Best Ramen in Yoyogi: Isoji’s Extra-Chewy Noodles

For the best ramen in Yoyogi, Isoji (麺恋処 いそじ) easily takes first place. Portions are generous, and the highlight is their extra-chewy homemade noodles. They're made with tapioca flour for a wonderfully bouncy texture.

Isoji serves chukasoba, miso ramen, tsukemen, and miso tsukemen. If it’s your first visit, go for the chukasoba.

The Chukasoba

“Chukasoba” traditionally refers to old-school soy sauce ramen, but Isoji’s version is a modern, refined take. On a fun side note, the owner trained at Menkoi Dokoro Kiraku in Shimbashi.

Chukasoba

Isoji’s chukasoba soup blends pork bones, chicken bones, and niboshi (dried sardines). It reminds me a bit of the broth at the now-closed Ikebukuro shop Uchi - but Isoji’s broth is noticeably lighter and less thick.

Despite being on the lighter, more watery side, the soup at Isoji is still wonderfully flavorful. There’s even a hint of yuzu citrus, which helps brighten the broth and balance out the meaty richness.

Their homemade noodles are another standout. Made with tapioca flour, they have a uniquely chewy bounce you won’t find at many ramen shops. The bamboo shoots are extra chewy too, matching the texture-forward style of the bowl.

Isoji is generous with portions - the standard is 210 grams of noodles, and you can upgrade to 315 grams for free. You can also request adjustments, like a lighter broth or firmer noodles.

Tsukemen & Miso Ramen

Isoji’s tsukemen delivers everything you love about their chukasoba - those chewy tapioca-flour noodles and that layered, savory broth - but in a more concentrated form. The dipping soup is richer and carries stronger seasoning hits, making each bite feel a bit punchier.

If you want to fully appreciate the noodles on their own, tsukemen is the way to go.

Isoji also offers a miso ramen, but don’t expect a big, bold miso-forward bowl. The miso seasoning is present, but intentionally gentle - almost restrained.

This lighter touch allows the fish flavors and broth complexity to shine through, even more so than in typical miso ramen. But do order this one instead of the chukasoba if you're less about fish flavors.

No. 1 Ramen in Yoyogi

Yoyogi is a quiet, residential neighborhood - just one stop from Shinjuku, but worlds away from the chaos. It’s a much calmer setting, and you can expect a relaxed meal at Isoji.

Always friendly staff

They’re popular at lunch, but even then, you won’t encounter Shinjuku-level crowds. It’s a great spot to enjoy some of the best ramen in Yoyogi without the stress.

There’s a reason Isoji sits at the top for ramen in Yoyogi. If anything, come here for a breather from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku.

For the best fish ramen shops in nearby Shinjuku, CLICK HERE.