Ambience Definitely a hidden gem that has held its place on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit for over 12 years. The building's striking fire-engine-red brick exterior offers a fitting hint of the bold experience waiting beyond the doors. It's a very small, intimate restaurant, with a cozy feel that makes the space feel personal rather than sprawling. I was pleased to see that it welcomes families, including children--hold the wasabi. Service You may have to wait a minute for a table, but if you're in a rush, there's always the option of pulling up a barstool and dining at the bar. Where you'll also find a limited choices of liquor. The servers were friendly and extremely attentive. I appreciated that they weren't overbearing; they were easy to reach, accommodating, and present when needed. Food The food selections--hold onto your hat and be prepared to hit the fire alarm! The flavors promise to bring some serious heat and excitement to the table. This place offers ramen with a twist, giving a familiar food choice a more distinctive and unexpected presentation. read more

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If not the existing reviews is never go to this place looking at it from the outside and the surrounding area lol Thankfully we had our car parked near by, and were looking for something to eat, so I checked the reviews and we decided to give it a try, especially since they clearly mark vegan items on the menu. It was the best decision we've made that day, I got the burned miso ramen, my husband the Major Tom Khatsu and we both lived them! Very flavorful broth, and chewy noodles. The staff was very friendly and helpful considering it was our first time. The only wish I had is that their bao was without dairy, so it could be vegan too. We'll be back for more! read more

Johnny Noodle King - Burnt Garlic Miso - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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I want to John King on my birthday and May 4, 2025 it was amazing there I even got the egg with the with the noodle thing and it was so good me and my dad we sit down. We also got all the drinks. It was so good there. Everything was so good and then and then the worker my bat and my best friend Heidi out with his name. He also gave me dessert which was so good. It was delicious. I would read that out of that 10 out of 10. It was the best place ever the food was amazing as well. The the menu was also amazing as well. They also gave us a menu. was amazing. I even got the noodles and I also know how to use the chopstick for this place was amazing. They were so cool. Me and my me and the worker were making jokes we're making so much fun and we're laughing and we're also my best friend Heidi's worker from Best place Cody read more

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Never disappointed good place any time Good service great chefs they cook it up right Get the happy hour sake and beer read more

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I loved the pseudo-diner aesthetic of this place, and the TV showing Detroit points of interest, with obviously photoshopped ramen bowls in front of them. This place is absolutely my vibe. The staff are fantastic, friendly, and very skilled at their jobs. Beverages were refilled, we were checked in with, and felt taken care of. The real star of the show was the food. I came with two of my sons, and we all really enjoyed our ramen bowls. I had the pork belly tonkatsu, one of my sons had the catfish tonkatsu, and the other had the red curry. I absolutely recommend this restaurant, and will be returning very soon! read more

I love soup, especially soup with noodles! It's been a long time since we've been back to JNK and I can't wait to go back again. Services was excellent, our waters were constantly refilled and everyone was pleasant. I ordered the New Seoul and added an Egg, mushroom and broccoli. This ramen comes with a large "brick" of short rib meat in a flavorful broth that is slightly spicy. My hubby got the Cajun Catfish which is completely different & added an Egg and mushrooms! The catfish is put on top of the Ramen so the soup doesn't taste fishy at all. The catfish was super flavorful and really good. His ramen was also pretty spicy (I think spicier than the New Seoul). This is a super casual place, I notice they extended the restaurant so it's got an open-air area (but you're covered the whole time). There is a small parking lot (free) or street parking (also free). The restaurant location is in an area where not much is going on so you'll definitely have to drive here. Enjoy! read more

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It's ramen with a Detroit flare. I enjoyed the corned beef noodles. It's a great fusion of Detroit and the East. The pork bao was delicious. Went during happy hour. You can get $2 Stroh's, $4 Kirin draft, and 20oz Sapporo bottles for $6. The food and service were great. The only reason it's not 5 stars is becuase there is no food on their happy hour menu. Other than that m, it's a cute Detroit inspired fusion and fun to eat there. read more

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I stopped by Johnny Noodle King on Fort Street, and I'm glad this spot exists because I'm a big fan of noodles and broth. It's a cute little place with indoor and outdoor seating, and in this part of Fort Street there aren't many food options, so it's a nice addition. Service was good, and they have a decent beverage selection. I ordered the chicken pho. I eat pho often, and while the ingredients were fresh, this was my least favorite bowl. The broth leaned heavily on citrus and tangy notes, which overpowered the savory depth I'm used to. The noodle to broth ratio felt off, and the pre mixed herbs with lots of basil were overwhelming. When I mentioned my feedback to the waitress, the staff was gracious and even offered to adjust my bill, which I didn't expect. They also encouraged me to try another dish. I'll definitely go back to explore other menu items because I liked the atmosphere, the service, and the freshness. The flavor profile of the pho just wasn't my personal preference. read more

