The best ramen in Glasgow is comfort in a bowl!
I’ve just come back from Japan and can’t stop thinking about ramen. There’s nothing better than a big bowl of noodles and broth to warm you up when the weather’s doing its usual Glasgow thing.
At first, I thought I’d be stuck daydreaming about it for ages, but a bit of digging and a couple of slurps later, I realised the city has got some cracking spots of its own.
Turns out you don’t need a flight to Tokyo to get your fix! So here’s my list of the best ramen spots in Glasgow, ready for you to dive in chopsticks first.
Ramen Dayo
– Photo credit: ramendayo
Website: https://ramendayo.com/
Address: 31 Ashton Ln
Contact details: +44 141 374 0254
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
After searching around Glasgow for ramen spots, I can say that Ramen Dayo has quickly become one of my favourites. The owner spent years in Tokyo and brought that energy back with him, which makes the ramen feel genuinely authentic.
That authenticity shines through in their signature New Wave Tokyo Style bowl. The flavour is layered, with a broth that carries a savoury kick balanced by fresh toppings.
The noodles also have the right chew that leaves a lasting impression on me.
They also serve classic options for those who prefer the familiar, like tantanmen ramen and miso black ramen. Beyond noodles, the menu includes favourites such as katsu curry, gyoza, and chashu-don, giving me plenty of reasons to come back.
| Pro tip: Ramen Dayo actually offers catering, which is perfect if you want to bring proper Japanese flavours to a party or event in Glasgow. To book them, head to their website, share your event details such as date, location, and guest number, and they’ll confirm availability and provide you with a quote. |
Maki & Ramen
– Photo credit: makiramen
Website: https://www.makiramen.com/
Address: 21 Bath St
Contact details: +44 141 353 0678
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
A ramen place I often stop by after work is Maki & Ramen on Bath Street. The restaurant is right in the city centre, so it’s easy to reach whether you’re walking or hopping off the bus.
What I really enjoy about them is their willingness to experiment with dishes. They don’t settle for the usual ramen flavours, so you’ll see some unique bowls like Seafood Hell Ramen, Shio Truffle Ramen, and Firecracker Ramen.
Out of all these creations, the one I’ve fallen for is the Laksa Ramen. The broth is creamy and spicy, warming you up instantly, while the noodles soak up the flavour. The mix of coconut and spice gives it a bold kick, making it a nice meal for winter.
| Pro tip: Maki & Ramen has a loyalty rewards scheme where you earn points every time you dine. Signing up is easy through their website, and once registered, you can collect points at any of their three branches in Glasgow and redeem them for discounts or treats. It’s an easy way to make your regular ramen visits even more rewarding. |
Ichiban
– Photo credit: ichiban.gla
Website: https://ichiban.co.uk/
Address: 50 Queen St
Contact details: +44 141 204 4200
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (MON-FRI)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Another decent ramen spot I found right in the heart of Glasgow is Ichiban on Queen Street. The place has a relaxed vibe, and the menu is packed with Japanese favourites, including sushi rolls, donburi, katsu curry, and tempura.
Of course, I had to try their Ichiban Ramen, which is their signature bowl. It came with char-grilled chicken breast, king prawn, naruto, and deep-fried tofu, all sitting in a broth that was warm and tasty.
The chicken had a nice smoky flavour, the prawn added a bit of sweetness, and the tofu soaked up the broth in a way that made each bite feel different. It’s filling without being too heavy and left me properly satisfied.
| Pro tip: If you’re stuck for a present, Ichiban’s gift cards are a handy choice. You can grab one online or at their Queen Street spot, choose the value, and let your friend pick from sushi, ramen, or curry. You can also pick a design and add a message to make it feel more personal! |
Nuku Nuku
– Photo credit: nukunuku.gla
Address: 189 Hope St
Contact details: +44 141 261 6258
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (MON-SUN)
I’ve recently become a fan of Nuku Nuku for their straightforward approach to serving great Japanese food. Their spot on Hope Street has a minimalist design with simple and comfy seating that feels especially relaxing after a long day at work.
Thankfully, that minimalist approach doesn’t carry over to the menu, which is full of variety. They serve ramen bowls, sushi rolls, takoyaki, and katsu curry. There are even bento boxes if you’re after a hearty meal.
So far, the dish that really caught my attention is their Eel Chilli Soup Ramen. It blends spicy and seafood flavours, and the eel adds a buttery and savoury note that makes the bowl stand out in a satisfying way.
| Pro tip: Nuku Nuku offers vegetarian and vegan ramen made with seasonal vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms. The easiest way to get them is to ask the staff when you order, and they’ll guide you to the bowls available that day. Pairing one with sides such as avocado tempura or veggie sushi makes for a balanced and satisfying meal. |
Umami
– Photo credit: umamiglasgow
Address: 523 Sauchiehall St
Contact details: +44 141 724 0680
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (MON-THURS)
12:00 PM – 10:30 PM (FRI and SAT)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SUN)
With its geisha figurines, colourful banners, and paper lanterns, Umami feels like one of those eye-catching ramen shops you’d stumble upon in Tokyo. If you want an authentic dining experience, this is a great place to find it.
