Ramen

Note: Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order and not in order of preference. Additionally, given this page is dedicated exclusively to ramen, I would suggest trying the ramen at all of the places listed below. Most of these places I have not actually dined at, but rather ordered takeout from. Therefore, I’ve only included a description of the atmosphere, summary of the reservation process, and suggestions for when to dine there if I’ve dined in person.

  • Ajisen Ramen – Ramen chain first established in 1968 in Kyushu, Japan
    • Location: Chelsea, Chinatown
    • Suggestions: Spicy Ajisen ramen 

  • Ichiran – Japanese ramen chain serving only one kind of soup: pork-bone-broth tonkotsu
    • Location: Times Square, Midtown, Bushwick
    • Suggestions: Classic tonkotsu ramen

  • Ippudo – Tonkotsu ramen from the heart of Fukuoka Japan
    • Location: East Village, Times Square, Long Island City, Midtown West
    • Suggestions: Shiromaru classic 

  • Ivan Ramen – Creative homemade noodle soups & izakaya-style small plates served in a colorful space with a patio
    • Location: East Village
    • Atmosphere:  Diner, vibrant, loud, bustling 
    • Suggestions: Spicy red chili 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get for a small group
    • A Good Place For: Sitting at the bar, a casul meal 

  • Jeju Noodle Bar – Korean restaurant focused on ramyun (noodle soups) & starters in a warmly lit, contemporary space
    • Location: Greenwich Village 
    • Atmosphere: Minimalistic, modern 
    • Suggestions: Wagyu ramyun
    • Reservations: Required; reservations open up on Resy on a 2 week rolling basis 
    • A Good Place For: A special night out, dinner for 2
    • Note: Jeju has 1 Michelin star 

  • Kame – Relaxed option spotlighting ramen, rice bowls & small plates in an industrial-chic space
    • Location: Chelsea 
    • Suggestions: Spicy beef miso

  • Karakatta – Japanese spot for spicy ramen bowls, appetizers, beer & sake, with counter & table seating
    • Location: Greenwich Village
    • Suggestions: Spicy black tan tan 
    • Note: Karakatta specializes in spicy ramen

  • Mr. Taka – Several types of ramen, Japanese appetizers, sake & beer served in a tiny, contemporary storefront
    • Location: Lower East Side
    • Suggestions: Spicy cheese chashu tonkotsu ramen
    • Note: This is my favorite ramen in NYC

  • Nishida Sho-ten – Japanese noodle soups served in a cozy nook styled like a traditional, old-timey ramen shop
    • Location: Midtown East
    • Atmosphere: Small, casual, unassuming 
    • Suggestions: Shishito peppers, tan tan ramen 
    • Reservations: Walk-in only
    • A Good Place For: A quick meal, a casual dinner 

  • Totto Ramen
    • Location: Hells Kitchen, Midtown East
    • Suggestions: Spicy ramen