Sapporo, Hokkaido is home to many ramen shops beloved by locals and tourists alike. While famous for its miso ramen, the city boasts a rich variety of bowls, including shoyu (soy sauce) and shio (salt). In this article, we've carefully selected our top recommended ramen shops in Sapporo! From classic flavors to unique creations, use this guide to help you find your perfect bowl.

The "Miso Ramen" (1,000 yen), ordered by most customers who visit.

Menya Saimi, a renowned Sapporo miso ramen shop, continues to captivate crowds daily with its signature "Miso Ramen." The soup, a blend of clear pork bone broth and a special white miso-based sauce, achieves a perfect balance of deep richness and a clean finish that you can enjoy to the last drop. The noodles are the classic yellow, medium-thick, and wavy type, with a firm texture that pairs exceptionally well with the soup. Furthermore, dissolving the grated ginger served atop the chashu pork creates a refreshing change in flavor.

The Owner's Surprising Recommendation: "Kara Shoyu Ramen"

The owner's recommendation, "Kara Shoyu Ramen" (Spicy Soy Sauce Ramen) (1,050 yen).

While the classic miso is a must-try, the menu is rich in variety, including shoyu and shio. Among them, the owner recommends the "Kara Shoyu Ramen." Though it appears to be a dark, rich soy sauce ramen, the soup has a surprisingly crisp and clean finish. The exquisite balance of spiciness and umami makes this an addictive bowl.

A Famous Ramen Flavor You Must Try at Least Once in Sapporo

The noodles are the quintessential medium-thick, wavy Sapporo ramen noodles.

The restaurant is easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from Misono Station on the Toho Subway Line. It's also convenient for drivers, with parking available in front of the shop and a third parking lot as well. The interior features both counter and table seating, and it's loved by tourists as well as local families and regulars. As a one-of-a-kind establishment, it's a legendary shop where you can truly experience Sapporo miso ramen.

Read more about "Menya Saimi"

The signature "Miso" (1,200 yen), a representative of Sapporo ramen.

Located in Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, "Sumire Main Shop" is an essential stop when talking about Sapporo ramen. Its signature dish is the "Miso Ramen," which has captivated fans since its founding. A key feature is the layer of lard covering the soup's surface, which keeps it piping hot until the very last bite. The slowly simmered clear broth is a condensation of umami from animal bones and aromatic vegetables.

Custom-Made Noodles Perfect for the Soup & a Flavor Twist with Ginger

The medium-thick, wavy noodles are custom-made for Sumire by Nishiyama Seimen.

The noodles are medium-thick and wavy, robust enough to stand up to the rich soup. Their chewy, springy texture pairs perfectly with the broth, enhancing the satisfying experience. Furthermore, dissolving the ginger transforms the heavy miso flavor, giving it a clean, refreshing taste.

Shoyu Ramen and Fried Rice Also Have a Strong Following

The wonton topping adds a nice accent.

While the signature miso ramen is a must, the shoyu ramen and fried rice also boast a dedicated fan base. The shop is a 10-minute walk from Nakanoshima Station on the Namboku Subway Line. With a 16-space parking lot, it's also accessible by car. The quality of its taste is proven by the many apprentices who trained at the legendary Sumire and now showcase their skills at shops across the country.

Read more about "Sumire"

The shop's signature dish, "Shirokimo Niboshi Ramen" (White Liver & Dried Sardine Ramen) (1,100 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Shiroishi-ku, "Ame wa, Yasashiku" (The Rain is Gentle) serves a distinctive bowl featuring a broth made without any animal products and a unique white liver paste. The shop's signature "Shirokimo Niboshi Ramen" comes with a paste made from Hokkaido-sourced white liver, mushrooms, and soy milk. As the paste dissolves into the primary dashi broth—made from niboshi (dried sardines), shiitake mushrooms, and kombu—it transforms the soup's flavor.

Large Chashu and Eye-Catching Burdock Root Tempura

The accompanying burdock root tempura makes a bold statement.