Johnny Noodle King - Chicken pho - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Recently tried "Major Tom Khatsu" noodle bowl. Added - roasted garlic, Naruto, fried onions, jasmine style, kimchi, cilantro This was delicious as well. Adding jasmine style to the bowl made it even tastier read more

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Service was amazing!!! Looks small on the outside but it was kinda roomy and really cute on the inside. The food was pretty good. Will I return probably so. read more

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This place still holds a special place in my heart. Since the first time I've discovered it to all my reoccurring visits. They have rotating menu and I have a my few favorites I like to stick with. They still never disappoint with service or quality of food. read more

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Thrilled to find this gem. Wish we didn't have to rush off to son's hockey game. Meals did take a bit to prep, but that's totally ok - Sooooo worth the wait! Not that I'm an expert, but the ramen was absolutely delectable. With the side bar and rooftop tables, this place must get hopping during the evening. (We went for lunch.) I assume they ramp up kitchen staff accordingly? The key may be to order an app or two while waiting for the main show. Remember... it's worth it. Enjoy your company and indulge. read more

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My husband and I met friends here for dinner. Johnny Noodle King is located on Fort Street just outside of Downtown Detroit on the way to Southwest Detroit. Hubby and I laughed at how many times we zipped past the restaurant without noticing it. My husband and I both ordered the Major Tom Khatsu, which has a coconut chicken broth base. The chicken katsu pieces were the perfect level of crispy without being heavily breaded. There was also a nice little kick to the dish, which made it so, so yummy. Our friends got the Shoyu ramen with pork belly, and the Corned Beef ramen. The Shoyu dish seemed to be more enjoyable. Though we stuck with water, cans of Faygo pop seemed to be the drink offerings - other than alcoholic beverages. Areas for improvement include the waiting. Johnny Noodle King is a small place, with a main dining area and then what seems to be a bar area attached. We initially waited by the door for our table along with another small group (we were a party of four). We were then asked to go to the bar area to wait so that it would clear the door, but found it interesting how we were asked to move but not the other group. Also, we were standing away from the doormat we were not obstructing anyone's movements. The wait was long, and we asked if we could order food to the bar area (as opposed to waiting for a table). We were told 'no', yet there was a table full of patrons who were eating. There was no notification system, so our friend had to keep going to the front to see if our table was ready. Don't get me wrong; 'hooray' to Johnny Noodle King for having such great business volume. However, they need a way to manage it so that people will not be put off. Once we were seated, we did have good service from our waitstaff, and the food was very good. My husband and I plan to return to explore more of the menu. Hopefully, we can pick a time of day when waiting won't be such a big issue. read more

Johnny Noodle King is hands down one of the best ramen spots in Detroit. The vibe is casual but cool, with a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to stay and savor every bite. Service is quick and friendly, even when they're busy (which is often--this place is popular for a reason). Be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak hours, but trust me, it's worth it. If you're in Detroit and craving ramen, Johnny Noodle King should be at the top of your list. read more

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Their menu is small but everything tastes good from appetizers to bowls with broth & dry noodles. Service is fast. read more

Johnny Noodle King - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

One of the most unique ramen experiences I've had. I love how the menu is curated for its Detroit natives. Never have I ever seen corned beef or Cajun catfish ramen dishes. I end up getting the smoked butter ramen with short rib. It was delicious, super smoky and flavorful. Probably some of the best I've ever had. I will definitely check this place again when I'm in the city. read more

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A great ramen spot in Detroit! Every dish was full of flavor and felt so fresh! Our servers were awesome too, giving us the best recommendations and being so friendly. The restaurant also has a cool vibe to it, with both a fully indoor place and an indoor/outdoor place. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Great food and good ambiance! I got a chicken ramen that was supposed to have a coconut chicken broth but they were out of the broth so I got pork instead. Really delicious! Also got the chicken karriage appetizer- it was crispy and had a great sauce. Service was really quick- there was about a 15 minute wait for a table at 7pm on a Saturday. They have a waiting area that you can grab drinks at while you wait. read more

Very awesome noodle/ramen place, they mostly serve ramen - their soft butter noodles are incredible- but they have one pho dish. They also have excellent appetizers like a coconut shrimp bun, lobster rangoon and chicken karaage. Exceptional service that is very prompt and attentive. Bomb dessert like green tea matcha cakes as well. Overall atmosphere is super cool and stylish, and they have a nice bar as well. Check it out! read more

