The Ultimate Guide to the Best Ramen Cities in the US for Summer 2025
- manvillechan5
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Craving ramen this summer but worried it’s too hot to enjoy a steaming bowl? You're not alone. Ramen is a year-round delight, and this guide is for travelers, foodies, and broth-heads wondering where to eat ramen in summer without melting. Discover the best ramen cities in the US that offer both exceptional noodle experiences and comfortable summer weather.
We've meticulously ranked the best ramen cities in the US based on three key factors: cooler summer weather, a high number of authentic ramen restaurants, and strong average ratings from real customers. These 10 cities aren’t just ramen-friendly—they’re truly the perfect summer ramen destinations.
Our Top 10 Best Ramen Cities in the US (Summer 2025)
1. San Francisco, CA – 9.2/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~66°F
Top Ramen Spots: 25+
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.5
San Francisco proudly claims the top spot as the best ramen city in the US, and for good reason. Its signature summer fog and consistently mild temperatures make it the ultimate year-round destination for slurping, especially when you're craving hot broth. From the acclaimed Mensho Tokyo and the ever-popular Marufuku Ramen to the iconic Tsukemen at Taishoken, this city is a noodle lover’s paradise. Don't miss the high-end, artistic ramen experience at Noodle in a Haystack. The natural chill of SF provides the perfect counterpoint to a steaming bowl, creating an unrivaled balance.
2. Seattle, WA – 8.2/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~73°F
Top Ramen Spots: 15–20
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.6
With its misty mornings and a historically rich Japantown (Nihonmachi) nestled in the International District, Seattle offers a deeply authentic and satisfying ramen journey. It’s a cultural and culinary hub where a gentle drizzle only enhances the ramen experience. Dive into a bowl at Ramen Danbo, Kizuki Ramen, or Arashi Ramen. Rainy-day ramen truly doesn’t get better than this in one of the best ramen cities in the US for cool weather.
3. New York, NY – 8.0/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~85°F
Top Ramen Spots: 50+
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.6
Despite its notorious summer heat, New York City steadfastly holds its ground as a premier top ramen city in the US. It’s a magnet for international ramen royalty, hosting legendary names like Ippudo, Ichiran, Ivan Ramen (led by NYC native Ivan Orkin), and the Michelin-starred Tonchin from Japan. In the city that never sleeps, the pursuit of the perfect ramen bowl never takes a break.
4. Portland, OR – 7.7/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~79°F
Top Ramen Spots: 15–20
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.4
Ramen meets artisanal craft in Portland. The city’s mild summer temperatures make it an underrated ramen paradise. Here, you'll find unique offerings like snow-aged noodles at Takibi and hand-pulled noodles aged for 72 hours at Toya Ramen. Portland truly showcases how dedication to technique elevates the noodle experience, solidifying its place among the best ramen cities in the US.
5. Honolulu, HI – 7.3/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~88°F
Top Ramen Spots: 20–25
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.5
Despite its tropical heat, Honolulu’s deep Japanese roots ensure that its ramen culture remains vibrant and thriving. Don’t miss the legendary Nakamura Ramen and their incredible oxtail ramen, a local specialty. For a unique Hawaiian noodle experience, try Saimin, the island’s homegrown noodle soup reflecting Japanese, Chinese, and local influences. It’s a warm soup in a warm, welcoming culture, making it a unique addition to our list of best ramen cities in the US.
6. Chicago, IL – 7.1/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~84°F
Top Ramen Spots: 25–30
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.5
Chicago brings serious flavor to its ramen game. You'll find a dynamic scene with places like Ramen-San delivering hip-hop vibes and tonkotsu magic, while High Five Ramen is famed for its intense spice, deep umami, and the lines that prove its popularity. Whether you're in the bustling Loop or a cozy neighborhood, outstanding ramen is always within reach in this top ramen city in the US.
