Bagels Plus Delicatessen
1075 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY, 11590
Bagels Plus Delicatessen Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Westbury for healthy meals suggestion.
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Visit below restaurant in Westbury for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1075 Old Country Rd
Westbury, NY, 11590 - Phone (516) 334-0439
- Website https://www.brendelsofnewyork.com
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Tabatha V.
I was hoping for more vegetarian options, but that's too be expected from a ramen place. However, the vegetarian (eggplant) buns are Delicious...as well as the shishito peppers!
(4)Mike M.
Probably one of the best ramen experiences I've ever had. Only problem is you'll wait 3 hours on a Tuesday at 11am to get a table... Well... Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration! But not too far off. Well worth a little extra planning for the food. This place is always busy for good reason.
(4)Tanya F.
LOVE the ramen, LOVE the pork buns, consistently delicious.
(5)John S.
Decent but the Hong Kong and Sydney versions kill it. No idea why they think roast pork is good ontop of the regular pork in the ramen.
(3)R L.
Clean, authentic and perfect to hangout. 5 stars
(5)Ghost C.
This place has really good food. But its sort of a circus, and that killed it for me. Noisy, crowded, and a sort of flippant campy use of Japanese manners that makes you feel like you are in a TGIFridays All the press has made a really good place annoying. What can you do? The masses love it, and the masses are unsophisticated. Fortunately there is another Japanese ramen chain opening around the block with Tonkotsu ramen, just as good, if not better, and cheaper. But i won't say its name. Hopefully at stays open just as late as they do in Japan.
(3)Christine T.
Meeeeh...what happened to Ippudo? The food is bleh now. The apps have way too much sauces going on and the ramen broth is kinda plain. I ordered the Hakata Classic and the pork was super dry. The noodles itself were good though. I also liked the cucumber salad a lot, but both not worth the wait or the trip back. I kind of regret not heading straight to Menkui Tei down a few blocks when they never disappoint me. Staff is super friendly here though. Something their other location can learn from. No plans to be back at either location.
(3)Bianca B.
the pork buns are to die for!!
(4)Shawn S.
Their pork bun is my favorite!
(4)Tony D.
Pork buns are to die for. Never had better. Incredible.
(4)Karen D.
I'm a huge Ramen fan, and this place is wonderful. I've been here many times now, and I've always walked out with a smile on my face and very happy tummy. The lines are always long in the evenings, so I recommend grabbing some drinks while waiting because Ippudo is worth the wait. Their noodles are cooked very well and don't get "soggy" at all when sitting in the broth for awhile! I personally love the Shiromaru ramen, but you really can't go wrong with the ramen here! I recommend getting the Hirata Pork Buns -- the vegetarian option of eggplant buns are pretty good too. Also, I suggest ordering the Hamachi -- it's so fresh!
(4)Antonyjohan J.
Great add disc
(4)Rochelle P.
Not worth the 2 hour wait. Was disappointed with the ramen, nothing special, noodles were meh and broth was lacking some flavor. 2 stars for the pork buns though!
(2)N T.
Delicious! Don't care too much for the wait. Definitely tastes different than the main store in Fukuoka.
(4)Julie H.
Love this place! Excellent food and service. However, you can't make reservations and it is a little too loud.
(4)Jesse D.
Very crowded during weekends or daily nights. However, not often need to wait during lunch time. Extraordinary good ramen and service. Kind of a bar atmosphere ramen restaurant in east village. You should check it out.
(5)Richard H.
Been once, good ramen, good buns, but neither is great. Prefer Totto Ramen one block over.
(3)Kim P.
Tried a bunch of ramen hot-spots in Tokyo, and all were fantastic but nothing beat Ippudo in NYC.
(5)Kevin J.
Believe the hype. Still the best.
(5)Tina Z.
The best, simply the best, ramen noodles in NYC. Yes, very pricey but nothing I've ever tried in the city comes close. Worth every penny. Go with the Modern and add a soft boiled egg. There can be a long wait but again, worth it.
(5)L C.
Great service and delicious food! The tofu skillet appetizer was to die for. And the ramen was pretty good but the friend I was with wasn't a fan of his ramen. Will return maybe. The lines are so ridiculous though.
(4)Sean L.
Absolutely phenomenal ramen. Not nearly as salty as what I've had in Washington. Recommend getting an egg every time.
(5)Yuchun W.
I really think it's over rated. The Ramen was okay, but not really excellent. It's not great in terms of value for money. I sat at the bar and watched the chefs to prepare the food. I don't know about you guys, but after a while I feel like I have problems with the gloves they wear. Because they do all the things with those gloves, everything. Prepare the food, wash dishes, even throw a bag of trash... I would even like they don't wear gloves so they will wash hands more often.
(3)Danielle V.
Came here for dinner with two friends and really enjoyed the experience. We're not too familiar with ramen dishes but the menu was very easy to understand and we had fun picking out our choices. We also split some of the pork buns and they were absolutely delicious. Don't wear too many layers here --- the restaurant is very warm and sitting close to the kitchen adds to the heat!
(5)Renee R.
So good! Had a delicious and well balanced bowl of spicy ramen. We started with pork buns, crunchy chicken and green peppers. The staff were prompt, fun and friendly. The atmosphere was lively which added to the experience. It was a 2.5 hour wait but we knew that it always is so we put our names down and enjoyed drinks elsewhere until they text messaged us. Not a place for spontaneously showing up hungry, but worth the wait when you're organised and know what you're in for.
(4)Aris S.
DO NOT EAT HERE. This place is an overpriced chain ramen restaurant in Japan (the equivalent to McDonald's) disguised as a master ramen house. Small portions for an obscene amount of money, rushed service, and they don't allow customers to take their leftovers home. I made the mistake of trying too many appetizers and when my ramen came, I took two bites, and the rest were forced to be thrown out. I would have been more forgiving if at least the food that customers can't finish was given to the homeless but this is pure snobbish nonsense. Try MOMOFUKU instead, better ramen by a real chef with better service and better price/portion.
(1)Cherie L.
YUMMY FOOD. FRIENDLY SERVICE. NICE AMBIANCE. I ordered the pork buns (2), seasoned fries on the appetizer, and the classic ramen tonkatsu. Everything was delicious and fast. I came for dinner around 5:45pm and there was only a ten minute wait which apparently is not bad at all for such a popular place. The hostess was friendly and I'm pretty sure all the waiters were smiling the entire time. Really friendly service and A+ food. I left feeling very full and definitely satisfied!
(4)Alyssa M.
the akamaru modern is my favorite ramen, it tastes so unbelievably good. chances are, you'll have to wait for a table. it's worth it in my opinion. atmosphere is pretty loud, there are communal tables but there's so much room you don't really even notice. service is perfect too.
(5)Jess T.
I've been wanting to try Ippudo for years now but have been turned off by the fact that there will be a guaranteed wait for a table. However, we finally went in on a Saturday afternoon around 1pm to test our luck and was pleasantly surprised. It was about a 25 minute wait which is not great but not too terrible considering their reputation of having the best ramen in town. I got a lychee cocktail while waiting. It was good with a rose hint to it. We were seated at the kitchen bar where we could watch food being prepared. Service was prompt and we were served our appetizer pork buns in no time. I ordered the karaka men which is a tonkotsu broth with a hint of hot paste. Soft boiled egg is extra charge but worth it. They arrange your plates in a smiley face which was cute. The dish wasn't very spicy for someone who loves her hot sauce but it added a nice touch to the already flavorful broth. Noodles are of the thin variety. Overall, everything I tried was good but for the value and taste I still prefer Menya Sandaime over at Fort Lee.
(4)Carolina M.
I truly love this place, the only reason why I'm giving 4.5 stars and not 5 is because on one occasion the ramen was not cooked. The staff is super friendly and the place feels very authentic. The pork buns are simply the best in town, good flavor and perfectly cooked. The ramen is perfection, great flavors, you can taste everything. My favorite is the spicy one. The wait is worth it and trust me there will always be a wait but you can enjoy a beer while waiting.
(4)Colin FX G.
Delicious but you can't take a doggy bag. Even if you bring your own. Pork buns were delicious.
(4)Karen L.
I came here again, thinking about how amazing my first experience was. I ordered the same ramen, Akamaru Modern. I'm not sure whether my taste buds have changed, or if the ramen was different that day but my Akamaru Modern tasted like they drowned a salt shaker into the broth while the salt shaker wept tears, making the ramen even more salty. It just tasted like salt and MSG. It was so hard to eat and now I am very reluctant to come here again .. it was just not worth the 2 hour wait. However, I did try my friend's ramen which was a lot better (and less salty than mine) so maybe it is just that dish. In my opinion, Totto Ramen is a lot better. I wish they had a location in the East Side.
(3)Kelley M.
Love this place. Some of the best ramen that I have ever had. Definitely get the Akamaru Modern with nitamago. The vegetarian option is tasty, too. I always get the pork buns (vegetarian ones are good too). The wait is insane, yes. Some tips: if you go solo, you can almost always be seated immediately, also the midtown west location is surprisingly less crowded. Go, and then get a delicious ice cream at Sundaes & Cones around the corner.
(5)Con S.
Ordered the pork buns, the short ribs (Samurai Rib) and the Akamaru Modern Ramen. All was amazing. The best ramen I've ever tried!
(5)Britney Thuy T.
Not sure what the hype is..... The fiance and I were visiting NYC and decided to try Ippudo to see how it compares with our favorite ramen joints in Texas. We tried both the Akamaru Modern and Karaka Men and weren't impressed by either of them. For the price that each one costs, it should at least include an ajitama (poached, seasoned egg). We added one to each bowl, but found the broth flavor to be overly salty. The service is awesome here though - very attentive and quick.
(3)Mahina W.
Ippudo is hands-down my favorite ramen place!! Anything you can order here is delicious but I usually start with the pork buns. They come in 2s so it's easy to split with a friend. Only giving 4 stars instead of 5 because they don't take reservations and their wait estimates are always really off. I usually end up waiting at least an hour for dinner unless I go really early (before 6PM or so).
(4)Linna S.
Always love a good noodle in Ippudo. I love noodle, I tried ramen in a lot of ramen places.But the best ramen so far is still Ippudo, never dissapointed with Ippudo. They also have a good wings and bun. It's worth the wait for ramen. Eventhough is crowded and have a long line, i dont mind to wait and have a good ramen.
(5)Polly C.
Appetizers are better than the ramens ... not worthy for the long wait with so many other choices in town ...
(3)Deirdre L.
Not a big ramen fan, but their buns are phenomenal. I do not like waiting on line for restaurants. If I come here, it is during off peak hours or I do not come here at all. Great atmosphere, though.
(4)Becky U.
When a friend took us there I was skeptical... Its just ramen right? I still dream about this place!!! The flavor was exceptional. My mouth is watering as I write this review! Friendly staff, clean and great setting.
(5)Stina L.
My favorite ramen spot in NYC! Wasabi Ramen... Veggie Buns... Japanese Cucumber... So freakin delicious!! Service was attentive & top notch!
(5)M,J M.
This place is shit I don't know how people go crazy this Chinese food Japan seme I went to dinner tonight wait 10 minutes my friend told me is good is overrated to Mach dirty and filthy I will never go again
(1)Cam D.
The best ramen place in town. I hope they will open more location so we don't have to wait for 2 +hours for a bowl of ramen
(5)Wilson C.
I feel like I have tried every ramen spot in NYC, and there are a lot of good ones. Ippudo is perhaps the most famous, more for its exceptionally long waits than the food itself. I have been 4-5 times and the first couple of times I went I didn't love it. Then I got the miso ramen, and this has jumped ahead to my favorite ramen place in the city, and probably one of my favorite restaurants overall. Aside from the ramen, the pork buns are great, and last time I went I had a really excellent special edition beer (I think it was Brooklyn but I forget).
(5)Kelly L.
Best ramen in NY!!!
(5)Aquila K.
Good ramen. Wish I had ordered my neighbour's ramen though. That looked delicious! I think it was the mincemeat one? You're seated at a large table with a bunch of other people. Service is quick, you can see the food being made. It smells wonderful!
(4)Meems Z.
A really cool spot for out of towners. There are better places in town with regards to bang for your buck or taste. The wait is ridiculous at times. Service here is top notch.
(3)Sadman B.
The food is okay but it does not justify the incredibly long wait time. They need to adopt a reservation system. The ramen choices are somewhat limiting for someone who can't have pork.
(3)Amy C.
It's a best ramen place ever!! Foods are excellent, it deserve a waiting long time. Noodle cooked good enough, not too salty and soft pork.... Everything was perfect also sever. Sever was very nice and friendly. He knew what I want before I tell him. Definitely I'll be back that place
(5)Savanna R.
Ippudo is amazing! I have yet to have a bad experience here and I constantly rave and tell others. Pork Buns & Akamaru Modern- best one! - thank me later!
(5)Pauline W.
I must say I was really surprised at how crowded this place was at around 2 pm after lunch hour. You are pleasantly greeted by the host when you enter and when they hostess bring you inside to the room, you are ALSO greeted by every staff in unison. This place is well staffed and on a Thursday afternoon, there were at least 15 staffs on the floor. We ordered the lunch sets Shiromaru Hakata Classic and the Karaka-men. The broth I must say is AMAZING. You can really taste the pork bone marrow that has been cooked for hours in house. Their broth is like no others and I can see why this place is packed. However. I did have a problem with their chashu where it tasted oddly unfresh. We just simply took the meat out of the noodle bowl and at everything else. Everything else was in perfection even the pickled bamboo was excellent. They really seem to have this ramen thing down and excel from it. I can say that they are by far have one of the best broth I have had in the city and in many famous ramen place in Tokoyo. Other than the Chashu problem I've encountered, this place is excellent. We didn't make a fuss and simply mentioned it to the staff to inspect it and paid our bill and went on our happy way. I would have given this place a 5 Stars if the Chashu was good, but it didn't, so I regretably have to give it a 4 Stars.
(4)Cindy G.
I LOVE IPPUDO. I've had Ippudo many times in Hong Kong (it's a huge chain), and I've never gotten sick of it. There's just something about the richness of the soup and the chewiness of the noodles that always has me coming back for more. I came here on a Tuesday night with a friend, and we only had to wait 15 minutes! The service was fast and efficient. All their ramen is great, hard to go wrong with any of them. I would highly recommend ordering the pork buns as an appetizer! The sauce is great, and you won't regret it:
(5)Tiffany F.
My second visit here and it only got better! Had the edamame, rib, and pork bun appetizer. All were very great! The ramen was amazing as per usual.. Don't hesitate coming here despite the long wait!!
(5)elaine l.
Food was great and customer service was very prompt. Did not seem to have that much stuff in noodles but the broth was kick butt. We went there for lunch and got the lunch special. I liked the broth but it seemed to have little ingredients.
(4)Camille J.
The ramen was delicious. Very rich broth. The pork buns were so delicious; the pork was really tasty, and the sauce is really good. Service here was phenomenal. They were incredibly fast with getting our check, refilling the water, and the food came out pretty quickly too. Well worth the wait. My friend and I just walked around the village, so it wasn't too bad.
(5)Tiffanie Q.
For the hype, this is really just ok. The wait is super long, unless you get there at 5pm sharp when dinner service starts. Nothing bad about the ramen taste-wise, it's just nothing special. I'd recommend the spicy pork ramen and the pork buns. The portions aren't super big, but enough to fill you up. While the price is standard, it bugged me that so many features such as egg, bamboo shoots, etc, are all $1-$2 add ons.
(3)Rita Y.
Not the best atmosphere for dining. I felt as if I was at a techno music concert with a lot of thumping to block out your ability to taste and enjoy the food and discern if it tasted good. They need to dial down the decibels. We tried the tonkotsu ramen. I added an egg which was still pretty raw and definitely not marinated. Mine was spicy and it was really spicy. Hubby had the non spicy one and felt the portions were smaller than Totto's for the price , $15. The egg was a rip off at $2. We sat at the counter and got to watch them prepare the food. Since it was not enough food for Hubby, he ordered the pork bun, $9 for 2. Took a bite and didn't like it but he did. The ramen was then and cooked just right. The noodles are very thin. It's popular but I didn't think the meal was the best ramen in NYC.
(3)Minji S.
Good in general
(4)Justine S.
Ippudo will always have a special place in my heart as it was the very first ramen (well, second to Top Ramen) that I have ever tried in my life. Firstly, THOSE PORK BUNZ THOUGH. Hands down the best I eva had. I could sing Drake lyrics to those bad boys all day. Yes it's THAT good. The succulent chashu pork is perfectly cooked, portioned, seasoned and it sits on the softest bun with a hint of spicy mayo and lettuce. Nothing crazy, but far from bland; simply just right. The Goldilocks of pork buns if you will. As for the ramen (and I know people could argue with me for days on this) it falls just a bit shy of perfect. The concept is 100% there, their noodles have the perfect texture and the components are well-balanced, but the broth.. that broth could be a bit more flavorful. I don't like to shame places by naming other restaurants that I prefer, but let's just say aside from the obvious superior ramen in Japan, there is a place in NY I do rank higher than Ippudo, for ramen at least. I still find it mighty delicious and definitely satisfies my ramen craving. My usual order here is the Karakemen which is the spicy ramen. Bold flavor, but not too spicy. The pork, just like in the pork buns, are delicious and cooked to perfection.The service is also spectacular and I love the trendy-meets-traditional setting. Definitely 1000x better than anything in DC. Always have a great experience when I dine here!
(4)Simeen A.
My first ramen experience! If you don't eat pork, only one option for you on the ramen menu, so that's a bummer. But I liked the ramen, and the kick of fresh wasabi was delicious. I also ordered the chili paste on the side- sort of disappointing they make you pay for it ($2) when other places just have it on the table (I went for ramen last night in Chicago and it was standard on the table) but it was DELICIOUS and plenty for more people to share. It's potent and they make it in-house. Server was kind enough to direct me to Sunrise Mart nearby and told me what to ask for because I wanted to buy some. We went at noon on a Saturday and it was already busy... when we left, there was a huge line. Plan accordingly. I only tried the ramen but it was great (others love the pork bun but I can't comment on that). Fun ambiance. Worth the trip.
(4)Kirsten B.
My fiance and I got here in the early afternoon on a Saturday, there were tons of people waiting, but it was only about a 20 minute wait for two people which wasn't terrible. While I was waiting I asked the staff if it was possible to veganize I ordered the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen, but got it with rice noodles to make it vegan (and unintentionally gluten free), my fiance got it but with the normal egg noodles. He tried some of my noodles and said they tasted lighter, but not too much different from the normal egg noodles. Now, about the wasabi shoyu, it will make you cry. I am serious. The wasabi burn is really only strong when you're taking a bite of the toppings (the nori and bean curd especially), other than that it was nice kick but not incredibly strong. You'll still cry a bit anyway though. We both got kaedama, but by the time we got to kaedama we both finished all of the wasabi-ness in the broth and it was just salty and soysaucy at that point, and the noodles really just felt like something I needed because I wasn't full. I'm happy that the lunch vegetarian/vegan ramen was the same price as the others. I would like to come back at another time to try the other vegan ramen they offer (wish they had more than one on the menu at a time though), I'm just a bit irked knowing that the dinner vegan ramen is more expensive than the meat ones, this is usually not the case in a lot of places. I'd have given them an extra star if their prices were a few dollars lower.
(3)Becca P.
Everyone raves about Ippudo and I can see why. Came here at Noon on a Saturday and was seated immediately. The decor is nice. Dark, dim with a nice lounge-y atmosphere. The service here is wonderful. My water was always refilled without me even noticing. Ninja servers! Oh and they give you wet towelettes to clean your hands and tea after your meal which is wonderful to clean your palette! But the best part was that the food came out fast! I tried to pork buns and this is by far the best thing I have EVER put in my mouth. The pork was incredibly tender and the sauce just creates a party in your mouth. This bun just melts. The lettuce is the perfect compliment. For ramen, I got the modern with the soft boiled egg. The ramen is different from any I have ever seen before. Has a nice texture and they are thin. The broth isn't overly salty and doesn't leave you feeling heavy. The egg was delicious with this. I like the ramen but I do not love it. Hence my star deduction. I am going to say from all the hype I get, it is okay not amazing. Also, the deduction of the star would be because when most of us were done eating, they cleared the table for those done but the one person who was still eating didn't want to eat anymore because they cleared the table. Then when we were signing the receipt, they snatched it immediately. that was a bit weird and rude. They took one check when someone was still signing the other. I would probably return here because those buns were amazing and service was good except for towards the end of our meal.
(4)Amy M.
Wow. This ramen place is seriously, hands down, thee best ramen place I've been to. I'm from California & the first time I came to NY, I didn't get to try this place cause the line was massive. Came back to NY a second time & this time I was able to try it & it's so delicious. Believe the hype! I forgot which ramen I got but I got the pork belly buns & the raw octopus too, those were so good. Def try them!
(5)Rhoda B.
I love how fresh and flavorful everything was, i love how diverse the staff were, i absolutely loved the decor inside and loved how all the staff entered orders in Japanese. Made me forget I think I was in Tokyo for a minute! Brought a friend here literally the day after I visited for the first time. This place gets busy, but that's only because the place is just that great! Try an appetizer when you go.
(5)Lo T.
Definitely glad I was able to pay Ippudo a visit. Like most suggested, I went with the Akamaru Modern ramen that came with two pieces of sliced pork, black fungus, scallions and a scoop of their paste. I also paid extra $2 to get the boiled eggs which were cooked perfectly with the yoke half running. The broth was rich, flavor and not overly salty. Not quite sure why some say it lacks depth or flavor. Wished there were more sliced pork but they have another bowl that comes with more. I definitely plan to visit Ippudo again!
(4)Holly G.
This place never disappoints, although the long wait during regular dinner hours can be frustrating (go at 5pm right when it opens!). Ironically, we ate at Ippudo when we were in Japan; there are small variations in the taste (pork from different parts of the world, perhaps), but still soothing and everything cooked to perfection.
(5)Adam G.
Best ramen there is. No questions.
(5)Aadi N.
Ippudo is a gastronomical delight. Best shishito peppers and pork buns in NYC! It's hard to get a table on most days but you can just put down your name and the hostess will text you.
(4)Justin And Michelle W.
The ramen here is fairly decent. Have been to many ramen places in the village and this is by far one of the nicest ones with a unique decor and staff. We ordered the Karaka Men. Good flavor and delicious looking! You have the option to put on toppings with an added cost. However, the prices are a little high for just a bowl of ramen compared to other places. The staff here shouts in Japanese to go along with their theme, although it can get loud and annoying sometimes. Our waiter suggested to us on how much to tip...very unprofessional. Overall, would definitely recomend if you're looking for an upscale ramen place in the East Village area.
(4)Sara d.
super good service, very attentive. A little pricey but worth the money! the pork buns and ramen are extremely tasty!
(4)Victoria M.
I've heard the queue at Ippudo can be quite long but fortunately we came after 2pm and we were able to walk right in. The service was extremely friendly and the place is very clean. Its a communal type restaurant where you do sit with other people at the same table which I think adds to the experience. We ordered the steamed buns and it was amazing. I ordered the akamaru modern and added braised pork belly, soft boiled egg and mustard greens to customize to my liking. This was my first experience with ramen and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(5)Martha S.
OK Ramen. It was a bit greasy with the addition of the hot oil, albeit the smokiness that was added to the meal was pleasant. Have had better ramen without the wait. Atmosphere was fun and casual. Would probably go back with friends. Went last month! Pork buns were great! Drinks were ok.
(3)Shawn P.
Good, but it felt slightly overrated. Not that it's the worst place for sure--I've had way worse, but I felt like it wasn't as much as a defining moment as my friends tried to make it seem. Also, their seating felt a bit cramp.
(4)Mimi G.
Went there a while back, it was pretty good, slightly greasy for me cause the broth is so rich! But for someone who like heavy flavor in their soup, this is the spot.
(4)Cat L.
I'm surprised I haven't written a review about Ipuddo, not that it would matter because everyone who gives it a good rating is not lying! This place by far has the best ramen I have ever eaten in my life!! It's not salty like those other places...it well, basically hits the spot! Every time I go to New York, I make it a priority to come here for ramen. I recently tried the pork buns the last time I came here and omg...those things are mouth watering! I cannot resist this place. If you visit New York, make sure you come here and get the ramen. If you come right when it opens, you won't have to wait a long time. One time I came here right when it opened for dinner, and there was a super long line already. Other than that, expect a long wait. It's worth it though!! I can't rave enough about Ipuddo.
(5)Jennifer C.
Great food but always crowded! I love their pork buns (they're a little spicy but packed with tons of flavor). I always get the Shiromaru Hakata Classic. The broth has so much flavor and the ramen tastes better than the average ramen you buy for 23 cents at your local supermarket. I highly recommend going super early or be prepared to wait 1.5 hours for dinner. It's worth the wait!
(5)Ellen C.
We had dinner here on a Sunday, which required around an hour of waiting. Fine by me, the hostess recorded a cell phone number and we were free to roam around nearby. All right so wow, it's hella loud up on this piece. Like near full-on club-level music blaring and similarly as crowded. The three of us were seated at a communal/picnic-style table, so that further complicated conversation. I did however, awkwardly stare at the strangers across the table from time to time. Our server was swift and competent. He might have been blessed with sensitive canine hearing abilities as I inquired (well, rather loudly) whether the vegetarian wasabi shoyu ramen was vegan suitable sans the egg. Nope, noodles have egg, but he suggested substituting the noodles for rice. That seemed agreeable enough to me. Our ramens and wannabe rice ramen arrived within a reasonable amount of time and I rather enjoyed the interactive aspect of scooping the rice, seaweed, and meager tofu pieces into the broth. I was rather famished, so I did consume 95% of my bowl, but I can't claim that it was exceptionally more awesome than most of the packaged ramen noodles (I'm talking the fancy at-least-a-dollar-a-pack kind you purchase at Asian supermarkets, not Top Ramen - recognize!) I've consumed. Not to brag, but I get pretty gourmet with packaged ramen, frozen veggies, tofu, seaweed, and chili paste galore - WATCH OUT! Okay, Ippudo's more authentic rendition was slightly tastier, but quite salty, as I would expect (and enjoy), so it's not as though I could expertly discern the finer nuances of the broth and the artistry that went into creating it. The restroom here is in the basement, a couple of one person rooms. While making my way into one, in order to you know, use what its intended for, I inadvertently eavesdropped on a couple lingering by the restrooms. They were drunkenly and loudly negotiating whether they should engage in naughty acts in one of the restrooms. Oh young love (lust), so sweet and oblivious. I'm sure Ippudo would have been far more enjoyable had I dropped the vegan schtick for a couple of hours and had I been able to hear myself think. At any rate, it's good to have some kind of reference point should I ever find myself yearning to give up the shamefully inauthentic prepackaged stuff.
(3)James W.
The wait-time here is unbelievable and is enough to make you want to eat ramen elsewhere, which is what I do. I go Totto Ramen uptown instead. The ramen and the prices between the two restaurants are comparable. I'm pretty sure that the time it takes for you to travel to Hells Kitchen, wait, eat, and travel back downtown, you would still be waiting outside of Ippudo. I can swallow the fact that Ippudo charges $13-$15 for a bowl of ramen, but I can't fathom waiting 90 min. to be seated for ramen.
(2)Dave S.
I love ramen and had been told this was the best ever. I was in NY for the night so took an hour train ride from JFK just to check this place out. The hostess was relatively nice as were the waiters and they do this whole, "yelling in Japanese" to make it seem authentic and add to the ambiance. It's pricey, but its also NYC. The broth wasn't as rich as I had imagined. The egg was so / so. The pork bun, I'd come back for. Surprisingly, the best ramen I've had is down in Austin, TX...yep and I've lived in Cali for a year. If the wait wasn't so long I'd come back for the pork buns alone, the ramen was just average. Atmosphere is great.
(3)Cynthia D.
Ippudo gets a thumbs-up from me! I must admit that I was afraid to go to Ippudo again since my last visit about a few years ago. I was afraid that Ippudo will not live up to its hype and that because of hype, they may skimp on their quality. My siblings took me here for birthday lunch to face my fears this past holiday weekend. Upon arrival, my party was told there will be an hour and fifteen minutes wait, therefore, we left a number and ventured out for a walk around St. Mark's. I found their text notification of when your table is almost ready was pretty cool. We actually got a table within forty minutes instead, awesome! Our waiter greeted us and as we walked in, they shouted a big welcome to us and of course, the entire restaurant's eyes are on you! The atmosphere of Ippudo was welcoming and lively. My party's table faced the kitchen so we saw the action going on in there. We ordered the Hirata Pork Buns to start. My siblings absolutely fell in love with them and was just perfect for them. For me personally, it was a bit too much mayonnaise for my taste but still loved it! The charred chasu pork was the best part, the glazed sauce on it was so good! Yuzu Soda - oh my god! If you love yuzu or citrus flavor, get it. This drink is super refreshing and gets more flavorful as I continue drinking. The mix of sourness and sweetness is such a delightful combination! I am heading to the nearest Japanese grocery store afterwards! My sister and I are Tonkotsu Ramen lovers, so we opt in for the Shiromaru Hakata Classic. The soup broth was just amazing for it was so porky flavorful, so silky, and so smooth. Their thin ramen had the right texture that I like - half soft and half chewy. Red ginger pieces in there did not do much for me, not too sure what it's in there for? Bamboo strips were big and it would help to cut them in half so that it can absorb the soup more. I would add-on the side poached eggs and here we have a satisfying meal! My brother tried the Akamaru Ramen which was a lot more saltier and spicer than the Shiromaru Ramen. I love the in-depth flavor of the broth that makes my taste buds tingle. It's good, get it! Service was extremely professional and fast-paced. They are very quick to put away the dirty dishes and they are quick to acknowledge if you have a request. Roasted tea was offer at the end of our ramen meal which was perfect for cleaning our palettes. Overall, my party and I had the most satisfying meal in a while in our outings together. I would say Ippudo still lives up to its hype but I probably would not be willing to wait this long for ramen on a different day.
(4)Ellen S.
Love love love the ramen at Ippudo. Unfortunately, the hirata bun was not available when I came and visit. The place was super packed for a lunch. At least the wait was slightly more bearable than if you were to come for dinner time. We ended up waiting for about 30-40 minutes while enjoying a strong drink at the bar :) The broth was very flavorful and the noodles were cooked perfectly. Price-wise, it was okay compared to other ramen places. I guess for NYC this price is quite good. I'l probably be back for lunch but I am not sure if I am up for 3 hour wait for dinner time rush.
(5)Isabella Y.
Great Ramen. Try go for the lunch set. Warm and attentive service. And did I mention the Matcha Brulee?
(5)Thu P.
Came here 2 yrs ago with another couple on the recommendation from a new yorker friend. The wait was pretty dreadful and we worried if it would be worth it ... It was! We tried and loved the akamaru ramen. The pork buns set the bar for me around the globe. They werr phenomenal. We also munched on the shishito peppers and had an overall great meal.
(5)Jacky C.
The 2 hours wait is totally not worth it. The ramen is okay but not for that wait. The host said the wait for table for 2 is one hour just to found out there will be an extra one hour and half wait one hour past.
(1)Greg M.
The Honest Truth: So far the best ramen I've had in NY (the only other one was Totto). Try to beat the rush by going early. The pork and chicken buns are good for appetizers. The Akamaru Modern is my go to order. Definitely a great atmosphere and the waiting staff is very attentive. Ramen is around $15 depending on what you add to it. The Details: I've been here a twice and it hasn't failed both times. The akamaru modern is what I've gotten both times and it has a great thick broth that's not too heavy. The soup has great flavor and the meat is nice and soft. I also like the idea that you can add more noodles at the end if you're still hungry. The chicken and pork buns are great as well. I actually like the chicken because its nice and crispy and it has more varied texture than the pork (crunchy chicken + soft bun compared to soft pork + soft bun). The chicken wings are good too, but I wouldn't pay that much for just a couple wings. The atmosphere is great, it has a lot of character and the waiting staff is efficient and helpful. The food can get pricey depending on what you add to your ramen. Compared to totto ramen, I would say that both have great flavor, but ippudo did not sink in my stomach like totto ramen did. I think the Ippudo ramen is more balanced and not as overpowering. This is definitely a go-to spot for friends visiting the city.
(5)Alexandra D.
Definitely the best classic ramen in NYC. The only downside is there is always a pretty long wait to get in, and they don't take rezzies. However, there is an app that will let you know when your table is ready, so its pretty easy to just go around the corner to one of the many bars in the neighborhood and have a drink or 2 beforehand. I usually go with the Akamaru Modern, which is so silky and tasty and full of umami flavor. I typically also add the extra spices and egg on top too. I've also had the Karaka Men which is also amazing and spicy and flavorful. For apps- always get the pork buns.... soo good and definitely worth it. For drinks- I love the Grapefruit Shochu, they literally give you a highball of shochu and ice with a side of a half a grapefruit on a juicer. You get to juice your own grapefruit and add it directly into the highball... amazingly fresh and satisfying with spicy ramen! Overall Ippudo is amazing and definitely one of my fav places in the city. The portions are huge and the prices reasonable. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)Sophia X.
Ramen is good but wait is wayyy too long. Quite pricey too. The chashu is boiled as opposed to pan-fried or grilled. Personal preferences but I like the chashu from some smaller ramen houses more.
(3)Dorothy Y.
Definitely had better ramen. The ramen here is good but not worth the price, wait, or hype.
(2)Michael A.
Came here on a sunday at around 4PM so luckily was able to sit down immediately. It should be common knowledge that you are going to have to wait for an hour to sit down during peak meal times, especially on the weekend so keep that in mind. If you're not getting the steamed buns here then honestly what are you doing with your life? The pork buns are outrageously tasty - like so good I would be cool eating one every day for the rest of forever. I also tried the chicken buns which despite being more jacked up with flavor, the chicken patty in it was a little over fried. Tried out the modern ramen this time around - had a strong garlic taste to it but was a little disappointed that it didnt come with as many mushrooms and bamboo shoots as the original. Definitely order those as extras. One thing I must say about Ippudo is that the service was absolutely outstanding. I shit you not there was not a moment during the meal that my water glass was less than half full and I was thirsty as fuck while slurping down those delicious noodles.
(5)Carly C.
Ippudo is the u-l-t-i-m-a-t-e #ULTIMATE! Best ramen in nyc, + I also recommend the pppoorrkkyy pork buns. Side note the staff is top notch chill--don't think cause the hostesses are just so good looking that they don't know what they're doing!
(5)ThomaZ T.
