Recommended bowl: Always a line

One of the most popular Jiro outposts, this Meguro branch of the famed Ramen Jiro Honten OG in Mita draws a fat line out front snaking 20 deep on any given day. The two shop staff inside run a tight, efficient ship, and the line moves swiftly. As is customary at Jiro shops, the menu is minimal; just ramen, regular size (for only 500 yen) or large, with pork or double pork. Purchase your plastic chip from the vending machine and pass it to the staff when you take your seat. The small shop has cramped seating, and everyone is focused intently on either making ramen or eating ramen. Right before your bowl is served you will be asked how you like it. The standard serving style is 'futsu', but most go for 'yasai-ninniku,' which means added vegetables and garlic. This bowl is not for the weak — it's a mountain of pork fat, salt, meat, beansprouts and thick chewy noodles. No spoons or napkins are provided. Some claim this bowl is terrible; others say it's one of the best in Tokyo. Open since 1995.