Ramen Nakamura

Ordered takeout for my son who had been wanting ramen our entire trip. Somehow it popped open, the wet bag ripped, and it fell to the sidewalk in front of a crowd that watched in horror. We went back to purchase another one but they hooked us up with a new one. He loved the ramen! Thanks so much for taking care of him and providing excellent service - it is a moment we didn’t expect but will remember fondly as a family.

We ordered the Spicy Ramen and the Spicy Oxtails Ramen. The broth for the spicy Ramen was a chicken and pork-based soup. Personally I found it pretty average. The oxtail Ramen soup had a much richer broth, definitely the better one in my opinion. We also tried the fried rice, but honestly I wouldn’t recommend it. The texture felt a bit too wet for my taste. The prices felt a bit high for the overall quality, and I personally don’t think the food was good enough to fully justify the price.

First time coming here as a resident instead of a visitor and honestly? Still top tier ramen for the price. I’m a thin noodle girl and they have the perfect thin noodles, rich spicy broth and consistently solid flavor. This time they were out of green onions, which definitely bummed me out because I love all the toppings and texture, but the ramen still hits. And no Calpico… if you know, you know. 😂 Are there better ramen spots in Honolulu? Sure. Ramen Barrio is definitely one of them. But Ramen Nakamura is still absolutely one of the top ramen spots in Waikīkī, especially when you factor in flavor, portion and price together.

I tried the oxtail ramen here, and while it's their signature, it felt a bit overpriced for what you get. The portion of oxtail was small, and I found the broth to be surprisingly light on flavor. There’s a spicy option available, so you might want to go with that for a bit more kick. You can upgrade your meal to a set with gyoza or fried rice, which helps fill you up. The place has a long history—they even play a video showing they’ve been around since the '90s—and it stays busy with counter-only seating. However, for the price, I was hoping for a bit more 'wow' factor.

The soups are to die for. I haven't had such good ramen soups for a long time. It's definitely the ingredient quality being high and really good combination, I think the flavor is more refined without being stronger.

🍜 OX TAIL RAMEN SPICY – Recommended The oxtail clear broth with a touch of spice is light and flavorful. It’s not overly heavy, and you can adjust the seasoning to your preference. The noodles are chewy and have a great texture. 🌶 SPICY RAMEN – Not Recommended A bit too salty, and the portion of meat is very small. Overall, prices are on the higher side. If you go, I’d definitely stick with the OX TAIL RAMEN SPICY.

On an Oahu day trip I finally decided to try this place out after walking by it so many times. Went in around 4:20pm and there was no line but a few people inside. I was surprised how small the restaurant was, literally a hole in the wall kind of thing. The seating area is set up in a “U” formation and it sort of reminded me of typical but normal Japanese style setup I’ve seen on tv shows, movies or just travel videos. You’re far enough from the person next to you but still close enough to feel a bit huddled in. I ordered the Tokyo Ramen and it took less than 10 minutes to get to me from the kitchen. It was a pretty good bowl; broth was delicious and portion was balanced for me, not too much not too little. Only minor complaint from me would be the type of noodles used. They are thin but were cooked nicely. I think I just prefer that thicker noodles that’s not quite udon thick but not as thin as some spaghettis. Would like to go back and try their oxtail ramen which seems to be what they’re known for.

Always a line for this place. Only have about 20 seats? Queue moves pretty quickly. Just go sign the sheet and people usually sit and eat and move on. They are known for their oxtail ramen. Tried it, it is pretty good. I prefer the tonkotsu ramen sometimes when I want something heavier in taste. Gyoza is good as is the fried rice.

Ramen Nakamura is hands-down the best ramen I’ve had outside of Japan. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with rich, comforting aromas and a cozy, authentic atmosphere that instantly transports you to a tiny shop in Tokyo. The broth is the star — deeply flavorful, balanced, and incredibly comforting without feeling overly heavy. The noodles have the perfect chew, and every topping feels thoughtful and fresh. Their oxtail ramen especially is unforgettable — tender meat, rich broth, and soul-warming depth in every bowl. Service is friendly, fast, and genuine, and despite how busy the shop gets, it always feels personal. Whether you’re a ramen fanatic or just looking for an amazing meal in Honolulu, this place is a must-try. If you’re visiting Hawaii, make Ramen Nakamura a priority. A stellar experience worth every slurp.

I tried the oxtail ramen here and I didn’t quite like it. The soup was far too salty and oily, and the ramen itself was overwhelmingly salty—it honestly tasted like something from the grocery store rather than a fresh, crafted bowl. The soup base also reminded me of pre-packaged spice mixes you’d find at the store. On the positive side, the oxtail portion was generous although it’s a bit dry. I also tried the dumplings, but they were very oily. Overall, the flavors didn’t feel balanced, and I wouldn’t come back for the ramen.