The homemade noodles cling perfectly to the delicate soup, highlighting their wheat flavor and smooth texture. The toppings are also visually striking. The white liver paste is mounded on a large slice of chashu, and next to it sits gobo-ten (burdock root tempura). The crispy burdock tempura becomes even more delicious as it soaks up the soup.

A Welcoming Atmosphere for Solo Diners. A Second Branch in Central Sapporo.

The gentle atmosphere of the shop makes it easy for women to enter.

The main shop, located about a 10-minute drive from JR Shiroishi Station, has a 7-space parking lot. True to its name, the shop's exterior and interior have a soft, warm atmosphere, creating a welcoming space that is easy for women to enter alone. There is also a second branch in central Sapporo, making it conveniently accessible.

Read more about "Ame wa, Yasashiku"

The most popular dish, "Tonshio Ramen" (850 yen).

Founded in 1994 and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, the veteran ramen shop "Ramen Gojogen" is famous for its signature "Tonshio." The creamy soup, which concentrates the umami of pork bones without any gaminess, is perfectly matched with a salt-based seasoning.

The Immensely Popular Side Dish: "Chashu Onigiri"

Gojogen's iconic side dish, "Chashu Onigiri" (pork rice ball) (200 yen).

Just as popular as the ramen is the side dish "Chashu Onigiri." It was originally offered as a complimentary item for regular customers, but it has now become so popular that over 300 are sold each day. The rice is mixed with plenty of finely chopped chashu pork, and at 200g, its volume and meaty flavor make it incredibly satisfying.

Located Near Central Sapporo and Open Until 3 AM

The ramen is constantly evolving, with slight changes to the soup's concentration and sauce to match the times.

The shop is a 10-minute walk from Nakajima Koen Station and has its own parking lot. A major draw is that it's open until 3 AM. The simple interior, with just 13 seats at an L-shaped counter, is always bustling with customers from the moment it opens until late at night.

Read more about "Ramen Gojogen"

The popular "Hojun Shoyu Soba" (Rich Soy Sauce Soba) (1,200 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Chuo-ku, "Menya 169" is renowned for the delicate ramen crafted by its owner, who has a background in traditional Japanese cuisine. The signature "Hojun Shoyu Soba" features a distinctive "triple soup" that exquisitely blends dashi from chicken, niboshi (dried sardines), and clams. The medium-thin straight noodles have a pronounced wheat flavor and create a perfect harmony with the soup.

The Secret to its Deep Flavor: "Black Truffle and Fermented Black Garlic Paste"

The paste on the duck chashu is a blend of black truffle and fermented black garlic.

The bowl is generously topped with moist, tender chashu pork, flavorful duck chashu, and clams. A key highlight is the paste of black truffle and fermented black garlic served on the duck chashu. By gradually dissolving this into the soup, the flavor gains a profound depth.

The Rich Miso "Sapporo Miso Ramen" is Also Popular

For miso lovers, the satisfying "Sapporo Miso Ramen" (1,000 yen).

Another popular item, the "Sapporo Miso Ramen," features a deep flavor combining a pork bone broth with a miso tare (sauce) and niboshi dashi. The medium-thick, wavy noodles cling well to the soup, and dissolving the ginger garnish at the end adds a refreshing aftertaste. The shop is about a 10-minute walk from Horohirabashi Station on the Namboku Subway Line. It's a noteworthy spot that was listed in the Michelin Guide shortly after opening.

Read more about "Menya 169"

The popular "Jidori Komen Shoyu" (Free-Range Chicken Noodle Soy Sauce) (1,100 yen).

Known for its elegant atmosphere and bowls crafted from meticulously selected ingredients, "Shinasoba Chiu"'s signature dish is the "Jidori Komen Shoyu." The soup is carefully extracted from whole Amakusa Daio and Hinai Jidori free-range chickens, blended with raw soy sauce from Akita's "Ando Jozo" and tamari soy sauce from Gifu's "Sekigahara Jozo." The toppings are also luxurious, featuring two types of chashu made from Hokkaido pork and beef, as well as roast beef.