7. Los Angeles, CA – 7.0/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~84°F
Top Ramen Spots: 50+
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.4
Often considered where the American ramen boom truly began, Los Angeles boasts a legendary ramen scene. Explore Ramen Nagi for its bold, customizable "King" series bowls, or discover Tsujita LA for its renowned tsukemen dipping ramen. Despite the summer heat, LA's ramen scene is undeniably blazing in all the right ways, making it one of the best ramen cities in the US for sheer variety.
8. San Jose, CA – 6.9/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~84°F
Top Ramen Spots: 15–20
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.5
As home to one of only three surviving Japantowns in the U.S., San Jose offers deep cultural ties and exceptionally authentic ramen flavors. Local favorites include Kumako Ramen Den, Ramen Hajime (known for its in-house noodle production), and Shalala. The city’s ramen roots run deeper than you'd think, establishing it as a quiet powerhouse among the best ramen cities in the US.
9. San Diego, CA – 6.8/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~76°F
Top Ramen Spots: 15+
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.3
Cool ocean breezes and big bowls of noodles—that’s San Diego in a nutshell, especially in its vibrant Convoy District. Try the famously rich broth and house-made noodles at Menya Ultra, or keep it casual at the popular Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen. Whether you’re post-surf or pre-sunset, there’s always time for a delicious bowl in this top ramen city in the US.
10. Denver, CO – 5.5/10
Avg Summer Temp: ~88°F
Top Ramen Spots: 12–15
Avg Rating (Top 10): 4.2
While Denver's summer heat can be intense, its ramen creativity thrives at high altitude. At Uncle, the duck confit ramen is a standout, and the city even boasts its own annual Denver Ramen Festival. As one of the only U.S. cities where ramen has its own dedicated party, Denver earns its spot on our list of best ramen cities in the US for its passionate scene.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Ramen Cities in the US
We evaluated cities based on three criteria and scored each from 0 to10. Final scores reflect weighted averages:
Factor | Weight | Description |
Avg Summer Temperature | 35% | We prioritized cities with cooler average summer temperatures, as hot broth in a hot climate isn't always ideal for enjoying ramen. |
Ramen Scene Size | 35% | This factor considers the sheer number of authentic ramen restaurants available in each city, as more options generally lead to more opportunities for delicious discoveries. |
Average Review Ratings | 30% | To ensure top-tier quality, we analyzed average Yelp and Google review ratings for the top 10 ramen spots in each city, reflecting real customer satisfaction. |
Final Ramen Rankings
Rank | City | Temp Score | Ramen Scene | Rating Score | Final Score |
1 | San Francisco | 10.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
2 | Seattle | 9.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 8.2 |
3 | New York | 6.0 | 10.0 | 9.2 | 8.0 |
4 | Portland | 8.5 | 6.5 | 8.0 | 7.7 |
5 | Honolulu | 5.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 7.3 |
6 | Chicago | 5.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 7.1 |
7 | Los Angeles | 6.0 | 9.5 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
8 | San Jose | 6.0 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 6.9 |
9 | San Diego | 7.5 | 6.0 | 7.5 | 6.8 |
10 | Denver | 4.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 5.5 |
Ready to Slurp Like a Local? Join a Ramen Class in San Francisco
Whether you’re chasing cool weather, hot broth, or simply the best ramen in America, these cities deliver unforgettable experiences. But if you're lucky enough to be in San Francisco, you're already in the # 1 ramen city in the U.S.—fog included.
Why not go one step further and master the art yourself?
Join us at The Story of Ramen for a hands-on ramen-making class right here in the heart of San Francisco. You'll learn to roll your own fresh noodles, customize authentic broths, and slurp your way through the fog with new skills. Our classes are perfect for foodies, unique team-building events, memorable date nights, or anyone curious about the intricate craft behind a perfect bowl.
The fog’s rolling in. So should you.
 | Manville Chan is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer at The Story of Ramen. |
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