With a diverse range of dishes and a reputation going back more than 15 years, it’s clear Takano is doing more than one thing right. Not sure what to go for? The basic chuka soba ramen (¥850; ¥1,150 with egg and extra toppings) is a good starting point for nervous newcomers: the combination of rich Akita free-range chicken with sweet niboshi (dried sardines) makes for a full-flavoured broth that's not too greasy. Topped off with thick slices of chashu pork and a gooey parboiled egg, it's a masterpiece of Tokyo-style ramen. Other equally enticing options include the butagamo no tsukesoba (dipping ramen with pork and duck), aguni no shio tsukesoba (dipping ramen with salt-based broth).
Located near Ebara-Nakanobu Station on the Tokyu Ikegami line, the restaurant is steeped in character: inside, you can read the success stories of former apprentice chefs who've graduated from Takano. If you're looking for an introduction to Tokyo-style ramen, Takano is the place to go.