New Jersey might not be the first place you think of when you crave authentic Japanese ramen, but the Garden State has quietly developed one of the East Coast's most exciting ramen scenes. Leading the charge is Ramen Nagomi, a beloved Japanese restaurant with four locations that has earned over 1,200 Yelp reviews and become a pilgrimage destination for ramen lovers from Newark to the Jersey Shore. If you're looking for the best ramen in New Jersey, here's your definitive guide — from what makes NJ ramen unique to the exact bowls you need to try.
New Jersey's Ramen Renaissance
Over the past decade, New Jersey has experienced a genuine ramen revolution. What started as a few scattered shops near Rutgers University in New Brunswick has grown into a statewide movement. The state's large Japanese-American population, proximity to NYC's dining influence, and college-town appetite for affordable, high-quality food have created the perfect conditions for ramen to thrive.
Today, you can find excellent ramen from Hoboken to Princeton, but for many New Jerseyans, one name stands above the rest: Ramen Nagomi.
Ramen Nagomi: From Tokyo Alley to the Garden State
The name "Nagomi" means comfort, harmony, and peace in Japanese, and that philosophy infuses everything about this restaurant. What began with a simple goal — to bring the kind of ramen you'd find tucked into a quiet Tokyo alleyway to Central New Jersey — has grown into a four-location operation that stays true to its roots.
Ramen Nagomi's mission statement says it best: "Innovation never replaces patience. Ramen should be slow, soulful, and made with care. That means no shortcuts."
The 18-Hour Tonkotsu Broth
The foundation of Ramen Nagomi's menu is their signature tonkotsu broth, which simmers for up to 18 hours until it reaches a rich, creamy consistency that coats every strand of noodle. This isn't the thin, salty broth you get from a packet or a shortcut recipe — it's a living thing, developed with patience and technique that you can taste in every spoonful.
The 18-hour commitment is a significant investment for any restaurant. Most ramen shops cut corners with pressure cookers or shorter simmer times, but Nagomi's approach follows the traditional Tokyo method where low-and-slow extraction pulls maximum collagen and flavor from the pork bones. The result? A broth so rich it almost feels like a sauce, with layers of umami that develop with every sip.
House-Made Noodles, Every Day
Great broth deserves great noodles, and Ramen Nagomi makes all their noodles in-house daily. Fresh noodles have a different texture and flavor than dried or pre-made alternatives — they're springier, more absorbent, and they grip the broth in a way that creates a perfect bite every time. Making noodles daily is labor-intensive and expensive, but it's non-negotiable for Nagomi.
Ingredients from Japan
Many of Ramen Nagomi's key ingredients are sourced directly from Japan. This includes specialty seasonings, nori, and the proprietary blend used to marinate their ajitama eggs — the soft-boiled, jammy-centered eggs that top every bowl. These imported ingredients provide an authenticity that's difficult to replicate with domestic substitutes.
Menu Highlights: What to Order at Ramen Nagomi
Ramen
- Tonkotsu Ramen — The signature. Rich 18-hour pork bone broth, house-made noodles, tender chashu pork, marinated ajitama egg, nori, scallions. Every topping is placed with intention for balance and depth. This is the bowl that built Nagomi's reputation.
- Chicken Ramen — A lighter alternative that's become a fan favorite in its own right. The house chicken broth is delicate, savory, and — as regulars put it — "so delish." Perfect if you want something less heavy than tonkotsu.
- Spicy Miso Ramen — Bold and warming, with a miso-based broth that brings depth and a satisfying kick. Great for cold New Jersey winters.
- Vegetable Ramen — A thoughtful plant-based option crafted with the same care as the meat-based broths. Proves that great ramen doesn't require pork.
Appetizers & Small Plates
- Kakuni Bao — NJ Monthly highlighted these: chopped pork belly in light, fluffy bao buns with sweet cucumbers and a zesty bao sauce that gives them a smoky, BBQ-inspired flavor. Also available in crispy chicken, shrimp, and tofu.
- Gyoza — Classic pan-fried dumplings with a crispy bottom and juicy filling.
- Takoyaki — Crispy fried octopus fritters — a beloved Japanese street food done right.
All Four Ramen Nagomi Locations
New Brunswick — Bayard St (Flagship)
The original. Located at 49 Bayard St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, just minutes from Rutgers University. This is where the Nagomi story began, and it remains the most popular location with over 1,200 Yelp reviews. Phone: (732) 317-2623. Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM | Fri–Sat 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM | Sun 12 PM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM.