Modern ramen with extra chashieu. The broth and miso paste oil was excellent and new . Taste wasn't too heavy, it was kind of on the salty side . The chashieu has a dry texture, it's not so good, seemed old . The seasoned boiled egg was perfectly cooked and seasoned, tasted the best out of every egg I've had at a ramen joint . Ambiance is a hip place, with up beat hipster music . Pricey but worth a try .
(4)Edward P.
It's okay. It's definitely overrated. Add on the long wait and the fact that you feel rushed while eating.The noodles aren't that chewy. I prefer Hide-chan in midtown. I'm sure there are other good ramen spots as well. Unfortunately nothing beats the ramen I had in Tokyo, but hey, that's not going to help anybody reading this.
(3)Amanda S.
I've only been to a handful of ramen places in NYC, but this is definitely the best I've had. The food is absolutely delicious, we got ramen and the pork buns. There are suggested additional ingredients' for each bowl of ramen, and they complement the noodles perfectly. Of course the bill at the end of the meal was a little bit pricey, but I thought it was acceptable because of their nice atmosphere and the great portions. We had to wait for a table at 5PM, estimated wait time was 45 minutes but it was actually close to 30 minutes. They text/call you when your table is ready, which is convenient so you can walk around outside. We sat at a large communal table, but the table wrapped around some pretty decor and the restaurant doesn't feel super crowded. The service was definitely noteworthy - my water was refilled constantly, and the waiter checked on us quite a few times (without being disrupting or overbearing). Absolutely loved this place, will definitely be coming back sometime.
(5)Emi L.
I heard so much great things about this place so I decided to give it a try when I went to New York last winter. Unfortunately, they do not take reservation, and when I got there, it was already full. I asked the lady how long is the wait time for 2 people and she told me around 2 hours...It was so cold and there was no space for us to sit and we didn't feel like waiting in the restaurant for 2 hours so my boyfriend and I decided to head back to the hotel first. After 2 hours, we went back and we were seated immediately. I ordered Akamaru Modern and it was really the best ramen that I've had in the US. The broth was full of flavor and the noodle was cooked perfectly. I didn't enjoy the chashu that much because I felt like the chashu was not flavored enough and there was only pork taste. The restaurant gets loud and packed most of the time, but that was not really a big problem for me. Even though I think this is the best ramen in the US, I probably wouldn't want to spend another 2 hours again just to get a bowl of ramen
(4)Bea D.
The best ramen in the city. I've been here many times and what keeps me coming back is the vegetable hirata bun and the akamaru ramen with bakudan. I like the place. It feels like you're in Japan.
(5)K S.
My first stop every time I come to the city! The best ramen I've had here. However there is guaranteed to be at least an hour wait, usually closer to an hour and a half. There is no take-out either. The appetizers are equally delicious.
(4)Chloe C.
Back when I lived in Virginia, I would literally sometimes just decide to take a bus up to NYC for a day or two because I was craving the Hirata Pork Buns from here. THEY ARE AMAZING. I haven't been able to find a dupe for them ANYWHERE. Only one place here in Hawaii where I live now came somewhat close, but still nothing will ever compare the these pork buns. The ramen is amazing as well! Many compare this place to Momofuku's, but personally, I like Ippudo 10x better. Definitely worth the drop by!!
(5)Dennis P.
Had the Torishio noodle soup. I've eaten regular chicken soups for $2 that tasted the exact same like this one. The Torishio was $15, plus 7$ for 3 chicken wings that weren't bad but I still left hungry for $25 with tax and tip. Not worth it in my opinion. Plus I forgot the 30 minute wait to get in, then I had to wait another 10 mins so in total 40. After I was seated, it took 20 mins to get my 3 chicken wings and 30 mins for the Torishio. If you are very patient, this place is the right spot for you.
(1)Eric M.
This is my 2nd time coming here. I ordered the Tori-Shio ramen this time. Should've stayed home and ate some instant noodles. $15 is crazy.
(1)Caroline A.
As Yelp generally stated the Akamaru Modern with egg is a great choice. However - noodles and pork were both overcooked which made it go from "omg amazing" to, "not bad". Disappointing pork buns - very tough overcooked dry pork. Uneven distribution of elements which made for unbalanced bites. Overall - has potential but could be better.
(3)Debbie W.
As a first timer, I ordered the Shiromaru Hakata Classic with both recommended toppings (seasoned egg and pulled pork). Overall, very good! However, after adding the pulled pork, the broth was a bit too sweet for me. I recommend adding a little bit of pulled pork at a time. I will definitely go back and try other items. Great, fast service!
(4)Hugo C.
I've been here three times so far and every time has been so delicious. Worth the wait even if there is an hour wait. There is a bar around he corner where you can hang out while you wait and they will text you like your best friend would when the table is about to become ready.
(5)Jonathan Y.
Wow is this place good. The broth has been boiled for days so it is rich and full of flavor. The prep of the noodles and toppings is top notch, all ingredients are balanced and well distributed. Atmosphere is great, lively and fun. You can order drinks and pork buns at the bar while you wait. But you'll be ordering more pork buns when you get to the table trust me. Worth the long wait.
(5)Jade F.
Ippudo NY the best... the bomb... the awesomest... the everything you could ever want... Hands down my favorite ramen, ever. That's it. The best. Must try when you're in NYC, but best to go during off peak times because the wait can get to 2+ hours (too ridiculous). I tend to come here for late lunch or early dinner. Yep.
(5)Cara W.
Best ramen I've ever had hands down. Minca is great, Ivan is interesting, but this is the Mecca. And their buns are also the best I've ever had!! Even better than Ssam for me although I love David Chang
(5)Suryavir S.
A close cousin introduced me to this place, and I have to say the food being delectable is an understatement. Amazing! Fantabulous! We tried the beef sliders along with the Chicken Ramen and the plain beef. The beef melted in your mouth and the Ramen was really refreshing and totally up my alley! All in all a great experience. Tried to go there again a week later, but reached their without reservations and the wait was for atleast a good 45 minutes, hence ditched. I am sold.
(5)Thuy D.
I've been to this restaurant about 5x already and every time I go, it just keeps getting worse. Every time I try to give it another chance, I just end up disappointed The ramen is tasteless and overpriced. There is always a long wait. It's definitely overrated
(2)Scott H.
It was ok. Not the best ramen I've had which was in Vancouver. The broth was very mellow flavored and light in flavor and I was looking for bold flavor especially for 14 bucks a bowl. The servers are nice and the atmosphere is great with the workers yelling Japanese cheerfully at each other now and then. The servers are really on top of things. Your water will never be empty for too long.
(3)Janus C.
Despite all the hype, it still remains one of my favorite ramen shops in the city. However, I don't think it's AMAZING, but it is very consistent and the Akamaru Modern always satisfies. Get the pork belly buns too! If the wait is long, come early and put your name down so you can at least grab some drinks somewhere else or walk around East Village (they'll text you)! If you REALLY want to try this place out with no wait, come during lunch hours with a small group.
(4)Katherine L.
The food was okay. It didn't really live up to the hype. We got the daily special--don't remember what it was called, but it had the wide curly noodles and pork. The noodles were pretty tasty, but the broth was too sweet and concentrated. It wasn't really spicy, even though the description said it would be. Their noodles are definitely served on the firmer side. For me, a little too firm. For the price, I think the food is okay, but I wouldn't return. Don't bother trying to have a conversation here. They blast odd, repetitive, screech-filled music and people are always yelling at each other. This would be a great place to eat with friends if you don't want to socialize. Sometimes, this is actually a plus. The service is friendly and quick! I was irritated by a couple of their policies though. First, if you're in a group, they won't seat you until your entire party has arrived. This was a huge bummer for us, since we were just missing one person (he was out stuck in traffic), and he eventually told us to just go ahead without him. And then they sat us at this large table that could easily have seated him in addition to us, but they said he wouldn't be allowed to join us if he arrived later. What??? Weirdos. The other thing is that you can't pack food that you don't finish. Oddly enough, we didn't have to wait more than like 15 min at 6pm on a Saturday, so that was cool!!
(3)Laurice S.
Really good Ramen and best Baos I've ever eaten (sorry Baohaus)! Broth is soupy silky and has tons of flavor. The umami factor is upped in the Akumaru Modern ramen. They garnish it with condiments (I don't know what they are) that add depth to soup. Only downside here is the looooonnnngggg wait. There are enough ramen houses in NYC that you don't need to stop at Ippudo but if you love ramen this is worth the visit.
(4)Catherine C.
This is a over rated restaurant. The ramen broth was good but the noodles were too hard and the pork slices were dry and flavorless.
(3)Jorge M.
Great food, great place, I don´t have any complains. keep working like that!!!
(5)Jenny G.
Expensive ass food, had a particularly rude waiter. Pork buns were good, but again - expensive. 2 small ones for 9$, wtf
(3)Brian P.
Let me start by saying that I loved Momofuku and I think place may be even better. Got there right at 5 as they opened about 15 people in front of so we worried about getting in but that was not a problem as they have large cool space with community tables. We got served immediately and we started with the pork buns. They were amazing! I order the karaka-men the pork broth was delicious with a silky texture and the added heat for the hot spices was in perfect balance.
(5)Teddy W.
Don't give 5's easily Lunch special for price, amount of food and service, I am a happy boy right now.
(5)Melanie T.
Ippudo was where I had my first ramen bowl. Yes, the bowl of Akamura Modern pulls me to Ippudo. Yes, I would probably wait the preposterous long wait time for a bowl of ramen. A few things to know about Ippudo. 1. You're going to wait an insanely long time for seats during dinner service. 2. When you walk in, you're going to hear a bunch of waiters/waitresses shout Japanese phrases at you. Don't be alarmed. This goes on for the WHOLE DURATION of your meal. 3. The waiters and waitresses are extremely accommodating, and their mannerisms are extremely polite. 4. You get tea after your meal! 5. Get the Akamura Modern and the Hirata pork buns. They're awesome. Ippudo is a great place to go to, but for a bowl of ramen, it gets pricy, and then you factor in the wait time, and also the unnecessary Japanese phrase shouting contest, then it makes me not want to go anymore. If you do end up having to wait the insane wait, check out the neighboring ramen shops (Ramen Setagaya, Ramen Misoya, Minca all really solid bowls of ramen) or if you're really itching for a bowl of Ippudo's ramen, check out their uptown location, Ippudo Westside. You'll have better luck getting seats there than the main location.
(4)Darlene Y.
Yes, Ippudo is known for their Ramen I had some other dishes instead. My friends and I shared the SHISHITO PEPPERS, PORK/ CHICKEN/ VEGETABLE BUNS. It was delicious and perfect snack to share with my friends while we stopped by at that bar. I'll be returning to try the ramen next time. ENJOY!
(4)Theresa J.
the pork buns are to die for.
(5)Nun N.
Perfect size of ramen for me not too big not too small . Teast is very good nice people nice place nice teast.
(5)Dea D.
Ippudo NY was my first ramen experience. It's what I currently base all other ramen experiences on - and I'm told it's not even the best. But it's my favorite thus far. Got there around 'brunch' time and waited for about 30 minutes. Not bad, NYC wise. The bar up front by the hostess booth was packed, but we managed a few drinks. At the time of my first visit, I wasn't eating pork, so I, like a punk, ordered the duck appetizer which was in the upper echelons of really good. Shortly thereafter, I visited a second, third, fourth..(you get the idea) times for the ramen. I usually stuck with the Karaka-Men, as it's fantastically spicy. The broth is rich, creamy, and the noodles are always consistent and superb. I don't think it's there to 'blow you away' but it's not exactly hard to convince yourself you could easily down a second bowl. I've been numerous times, always arriving 10-15 minutes before they open on a weekday. I've only been first on line, once.
(4)Max C.
Too salty.
(1)Hannah N.
Chicken buns were delicious as an entree. God service. Very loud atmosphere. The ramen was not the best we've had - slightly lacking in taste and there could hade been more meat and cabbage in one portion. A bit hyped up and not worth waiting 1,5-2 hours in line.
(3)Jungle L.
This place was jammed packed but the Raman I had was not that great. I guess I just had better Raman then this spot. The service was great and place was clean. But, like I said I had better Raman then this spot. Is it worth the 30min-1hour wait? Nope! Try the Raman spots in Jersey, has more flavor and the pork in the noodle melts in your mouth. This place doesn't, too tender for a Japanese Raman.
(1)Eric G.
I didn't know there was a next level to ramen but clearly I was wrong. This place is amazing and on that "next level"!
(5)Jay F.
Sultriness awaits you as you enter this modern authentic temple of ramen! colorful and exotic far eastern al dente noodles galore ! great spot for a date or a get together with friends , not stuffy at all.
(4)Janet F.
Excellent ramen but a bit too loud! Avoid weekends as its jammed and the wait is ridiculous!
(4)Michelle L.
So many ramen choices in the city, I would have to say this is one of the best. Although I wish the portion was a bit larger for their price point. We got the akamaru modern and it had lots of flavor. This is one place that doesn't disappoint when you are in the mood for ramen.
(4)Jules K.
Came for the ramen, won't be back for it. The Shikomaru Hakata Ramen had zero flavor. Not even umami, just nothing. I would've sent it back if my husband hadn't offered the sauce from his appetizer (I think the Samurai Rib), which spicy and delicious and absolutely bursting with fresh, interesting flavor. With the sauce, the soup was fine. Oh, and their prized housemade ramen noodles? Men. Too thin, no texture. The pork buns, however, were amazing, as everyone says.
(2)Aaron S.
I probably go to Ippudo more than any other sit down restaurant in NY. The ramen is so good every time, and the starters to share are also great. The homemade noodles and pork are even better than Totto, and they are definitely among the top 3 ramen spots in the city.
(5)Elaine W.
AKAMARU MODERN $15 The original silky "Tonkotsu" (pork) soup noodles topped with Ippudo's secret "Umami Dama" miso paste, pork chashu, cabbage, sesame kikurage mushrooms, scallions, and fragrant garlic oil. The soup was amazingly rich and flavorful. I tasted the miso paste separately before I mixed it into the soup. The miso pasted was red but it wasn't spicy, so rest assured! It was delicious on its own. I didn't like the ramen itself. It wasn't soft and chewy, so I'm not a big fan of the ramen. The pork chashu was good and fatty. We were on line at 10:45am on a Saturday (opens at 11am) and the store opened promptly. We were seated pretty quickly. The service was fast and the waiters were nice to answer our questions. The restrooms were very clean and the restaurant decor was pretty cool!! Will I come back? I would say this was a good experience. I wasn't too fond of the ramen. If you prefer straight ramen, this is the place to go.
(3)Kristin W.
My friends and I went for lunch on a Saturday. It was crowded and sadly they do not take reservations but we were seated relatively quickly (there were 7 of us). The food was very good and you can even opt for a second helping of noodles with your order. I'm ovo-lacto-pescetarian, and they do have at least one vegetarian option. I got the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen and I wasn't disappointed! :)
(4)Oleksandr R.
I don't like the idea that you cannot book a table and have to wait for 40 mins to get one. But this is probably the only negative thing I can think of. Ramen was simply delicious.
(4)Natalise K.
So... the food is pretty amazing and if you have never been, you should go at least once. Get plenty of appetizers (because they really are super tasty). That being said, the wait is really long and they do put msg in like everything... which is probably why it tastes so good! ;) I have continued to go back so I guess I think it's worth it!
(4)Patrick H.
So bear with me since I hadn't Yelped in a while and I came here when I wasn't entirely in my right state of mind. The place was a really nice place with a great atmosphere, and it was very aesthetically appealing. The wait for my party of 3 wasn't too long (~40 minutes), which was the time they said I had to wait. I heard the wait can take even longer though, so I was glad. I was told there was this text messaging service they use to let you know your table is ready, so I guess you don't really have to wait there. The service was great and I had no issues with it. The food was good, and I would definitely come back again for it even with the wait, but it didn't really "wow" me (maybe it's me, since ramen isn't a type of cuisine I'm really into). It is a little expensive, which I had expected due to its popularity, but it's enough that would make me consider only coming for special occasions or if I wanted to show a friend some good food around NY. Overall, it's a great restaurant! Pros: Atmosphere (10/10), Food (8/10) Cons: Wait (Long)
(4)Bruce W.
The food is just fantastic. I can't name all of the things we tried, there were many, all great. Star off because not kid friendly, but that's a minor thing. Waiter was able to recommend many things and the kitchen was fast tonight. Recommended highly.
(4)Alison W.
First time here for best friends celebration and it was actually amazing!! I was wondering what was so good about this place but now I know. The ramen I ordered the akamaru modern I think was very tasty as well. Just thinking of it now makes my mouth watery )):. I will definitely come back for some more soon. I heard the wait for ippudo is crazy but thankfully we came around noon and it wasn't packed and we were seated within 5 minutes!! Everyone was so polite and the interior is pretty cute and tidy. I had a pretty good experience here. Also, if one serving doesn't fulfill you, just simply ask for more noodles for only $2! But, make sure you eat your first serving fast so it will still be hot the second time around.
(4)Julia S.
I loved it, the experience was really fun and the food was delicious!
(5)Mary S.
My favorite restaurant ever! Love all of their ramen bowls and the pork/chicken buns are to die for!!!!
(5)Brian V.
Very good ambiance and pretty good food. I gotta question the prices, have had much better food at a few other ramen joints (for almost half the price), but the ambiance is pretty cool. If ya want trendy with decent food, this is the ramen for you.
(3)Michelle Y.
Not a huge fan of ramen, butttt this place really is amazing. I love the decor and vibe of the whole restaurant. It is however, a hell of a wait but it's pretty worth it! Most of the their tables are large and shared. I ordered a set (I forgot which ramen +rice bowl). It also comes with a small salad! I remember ordering the small pork belly buns which tasted soooooo great, so flavorful! The noodles were perfectly al dante. I'd definitely come back here if I was back in NY.
(4)Diana Q.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much my kids loved this place. They had the traditional ramen with pork belly and liked the trainer chopsticks. My husband and I had the vegetarian wasabi ramen which was outstanding. We also ordered the eggplant bun. The eggplant was crispy and bun was soft. They have a lovely staff that welcome you when entering the restaurant. Will be going back soon!
(4)Kristen B.
Hands down best ramen I have ever had. Have tried many of San Francisco's hot spots but nothing comes close to this. Insanely ridiculous long wait. Like, 2 hours. Go ahead of time and plan to put your name in then do something else for a long while.
(5)Jing L.
That raw octopus with wasabi appetizer! Fresh and not too spicy. I'm not a fan of any of those ingredients but i loved it! It was so good we reordered it twice.
(5)Jasmine W.
Food: I had the Shikamaru Hakata Classic (the white bowl), which was quite delicious. The rich pork broth was amazing, as were the chewy noodles. It came with bamboo, mushrooms, ginger, scallions, and the pork loin chashu. The pork loin chashu and the regular pork chashu are DIFFERENT. The pork loin doesn't have any fat, so it tends to be dryer and less enjoyable. It was still okay, but I wish they had put in the regular fatty pork chashu. Everything else about the dish was sooo yummy! My friend had the Karaka Men, which is a spicy version of the regular ramen--slightly too spicy for my liking, but still very good. I only had a sip of the broth. They gave us complimentary green tea, which was nice. Cost: My bowl was $15, which is the priciest ramen I've ever had. Toppings are an additional $2-4, which can easily make your bowl over $20. So I decided not to get any toppings and enjoy the ramen bowl as is. Each ramen is $15 base price. Seating time: I got here at 5:30 on a Thursday and it was already starting to get busy (it opens at 5). It was a 20 minute wait for 2 people, which is pretty fast. The earlier you go, the less people there will be. On another occasion, I went at 8PM on a Thursday and it was a 2.5 hour wait. Wait time for food: Our food came out in around 5 minutes, which is very fast! It's because everything is already cooked and they just need to assemble the dish. Atmosphere: It's very dark, crowded, and noisy. Good lively atmosphere and you most likely will sit in at a large table with many different groups. You sit next to the people in your group. Or you could sit at the bar and watch them assemble the ramen bowls. When you come in, the entire staff shouts something to greet you. Overall, delicious food for a little more than I would like to pay.
(4)Maria B.
The Akamaru modern photographs well, but the Karaka Men tastes better (so much more flavor, can't even compare). But if you do, the Akamaru tastes like mushroom soup in comparison. The pork buns are as good as they say, a bun made of clouds and super flavorful fatty slice of meat. I personally didn't like the mayo they put on it. I don't enjoy this mayo as it is, and here it doesn't blend in nor compliment the flavor of the meat or the bun. I don't see how this works together at all. The item I don't see reviewed enough on here are the samurai ribs! Wow just wow! They are so flavorful and tender, literally falling of the bone and melting in your mouth. So tender that when you'd pick it up by the bone it would wobble in the air as if it's made of jelly. It comes with a pinch of spices and broth like light liquid for dipping but they were perfect on their own. The liquid didn't add much, I used it to pick up the spices on the side, but the spices barely added any additional kick. The reason there is such a wait usually is because most tables are for groups. So imo it would be an excellent place to get together for a Birthday celebration etc. it's funny that it's essentially a soup place but still feels trendy and exciting. Girls that love dressing up would feel right at home. There is also the bar that seats about 6/7. Gets a little hot by there but you also get to see the magic and have a preview of what the menu items will look like. If you have the chance, come for dinner midweek. I did and waited less than 10 minutes to be seated.
(5)T N.
OMG... if you want to go here for lunch, make sure you get to the place by 11:45. Any later and expect to wait. Must haves: fried chicken, pork belly rolls and any of the ramen dishes. Atmosphere is loud and if you are wondering what the waiters are saying as they bring you to your table, they are not talking about you. Not really anyway... From what I understand, they are announcing which table you will be seated and how many in your party and some sort of greeting. It does get a bit old after you sit there for awhile and many tables are filling up. Doesn't matter though since you have a great bowl of ramen in front of you. ENJOY!!!
(5)Anya T.
All ramen $15, eggs $2 a piece, effective 7/31/15 Pork buns and samurai ribs were hot and tasty. The pancake was good but not $10 good They don't have take out containers, so no ramen soup to go :(
(3)Sean C.
Notes: Ippudo NY is located a few blocks away from the Astor Place (6) subway line in the East Village. The ambiance isn't anything super fancy but there's a bar in the waiting area. The food here is great but I wouldn't say it's truly authentic Japanese cuisine. Pros: The texture of the ramen is right on par with some of the best ramen I've ever had. Hi suggest the Shiromaru Hakata Classic which is a Tonkotsu style ramen. They also have a great selection of other Asian delights such as the Hirata Pork Buns. Cons: The wait here can be ridiculously long because of tourists and foodies.
(4)Shalini S.
Best ramen with good service! The only time I finished my bowl of Ramen. If you can bear the wait with the help of some cocktails at the waiting area its soo worth it.
(5)Holly B.
I come to this place all the time. The buns and ramen are beyond compare. I crave them all. I've never had a bad menu item. Get there early for a shorter wait and the happy hour special at the bar.
(5)Sidra M.
We had an excellent dining experience at Ippudo. The pork buns, as everyone has said, are heavenly. The ramen is so flavorful and will comfort you on your darkest day. Great service and fun atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)Larissa L.
My friend and I love this place! I got the Akamaru Modern. The chashu had the perfect amount of fat, super juicy and tender. The noodles were thin, but really bouncy in your mouth! The broth was nice and rich. Definitely see why it was a little bit pricey!
(5)Justin Y.
Menya Sandaime in Fort Lee NJ is way better if youre looking for quality ramen quantity seems to be the focus here price is high and noodles dont have that texture you are looking for seems like a fast food ramen place
(1)Menik R.
After all the good reviews about this place i would like to try it. I came here on monday afternoon and its very hot outside, surprisingly this place is so packed some people even have to wait then i thought "maybe this place is extremely good". Their ramen cost around $15, if you want extra topping or spicy you have to pay extra. i got the Akamaru modern and pork buns. The ramen tasted okay, nothing that would make me feel like its the best ramen ive ever tasted they couldve made it a lot better, however their porkbuns is the best (its still overprice tho). For the 2 of us the bill came out to be $47. Kambi and Ramen-ya still would be my ramen spot but ill definitely will be back for that buns!
(3)James I.
Best pork buns and tonkotsu in the city hands down. I think my work here is done. But seriously, it's one of my top 5 favorite ramen spots in NYC. It's a perfect rendition of milky tonkotsu that's guaranteed to blow your taste buds and not you wallet all while adding some meat to your bones. Had the opportunity to hit up their Taipei location for tsukemen and was floored. This brand has it down to the art of science. So your stomach a solid and Ippudo!
(5)Adam W.
The hype is real...best ramen place in the city. Get the pork buns. The service here is ridiculous. Food comes out in less than 10 mins. Atmosphere is really cool and the staff is very nice. If you haven't been here you are missing out.
(5)Tim B.
Pick your poison, any choice for Ramen and you still can't go wrong. It's worth the wait, hashtag TRUTH. Make sure to order the pork buns too. The trick is to go during odd hours, otherwise you'll be waiting outside if it's too busy. Just be prepared that in NY, if the place is poppin' and you come by yourself or with a small party you just might be seated with other strangers at a communal table. No one cares about your business, just go in and handle that bowl. Beats waiting in the cold
(5)Smai V.
When there's 6000+ reviews, you know you owe yourself a visit here. When you enter, get ready to feel like you're entering a restaurant in Japan! You get greeted and dismissed in Japanese! I'm neither overwhelmed not underwhelmed with their ramen. There's heavier, fatty pork broth for the ramen lovers who want a powerful punch to their ramen broth. And then there's the lighter chicken broth ramen for those like me who appreciate ramen on the lighter spectrum. This is the third time I've been here, so I definitely recommend this place. Pork bun for the appetizer win! The only thing I'd love to see is maybe more topping options like mountain greens, ferns, etc. Or perhaps an even lighter broth option like fish broth..As I've seen it successfully done elsewhere. But really, no complaints here at ippudo. Excellent ramen. I always finish my bowl wanting more. Four stars.
(4)J M.
I always love coming here. They are usually packed but I am fortunate and get there at the right times. The staff are friendly and the food is always good. Never disappointed. I brought my friends here who were visiting out of town and they can't wait to come back when they return to NYC.
(5)Jay O.
Every time I come here I pretty much stick to the same thing. Classic ramen with extra bamboo and a soft boiled egg. Every time the ramen is consistent, the broth, the egg, the bamboo, the noodles, everything. The sticky buns are also amazing, chicken or pork you can't go wrong. Service is always fast and super friendly, they all chant sayings when a new table gets seated or a bowl of ramen comes out of the kitchen. I have no idea what they are saying as I'm sure it's Japanese but non the less it's fun. Don't let the wait turn you away, get there an hour or two before you want to eat to put your name down as they do not take reservations over the phone. It's also a good idea to call ahead and check the wait time, obviously it's not going to be long on a week night as opposed to a thur-sat night. Go put your name in and find a bar close by, grab a drink or two then go get one of the better bowls or ramen you will try.
(5)Erwin D.
Appetizers are great. The best pork bun I ever had in a Japanese restaurant in U.S. Ramen is just so so. No difference from many others ramen restaurants nearby where the price is lower than here. Staff were friendly but a bit over. They asked twice if they can take away the plate before I really finished it which made me feel being pushed.
(3)Lantz A.
I read many reviews about their pork buns so I had to go. I ended up eating the pork buns which were pretty good. I also had a great crunchy shrimp appetizer. That was delicious. Next time I'll check out their ramen.
(3)David P.
Best service and incredible food So much fun to go to and so much lively good vibes. Best date place I've been to! Keep it up Ippudo!
(5)Jennifer T.
*porkbun (OMG!!!!!!!!!! The meat was so friggen good!!! I could honestly eat that all the time. The bun itself was so soft and fluffy, definitely freshly steamed up. Would order this every time) *Bakuretsu tofu (this was spicy tofu with pork; I thought it was decent, quite reminiscent of Korean style dishes and also of Chinese ma po tofu; I could easily pour this over a bowl of rice and be a happy girl but eating this dish on its own was alright; not spicy to the point where you're reaching for ice water constantly); *Akamaru modern (this pork based noodle soup was pretty decent; there was pork, mushrooms, scallions and cabbage throughout; I honestly wasn't wow'ed by this and I also was expecting the noodles themselves to have a softer texture) This place is crazy packed. Expect to wait an hour at least for a table on a Friday night. The service is good; everybody is friendly and the staff seems to enjoy working at this establishment. It's an open kitchen but you don't go out smelling like food, thankfully. I think the quality of food is there, but flavors didn't leave with a feeling that I'd crave again.... except for the pork bun. LOL
(3)Lauren A.
Really love this Ramen spot. They really know how suggest a good sake and the shishito peppers are additive. Make sure if you ask for spicy with any dish, you are prepared to take it on. Also, get there before 6 or after 8 otherwise you will wait 90mins. Enjoy!
(4)Yushi A.
Japanese ramen restaurant. Compare to Japan, it is little expensive but here is United States. No problem at all !!! Thank you Ippudo. Try Tako Aburi. Awesome ! 日本ã«ã‚‚ã‚ã‚‹ä¸€é¢¨å ‚ã®ãƒ©ãƒ¼ãƒ¡ãƒ³å±‹ã€‚味ã¯æ—¥æœ¬ã¨åŒã˜ãã®ã¾ã¾ã€‚大満足ã§ã™ã€‚タコã®ç‚™ã‚Šã‚‚炙りã‹ã©ã†ã‹ã¯ãŠã„ã¨ã„ã¦æŸ”らã‹ãã¦ã€ã‚¿ã‚³ã®è‹¦æ‰‹ãªã‚¢ãƒ¡ãƒªã‚«äººã§ã‚‚å•é¡Œãªã•ãã†ã€‚
(5)Matt M.
THE BOMB for ramen. No contest. Highly suggest a table for one :) otherwise you'll wait for over an hour for 2 or more. Even still - it's worth it.
(5)Asha L.
Absolutely delicious! Great service! Lines get long so best time to go is just before opening time! Food is definitely worth the wait though :)
(5)Michael C.
My family and I really enjoyed our first visit to Ippudo. The presentation of the appetizers were fantastic, although, the portions were extremely small for the price. Our favorite app was the pork buns. My wife does not eat meat and she thought the vegetable buns were delicious as well. We thought the ramen was ok. I definitely had better. Overall experience was good.
(4)Vicky Z.
I came here on a rainy day with a friend, and was seated immediately. The environment of the restaurant was lively, and the servers were kind. However, since it is such a popular restaurant, our meal felt rushed. We ordered Shiromaru Hakata Classic, Tori Ramen, and Pork Hirata Buns. I had higher expectations for the ramen given that it is such a popular restaurant, but the ramen was mediocre. The Hirata Buns, however, are definitely worth trying.
(3)Sirena Jia Wei H.
So being from Georgia, I'm not going to lie but the ramen I've had so far were all pretty much 2-3 stars so after hearing all the hype about this wonderful ramen shop here in New York, I decided to bring my family there and give it shot! For a Monday night, it was pretty packed with a 30 minute wait (I can't imagine the weekends!) I ordered the Shiromaru hakata classic, akumaru modern and Karaka men! (All $15 each ) Sadly, none of them came with the soy sauce eggs I like so much so an additional $2 for each bowl ordered for the eggs. I honestly do not think they provide a sufficient amount of noodles so I had to add $2 for extra noodles. Dessert also ranged from $6-8. I'm giving this place 4 stars! Why?! Taste wise I'm going to give them 4 stars alone because honestly, this place is much better than the ones I've had so far. I would give 1 extra star because even though the wait is long and portions are smaller than expected, they have WONDERFUL staff that gave JUST enough attention to us WITH OUT being too overbearing but....... $20 just for my bowl alone??? Ehhh maybe not the best price but I'm comparing the bowl to previous ones I've had in terms of taste and quality. I'll come again!
(4)Riri C.
Ramen is great, but line was super long. I enjoyed the pork bun appetizer more than the actual ramen to be honest. I love the decor and whatnot though, but the loud music and dim lights made it hard to hold a conversation.
(3)Nishant P.
Modern all the way!
(5)Rikin K.
IPPUDO is the most rated restaurant in the nyc area in the year of 2014! And here's my small review among it! I hated the last time I came around because of very few vegetarian options and also the long lines to have to wait for! But after a year and much hype I decided to give this place another try. My experience was pretty similar to the last one, long wishing had to wait about 1hr for a party of 2? Come on and no reservations that's ridiculous! Once we were seated but had to wait another 20mins prior to ordering. Once again very very few vegetarian options! We got the wasabi ramen and the vegetarian buns! Honestly the buns are die for!! But the ramen was nasty! I would avoid this place and go to totto ramen!
(1)Fabs V.
Delicious. The wait wasn't too bad and it was worth it. Service was excellent and great quality ingredients. The broth was very clean and flavorful.
(5)Alexandra Z.
I dream about their ramen and pork buns.. I travel from Westchester regularly specifically for Ippudo. I love that they all shout in Japanese as you entire the dining room and most of the tables are set so you're dining with other groups of people. The servers are always helpful and if you're first timers, they'll help you choose the perfect ramen. However, you can't go wrong with the Akamaru Modern. My husband and I still have yet to master the chopsticks to eat soup, but we're getting there. The only thing that has prevented me from coming here the last few months is the three hour wait. Yes, THREE hours. If you're in the area and have things to do, put your name down and keep yourself occupied until they contact you. I promise, it's worth the wait.
(5)Phillip T.
Maybe I've been spoiled by living on the west coast, but the Ippudo was just good, not as great as the hype made it out to be. Broth: 3 - passable but doesn't hold a candle to daikokuya or orenchi. Noodles: 3 - decent but not enough body. Egg: 4.5 - quite flavorful. Chashu: 1 - an absolute disgrace, way too lean and chewy and completely flavorless. The hirata buns were amazing but overall Ippudo was way overpriced for mediocre ramen.
(3)Lyn R.
Sooo good! The overall ambience and taste of the food were great. Since the wait for a Saturday night for two was about 1.5 hours, my boyfriend and I went around the neighborhood and grabbed some coffee at Starbucks nearby. We got a text saying our table was almost ready and headed back. We sat right where the guys cooked the appetizers which we enjoyed since we got to see our food being made. They shout out your orders to the cooks in Japanese which was cool. My boyfriend and I ordered hakata chicken wings (sweet/spivey) and pork buns for apps. Both were delicious. I got the modern ramen and he got the classic ramen. I personally liked the modern a little better since it had a slight mushroom flavor and a little kick. My be preferred the traditional ramen which had a slight ginger taste. The noodles that they used were thin and firm and one of the better noddles I've tried in the city. Service was very attentive and they always filled up our water and cleared any empty plates.
(4)Gabriela F.
