Tokyo Eats: Is The Lobster Ramen at Ebimaru Ramen Worth The Wait?
On a quest for varied experiences as part of my 52 things in my last year living in Tokyo, I decided to try out a restaurant in the fun neighborhood of Jimbocho (which is where my church is). Fun fact, Jimbocho was recently named the coolest neighborhood in the world.
While checking out the best ramen shops in Jimbocho, I came upon Ebimaru, and without much research about the wait times, I decided to stop by on a Sunday afternoon after church. Now that I’ve been the guinea pig (and waited 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon), here’s everything you need to know.
What Makes Ebimaru Ramen in Jimbocho Special?
Ramen is everywhere in Tokyo and I’ve probably tried 30+ shops in my three years here, but lobster bisque ramen? That was new. Ebimaru is the only lobster ramen shop in Tokyo, and it’s not just a gimmick. Chef Masa-san spent years training in French cuisine before bringing that technique to ramen, creating a fusion that actually works.
Location & How To Get To Ebimaru
Ebimaru is located at 2-1-13 Nishikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0065
Nearest stations:
- 4-minute walk from Exit A4 at Jimbocho station (Toei Mita, Toei Shinjuku, and Hanzomon lines
- 6-minute walk from East Exit at Suidobashi Station (Served by JR East & Toei Mita lines)
For walking directions from the station, I recommend using Google Maps, it’s accurate and easy to follow.
Jimbocho is known for its used bookstores and retro cafes, and it remains utterly authentic and charming. Ebimaru fits right in.
Nearby, you can visit Takeo Paper shop, and Isseido Booksellers, or simply wander the neighborhood. There are plenty of retro cafes nearby, perfect for a post-ramen coffee. Further out, consider planning your visit with other visits in the wider Chiyoda city area (including the Imperial palace).
The storefront has a minimal design with the name ‘ebimaru’ against a concrete wall. The signage may be minimalist, but the lines aren’t! The line will be your first indication that you’ve found the right spot.
The Wait: What To Expect
Oh my, the wait! I know I live in Japan and waiting in lines is pretty much a rite of passage here. However, I did not look up Ebimaru waits in advance. I arrived at 1:30PM and was finally seated at 3:22PM. This was officially my longest wait for a meal EVER. Nearly 2 hours for ramen—even by Tokyo standards, that’s intense. Never again! Cries in wasted time, but I got my Apple watch standing goal in.
How To Avoid Or Minimize The Wait
After my 2-hour wait, I did my research. Here’s how to avoid my mistake.
Option 1: Go during off-peak times. Weekday lunches (opening at 11 AM) or late afternoons (after 2:30 PM) typically have shorter waits. Avoid weekends and holidays entirely if you can.
Option 2: Buy the Fastpass (500 yen—absolutely worth it in my opinion)
Ebimaru offers a Fastpass that lets you book a specific time slot and skip to the front of the line. It’s not a reservation and you may still wait 10-15 minutes if it’s busy, but it beats standing outside for 2 hours. The Fastpass costs 500 yen (about $3USD) and can be booked up to 7 days in advance. I’m kicking myself for not knowing about this before my visit. Book yours here.
Menu Selection & Decor
The menu is pretty straightforward with appetizers, ramen options (regular and deluxe), as well as side dishes like the popular risotto. The ramen menu ranges from basic lobster broth ramen to the full whole lobster ramen (with cream). Drink options range from teas, to wine, cocktails, beers, soft drinks, and so on!
The full menu is here but you’ll be handed one while you wait.
Unlike the Aoyama flowermarket teahouse, the decor, is Japanese minimalist, and is more upscale than your typical ramen shop. Hand towels, an appetizer, beautiful stoneware/ dishware, and light music are indicators that this is an elevated experience.
My Honest Review and Experience At Ebimaru Jimbocho
The wait was my least favourite part, but now that we have that out of the way, I must acknowledge that the staff at the door was working as efficiently as possible. We received the menu while standing in line and placed our orders before we were seated.
Every time a patron entered, they were welcomed in both Japanese and English, and thanked for waiting. I appreciated that the team acknowledged the wait.
I ordered the most expensive item on the menu- the lobster Ramen – but I skipped the risotto on the side as I had a feeling I’d be full. I was right!
As soon as I sat down, I got my drink order ( a coke), and within minutes I was welcomed with a small pumpkin soup. Unexpected and delicious. As I enjoy this, I’m sitting across the counter from the chef and his team and he explains the meal to me himself.
Next, after a short wait, my meal came. Again, the chef himself explained how it works. I looked at my dish, and it was a decent-sized lobster, two dumplings, an egg, port, and noodles in a lobster bisque. There’s also a bit of cream on the side.
The chef said to taste it first without mixing the cream in the broth, and then mix in the cream as it provides a different taste/flavour. I thought this was a pretty neat way to give patrons a distinct gastronomic experience in one meal.
Those choosing to have the risotto are asked to keep some of the broth for that purpose, It looked good (looking at a couple sitting near me), and that’s one thing I’d like to try next time the occasion calls for it.
To my knowledge, there are no set time limits for patrons but I was in and out in less than an hour and I took my time to enjoy the meal (I’m a slow eater anyway).
Is Ebimaru Worth It?
The short answer: Yes, but with caveats.
The lobster ramen costs 7,430 yen / ~$48 USD in November 2025 – yes, you read that right. It is the most expensive bowl of ramen I’ve had in Tokyo. But it’s also the most memorable, and not just because of the wait.
What makes it worth it:
- The lobster portion was generous and flavorful
- The French-Japanese fusion actually works – I was pleasantly surprised
- The lobster bisque broth is rich and unlike any of the four typical ramen styles (shoyu, miso, shio, tonkotsu)
- It’s a one-of-a-kind experience even in Tokyo, the foodie haven
My honest take: If you’re going to wait in line (or pay for the Fastpass), don’t just get the bisque—get the full lobster ramen. This isn’t your everyday ramen; it’s an experience worth having at least once, especially if you’re a ramen enthusiast or foodie looking for something different in Tokyo.
Who should go:
- Ramen lovers looking for unique experiences
- Foodies who appreciate fusion cuisine
- People willing to splurge on a memorable ramen dish
- Anyone wanting a special dining experience without the Michelin star price tag
Who might skip it:
- If you’re on a tight budget (there’s excellent ramen for ¥1,000)
- If you hate waiting in lines and won’t use the Fastpass
- If you prefer traditional, classic ramen
Would I go back? Yes, but only with the Fastpass, and only to share the experience with a friend who hasn’t been and would appreciate the unique experience. It’s not an ‘every month’ spot, but it’s worth experiencing once—or bringing someone special.
Even the basic ramen at Ebimaru is on the more expensive side for the everyday Tokyoite, so it is a special occasion type of spot. Based on my observation, most patrons during my visit were inbound tourists versus locals (taking advantage of the weak yen maybe?). I’m glad I indulged and I would recommend trying it at least once.
Ebimaru Ramen FAQ
How much does lobster ramen cost at Ebimaru? The signature whole lobster ramen costs 7,430 yen (~$48 USD) as of November 2025.
How long is the wait at Ebimaru? Weekends can be 1.5-2+ hours. Weekdays are typically shorter. Use the 500 yen Fastpass to skip most of the wait.
Is there an English menu? Yes, Ebimaru has an English menu.
Can I make a reservation? No traditional reservations, but you can book a Fastpass for 500 yen up to 7 days in advance.
What’s the best time to visit Ebimaru? Weekday lunches right at opening (11 AM) or late afternoons (after 2:30 PM) have the shortest waits.