New Brunswick — Easton Ave
The second New Brunswick location at 176 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 helps serve the area's enormous demand. Same menu, same quality, often shorter waits than the flagship. Phone: (732) 275-8004.
Freehold
Bringing Nagomi to Monmouth County at 5 W Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728. This charming downtown location has earned 4.6 stars and 142+ reviews since opening. Phone: (732) 630-1101. Hours: Mon–Thu 12 PM – 3:15 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM | Fri–Sat 12 PM – 3:15 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM | Sun 12 PM – 3:15 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM.
Quaker Bridge Mall (Lawrence Township)
The newest location at 150 Quakerbridge Mall, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, bringing Nagomi to the Princeton/Trenton area. Continuous hours make it convenient for shoppers and families. Phone: (609) 388-9600. Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 AM – 8 PM | Fri–Sat 11:30 AM – 9 PM | Sun 12 PM – 7 PM.
What Reviewers Say
With a combined 1,400+ reviews across all locations, Ramen Nagomi has built one of the strongest reputations of any restaurant in New Jersey. NJ Monthly featured the restaurant for its "rich flavors and secret menu items." Yelp reviewers consistently praise the depth of the tonkotsu broth, the freshness of the noodles, and the care put into every bowl.
Common themes in reviews: "The broth is incredible" ... "Best ramen in NJ" ... "Everything about this chicken ramen is so delish" ... "You can taste the difference when noodles are fresh" ... "Worth the wait every time."
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early: The Bayard St location can have significant waits during dinner (6:30–8 PM). Arriving before 5:30 PM or after 8:30 PM avoids the rush.
- Try the Easton Ave location: Same quality, often shorter waits than the flagship.
- Start with bao: The kakuni bao is the perfect appetizer while you wait for your ramen to arrive.
- Customize your noodles: Additional toppings and ramen sides are available for a small upcharge.
- Ask about secret menu items: NJ Monthly mentioned secret menu items — don't be shy about asking your server what's available.
The Verdict
If you're searching for the best ramen in New Jersey, Ramen Nagomi earns the top spot. The combination of an 18-hour tonkotsu broth, daily house-made noodles, imported Japanese ingredients, and a philosophy that refuses shortcuts creates something rare — ramen that rivals what you'd find in Tokyo, right here in the Garden State.
With four locations across Central NJ, Nagomi has made world-class ramen accessible whether you're near Rutgers, headed to the Shore, or shopping at Quaker Bridge. Their growth from a single shop to a four-location operation — all while maintaining quality — speaks volumes. In a state full of great food, Ramen Nagomi stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ramen in New Jersey?
Ramen Nagomi is widely considered the best ramen in New Jersey, with 4.5 stars and over 1,200 reviews on Yelp. Their 18-hour tonkotsu broth and daily house-made noodles set them apart. They have four locations: two in New Brunswick, one in Freehold, and one at Quaker Bridge Mall.
How many Ramen Nagomi locations are there?
Four: 49 Bayard St, New Brunswick (flagship) | 176 Easton Ave, New Brunswick | 5 W Main St, Freehold | 150 Quakerbridge Mall, Lawrence Township.
What are Ramen Nagomi's hours?
Most locations serve lunch (11:30 AM – 3:30 PM) and dinner (5 PM – 9:30 PM) Monday through Thursday, with extended hours until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours are slightly shorter. The Quaker Bridge location has continuous hours (11:30 AM – 8/9 PM).
What should I order at Ramen Nagomi?
The Tonkotsu Ramen is the must-try signature dish. For lighter fare, try the Chicken Ramen. Start with Kakuni Bao and Gyoza as appetizers. Ask about secret menu items for something special.
Is there usually a wait at Ramen Nagomi?
The flagship Bayard St location often has waits during peak dinner hours (6:30–8 PM) and weekends. The Easton Ave and Freehold locations tend to be less crowded. Arriving before 5:30 PM or after 8:30 PM helps avoid the rush.
Does Ramen Nagomi have vegetarian options?
Yes, Ramen Nagomi offers a vegetable ramen option crafted with the same care as their meat-based broths. Bao buns are also available with tofu.
What does "Nagomi" mean?
"Nagomi" is a Japanese word meaning comfort, harmony, and peace — values that reflect the restaurant's mission to bring warmth and soul to every bowl of ramen they serve.
Does Ramen Nagomi make their own noodles?
Yes, all noodles are made in-house daily at every location. This commitment to freshness is a key part of their "no shortcuts" philosophy and contributes to the superior texture and flavor of their ramen.