Yelp has unveiled its list of the Top 100 Ramen Shops in America for 2025, with a ramen restaurant in Los Angeles taking the top spot. The recognition highlights the growing enthusiasm for Japanese cuisine in the region, particularly in the San Fernando Valley, where Bincho in Tarzana has been awarded the prestigious title.
To compile this list, Yelp evaluated ramen establishments nationwide based on several factors, including review volume, positive ratings, and other criteria set by reviewers. Importantly, all winners must maintain a satisfactory health score, ensuring that diners can enjoy their meals with confidence.
Bincho, located in the Tarzana neighborhood, has gained widespread acclaim for its “next-level” broths and expertly crafted toppings. The restaurant’s standout dish, the Bincho Tonkotsu, is celebrated for its rich pork broth, developed by chef-owner Toshiro Tagami. Diners have described this broth as “rich, creamy, and full of flavor,” paired with custom-cut noodles designed to absorb the delicious essence of the dish. The ramen is topped with tender chashu pork, wood ear mushrooms, and green onions, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
Another popular offering at Bincho is the Yuzu Chicken Ramen, which features a unique citrusy chicken broth that builds a gentle heat with a refreshing finish. “The flavor comes from jidori, known as the ‘wagyu of chicken,’ and yuzu imported from Japan,” Tagami explained to Yelp. He also noted that the chicken breast is infused with yuzu, enhancing the dish’s complexity. Fans of the restaurant also rave about the handmade, pan-fried gyoza, which are described as “crispy on the outside and like a soup dumpling on the inside.”
Reviewers have expressed admiration for the meticulous sourcing of ingredients and the technical expertise behind Bincho’s menu. One Yelp reviewer remarked, “Bincho Ramen is ‘Iron Chef’–level Japanese ramen! Everything here is flawless, from broth to noodles to toppings. Their standout, in my opinion, is the pork ramen. It is stellar! You don’t eat pork? Try the Yuzu Chicken Ramen, a specialty that’s hard to find at most ramen shops. The chef/owner is so nice and sincere. He does his own take on ramen and it is beyond good!”
California’s Ramen Scene Excels
In addition to Bincho, the list of Yelp’s Top 100 Ramen Shops in the U.S. includes eight other ramen restaurants from California, showcasing the state’s impressive culinary scene. This recognition reflects not only the popularity of ramen but also the diverse flavors and ingredients that California offers to food enthusiasts.
As the appetite for Japanese cuisine continues to rise, especially in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, these rankings serve as a testament to the exceptional quality and creativity found in local ramen shops. With its focus on authentic flavors and innovative dishes, Bincho stands out as a key player in this expanding market.
The continued success of establishments like Bincho demonstrates the important role that local chefs and restaurants play in shaping the food culture of their communities. As diners seek out unique and high-quality dining experiences, ramen shops are increasingly becoming the go-to destinations for satisfying meals that combine tradition with modern flair.
As the culinary landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how these rankings influence dining choices and inspire new trends in Japanese cuisine across the United States.