"Jidori Komen Shio" Features a Salt Sauce Blended with Okinawan Rock Salt

"Jidori Komen Shio" (Free-Range Chicken Noodle Salt) (1,100 yen).

Alongside the "Jidori Komen Shoyu," the other regular menu item, "Jidori Komen Shio," features a salt-based sauce that allows you to savor the deliciousness of the clear chicken broth, blended with Okinawan "Nuchimasu" rock salt and other ingredients. It is every bit as delicious as the shoyu version.

A Popular Shop in the Maruyama Area with a Distinctive Ramen and Atmosphere

The noodles are homemade in the noodle-making room at the back of the shop.

The shop is a 5-minute walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line. While there is no dedicated parking, nearby coin-operated parking lots make it accessible by car. Enjoy a luxurious bowl of ramen in an upscale atmosphere.

Read more about "Shinasoba Chiu"

Serving Sapporo miso ramen that inherits the flavor of the legendary shop "Sumire."

Located in the Hassamu area of Sapporo's Nishi-ku, "Hachinoki" is a popular shop serving a "Jun-Sumi-kei" (Pure Sumire Style) bowl that carries on the flavor of the legendary shop "Sumire." It opened in 2016 as the third shop to receive a *noren-wake* (a formal approval to open a branch) after shops like "Saimi," and it continues to serve the quintessential Sapporo miso ramen.

The Deciding Factors of "Miso Ramen": Piping Hot Soup and Aromatic Stir-Fried Vegetables

Hachinoki's most popular dish, "Miso Ramen" (1,000 yen).

The popular "Miso Ramen" is prepared by heating lard and garlic in a wok, stir-frying bean sprouts and other vegetables at the perfect temperature to avoid burning, and then adding the soup to the same wok to serve it piping hot. The secret to the soup's deliciousness is a special miso sauce blended from several types of miso. And, as is familiar with Sumire-style ramen, dissolving the grated ginger garnish provides a refreshing change in flavor.

Custom-Made Noodles Designed for the Soup. A Popular Ramen Shop in Sapporo's Nishi Ward.

Using custom-made medium-thick, wavy noodles from Morizumi Seimen.

The noodles that cling to the soup are characterized by their springy bite and firm texture. The shop is a 7-minute walk from JR Hassamu Station and has a 12-space parking lot. The interior, with 8 counter seats and 2 tables, is compact yet provides a calm and relaxing space.

Read more about "Hachinoki"

The one and only menu item! "Miso Ramen" (1,100 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Nakajima Park area, "Miso Ramen Senmonten Ookami Soup" (Miso Ramen Specialty Shop: Wolf Soup) is a renowned Sapporo ramen shop that stakes its reputation on miso alone. Here too, the owner trained at "Sumire," and while inheriting its tradition, offers a bowl that has undergone its own unique evolution. The soup is rich, mellow, and has a distinctive thickness. Both locals and tourists flock here in search of this one-of-a-kind miso ramen.

Kita Akari Potatoes Create a Unique Thickness and Richness

One sip of the soup reveals a rich yet mellow umami flavor.

The menu at "Ookami Soup" is refreshingly simple: only "Miso Ramen." The soup is made by combining a meticulously simmered pork bone and vegetable base with the owner's special miso sauce. One sip reveals a rich yet mellow umami flavor. The secret lies in the Hokkaido-grown "Kita Akari" potatoes hidden at the bottom of the bowl. They add a natural sweetness and thickness, ensuring a deep richness down to the very last spoonful.

Custom Medium-Thick Wavy Noodles Perfectly Match the Thick Soup

Located a 5-minute walk from Nakajima Park, it's easy to stop by while sightseeing.

The noodles paired with the soup are custom-made medium-thick wavy noodles from the prestigious Sapporo noodle maker "Nishiyama Seimen." The springy, elastic noodles cling perfectly to the thick soup, creating an ideal harmony. Furthermore, crisp cabbage and bean sprouts provide a refreshing rhythm amidst the rich soup, making for a flavor you'll never tire of. The shop is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Nakajima Koen Station, making it a perfect spot to visit during a walk or sightseeing tour.

