review
4. Strange Bird
Website: https://strangebirdindy.com/
Address: 128 S Audubon Rd
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Unlike many other restaurants in the area, Strange Bird operates as a unique hybrid of a tropical rum hideaway and a Japanese noodle shop, bringing a fun desert-island energy to traditional hospitality.
They stand out by taking the labor-intensive route, crafting their satisfying noodles entirely in-house to guarantee the perfect texture and quality.
Their kitchen simmers bones for hours to create distinctly resonant broths that pair wonderfully with their artisanal, hand-pleated dumplings. You can also pair hot soup with a tropical cocktail for a memorable flavor contrast.
However, this establishment doesn’t open until 4:00 PM, eliminating the possibility of a lunch visit. They’re also closed on Mondays, creating a weekly service gap for eager patrons.
Customer Reviews
It was amazing
We were on vacation and gave this place a try. It was amazing. Broth was delicious and honestly can’t think of any complaints for it. Workers were quiet, but nice and quick with the food. The atmosphere was very relaxing and quiet. We loved it.
- Kendra Messenger | Google Review
The portion size was just right
We had the black garlic and tonkotsu ramen, both were seriously good. The portion size was just right. I liked that the chashu wasn’t fatty, which is exactly how I prefer it. The broth was especially great. this might be the best ramen I’ve had so far in the greater Indy area.
- CM K | Google Review
5. Takumi Boba Tea & Ramen
Website: https://pos.chowbus.com/online-ordering/store/takumi-boba-and-ramen/21470
Address: 6066 E 82nd St
Contact: (317) 792-0865
Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:10 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:40 PM
Balancing a deep craving for savory comfort food with specific dietary preferences is effortlessly simple at this location. Takumi Boba Tea & Ramen pairs Japanese cuisine with craft beverages, such as cheese-topped teas.
They thoughtfully accommodate health-conscious diners by offering specialized low-sodium variations of their signature tonkotsu bowls without sacrificing the rich, comforting essence of the dish.
Their broad menu also extends well beyond standard soups, offering an impressive selection of Japanese curry dishes and udon hybrids.
Plus, customization is a major priority here, allowing guests to fine-tune the sweetness and ice levels of their drinks to their exact preferences.
The real-time digital ordering system also makes pickup incredibly convenient.
However, its hours of operation leave something to be desired. The kitchen closes at 7:40 PM on Sundays and 8:10 PM the rest of the week, ruling out late dinners.
Customer Reviews
It was delicious
I was quite impressed by this shop tucked away near Castleton. I had never heard of it and was just trying to get a small meal before my movie. I got the shoyu ramen and it was quite tasty. Full warning, I’m not a ramen expert, but to my untrained taste it was delicious. I hope to try them again and get some boba to see if that holds up (this I am a bit pickier on)
- Carson Trevino | Google Review
Their Veggie Shoyu Ramen was delicious!
I absolutely love this place! Their Veggie Shoyu Ramen was delicious! I really hope they continue to add to the menu. I would love some tofu dishes. I bet they would be delicious versions of their already fantastic recipes! I was scared to try corn on ramen at first, but paired with the Shoyu broth, it balanced out the salty with sweet and was a perfect combination! Everytime I come to this place everyone is kind and helpful and the decorations are adorable and nerdy😁