I visited both Ippudo locations and both amazing spots to eat. The wait time will always depend on when you visit (later in the day = longer wait time). They do provide you with a text alert to let you know your table is ready. The atmosphere is quite busy, but not overwhelmingly so. The people who work their are friendly and are well-versed on the menu items. My boyfriend and I love pork buns, so we ordered the Hirata Buns (pork) and it was super soft and delicious. We also ordered the Akamaru Modern ramen, which is super tasty! It is very savory--I actually want to go there now thinking about it. Definitely a place to try if you like ramen and/or pork buns.
(4)Sharon W.
For one, I love any sort of soup dishes! The soup bowl I had was delicious and the additional spicy paste they gave was not spicy at all! I thought it would be worse, but it did give the broth additional flavor. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was that it made the broth quite salty as i continued to eat. As for the octopus appetizer, it wasn't as flavorful as I thought it would be and super small. The pork bun appetizer was also not up to par. I wouldn't get it again. I would come back for another soup dish.
(4)David J.
Wowï¼The soup was very flavorful and did not taste oily at all. It was not too salty like most ramen places I've tried. I recently went to Momofuku to see how it would compare but it was not up to par.
(5)Nicole G.
A friend told me about the buns, so I came in with very high expectations. The food surpassed my super high expectations (seriously--those buns are perfection) and the staff and service were efficient and friendly without feeling rushed. Perfect timing, delicious food, great service.
(5)Juarsyah L.
I found the food to be good, but not necessarily amazing. The experience was fine. I put my name down, waited for 3 minutes, and received a text that the table was ready. Definitely a place to try if you like ramen and/or pork buns. dailyneedservice.com
(5)Leala L.
Super delicious! Yes, the lines can get very long but I love their ramen so much. Their noodles are always perfectly cookled al dante. Highly recommended.
(4)Christy Z.
This place always has a line, but I was lucky enough to arrive right before they opened for a spot in line. The decor of this place is really cool, all the staff are friendly and greet you in Japanese when you walk in. In my personal opinion Totto Ramen has my heart. To me, Ippudo is a overpriced fancy restaurant. Each bowl of ramen is expensive and you don't get a lot, so if you're a big eater one bowl won't be enough for you. I think you just pay to look at the fancy cool interior and the small bowl of ramen. The ramen was good but Totto is waaaaaayyyyy better and cheaper.
(3)Jade E.
The pork buns are AMAZINGGGGGGGG! A must have, even if you don't eat anything else on the menu. I'm all about the broth for ramen, and their broth is spot on. Highly suggest going on a weekday, as we were seated in about 10 minutes.
(5)Beatrice H.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the city and one of the best when it comes to ramen (Ivan's and Totto are pretty good too). My mother is the biggest fan of this place, she brings all her friends here. Be aware, there's always a long line to get in and you need everyone in your party to be present. Everything is so good, but the pork buns are a must.
(5)James P.
I been here once and the service is great there's people shouting Japanese phrases and the wait time was minimal. The food was very good I had never had Raman so I wasn't sure what to expect but it was good and a fun atmosphere
(5)Calvin S.
3.5/5, +.5 for service 7000+ reviews explain quite a lot about the popularity of Ippudo. No matter who you talk to in the city, chances are if you bring up Ippudo, they'll know which ramen place you're talking about, and they likely have been there at least once. I decided to try Ippudo, as I wanted to see what the hype is like in NYC compared to Toronto. Despite the fact we arrived at noon on a Saturday, the wait time was only about 15 minutes; nothing like the 1-2 hour reports I read in some of the reviews. 15 minutes later, we were seated. First reaction: If you're looking for an energetic experience where everyone shouts out Japanese phrases and that it's a loud atmosphere overall...this is not your place. They do say Japanese phrases, but it's overall an ambient atmosphere compared to what I'm used to back home. The menu is quite simple and easy to decipher, and you'll not be given a lot of time to pick your food due to the huge demand for this place. Therefore, just pick and order fast. We had the Akamaru modern, Karaka-men, and Wasabi Shoyu ramen, with Chicken hirata buns as an appetizer. The food comes quite fast here even if the place is full house, so do be ready. The first thing I noticed was that the ramen used for the Akamaru modern and Karaka-men, compared to the Wasabi Shoyu ramen was different. I personally prefer the ramen in the Wasabi Shoyu ramen, as it's thicker and more resembles the style of ramen I prefer. The other two ramen bowls use thin ramen more accustomed to Okinawa-style. Aside from the ramen nitpick, everything else including the broth was very delicious and, honestly, well worth the $15. Finally, the hirata chicken buns were so good that we ordered a second batch. Battered perfectly, tasty sauce, and I love the bao that they use for buns. Again, once you're done with everything, they will proceed to kick you out as fast as possible. Don't take it personally; this place is extremely popular and you had your turn. Besides, I found service overall to be excellent, as all servers were very knowledgeable of the menu and they will try to accommodate your needs as much as possible.
(4)Anna M.
So I went here on a date. And it was delightful. We finished a bottle of sake that translated to something like "melted mountain snow" which was pretty fitting and delicious so by the time our ramen came out I was pretty woozy. However, it was the perfect thing to settle what could have been an icky stomach and even through the haze, I could tell it was an incredible ramen- oh, and the pork buns? Heavenly.
(4)Joanne G.
Complete fail. Would never eat here again!
(1)Leslie L.
One of the top 2 recommended ramen joints in New York is Ippudo. There are two locations, but we went to the East Village location. When you enter, Ippudo hostesses, waiters, and chefs greet you energetically in Japanese and immediately set the mood for a fun night. Apparently, Ippudo is an internationally recognized Japanese restaurants that even accommodates to Japanese internationals. Most servers are Japanese speaking. Our dinner guests were Japanese and spoke to our waiter in Japanese all night. Very legit! Click here for photos: chefsgirl.com/ippudonyea… There was six of us, but we definitely ordered for 12! Heck, my motto is to go all out especially when traveling and trying new foods in other states. We ordered so much that I'll have to break it down. Our first wave of appetizers: 1. Yamitsuki Goma Kyuri. This is a cucumber salad dish. It's very refreshing it makes a great appetizer/salad or even a palate cleanser in between dishes. 2. Ippudo Salad. Like any other Japanese salad except the dressing is better and evenly spread. 3. Tako Spicy Grill. This octopus dish is Grade 3/5 spicy. It has a really good kick. If you're not used to eating spicy, eat cautiously. 3. Hirata Buns. The Hirata Pork buns were awesome. The aioli and spicy sauce really set off this bun. 4. Shishito Peppers. From what I hear, 1/10 shishito peppers are extremely spicy. It was thrilling not knowing whether one of us at the table would get the spicy one. Luckily, no one did and they were all very delicious. The Ramens: 1. Akamaru Modern. Well seasoned chashu. What I loved is that the chashu aren't fatty like at some restaurants. The noodles are thinner and more "al dente" than your typical ramen noodles. It's very similar to the skinny Chinese egg noodles. 2. Shiromaru Hakata Classic. I didn't find an extreme difference between these two ramen dishes except this one had ginger and a different cut for the chashu. The meat was even leaner. 3. Cold Ramen noodles. I'm not sure of the exact name of this dish, but I do know we ate it towards the end of our meal and were all pretty stuffed. If it was delicious, it was hard to tell. We were so gluttonous! Onto the desserts... 1. Hirata Milk. Green tea gelato parfait with red bean with Almond Coconut Milk. This was creamy, light, and delicious! 2. Lady M Mille Crepe. Layered crepe cake. Pastry cream filling. House strawberry cream. This one had to be my FAVORITE. The pastry crepe layers were so delicate and when you cut your spoon, it cuts right through for the perfect bite BUT still retains it's crispiness. How?! I don't know but it was one of my favorite dishes of the night. 3. Green tea brûlée. Topped with Green Tea gelato. Creamy, dense green tea sweetness. My 2nd fav! We definitely had the full on Ippudo experience. Everything was delicious. What's unique here is the fact that Ippudo is a more modern experience as opposed to your "homey bowl of soup noodles" kind of feel. Also, everything seems to be quite authentic. The noodles are a little different for the soup ramen, but the cold ramen dish had what seemed to be your typical ramen noodle. If I had to do anything different, I would add an egg to my ramen. Our friend ordered for us so we didn't get the option. Regardless, it was still very good and I'd definitely come back for the fine service and food.
(5)Rosa C.
I've been to Ippudo on the west side, but this is my first time at the east village location. This location seems a bit smaller than the west side. Pro tip: go during lunch on the weekends. There is no wait at all! If you've tried to visit any Ippudo, you know the wait is ridiculous, especially during dinnertimes. We were there at noon on a Sunday, and no line! Your whole party has to have arrived before you're seated, though. I didn't realize that different Ippudo locations offer slightly different menu items. For example, the Ippudo on the west side has a delicious sparkling jelly lychee sake. This location doesn't, but has a karakachan special with spicy paste, wavy noodles, and the option to add in rice and a poached egg after you're through with the noodles. My favorite is still their original standard broth ramen. We also had a side of chicken wings and those were delicious. The cabbage that comes with the chicken wings (a nice attempt to balance out the junkiness of the chicken wings) is really yummy if you dip it in the garlicky sauce the wings come in. We will definitely come back to this location and have more delicious Ippudo ramen!
(5)Tara L.
Maybe I was expecting to be blown away, but my long-awaited trip to Ippudo was not magical at all. It was good though, but just not amazing. For such a world-renowned brand and with such a long line of heritage and following, I was expecting monumental ramen. Because we knew how popular the place was, Husband and I along with 3 of his cousins came here before lunch opening hours on the Saturday of the 4th of July weekend. Thankfully, they were open regular hours, and we were the first to wait in line. They open at 11am, and we arrived around 10:30am. By 10:45am, people were trickling in. Once the doors opened, we got a great table in the corner, and I was impressed with the size of the restaurant! It was so much bigger than I anticipated, and the space was really well laid out, and they utilized the space efficiently and thoughtfully. Our table got a mixture of the pork hirata buns ($9), tori karaage ($10, available only on the weekends), Akamaru modern ramen ($15), and Shiromaru hakata classic ($15). The pork buns were a very good and moist with great texture. My only issue with these buns were that the bun itself was ice cold, when it could have been better with room temperature or lukewarm. The karaage was tasty and juicy, with a nice thin exterior that when bit into, a great burst of sweet and salty flavor oozed out. Each order had 4 pieces, so we ordered 2. It was enough for the 5 of us. We were really excited about the ramen, and when we received it, it looked awesome. However, I always taste the broth before I start eating the noodles, and I thought it lacked depth compared to other ramen houses that I've been to here in the US and in Asia. I would have understood if the broth was lacking depth if it were later in the day, but we were the first ones in the restaurant, and it was already like this. The flavor was good, but it was relatively flat to us. Overcooked noodles are a big no-no to us, and unfortunately, our whole table received this. On the positive side, the staff is very professional, clean, attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Whomever runs the restaurant's operations should be given big props for running a well-oiled machine. In the end, maybe because we didn't add other accoutrements, or we had too high of expectations, but Ippudo won't be high on our return visit list. I would be open to try it again, but I'm pretty sure that won't be happening any time soon.
(3)Justin H.
Just as an aside, as an LA guy reviewing a ramen shop in New York, there is a bit of a cultural mismatch perhaps, something lost in translation-however ramen shops in LA are both popular and pervasive, so I do consider myself an aficionado of ramen- Ippudo is a ramen shop that tries to recreate the taste of traditional ramen joints of Japan and does a pretty good job of it. As opposed to David Chang's now monstrous noodle empire (that began with) Momofuku (noodle bar), Ippudo's menu and atmosphere are unabashedly classic. Loud servers calling orders and announcing bowls of ramen as they come out, slurping of noodles, and the din of dozens of conversations in the background. I ordered the Karakachan "special" and was able to try the Akamaru modern and Ebi (shrimp) buns. Though a bit expensive for 1 piece of shrimp per bun (2 buns for $10) they were excellent bites to begin the meal. The Karakachan special was delicious, and richly spicy, garlicky broth topped with chili oil, with hard egg noodle and ground pork wonderful for a cool winter day ( or hot July afternoon!) The Akamaru modern was more your standard Hakata style tonkotsu ramen, with the familiar porky umami- served with a dollop of a red miso paste, hence "Akamaru" ( aka = red in japanese). Having said this you will want to get here before 7, and earlier the better, the waits can be very long otherwise. I had no wait ( for 2) at 620-630 on a Tuesday.
(4)Sofia M.
Weeeee front row dining experience ftw !!! A bit of a wait even for 2 people but still you can grab a drink at the bar while you wait (plus points I guess) (Brooklyn lager is $9 but the sapporo is $6 hmmm...) p.s. you can order apps at the bar too if you're hungry !!! =D Hirata buns - cha siew buns, hmm good but not amazingly great Akamaru modern - broth yum yum !! Bakuretsu tofu - japanese style soondobu, OK Ippudo gyu steak - pretty good , comes with potato salad and grilled mushrooms and asparagus Overall food = 4/5 Worth the wait? Imho not really, would rather come on non-busy times then I'd be a 5/5 happy camper ;)
(4)Tiffany E.
There's a reason why this place has an hour+ wait on weekends so if you're craving this, come on the weekday! Trust me, it tastes just as good and not having to wait means less stress and more time to do other things :) I have waited before and it's okay..but who likes waiting?! Both times I've come here, I've gotten the Akamaru Modern ramen and the pork buns. I really don't see any other reason to change up my choice because they're so good!! The pork buns could've been a little fattier (I like Momofuku's better) but they're still freaking amazing. I don't even need to talk about the Akamaru ramen because so many other people have had it. Just try it!! I get it with the hardboiled egg that comes with a soft, sweet yolk that's a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Ambiance just tops off your experience here. I remember service being impeccable because everyone greets you with a kind smile and they work very efficiently. Also, everyone speaks Japanese!! And no, they're not of Japanese descent! Wow, so much props and respect for them :) If you've never been to Ippudo, you're sadly missing out!
(5)Hyeonji L.
It was just okay for me. Not that crazy about this place and I won't wait for 30 minutes to get a seat here. I like the mew ramen place in my neighbor more than this place.
(3)Mengyi L.
Ippudo Ippudo....what is there NOT to love. OK I don't love it when you make my lychee martinis on the weaker side but that will not deter me from coming back! BTW, so glad they opened up another location! If you come here during prime dinner time or even lunch time on the weekends, be prepared to wait!!! One time my party waited two hours on a Sunday night, but it was so worth it! It takes a lot for me to go back to a NYC restaurant given that there are so many options, but Ippudo has made that list (5 and counting!!). Not to mention, last time, we bumped into Olivia Wilde at the West Side location. I've tried other places, like their biggest competitor Totto Ramen, and IMO Ippudo's broth has so much more complexity and depth. But maybe that's why some people prefer Totto over Ippudo, Totto has a much lighter broth. I usually get the tonkotsu modern but the modern and classic are the best and most popular. Pork buns are a must and the chicken wings are really delicious too. They had a Curry Ramen special for a while that was a nice addition to the menu. Just writing this review has me thinking about the next time I'm going to go back....now that's how you know you're addicted!
(5)Virginia Y.
Man, things have changed drastically since I last came to Ippudo, I'm not sure if my taste buds have matured but the food isn't as bomb diggity as I remember it to be. I had my usual order of pork buns but it did not taste like anything as good as it did years ago. The pork did not melt in my mouth nor was the sauce flavorful enough and not to mention the pieces were really small? Their current seasonal special, karakacchan was pretty greasy. The broth was indeed flavorful and the noodles were good. However ramen tastes better with pork belly, the minced pork did not compliment the dish well in terms of texture and flavor. I would've left feeling like I had a passable experience but I got nauseous afterward and usually I get that way when there's MSG in the food. Yikes! What happened Ippudo? You use to be one of my favorite ramen spots. Did the publicity get to your head or something? And what gives with your new seating system? I used to be able to make a reservation if I was willing to walk in the same day I was going to dine there but now you don't even do that. It's walk in only and the wait is still at least 50 minutes long. If I'm going to wait that long and pay above average prices for ramen, it better be mind blowing good but it wasn't. Why'd you drop the ball on me, Ippudo?
(2)Anthony N.
If you're the type that goes gangbusters for ramen, this is the jam. Thin noodles with some of the most flavorful soup on the planet. We grabbed some of the appetizers that were equally creative, but just couldn't top the awesomeness of the ramen. Service was on point, and the space is great for big groups (although be prepared to put down your name and number and wait). Luckily, there's a bar in the front for you to get plenty outrageous and comfortable with other people waiting in line. The hype machine may test their capacity limits, but it's well worth it. Ramen at its best, NY style.
(5)Danlan C.
The noodle is great !much better than the ramen I eat before.would like to try more .
(5)Hank C.
Not sure why the website says it's closed, but when we called, they said they were open all day today (no break) on Sunday, 8/31/14. We hustled down there in a light shower, and were seated in 10 minutes (the lady on the phone said 45-60min). Guess we got there earlier than expected! :) Pork buns - not as good this time, like they missed some sweet sugar/honey. The tako wasabi was good, as always, though smaller portion than before. The Akamaru Modern was great; much better than their plain Tonkatsus. They had some kind of special "Italian-style" hybrid ramen, but we went with the classic and were not disappointed.
(3)Daniel C.
The ramen and soup base here were pretty impressive. Normally I don't drink all the soup, but this soup was delicious and wasn't coated in butter like other ramen spots. The only negative was the pork was too dry; it wasn't the standard chashu pork, so it was a cheaper cut. I thought the complementary tea at the end of the meal was also a nice touch, and it was delicious. This place pays attention to detail and it shows. I look forward to coming back.
(4)Kari N.
This is our favorite dinner spot in the city. We bring everyone who visits to Ippudo to try the best ramen in town. At night, I dream about the pork buns. I always get the Akamaru Modern ramen and my husband always gets the Karaka Men ramen. Delicious to the very last drop of broth.
(5)Daniela T.
One of the nest Lebanese food that i ever had! So good! Nice place, service and environment!
(5)Rebecca R.
When I see a place with thousands of reviews, I gotta try it. Plus, my boyfriend had been to Ippudo before and remembered enjoying it. All in, I'm glad I tried it but it really wasn't anything special. I don't eat pork and was bummed that they only have one ramen that doesn't include pork broth (the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen, which is also vegetarian). It was really tasty but it didn't blow me away. Aside from the food, I had two big issues with the restaurant itself. First, the place is too freaking dark. It felt like walking into a cave. Second, the staff are constantly shouting Japanese phrases, which made it difficult to carry a conversation, especially since we were seated directly adjacent to the entry path to the dining area. Every time a new guest entered, everyone would welcome them with what I'm assuming was a Japanese greeting. They also would shout to announce food coming out of the kitchen. From the restaurant's standpoint, I get why they do it but, as a customer, it was just distracting and disruptive.
(3)David B.
One of NYC'S best. The cucumber salad is still talked about among my friends. I describe this to folks as the best Ramen in NYC, which may not be true as there is a lot of competition, but at worst they're close. The wait can be off putting. You only go when you REALLY WANT TO GO. That said, it's easy enough to put your name down early in the night and get a drink round the corner. This would be a great date spot if you were taking a foodie out. The vibe is really cool, romantic in a buzzy spectacle kind of way. My standard order is any Ramen dish, pork buns, and cucumber salad. Can't go wrong.
(5)Tina R.
i literally ate rotten tomatoes from this shit hole. the hostess and staff sucked. the food sucked. everything was overpriced. we waited forever for shit. i will never go back. i wish i had never gone in the first place.
(1)Jaclyn V.
The Miso Ramen is flavorful and dense with semi-firm noodles, just perfect:) The only thing not so perfect is the wait! Is it unfair to deduct a star because there is always a wait? Maybe? Maybe I am just angry I can't go to try everything. Service is quick and the restaurant is beautiful. They serve lunch, but sadly, no take out!
(4)Alice Y.
I've been here a couple of times already. Last night, I came here as a group of 4. No wait!!! Awesome!!! Awesome pork belly buns as always. Apparently they didn't serve those buns for 2 weeks. I would've been so disappointed if they didn't have them last night since that was what I've been craving for. Awesome ramen, I had the akumaru modern again. The reason I'm giving 4 stars is because you can no longer add kakuni as your ramen topping. The new addition which is something called shinsegeri? I forgot, it was this pulled pork and it didn't taste good at all. It was salty and so not worth the 4 bucks. Please bring back the kakuni!!
(4)João Pedro C.
Food and service were great. The atmosphere is the best thing in Ippudo. I highly recommend it!
(5)Daniel M.
Great ramen and pork buns and very nice young environment. It s worth the long waiting time during the weekend. I would definitely put it in the list of the ramen restaurant to try if visiting nyc (and also if not visiting!)
(4)Wade C.
Best time to go is at lunch by yourself. Used to stop by after class for a nice filling meal. In the great Momofuku Noodle vs Ippudo debate I have to side with Ippudo. The broth is richer and the noodles are very close. Momofuku does have better pork buns though. The ones here are still worth getting, but not the best in the neighborhood. The lunch set is sure to fill you up if the noodles don't, and if you're feeling extra gluttonous you can always order an extra serving of noodles. The karaka-men has become my go to and is the standard by which I judge all other ramen. Before they raised their prices this would be a five star review. While I'll still gladly pay now, it's just a little less satisfying than it used to be.
(4)Hannah S.
Another day, another bowl. Every bit as good as the last time I was here. Sunday night, arrived around 530pm with 4 people, seated within about 35 mins. Pro tip: The spicy stuff that you can "add on"? It comes on the side, and you only need one per table. That stuff is effective.
(5)Peter K.
Very good ramen in the little Japan area by St Marks. Real pork broth and good toppings. Very creative and authentic appetizers. Staff very attentive and courteous. Kind of a club atmosphere with loud music, but not too loud.
(5)Emily S.
SO GOOD. The waiters are attentive and you can get as many noodle bunches as you want by shouting a specific japanese phrase. There are many toppings and they are all soooo good. It's kind of dark there though. The wait is also kind of long because of how popular it is.
(5)Aviv R.
Came this afternoon, the line wasn't so bad , very good ramen, very good service, and say no more regarding the ramen oh big big wow
(5)Daniel K.
Over-hyped. Went there for a lunch and the noodles felt under cooked. The soup was fantastic, but for the price, I expected more.
(2)David B.
Amazing.
(5)Lillie K.
Very, very, very delish. I went to the Hell's Kitchen location. Service was quick and not too cloying. Food was just fantastic. I didn't have to wait in line, it was the end of the lunch shift before they changed service to dinner. I just snagged a bar seat, the place was hopping.
(4)Gabriela B.
There are no words for how good this place is. Get the pork buns. Stay for the ramen. You'll never leave.
(5)Kari H.
Akamaru Modern with soft boiled egg and Karaka Ramen with a poached egg were both really yummy. I came here for brunch in mid-October 2014. It was about a 45-minute wait. I'm impressed with how they let you put your name on the waiting list and text you when there are about 5 minutes left for your wait. That's so convenient since I can walk to nearby shops to explore while I wait for seating at the restaurant. The staff sounds very enthusiastic as they shout greetings and goodbyes to all guests. Food comes out fairly quickly. We sat with other people at the big table and not many people talk to each other outside of their parties. I'd come back here again to try other kinds of ramen.
(4)Alice L.
The wait was very quick. We were served immediately with friendly service. The noodles came in gigantic bowls. The flavors were alright. Nothing really popping or special. Tasted like any noodle you could make to me. The ambiance of the place was very casual. It had dim lighting and a lot of decorations around.
(3)Teasy S.
I've been to many ippudo in other places and the New York one just has the same high standards.Though I don't really like pork,here tastes good.And I tried the deserts recommended by many people:matcha brûlée and Mille crepe,they won't let you down.
(4)Nathan B.
Wonderful ramen, and nice, rich pork broth. Thinner noodles, which have grown on me. The pork buns...ahhh the pork buns. Get them. GET THEM!! They're so, so good. I would go just for them and order 4 plates. You have to wait for a table as they don't take reservations, but I find if you go before 6:30 you're almost guaranteed to walk right in. After 6:30 you'll wait 20-30 minutes, but hey, they have nice drinks in the waiting area, and you can put your phone number in and they'll text you when they have a spot for you. Good food, good people, good service. It's a bit loud at times, but that's NYC dining, so I suppose that's just fine. 5-7pm happy hour, 2 for 1 draft beer (Kirin and Sapporo)!!
(5)Amy C.
I've been here before I started to do yelp reviews. I haven't gone back to recently, I seriously crave this a lot. It quite expensive for the amount but I think its worth it for the taste. Make sure to get kae-dama for 2 extra dollars. And like ask when you are like half way done. This way your broth is still hot. I seriously always love their broth its flavorful and I always want to drink everything. I got the karaka men, its a spicy type but there are many others to choose from of you cant take spicy. A lot of times the wait is really long for dinner but on a normal weekday lunch would be fine. I am a huge sucker when it comes to noodles but even more when it comes to Japanese ramen. Also they have very nice service, you are greeted when you first come in and the waitresses are very nice.
(5)Jeffrey C.
I prefer this place over the other ramen house in the city. Although price point is a bit high since it is just ramen... I would recommend getting the pork belly bun always! and the spicy ramen
(4)Yaran S.
Should give 4 stars for the food, but the service was super annoying. They rushed us when we were eating and talking. I understand there was a line outside but we were not just sitting there. Four different servers came to ask my friend if she had finished her noodle while she was still holding chopsticks with a half full bowl. Seriously, four servers? One of them even asked three or four times! Why not just throwing the check to us directly? Back to food. We had pork bun, chicken wings and ramen. They were good but nothing impressive. I don't like the noodle. Neither the broth. It was heavy but lack of the tonkatsu taste. The only thing i liked about the ramen was the cha siu in it. Not a fan at all. Won't go back.
(3)Lily C.
I really dont understand the hype for this place. 3 hour wait for ramen?! You're in the mecca of delicious food at every corner in this city- it's not that serious. Came with a group of 6 friends and one came late. They insist the late comer cannot order. What?!!! Most aburd thing I've heard. Definitely not worth it here.
(2)Meggie C.
this place is pretty darn good! my friend went here before and recommended that we try it out while we were in new york and im glad we did! the wait... was long so be prepared. we went on a weeknight and it was still about an hour plus wait. but they do make it a little convenient by taking your number and calling you when your table is ready so as long as you stay in the vicinity, you should be fine. we ordered the pork hiratu pork buns and they were sooo flavorful and not just a huge slab of fat like the ones i had over at momofuku. we each ordered the Karaka Men because i love spicy and that was the only one i beleive that was spicy. it was kind of loud in there since we were seating near the kitchen and they yell every order i guess lol but overall the RAMEN WAS SO GOOD! flavorful and delicious! i will deffinitley be back again with my boyfriend when we go next month. i cannot wait. Note: watch how much you order because they do not allow you to take any of their food home. no takeout orders at all and no takeout boxes available! lol Ramen Bowls ranged from $15-18ish i beleive
(5)Yoselyn F.
Folks claim this place is amazing BUT... Food: I've had better. From the pork belly to the broths. We both had the specials featuring pork belly. OK. The noodles were good. I was baffled by my egg being so cooked but I guess that is their style. The broth left me longing for my favorite spot in Hawaii and the buns I've had back there as well and they were better. What really impressed me was the mascarpone green tea dessert. Service: We knew about the wait. Got there around 5:30pm sat by 6pm. Efficiency seemed to be key. I mean I want to one day move at their speed. Alas I've passed 30 and don't think it is possible. Pricing: NYC acceptable. Overall I would have given this place a 3.5 IF they had not rushed us through our meal, delivered our check without asking if we wanted something else AND refused to bring me a second beer insisting that we go to the bar because the wait was long. Um, I know about the wait. I went through it. But I make up for waiting ,and have deep conversations over noodles and beer. How in the hell does one deny a human being a second beer? we got 6 dishes, it's not like we sat there over ramen for 2 hours. To recap the exchange as I walked out: Manager- I'm sorry we just have a long wait. Me, nod. Friend, it's ok. Me, NO it is not OK, do not encourage this behavior. I probably won't be back. I'll be busy looking for other NYC ramen spots with a more relaxed vibe.
(2)Clara H.
Be forewarned: the wait here is crazy ridiculous, an hour and thirty minutes is the norm! We arrived an hour before we were supposed to meet our friends just to put our name in. Our friends arrived at the time we were supposed to meet and we were told we would have one of the next tables which still took 45 minutes. Ughhhh Food was pretty good but I wasn't blown away. We started out with edamame (standard), Japanese cucumber (fresh and well seasoned), hamachi carpaccio (excellent) and my husband also had pork buns which he raved about! This is not the place to come if you don't eat pork as every ramen dish is made with pork other than one dish which I had: the wasabi ramen which was good but not great. My hubby had the Akamaru modern which he really enjoyed! There is a LOT of sodium in this food, we both were parched and woke up throughout the night to chug water, we also woke up the next day with swollen eyes : /
(3)Diana T.
This is a pretty cool ramen place but has a bit of a wait to get seated. Someone recommended that I check out this place while visiting New York and so I did. The pork buns were tasty but tasted like your typical pork buns for appetizers. The green peppers I had as an appetizer had just the right amount of salt on it. The ramen noodle broth was cooked well and very flavorful. The restaurant is decorated Japanese style and has nice asian artwork on the walls. I would come back here again to eat if I visit New York again.
(4)Elana A.
Enjoyed this place but was not WOWED! For ramen I feel like there are a few points that should be covered My friends and I had ramen and the yellowtail special appetizer. For the ramen, Broth I had the original. They both had different bowls, but I didn't try theirs. The broth wasn't too salty which was great! I was able to drink it easily A lot of places go too far with salt so this was pleasant.The broth was a warm ivory color and did not feel greasy. I think I caught a hint of garlic in it which I was not a fan of, but that's personal preference more than anything. Noodles I loved the noodles! They were pretty thin (which I usually don't like) but the flavor was so fresh and delicious that I quickly became a fan. They are plentiful too! You can see the cooks making them as you eat your meal. Toppings! Chashu- The chashu was tender, but be warned that it is not the braised kind. Meaning, there are no yummy char marks. It's a mellow (and albeit, healthier) piece of tender pork. Some places braise and even use a small blow torch to top it off. Both ways are good depending on what you're in the mood for. Pretty much no fat on the pork. They include 2 slices of it in your ramen (I could have used at least 3, call me gluttonous) Egg- You can get an egg for an extra 2 dollars, but I skipped on that since I'm not a fan. I felt like overall it could have used some more toppings (more greens, a slice of nori, etc) I thought mine was supposed to come with kikurage mushroom, but I just saw slice of what MIGHT have been that. Either way it was meager. You get tea at the end, which I love. Who can turn down a nice hot cup of tea? The appetizer- Creative and yummy. The radish part of the yellowtail appetizer was delicious and added a nice texture when eating the fish. They also included yuzu gelle which was fun. Atmosphere- LOUD! I often had my friends repeat what they were saying because it was so hard to hear (yes, we were next to each other) Also, be warned that there's a good chance you'll have to share a table with other people. The spaces are very far apart so it's not much of a problem. It's just the style of seating. Decor- Lights were dim and decor was simple but elegant. Very interesting Japanese raised characters on one wall. You can also see the cooks working hard making your ramen, and their movements are swift and skilled, a delight to watch. Ippudo was tasty and I don't regret going. I'd go again but I probably won't be rushing back anytime soon. There's just too much ramen in the city to try! Also, side note (a lot of ramen in the city is a few dollars cheaper than this place, BUT it is very fresh and a prime location, so I wasn't too bent out of shape about it) Is it overhyped? Yes, a bit, but that doesn't mean it's not tasty!
(4)Vi C.
Love! Skip on the apps (yes, even the pork buns) and save your appetite for the ramen and extra noodles. Can't get enough. I usually go once or twice a week. Weekdays during lunch aren't that crazy - the longest I waited during lunch was 20 minutes. Dinner waits are mad...as are weekend lunches. If you want to eat on a weekend, I'd get there right at 11:00am. I ran a test to see how long it took the dining room to fill to capacity...it was 11:25am. So get there before then.
(5)Rozely B.
6000+ raving reviews? How could I resist? Even though I do come from Southern California where there is admirable ramen on every corner of my neighborhood, I figured when in Rome.... The wait was about an hour and a half on a Sunday night for dinner. They take ur number and text you when your table is ready. The ambiance is definitely hip and young. It's loud inside, they play club type music, dim lighting, and if you're a smaller party chances are you will be seated at a communal table like we were. My bf and I didn't like this communal setting because some of the parties around us were nearly belligerently drunk. However, I'm here for the food. We ordered the pork buns as appetizers and man oh man! My insides were so happy. The pork was cooked perfectly, almost like bacon, and the bun was so warm and soft. I wish we could've just had this all night! I need to find an equivalent in LA. The ramen was good. And that's all I can say. I got the akamaru modern, and it was good. But for 6000+ reviews, an hour and a half wait, and a rather hefty price ticket, really wasn't wowed. Maybe because I am comparing it to the South Bay ramen faire that I've grown so accustomed to; where I can get a bowl of legitimate ramen at a hole in the wall for under $10 bucks. Overall, I would skip this spot the next time I'm in NYC. Probably is the best ramen in town, but for my taste buds I have had better for much less. If you must come here, do not miss out on their buns!
(3)Nam N.
To say that this review is looooong overdue is an understatement but when I inhaled a huge bowl of ramen in under 5 minute, it's worth adding to the 6000+ other reviews. I came here on my last trip to NYC with my sibs and cousies. They had all been before since my brother and fam live in LES but it was my first time and I was PUMPED to finally try the famed Ippudo. Considering we had a pretty sizable party of 8, we only had to wait about 20-25 minutes during lunch. Not bad at all! After a quick scan of the menu, I went for the Akamaru Modern Lunch Set for around $17. It included the ramen and a small unagi don. Why the Akamaru Modern? Because I just had to have the umami dama paste and garlic oil. RAMEN ANALYSIS: Noodles: Perfect--great chewy texture. Broth: SO GOOD! Rich, deep flavored broth accented with the dark garlic oil Toppings: Chashu was average. Mine was a bit tougher than I would like. I want my chashu to essentially melt in my mouth and unfortunately this didn't --but the other components made up for it. I had also wanted to add a soft-boiled egg but they had ran out. BUMMER!! As for the don, there was a good amount of unagi in it. Pretty straight forward, no frills, no thrills. I don't think I'd order it again. Would I go back? HECK YES! I absolutely want to try the Karaka Men Ramen and some of the Hirata Buns. OISHII!
(4)Kevin E.