Read more about "Ookami Soup"

The popular "Kaidashi Shoyu" (Clam Broth Soy Sauce) (950 yen).

Located in Sumikawa, Sapporo's Minami-ku, "Mendokoro Maruha RISE" is characterized by its clam broth, which extracts umami from a large quantity of hard clams. The popular "Kaidashi Shoyu" is a bowl where the clam broth soup is combined with an aromatic oil made from oysters, creating a dish brimming with the deliciousness of shellfish. The set with "Shime Chazuke" (a finishing dish of rice with broth poured over it) is also popular, allowing you to fully enjoy the soup's flavor.

Rich "Noko Tonkotsu Miso" and Day-Specific "Sapporo Taiwan Men" Are Also Popular

If you enjoy a rich style, try the "Noko Tonkotsu Miso" (Rich Pork Bone Miso) (1,100 yen).

In addition to the signature clam broth shoyu and shio, the shop also offers a rich pork bone miso ramen. Furthermore, the "Sapporo Taiwan Men," available only on Mondays and Tuesdays, is a Sapporo-style arrangement of Nagoya's Taiwanese ramen. This ramen, topped with stir-fried bean sprouts from a wok, has an addictive spicy kick and aromatic flavor.

Family-Friendly and Welcoming to Strollers

"Sapporo Taiwan Men" (1,100 yen), an arrangement of Nagoya's Taiwanese ramen.

"Mendokoro Maruha RISE" opened in 2017 as the second brand of "Mendokoro Maruha BEYOND." The shop is a 5-minute walk from Sumikawa Station on the Namboku Subway Line. It has a welcoming atmosphere where strollers are allowed, making it a beloved spot for a wide range of customers, from families to ramen connoisseurs.

Read more about "Mendokoro Maruha RISE"

The most popular dish, "Miso Ramen" (1,100 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Nishi-ku, "Sapporo Menya Mitsuba" is a popular shop that received a *noren-wake* (formal approval to open a branch) from the legendary, always-busy "Menya Saimi." The signature "Miso Ramen" features a deep-flavored miso sauce blended from three types of miso, with a hint of ginger as an accent. The piping hot soup and the perfectly stir-fried, crisp bean sprouts are an exquisite match. The noodles are the classic Sapporo medium-thick, wavy type, with a springy texture that perfectly complements the soup.

The Crisp "Shoyu Ramen" is Also Recommended

The kamaboko fish cake topping is a nice accent in the "Shoyu Ramen" (1,000 yen).

While miso is the most popular choice at "Sapporo Menya Mitsuba," another noteworthy menu item is the "Shoyu Ramen." The sharp flavor of the dark soy sauce and the piping hot soup stimulate the appetite, and the bean sprouts are cooked just as expertly as in the miso version. The kamaboko fish cake topping also adds a nice accent to the flavor.

A Bowl That Inherits the Spirit of Saimi While Evolving with its Own Personality

The noodles are the quintessential medium-thick, wavy Sapporo ramen noodles.

The shop is a 5-minute walk from JR Hassamu-Chuo Station and has a 9-space parking lot. While inheriting the flavor of its training ground, "Menya Saimi," this bowl is constantly evolving with its own originality. If you want to experience the next generation of Sapporo miso ramen, this is a must-visit.

Read more about "Sapporo Menya Mitsuba"

The most popular dish, "Niboshi Shoyu" (Dried Sardine Soy Sauce) (650 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Chuo-ku, "Ramen Mokuyoubi"'s (Ramen Thursday) signature dish, "Niboshi Shoyu," is a bowl that utilizes the natural umami and pleasant, characteristic bite of niboshi (dried sardines), with an excellent balance of soy sauce. And what's more, it's offered at the surprising price of just 650 yen.

