Top 5 Namba Ramen Shops You Need to Try
- Frank
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If you’re in Osaka, chances are you’ll end up in Namba. It’s one of the city’s busiest hubs - shopping, nightlife, neon, and of course…ramen. So what’s the best ramen in Namba?
Here are five Namba ramen shops I’ve personally visited that stand out, each offering something different.
1. Jouroku – Osaka’s Shoyu Standard-Bearer
If you want to better understand the roots of Osaka ramen, visit Jouroku (麺屋 丈六) . They serve Takaida-style ramen, a local shoyu-based style with a rich history. The broth here is medium-rich, built around chicken bones and soy sauce, with a seasoning that really leans into the soy.
Jouroku is an institution. It's a shop that’s been carrying the torch for Osaka-style shoyu ramen since 2008. It’s as straightforward as it is comforting.
2. next shikaku – Oyster Ramen in Style
next shikaku (next□) offers a much more modern, upscale ramen experience. It’s produced by the same group behind Zagin, and the shop has projected artwork on the walls, creating a swanky vibe.
Their ramen is oyster-based It's rich, briny, and layered. You can also order it as tsukemen (dipping ramen), paired with some of the thickest noodles you’ll find in the city. For oyster lovers, this is non-negotiable.
3. Naniwa Menjiro – Shellfish (or Chicken) in the Metro
Naniwa Menjiro (なにわ麺次郎) is hidden inside the Osaka Metro, past the ticket wickets. This makes it tricky to find but also helps keep the lines shorter. The shop offers two base soups: one chicken-based, and one shellfish-based.
I usually go for the shellfish ramen. It's beautifully presented and has a refined, layered flavor. It's light and aromatic. This is one of those ramen shops that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret.
4. Men-no-Yoji – Classic Ramen and Tsukemen
A little more under the radar, Men-no-Yoji (麺のようじ) serves both ramen and tsukemen. Both feature chicken-based broths with a gentle, natural sweetness, though the tsukemen leans richer and thicker in flavor.
The bowls are bright, well-balanced, and the friendly staff make the experience even better.
5. Yuaitei – A Boxing-Themed Ramen Experience
Walking into Yuaitei (友愛亭) feels like stepping into a boxing gym. The walls are covered in the signatures of famous boxers, and every ramen on the menu is named after a boxing move.
There’s the Straight Right, a darker soy sauce ramen. The Kamisori Punch (pictured) is a lighter shoyu that cuts clean. And for those who want something with knockout weight, there’s the “Heavy” ramen. It's Mike Tyson-inspired and heavier on the soy sauce. This is ramen with personality, and it hits as hard as its names suggest.
Namba Ramen - Wrapping Up
From classic Osaka-style shoyu to oyster tsukemen in a stylish setting, these five shops represent the best of what Namba has to offer. Whether you’re after tradition, refinement, or a knockout punch, Namba ramen delivers.