I was so excited to finally get to try out THE Ippudo but unfortunately, I was left feeling very underwhelmed...So my friend and I got here at around 4:30 to beat the early dinner rush and we were one of the first ones in line. Tip: Get here at around 4:30-4:45 and there will be no wait at all! The decor was pretty cool and the service was very attentive. However, I was not impressed by the food. Hirata pork buns- They looked and smelled good but the taste did not blow me away. Don't get me wrong, they were definitely tasty but I don't think they were worth $4.50 each. The sauce was delicious and I actually didn't mind the lettuce, but the portion of the pork was just so small...both in the buns and in the ramen. Akamaru modern- Supposedly Ippudo's most famous ramen dish but I didn't like it one bit. There were only 2 pathetic pieces of pork in there, the ramen was so bland, and the broth was hypertension inducing salt water in a bowl. Don't forget the fact that it's $15 (+more if you want additional toppings) wtf?? As a foodie, I normally try out restaurants even if my friends tell me that they're bad, just for the experience. But seriously, Ippudo isn't worth the try and I do NOT recommend it. The food doesn't live up to the hype and the prices/wait are ridiculous. Take your money and spend it at some of the other great places in the East Village!
(2)Brian W.
Not that this place needs any more good reviews, but it's pretty damn good. The atmosphere is so modern and nice. The food is excellent. Great happy hour deals. For the food, it's a five star spot. However, I have to knock it down a peg because A) It is almost always a terribly long wait. B) It's become a bit too trendy in recent years and packs goofball annoying crowds sometimes.
(4)Jenni S.
I had been meaning to get to Ippudo forever, and drug my lovely friend here while we were doing some holiday shopping. We arrived maybe five minutes after 5pm (when they open for dinner) on a Monday, and there was already a wait, so when you go, be prepared. So I'm going to just decide to forget the sort of stuffy dismissive hostesses, the alienating, but effective staff, and the shouting that feels a little like you're being forced into some weird military noodle camp (I just wanted ramen, not a new religion, and there is plenty of yelling on the street outside), and skip straight to the good stuff. The decor is weird. It's incredibly dark both in the waiting area/bar, and the interior restaurant, which I would usually hate if not for the totally weird, modernist-y, decor. It feels like a mix between getting lost in a very constructed forest, and being on a game show that relies heavily on dramatic lighting. I also sat staring at the end of a table facing a mirror. There is nothing weirder than watching yourself eat noodles in a mirror. I promise. I ordered the Shikamaru Hakata Classic, because I like to start with the basics, but I definitely had plate envy because my friend got the Akamaru Modern, which looked more exciting. The broth was fantastic, and the noddles were thin, soft, and every so slightly chewy, just utterly perfect. We also started with the pork buns, which were really fantastic, but....kinda overpriced. I'd skip them next time. I was not impressed with the quality of the pork tenderloin in my ramen. It was tough, and chewy, and not terribly flavorful. I don't know if I just got a bad cut, but I just wasn't impressed. I think part of my dismissiveness was that I'd recently been to Totto Ramen for the first time and their pork is so heavenly it dances through my dreams at night. In any case, I nearly licked the bowl clean, and if you're a ramen fan this is a must. Just...don't use the bathrooms.
(4)Sasha A.
Traditional Japanese food with a modern delivery. Great environment and interior design. The food was amazing (try the hirata pork buns) and fresh. It was too dark to take pictures but I wish I took some anyways to share on yelp. They gave us excellent service ava attention even though they had a very busy full house. Five stars all around
(5)Erica L.
After seeing the good reviews of here, my mom and i decided to give it a try today. For a place with decent room, why use the community tables to have everyone share it? They should have multiple tables. My mom and i ordered the akamaru modern ramen. We expected eggs to be included, but nope. It's $2 extra to have it included. So we included the eggs in our ramen. My mom was disappointed about that. But what disappointed my mom and i was the amount of chasu they gave. Such small pieces and only about 2-3 pieces. And such thinly cut. To have more chasu, it's an extra $2 which we didn't do because it's too expensive in total. Other than that, ramen tasted good but we've tasted better at other places. On the good side though, service was good. Staffs were friendly and food came quick.
(3)Lan M.
Amazing. Don't forget to order the pork buns, truly unique sauce. Each of the ramens I've tried are great but the akamaru is not to be missed if you're only visiting.
(5)Foodie C.
One of the best ramen places in nyc. It's near my school so whenever I need to grab a quick lunch, this is it. Service is so cute, they make sure everyone "knows" when you walk in the door and make sure everyone knows when you leave Definenly try it when you're in the area
(4)wayne l.
They were out of the pork buns when we got there but the spicy ramen was delicious. And they serve whiskey! You can't go wrong when you get spicy ramen and whisky in one sitting.
(5)Angela H.
Such a wonderful place!! I've been there twice now and it was equally as good both times. While it is a great date spot, it's not exactly suited to quiet conversation. Ramen -The first time we went, my boyfriend had the Karaka Men with a poached egg and I had the Akamaru Modern also with a poached egg. They were amazing but I liked the Karaka Men slightly better (the slight spice was wonderful). It was also a ton of food! So the next time we went we got one of those, shared it (making sure to leave enough soup) and asked for extra noodles at the end. My boyfriend has an APPETITE but this was enough for both of us. Appetizers - Hakata Tonpu Yaki (Pancake with sliced pork belly) - phenomenal. I wish the pork belly had been a bit more substantial (it kind of got lost among everything else going on). Reservations - It's usually a 1.5-2 H wait. BUT you can go, give your name and number and then leave. They will text you (multiple times if you don't show up) when your table is almost ready so you have about ten mins to get over there. My BF lives in the area so once we just gave our name before we were hungry and then went back home for a few hours. It's also great to stop by and give your name then get drinks or appetizers at a nearby bar.
(5)Christine J.
I never knew ramen could have so much flavor! This place was great. We arrived around 9:45pm on a Friday night and was told the wait was 1.5hrs. That long of a wait for soup?! I thought it was a little crazy, but decided to give it a try. I'm SO glad I did! The staff is friendly, quick, and extremely efficient. They definitely added a nice touch to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. We ordered the chicken wings (super crispy with the right amount of sauce) and I had the Akamaru Modern. It was a great meal all around. My only complaint is that they ran out of their pork buns before we got to order : (. The bartender told me not to worry though because I'll be back again. He was right. I'll be returning Ippudo, hopefully next time to try those legendary buns!
(4)Camille H.
Beautiful space with inviting and cozy decor! When you enter the staff cheers and greets you! You get to see the chefs cooking the food in the back. Absolutely delicious food and presentation is immaculate. Friendly, professional servers. I don't eat noodles so I got the brussel sprouts and fish (the menu has changed since then I believe). The reason this isn't a 5 star review is because the food was so little, and it wasn't cheap (see pic). I wanted more, especially after waiting so long. That's another thing - the wait was super long, as others have noted and if I remember correctly, you can't make a reservation over the phone? My friend who got the ramen loved it and left totally full and satisfied. So, if you eat noodles/ramen you'll probably fare better than I did. We had to share a table with people - communal style. We didn't order dessert but a girl next to us did and was trying to get us to take it off her lap since she was full and had to go, which was a first! We didn't bite (you see what I did there?) Good to experience and great date night spot, but once was enough for me. Although I might go through it all again to experience this with my boyfriend since I think he'd really dig it.
(4)K N.
Delish. Lives up to the hype. The buns and the ramen are the way to go!! Be prepared to wait for a table but worth the wait
(5)Cassidy P.
My three star review is specifically for the eggplant bun. So so good. Do not leave this place without trying it. Also, the app they use when you're waiting to be seated is great. However, wasn't super impressed by only one veggie or fish-only option; they need to add more choices to their menu.
(3)Young Cheol S.
Hmmm... Maybe ATL is getting a much better option on ramen or maybe Ippudo is losing their grip.. I still liked their broth, but man the chashu was dry! How can a meat in a broth be dry you ask? It's like a tough old meat like taste.. I even ordered extra chashu to begin with.. Next time in NY, I'll be trying some other places for Ramen and see..
(3)Alyssa B.
Ippudo is located next to my current project for work, so I'd been wanting to visit since I first spotted it. My colleagues and I had tried to eat here a couple times, but with a 90 minute wait we always ended up elsewhere. Finally last week, I asked about a table for 3 around 630pm and was told no wait. Whaaa?!? Sold! I enjoyed the loud Japanese welcomes (I'm assuming?) when we entered, and was glad to be in the back corner of the restaurant without a shared table. I started with the maguro tartar ($15) and while it was tasty and the presentation was gorgeous it wasn't my very favorite. The menu says that it is seared, but I missed that part and was expecting raw tuna...my own misinterpretation. The garlic soy was a great pairing, but I didn't find the endive to really add anything to the tuna. I ended up eating the tuna by itself. I had the akamaru modern, since I wanted to try the original (though normally I'd go for the spicy option). While it was very good, I found the portion to be very small, and I didn't like the noodle size...I'd prefer thicker noodles. Also, though there were subtleties in flavor of the broth, I would have preferred some more prominent flavors. Perhaps I ordered 'wrong' for my own taste preferences. I will probably come back to try the Karaka Men, though I do prefer Momofuku's ramen. Also worth noting, my friends tried the chicken buns and pork buns and thought they were much tastier than Momofuku's. Service was top notch, and our server was very knowledgable and answered all our questions.
(3)Leo Y.
good ramen, excellent pork bun
(4)Scott G.
Extremely flavorful broth and delicious spicy paste make for a fantastic ramen. Not in expert in the category, but compared favorably to Momofuko (I go here for the wings). Not cheap for ramen, however.
(4)Erica D.
The wait for a paty of 2 on a Saturday night was a little over 2 hours -- put your name in early and then see a movie or a show while waiting, Loew's Theatre and Union Square Park are really close by. Alternatively, the bar is open in the front with a short (but amazing) list of appetizers! Would highly recommend getting the pork buns while you wait for a table, they are probably the best in Manhattan. Once seated, I got the Akamaru Ramen with the boiled egg -- possibly the best ramen I've eaten in my life (although disclaimer, I don't eat a lot of ramen). Broth is creamy and not overly salty, noddles are soft but not soggy. Perfection in a bowl.
(5)Amy L.
Ippudo is insanely good. I lived in Japan and visited the branches their frequently and the New York branch does not pale in comparison! I definitely suggest trying everything on their menu - even the seasonal specials! If I could, I'd go to Ippudo at least once a week because I love it THAT much!!
(5)Abby S.
Came here around 6:15pm Friday night, and only had to wait half an hour for a party of six. There's a tiny bar in the waiting area that serves a wide variety of drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic (yay iced oolong!). The restaurant itself is really classy for a ramen place, but not fancy enough where there's any dress code. I ordered the Shiromaru Hakata Classic with nitimago (soft boiled egg) and the pickled mustard greens, while the rest of the party opted for the Akamaru Modern. Within ten minutes of ordering, our food arrived! The noodles were pretty good, although they were the thin and straight kind (I prefer the wavy noodles). I really liked all the additions (julienned pickled ginger, pickled bamboo, seaweed), as their acidity helped balance out the broth. Usually I find ramen broths too rich, but Ippudo's broth was spot on. I didn't really like the pork, which was a bit dry, and I thought the mustard greens were just ok and not really worth the extra $3. My bowl of ramen was $20 pre tax/tip - which could pay for four times the amount of ramen in California. For the solid service and attention to detail in the food/ambiance, I'll round up from a 3.5 to a 4.
(4)Steve F.
Quick service, great broth, toppings and noodles. Preferred over Ivan and Noodle Bar
(5)Munkie D.
The ramen is decent, but way too overpriced. I think there's something about the type of oil they use for the Tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen that makes it too heavy but also bland at the same time (no memorable flavor). I enjoyed the Tori ramen, but still, $15??? The only reason I would go here over another other ramen place in NY is that they can easily seat large groups.
(3)Kevin L.
I was here on a Sat. night bad choice. The wait like any good restaurant that doesn't take reservation was over 2hrs. So I put my name down and went to the bar around the area because the restaurant bar area was full too. Went back after they called to say my table was ready, had 2 serving of DELICIOUS ramen. Get the pork bun appetizer. Would wait all over again ..
(4)Sean B.
Excellent ramen and great pork buns. I think the Cooper Sq. location is better than the one in Midtown.
(5)Titia C.
Love the food. Great noodles. The only problem is the wait. Really long so make sure you have a book when you go.
(4)Stephanie P.
Everyone knows the iconic Ramen Shop Ippudo and I must say, it lives up to its name. My first time every going here, I waited an hour and a half to try this delicious savory bowl of noodles. The broth is bursting with flavor, the noodles are cooked to perfect al dente consistency. Their pork buns are also delicious! As expected of pork belly. I went another time to their Midtown location and the wait time was cut in half. Amazing. A shorter wait for this delicious bowl of heaven on a cold wintery day. Definitely stop in for a try and I would recommend the midtown location as the wait time isn't as long.
(4)Jason S.
Delic!!!! But don't be stupid and wait two freaking hours for a table... That's nuts!!! We waited for 40 mins. Order the pork buns, the miso glazed cod and the modern soup.
(5)Jacques V.
Hipster ramen scene with good noodles, particularly with bigger parties or for those craving a lively atmosphere. Better ramen can be found elsewhere for the die hards but the octopus starter is a favorite.
(4)K W.
Cool decor and constant drink refilling - yay! The service here was fast and accommodating. The place is usually very busy, but then again, what area of the East Village isn't? We waited for only a moment, 15 minutes tops, before we were seated. We were a party of four and they gave my friends and I a wonderfully sized booth (which even allotted for privacy) in the busy restaurant. The dish I ordered seemed to be a staple, Akamaru Modern noodles with a side of fried chicken over rice. The dish was unique in flavor and simply delicious! In addition, the price was certainly reasonable for such a popular and aesthetic restaurant. I would definitely go again - try it and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Rita T.
Ahh! Absolutely delicious. My favorite is the modern with poached egg. The noodles are always al dente and the broth is complex in flavors. It can be quite a long wait so try to get there 10-15 mins before they open.
(4)Ryan R.
Horrible service with a rude waiter. Food was mediocre and overpriced. They will really hassle you if you dont have your entire party there when your table is ready and threaten to give your table away even when they make you wait over an hour. After making us wait that long no need to give us attitude and threats. Watch out for this place and dont buy into the hype. You have been warned.
(1)Steve S.
The pork buns may have been the best thing I've ever tasted. Also Dilla was playing while u ate it which didn't hurt.
(5)Gareth G.
Broth richer than the deficit. Insolvent economies are the sign of good ramen.
(5)Maria S.
Delicious pork buns and ramen! YUM
(5)David R.
can't say enough good things about this place. Any complaints about wait times ect.. (Go when it opens and you will avoid all that). The ramen is incredible and the pork buns are the city's best.
(5)Yumi W.
karakara ramen is best ramen I ever had. NY location is better than Ginza tokyo location
(5)Kathy O.
In my opinion, this place is a must-try for ramen in NYC. The ramen is good although it can get a bit pricey. Compared to some of the other ramen places in Manhattan that I've been to, the ramen here is a bit better although it does cost more. This place is pretty popular though so you may end up having to wait for a while depending on what time you get there. I had to wait for around 45mins once when I came here with 3 of my friends. One of the waitresses recommended this bun (it reminds me of the peking duck buns) that was amongst the appetizers. The bun was good and they can cut it up in half for you to share with someone. The dessert is really well-decorated. They almost looked too nice to eat. I've tried their mille crepe and icecream. Their mille crepe was really soft and sweet (but not too sweet). I always found it amusing how most of the staff will loudly greet you and see you off (in a good way). It kind of feels welcoming in a strange sense.
(4)Mariya E.
I don't understand why everyone is pining over this ramen joint. It is completely over hyped, over priced, and not authentic. Luckily my friend dandy husband didn't have to wait long for a table, about 10 minutes at 5:45pm on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone who worked here was white or Korean. That was the first sign something was amiss. Also, the ramen is $15 a bowl, without egg. I'm from LA and I understand things are pricier in NYC, but that's double what I usually pay. My hubby and I shared an original and the tuksumen special (it's Italian style so we knew it would not be authentic but wanted to try something new). Neither broth had the rich depth it should from a long, slow cooked broth. The pork chatsu was a joke. It was not charred, nor was it soft and melt in your mouth as it should be. Overall, I would not come back nor would I recommend you waste time in line for this. Can't believe people are buying into the hype or that they lack other options.
(2)Elysia K.
Great ramen!!!!!!!!!! love you! BUT long long long waiting~~~~
(5)Jane S.
I revisited Ippudo for lunch because my co-worker took me there. We got there around 1:10pm and the wait wasn't too bad - 10 minutes! The key to eating at Ippudo is to go either super early when it opens at 11:30am or later when the lunch rush has passed by. I got the Shiromaru Hakata Classic ($14), or the original silky "Tonkotsu" (pork) soup noodles topped with pork loin chashu, sesame kikurage mushrooms, memma, red pickled ginger, & scallions. Again, I was pretty disappointed by the serving size. The ramen is served in a bowl that seems huge because the rim is wide, but it has a small base so you actually don't get that much food. The broth was rich and flavorful without being too heavy. I liked that the charshu was very lean and not fatty. I would have liked to see more toppings. You can get more noodles, but they charge you extra. The thin noodles were cooked al dante. There are so many great ramen places that I still don't understand why Ippudo is so hyped.
(3)Melanie W.
Ippudo is the standard to which I hold all other ramens up to. Their akamuru modern ramen is incredible. The silky, pork broth and perfectly chewy noodles are my favorite. I'm just disappointed that they seem to have discontinued their Berkshire braised pork belly. The pork buns are also a great appetizer.
(5)Judy C.
Like Anthony Bourdain, I often find myself having a STRONG craving for noodle soup and especially ramen... not as wonderful as the ramen in tokyo (literally had a bowl between meals the 3 days we were in tokyo), but its the best ive had in the city. I usually order Akamaru Modern and you cant leaving without having a pork bun. The only thing that keeps me from coming more often is the 2 hour wait.
(4)Donna J.
Came again recently before Late Night Jimmy Fallon and this place either went downhill or my tastebuds have had better. I ordered the spicy miso which was bland and the noodles were thin and hard. The added egg was more hard boiled than the usual eggs I add to ramen which have a creamy translucent yolk. I'm sorry Ippudo but you are all hype now.
(2)Tracy H.
The best ramen in New York! (Though still not as good as what you can get in LA!) Wait: I've been to Ippudo twice - the wait was 20 minutes on a Tuesday winter night, 1 hour on a Wednesday summer night. Food: So far, I've tried the Shiromaru Hakata Classic and Akamaru Modern (both delicious and savory, even better with the boiled egg), and Yamitsuki Goma Kyuri (seasoned cucumbers - very delicious). Overall: I have a few complaints: I had great service on the first visit, but (1) it was bad the second time around, when I visited in the summer. Waiters awkwardly repeatedly lingered by our table towards the end of the meal, picking up finished bowls every other minute. I understand that it's rush hour, but I was annoyed that waiters acted so clumsily, at expense of our dining experience. Try visiting outside of rush hours or during bad weather. (2) What you get for the price ($20 / bowl) is underwhelming. Not much ramen and that wonderful soft boiled egg also comes at an extra cost, in contrast to the shops in LA which are generous in toppings (egg!) and serving size. Ippudo disappointed me here.
(4)Rodger Y.
Ippudo (aka Ipparu aka Seppuku) is a classy, yet reasonably priced ramen restaurant located a short distance from New York's most entertaining attraction, the Comedy Cellar. The five stars is strictly a flavor rating, as service left something to be desired, but as the great chef Guy Fieri once famously quipped, "I dine for the food, not to be treated like an entitled pretty Buckingham-palace-living Imperial empress basic bitch." FOOD: Pork Hirata buns. PORK FREAKING HIRATA BUNS. These little buns were stuffed with tender, umami lathered pork slices, house sauce, and herb garnish. I've had my fair share of pork buns in my life, and let me tell you, these are by far the best I've ever had. The flavor was just sublime, the pork cooked to perfection, the sauce tangy yet not overpowering, contrasting textures of tender and crunchy, man they could have served me uncooked Top Ramen for my entree and I still would have slapped 5 stars onto this review. I could go on. Yes these buns are that good. The Ramen: I ordered a Classic and the Bae ordered the Modern. I'll start with the Classic; in a traditional ramen sense, Ippudo doesn't falter. It is delicious if you are looking to satisfy your I-need-ramen-now urges. It's flavorful, the meat is tender, and the broth is not overly fatty or oily. However, if you are looking to expand your ramen horizons, I'd go with the modern. The modern is a more contemporary ramen that is equally good, but will surprise your taste buds along the way. Hell, for the $15 price point it's almost foolish not to get both. Ambiance: the interior of Ippudo is dimly lit and intimate, with tasteful mood lighting and modern furniture with an Asian twist. Great for dates, not so great for Instagram (trust me, we tried). Service: the service was typical of any nice restaurant; waiters were courteous, attentive, and responsive. Of course, with any Japanese restaurant, you are greeted with people shrilly screaming at you in a language you don't speak. Despite this, the wait staff was very pushy and seemed to be eager to get us to leave. I understand that they are trying to maximize turnover, but there are more graceful ways in which they could have handled the situation. Tips: get here early! We arrived at 5 at the opening time, and were immediately seated, but starting around 5:45 the place was already full. They don't take reservations, so plan accordingly. Your Boy, Rodger
(5)Amy C.
Overrated. Waited 40min? My family and I walked in, received a warm and adorably Asian welcome by the staff (they do it for everybody). Food was like any other good ramen place. Uh... what was all the hype for? I'd say do yourself a favor and head to other less crowded ramen houses. They're just as good, if not better.
(3)Jacy Y.
No doubt the best ramen in NYC. Thick and flavorful soup, chewy noodles, very very hot broth the way a ramen bowl should be served! Fantastic waiters as well, they care about providing you with good service.The only downside is that every time I go visit the original Ippudo at Astor, the wait is always 1-2 hours long. Doesn't matter what time you visit, the later you go the longer you have to wait. You've been warned!
(5)Jordan H.
Ramen, ramen, ramen. So so so good. The wait is pretty hell-ish (hour to hour and a half) but it's worth it. So very worth it. If you have nothing to do tonight and are willing to wait, check out Ippudo.
(4)Alex S.
Great soup selection.
(5)Melissa G.
The BEST ramen you can get in Manhattan. The wait is totally worth it. Even if it's 2 hours, go grab a drink in the east village and Ippudo will text you when your table is ready. It's worth every second of the wait - all ramen is amazing!
(5)Liz I.
Ok, so, I finally had a chance ant went back. this place is great! My first impression of the place was not very good and I almost crossed it off my list but then my good friend insisted i try again. and i'm so glad she was right! I ordered something different this time and everything was delicious! big fan, totally coming back :)
(4)Ziqiu Z.
lunch set is very worth trying, ramen+your choice of rice and a salad for $3 extra. We also had the taco wasabi which is my favorite. Akamaru Modern has a very strong taste. I want to go back for their desserts tho!
(5)BAYSIDEGAL E.
YELP reviews can really make a restaurant! Finally made it to the infamous ippudo ramen and I have to say, I am confused by the 4star, the +6k review, and just the overall popularity! We ordered the akamaru modern with season egg and the vegetarian ramen (forgot the name). both were delicious but just nothing spectacular. Neither the broth nor the chashu was all that complex in flavor and the ramen texture itself was a bit off. Idk, maybe I am comparing it to ramen that I've had in japan and so the standards are a bit high. If you like the ramen here, I dint think you will have difficulties in finding other nyc ramen places to like.
(3)V C.
Lives up to the hype. Not sure why ppl would wait 3hrs for noodles but we did. They do call you when it's your turn so you can roam around, which we did. Very tasty broth but not salty. Great noodle texture. Decor is decidedly modern and hip. Will come back.
(5)Hates B.
over rated. Another dumb hipster fusion place.
(2)Carolina R.
The food is good and the pork and chicken buns are great! Good ramen portion, I was full after eating two pork buns and a ramen bowl. They give you extra ramen if you have broth left over. Its not free extra ramen but at least you dont have to let your broth go to waste.
(5)Chan P.
Got lost on the subway my first time in NYC for this place. Almost cried because I thought they were gonna close by the time I got there, but at least I got a taste, and damn. SO WORTH IT. Fast service, awesome broth, and that lighting is almost as sexy as my chashu.
(5)Cory C.
I have come here 3 times now and I have never gone home disappointed. My only comparison may be to instant ramen, but I have yet to find a place that makes it better than ippudo
(5)Michael S.
Still the best Ramen in town. The service is fast and professional and the Ramen is to die for. I've been to the one on 4th Ave and the one in midtown, both are equally good. The menu is a bit more extensive at the 4th Ave location.
(5)Neha H.
The food was really good, but I am not sure if it was worth the two hour wait and the prices.
(3)Nick S.
We are regulars here and it never fails. Hands down the best ramen I've had in NYC and elswhere in the states.
(5)Ben P.
one of my favorite ramen places in the city. I love the UWS location. Its never to busy if you go earlier and the quality is terrific.
(5)Ida T.
Lives up to all of the hype, although IMHO the ramen broth is a tad too salty. But definitely better than Momofoku - springier noodles and a much more complex broth. Long, long waits and front of the house can be a tad obnoxious.
(4)Jessica M.
Checked out this place after a lot of recommendations and was not disappointed. I've been here a couple times and unless you are willing to wait at least an hour, come either earlier or later than the rush hour!! (I went once around 9 p.m. and had less than a 5 minute wait, also went once ~2p.m. and had a 15 min. wait) The pork buns are DELICIOUS. The bun itself is light and fluffy and the pork meat is succulent. However, they're on the pricier side(~$9) and one order is definitely not enough to fill you up. The ramen is also pretty good, but not amazing. The staff/service here are always super cheerful and they never fail to shout their welcomes/thank you's as you come in and leave. Your orders don't take a long time to come either. People always look like they're having a good time and the atmosphere is excellent. Overall, if you're willing to spend a little more money, Ippudo is a fantastic place to dine for the night!
(4)chanen b.
OMG best ramen I've ever had...and those pork buns and the cherry blossom martini...I'm in heaven
(5)Kiki S.
This is good. The vegetagles are pretty fresh.
(4)Dominic G.
Came solo around 2:30pm on a Thursday and got seated quickly. I ordered the Modern and it was the best bowl of ramen I've ever had. The noodles were cooked perfectly and actually had flavor, rather than tasteless noodles in a savory broth. The broth itself was so complex and deep, I drank the whole bowl to the last drop. I may come back before I leave NY to try the original and from what i hear I must try the pork buns. PS. I like the music and atmosphere here. The servers are energetic when you enter and order and they were playing Evelyn Champagne King's Love Come Down and similar songs.
(5)Donald G.
Read My Lips... Just Tasty & Palatable...
(5)Victoria L.
Fresh noodles is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of my meal at Ippudo. Well, that and the semi-obnoxious yelling every time someone walks through the doorway. Ippudo is very showey for a Ramen place and very modern. Trust me, I've had Ramen in Japan and it's nothing like this. You have the dramatic cooks in the kitchen and of course the Japanese yelling every time they want to welcome a new customer. We went on a Thursday around 11am and there was no line :) Ordered 2 bowls of ramen (the Karaka Men and the Classic) with some "Shigureni" which is Pulled Pork Chashu. The Shigureni was SO flavorful, it tasted like a tender beef jerky! Definitely a must get for a side dish on your soup. For the ramen, the Karaka Men had more flavorful broth but both were tasty! As for the pork buns, I wish I could write a review about those but they weren't selling them for some reason. Probably one of the most disappointing food let downs of the trip!
(4)Kimmi D.
Was it worth getting lost in the freezing windy cold? Yes Was it worth the 1 hour and 15 minute wait? Yes Was it worth doing all that again? HELL YES. No seriously, I love everything about their ramen. The noodles, the broth, the extras in it. Its the best I've had so far, but I can't say the best in NYC because I still need to explore 5 more ramen shops lol. Their broth is the perfect consistency for me, its light and not too stout/heavy. During my stay in New York, I've been here twice and have tried the Shiromaru Hakata Classic, Akamaru Modern, and Karaka Men. I love all of them, but my favorite would have to be the modern. What sets it apart from the other two I've tried was the taste in the broth. It was pretty unique yet hits home. Its so hard to describe it, yet I crave for it at least once every week after I left New York lol. I know it sounds tempting while you're waiting for a very long time, but do not get any appetizers by the bar (yes even the pork buns). Save your stomach for what's best here, which is the ramen. Their bowls are a bit smaller than average, but I think its enough. New York has plenty of great food to offer, so it doesn't hurt to try as much as you can and in this case, you can go to another place to grab another small bite. The second time, I came around 5:30pm, and there was no wait at all. If you don't want to wait for long hours, I suggest going on a weekday near opening time (whether it be for lunch or dinner). Or you can wait it out since they call you 15 minutes before you are to be seated which I thought was cool!
(5)Rita D.
Love the decor of the place. And of course the ramen is great! The akamura modern and the pork buns were super. Yeah there was a way, but they took our number and texted us before the table was ready so we walked around NYU.
(4)Cherpumple F.
My boo is obsessed with ramen! We had to try this place b/c our amigos from NYC told us it's better than Momofuku, so we went. On a Friday night around 7pm... Waited 2 horas, which was worth the hype. Their ramen is good, although the noodles aren't as chewy as I would have liked. The broth was savory and flavorful. We also got the bao, which, are delicious little bites, but I just wish they were sized for 'mericans, cus I'm still hungry and wanting more after eating one. The scallops were good too, with the kale chips. The best part? Getting sake and not realizing (being dumb foos I guess!) that they pour about half of your sake in the black box which they put your sake glass in and then realizing it after you're done with your drink...or so you think! Great, but I don't know if I'd sacrifice 2.5 hours of waiting to eat the same kind of meal I can eat at a mom 'n pop place. Try it out if it's your first time though!
(3)Spencer D.
I have been here a number of times. The wait can be bad. If you can wait an hour for a table it is worth it. The ramen is high quality, rich. It is also provides a little experience with the shouting staff and general atmosphere.
(4)Michelle P.
*smacks lips* *licks fingers* Oh, sorry. I was taken back to the moment I bit into the chicken wings at Ippudo NY for the first time. You're definitely going to wait if you come here for dinner. We arrived at 6:50pm and were seated around 7:30pm - so not too bad of a wait, but still don't expect to be seated right away. They have a small waiting area, but it has a bar! That's a nice touch. The food is delicious. We started with the pork buns (2 for $9) and the chicken wings (3 for $7). Both were inhaled in seconds because they were so good. The bun was chewy, the pork was well cooked, and the sauce had a spicy kick but nice tangy flavor. Oh, those wings. They are sauced with a black pepper sauce which had the right amount of kick and spice but balanced by some sweetness. The wings were fried to perfection. Just perfection. The ramens are around $15-$18 and you can do add ons ($2-3 pork belly, poached egg, boiled egg, bamboo shoots or greens). They also have the kae-dama option ($2 for more noodles if you are almost done with your noodles but still have broth left). I tried the Karaka Ramen $15 (topped with pork chashu, mushrooms, cabbage, onion, minced pork and scallions). They got such a great depth to the broth - very tasty. The ramen wasn't as chewy and thick as I prefer - different style. They were similar to spaghetti noodles, in my opinion. But that broth. Woo. Divine! The ambiance is fun. The waiters yell in Japanese - I couldn't tell you what -- often which is alarming mid conversation, but you get used to it. The decor is beautiful. I'll be back!
(5)Yi T.
Foods are good, and atmosphere is good. But waitress or waiters seems to pretend to be happy or excited. A bit fake. They do shout their slogan and welcome, but they seems tired
(4)Nicole H.
The noodles are delicious. Lots of choices. We made a reservation, fortunately, because it was crowded. Lots of hipsters there when I went. Would definitely return.
(4)Ilona K.
The Akamaru Modern ramen and the pork buns are fantastic! We always try to get there before they open to avoid long lines.
(5)Brenda L.
Two hour wait time for my party of 4! Worth the wait though, probably the best ramen I have ever had in North America! Ramen is comparable to the ones in Japan! Delicious!!!! Another must try in NY!
(5)Eytan S.
5 steps to thoroughly enjoy your meal at Ippudo: 1. Enjoy the loud applause of the employees welcoming you in Japanese. 2. Then order just two things. -HIRATA BUN -SHIROMARU HAKATA CLASSIC (with nitamago). 3. Of course finish every last morsel of food on your plate, for you aren't allowed to take the leftovers home . 4. Enjoy the complementary roasted green tea that helps you digest your meal. 5. And before you leave go to the counter where they prepare the ramen, it's so cool!
(5)B S.
Super delicious ramen, pork buns, drinks, and HH beer $3 Sapporo and Kirin ichiban pints which is the deal of a lifetime in NYC. I like this place because it had more comfortable seating and nice interior design better for small groups or spending time eating with a friend- compared to a hole in the wall which is fine when it's just my husband and I. We got there at 5:30/6pm Thursday and had no problem getting a seat but it got very busy a bit later. I like the bar in the front area to get a drink while you wait for your party to arrive, friendly bartender too! About $38? total pp for two to split one order pork bun (1ea) 1 bowl of ramen ea ($15) 1 HH beer ea ($3) and a $7 shocu concoction. Great service, we appreciated the 2nd server that took my friends allergy to shellfish seriously and double checked with the kitchen about our order when the guy that took our order was like yeah I dont think it has fish...
(4)Phil C.
Our long awaited visit to Ippudo was met with some disappointment. Not sure what the hype is about but the ramen here wasn't anything out of this world compared to other spots in the city we've been to (Taisho and Santouka at Mitsuwa for example). We had tried to eat here several times in the past but each time the wait was just too long. This time we showed up late night on a whim and went right in. The service was great, as was the atmosphere. Good experience overall, just not as incredible as everyone has made it out to be. The ramen is great, but it is not leaps and bounds above the competition as we have been led to expect.
(3)Melyssa M.
O really loved the restaurant! The ramem is absolutely delicious and the staff is very nice. The big shared table is very cool.
(5)Sam R.
I don't see what the hype is about this place? I went here today thinking I was going to eat some ramen that was absolutely out of this world.... but to my surprise i was 1000% disappointed. This isn't the worst ramen i've tasted, but definitely not the best.. not even close to the best. Maybe it was the kind of ramen I had (Wasabi Shoyu Ramen.. which tasted nothing like wasabi btw)? I always like to give the benefit of the doubt. The price of the ramen (14$+2 dollars for the egg that's suppose to COME WITH THE RAMEN NOT PAID EXTRA FOR) probably didn't help sway my opinion knowing that what i'm eating is a standard bowl of ramen and literally nothing special. I feel as if this placed is really talked highly about because when i entered the establishment all i saw was a bunch of hipsters who probably never really had good asian food to begin with. I'm only giving ippudo 3 stars due to the fact that i really liked the ambiance and how the staff greeted you when entering the restaurant. They all had smiles on their faces and gave a big howdy-do in Japanese everytime when someone entered. I thought that was pretty cute.
