The best ramen in Edinburgh

With three eateries dotted all across the city, Maki & Ramen is one of Edinburgh’s most popular restaurant chains. The interiors in all three restaurants are smart and pared back – all wooden benches and low-level lighting – and the staff are warm and friendly. You’ll find a sushi bar at the newest branch in Fountainbridge, where the chef will prepare you the freshest fish of the day, right before your very eyes. The head chef trained at the famous Yamamoto Ramen School – so you’re in safe hands. Order the Master Chef Burnt Soyu Ramen for £10.90 (complete with a jammy soft-boiled egg, chopped spring onions, crispy nori and unctuous udon noodles) and thank us later!

This eatery boasts some seriously good ramen. Authentic as they come, this family-run restaurant is headed by Chef Tang, a former head chef at one of London’s leading Japanese restaurants, so it is no surprise that the food here is so delicious. The iconic pork broth ramen comes with three-day slow-cooked Chashu pork slices and a tasty marinated egg. If you’re daring enough, why not try the Hell Ramen – a super spicy rich broth, topped with bean sprouts, green onion, black mushroom and leek.

We’ve not met anyone in this city who doesn’t love Ikigai and its ramen dishes! The inside is super cosy and intimate: there’s only room to seat about eight people, so don’t forget to book. Once you’ve bagged yourself a table, however, you won’t look back. Self-confessed ramen afficionados, the restaurant offers nothing else, but it does offer an extensive variety of the noodle-based dish. From the Hakata Tonkotsu – rich with a creamy pork bone broth, to the Spicy Tantanmen and comforting chicken-based ramen, there’s a bowl to suit everyone’s tastes. The restaurant’s name – Ikigai – is a Japanese word roughly translating as “reason for life”, which, for a restaurant as good as this, is certainly fitting.

Chizuru Tei is a Japanese fusion restaurant, located in Haymarket on Edinburgh’s Morrison Street. It’s BYOB here, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled time out with friends, complete, of course, with lots of yummy ramen. The ramen dishes on offer are extensive and varied, from teriyaki chicken to honey pork, roast duck and seafood – you’ll truly be spoiled for choice. Prices are affordable and the waiting staff are knowledgeable and happy to advise. If you’re in the Haymarket area, there’s no better place to stop off for a satisfying lunch or dinner. 

Noto is an independent restaurant focused on delicious food, small domaine wine producers and bespoke cocktails. Inspired by chef-owner, Stuart’s time living and working in NYC, his restaurant is named after his eclectic friend/roommate there, Bob Noto. You’ll have to keep an eye on the menu as it changes with the seasons, but it is ALWAYS worth a visit. Just remember to book ahead!