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Decent ramen with very good service and great happy hour drink specials! We enjoyed it and the seared mackerel was really good (just know it's mackeral--it's going to be a bit fishy)-- lovely tableside show with the torching of it! read more

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Great ramen, employees are nice. It's small and often has a wait but it goes fast. Their prices are reasonable. One of my favorite places to come for ramen in detroit read more

Johnny Noodle King - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Every time I come to Detroit I eat here. I absolutely loveeeee this place. The noodles are the best I've ever had and I've eaten plenty of noodles lol. You can tell the employees love their job and enjoy sharing recommendations on new items. Such a cute, chill spot!! 10/10 read more

It's been a long time since I've been to JNK and my return visit exceeded my expectations. The bacon fried rice is a staple app, and was just as delicious as I remembered. The pork tonkotsu ramen is deeply flavorful and helped warm the soul on a cold February day. Pro tip: add ons! I did fried onion this time, but extra egg is always a good choice too. read more

Johnny Noodle King - Tonkotsu ramen w. Fried onion added - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Disappointing. Yuck. Detroit...we need to talk. I'm visiting from Atlanta, and wanted ramen on a rainy day. This place seemed to have good reviews on Yelp & TikTok, free parking so I decided to try. Came on a solo lunch before noon, and sat at the bar. At the bar you can see them cook. They're cooking process is not fancy, the cooks aren't in chef's uniform so I thought that was weird. Gave Waffle House vibes. My server was attentive & nice, I came in already knowing I wanted to try the tonkotsu with pork belly & the strawberry lychee cocktail. The cocktail was decent, a little on the sweet side for my taste. When my ramen hit the table, I knew it wasn't going to be good. The broth looked watery & separated, the toppings were lacking. The pork belly was absolutely a disgrace. It wasn't crispy and barely looked done, fat looked raw and I couldn't eat it. And as expected, the broth lacked depth of flavor, might as well been canned. When my server asked how it was, I said just ok and she asked what she could do to make it better. Her service is the only reason this review got another star bc she tried saving this ramen that has a no chance of being good. She bought me some hosin, sweet chili, and sriracha, sambal, black garlic oil and msg.....??? But it didn't help, they just need a better recipe & presentation. Never again. One of the worst ramens I've had. read more

Saturday afternoon visit, here is what we liked: * Immediate seating, chose to sit at the bar. * Service was helpful and attentive. * Liked the little pao buns, good squishyness and nice counter with the pork belly. * Both broth and noodle dishes were quite flavorful and tasty. Couldn't really think of something that could be better. read more

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My girlfriend highly recommended this place and honestly based on the outside I never would have gone in. It's a small restaurant off a desolate road in Detroit. What a hidden gem! Food was delicious, plenty of vegan options and portions were plentiful. If you're ever in Detroit you must stop in! read more

Johnny Noodle King - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Seriously. The best ramen I've had. I had been wanting to go here for YEARS and then I heard they expanded so it made me want to go there even more. They have more vegetarian and vegan options now, which is awesome. I got the inari bao (vegetarian) and the garlic miso (vegan) but added an egg. Service was quick and friendly and I love the artwork and whole vibe of the interior. They also have a rooftop patio now too! read more

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Still my favorite noodle spot! A good variety to choose from. Veggies and toppings are cold but the dishes are always packed with flavor. read more

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The food is very good and doesn't take forever to come to your table. The waiters are very nice and the interior is very nice and artistic.

Just got off my flight and decided to have soup for this chilly weather and it was so worth the wait. Very delicious and staff is so sweet read more

Johnny Noodle King - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Johnny Noodle King has been on my to-try list forever, and I was finally able to make it there last night! We arrived around 8:30 last night and were able to be seated right away at the bar. The atmosphere was casual, cool, and comfortable. We were helped right away at the bar and placed some appetizers to start. We had the pork bao buns, which were seriously so good and the pork was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. We also had the lobster rangoons which were equally as good, but really, can you mess up a rangoon? For my entree, I went with the tonkotsu ramen. It was beautiful and colorful, and had a variety of toppings such as bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, fish cakes, and a soft boiled egg. It tasted great, and the portion was large so I have leftovers! Overall I loved the food, service, and prices here. Plus, on-site parking is a bonus! I'd definitely recommend trying it out. read more