Their ramen menu is strong, and I’ve already tried most of it. The standout for me is the roast duck ramen, served in a rich tonkotsu broth with spring onion and a soft egg.
The duck gives the bowl a deep, meaty flavour that sets it apart from the usual chicken ramen. I enjoy ordering it with a can of Asahi beer because that classic pairing makes a late-night dinner feel just right.
| Pro tip: Umami’s sake sampler is a fun add-on with ramen. For £8.80, you get Masumi Shiro, Akitabare Shunsetsu, and Ume no Yado Yuzushu. Each one brings a different flavour, and sipping them alongside a rich broth makes the meal feel more complete. Just ask the staff when ordering, and they’ll bring the set to your table. |
Nippon Kitchen
– Reel credit: nipponkitchenglasgow
Website: http://nipponkitchen.co.uk/
Address: 91 W George St
Contact details: +44 141 328 3113
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
Nippon Kitchen on George Street celebrates modern Japanese cuisine while still serving classics like ramen, sushi rolls, and tempura, only with ingredients that feel closer to home.
I think that approach works well because evolving flavours keep these dishes interesting and unique. Their ramen menu offers two main styles, spicy and shoyu, with different ingredients to choose from.
The bowl I often go for is the spicy prawn soup ramen. The broth has a satisfying kick of heat that blends nicely with the sweetness of the prawns, and the addition of seaweed and onion rounds out the flavours with a savoury and slightly salty touch.
| Pro tip: Nippon Kitchen offers private dining rooms that can seat up to 16 people, making them ideal for a more personal gathering with friends or colleagues. They also have a larger room that can accommodate up to 40 guests, which is perfect for big birthday parties or wedding celebrations. To book, simply send a message to their email at [email protected]. |
Don Ya Sushi
– Photo credit: donyasushiglasgow
Website: https://www.donyasushi.co.uk/
Address: 17 W Prince’s St
Contact details: +44 141 230 5421
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (TUES-SUN)
Even though Don Ya Sushi makes it clear what Japanese dish they’re focusing on, I’m glad it turned out to be a lovely spot for other Japanese dishes in the city. Their menu is broad, with plenty of sashimi, tempura, and bento boxes to choose from.
They also managed to deliver variety when it comes to ramen bowls. Options include spicy beef, seafood, and vegetable tempura, but my favourite is the teriyaki chicken ramen.
This bowl comes with broccoli, naruto, bamboo shoots, egg, and spring onion, all in a comforting broth that carries the sweet savoury flavour of teriyaki chicken. It feels like one of the best choices for anyone who is new to ramen.
| Pro tip: Don Ya Sushi is a cosy spot with limited seating, so timing your visit makes a big difference. Arriving early for lunch usually means you can settle in without waiting, while dinner hours tend to fill up quickly. It’s also worth reserving a table by sending your contact details through their website or by calling their number, although availability can be limited at times. |
Wagamama
– Photo credit: wagamama_uk
Website: https://www.wagamama.com/restaurants/glasgow/glasgow-city-centre
Address: 97 W George St
Contact details: +44 141 229 1468
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
Last time my friends and I went out to hang out, we ended our day with a quick dinner at Wagamama. They’re quite interesting because they feature dishes not only from Japan but also from other parts of Asia.
That’s why their menu is broad, with plenty of choices like teppanyaki, donburi rice bowls, curries, gyoza, and bao buns. The ramen selection stands out, since the bowls feel unique compared to the usual styles.
My favourite is the tantanmen beef brisket ramen. The bowl came with Korean barbecue brisket, menma, kimchi, coriander, and egg. The broth’s creamy texture and savoury depth made it one of the most memorable ramen bowls I’ve tried.
| Pro tip: Join Wagamama’s Soul Club through their mobile app to make every visit more rewarding. You collect stamps whenever you spend at least £12, and those quickly add up to free sides and mains. Signing up is simple, and the app keeps everything in one place so you can enjoy the perks without any fuss. The app is available for download on both the App Store and Play Store. |
Nanakusa
– Photo credit: nanakusa.glasgow
Website: https://www.nanakusa.co.uk/
Address: 441 Sauchiehall St
Contact details: +44 141 332 6303
Operating hours:
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (MON-THURS)
12:00 PM – 10:30 PM (FRI and SAT)
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SUN)
If you’re after that classic ramen taste without any twists, Nanakusa is worth a visit. Their restaurant sits near Charing Cross Station, making it easy to reach, and the menu is filled with Japanese favourites.
You can choose from sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, grilled dishes, and plenty of small plates like gyoza or tempura. For ramen, they serve two straightforward options: spicy and non-spicy.
I’m especially fond of the non-spicy version because it reminds me of the street ramen stalls I tried in Tokyo. The bowl has a rich soy-based broth with springy noodles, topped with slices of pork and egg that give it a comforting, homely feel.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip Nanakusa’s drinks menu during your visit! They serve a range of Japanese options like sake, shochu, and plum wine, and the team is always happy to suggest a pairing that works well with your ramen. |