(3)Issy H.
It's rare that you don't have to wait for at least an hour here and that's why I haven't been back to this place for awhile. But my friends were visiting for the weekend & insisted on eating here. The broth is awesome just like I remember it being. The noodles really aren't that great I think, but the flavor of the soup makes up for it. Just don't get caught up in the hype over this place, and you'll have a good time.
(4)Raphael C.
Finally went here for lunch. Didn't have to wait that long since I was by myself. The atmosphere is modern and the decorations are really simple and elegant. I ordered the Akamaru Modern with boiled egg and Sapporo Draft. The soup base itself is full of flavor but not too salty. Came with pork belly. It's delicious. The service is attentive and friendly. I would definitely come back and try that pork bun appetizer next time.
(4)Madeleine P.
best ramen ever.
(5)Irene L.
Do yourself a favor and treat yo'self. If you like ramen, come here. If you want to avoid hours of waiting, come here for lunch on a weekday. There's almost always a wait, but Ippudo normally gives you a longer estimate of wait time. You can leave your number and hang out in St. Marks while you wait. Half an hour passes a lot faster that way. I got the akamaru modern with the ramen egg. The egg is an addition, and you do pay extra. I forget how much, but I want to say it's a dollar? The broth was sooo yummy, and of course the noodles were wonderful too. I would have liked a little more pork belly, but what I had was pretty good. My meal was one or two dollars less than $25. I was stuffed after my bowl of ramen, so I think you get your money's worth in both quality and quantity. Service is pretty good, but it's not super warm or friendly. They staff is polite and efficient. They also seem like they'd be happy to answer any questions customers may have. I've been to the location in Midtown West, and I think I like the interior better there. It's cozier and feels more like a traditional Japanese ramen house. This original location is more trendy/modern and not as home-y. It does have way more seating, though. Definitely make a point to stop by here if you're visiting, and if you live in New York and haven't been to Ippudo yet, then what are you waiting for?
(4)Meera D.
This is THE restaurant that I bring my friends from out of town to. Even with the long wait, this restaurant always delivers. My new favorite Ramen is the Karaka Men. I prefer it to the Akamaru Modern. The pork buns are delicious as everyone else says, but other dishes, such as the octopus (Tako something) are incredible as well and worth trying. The only negative about this restaurant is the lack of good Vegetarian options. The Wasabi based vegetarian Ramen that is served is just not on the same plane as the rest of the Ramen dishes.
(5)Alina K.
I'm not a huge fan of ramen, cause it's a really heavy bowl of soup, but this place is SO GOOD, it's ridiculous. My girlfriends and I were in New York for a weekend and we decided to eat here because we were starving. The food is AMAZING, I can't say that enough. The noodles are so good, there was just enough meat, the broth was so flavorful, but not too thick. Everyone at the table gobbled it down. At first we thought it was good because we were really hungry, but we decided to go again and it was just as yummy the second time. The only downside is that it's a long wait, we waited about an hour for lunch and then an hour for dinner too, but it's sooo worth it! The prices are also a little bit on the high side for a bowl of ramen, but who cares when you get to eat food as good as this! There are set lunches, and I wish there were set dinners too because you get way more food for lunch for just about the same price as the ramen for dinner. Anyways, this place is a must when you're in New York!
(5)Ashlee H.
For approximately $15 not including tip and tax for a bowl of ramen, it better be pretty damn good. In my opinion, Ippudo's ramen is just alright, of course, it is one of the better ramen places in New York. The texture of the noodles is spot on, but the broth could use some help. It is not as rich as I would like, lacks body, and has under-developed flavors. I would just like to say that I am, however, extremely biased having spent four months in Japan eating the most delicious ramen ever for at most $10.
(3)London L.
Come here on a rainy day at 4:50pm to be seated right when they open at 5--that is, if you care more about the food than the ambience of background restaurant chatter. For noodles this bomb, I wouldn't mind having to eat at a booth with 4 randos while sitting on a stranger's lap. It's that good. Anyways, I ordered the Hirata buns and Akamaru Modern. Former was OK (go to a bun place if you want that), and the latter may have just been the best ramen I have ever had. Might add pictures later.
(5)Alex L.
Finally made it to the original Ippudo in the city. Everyone tells me this location is better than the west side location. Well, they are right. We ordered the spicy ramen and pork buns. Wow, the flavor and taste was off the charts. I felt the west side location watered down the broth. But here the broth was perfect. Rich taste but not overpowering. Wait time was a bit long but we had a party of 6, so that is not surprising. Will be back.
(5)Anderson S.
We dug it
(4)Peter A.
Delicious ramen (especially the broth) while the seasoned fish is one of the most delicious pieces of fish I've ever had! You often wait a little while to get seated if you've not reserved but this is no problem since they seat you at the bar or text you when to come back. The service is excellent as they are friendly and light hearted. Periodically all waiters (resses) shout Irasshhaimasu! and Ongegaishimasu! to welcome new customers and announce food which can be fun/annoying depending on your own mood.
(4)Jennifer L.
The service was definitely top-notch in this place! The servers were all attentive (our water was CONSTANTLY refilled and they would take away our bowls as soon as we indicated we were done). My group of 4 barely had almost a 1 minute wait time (we got there around 1:00pm on a Tuesday) before we were led to a table in the corner. As we entered the restaurant, the hostess shouted out a greeting in Japanese to which ALL of the employees replied in a loud voice. I think it was a welcome greeting in Japanese. They even changed a 20 for me since I needed change but didn't have any. Super nice! The decor is really nice to look at and the seats were pretty comfy too. We were seated in the corner near the emergency exit so there was always constantly rumbling from (I'm guessing) trucks driving by or such. Ordered the Akamaru Modern ramen and since it was lunch time, decided to tack on the Grilled Eel over Rice for an extra $3 because why not right? Might as well try it out since I'm already here. We all got our orders surprisingly quickly which is awesome because we were a bit starved after a movie at Regal. The ramen was pretty standard compared to the ramen of other places. What really made the ramen taste a bit better than other places was definitely the service. I finished my bowl of ramen barely touching the soup in order to get the extra serving of noodles for an extra $2. Awkwardly called the server over and mumbled "Kaedama please" and got my noodles quickly! I must have been reaaallly hungry because I was able to finish the two servings of ramen noodles and my grilled eel over rice. As we exited, everyone said "Thank you" to us in Japanese which I thought was a nice touch to the whole "experience".
(4)Sida W.
quality AND quantity! everything i ordered was so delicious, my guy was saying how he thought it was more delicious than the one in hong kong! Surprising!!!
(5)alexandra t.
Everything i've had here is amazing. Especially their vegetarian ramen!
(5)Yuxin G.
I have been here several times for the ramen and pork buns. And the ramen always bring me back again even for hours of waiting in line. Yesterday is the first time we tried some new appetizer there. They are also pretty good and competitive to other Japanese restaurant. Cod fish with the mayo sauce will be a must had in my future visiting. There is a special salty taste inside the fish which we cant achieve from home cooking. But the special ramen we ordered yesterday is not as good as their classic ones. It served a dry noodles and toppings with a dipping sauce. After all I will definitely come here again for some new findings.
(5)Adrianna R.
Start it off: I'm happy I didn't pay for this meal. Not because the meal was bad, but that was some serious coin left on the table. I eat. Not like a dainty Disney princess, I really eat. Therefore, many plates of noodles were brought to the table because I liked them so much, I would eat them all. That being said. The noodles were good but not speculator. It could be because I like to be as full as I am interested in the flavors. If you want a lovely pallet experience, go for it. If you are ACTUALLY HUNGRY, this may not be the place to go.
(3)Lauren B.
Amazing pork buns and ramen. Best I've had in the city
(5)Marie T.
I've heard so much great things about this place... I thought it would be worth a try. Well... Come early! Long line, smaller crowded waiting area/bar. We waited 45 minutes before we got seated which wasn't bad since we were told 1-1.5 hour wait. I'm not sure how the wait list works but as more new people came in to check with the hostess, she would give them all a different time frame. Some were told 10-15 min and others 45 min, one hour and etc. she seemed frustrated and confused and didn't know who was next in line anymore. My friend approached her again, she apologized but gave him a time frame of 45 more minutes. As he was getting ready to sit back down, the other hostess came up from behind and said: oh I can sit you right now. You walk in and the whole staff greets you loudly in Japanese. It almost feels like the price is right, except I can't understand a word they're saying. We ordered the pork buns (2 for $9). They were delicious. Very soft and warm bun, iceberg lettuce could have been substituted with something else but eh... It worked out. Pork was cooked perfectly. Everything pretty much melted in my mouth. The other appetizer ordered was the fried pepper shrimps. Now, this was just ridiculous. I'll give them an A for effort as far as presentation but the dish was $13 and came with 4 small shrimps. I'm not even exaggerating! What a total rip off... So NO, don't order it. You can easily buy yourself a pound of quality shrimp for that price, add some corn starch, salt, black pepper and some veggies and have yourself a very similar dish if not the same. The ramen we ordered was decent. I didn't expect fireworks out of my bowl but 15 for ramen? To add a boiled egg is an extra $2, to make it more spicy it's another $2 and it adds on. The portion is on the smaller side too considering the price, little meat, broth is milky and has a mild fresh killed fatty pork after taste that blends in with the flavors. So you're looking at about $17-25 for a bowl of ramen depending on what you want to add on! Anyway, service is decent. The waitstaff work well together and your water is always refilled, dishes are always cleared out fast... Not your typical place to go if you're looking to slowly enjoy your food and talk with your party. Will not return. Way too overpriced.
(2)Jennifer G.
Get here early! They open at 11, so my friends and I got in line around 10:30 on a Sunday morning just to make sure we would be seated right away. The restaurant is so spacious, and yet, there's always a line for this place. That must be saying something! Glad I didn't have to wait 2+ hours. Based on a friend's recommendation, we ordered the Hirata Buns (pork buns). You MUST get these! I always love getting pork buns whenever I go eat ramen, and these were definitely the best I've ever had. Every bite was so savory. For ramen, I got the Karaka Men - original soup with blend of hot spices and all that good stuff. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the pork/broth/everything was so just so good. The portion sizes are very generous. As someone who eats a lot (I admit it), I couldn't even finish my entire bowl. Definitely my new favorite ramen place in NYC - can't wait to come back here! Dan's 2¢: Thank The Lord for giving us another day. Every morning is a miracle that we are given a chance to live in this world. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will. Thats what I said after I finished my meal.
(5)Julia-n T.
Their appetizers are very interesting. I love their chicken wings and the fried jalapeno. Ramen, so far so good... expensive... Hate their Hostess, mean people and mean store policy. So last time when I was their, I had a big group of people, including an elderly, a pregnant mother with 2 under 4years-old boys. Plus other people, one person is already on his way down from midtown after work... and so it is only 5-10mins away. Because of one person is not here they didn't let us in. So we had a big argument. I was like, only one person and is only a few Minutes away, and she say no.... blah blah and said if that person come in late, he can't order anything. And we were like we'll order for him now! So no add on orders... but she still said noooo... anyway we told her okay forget that person we are going to eat now. As a results, we were seated. (Note: the restaurant at that time has many tables available too) Honestly, by the time he get here we wont be done yet, because this is such a big party, and I dont think your food are ready in that short among of time, since you have to let us to settle down and think what to get..... that takes away all the waiting... anyway, end up the nice waiter let us order for the last person because we have 2 babies and their right of order turn out to give us a chance to order for their father who is showing up in any minute and the person to pay the bill. Caution: one noodle order per person and one time order only (something weird order policy)! Lol anyway mean restaurant, so here is an advise to whom ever is going make sure you tell all your friends to get their butt on them otherwise you will have to wait. P.s. no reservation can be make. Good luck. Or just go by yourself.
(2)Joanna L.
Love the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen (not available at the Midtown West location) and the cucumber with sesame oil! Fun place to go even though there's always a wait.
(4)Denise W.
Ippudo is a staple ramen place. It's isn't surprising that they are on the top of most people's list. You walk in and are greeted by the staff. It gets pretty loud then you are seated. Everyone is very nice and efficient. I didn't remember them having a spicy ramen the last time I went a year ago but they did this time. I had the Kara Ramen $16 (spicy tonkotsu broth) and it did not disappoint. I got it with an extra poached egg +$2. The waiter brought it over and already I could smell the garlic and broth as it approached my seat. He told me to make sure I mixed the ingredients well before eating. Before doing what was suggested, I took a sip of the broth on its own first. Really creamy, silky, and rich loaded with flavor. After mixing, the chili added a nice warming addition to the depth of the broth. The slices of pork were nice and tender. The poached egg was perfectly cooked and added to the richness of the dish. There were also nice bits of pork as well as some shredded wood ear fungus that added to the texture of the broth. Overall this is one if my favorite places for ramen. They also have the best spoon for the ramen broth. Those old wooden things that you normally see are kitschy and "authentic" but not as practical.
(5)Ber L.
A must for ramen-otaku! Ippudo will not disappoint when it comes to their ramen broth and noodles, but do plan to wait if you come during peak hours. Also, I've gone to several Ippudo locations in Tokyo and the NY locations definitely brought their specialties here. One bonus for NY is that compared to Tokyo the decor is a step up. This is mainly because there are so many ramen-ya san in Japan and less of a specialty compared to NY. Back to review... One thing I love about Ippudo is the option to have it your way, from the various broth to the way how the ramen noodle is served (from soft to hard). Ippudo also provides additional a la cart items to add which compliments the ramen dish rather than dilute it. One other item which is a MUST HAVE when dining at Ippudo is their pork buns. This is normally ordered separately as an appetizer but there are countless times when I had it as an appetizer and as a finisher. Yeah it's that good! Now the down side... Due to it's success, the wait to get in can be horrendous, especially during peak hours. The best way to enjoy Ippudo is not to come in a large group. If you do come in a +4 group then plan to sit separately so you can get seated quicker. Interestingly, waiting in line +45 mins is also a norm at popular ramen shops in Tokyo. One can argue that not only has Ippudo brought their ramen specialty to NY but also brought the Tokyo (long wait) experience. Overall, Ippudo is one of those must go places if you enjoy Japanese food and especially if you are a ramen-otaku!
(5)Sonya F.
wonderful!
(5)Soosh L.
NY is full of ramen shops. The quality of food and experience at Ippudo NY does not justify the long wait times. But during it's off-peak times, it is worth a try.
(3)Danny Y.
I've heard so many good things about Ippudo. Everybody always talks about their ramen, but they don't tell you about the other things like: HOW LONG THE WAITING TIME IS. Seriously, don't come here for dinner, there's too many people who go there. Your waiting time can be up to almost 2 hours, consider somewhere else. RAMEN EXPERIENCE. It's exactly how it sounds. Ippudo Ramen is really salty compared to what I've tasted and their pork is chewy. Not worth it for the price and the wait time. The only thing I recommend there is their appetizers, specifiically the chicken wings and the pork buns. Never coming back.
(2)Yu W.
It was a busy place and we waited about 1 hour to getting in. I was surprised that this place is so similar to Michael Symon's Lola in Clevelnd, OH. They must used the same designer. Our appetizer, Tako Wasabi, was a super duper! The pork bum was very good too. The ramen, however, was not my favorite. It was VERY VERY hard and . I do not know if they were home made or from the store elsewhere. I have to leave it in the broth for 15 minute, and the broth was getting cold when I finally eat it. The extra ramen was OK.
(4)Miho M.
Not hot enough.
(2)Tam H.
Ramen is my favorite so far but the best part of the dinner were the pork buns. Melts in your mouth
(5)Scott S.
Putting aside, for a second, the annoying faux Japanese exhortations theatrically thrown out by the mostly white waitstaff every five seconds, my real issue with this place is the quality of the food. First off, the noodles they serve aren't even ramen noodles, but boxed vermicelli...and...they suck. The Hakata broth is milky in color, but lacks the savory fullness that comes from multiple days' long simmer. The chashu? It's a rubbery, deli-cold-cut-thin slice of pork, woefully mishandled. The much ballyhooed pork buns use wilted iceberg lettuce as their green. Yes, iceberg lettuce. How can so many people be so in the dark about good ramen? Especially with Sobaya right around the corner?
(2)Leon R.
Great Ramen, though line can be long. Apparently this place is a major chain in Japan, and no considered top quality there, while in NY, its a Hot Spot. Try the Modern Ramen, or their specials. Good wings too.
(4)Regina H.
I am not a huge fan of Japanese ramen, but Ippudo's pork buns are amazing! It's a good place to go with one or two other people because it gets really loud in the restaurant and you may have to yell to be heard from the other side of the table! Try to go at 5:30 or 6 if you want to avoid the massive line!
(3)Chris W.
I think this could be a great place, but from my experience here, I would have to say its probably one of the worst ramen places I've been to. And the fact that I'm taking time to write a review about it says even more, as I mainly use Yelp to look up restaurants. Came here before the dinner rush so nothing to complain about in terms of wait, wait staff is friendly and very attentive, hence the two stars. They were filling up our drinks and coming by asking if we were doing okay. Now to the food. Our entire party kept drinking the waters and saying how salty the broths are. I had the Bara Bing, or their version of tsukemen. I was digging through it, not too bad for a nontraditional tsukemen, and then as I was raising the noodles into the soup base, I saw a bug crawl from the noodle to the chopstick. Wtf? As I tried to kill it with a napkin, it flew away. So, curiously I started digging through the food and found two more that flew away. And that's when I just gave up and called it a night. Only here for vacation, but I definitely won't be coming back if I do come back to NY.
(2)Jenny L.
This ramen and broth was incredible for my sickness. We were in New York for a few days. I got really sick one of the days and wanted to go to a nice ramen spot. There was a huge line of people waiting at 9pm; we waited an hour before we were seated. We ordered Asian beers on special and the spicy ramen. The ramen came out within a few minutes and it was delicious. Don't overstay your welcome since there are dozens of people coming in and out. Definitely a good place to check out for a fast bite.
(5)Irine S.
Just perfect ... completely worth the wait ... pork buns are a must, shishedo peppers are amazing .... and of course the RAMEN :-)
(5)Brianna S.
I've been craving Ippudo's ramen after the last sip in Oskaka last year. I discovered Ippudo by accident, when traveling in Japan, and loved it so much that I googled them to find if there was more... And to my delight, there was! I knew that when I went to NY, I HAD to get a bowl. Normally they have a crazy long wait, so be prepared. Your best bet is to show up for lunch. We only had a 20 minute wait for a party of 4. What was different about this Ippudo, it felt way fancier than the ones in Japan. More of a sit down and fine dining atmosphere, rather than a quick noodle spot. There was a long list of appetizers and booze, which the Japanese shops did not have, but I definitely did not mind. Get the vegetarian buns. Trust me.
(5)Amanda S.
Great food, great service. 25 minute wait for a group of ten.
(5)Sandy L.
Ippudo is compelling me to rearrange my top 5 ramen spots. It's good. Upon my most recent trip to NY, both Totto & Ippudo were on my list - for this round, Ippudo NY (East Village) was chosen for lunch. *Wait time: Based upon Yelp reviews, I was worried... for nothing luckily. I went on a Monday, arrived around noon to hold a table for 5. No wait. Lunch plans weren't until 1:30PM so we walked around to pass time waiting for friends. Even at 1:25PM, no wait. *Food: -Tako Wasabi ($5.00), the usual :) -Hirata Pork Buns ($9.00 | 2 pieces). These steamed buns were flavorful, the bit of iceberg lettuce balanced the sauce. Very good. Waitress was sweet to help us cut them in half to share. -Everyone ordered the Akamaru Modern [$14.00] and all added the Nitamago [Seasoned soft boiled egg $2]. The tonkotsu broth tastes good on its own - I made sure to taste it before mixing in the miso paste. I was excited to see the black garlic oil. Personally, the chashu is always the defining factor when it comes to me loving the entire ramen or not so much. The pork chashu here is very soft! Mmm.
(5)Avery P.
The best ramen you'll ever have, even if you don't like ramen. I went there the other day for lunch when it was 85 degrees outside and still loved every minute. We started with the pork buns, which come in the incredibly fluffy dough that wraps the 2 huge chunks of pork belly that falls apart in your mouth. Then, I got the modern ramen, which was a silky, almost creamy broth with pork belly, noodles, and vegetables. I finished the entire thing. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. Highly recommend this place! Just be ready to wait in line to get in.
(5)Jennifer I.
Always wanted to check out this place to see if it was indeed worth all the hype. Finally made it on a Friday night at 11:30pm-ish...30 min before they closed. Was only a 10-15min wait for 2 of us. First, we got the pork buns. Soooo delicious. The pork was so tender and well-marinated. I kinda wished it came on ribs so I could just gnaw at it w/ my bare hands. The bun was done just right, and nice and thin. I got the classic ramen. The noodles were the thinnest kind I've had in ramen. Perfect springiness to the ramen. The broth was also very smooth and balanced. They serve a huge spoon with it. For dessert, we got this green tea mochi thing that you pour milk over. It was interesting but not mind-blowing. Overall, I could see why the ramen is a big deal at Ippudo but personally, I think Totto ramen is better. But the pork buns is another story...I would come to Ippudo just to feast on their pork buns.
(4)Danny N.
There's not much that I can say about this place that I haven't already. The ramen was delicious and the pork buns were so damn good. The pork buns, definitely the best pork buns I've ever had EVERRRRRRRRRR. The service is top notch, although the only real thing that can dock a star is the price. Its about 25 per person for the meal. Ouch, for a ramen meal, but once in a lifetime meal so its worth a try!
(4)Blabberoo J.
If I can go back again, I'd go back everyday!!! It's amazing. I wished I tried their buns. It's packed and there's always a wait but it's so worth it! You'd be stuffed but it's a taste that you will hope you can have everyday.
(5)Jeffrey W.
Long wait. You might be okay going as a single - awww :( - or a couple with the shorter wait. Pretty loud environment. Please get yourself the pork buns. Absolutely stunning and delicious. Get the Akamaru Modern ramen. You won't be disappointed. Drink the broth. Slurp it. I enjoyed it...
(5)Danielle F.
Still delicious with a ridiculous wait time and portions getting smaller but I still love it here. The Ramen is so good and the pork buns are my favorite. I'm always happy leaving Ippudo and always make a point of coming here every chance I get. Yum!!
(5)Carmela S.
I have only been twice but I dream about the pork buns. The rest of the food was tasty but not mindblowing. The ambience is ok, not too crazy. But those pork buns! I could go for them any time of day, and day of the week.
(4)Michelle M.
4 stars for the pork buns, 3.5 stars for the ramen. We came here on a rainy Saturday about 10 minutes after opening and only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated. I'm not a huge ramen fan, but have had my fair-share of good ramen in California/the Bay Area/Socal. I agree that this place may be over hyped, but their pork buns are delicious. The soft bun, combined with the flavor packed (and not too fatty) pork and spicy mayo was amazing! Definitely order the pork buns!!! I had the Akamaru Ramen. The tonkotsu broth combined with the garlic oil was very tasty; however, I prefer my ramen noodles to be thicker. These noodles did not have much of a bite to them and were not chewy at all. Overall, I enjoyed my meal, but would not go out of my way to return.
(4)Janelle S.
I ate here with family for dinner once. We were first on line before they opened again for dinner which was awesome, because usually there is a wait to get in here. Everyone greets you and happily seats you to your table. Our waiter was very friendly and the staff was as well. We first got pork buns for an appetizer, and those were the stars of the show. Literally. I wish I could've just ordered more and more pork buns, they were that good. I was a little disappointed with the ramen. I have had better, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Not to say it wasn't good at all, but with the hype, you expect a little bit more. After our ramen, we ordered dessert which was good not great as well. Overall, I would come back just for the pork buns but not the ramen.
(3)Robert S.
I can't believe that I haven't reviewed this place yet! I am a self-admitted ramen addict. I will do unspeakable things for a bowl of that salty, noodle-y, umami-y goodness to get inside me. And although there are countless ramen-ya that I have yet to discover, Ippudo is by far the favorite of the ones that I have. They take reservations, and I've never had to wait oppressively long when I've stopped in without one (although my party size has never been larger than three people, so that might be something to consider). If you happen to be in the situation of waiting, there's a little bar at the entrance, where beverages can be enjoyed to ease the process ($10 credit card minimum, if I'm not mistaken). They even have a happy hour, which I believe is from 4-6, where specific adult beverages can be purchased 2 for 1. When you are led to your seat, you'll be witness to a chorus of Japanese greetings, adding a nice ramen-ya touch. The decor is traditional Japanese meets modern, dark tiles, lots of mirrors; not sure how most feel about it, but I love the atmosphere. The real star, as it should be, is the ramen itself. I am partial to the Akamaru Modern - a tonkotsu broth (pork-based); silky, salty (not too much though), and so heavenly. I always opt for the Nitamago (soy-sauce seasoned boiled egg), as well as the Shigureni (pulled pork) for extra goodness. Add a draft Sapporo, and maybe some pork buns if I'm really peckish (very good, by the way), and without exaggeration, this is one of the best meals I could possibly consume. Do yourself a favor, and stop by.
(5)Jason F.
Great meal. Just after opening, shared table. Hamachi carpaccio w/hot sake. Then Modern ramen & extra noodles. Perfect warm meal on a cold evening.
(4)Emily R.
Sugoi!! This was some good ramen. Dining here made me feel like I was back in Japan, especially the enthusiastic greeting from the staff when you enter. I came around 1:30 on a Thursday in January and only had to wait 5 minutes for a seat at a communal table. I got the akamaru modern with takana (pickled mustard leaves) and it was perfect - exactly the taste, temperature, and portion I desired. The noodles, broth, and all add ins were delicious. My only suggestion is to turn down the music slightly. I like electronic music, but it was really loud.
(4)Jenny W.
As I've tried more and more Ramen places, I'm beginning to understand the hype. I really enjoyed my Ramen there and I had just had a very full meal prior! So that means something if I could finish my entire bowl and decide oh, well that's pretty damned good! Mmmm.
(5)Sharron And Andrew T.
Went there on a friday afternoon around 6 pm. There was no wait what so ever. I was going with a party of 10. Two individuals were running late so we were not able to place our name down until the whole table was here. After they arrived 30 minutes later, the placed packed up. We ended up waiting another 30 minutes for a table to open up. Their ramen deserves only three stars. I don't think it tastes any better than a bowl of noodles you can get from Ajisen Ramen. To be honest, I was quite disappointed. Service was okay. On a regular friday night (around 8pm), thats when the place becomes a three hour wait. The ramen it self will not bring me back to Ippudo again. ESPECIALLY not the wait.
(2)Ellie P.
Those pork buns are magic. I've heard the wait can be really intense, but I didn't experience that on a Sunday afternoon. The ramen is huge though, so arrive hungry!
(5)Justin C.
I always joke that Ippudo has ruined ramen for me - no other ramen I have eaten since has been able to hold a candle to it, so I just stopped eating ramen anywhere besides here. Absolutely everything is delicious. You can't go wrong with any of the ramen choices - I'd probably try starting with their the Classic or the Modern, and then exploring a little bit further. The pork buns are my favorite in NYC as well. Better than Momofuko. This place gets SLAMMED during prime times and doesn't take reservations - like up to a 3 hour wait. You can put your name and number down and goto a local bar and wait. or try getting there before 6:30 or going during lunch.
(5)A C.
Came here at night and the place was packed. We couldn't even sit down until our last member of our party came. We waited an hour until we were called and we told them our friend was coming in like 15 minutes and when she came, I told them all of our members had come and they told me we had to wait a little bit more which turns out to be another 30 minutes. So total wait time was an hour and half. Ramen was alright. Not worth it for the wait. We ordered the wasabi shoyu ramen, akamaru ramen, and karaka miso ramen. Each bowl of ramen was around $15 which is pretty expensive IMO for a bowl of ramen. Coming here once to try is alright but I definitely would not come back again.
(3)Debby W.
The ramen there has never been a disappointment - especially for the price. Make sure you show up right when they open the day of to make a reservation for that evening...otherwise, the wait will make the experience less worthy...
(4)Joanna L.
not worth the 2 hour wait but if you can get seated in under half an hour, definitely worth it. try the pork belly buns and the spicy ramen. sit with friends and get the ramen refills!
(4)Ann D.
I've eaten here countless times now, most recently over the weekend, and finally felt l should stop being such a lazy bum and contribute my own 2 cents to the long list of reviews. Basically, it's good ramen, and yes it's worth the wait. The Akamaru Modern is my favorite. I've ordered it several times and only once was the broth was too salty and not quite what I wanted it to be. Every other time I've been very happy with my selection. I've also tried some of their other ramen options including a special duck option and some of their spicier stuff but I like the Modern. I will say that they are rather stingy with the pork. Two small slices and that's it? BOOOO. I love the soft egg, which is marinated in soy. Worth the extra $2? Yes. I also normally go with a friend and we only order on bowl between the two of us since we can kae dama our way to fullness. One bowl + 2 extra orders of noodles is typically enough to fill two starving women into complete food coma happiness. Also, I don't think I ever go here without ordering the pork buns. Yes the mayo is delish. Yes the bun is soft and fluffy. Yes the pork is the perfect combo of fat + meat. But.... is the pork bun not as good as it used to be? Yeah. Compared to two years ago, it's not as good. But it's still better than Momofuku. Service is very friendly. I've never feel rushed here. And I like the free green tea at the end of the meal. It is a little bit pricey considering it's ramen, but given how clean the restaurant is, how good the service is, how tasty the food is, and the fact that it's NYC, I think all the whiners should shut their mouths. If a white chef was trying to sell the same stuff under a fancy name, no one would argue about paying $20 for a bowl. It's only because we expect to pay less for Asian food that people get all up in arms about $15 ramen. Last note: I don't know what you people are doing trying to go to Totto Ramen, but Ippudo is far superior. And at least at Ippudo, you put your name on the list and you can go do other things, since they text you when a table is ready.
(4)Dan P.
Long lines but worth the wait. I ate here late one night after meeting up with multiple friends for drinks and izakaya so I wasn't really hungry when I got here. But the friends I met here wanted to eat some more so I had a bowl. It was good...not as good as the bowls that I had in LA but the best that I've had in NY. Obviously more expensive than LA too but prices weren't bad for NY.
(4)Missy W.
This place is ok. I always think that ramen has to have good broth and noodles. The broth was really good, but the noodles were not. I was expecting actual ramen noodles. I wasn't expecting soba-like noodles. It wasn't the same and didn't feed my craving for ramen. I would come back with friends to try the pork buns that I hear are good.
(3)Liz J.
Absolutely amazing! The pork belly buns, squid, and ramen were out of this world. All the servers work as a team so you don't have to wait around for your own waitress/waiter to receive service. If the menu is confusing, they will explain everything to you in a clear manner because the servers are very well trained and know everything on the menu. This restaurant is immaculate all around, including the restrooms and decor is great. Only negative thing I'd add is that there's a bit of a wait (and you cannot make reservations) but the food is very much worth it. Stop reading and just make your way there NOW!!!
(5)Cathy R.
Now this is how you do ramen! - and that statement goes to the ramen shops in the Chicagoland area. *sigh* The first time I visited this place 5 years ago, the only ramen I was familiar with was maruchan and neoguri. - Yes that dried stuff you get at the grocery store for when you're a poor college student/feeling lazy adult. Ippudo opened my eyes, tastebuds, and appreciation for ramen done very well. Akamaru modern's depth in flavor with that broth...oh the broth. So freakin delicious - not watery like so many other places. The pork chashu was nice and tender, egg perfectly cooked. Yum, yum, yum!! So delicious my 18 month old nephew ate nearly half my sister-in-law's noodles. He's a picky little one, so it goes to show that this place knows good flavors!
(5)Daniel J.
I can't believe I haven't written a review for Ippudo yet. Ippudo is THE spot for ramen outside of Japan, period. I've been to Ippudo in NY, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and I have to say the NY outlet ranks at the top. Everything else that needs to be said is already said the thousands of other reviews. The only thing I have against this place is the air of pretentiousness present. Ramen is a casual food so stop trying to go upscale with it. It just doesn't have that Japanese feel to it anymore at this outlet.
(4)Marko S.
the broth man, the broth
(4)Emile S.
What an amazing experience and vibe! The food was absolutely fantastic!
(5)Amy X.
First off, their ramen was good but I don't think this restaurant really deserves the hype that it lives up to. I order the akamaru modern noodle with soft boiled egg add-ons which was an added $2 which is outrageous considering how expensive a bowl of noodle already is ($15). it was delicious and very full-filling but the things that really disappoint me was the attitude of the hostesses and lack of amount served in the appetizers. We were told that there would be an hour wait and I don't usually enjoy waiting that long because restaurants like these really don't live up to its hype. The hostesses were rude and would usher in other people that came in AFTER us and proceeded to make us wait an extra thirty minutes after telling us our table were near ready. When finally seated, my friends and I order three plates of appetizers: the yamitsuki goma kyuri (seasoned cucumber), pork soft buns (they were delish but 2 for $9 is very pricey) and some scallop dish ( TAKE MY ADVICE DO NOT ORDER THIS unless you want to be disappointed with how small and unfulfilling it will be u__u) I also notice while we were eating that the hostess would continuously watch over our table to check if we were near finish. I understand that there are other people waiting but we also waited an hour to get seats and I would rather not feel rushed while enjoying my 1 hour wait ramen. To make it worse they even cleared the table before I was even through finishing my bowl. I felt like I spent more time sitting in the waiting area than the dinner table itself. We ordered the matcha brûlée for dessert, but even then, I didn't think it was that mind blowing All in all, yes the ramen was delish and the place looks nice, but the shitty attitudes and disappointing appetizers along with how pricey the restaurant is makes it a three star
(3)Thomas B.
The ramen at Ippudo was the best that I have ever had, granted that I rarely have ramen ha! I got the main dish as well as a japanese beer that tasted like Blue moon, it was great! The waiter that I had was super efficient with his service, even too efficient as he would pour my beer after every time I took a few sips from my drink. Additionally,I had the pork in bun appetizer and it was so good, it had to be one of the best things that I have had to date. Overall I definitely want to come back to this place as it has the best ramen.
(5)Xin C.
They call it ramen, but actually the real ramen should use hand made noodle. In our country no one will choose this type of restauarant since it means its owner doesn't focus on the quality and flavor of their foods. In addition, the two star is for its price. $15 for a fake ramen is not fair, though it is not the worst ramen I had tried.
(2)L K.
