Ramen Ryu no Hige
A deeply local ramen shop near Mito Minami High School. The extraordinary number of Google reviews (4.1 / 907) proves years of unwavering local support. A sister shop 'Ichigi' operates in Hitachinaka, but the operation remains small at just two locations. The jumbo gyoza, available frozen for takeout, is also a crowd favorite. Tabelog 3.61 / 399 reviews.
Reviews say 'in Mito, this is THE ramen spot,' 'the soy ramen never gets old no matter how many decades you visit,' and 'the jumbo gyoza are outstanding — I always take some home.' Google 4.1 / 907 reviews (#7 in Mito ramen Google rankings).