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I came here with two friends on a Friday night. It was pretty busy and it's really crowded so if you don't want to wait and don't like loud restaurants, maybe not your vibe. I enjoyed my time here and the food was very good. The service was a bit slow, but again, it was a busy Friday night. I ordered the Captain Katsu Ramen & it was good, but the chicken was breaded with Captain Crunch cereal so that was a little weird. A bit sweet for my liking but it was overall very good. The lobster rangoons were also very good, but I don't think they were worth the price. I did not like the pork gyozas, but the other people in my party did. Overall it was good, I just would have ordered differently! read more

Johnny Noodle King - Captain Katsu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The service is exactly what it needs to be: friendly and non-pretentious. My corned beef ramen was great, as was my wife's red curry. The lobster wantons were a really nice surprise. Like how you always imagined wantons *could* be. Anyway, it was great and we'll certainly be back! Ambiance is comfortable and not off putting for a first timer, also. read more

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Wonderful valentines day experience with my partner. We were seated at the kitchen bar and got to watch (and smell) the team prepare and cook all the fantastic foods we were about to enjoy. The staff were quite talented but also fun and easy to talk to. They didnt mind showing us the ingredients they were using in all the different ramens and how they were preparing them. They were all so nice. Our primary waitress was also super nice and fun to chat with. We started with a few cocktails. The house margarita and the citrus sour rye were both really good and strongly made. They provided a bright counterpoint to the pair of spicy kung pao shrimp bao buns we started with. They were cooked perfectly with just the right amount of heat and the shrimp maintained a perfect snap. They held together very well. Our next appetizer was the lobster rangoons (5 per order) and I highly recommend those as well. Some of the best wontons ive ever had. They paired very well with the home made chili plum sauce and the cream cheese. Our main entrees were the red curry ramen and the traditional tonkontsu. I had the braised shredded pork shoulder in the red curry broth and she had pork belly in the tonkotsu. We both really enjoyed each, the red curry pepper broth had so many unique notes. Every spoonful brought a new flavor to my palette while the traditional tonkotsu maintained a savory, earthy, and warm consistency that really brings satisfaction (especially on a cold day) Highly recommend. We will be back again! read more

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The place was nice I like that part of the kitchen is in the open. It has an outdoor area and indoors. I would have said outside area but it was so hot we sat inside. The staff is very friendly and helpful In Recommendation. I had the seafood khao soi. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the crab was sweet and succulent and the curry had the right amount of heat. It was great. The eggplant bao was amazing! It had the pickling and heat that went so well with the bao which was fresh and soft. The captain katsu had the chicken on the side so it stay crispy and added as you eat the pho. Prefect! read more

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Stopped in for Ramen and it was a great time. The food was good, the atmosphere was dope, and I look forward to coming back when it's warm outside and the doors are up and the sun is out. read more

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Haven't been here in a few years... better than I remembered. Ordered the Eggplant Boa, Captain Katsu, and Seafood Khoa Soi. Everything was delicious and perfectly seasoned. I love this place. First time eating inside post COVID. It has 2 main seating areas, the smaller first section and larger area that has outside/inside feel with large open garage door. Waitstaff was very friendly and super quick with our orders. read more

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My second visit here was nearly as delicious as the first with a few minor grievances. The dorm room ramen was delicious, although I felt was missing that umami flavor we all crave. I got the shoyu broth which had a spicy start but did not have enough depth of flavor. The gyoza was delicious and the chicken buns hit the mark as well. My only real complaint is the seating. Being a larger person I was very uncomfortable in the booth type seating as there was not enough room between my stomach and the table. If I could make one recommendation it would be to have a couple handicap accessible tables. read more

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This is our third time visiting Johnny Noodle King. It is a cool little spot tucked away from right downtown Detroit. The menu is simple and straight forward. They offer several ramen/noodle dishes and some appetizers. I ordered the tonkatsu ramen with an order of gyoza and chicken bao to share. My wife and daughter got the customized Dorm Room Ramen (build your own). They both did a shoyu broth. My wife got scallions, cilantro and cabbage. My daughter added Naruto (fish cakes). I really enjoyed the gyoza to start. The bao was good, but didn't really jump out for me. The tonkatsu ramen was really tasty and filling. Instead of the normal charshu they have a shredded pork patty. My wife and daughter liked their ramen, but it did not really have the flavor it normally does. It was missing that soy element to it. It was good, just not what we had before. Service is always great here. The staff is friendly and makes suggestions. Being a pretty intimate spot, it is staffed very well for the size. I wish more places ran like Johnny Noodle King. We will of course be back soon. read more

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We had tea ramen and shared and caught up. There was a long wait but it was worth it. Food was delicious flavorful and filling. Everything was fresh I forgot to take a picture of the lobster Rangoon but I could eat a dozen of them. Can't wait to go back id like to go back in the summer and go to the rooftop to eat. read more

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