I liked this place. Cool decor.. friendly hosts... Food was good. I had the ramen soup chicken.. it was good. Not spicy though but maybe I should have asked for extra spice. My fault. The pork buns were tasty! You can't mix and match. They only let you get 2 of the same. No 1 chicken 1 pork.. That's too bad. I wanted to try both. Overall... very filling, priced ok. I'd go back! Wasn't too crowded at 6pm during week. But around 640... there was a wait for a seat. GO!
(4)Suzanne H.
Really a big fan of their ramen. Comparable to momofuku
(4)Kevin R.
Must. Get. More. Buns! Best ramen I've had in the city and hands down the best pork buns around. Just go. Get the pork buns and the Karaka Men spicy ramen you won't be disappointed. If you don't like spicy, order the Akamaru Modern. Full of flavor and delicious. Adding the soft boiled egg is a must. Absolutely worth the 1 - 1 1/2 wait.
(5)Hue L.
I know I know, I'm hoping on the bandwagon .... like this place needs another 5 star rating... My 3rd time at Ippudo and it still does not disappoint. The broth is just the right combination of salty and flavorful. The only thing about this place is no matter when you go... there's always at least a 20-25 minute wait.... oh well the price to pay for the best ramen in town... NOM. I love the buns as well ...still my favoriteeeee... the whole eating experience, regardless of where you sit has been great... The consistency in the broth all three times I've visited has definitely rendered this place 5 stars in my book... LOVE LOVE IPPUDO.
(5)Carl W.
You have to place a reservation in person and wait until they call you but it's worth it. When you walk in, you're greeted emphatically in Japanese. They have some of the best ramen I've ever had. Karaka Men is my favorite at around $15. You should try their Mascarpone & Gelato for dessert. Just read the description of it on their dessert menu and you'll order it no questions asked, trust me.
(5)C G.
Ippudo is the reigning king of ramen in NY. The buns are out of control and you cannot go wrong with any of the ramen bowls. Come hungry. The lines downtown are usually never less than a two hour wait, but the other location in the theatre district is much faster to get into. It's a great location for inexpensive, top notch food with fast, attentive service and cold Jpanaese beer.
(4)Helen C.
I had the hirata buns, the akamaru modern ramen and the creme brûlée desert. My friend had a different type of ramen. Overall the food was very heavy since the fat content of the pork belly that they use for the buns and the base of the soup is very high. The buns were awesome!!!!!! If it were not so pricey ($9 for 2) then I would have gotten more. The ramen was only ok. I would not drop $60 for another meal for two people at this place again but it was decent for my first time as a Japanese ramen place in the city. There are many other Japanese ramen restaurants in saint marks place with cheaper menus and more buns so I wouldn't come back here just for the food.
(3)Sean C.
Had the pork buns, Akamaru Modern, and the green tea. Pork buns came out first, they're like 3 bites each but very good. Akamaru Modern was great. Thick and hearty soup base, kitchen made noodles, and pork belly. The green tea was very good, tasted very herbal, but it was placed in a thin glass with 3/4 ice for $4. A few problems with this place: the communal seating can be awkward, service can be mediocre at times, wait can be very long (at no fault to the restaurant), prices seem a little high, and the white servers speaking broken Japanese feels artificial can get quite annoying if you've ever heard proper spoken Japanese. I'm guessing for most people, it adds to the authentic experience.
(4)Paul H.
Yummy yummy to the tummy tummy. I love the soup base here. Also had the wasabi tako. Raw octopus with just the right amount of wasabi. And the pork belly buns! So good. I did miss the raw garlic that is pressed into my ramen at the place I usually go to, but that is more of a Korean thing and this a more Japanese ramen place. Didn't try dessert here, but would definitely return here in the future. The communal table seating situation is awkward, but great if you are single and talkative.
(4)Danny F.
Alright! Found this place on accident in NYC. Was driving by and saw some ramen bowls and had to try their tonkatsu. I ordered a few different things: pork and chicken buns we off the hook! So good. Highly recommend it. Black Cod was effin amazing. Pricey but amazing! Habachi Chicken wings were bomb as hell. Try them. Now to the Ramen. I was a little disappointed that I could get the thicker noodles. They didn't allow substitutions. Their tonkatsu broth was decent. I like a little saltiness in my tonkatsu. But all and all. It was good.
(4)Jacky C.
It was recommended by a few friends. My wife and I was there a few weeks ago, the ramen and broth are top notch.
(5)Justin Y.
The ramen at Ippudo is nothing short of amazing; the Akamaru Modern ramen is an essentially perfect iteration of tonkotsu, while their pork and vegetable buns are equally magnificent. The lunchtime wait is also not too bad, provided that you are dining alone.
(5)A.C N.
Whenever I travel to a big city, I always make it a point to visit a ramen restaurant. I've been to ramen places all over the Bay Area, southern California, and Washington D.C. During my brief travel to New York, I visited this restaurant to see if it lived up to its hype. Reading other reviews, people rant and rave about this place like the food here cures cancer. The ramen is good, I'll give it that. The waiters were fast and attentive, I'll give them that. So why does this place get 3 out of 5 stars? Because the quantity of food is not worth the price they charge. For $17.95 I received a bowl of ramen with extra pork. The pork was chewy. It didn't melt on my tongue like I've experienced at other places. And there weren't enough noodles. I spent an extra $2 for more noodles in order to feel slightly full. I can't justify paying $20 for a bowl of ramen, when I spend only $12 for twice as much food that tastes just as good at other places. If you've got a tiny appetite, then this place might fill you up if you're just planning on eating ramen. If you're like me, who inhales food like a vacuum cleaner because of all the long distance running and obstacle course racing I do, then be prepared to spend extra money for more food, or eat somewhere else.
(3)Tracy J.
I have never had ramen broth that was so smooth and the ramen noodles with a perfect soft texture. Although the wait for this place is pretty long, it's worth it. I would go during lunch for a good experience.
(5)Always H.
I want to move in here. The lines are insufferable. The ladies taking down your name are (understandably) moody. Ramen should not cost this much money, but I'll pay it anyway because it is SO GOOD.
(4)Amy C.
*Overrated, and Overpriced. *expect a ridiculously long wait. *Akamaru Modern Ramen: Tonkatsu (Pork) Soup Noodles, topped with Umami Dama Miso Paste, Pork Chashu, Cabbage, and Sesame Kikurage Mushrooms. *I was starving yet waited for hours, but left feeling hungry and unfulfilled.
(3)Amanda C.
This place was way too hyped up for me. I've had lots of delicious ramen in California, and hearing that this place is the best ramen in place in America, I had to stop by during my stay in NY. Waited 1.5 hours on a Sunday night, during which time my friends and I ate at another nearby restaurant to avoid starvation. We were seated in a nice booth, so we didn't have to share tables with other parties like many others. I saw the menu and my eyes bulged. $15 for noodles?!!! and an extra $2 for their famous soft-boiled egg? I knew it wasn't going to be worth it but I ordered anyway. The ramen noodles are super thin -- never seen that before and didn't like it; I prefer chewy thick noodles. The broth was indeed very very delicious, but still couldn't justify the cost. Also there were two tiny pieces of meat the size of sashimi. Definitely expected more from such an expensive bowl. Would not come here again :(
(3)Huan C.
Overdue review. The ramen and pork belly is delicious. Amazing food. The wait can be a killer. I recommend coming on a rainy day or leaving work early. Otherwise, expect a long wait time. Sub tier ramen shops are nearby if you have friends who are not passionate about their ramen.
(4)Hettie P.
Akamaru modern is worth trying Good blend of flavors A bit of a wait but the decor and ambiance is quite authentic jApan!
(4)Judy N.
Came on MLK day, about 1.5hr wait, the place is a lot more spacious than expected, love the atmosphere, perfect for a date night, great ramen...worth 1-2hr wait, not more than that though
(4)Jessi P.
So I wish that there was a rating for food and a rating for wait time. Food was mouthwatering...their rendition of the meat bun was fabulous and it left you wanting to order another, which we did. I don't know if I could justify spending $20 for ramen, it was delicious, mind you, but I would rather have spent the money on getting another beer and meat bun ^-^. The wait was ridiculous, but it is the city so I shouldn't be surprised- almost 2 hours !!! But if I had to wait anywhere, it would be here. The bartender was super attentive, even with so many people around! I never felt like I was less important than the other customers in the place. The hostess kept us in the loop on our place in the wait. Overall, I would definitely go back for a quick meat bun and beer
(5)John K.
Pork buns are out of his world. Just order what your heart desires, cuz you'll regret not ordering more. And ramen is so good. I drank the broth, all the way to the last sip. Flavor is out of this work. Garlic, clean broth, yet lightly creamy. Noodles are thin and curly. Just the right amount of cooking. Al dente. Shit? What more can I say? If you haven't already been here. You are missing out. Fomo!!!! Don't let it happen to you. A must stop by place of you are ever in New York. And thousand other placeszzzzzzz. Good luck
(5)Amy T.
Everyone thinks this place is the best, well if you waited for 45 mins, anything will taste good! Yes I am serious! Come here when you don't have to wait that long and try their ramen again, you might think differently. lol To me, this place was okay. Nothing special, I wouldn't wait that long for ramen anyways when there are so many other restaurants near the neighborhood. The only thing that I would go back for will be their green tea creme brulee !
(3)Yaoyao P.
This place really lives up to its fame! The experience is memorable with its impeccable service and unique trendy vibe. Although one meal is a bit expensive at $15-25, the exquisite quality and taste of the food is worth the price. I must have been eating cheap ramen all my life, because I have never encountered noodles that were so professionally crafted and perfectly blended. The abundant amount of noodles balanced with the subtle saltiness of the broth, and complemented by the flavorful meat, made for a very happy--and stuffed--me. And the Hirata Buns-- don't even get me started. Full of flavor, salty yet sweet, juicy, tender... Simply divine. I highly recommend ordering this to share because they give two buns per serving!
(5)Derrick H.
I wanted to give 4.5 stars and it isn't a Perfect 5 for me. I'm not going to lie, they are really good but it seems to be a little hyped. In my view, if you have to wait so long for an Ippudo Ramen, I would just go a block down to Menkui Tei @ Cooper Square. Their ramen is a solid 4 almost up there. Always try to go at 11, don't go at 12. Every time I leave the restaurant at 12, there are way too many people waiting on line. Things I tried Akamaru Modern "Tonkotsu" Ramen Solid 4 Stars - Dark garlic oil, rich pork bone broth, red spicy miso paste is to die for. HOWEVER, when they ask you "do you want more noodles?", that simply means they didn't give you enough for the $14 price tag before the nitamago that all other ramen places give as complimentary. Basic translation: Would like you to pay a little more for the portion you deserved in the first place? Hirata Buns "Pork Buns" Solid 5 Stars - It's not like any other pork bun you ever tasted. I can't really describe the sensations but definitely one of the best pork buns out there right now.
(4)Kevin M.
pork bun was ok, nothing special, ramen is good, better than totto in my opinion, less oily but just as tasty.
(4)Cece Y.
This is how you do ramen!!! I had the Shiromaru Hakata Classic with Nitamago (seasoned salt boiled egg). Sooo delicious, especially that thick, flavorful broth. Love! My friend also enjoyed the Akamaru Modern, but all his pork strips had gristle, so he peeled them off as he ate. Our group of 3 arrived at 6:30 PM on a Thurs. night, put our names down, and waited 50 min. to 1 hour before we got a call that our table was ready. As with all guests, before the hostess walked us into the main dining room, she announced something in Japanese, then the entire staff turned toward us and yelled out a greeting (I assume) in Japanese. Service was very quick and friendly. The space is modern, trendy and bigger than it appears from the outside. There's a small bar and waiting area in the front. If you're in a group of 4 or less, you'll most likely be seated at a communal dining table. Otherwise, you might get a booth. Several single-stall BRs are located downstairs, right next to the hostess stand in front. Update: Just had the Akamaru Modern. It's better than the Shiromaru Hakata Classic!
(4)Nina K.
When my NYC friends took us here, I had already ate about 6 meals with them (not snacks/appetizer, but legitimate meals) that day and was not in the mood to eat. at. all. Since everyone else was eating, I shared a ramen with the boyfriend and was shocked when they ordered pork buns ($5 each) for each person. I thought, "okay, I don't even like pork so I'm not eating that" and "why would I eat that tiny $5 thing?," but when everyone's eyes opened wide while eating it, I ate it (still suffering from all the gluttony that day) and honestly... there were some angels singing songs because that pork bun was one of the most AMAZING things I've ever eaten. Everything from that fat, thick, chewy bun to the thick, juicy pork with amazing glaze was hands-down drool worthy. Such a special food item-- I have yet to find anything like it in California. MUST TRY for anyone visiting NYC! The ramen was also one of the best! Not too salty, perfectly al dente noodles. Affordable. All very fresh within a clean/modern restaurant. We waited an hour, but IT WAS SO WORTH IT. It's also nice that you can kill some time by exploring rest of East Village.
(5)Matt B.
Huuuge fan of Ippudo! The wait can obviously be absurd at times, but I usually just put our name down, and then go around the corner to Central Bar, and throw a few back to kill the time. I've waited up to 2.5 hours (for a party of two) in the past, but I've also waited as little as 15 minutes, so it's really hit or miss (I haven't figured the formula out yet). As far as the food is concerned, I don't even know where to begin. We always do the sliced cucumber to start (also highly recommended by the staff). The sesame oil is the perfect complement to the dish, and we constantly find ourselves eyeballing one another, wondering who's going to eat the last bite. The buns are an absolute MUST. If you plan on going to Ippudo, and not getting the buns, then you're just wasting your time. Most people go with the standard pork buns (which are obviously great), but the chicken buns are equally as great in my mind. The chicken is fried and surprisingly spicy, but amazingly good. Their fried chicken in general packs a lot of flavor, so if you're not into spicy foods or buns, then I would recommend the Hirata Chicken instead. This is equally as good as the chicken bun, but not nearly as spicy. If you're into ribs, then the Samurai Ribs are another must. Two come with each order, and the meat falls right off the bone (just like a good rib should). I've tried the Shishito Peppers and Tuna Tartar as well, which were both good, but they didn't necessarily stand out from the competition in any way. Now, for the Ramen! I've had three types of ramen at Ippudo: Akamaru Modern, Shiromaru Hikata Classic, and the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen. The hands down winner for me is the Akamaru Modern. I usually get it with an extra poached egg (I'm the kind of guys who can put an extra egg on top of anything and be happy). Once you mix the egg in with their special umami dama miso paste, you have one big bowl of goodness ready to eat! I'm also a big fan of cold sake, and recommend Ippudo's unfiltered sake (which usually comes in a carafe). Unfiltered sake has a tendency to scare some people due to it's milky color and the fact that the word "unfiltered" is in it, but ultimately it gives the sake a little more body, and it has much better flavor as a result, and a nice sweetness to it too.
(5)Sandra S.
You've probably heard of Ippudo, whether you're a local or not. The rumors are true: it's that good. I live about two blocks away, so I usually put my name down on my way back from work and then head back when my table is ready. On a typical weekday evening around 6, they will tell me it's about a 2 hour wait, but I usually get a call back within the hour. For those who don't live nearby, I suggest hitting up one of the many bars in the area while you wait. The Continental - over a block on 3rd Ave - has killer well drink specials all the time, if you're not picky. I always get the Akamaru Modern, which is richer than the Shiromaru Classic. I have never had ramen anywhere else that I CONSISTENTLY enjoy so thoroughly from first bite to the last drop of broth. The soup is rich and flavorful but not too salty -- the best ramen broth I've ever had. I'm not usually a fan of the thin straight noodle, but it's invariably perfectly cooked here. For appetizers, I usually get the pork buns, tako wasabi, hamachi carpaccio and/or maguro tartar, depending on who I'm with. All in all, I've never had a bad meal here. Is it worth the wait hassle? In general, I'd say yes. I mean, I've been around the block (blocks) (soo many blocks), and I always come back for more. This place has the best ramen in New York.
(5)Rachel L.
I don't understand the appeal. The ramen is OK--kind of bland but it's pretty hard to mess up ramen badly. Not true to the hype. There are so many ramen restaurants in the area, which are a bit cheaper, shorter waits, and more flavorful noodles.
(2)Davy S.
Best ramen I've ever had. After reading reviews here I'm excited to try some of the other options in NYC but I just arrived so I'm elated. Had the Akamaru ramen with an egg and the minty special ramen with an egg and pork (we split both ramens). Both were truly out of this world amazing. Pork buns were also legendary, as expected. The only reason I give this place 4 stars is because my waitress was dead inside and also kept asking us what we were going to order over and over trying to flip us through the restaurant. I was feeling the pressure to eat and leave which I did not appreciate. Anyways, food was so amazing I would definitely return. Thanks Ippudo!
(4)Yuki Z.
Update: OMG. Could the experience be any worse. So I'm pretty pissed for the waiting and didn't give much tip (out of politeness, I still gave some). And the waiter was asking me what's wrong and the hostess were trying to say it's my problem that I didn't say clearly. WOW. OMG. Seems like blaming your clients is one of the best things to do in the world. WTF. --- have to give a one star to the super slow and unwelcoming staff. The service is just awful. No Japanese feeling at all. People came later got the table earlier than me. Very pissed by this kind of service. Hope yelp has a zero star. That will be more precise for the service. Also that's 3pm and there are not say many but definitely some seats available inside. Moreover, when I got angry and felt pissed, the hostess were laughing. Wow. That attitude. I truly "appreciated". If not I'm so hungry to even walk to somewhere else, I will not even dine in. Never gonna go again.
(1)Pascal T.
My personal reigning king of the Ramen. The bestest most exquisite vegetarian ramen bowls I've ever had. Both locations have different ones and both are equally as well crafted. These delicious bowls are like art pieces as they blend every ingredient carefully into a whole that becomes an experience as soon as you begin diving in. If Totto Ramen is a great rock concert of strong and bold flavours, Ippudo is a masterful orchestra hitting every note *just* right.
(5)Nicholas G.
Really really good.. Ordered the shiso peppers and pork bun for appetizers. Peppers were great, nicely roasted. Pork bun was amazing, this place could just serve those and be insanely packed. The ramen was good too.. not sure the best I have had but its top 3 for sure.
(5)Marina C.
Actually I did go back a couple of times usually when they're about to open so I don't have to wait too long. I don't bother ordering anything but the ramen. I've tried the pork buns and I really don't think they're that good. I think the ones at Buddakan were more impressive, but that's just me. I keep ordering their classic tonkotsu ramen while L sticks to the akamaru modern. I guess I'll try their tori ramen next time. I do like their lychee cocktail, so it's nice to see they have a larger drink menu at their midtown location.
(4)Vania C.
I came to Ippudo for my 21st birthday lunch with a group of around 9-10 people total, including myself. I have heard numerous accounts of long waiting lines and slow service. All of my friends warned me about long lines, and how it would "take forever to get our food." However, as soon as we arrived at the restaurant (around 11:30am or so), we were seated as soon as we got there. Call it luck or fate, but I'm grateful we didn't have to wait 2 hrs regardless. PROS: -Food: Good portion, flavorful broth; very filling -Drink: Loved the "Kokuto" Plum Wine (黒糖梅酒); only cost $9 -Atmosphere: chic and comfortable. (The bathroom is located in a somewhat sketchy area downstairs though...) -Service: Quick and friendly staff. Food and drinks were served within 15-20 minutes, if not quicker. Our waiters also came back every so often to ask if we were doing okay, if we needed anything, or to make sure our table was cleaned and cleared as soon as we finished our dishes. CONS: -Food: A little bit disappointing. I had pretty high expectations for their ramen, given all the hype. I mean, I've heard of people claiming of bumping into famous actors and celebrities in Ippudo. (The food must be good if it's worth a stop for these Hollywood folks right?) However, I'm not really sure if I would recommend the Shojin ramen for vegetarians. Noodles tasted a bit stiff, as if they were undercooked. Broth and noodles were also a bit too salty for my taste. The shojin ramen (noodles + broth) was a little bit too salty for me and the noodles seemed a bit stiff too, as if they were undercooked. -Wait: Expect to wait for 2hrs, especially for lunch/dinner rush. My group just happened to get lucky but I think it's becaus we had 10 people with us while most groups are 4-6 people. I haven't tried out the other ramen restaurants in New York, except Tabata. Ippudo is definitely a bigger restaurant with more seating, good fo a group setting. Although I'm sure you can get better ramen for under $10 in the city, I would recommend coming here for the "NY ramen experience." Might've been better if I spotted Harrison Ford or Anne Hathaway, but who knows? Maybe next time.
(4)Carmen F.
Rude and pretentious host/hostess. They talk to you like you're stupid and lie about your wait time. They always extend another 10-15 minutes when you ask. The flavor and noodles of the ramen is always consistent, but it's nothing worth an hour plus wait with reservations. The pork buns are actually pretty good. The pork belly's texture, taste, and everything about it, but that's probably the only thing that leave a great imprint. My advice to you, skip the long wait for the ramen and terrible host/hostess, but go to the bar for some drinks and buns.
(2)Anthony L.
Craving Ramen.. I MEAN CRAVING RAMEN for the last few weeks. When my friend suggested ramen I jumped at the opportunity to satiate my crave. I wanted to order every ramen variety they had but settled on the spicy Karaka ramen with a poached egg. OMG.. soup was superb. Subtle sesame oil and then the spice after. SO GOOD. ramen and the pork didn't have a chance. I left totally satisfied. This place is popular and gets really packed fast. Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker strolled in with her son (I assume it was her son) and were seated right behind us. We watched all the food being prepared and I wanted to try everything. I am definitely going back. My only pet peeve is the loud screaming in Japanese every time a person walks in or when an order is up. I know they're trying to be as authentic as possible. I've travelled to many places all over Japan. They all do welcome you as soon as you walk in, however the constant barrage of screams here when you're trying to enjoy delicious ramen gets annoying.
(4)Gui Bin Z.
I've been meaning to come here for a while now and finally decided to come with a friend for their birthday. Although the wait was long, they send a text message to your phone when they're almost ready for you, so you can go hang out nearby instead of waiting at the restaurant to be seated. My friend and I ordered the pork buns that everyone seems to rave about. We both thought they were very good, just the right amount of sauce and spice. We also ordered the Japanese style fried chicken. We liked the fried chicken but thought the sauce, was lackluster and had something missing. I ordered the Akamaru Modern, which was very good, and added a poached egg and pork belly to it. I would highly recommend adding the poached egg. Additionally, the noodles reminded me of traditional Chinese-style wonton-noodles, which has the perfect texture in your mouth. Lastly, the waiter was super helpful and attentive. My friend must have drank 10 cups of water due to the heat outside and also just the natural saltiness of Ramen, but they never kept his glass empty for long. This is a must try, a little pricey but worth it.
(4)Vivi N.
One of the best ramens I've ever had! I went with my sister for the first time a few years ago, and each time I've been back to nyc, I make it a point to go every time. I love their tonkotsu ramen and pork belly buns. Their pork belly melts in your mouth and their broth is perfect (not too salty or creamy). Their green tea creme brûlée is amazing too! If you have room after the ramen, I highly recommend it! I'm not normally a big green tea fan but it was sooo good. I've taken more than one friend on two different trips since going the first time, and they both loved this place! The wait is worth it, and they'll text you when your table is almost ready so you can walk around. Love this place!
(5)Brandie M.
I usually DO NOT WAIT over 30 mins to be seated at a restaurant, no matter how hyped the establishment is. Luckily Ippudo was just a stop on a long sunny day of wandering around the city with friends. I was buzzed so a few more drinks at a nearby bar while waiting to be seated didn't bother me. The sticky pork buns steal the spotlight from the noodles and every other item on the menu. I've had better ramen, the noodles just aren't worth the wait. If I visted Ippudo again I would skip the table experience and carry out the pork buns because Nom.
(3)Beverly A.
I AM IN LOVE!!! I came in for the infamous ramen - was told there was a 90 minute wait (and I went on a Wednesday night! This speaks volumes!). I went around the corner to grab 'tapas' at another establishment and by the time I went back to Ippudo they had our table ready - woot, woot! + Pork buns ($4.50) - I really try to stay away from pork but how can I NOT order them from here?! I have to say they were worth every calorie cuz they were pretty damn good! They're the 2nd most favorite I've had in the city!). They keep it simple - thick slices of pork and scallions - DELICIOUS! + Standard ramen - I've had so much ramen in my life and it doesn't help that I grew up having it almost daily. Ippudo's ramen really brought it home for me. This is the best/most authentic ramen I've had in the US bar none (sorry not sorry - Totto)! If you're visiting NYC and have thought about visiting this place - don't even think about it and JUST DO IT! You won't be disappointed!
(5)Joe L.
Worth the price of entry, loved my ramen (best I've had). More expensive than most places but worth the extra couple of dollars.
(4)Erin Y.
As someone who literally goes there 3 times a week (bc it's close to where I work), the quality is consistent and good, especially as it's getting colder, ramen becomes even more delicious to me than in the summer :) Although I'd never understand hours of waiting for ramen. Appetizers are my so great, I mean, comparing to their ramen, not that "special" among Japanese restaurants, but if is recommend anything - have some extra black mushroom in the noodle, adds different texture with the noodle! Oh, what I really hate about this place besides the occasional waiting, is the noise! It's just beyond my threshold! Plus, do the waiter/waitresses even understand what they are shouting about? Japanese? Really?
(4)Stacey L.
Prior to my first trip to NY, I was warned that Ippudo was overrated, but I had also heard great things about it. I took everything with a grain of salt and tried not to have high expectations. True that prices are higher than Bay Area ramen places, and true that I don't think it beats Orenchi, but it was still a delicious bowl of ramen. Came here at 11am on a Thursday (they open at 11) and there was absolutely no wait. I was not aware that the restaurant was so big, I think even if you came at 11:30 on a weekday you probably won't have to wait. I ordered the regular Akamaru ramen with a soft boiled egg. Most of my deduction from the star would be that my soft boiled egg was definitely hard boiled. I wish they wouldn't chop that egg in half so that it didn't cook in my broth. Aside from that, the broth is flavorful but not too oily or salty, which I think in that sense has an edge over Orenchi. I also like their red ginger because it cuts through the pork flavor nicely. Noodles were thin but I actually thought the texture was quite nice. My bf and I also shared the pork buns. Sooo good although a bit pricy. Pork belly melts in your mouth and it isn't overly sauced or anything. For all you Bay Areans, here are my current ramen standings: Orenchi Kansui Ippudo Ramen Dojo Santouka- Ramen Seas Kotetsu Misoya Kahoo Totto Halu Maru Ichi Shin Shin Ramen Ten Ma Ogisan Ramen
(4)Elaine N.
Why of course I had to check out this place when I'm in NYC. After all, 6000ish review... We ordered: - Hirata Chicken Wings = crispy with glazed pepper sauce. Typical. - Hirata Buns = I'm all about pork buns. Yummio! Get it. - Akamaru Modern = well-balanced broth, too bad I'm not fond of the thin noodles. - Shiromaru Hakata Classic = simple classic bowl of ramen. Delicious broth that is not overly salty. Great ambiance, great service, and great comfort food. I hope you give this place a try. Cheers!
(4)David K.
If you eat at Ippudo, you must place an order for the pork buns, no questions asked. The ramen is good but doesn't distinguish itself from ramen at other places. And the ramen is expensive (~$15), and that's before you add the extra costs of an egg and chasu. But the pork buns are incredible. Each order comes with 4 buns. The atmosphere is also a little loud.
(4)Lawrence M.
Hands down best Ramen in town.
(5)Ross S.
Absolutely delicious Tonkotsu Ramen. Probably better than Totto, but that may just be because I'm bitter and had to wait almost 2 hours for Totto.
(5)Sarah C.
This place was really cool. The food was absolutely delicious. We got a few apps and then we all got ramen dishes. I remember the pork buns being REALLY good. I ordered one of the spicier ramen dishes-because as far as i'm concerned, ramen should be spicy :). The servers are knowledgable and friendly. Since the place doesnt take reservations I would recommend going on an off-time of the day. I will definitely return.
(5)Miguel F.
I seat right in front of the kitchen, big mistake!!! I know people like an open kitchen well not me I prefer not to see the kinds of things I saw tonight... If you see all the cooks wearing gloves you will think great very sanitary, well wrong wrong and wrong!! I was there for over an hour and this "chefs" not even ones changes their gloves after scratching the faces, butts, etc etc. touching raw chicken and right after that grabbing lettuce for pork buns... Yep I use to love those pork buns now they just ruined it for me... That was one of my favorite things there ever! Jezzz why lord why did they had to seat me there??? I was happy seating on one of those corner tables where your server only comes every time the rooster lays an egg. I was happy with their crapy service but excellent food.. Why??? Now every time I think of those delicious pork buns... I will remember those evil purple gloves that no matter what they touch they will never come out of those hands. Thanks a lot evil gloves ippudo was one of my favorite restaurants in the city.
(1)Mel T.
I'm not sure anything more than a half an hour wait can justify the ramen here. My sister and I came in on a Friday night around 5:30 and only had to wait about 15 minutes (for bar seating). By now, I'm sure you've already read numerous reviews on how great Ippudo is, despite the exorbitant $16 price tag. So to keep this review short and simple, get the Hirata pork buns, any one of the ramens that your taste buds may fancy, and you're all set! I wouldn't come back. Don't get me wrong, it was good...but I feel like Ippudo is one of those places that you try, and not become a regular at. There are better (and cheaper) options for ramen elsewhere. If you really MUST try it, I would come in pairs as opposed to groups. Don't say you weren't warned!
(3)Sam C.
Endless reviews about this infamous ramen spot speak for themselves, and it's definitely a must try. We unfortunately waited 3 hours. 3. hours. Although the ramen is decent, it's definitely not the best in the city (I prefer Momofuku) and it's a bit ridiculous that they charge extra for a poached egg. Ramen eaters expect eggs in their ramen, so that's money made for them! Pork buns are hard to mess up, but again they're definitely not the best in the city. Pork belly, hoisin, and a measly piece of lettuce comes out to about $3.00/bun.
(3)Michelle N.
We came here on a Sunday night at 6 as a group of 11. I think we beat the rush pretty well because when we were leaving it was a two hour wait for two, but we only had to wait 45!! They're hosting process is really pleasant and specific. I was very happy with their service. The food was amazing... Definitely order the pork buns! Can't go to ippudo and not order it. My friend doesn't eat pork so she ordered a duck sukiyaki dish in the appetizers, it was AMAAAAZING! Don't get me wrong the ramen was great too, but that dish was also really good!!! Our server did seem like he has to tend to other tables, and as a table full of servers we understood the rush to get our order & the fair amount of check ups. Regardless, he was really really sweet and sassy! We enjoyed his service to the fullest! I didn't get to catch his name, but the receipt said "Steve." Anyways, thanks Steve(?)! It was a great experience for us Californians!
(5)Richard B.
Ramen is decent. It's probably the best you can get in New York but doesn't do ramen justice. There are a ton of spots in SoCal that are 1/2 the price and much better tasting... But that's in SoCal.
(3)Suri L.
I went to NYC for my winter vacation last month. as a big fan of ramen, I definitely wanted to try ippudo because my friend highly recommended it to me :) I ordered Shiromaru Hakata Classic, it tasted so good! I finished it without 10 mins ( I drank all the soup too) !! It's better than any of the ramen place in Chicago! I definitely come back for it !!!
(5)Anne A.
Been here about 6 times... Food is ALWAYs great! The chicken and pork buns are to die for. The Ramen... My favorite is the garlic brooth SO TASTY!!
(5)Stephanie C.
REALLY good service and all the food was very delicious! The lunch set was nice allowing us to get a side and salad with the ramen. The side fried chicken was great, and the unagi bowl was yummy. The ramen was extra delicious though and I really loved the broth and egg. We also got the fried chicken bun appetizer which was quite delicious. I also really enjoyed the desserts! The ice cream set was delicious, but my favorite has to be the mille-feuille crepe :)
(5)Hangry T.
We had to try. Living in New York over 6 years and needed to know why there is always a line. Turns out, it's just for the.. Wait? Place opens at 5, we arrived at 5:20. It was also 20 degrees outside so everyone was hustling to get in. The hosts were nice, yet seemed a bit flustered. It is a small space and does not accept reservations. Word to the wise, add an hour to your given estimated time and cut the imagined taste factor in half
(2)Martin C.
I have to say that I am a little let down by the hype. The restaurant decor itself was pretty solid and trendy. Bathrooms reeked... Came here for lunch on a friday and got their lunch set. Wasabi sauce on the salad was interesting, and the unagi bowl wasn't too bad... but it wasn't very memorable either. You don't come here for the salad or rice bowls, though, the ramen is what they built their name on: I got the classic Hakata ramen. While it was good, I definitely don't feel like it was anything special, or anything close to appropriate for the prices they were charging for it. Maybe I've been spoiled by going away to the West Coast for college, but you can definitely get more bang for your buck when it comes to ramen, even in New York City.
(3)Karen Y.
I love Ippudo Westside so my expectation is the same for the original. Went during the Summer for my girls spa day out - and ended on a high note and a "mighty" full stomach! Started with the mix of original pork buns and buffalo spicy pork bun. They were A-Mazing! Japanese cucumber salad, crisp, fresh and delicious! We all got the modern and loved every drop of that broth! Perfectly cooked med-well egg... Honestly, my other review says it all... just perfect to the last noodle. So hungry writing this review... Overall... who reign supreme in ramen you ask? effing IPPUDO!
(5)Rina Q.
I go to try their noddles as many as I can. However I have to say there is a longline always stand there. I need to spend more 30min for waiting the seat。I still cannot forget about their pork bun and Modern Ramen.
(4)Joseph C.
It is one of the few places that I don't mind wait for more than 30 min. to be seated. Their alamaru ramen is amazing, and I'm absolutely crazy about their pork bun, it is definitely one of the best I have had. Loving their food, atmosphere, and yes, the wait sometimes is a little unbearable, but their service is great.
(5)Shirley m.
Great place! Been to several Ippudo restaurants in japan and i can confirm that this is the real deal :) best ramen imho! The hirata buns are great too. Will definitely come back when i'm in town. Good for single-diners too, there are community tables where you don't feel like a loner ;)
(5)Mimi C.
If you come from California this place feels like a rip off. Sadly, this is the going price for ramen here. However, if you think about the cost of rent and the amount of money needed to go into maintaining this restaurant, it starts to make some sense. A regular bowl of ramen will set you back at least $15 (w/ tax). The tonkatsu is my favorite - rich and fatty but strangely not greasy. The thin noodles complement the simpleness of the broth well. The egg is done a perfectly with the cool runny yolk. The ambiance is really nice- very young adults feel to it with dim lights and almost EDM like music. We typically come because guests want to come. Otherwise, we buy Sun ramen ($3.50 w/o broth) noodles from the Sunrise Market nearby and make our own ramen dishes.
