Some nights just have a certain buzz about them, and at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2025, you could feel it in the air. The lights, the chatter, the clinking of glasses… and then came the announcement everyone was waiting for: Maneki Ramen was crowned Japanese Restaurant of the Year.
The room erupted. You could tell how much this meant, not just to the team from Maneki Ramen, but to everyone who’s ever sat in their cosy West Midlands restaurant and slurped a bowl of their signature ramen. It was one of those moments where passion met recognition, and it felt right.
About ARTA
More Than Just Awards, It’s About People
If you’ve ever been to an ARTA night, you’ll know it’s not your average awards show. The whole thing has heart. We’re talking about chefs who’ve worked 14-hour shifts, restaurant owners who built something from scratch, and families who’ve kept traditions alive through food.
That’s what makes ARTA special. It’s one of the biggest restaurant awards in the UK, but it’s still personal. It’s all about celebrating real stories and real food. Whether it’s a curry chef in Birmingham, a Bangladeshi takeaway in Glasgow, or a Japanese restaurant in the West Midlands, everyone shares the same stage.
The Big Night
The 2025 event was held at the Hilton Park Lane, London, and what a night it was. Hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, the evening mixed glitz with a bit of grit, the kind of atmosphere where people genuinely cheer for each other.
There was music, laughter, great food, and a lot of well-earned pride. Our partner ChefOnline also played a big role, helping connect diners with their favourite local spots to order food online, the same diners who help pick the winners through their votes.
A Proud Win – Japanese Restaurant of the Year for Maneki Ramen
When Maneki Ramen was called out as the winner, the whole table jumped. You could see how proud they were, and honestly, everyone around them was smiling too.
The judges praised their balance of authenticity and imagination. Every dish they make feels genuine, not overcomplicated, not showy, just really good Japanese food. It’s that mix of simplicity, care, and comfort that landed them among the best Japanese restaurants in the UK.
This wasn’t just a local win either. To be named Japanese Restaurant of the Year at a national level, especially with so many brilliant Asian eateries out there, says a lot.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
From a Small Dream to a Big Stage
Maneki Ramen started small, with a dream to bring the warmth of Tokyo-style ramen to the West Midlands. No big investor story, no fancy PR, just a chef with a clear vision: make food that makes people happy.
Bit by bit, word spread. Locals started telling their friends. The queues got longer. Suddenly, this tucked-away spot had become a go-to place when someone searched for an Indian takeaway near me or a Japanese restaurant that actually gets it right.
Cooking from the Heart
Their head chef believes good food doesn’t rush. You can taste it in their broths, simmered for hours, packed with depth. The noodles are made with care, the toppings are fresh, and the flavours… they just click.
It’s honest cooking, the kind that stays with you. That’s why it’s no surprise ARTA’s judges noticed. Awards like these, from prestigious food awards to Asian cuisine awards, are about recognising exactly that: skill, love, and authenticity.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
Ask anyone who’s been there and they’ll tell you the same thing, there’s no going wrong with Maneki Ramen’s menu.
The Kimchi Chicken Ramen is bold, spicy, and unforgettable. The Soba noodles hit that perfect balance of fresh and savoury. And the Bibimbap adds a fun twist, blending Korean inspiration with the same care they put into every bowl.
Whether you dine in or grab it as a takeaway, the food doesn’t lose its soul. That’s why so many fans call it the best Japanese takeaway around.
West Midlands’ Pride
It’s not just about food anymore. Maneki Ramen has become part of the West Midlands story. They employ local people, train young chefs, and get involved in charity drives. It’s a restaurant that’s for the community as much as it’s from it.
In a region already famous for curry champion awards and top Indian restaurants in the UK, seeing a Japanese spot like this rise to national fame shows how rich and varied the UK’s food scene really is.
Media Shout-Outs
Their story travelled far. The Express & Star gave them a proper shout-out, calling them a “celebrated Japanese restaurant” that’s made the West Midlands proud.
Their story’s already made national headlines too, a celebrated Japanese restaurant in the West Midlands has been named the best. Moments like this make all the late nights and early mornings worth it, for them and for us at ARTA.
ARTA’s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK
At ARTA, we’ve always been about one thing, celebrating flavour in all its forms. From Indian food awards to best takeaway awards, we’ve seen how food brings people together.
When we see places like Maneki Ramen shine, it reminds us why we do this. Asian cuisine isn’t just curry houses and takeaways; it’s ramen, sushi, biryani, everything that connects tradition and innovation.
This win isn’t just theirs. It’s for everyone who’s keeping that spirit alive in kitchens across Britain.
FAQs
- What are the ARTA Awards?
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards celebrate the UK’s best restaurants, chefs, and takeaways across all Asian cuisines. - Who won Japanese Restaurant of the Year 2025?
Maneki Ramen from the West Midlands proudly took home the title. - What makes Maneki Ramen stand out?
Their honest approach to Japanese cooking, fresh ingredients, rich flavours, and warm service that keeps people coming back. - How do ARTA winners get chosen?
It starts with customer nominations and mystery judging. Every winner earns their spot through consistency and quality. - Why does ARTA matter?
Because it celebrates real people behind the UK’s most-loved restaurants, giving them the recognition they deserve.
