Hello dear
Welcome To Thumbs Up Ramen
Thumbs Up Ramen, located in Fort Lee, NJ, is a culinary gem that specializes in authentic Japanese ramen and rice bowls. Renowned for its rich, flavorful broths, the menu features standout dishes like the Hakata ramen and tsukemen, alongside delectable options such as Chicken Karaage and GyuDon. Diners rave about the comforting, creamy texture and the unique toppings that elevate each meal. The warm, inviting atmosphere complements the delicious food, making it a perfect spot for ramen lovers. Thumbs Up Ramen is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of Japan right in their neighborhood.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
20. Tonkatsu-Ni Teishoku
US$16.99Tempura Shrimp
US$1.99Chicken Karaage
US$1.99
Extra Curry
US$1.99Sausage
US$1.99Fried Squid
US$1.49
Beef
US$3.99Fried Oyster
US$1.99Cheese
US$1.49 About
Thumbs Up Ramen
Welcome to Thumbs Up Ramen, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Fort Lee, NJ, at 2024 Center Ave. This new ramen spot has already made waves in the local food scene, earning accolades for its authentic and soul-soothing Japanese cuisine.
At Thumbs Up Ramen, diners are treated to an exquisite array of dishes that celebrate the rich flavors of traditional ramen. The menu features a variety of tantalizing options, ranging from succulent Hakata ramen with its thick, rich pork-based broth—which many patrons rave about—to delectable tsukemen that deliver a unique dipping experience. The tonkatsu teishoku plates, priced around $14.99 to $19.99, showcase perfectly fried pork cutlets paired with flavorful sides that evoke the comforting essence of Japan.
What truly stands out at Thumbs Up Ramen is the attention to detail in crafting each bowl. Reviewers like Ruby Fang and Alexis Palmer have noted the juicy chicken karaage and creamy ramen broth that delivers both comfort and authenticity. In a world where heavy broths can sometimes overwhelm, the broths here strike a perfect balance—rich, yet not overly salty, with thoughtful ingredients like lemon vinegar that add a refreshing kick. It’s a welcoming nod to those seeking a modern twist on classic flavors.
For those looking to customize their meal, the extensive selection of extra toppings makes personalizing your bowl a delightful experience. From fried pork cutlets to savory gyoza, the options allow diners to build their perfect ramen experience. The ramens are not just meals; they are an invitation to explore and create.
The inviting ambiance complements the stellar food. As highlighted by customers like Thomas Nguyen, the atmosphere evokes memories of intimate ramen shops in Japan, enhanced by the pleasant interactions with friendly staff. Every visit to Thumbs Up Ramen feels like a step into a culinary adventure, where portions are generous and flavors are bold.
In summary, Thumbs Up Ramen is more than just a dining experience; it’s a celebration of authentic Japanese flavors designed to delight your taste buds. Whether you are a ramen aficionado or a curious newcomer, this local eatery promises to exceed your expectations on every visit. Don't miss the chance to indulge in a bowl of ramen that will leave you craving more!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ super juicy chicken karage (fried chicken thigh) I love the chicken and pork broth, so rich yet not too salty like some other ramen shop. The lemon vinegar give a nice kick if you are tire of the traditional bone broth! ”
“ We had a great first experience here! The food is delicious and authentic (I used to live in Japan so I'm picky about authenticity). The takoyaki was to die for, and the creamy ramen broth was so comforting and satisfying. We'll definitely be back! ”
“ This is the ramen I've been wishing for in the fort lee/pal park area! I've been working nearby for like 10 and without any slander; this is now the best spot. They pass the karaage test with flying colors, so get that for sure. Just a guess but they might be using a bit of tapioca starch which gives it a unique texture. The star of the show is the Hakata ramen; which is why we sat in lunch rush hour traffic just to get here. The thick and rich pork based broth is excellent and something you can't get at other neighboring ramen spots. Noods are similar to Ichiran! The spicy satay like paste/oil they offer is fantastic. Maybe offer it on the side so people can adjust their own bowls instead of throwing it all in there. I'm hoping next time I stop by they can reduce the richness a tiny bit or maybe adopt a system like Ichiran where I can adjust some preferences on a tiny sheet of paper. Don't let the negative reviews prevent you from trying this spot! ”
“ I was so excited when this place opened up some weeks ago because my husband and I LOVE tsukemen and have been searching for a good local place. We ordered the regular chicken paitan tsukemen and the paitan miso tsukemen. If you prefer a more rich, pork flavored broth, then I highly recommend sticking with the regular version. While the chicken-pork broth has a little less flavor than normal pork broths, it's not as dense/heavy. Both regular and miso broths are incredible, and combined with the ambiance, reminded me of the small ramen shops in Japan. We haven't tried anything else yet on the menu but will definitely be coming back for more! ”
“ This was a random dinner choice that we’re glad to have found because of their Tsukemen. I don’t typically look for ramen spots nowadays but reviews seemed good here. We tried a few items: the Tsukemen because that seemed to be their specialty, the gyoza, and the chicken karaage. I found the gyoza to be okay and the chicken karaage satisfying and juicy though I’m not a fan in general of spicy mayo. The sauce for the Tsukemen seemed tasty though I’m no good judge of quality. It was savory but not too salty and importantly not too heavy either which is my concern for ramen nowadays. I enjoyed the noodles more than expected, they were nicely chewy. Note that their noodle sizes refer to quantity of noodles and not noodle size/width. Interior decor was nice, the wait staff we met were friendly, and overall we had a good experience. ”
“ Everything is amazing. I've visited all ramen restaurants in Fort Lee(including Tsujita) but this restaurant is definitely the best. I'm originally from Japan but everything including appetizers is even delicious compared to the ramen restaurants in Japan. I've already visited here over 5 times since I found it. Recommended to my friends and family but everyone said it was great. The staff is always kind, kids friendly and attentive. Appetizers are also great. Definitely try takoyaki ball and fried chicken. ”
“ The tori paiten spicy tsukamen was shockingly delicious. The red peppercorns gave it such a nice flavor and the lemon vinegar was . The jiro ramen was also . Loved the texture of the noods and the portions are generous. Overall great experience! ... ”
“ Been coming here with my family weekly for a few months now. In addition to consistently good ramen, service is also very good—waitress is always kind and thoughtful. My favorite is the spicy tori paitan miso ramen as pictured. Don’t skimp on that 2 spicy sauce! It transforms the entire miso ramen experience—well worth it! Additionally, the restaurant space is also overall very open and spacious. My only note would be for meat lovers: meat that comes with the ramen may be on the lighter side. It doesn’t bother me as I always order their karaage chicken (yum!) and I just care for amazing noodles and soup in the ramen—in that order. Highly recommended! ”