(4)Emily H.
Maybe it's just me, but I had trouble locating their door... perhaps it was due to the awesome storefront facade. Aside from the aesthetically pleasing front, their ramen, fresh & cooked perfectly, accompanied by the mouth watering soup one would happily obliged to unbuttoning pants for. The wait was around 45 minutes but they have a bar to help the minutes tick on by quicker so sit or stand and grab that Asahi. It is definitely worth the wait, especially on a chilly day. It's a wonderful place to slurp, drink, devour until you're ready to burst and just when you think you're done, you look into the Goliath of a bowl and realize there is still that goddamn delicious broth screaming to be ingested. Problem is you're so full, stuffed with warm and happy goodness, ready for that food coma nap, you don't know whether to cry or not because the conundrum now present is if you throw in the towel, the thought of wasting such a beautiful bowl of liquid is shameful and deserves nothing shy of a five finger salute across the face. Sooo you take a deep breath, undo the button, relax that throat and coax it down. Throw those hands up and pat your back. No noodle, no soup, no Chasu left behind.
(5)Kimberly L.
I feel this review will be a mere blip on the radar, but hopefully this will reach the right ears. Erm, eyes. It's been a few years since I've eaten at Ippudo. Hype still lives as the city's top ramen spot: Monday night had a wait time of 1.5-2hrs for two. Incroyable. FYI they don't take reservations. My friend got the $9 pork buns and $15 akamaru modern ramen+$2 nitamago. Seemed like they were on point w/ their miso paste and garlic oil. I had the delight in having their $15 wasabi shoyu ramen+$2 nitamago. Broth was soy sauce-based and vegetable-based. But this wasabi. THIS FRESH WASABI! It won my heart with the right amount of kick and SWEETNESS. (WH-... HOW-... WHERE DID THAT COME FROM!? I'VE BEEN NAIVE.) Included in the bowl were wasabi-infused oil, tempura flakes, thin tofu, menma, nori, and scallions. We both got the $2 kae-dama to polish off our broth with. Reminder that the ramen here is house-made. And the best seats are at the counter to admire culinary craft in the kitchen! The people who work here are sharp and so nice - it's a consistently professional team. You'd think that the bustle could leave you in the dust but this establishment is a well-oiled machine. Water refills were always looked out for as well as the general dining experience.
(5)Dave F.
Well if u want to be quoted 2 hour wait and think that's a lot - well hold your horses bc we were quoted 2 hours and are still waiting at 2 and a half!!! Never ever again - it's def not that great! You would think they would at least give you a drink after the 2 hours they quoted but all they did was say they were sorry and they couldn't ask people to get up - what about us who are waiting to sit down?? Awful!!! Don't go!
(1)Lucy K.
We lucked out and got outside of this spot 10 minutes before they opened for dinner service. Before we knew it there was a line down the block...so make sure you come early! We were seated right away. The inside is modern with a communal type seating. We ordered the soft shell crab special appetizer they had. It actually tasted like it was over seasoned...the flavors were just a bit much. I tend to prefer soft shell crab fried and this one was not. I got the spicy ramen and I absolutely loved it....not to mention it was a cold and rainy NYC night. It was a huge bowl and piping hot. The broth was so flavorful and not overpowering with the spice at all!
(4)Whitney W.
Cool looking place. The ramen noodles and broth flavor is not bad. Left feeling hungry though. I think Ivan Ramen tastes better. Very expensive.
(3)Bryant R.
Delicious ramen noodles and a decent Sake collection. I went for lunch but I think this place is better for dinner because you will end up eating a fair amount of food. I look forward to returning.
(3)Stella D.
Being from the Bay Area, Orange County, and LA... I've tried it all. Ippudo is by far the best ramen I've ever had. It is actually the sole reason I would go back to New York. Not too salty. Good portion (it leaves you wanting more). Every bowl is delicious. That wasabi raw squid thing is pretty solid too. Can't go wrong with anything.
(5)Natalie I.
Long line! Friday night around 9:30ish the wait for two people an hour and a half.... That was crazy... But you know what made up for it?!? THE FOOD! From beginning to end the mouthfuls were flavorful and truly exquisite. Pork Buns (2 for $9) pricey because they are kind of small, but what flavor! Sweet BBQ styled pork, soft pillowy goodness- you cannot go wrong! Wings were spicy and sweet. Excellent sauce and perfectly cooked. Good crunch and full of flavor overall. $13 for 6 wings The ramen was the best soup I've ever had! It was really spicy though beware! Rich and smooth and savory. Definitely went for the pork buns and stayed for the ramen! Pricey though about 18 bucks after added hot sauce charge of 2 dollars more And the best service too. Obviously long wait, but everyone was super attentive to details, filling water glasses, discarding used napkins instantly and everyone saying thank you as we walked out. Top quality place.
(5)Eric T.
Put your name down early.... the wait is worth it. Ippudo is one of half-handful of places that makes its very own ramen noodles. Do not go there and even attempt to not get the pork buns. Far better than momofuko. Really nice cucumber app with sesame oil and an added crunch. Ramen is marquee. I like the spicy one but venture into any and you will not leave diappointed. Bottom line, this place is a must-go....or rather a "must go early."
(5)Byron S.
Fun place despite the incredibly bad decor and mediocre music. Had ramen - was underwhelmed. Weak broth. Little variance in flavor. This place is a factory.
(3)Megan S.
I love chewy ramen and I was not disappointed. There are so many different variations to choose from here. It does get crowded and loud but worth the wait. The appetizers are worth a try as well!
(4)Saron G.
Their ramen is pretty up there, but it's all about the pork buns!!! Went to this location three times and had consistently great service. It is a loud atmosphere, but I never really minded or noticed it until my parents pointed it out when I took them here last week. Since you can't make reservations and can only be seated with your entire party present, I always plan to meet outside the restaurant a half hour before they open. It seems like there's always people waiting on this line even before then (it's those pork buns, I'm telling you,) but it's more likely for them to seat you within the hour.
(4)Cindy C.
3.5/5 I had the classic ramen. Broth was fabulous, silky-smooth, deep flavor! My egg was also enjoyable. But I'm knocking off a star for the pork chasu - it was frankly a thin slice of cardboard, disappointing. Knocking off another half star for being Overpriced.
(3)Vijay C.
Consitent. Try the special ramen
(4)Holly S.
Consistently good. Pricey compared to the ramen places on St. Marks but much higher quality. I always come around 11 (small line waiting for the opening) or around 2:30-3. Never had to wait more than 5 minutes.
(4)Sunny K.
My friends and I landed up here after an evening of drinking. It cured us completely.
(5)Janice T.
Yum! Finally made it to the popular restaurant. Their agedashi tofu is overpriced and borderline too salty but still one of the best agedashi tofus I've had. I had the Karaka Men and was not disappointed! Probably my favorite ramen. Could be a bit spicier but loved it. The hubs had the Wasabi Ramen and said it wasn't bad. Worth the wait and expect a line when you go.
(5)Bob J.
So good, if very slightly salty. No outside food, and no reservations. Put your name down and take a very long walk.
(5)Jumi F.
I'm a fan of Ramen (tried Ippudo first in 2010) . The Ramen options are pretty straight forward here. The prices are pretty moderate and you get a fair portion for what you pay for. What makes this place special is the cool seating arrangments for groups of four or more. If you like flavor and medium heat, go for the spicier menu options. There's usually a long wait for dinner so I'd suggest trying this place for a late lunch on a weekday if you can!
(4)Tiffany T.
I LOVE their pulled pork. It's absolutely delicious and a must-get for topping! The wait was long but the service and food were good. Their eel rice bowl is lighter than the pork rice bowl. Their lychee shochu was okay.
(4)Sonya M.
I ordered the modern ramen with black garlic sauce. it was pretty good but not exceptional. The broth itself is not overly salty, definitely taste the pork and spices. Chasu was soft and tender, nicely done. The noodles are hakata styled thin noodles, well done not too doughy and not too chewy. I'd give the ramen a 4 star. -1 star for the quantity. For $15 per bowl i expect more. I think around $9-10 would be more reasonable. I also ordered karaage, it was very so so, i did not like it. the chicken was over fried over cooked, it was so tough really hard to chew. 1.5 star for the presentation -3.5 star for the taste. Overall, it's a good place to visit for experience if you like to try different ramen styles.
(3)Jacqueline C.
Me and my boyfriend came here as a recommended place for ramen from our friends. We dropped by around 7 pm and it was already packed, were advised that the wait will be 3 hours. Because it was our last day of visiting New York we decided to wait. They had a text notification system that let's you know when your table is ready soon, this was handy if you didn't want to stick around for the wait. The decor was superb, very modern and edgy yet still incorporates instances of Japanese tradition. The surroundings were low light and combined with the music (down tempo electronic with ambient touch) just gave such a cool vibe. Because it was so loud and busy it made it a bustling hopping place. We each ordered a bowl of ramen and Japanese beverage. He ordered a Japanese ale and I a citrus sake, of which I was disappointed it was served on the rocks with way too much ice and very little drink! The ramen were just what I dreamt of. My favourite part is always a the soup, and my Modern hit the spot. The only thing I would change is a bit more toppings even if it's in exchange for the portion of noodle (I never seem to finish that). Overall the restaurant is recommended, but my biggest disappointment was the service. The hostess wasn't really the hostess with the mostest ( just simply weren't friendly at all, made me feel unwelcomed somehow). I also felt very rushed from the beginning of being seated. We've only just sat down and given menus, were so excited after all the wait and admiring the decor and busyness, and were asked if we were ready to order 3 times when we weren't ready. Also as we were near the end of the bowl, and have paused a bit while enjoying our drinks and chat, we were asked so many times if we were finished, it definitely got annoying. At this time it was around 11 and the queue has subsided. I went to the bathroom and my boyfriend told me that the waiter advised that 'our 1 hour time limit is up' and suggested that if we were to stay we would have to order more food. I understand that this might be norm for busy restaurants like these but I would have really appreciated the host to tell us upfront about this, especially if we have to wait 3 hours for a table. As a last kick in the face.....You know how waiters usually let you take your time to leave after you've sign for your bill? Mine retrieved the bill pretty much right after I've set it down, giving us the last 'shove' out the door. Overall, I would definitely recommend the place, especially great for date night. The ramen is about as good as it gets. However, the service just didn't quite meet my expectations. Unless you're totally comfortable waiting 3 hours for a fast food experience (in terms of speed)......I'd opt for a place that is a bit more accommodating.
(4)mini m.
Love the art throughout this place, restroom was so fun & whimsical. Right to food? Buns were excellent warm perfectly cooked pork melted like butter. Chicken wings fresh curious slightly simple yet sophisticated in flavor yum! Ramen soup noodles & toppings were good but not memorable. If I came back it would be everything else not Ramen.
(3)Dana R.
Came here with a group of four on a Tuesday during the week between holidays. New York was bustling and Ippudo was no exception. We came right at noon, starving and were a bit dismayed by the large crowd waiting. But thank goodness they took our name and were willing to call us when our table was ready. We stopped into Strand (fun bookstore, and I am always looking for an excuse to go) during our wait. A couple in our group was visiting from out of state and it was their first time for ramen and Strand. What i found really great about this situation was that Ippudo called to tell us our table was almost ready - considerate and understanding that we would have ventured during our wait, giving us time to walk back. As we were escorted to our table the staff shouted their welcome as we walked by. It is a bit out of the ordinary, but definitely gets you smiling all the same and i thought it was a fun touch. Made me excited for my meal! And so did the atmosphere; from the seating to the decor, it wasn't just a meal, it was a dining experience! As I stated, a couple of us were ramen newbies and our waitress was so incredibly helpful and happy to make recommendations. i REALLY appreciate this in a staff. We started with the Hirata pork buns, which was recommended to me before coming. Again, the staff was really cool to anticipate our sharing and split the buns into four so that we could all try them. The buns were an intriguing experience - having a different texture. i am not one to favor a mayo base so they were not as good as i expected them to be, but still very good all the same. i'm glad i tried them and that i could share them with others. the real star (quite obviously) was the ramen. i had the karaka-men and was beyond satisfied and thrilled with my choice. It was the perfect amount of spice and heat. The pork was delicious, very flavorful and easy to eat considering it can be tricky to command if you're not used to eating noodles with chopsticks. But like i said it was a dining experience! sensory overload in the best possible way. From the colors of the meal as it is first placed in front of you, to stirring the ingredients together yourself seeing it all merge together, and then balancing the tastes between slurping from a giant beautiful spoon and then swapping in your chopsticks, it was just plain fun! Others in my group that were new, had the akamaru modern and they said it was the perfect introduction to ramen. I was only there a few days ago and i am still dreaming of going back as soon as possible. i'm so happy i finally got to try this place and would recommend this to anyone! ramen newbie or not! and can i just say again how great the staff was the entire meal! They made sure our water glasses were always filled and asked how we enjoyed the recommendations. Just down right great.
(5)Tom W.
I'm not a huge ramen guy so I can't really compare this to anything else. This has been hyped up a lot for me since we moved to the area with people saying things like "Oh you have to go to Ippudo, it's totally worth the wait!". So we picked a Monday in Holidays thinking it would be quiet but the place was still packed! We were seated after about 30 minutes which was totally acceptable to me. The food was awesome. We got the pork buns which were amazing and a noodle dish each. The flavors were great, it was a well balanced dishs!
(5)Quoc L.
The ramen tastes exactly like how I used to start my college essays, like "a dream opened up by the coldness of murder". I've been here 3 times & every time, it disappoints me even more. First off, the Hirata buns are no joke! I've never had chasiu that delicious. I've also never paid $9 for two pieces of chasiu before. I don't think I can see myself in the paying that much for chasiu any time soon. The real problem was in the ramen, you know, the main thing they sell. I don't mind the waiting, that's a given and I live in NYC. What I do mind however, is waiting an hour on average for the most abundantly watered down ramen I've ever had. For a place that's so hyped, I was kind of offended having paid more than average for tasteless noodles. Maybe tasteless is the wrong word. It was like slightly flavored water... very slight. Also very sad. I'll give them the small benefit that it was right when they opened... but stiiiiiiiiiiiiill.
(2)cosmo h.
SO GOOD. Waited 2 hours to have dinner because of the restaurant's popularity. Recommend the karaka men ramen, spicy and so good. The pork melts in your mouth with the broth. Pork buns are very tasty as well. This is a must go.
(5)Chi T.
The ramen is nothing short of amazing. We tried the karaka, tonkotsu and wasabi ramen. All were excellent and on-the-money ! Definitely get the wasabi ramen guys !
(4)Chau L.
This place was highly recommended to me from my cousin who has tried their branch in Hong Kong. The wait was two hours long and it was very well worth it. They greet you in Japanese when you walk in. We tried to order as much as we could since I don't visit New York that often and everything was so good.
(5)Rajat k.
Great food.. Amazing ramen.. These ppl know how to make a ramen right. I got the classic.. With side of spicy paste.. Also got steamed pork buns.. Both were amazingly good.
(5)Kevin L.
HOLY CRAP this place is amazing!!!!!! Make sure you arrive early or else you're going to be waiting 2+ hours. After this experience, I wouldn't mind that wait though=) We kicked off the night with the Shishito (Japanese peppers),Yamitsuki Goma Kyuri (Japanese cucumbers), and the Hirata pork buns. The peppers and cucumbers were pretty refreshing, but be aware that some of peppers are spicy! Hot pepper roulette, but it's not too bad. Those hirata pork buns though! UNREAL. Those were probably the highlight of the meal. The bread had the perfect spoftness and the combination of the pork and sauces made it melt in your mouth. I'd order 2 if I were you. I ordered the Akamaru ramen with a soft boiled egg and it was real good. Portions were quite generous. I ended up paying ~$40 for this meal, but it was worth every penny! Also they carry this beer called Kagua. Currently the only spot in the states that carries it. It was pretty good Definitely coming back next time I'm in the city
(5)Albert J.
This place was great! Very cool and friendly ambiance. The food was delicious! Over 6000 yelpers can't be wrong and weren't. I would definitely go back once in New York again. Definitely order the Pork Belly buns, they were delicious. Chicken wings as well. We also loved the Ramen. 5 Stars all the way around!
(5)Christopher M.
Ramen Sex. This is how my experience felt when I ordered Ramen here. Not just any sex, it was great ramen sex! I ordered the Wasabi Ramen as I do not eat pork regularly. Each ramen noodle was cooked perfectly! The soup was flavorful especially with settle, but balanced the wasabi taste. For those pork lovers, you will probably love their signature ramen bowl, make sure to just ask for it. What made this place so great was the buns. We ordered the chicken buns and they were definitely in the bedroom before we got started on the ramen pleasure ;). Seriously though, outstanding flavor and crunchy chicken within the buns and the buns were made to perfection. When you want to taste the art of ramen noodles, make sure to stop by this place when you visit new york. I would recommend lunch time, as dinner can get crowded and you can wait a long time. The customer service here is super and everyone knows the menu and knows what to recommend based on what you are wanting to try. They also serve you tea at the end of your meal to help settle in the deliciousness you just had. And awesome awesome atmosphere here, great seating and lighting. This place, is a safe haven for true quality ramen lovers.
(5)Briahna M.
I stopped by here for dinner with a group of four after a recommendation from a friend. We got incredibly lucky and were seated after about a 15 minute wait. The restaurant interior was interesting and well decorated, with mirrored walls and cool artwork. Our server was very helpful and friendly, and we got our food pretty quickly. I ended up getting the karaka men with a poached egg. It was the perfect level of spicy, and the pork was absolutely delicious. I would say this I'd the best ramen I've had. This restaurant was a little bit expensive for me, but I'm happy to have went. The food and the service made it well worth it, and I would definitely go again.
(5)Kathy M.
The pork buns are amazing! The bun dough is like a little cloud of heaven.
(4)Matt K.
The pork buns... I have dreams about the pork buns. I've never had a bad experience here and the food is awesome. Just make sure you go at off hours as the wait can be pretty ridiculous.
(5)Britney F.
Great ramen place for a decent price. Better for lunch because the line for dinner can be a bit crazy. The pork buns are awesome, though a little pricey (2 for $9). The food comes out pretty fast and their are a few larger tables for big parties!
(4)May F.
Never get tired of the Ramen here! Modern is usually my go to but I've enjoyed several of them and they're all savory and delicious. Best pork buns! Wait is unpredictable. Sometimes there is no wait and other times it's 3 hrs. Trick is to go early...
(4)Miyeco M.
I like Ippudo and it's always one of my go-to comfort food spots. It would be great if they delivered like Rai Rai Ken, and I'd order from there every week. But you have to commit to a wait if you want to go. They open at 11 on weekends, and I was there at noon and there was already a 45 minute wait. It is a loud spot, so don't count on an intimate chat over a bowl of ramen, but if you will likely not want to talk so much, or else it will detract from the amazing noodles, toppings, pork buns, or the perfectly crisp Karaage. A simple selection of beer, shochu, and sake. Nothing overly fancy that could detract from the Ramen main attraction. The restaurant itself is in serious need of a facelift. The booths are dingy, ripped, with a few ill-fitted white vinyl covers shoved over the greatly damaged chairs. management/owners are clearly not paying attention to those details, which is unfortunate.
(4)Teddy K.
Definitely a solid bowl of tonkotsu ramen, although the quality can be a bit unpredictable from the times that I've been here. This time the broth in my akamaru modern was perfect, not too salty or oily but well balanced and hearty. Service was fast and friendly, and there was barely a wait for two around 1pm on Thursday.
(4)John B.
Pork buns are exceptional. Spicy pork ramen soup - Yes, please!! Add the poached egg. Works well
(5)A K.
Love Ipoudo - I've been here a few times and always get the veggie hirata bun and a veggie Raman. Always yummy! Though the wait for a table can get long.
(5)Trent C.
Ordered the Akamaru modern ramen, and it was definitely tasty, but not the best I've had. The service was good though, atmosphere was nice, and the appetizers were great as well. Gets 4 stars for the price and for ramen that is above average, but nothing out of this world.
(4)elizabeth a.
Definitely not worth all the hype or wait. There were 3 of us and we wanted to try a few of the ramen and the waiter told us we could only order 3. Really?!?! So we ordered 3 and were unimpressed so didn't order more. Not good business
(2)Kevin W.
Very good. In Fukoka japan this place is just considered average - here it is a sensation. I like the food...hate the wait.
(4)Orlando N.
I've been here a couple of times now and rank this among my top 3 ramen restaurants. They're winter seasonal offerings are particularly amazing, especially the smoky tofu ramen (can't remember the name). Both the original and midtown location deliver on food quality but I feel that the downtown location has a nicer atmosphere.
(5)Amy Z.
BEST RAMEN IN NEW YORK I've been on the hunt for ramen that beats ippudo but seriously, nothing else compares! I've never had to wait when I came here cause I always come when it opens (11am for lunch and 5pm for dinner). I've had friends that waited over 2 hours for a table when they came after the beginning hours so make sure to come early!! I always get their Akamaru Modern Ramen because it is simply delicious! I've tried the Shiromaru Hakata Classic before and felt that it lacked flavor that the Akamaru offered. It costs an extra $2 for the poached egg but I think it's worth it in the end cause ramen should always have an egg in it! The flavor of this ramen is simply mouth watering. Be sure to get the Pork Buns!!! They are pricey though, $9 for 2 buns but I think it is a good starter. It contains less fatty meat than if you get it at Totto Ramen. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could simply because it's pricey considering it is ramen but it is what other ramen places charge as well so I guess I can't complain thattttt much. Regardless, I love eating here and will definitely be back for more!
(5)Rustam O.
such a nice or best i would say place to have a ramen. i will remember this place for sure for my next visits
(5)Mari Y.
I have heard stories of people waiting 3 hrs just to eat here; came on a Friday night as a party of 3 around 6:30 and got seated in 45 minutes. The seating was great as well, I expected us to get bar seating or something. Very posh.. Food came out quickly and made me cry out of cruelty and unfairness because it took over two decades for me to have the best ramen in my life. Get the pork buns, no hesitation.
(5)Anthony C.
Fantastic atmosphere. Came here 5/24/15. The moment you take a step into the dining room, you're welcomed by all of the employees with the hearty Japanese phrase, "ã„らã£ã—ゃã„ã¾ã›!" (Transliteration: i-ra-sshai-ma-se), which is a common Japanese greeting that means, "Welcome!" The attitudes that the wait staff displayed were none other that I've seen before. They were extremely friendly, courteous and respectful whilst serving and even if they didn't, it definitely seemed as if they WANTED to be there. It wasn't a simple "Hey, give me your order. Okay. Bye." It's rare nowadays to find wait staff employees who go above and beyond what's expected of them, to really make the customer feel like royalty. And the food? Honestly, I wasn't too crazy about it. I ordered the Naruto Buns and I think the Akamaru Ramen, and while they weren't bad, they weren't all that "WOW!" either. But that doesn't matter to me. What really made my Ippudo experience one of most enjoyable experiences yet, was the commitment and dedication that the staff displayed. Hell, I think this was the only time I opted to give a 25%-30% tip vs my usual 15%. Tips should be EARNED, not made mandatory. These guys really do deserve it. TL;DR - Okay food. Amazing staff. Would definitely go back to again with a friend.
(5)Aaron P.
Ippudu is legit. It was so good my group demanded we go back for dinner the next night. Ramen is a pretty basic noodle but the secret is the amazing broth and fresh ingredients they add. Everyone is really friendly, and my friend even got free shots for being a good tipper (and a drunk). Anything you get here is well worth the price to try, and fresh Ramen is a completely different experience from what you had in college. The Torishio Ramen was so good I ate it twice. We went to both locations and both seemed large enough that you wouldn't wait more than an hour but small enough to feel cozy. They have a great saki selection and even a decent, but over priced cocktail selection. If you get a cocktail get the Sasugah (white rum, grapefruit, lime, absinthe, and angostura bitters) or the ESSJ (tequila, Midori, triple sec, lemon, muddled cucumber, and shishito peppers). The drinks are over priced but they are different and worth at least one try.
(5)Alyssa B.
Yes ! Just yes. Just ! This place is worth the (sometimes 2 hour) wait. It is an outing to try and navigate putting name in and waiting and coming back but the ramen is amazing, pork buns are phenomenal, and atmosphere is awesome. Waiting at the bar can be not bad. Had lychee cocktail and approved. Just be nice to the hostesses they're always being harassed.
(5)Jason Z.
Soooooo.....what's with the hype? Maybe my experience wasn't great because I went in expecting a great bowl of ramen; unfortunately for me, I didn't know the price prior. And once I sat down, I felt the obligation to just get something. And to be frank, I already forgot the ramen I got. I do remember the bill though. $14 for the basic bowl of ramen and a additional $4 for a topping that amounted to two bites. Last time I checked, a bowl of ramen COMES with the essential toppings. And with a more affordable price and value. So why was my bowl of ramen/lunch $23 after tax and tip? The experience of hearing weeaboos shout out formalities that you won't understand and be told how to eat your overpriced food. I'll take my money over to Ramen Setagaya next time, thanks.
(2)Yujin O.
It's not that good... It's just OK. The line was way too long, and the ramen can be salty at times. I don't think it's worth waiting in line for 30 minutes or more for just a regular ramen.
(3)Dick W.
Pork buns are wonderful. Ramen so fantastic with pork belly. Great place to get a good meal without the pretense.
(5)Brett F.
This has nothing to do with the food. I've been here many times and the food is pretty good. I however will not be returning after one of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had. I put my name down at 6:30 for 4 people last night and was told that it would be a 1.5 hour wait time, which was I've come to expect from coming here before. After monitoring the progress on Buzztable, a couple of hours passed and all of a sudden it was 8:30 and still no text message that a table was ready. At this point, I went to the host to see what was going on. I had mentioned that it's been 2 hours and still no table and at this point I was told that there won't be a table for at least another half hour. I became incredulous, considering I was told a 1.5 hour wait time, and the host's response was "well we didn't have any cancelations tonight." That part amazed me, that the wait time was based on people canceling their table. I was hoping for a much more reassuring response or maybe an apology for the wait beyond what was told and a comp drink at the bar, which would have been the right thing to do. Instead of anything like that we were told that we would be texted hopefully within a half hour, amounting to "don't call us, we'll call you." 20 minutes passed and I was still upset and decided to call the restaurant and ask to speak to a manager. I spoke to the hostess, who upon hearing my request and recognizing it was me, instead of passing me to a manager magically told me that a table would be ready and I should come back. I have no idea why that didn't happen when I was there 20 minutes before, but I guess I should have asked for a manager then. At this point I was so disheartened that I decided to eat somewhere else.
(1)Joseph L.
For the lack of better words. Shitty ramen. Overpriced. Would never come back. Totto ramen is way better. If I could give it no stars I would.
(1)James L.
No add-on policy is the dumbest thing I've heard of. We had to lie about it to get a person an order who was right outside. Waitress gave us a hard time when food was on table and person has already arrived. Ramen was alright.
(2)CHRISTINE Z.
Ok. This ramen place is hands down the best ramen I've had to date--and I've had quite a few bowls of Ramen. The wait time is absurd, especially around dinner time, so put your names in at least an hour before you actually want to eat--during rush hours (weekend evenings) the wait can be as long as two hours. But, the ramen broth is amazing. They have an umami flavored one that's savory heaven on the tongue
(5)Jeenee Y.
MMMmmmm Prok Buns are AWESOME! Wait time is 30 mins (if your lucky) to 1 1/2 hours (normal) Great small place but can get crowded at the bar. Ramen... DELISH~!
(5)Vi H.
Hands down one of my favorite ramen shops! There is always a wait but you can walk around St. Marks and go shopping. Must haves are the pork buns and sliced cucumbers for appetizers and pork Tonkotsu ramen or the Akamaru Modern. Love the interior or Ippudo and while you wait you can get a drink at the bar. Haven't had a bad meal at Ippudo! I will be back soon!
(5)Alex A.
Really good ramen, had the Karaka men ramen which is pretty spicy but not overpowering, makes your nose run but doesn't make your head hot and scratchy. Really cool atmosphere with tons of people speaking loudly in Japanese that gives the place a very cozy but loud feel. The only thing I'd have liked was more pork slices, there was only 3 juicy slices and you have to pay extra to get more, but the food and broth was still delicious.
(4)Vivian B.
Akamaru Modern is mouthwatering! The pork bun and spicy squid are excellent. Wish I had room to try more!
(5)Victoria M.
The ramen at ippudo is so yummy, from the noodle texture to the ramen broth. Most definitely worth the wait!!! Don't make the mistake I made once and find another ramen place near by because you don't want to wait.. You will be disappointed.. Definitely check it out, I'm addicted to it
(5)Christina O.
Extraordinary pork buns. I like the ramen a lot, but really it's the pork buns. Magic. It's fast inside -- food comes fast, tables are cleared fast, check comes fast. It works -- it feels efficient and this way people get seated, since the line is usually down the block.
(5)Lonnie D.
My favorite ramen shop in NYC!!! Definitely worth the long wait. Staff is very attentive and friendly and the Ramen always hits the spot
(5)Mel L.
Had dinner a couple of months ago with my husband. Passed by this place so many times and thought it must be extremely good because each time we saw a lot of people waiting. We decided to give it a try and waited a little over an hour to get a table. Food is good but I did not find the wow factor. Definitely not worth the time waiting for a table.
(3)Yunny D.
The ramen was amazing. I loved the texture and chewiness of the noodles. I drank the entire broth with much satisfaction.
(5)Agustinus P.
Hands down the best ramen in the East Coast. The waiting time to get a table in this joint is, however, otherworldy. I once managed to get a 1 hour jog, watch an entire knicks game, and do my taxes before finally getting the call from the maître'd.
(5)Jennifer H.
I think their selling points are the ramen and the pork buns. However the long line and steep prices limit my visits. Furthermore, it is crowded and noisy all the time. Makes conversations difficult and rushed.
(4)John V.
very tasty Japanese ramen noodle soup. Very classic preparation. Personally, I don't believe it's worth the wait since there's nothing particularly over-the-top about the product, plus, it's technically a chain restaurant that just so happened to gain large popularity and following at this very crowded and cramped East-side spot off the Bowery. Go early or don't go.
(4)Kristen B.
Went here as recommended by a friend and IT WAS AMAZING. I had the spicy ramen, which was the perfect level of spice (though I would've been happy with more ginger in mine) and the hand-pulled noodles were delicious - perfectly starchy and not soggy one bit. Try the classic ramen too - the broth is so gingery and not too garlicky as it can be in some ramen shops. We started with the chicken bun and the ribs. Oh Lordy! Delicious!! Ribs were über tender and sauce to die for - I can't remember the description but they had some cocoa(?) notes and perfectly paired with red chili pepper and a lemon sauce. Definitely coming back!
(5)Pris C.
Best. Ramen. Hands down. You're not allowed to take home leftovers, and they don't do delivery or takeout, because their secret recipes are THAT GOOD. I'm one of those hippies that are MSG-sensitive, and I didn't detect any, so either they don't use that crap, or they use a very special one.
(5)Rachel R.
AMAZing food. Too long of a wait.
(4)Tony R.
This was my first real ramen experience, and I must say that I am a fan. I got the house special ramen with pork and poached egg as toppings.. It was delicious! I could not get enough, and they offer 2 dollar noodle refills as long as you have enough broth left over. My biggest complaint about the place is the wait times! We stumbled across this place on a Saturday night and we were told it was a 2-2.5 hour wait so we didn't go. We went the next day for lunch and it was only a 30 minute wait. I know that waiting is a sign that a place is good, but I don't know if anyone can keep waiting that long, especially when it's right between wash. square and alphabet city, which are amazing food territories in the own right.
(4)Dkn L.
Get the Torishio Ramen when it comes back to the menu, it's like love & happiness in a broth. For now you can get it at Ippudo Westside. (Without the onions & chili pepper, which interfere with the purity of the broth.)
(5)Jackie N.
Everything in the bowl is amazing. I got modern ramen. It was so good. I ate everything. Yes! I even drank the broth too. You have to get the pork buns. Totally worth 9$.
(4)Burgundy B.
I had a tofu bun last year on a food tour of the East Village. It was magical.
(4)Jennie W.
i give this place 3.5 stars not because of the food, but because I found a piece of hair in my karaka men. I told the waiter and he brought me a new one which took another 20 minutes to make. By the time my ramen came, my friend was already finished with her meal. Get the hirata buns with chicken - they were delicious.
(3)Dot C.
Expect to wait at least one hour for dinner here. Ramen was tasty, i like the thin ramen noodle style they serve. I could be biased about the taste of the food though, I was starving by the time the food actually came.
(4)Jason H.
There's is always a wait but if you come around 10 pm or 45 mins before closing there's no wait at all! Out of all the appetizers I've tried my favorite is still the pork buns. I had the chicken buns also but it's just not as good compared to the tenderness and flavorful pork belly. For ramen my favorites are the akamaru modern and the karaka men. For those of you who prefer spicy get the karaka men that extra kick of heat is just perfect for the winter. I've also tried the tori and the wasabi shoyu ramen! If you want a light flavorful broth then tori is for you but for ramen I prefer a richer broth. The wasabi shoyu is my least favorite I like wasabi, the first few bites are good but it's just not something I want to keep eating. Overall, Ippudo is definitely one of my favorite ramen spots!
(5)Addie F.
I was with a group of 5 ladies celebrating one of their birthdays! We waited in line for the famous ramen store before it was even open. Yep, there was a line that was very long, before the store was even opened. After a wait of around two hours, we were seated. The staff were all very welcoming. The food we ordered was trying out different ramen for each person, and the roast pork belly buns for appetizers. I think you have a choice for tea / water as the free drinks (I think I chose the cold water.) The food itself was tasty! The buns tasted good, but it wasn't spectacular. The ramen was good indeed, but in my head I didn't think it was worth a two hour wait. If I wait two hours in line, I really want it to be something GREAT! Overall, I wouldn't mind coming back with enthusiastic authentic ramen loving fans, but definitely just on a day when it's not that long a wait.
(3)Sha P.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. Good food but not worth the 2 hour wait. My husband liked the food more than I did.
(3)B P.
I have to give this place 5 stars, the ramen is amazing. We've been back several times.
(5)Nicole O.
Fantastic ramen! The broth was so good, definitely "silky" as they describe it. The pork was tender and ramen cooked perfectly, but it's really the broth that makes it soooo good. They ran out of pork buns so I was bummed we didn't get to try them. That wasn't the first time I've heard that happening with them (based on other yelp reviews), so seems like very poor planning on their part. I mean when it's a popular dish wouldn't you accommodate that? It's like McDonalds running out of fries. Also, I've never paid $15 for ramen before so that was tough to swallow. And even though we had reservations, we still had to wait 45 mins for a table to clear.