"Tsukemen" and Spicy "Karanibo" Are Also Popular Choices to Enjoy the Noodles

"Kara (Spicy) Tsukemen" (2 servings of thick, hand-massaged noodles) (800 yen).

The noodles are specially made in-house, and you can choose between regular (medium-thick) or thick noodles. Other recommended menu items include "Tsukemen" (dipping noodles), which allows you to fully appreciate the deliciousness of the noodles, and the spicy "Karanibo." The "Karanibo," seasoned with homemade niboshi chili oil, offers a pleasant spiciness that doesn't overpower the sardine flavor, making it an addictive bowl.

The Name Comes From "Ramen Served on the Curry Shop's Day Off"

"Kara (Spicy) Nibo" (700 yen), seasoned with homemade "niboshi chili oil" for a moderate kick.

The shop is about a 2-minute walk from the Nishisen Kujo Asahiyama Koen Dori stop on the Sapporo streetcar line in Chuo-ku. With 3 parking spots available, it's also accessible by car. The unique name "Ramen Mokuyoubi" (Ramen Thursday) comes from the fact that the owner used to serve ramen only on Thursdays, the day off at the curry shop where he previously worked.

Read more about "Ramen Mokuyoubi"

The most popular dish, "Miso Tsukemen" (Miso Dipping Noodles) (980 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Higashi-ku, "Sapporo Fujiya" is famous for its miso-based menu, crafted by an owner who holds a Miso Sommelier certification. The signature "Miso Tsukemen" features a dipping broth made by combining a seafood-pork bone soup (pork bone and chicken carcass base with mackerel flakes and niboshi) with a special white miso-based sauce.

Flavorful Custom-Made Noodles Pair Perfectly with the Special Miso

The noodles are custom-made by Nishiyama Seimen.

The special noodles are custom-made by Nishiyama Seimen. A blend of Hokkaido's "Kitahonami" and "Yumechikara" wheat varieties, these medium-thick noodles offer a smooth yet chewy texture and rich flavor. They cling perfectly to the rich dipping broth, elevating the completeness of the tsukemen.

Also Featuring a Classic Miso Ramen with Deep, Rich Flavor

The classic "Miso Ramen" (950 yen) is also recommended.

The classic "Miso Ramen" also features a deep, rich flavor, combining the seafood-pork bone soup with the special miso sauce. Founded in 2007 in Sapporo's Kita-ku, "Sapporo Fujiya" is a 3-minute walk from Higashi-kuyakusho-mae Station. The company also operates branch stores: "Fujiya NOODLE" in Sapporo's Susukino and "Sapporo Miso Fujiya" in Chiba.

Read more about "Sapporo Fujiya"

"Garyu Sapporo Ramen Hishio" (1,000 yen)

Located in Sapporo's Toyohira Ward, Garyu Menbu Hien is popular for its "kossari-style" ramen, a fusion of creamy chicken paitan broth and traditional Sapporo ramen techniques that is rich yet light. We recommend the "Garyu Sapporo Ramen Hishio." This dish features neck meat from Shinrin-dori chickens from Miyagi Prefecture, simmered for hours to create a concentrated umami flavor. The soup is finished by adding it to vegetables stir-fried in lard in a wok, creating a signature dish characterized by the savory depth of the chicken paitan and the aromatic fragrance of the seared vegetables.

"Chuka Soba" Made with Otaru Jidori Chicken and a Blend of Five Soy Sauces

"Otaru Jidori no Chuka Soba" (1,030 yen)

Also highly popular is the "Chuka Soba," made with rare Otaru jidori chicken. The sharp, clean soy sauce tare is a blend of five different soy sauces, which combines with the clear jidori chicken broth to create a deep, complex flavor. The noodles for the Chuka Soba are straight noodles from the long-established Kyoto noodle maker Menya Teigaku, providing a perfect match for the soup.

The "Gyokai Tori Shio Paitan," a Fusion of Chicken Paitan and Seafood Umami, is Also a Favorite

"Gyokai Tori Shio Paitan" (950 yen)

Another popular choice is the "Gyokai Tori Shio Paitan," which combines the umami of seafood with chicken paitan. This refreshing bowl brings together the shop's signature chicken paitan with a bonito-based seafood dashi for a clean taste. The shop is a 20-minute walk from Nakanoshima Station or a 15-minute walk from Sumikawa Station on the Subway Namboku Line.

Read more about "Garyu Menbu Hien"

The popular "Hokkaido's Three Great Kombu Water Tsukemen" (1,280 yen)

Located in the Kita-Nijuyojo area, Men Shoki is a ramen shop that opened in 2022 with a focus on kombu (kelp) dashi. Its signature dish is the "Hokkaido's Three Great Kombu Water Tsukemen." True to its name, the noodles are steeped in a kombu-infused water made from a luxurious blend of Hokkaido's own Ma-kombu, Rishiri-kombu, and Rausu-kombu. The noodles are so overflowing with umami that you might forget about the dipping sauce. The smooth yet chewy texture of the noodles perfectly matches the rich flavor of the kombu.

Enjoy Every Last Drop with the Dipping Sauce and Soup-Wari

The specially crafted dipping sauce, a perfect match for the noodles

The dipping sauce, designed to enhance the umami of the noodles, has a simple yet profound flavor made from a chicken and pork broth combined with a salt-based tare. Each time you dip the noodles, the umami from the kombu water is added to the sauce, building up layers of flavor. And for a post-meal treat, there's the "soup-wari." A dashi broth is provided in a bottle, allowing you to dilute the remaining dipping sauce to your preferred strength and enjoy it as a soup.

Don't Miss the Seabura Niboshi Ramen

Another signature dish, the "Seabura Niboshi" (1,000 yen)

Alongside the tsukemen, another signature dish is the "Seabura Niboshi" (back fat and dried sardine). This bowl is a fusion of Kyoto and Niigata ramen styles, featuring a sharp soy sauce flavor enhanced by the rich umami of pork back fat. The shop is a 5-minute walk from Kita-Nijuyojo Station on the Subway Namboku Line. It's also conveniently located near the major Ishikari Kaido Avenue and has a parking lot. This much-talked-about restaurant was opened by the founder of the famous Kyoto shop "Seabura no Kami," who moved to Hokkaido to start this new venture.

Read more about "Men Shoki"

The signature "Chashu & Meat Wonton Soba (Black)" (890 yen)

Located in the Kikusui area of Shiroishi Ward, Chuka Soba California has been popular since its opening in 2015 as one of the few places in Hokkaido where you can enjoy "Hachioji-style ramen." The most popular dish, "Chashu & Meat Wonton Soba (Black)," offers incredible value for money at just 890 yen for four slices of chashu and three wontons. The soup is based on a seafood dashi made from ingredients like dried sardines (iwashi and urume) and mackerel flakes, creating a perfect harmony between the sharp soy sauce and an aromatic oil infused with the umami of vegetables.

From Limited-Time to Regular Menu: The "Neo-Classic Chuka Soba"

"Neo-Classic Chuka Soba" (770 yen)

The shop uses custom-ordered thin, straight noodles to achieve a unique, slightly coarse texture. Another new staple on the menu is the "Neo-Classic Chuka Soba," which features a soy sauce tare enriched with the broth used to simmer the chashu, resulting in a classic bowl that is simple yet deeply flavorful.

A Bowl Crafted with the Owner's Passion for Chuka Soba

Since opening, the noodles have been sourced from Tamura Seimen in Hachioji

This uniquely designed shop in a residential area is about a 5-minute walk from Kikusui Subway Station. The interior has 7 counter seats and 3 tables, making it a comfortable space for both solo diners and groups. If you're looking to taste authentic Chuka Soba in Sapporo, this is a must-visit spot.

Read more about "Chuka Soba California"

*All prices include tax.
*Shop details and menu prices are based on information available at the time of reporting. Please check the official websites or social media of each shop for the latest information.