(4)E C.
Order the spicy ramen and added a soft boiled egg. Great!!! Perfect portion. Don't go during dinner hour, long wait
(5)Sara G.
I can't even begin to describe how much I love this place. Get the Modern with a soft boiled egg and hot paste on the side. Sublime.
(5)Kelsey M.
Fantastic ramen, great atmosphere and decor. Perfect for a cold fall day. So sad that they were out of the pork buns, have to go back and try them after everything I've heard about them.
(5)Jay L.
Long wait. Kinda pricey. BUT probably the best ramen I ever had. Best ramen noodles I ever had. Kinda unexpected but the best boiled egg I ever had. To top it all off, our server Reo was awesome. Overall great experience.
(5)Alan T.
The atmosphere is awesome and the ramen is fantastic!
(4)Diana L.
This place is worth the hype. I've had my fair share of ramen and I know good ramen when I have one. AND THIS IS GREAT RAMEN. I had the pork buns: must try! Karaka Ramen: very delicious! We got there right when they opened and there was already a line out the door. Expect to wait if you don't come when they open their doors. Otherwise it can be up to a two hour wait. A must on your list if you are a ramen lover when in NY!
(5)Seanna P.
ramen is good but not sure if it is worth the wait and the soup is a little too salty for me. The pork belly steam bun is awesome and the bartender do make really good drinks.
(3)Anhdao T.
Got the classic ramen. A little too salty for me. I didn't get any extra toppings. Not sure how other NY ramen is, but I wasn't impressed. I had better ramen in MI and for a better value. Service is excellent and atmosphere is intimate, although you might share a table with strangers depending on the party size. I wouldn't go back or recommend.
(2)Lulu W.
Very decent place to have noodle and bum with friends. Great ramen.
(5)Mauro F.
As good as it gets! without a doubt a gem in the area.
(5)Eric Y.
Out of all the ramen places I've been to in the country (trust me, I've been to many across the country), this place definitely surpasses them all. I've ate at almost all of them in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and this is the one to come to. It explains why the wait for most nights are 1.5-2 hours long. Luckily, when I went, it was only a 15 minute wait. You can grab a drink at the bar while you wait, which is conveniently located by the hostess stand. Anyways, once you walk in, it has to be one of the biggest ramen shops you'll go to. I believe it seats over 100. It has modern decor, from the tables to the fixtures on the wall. Now to the food. The tonkotsu broth is rich and has a good balance. Definitely the best tonkotsu broth I've had. They make that in-house, and they also make their own noodles! The service has always been great and the waitstaff is very knowledgable about the menu. If you haven't been here before....I might have to say that the wait will be worth it! Give it a shot!
(5)Naz S.
Completely overrated, horrible service and mediocre food.
(1)Velda L.
Just phoned Westchester Medical Center Dental Dept. a person Identifying himself as Rob, proved to be impatient and not helpful however after Rob sent me on a wild goose chase with the wrong information I did call back and Losita was extremely helpful.
(1)AL K.
Great vibe and energy from this place. Communal seating and I only waited for approx 5 minutes before I was shown my seat. I enjoyed my ramen which was the $17/bowl modern version wplenty of pork.the broth wasn't salty at all and it was good to devour while hot.
(5)Tracy D.
The ramen and pork buns are delish! Over priced so that's why the rating is only 4 stars. The peppers from the appetizer menu were yummy but beware, 1 in 10 will be VERY spicy... for the most part they are mild. Hit or miss! The staff was friendly and don't be alarmed with the initial greeting as you are walking in to be seated. That's how they do it! Our group of friends ordered a few items and we all shared so that we can try the different broths and flavors. Bear in mind that yes, it may be pricey here, but if you've already made it then you might as well splurge and enjoy it! When I come here I always try to get there before the door opens because the wait can be very long to get in!
(4)Jun D.
I am from Tokyo and Ippudo is one of my TOP 3 ramen places in NYC. (others are Zen 6 and Totto Ramen) The recipe for the broth is a bit different from Ippudo in Japan but it certainly keeps a traditional flavor. Unlike, Ippudo in Japan, the locations in Manhattan offer a very tasty selection of appetizers. Goma kyuri and edamame are some light ones to snack with a beer while you wait for the ramen. If you feel like some heavier starters, Samurai shortrib and Hirata chiken wings are super tasty. Don't forget to try the Hirata Buns (they are a must). *Both Manhattan locations are very popular so rsvp is recommended.
(5)Linda N.
First trip to NYC and what's our first stop? Ippudo! At 10pm, there was a 30 minute wait (Dang NYCers, do you ever go to sleep?! JK) but once seated, my BF and I zoomed in on our menus. Akamaru ramen and the Tanaka ramen with the Hirata pork belly buns please! Akamaru Ramen - (The most popular) Tonkatsu based broth topped with bamboo shoots, green onion shavings, thick pork belly, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. NOM! It was so amazing. The broth was not too oily nor too bland either. You didn't really need any more spices. My only downer is they use the really thin noodles. Tanaka Ramen - Spicy tonkatsu based broth topped with mushrooms and almost everything from the Akamaru ramen. It tasted the same except spicier. The broth was nearly orange. Pork Belly buns - sooo good. The pork belly melted in your mouth. Not only that, the lettuce was slightly coated with mayo so it ended the taste sweet. Why 4 stars? $15 for ramen is crazy expensive. Our bill came out to ~$50 for three items but it's NYC. I can't complain! Still thinking about those pork buns...
(4)Amy J.
Great Noodles -- the noodles itself was perfectly cooked. The broth was also perfect -- for me, it was not too heavily flavored which I like.
(5)Matt P.
Cute place, amazing pork buns everything else pretty blah and extremely overpriced. LA wins the battle of Ramen.
(3)Fatima H.
I was a little afraid to come here last week b.c of the dreaded wait time but fortunately we went a little before the lunch rush. When the hostess took us to our table we were greeted by the entire staff - I wanted to mention this because it caught me off guard while I was attempting to check into this place on yelp. To begin we got a round of the pork and chicken buns. I don't eat pork so didn't try that but I did have the chicken buns which were great. The chicken is mildly spicy and has some mayo. For the ramen since I don't like/eat pork, I went with the vegetarian. The bowl it was in was a bit high, I wound up using an extra seat cushion so I could properly eat. I'm short so trying to eat out of a high bowl was a bit of a struggle. I have to say while the ramen was good, it wasn't the world changing experience I was anticipating per the previous yelp reviews. The broth was a bit heavy on the bitter side but I'm assuming this is because it's a soy based sauce. Our server was great, she had accidentally spilled water near me but was quick about getting everything cleaned up and brought me a green tea ice cream to make up for it. Overall I had a great experience here. If I was forced to wait 2 hrs before trying ramen here I would probably have been extremely disappointed. I would come here again but only while there isn't a wait.
(3)Karen H.
I love ramen. Being a fan of Daikokuya and Orenchi, I wasn't sure how Ippudo would compare, but it blew me away. Went for dinner (around 5pm) and was told the wait would be 30-45min but tt would be faster if we waited inside, so we waited by the bar and the wait ended up only being 20 min! The pork buns were amazing. I wish I ordered five for myself! As for the ramen, the Akamaru Modern was so flavorful and delicious... just writing about it makes me miss it! :9 Slightly pricey for ramen, but hey, it's NYC, and I have to say... you get what you pay for (and it's delicious!) Wish this was on the West Coast...
(5)G L.
Delicious. Outstanding. Great ramen, great cocktails and worth the wait if you can spare the time.
(4)Alex G.
3-hour wait! Ok, based on the rave reviews and a craving for ramen, I decided to give Ippudo a shot.... we were originally told that there was a 2.5-hour wait, but the wait ended up being 3-hours because there was a party that refused to leave even though they were finished eating. Finally, after a super long wait we were able to get our ramen fix. I had the Shiromaru Hakata Classic while my husband and cousin tried the Akamaru Modern. The soup base was good but not great and the ramen noodles were not what I was used to, they were significantly thinner than the noodles I normally get with my ramen and left me extremely dissatisfied. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I am from LA and we have a wide assortment of fantastic ramen restaruants, but this didn't hold a candle to the ramen I have grown to love back home. The service is excellent, please be nice to the hostesses (they have such a tough job handling all of the disgruntled patrons) and the waiters were very efficient. While they don't take reservations you can check in with the hostesses and they will send you a text when your table is almost ready. ***please be kind to your fellow foodie and leave once you have finished your meal, there is a horde of people waiting for YOU to leave!
(2)Lauren L.
They have great decor, a friendly staff, and innovative menu items. Since I am gluten-free, I do not normally go to ramen shops. However, living in New York for the summer, I heard great things about Ippudo. This last weekend, I paid a visit to the westside location. Granted the line was long, I was okay to wait. They had a smart waitlist system that texted me when my table was ready (love it!). As for my lunch, I ordered the sho-jin noodles. It wasn't bad, but not something memorable. The description of the noodles built up my expectations, but the execution fell short. It was too salty and was lacking an assortment of vegetables I was promised from the menu. My friend's more traditional ramen looked a lot better, which is why I give 3 stars.
(3)Roxy I.
I hate that I love Ippudo. Incredible ramen, but the wait is always so long. I had to wait for about 40 mins this time (not bad at Ippudo). They don't take reservation, but their text message wait list system for customers works great. You leave your name and number, and they text you to come back to the restaurant before your table is ready, then about 10 mins later they call your name and take you to the ramen wonderland. I almost left the place because the wait was really long after I got back to the restaurant, but I'm glad I didn't. The ramen is just perfection. Just right noodle firmness with delicious tonkotsu (pork) soup. Always exceptional customer service.
(5)Cecilia C.
How tasty the ramen was. Really authentic. Even more amazing is the pork bun, wanted more already the next day! Amazing ~!~!~! Must go !!!!!
(5)Noa B.
Seriously. As good as it gets. I came here on Monday at around 2pm. We were two and were seated immediately. When you walk in, the hosts and servers say something (that I could not understand) and I assume the people who have been there before say it as well because it sure sounded like it. I was very excited for the tofu tartare since I have planned to come here many times but did not want to wait for 2 hours. However, I found out the lunch menu was different. Bummer. I guess I was FORCED to try the ramen.. Honestly, I am glad I did because it was delicious. I got the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen ($14) which comes with: bean curd, wasabi, menma, nori, scallions, and wasabi infused oil with a vegetable broth. I got the wasabi on the side but next time I will probably ask for extra. The wasabi felt so fresh and so were the noodles. The bean curd had a sweet note to it which was a good addition to the spicy soup. Only thing I would change would be getting more veggies in it. I found the ramen VERY filling and it could definitely be shared unless you are super hungry. Though I really enjoyed the ramen, my favorite parts of the meal were the vegetable buns ($8) and the shochu ($8). The vegetable bun had a mushroom in a tempura like batter and the bun was so soft it reminded me of a tempurpedic pillow, the way my fingers left an indent on it. I ordered the fresh grapefruit shochu. It comes with shochu and seltzer in a glass and you literally juice your own grapefruit. Taking fresh to a new level! It tasted very light but it was surprisingly strong. I will come back for dinner. It is so worth the wait.
(5)Kop C.
This place is fantastic! Went here lunch time, the place is packed. Need to wait for 15 or so minutes to be seated. Price is reasonable, $14 for a big bowl of sumptuous ramen! Will come again but earlier the next time.
(4)Elizabeth K.
Come for early dinner! The dinner rush starts around 7, I believe. Ippudo was one of the restaurants that was highly recommended for me to swing by. And they sure did not disappoint! The ramen is nothing different than what I would find if I were to go Little Tokyo in Los Angeles-but because there's nothing special about it doesn't mean it's not delicious! The broth hits the perfect spot! Mm, mm! Pork buns are BOMB! One of the best that I had. In pictures alone, the pork buns look nothing special. However; you'll find your eyes automatically rolling back as soon as you take a bite. The pork buns are often compared to Momofuku. Unfortunately I can't make that comparison since I wasn't able to try the latter. Now the price isn't too pretty. Although tasty- I can't justify paying close to $20 bucks for a bowl of ramen.
(4)Johan V.
Pork buns and pork ramen are a must, best I've ever had. I have tried a few of their appetizers and they were great but if this is your first time going make sure you get their pork buns and ramen!!!
(5)Kristian E.
Come here for lunch, I've never had to wait in line! Dinner is very busy so be prepared to wait for at least 30 minutes. The Karaka Men is my absolute fave... in all of NYC! I try to go to as many ramen spots as I can, but the Karaka Men is unlike anything else. Spicy without being overpowering, rich and deep with flavor, it is good till the last drop! Also love the pork buns here. Come for a lunch special-- $3 more and you get a salad and a rice bowl in addition to your ramen.
(5)Spencer L.
Not a fan of their pork buns. Their ramen was good, some thought it worth dying for. But I don't think it worth waiting. Pork buns, it was kinda copycated Chinese buns. I hate this shit. It was just so many reviews that make you feel it was the best in NY. That's it. Not a fan.
(1)Trish S.
For the pork buns, I'd give them a 5. They are so tasty and whenever we have guests coming in from out of town, I make an effort on stopping by to grab some buns. As for the ramen, yes it is the best ramen I've had but do I always want to wait 2 hrs for ramen, not really. That's why I'll stop by the bar/waiting around to grab the buns and a beer then venture off to the next stop. It's much tastier than Momofuku's ramen but the buns are on the same level, taste wise, except I feel like Ippudo's pork buns are leaner than momo's which is why I prefer them.
(4)Paul H.
Had lunch here with a friend here during work hours. It certainly gets packed at lunchtime. The soups were pretty good, however the chicken/meat in them was fatty and bony so you couldn't really eat it. Noodles were very fresh though. I would definitely recommend Ippudo if you like traditional ramen!
(3)Lauren M.
I had been wanting to go here for a while but was put off by the no reservation policy, however I needn't have worried - you just give your name and number to the staff and they'll call you to come back when the table is ready, meaning you can go elsewhere for a drink while you wait. We went on a Sunday evening and didn't have to wait more than 45 minutes. The ramen, as I'd heard, were amazing, some of the best I've had outside of Japan. I will definitely be back!
(5)Stephanie W.
Fine. Overpriced and overhyped. Not the best pork bun I've ever had and the ramen, in my opinion, was utterly disappointing. The noodles were either overworked or undercooked. Wouldn't come back. Also over priced.
(2)Stephanie L.
I know I'm just adding to the hype, some people questioning why cause they didn't think it was that good. But let me explain my rating. Their soup is very flavorful and delicious. BEST I'VE HAD. We ordered the Akamaru Modern (which I HIGHLY recommend, my favorite) and the Shiromaru Hakata Classic, pretty good too. Now, why most people don't like Ippudo is because of their noodles, it's not the typical ramen noodles people might be used to. It's thinner, almost looks like soba but not made of buckwheat. It was cooked perfect, al dente (chewy with a bite to it). But again the most frequent thing I hear from others is that they don't like the noodles. My favorite was the Akamaru Modern, their secret miso paste was just delicious. It also comes with pork belly which was very tender and juicy. The Shiromaru Hakata Classic comes with pork loin chashu which is thinner slices but chewier. The Akamaru Modern was a lot more flavorful than the Shiromaru Hakata, but the Shiromaru Hakata's tonkotsu soup was a lot more rich and didn't have secret paste and seasonings to add to the broth so you can definitely taste the richness of the pork enriched broth. We ordered a soft boiled egg with both, which was outstanding. I've never had a soft boiled egg like this. The egg white was very silky, it felt like I bit into tofu. It had no rubbery texture like a typical boiled egg. The yolk was also cooked perfectly (huge plus for me). Despite the price of $16 a bowl, I thought it was worth it and it's a decent portion. I couldn't finish my bowl. We also did order 2 Hirata pork buns- must try. Hefty price of $9 for 2 though. The pork slices were thick, tender, juicy and complimented very well by their house spicy sauce. We came a bit later around 2 pm on a Friday, we still had to wait 45 mins to an hour for a table of 2. They do take your number down and text you when you're table is ready. We killed time by walking around East Village and running some errands. I also really enjoyed the ambiance. As you are walked in, you are greeted in Japanese welcomes, it felt very authentic. It's dimmed lighting and very spacious inside. I also really liked the decor. They had tables set for big groups too in booths. For a party of two, you will most likely be seated in the center bar table area. Service was very fast and attentive. They constantly made sure my water was filled. Once you finish your appetizers, it's taken away immediately, same with your ramen. They take both cash and card. Overall, great ramen experience. I will come back next time I'm in NYC, even with the wait!
(5)Karry L.
The wait is still long, but at least there's a bar in the front so we can sip on some drinks while waiting. Chicken wings are still so damn good, I was savoring every bite! Love Akarmaru ramen, broth is still as rich and the ramen is as delicious! I opt for the extra ramen to go w my remaining broth! I love the communal table, love to look at what other people ordered! also so much easier to grab a seat for one!
(4)Alvin J.
I had been warned by a couple of friends not to believe Ippudo's massive hype. This was also confirmed by reading reviews from a couple of trusted Yelpers. My expectations were tempered by the time I was finally sitting down at the table with a bowl of Akamaru Modern ramen in front of me. Ippudo is always crowded. Even at 5:00 PM there was an hour-long wait. Thankfully we didn't have to wait at the restaurant. They take down your phone number and give you a ring when your table is close to being ready. We just chilled at a couple other bars while we waited. Once we got the call it was still a good 15 minute wait. Our group started with the pork buns and some edamame. The pork buns were tasty. The edamame was just OK; it could have used a bit more of the yuzu salt. The Akamuru Modern is your basic tonkotsu ramen with a topping of miso paste for extra umami. The broth was solid although a bit too fatty. My favorite part were the noodles, so much so that I got the extra order to add towards the end of the bowl. The chashu pork was nice and tender. For me, Ippudo is the iPhone of ramen restaurants; by virtue of providing a very good (if not the very best) product and being the ones that led this explosion of ramen restaurants across the land, they are able to thrive after so many years and charge premium price. I think if I hadn't lowered my expectations prior to my visit I would have been disappointed.
(4)Emi M.
I'm surprised this place has 4 stars because it is by far the best ramen in the city. The lunch sets at lunchtime are delicious! I crave this ramen at least once a week.
(5)Eunsol B.
I've only had three ramens in my life but I can guarantee that regardless of how many more ramens I will eat, IPPUDO IS THE BEST.
(5)Lisa C.
As far as ramen is concerned, I do truly believe that no one does it better than Ippudo. This is my first time coming to the east village location and to be honest, I think I like the westside one more. However, the food quality is exactly the same. My friend and I came here on a Wed night probably around peak dinner time. It was about a 45min-1 hour wait. Luckily for us, we waited the shorter end of the estimate and hungrily sat down around 8:15PM. Of course we ordered the Hirata buns with pork. At first I thought my friend and I were gonna share one order but NO he said I want two for myself." What a pig!! But i secretly was glad in the end that I had my own order b/c I devoured them!! Onto the ramen.... absolutely perfect. The broth was perfectly seasoned and so rich and smooth. The noodles cooked to the perfect texture as well. You really cant complain much. I never opt for the extra meat b/c I really do come here for the ramen. Yes the wait is long but it's totally worth the wait at least once. Perhaps if you come when it opens at 5, the wait time will be shorter. ENJOY! Thought I would mention, it gets a little loud in there with the surrounding tables and the hostesses always screaming something but I think it's rather entertaining.
(5)Koty W.
The word around town has it that Ippudo NY has the best ramen in the whole city. Backed by over 6,000 Yelp reviews and opinions from friends, I couldn't wait to go back to the east coast and eat at this place! As with any food place that has an enormous amount of hype behind it, I had fairly high standards for what I was about to eat. We arrived at their original East Village location around 8:30 on a Saturday and there was still a two and a half hour wait! The wait was real and not just hype. To kill time there's plenty of shops in the East Village to go to. We went to Momofuku Milk bar to get some dessert before dinner. There was still an hour left to wait by the time we got back, so we decided to just wait inside. At the entrance there is a small bar where a lot of people got drinks while they were waiting. The waiting area had a dark ambience with a bunch of different ramen bowls hanging on their wall. The most impressive part of the wait was the glass design they had in the bathroom stalls. We finally got seated, and my first impression was that they had a pretty unique floor layout. Scratch that, my actual first impression was that the waiting staff greets you in Japanese as you're about to be seated. They had three types of seating which was bar style, a regular 8 person table, or a Japanese style booth. This struck me as interesting because there are no private tables for small groups. To me, the reason for this was two-fold. One was to encourage interaction with other patrons and the other was to increase the amount of space so that waiters and customers have an easier time sifting through the tables. Actually I just remembered I think there is a small part of the restaurant that sits smaller groups. I believe that they seat 4 people and have really cool cushioned L-shaped chairs. Moving on to our order, I got the highly-talked about Hirata pork buns, Tea-Puddo iced tea, and the Bara Bing! (tsukemen) they had (I made a grave mistake of not getting ramen). My sister got the Akamaru Modern ramen. The Tea-Puddo iced tea came out quickly with the Hirata pork buns and my mouth was salivating. With no time to waste, I devoured my bun in a matter of seconds. For 9 dollars for two pork buns, I expected a heavenly appetizer. The Hirata Pork buns were good, but they didn't live up to my expectations. The texture of the bun and pork really melts in your mouth, but I expected more intense flavor from the pork. No matter, the highlight of this place should be the noodles anyways. Before I talk about the entrees, I really enjoyed the tea. It wasn't too sweet or sour for my liking, and it had some side zest to make it not taste like generic iced tea. The tsukemen and ramen finally arrived! For those of you who don't know, tsukemen is a dipping ramen. The noodles are cold, and you dip them into a soup. I had my first bite into my tsukemen, and I was very disappointed. Two and a half hour wait for disappointment is not a good sign. Instead of writing Ippudo NY off as hype, I decided to look at it at a different light and put the blame on myself. I should have ordered a ramen dish, but I went and took a risk on the tsukemen. For the few people who are actually reading this, GET THE RAMEN! Trust me. Although I was disappointed with pretty much the whole dish, the best part of it was the pork chashu they had. Very flavorful and amazing texture. To make the super long wait worth it, I had to eat some of my sister's ramen whether she liked it or not. Good thing that she decided to put some in a small plate for me (or else I wouldn't have driven her home, just kidding). I really enjoyed the broth, but the noodle texture was a bit too firm for my liking. From the small sample I had, I'd rate it as decent, but I am willing to give Ippudo NY another try sometime in the future.
(3)Arielle S.
Honestly, I was very nervous to come here and having looked at the menu beforehand, could not understand why a bowl of soup would cost as much as it does. clearly, I had never had a ramen soup experience before. A friend of mine was coming to visit and loves ramen soup and really want to go here so I decided to be a trooper and say OK to this suggestion. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. Oh, and the soup bowl is humongous so that is what you are paying for! I opted for the Akamaru Modern, which they said would be good for a first timer and i agreed after tasting it. Tasted like a better version of Won Ton Soup. The staff were also very friendly and helpful to someone who hasn't eaten this cuisine before, which was why I bumped it from 3 stars to 4 stars!
(4)Perry T.
This place lives up to the hype! The wait is long, but it's definitely worthwhile! My friend and I were able to squeeze up to the bar and order drinks while we waited. We were lucky enough to be seated facing the kitchen area so we could watch the cooks preparing everything. We started with the pork buns, which were delicious. Unlike their Chinese counterparts, the buns are open like a taco. The aioli/sauce with the pork is phenomenal. The ramen itself is everything everyone says it is - hot, fresh, perfectly seasoned, spicy if you want it spicy, with any number of toppings. I got the Akamura modern and also tried my friend's spicy sesame ramen. Both were so delicious. The service is very friendly and accommodating. Despite the long wait, I still give this place five stars! I don't know if I'll be able to eat ramen anywhere else!
(5)Rich S.
Aside from the 1-2 hour wait time, I have no complaints!
(5)Stephanie K.
Best Pork Buns EVER!!!!! I would go sometimes and eat 2 orders of pork buns, instead of eating their Ramen. Ramen is.... NOT bad, but definitely overrated... it will make you want to drink a lot of water. One of the days we went comedian, Bill Hader, sat next to our table... so that was pretty cool! :)
(4)Dudeman S.
eh, its not really worth the 3 hour wait unless youre a tourist. the food is great and the atmosphere is fun, but unless the wait is under an hour, its not THAT fun. Id give it four stars if they werent so pretentious about forcing you to plan your entire day around eating there.
(3)Giuliana G.
Love Ippudo!!!! One of my favorite places downtown!! Amazing Ramen!!! I like the spicier ones!! Best pork buns in the city!!! And trust me I've tried a-lot!!!! The cucumber appetizer is also amazeballs!!! Only downfall is there is always a wait!! Soooo worth it!
(5)Tom L.
The pork buns live up to the hype and are THAT good. I can still taste them in my mouth. Definitely the best in NY. The ramen on the other hand is just ok. Good but not great. I much prefer Totto Ramen over Ippudo for ramen. 3 stars for the ramen and 5 stars for the pork buns. I wouldn't wait in line for this place just for the ramen, but I would for those pork buns any day.
(4)Alexa H.
My favorite ramen place in the city! The ramen is a bit expensive ($15+) but they are large bowls and one order comes with more than enough food to be split with two people. I also recommend the pork buns, which are the best pork buns I have ever had (and that's saying a lot because I don't even like pork buns!) and the chicken wings on the appetizer menu. The only reason I could not give them four stars is because it is a bit expensive and I HATE the fact that they don't take reservations! We always end up waiting 1 hour plus to eat here, but the fact that we (and so many others) do just tells you how good this place is!
(4)Alice S.
Love the buns! The sweetness and the saltyness is balanced and the meat was not dry at all. However I dont really like the noodle that much, because it was a bit too salty and the noodle did not absorb the soup well.
(4)Matthew L.
If this is your first time, and If the wait is an hour, I believe it is worth that wait (They have a system where you leave a name and phone number, and you receive a text message when your table is almost ready so you can check back in) I had the Akamaru Ramen as well as their Pork Buns.The broth is very flavorful and they have a system where if you have enough broth left, you can pay another $2 to get another serving of Noodles. The pork buns were overrated in my opinion only because they were so similar to Peking Duck buns. I recommend just sticking to the Ramen. It is a tad pricey for a bowl of Ramen, but then again you are also paying for the decor, and for the Japanese greetings that all employees give upon arrival. All in all, it is a good experience!
(5)Paula P.
There was a wait but it was kind of quick. It was worth the wait though. I love their RAMEN!! The Seared Tuna Wrap was delicious as well!
(5)A. S.
My go-to spot for whenever I'm craving raman. Especially love their Akamaru Modern ramen. It's worth the long wait.
(5)Andrew Y.
3-star. A-OK. Ippudo NY has a lot going for them, but still many components are underwhelming. Short wait at lunch on a Saturday around noon. Ippudo NY is a very hyped ramen location; great for an occasional visit, but perhaps not for your weekly ramen outing. The broth is great, probably the best component of the bowls. The rest of the ingredients don't stun you in anyway. Noodles were either too thin or too thick (based on the two bowls we ordered). Iwill say their soft boiled egg was outstanding, though I feel a bit weird paying $2 for an egg. The 'Bara Bing' is the current running special; more expensive than the regular bowls, but not worth trying over the others. I applaud the chefs attempt at fusion with Japanese ramen with an Italian twist, and while the description seemed as if it had a lot of potential, unfortunately the flavors did not blend together as seemlessly as one would hope. Great concept, not as great execution. I would speculate that due to the increased hype and popularity, Ippudo NY has raised their prices drastically for all things on their menu. When two bowls of ramen cost $40+..... after all is said and done, it's still ramen. Summary: great to try once for the experience, but hardly a consistent repeat location when so many other great ramen places are a short subway ride away.
(3)jane d.
little shop of crafts is a giant rip off. Way over priced and very little value. The staff is nice but the quality of the brushes and surfaces....ugh......just junk Go to Michaels and buy a statue and gets some acrylic paint and do it all for less then half of the cost. Beware.....it's mostly junk.
(1)Chris L.
Overall - A- Atmosphere - A- (very lively but sometimes can't hear other people in your party talk due to the noise) Pork Buns - A+ (holy crap these are good!) Black Pepper Chicken Wings - B+ (very good but can get something similar at other places) Akamura Ramen - A (noodles are thin and broth is delicious) Definitely a must go if you're visiting NYC
(5)Shengyong H.
This is a really nice place. I like the food and the service. We went there twice last week. my mom and my wife love the food soooo much. the noodles, Buns, and desert are all perfect. Even though it is not cheap, i feel it deserve that price. Recommended place.
(5)Patrick W.
Ippudo, certainly lives up to its reputation. I've eaten here multiple times and I have never had a mediocre meal. The ramen is delicious and everything is made quite well. It does get very touristy with extremely long waits on the weekends. Personally, I am not going to wait two hours to shell out $15-20 For a bowl here. I prefer Hide-Chan based on convenience and taste. You will thorough enjoy every bite if you do wait for Ippudo and if you've never tried it, I recommend you do. The Samurai Ribs are great and so are the pork buns. Just wish I could get the egg's other half with my ramen. :(
(5)Angel L.
Two words... Akamaru Modern!! The broth was rich and delicious; noodles were perfectly al dente with a "bite" to it (just the way I like it).The Kae-dama (extra plate of noodles) are definitely worth the additional $2. Pork buns are awesome. The Matcha Brulee was fabulous and unique. Cool atmosphere! Service was quick and impeccable. Always seems to be crowded so be prepared to wait. Definitely addicted to this place!
(5)Sooin J.
Yummy yummy . Best ramen in town ! My friend introduce me to this place when I just moved in to Ev, let me tell you I was in shock, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is very authentic. Beside the ramen they have an amazing chicken burger appetizer , it feels it's made in heaven. The place is a bit price, but the food is worth it.
(4)Tina W.
The classic pork soup ramen is the best
(4)Eddie C.
The best ramen. Period. The steamed buns are good too. They serve it at the maximally-timed poof. And, the aerated puffs tremble and disappear the moment they touch your tongue.
(5)Senad M.
Still my favorite ramen place by far and this is coming from somebody who's been living in Northern California for the last couple of years. Perfect balance of ingredients in every bowl.
(5)A L.
LOVE. and happy they added one in midtown west. Service is fast and friendly. Food is excellent. In addition to great ramen, appetizers and dessert are very good. Shishito peppers and pork buns are delicious.
(5)David W.
One of the best ramen stores in US, classic environment， excellent service， Food？ it is fantasticï¼I had a special appetizer， tofu hot pot， and a classic ramen， both are so delicious. The tofu is fresh， and its source is little spicy and it is perfectly combining with tofu. The broth of ramen is dense and tastyï¼ It is the best broth I ever had. The noodle is thinner than common ramen, but it is elastic，and the taste is same as the typical ramen. Furthermore, the price is fair, Everything is excellent!
(5)Jes D.
Waited 2.5 hrs to see what the hype was all about. The ramen was good, but I can't really say that it's the best ramen ever. SF has similar ramen spots, without the wait. I liked their pork buns more than the ramen. The wait staff were very nice and attentive. I would come back again, but only during times when the wait is 30 mins or less.
(4)Renee C.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Do NOT love that they don't take reservations and unless you arrive within minutes of their opening, you will end up waiting quite some time. Everytime I take a trip to NYC, this is our go to stop for Ramen. We arrived just as they opened for dinner service - 5:05 PM. We were sat within 10 mins tops, as we thought for sure the wait would be longer based on the amount of people already inside. Serivice is always great and very attentive. Plates are cleared, water glasses filled within seconds. I always wondered WTF the staff yells in Japenese as a new party enters the dining room though? We started off with the pork Hirata Buns, which never disappoint - followed by Tako Spicy Grill. The seasoning and spicy sauce in this app is off the chain. There's crispy pieces of garlic fried to perfection and mixed into the octopus and potatoes. If they made this in a larger portion, I'd probably order it for dinner. For dinner a few of us had the Karaka Men Ramen. It has a lot of spiciness to it so if you can't take the heat, don't try this one. I added the Kakuni pork belly into my ramen and called it a day. I was so full and satsified I didn't have room for dessert but will DEF be back again the next time I am in town.
(4)Newyork F.
we came early for lunch 11:00am and there were plenty of empty seats, but they seated us right in front of the kitchen entrance/ register which is terrible as that is where the staff hangs out and talks. Most restaurants we go to would tell us to choose any seat especially if we were early enough. The contents in the buns are deep fried/spicy, which is not so good. $8 for 2 veggie buns (contents 1 fried mushroom, and eggplant piece) Ramen is $17 Also there is a non-asian guy is always screaming something loud in japanese whenever there is guest that comes in or he comes out with food which is annoying. I am jumping from my seat whenever he comes by your table from the kitchen entrance..screaming BUNzA...or something similar. He has issues. This place is too over hyped, and I will not come back again. It is about $28 per person for lunch. STEEP
(1)Peter Y.
It's usually extremely rare for a restaurant to live up to their immense hype, especially in NYC's food scene where fads come and go. Ippudo, however, definitely lives up to the legendary status that foodies place upon it. First, realize that this place takes no reservations, and that there will undoubtedly be a wait. That may not be a bad thing, though, as the surrounding East Village area is super cool. Go grab a drink at Angel Share, or a quick bite at Otafuku. Walk around Tompkins Park or get caffeinated at Abraço. Before you know it, your wait will be over, and you will receive a text saying your table is almost ready. Ippudo's inside is very modern and clean, with awesome plates adorning the walls by the waiting section. It's also very spacious, able to seat a large number of people. They even have slightly sectioned off areas (basically an elevated floor that you sit on) where you can have more privacy. Though, this place is loud, and it's really meant for socializing than holding intimate conversations. The service is pretty straightforward and gets the job done. Their food though, is amazingly fresh and delicious. For appetizers, I highly recommend their hirata buns (get the pork, as the chashu, or bbq sauce, is amazing). Their ramen selection is pretty simple, differing mostly in broth and assorted toppings. My personal favorite is their Karaka Men, which is a traditional pork noodle soup with their own hot spices. While the prices may seem a bit steep ($15 per ramen bowl and additional charges for extra toppings), the quality of the meat, freshness of the noodles and the generous quantity more than makes up for the price tag. While it's not the best ramen I've ever had, it is the best in NYC, and that's good enough for me!
(5)Lisa C.
this place is awesome and well worth the long wait for the food. the westside location definitely has a shorter wait time. i've only had the pork buns and ramen so i can't comment on the other items on the menu but I would eat here all the time if i could.
(5)Milton F.
So I'm a big fan of Ramen, so naturally while visiting NY I had to try the place that everyone raves about. We went here based on recommendations from friends... bad idea. We went there right when it opened and still had to wait about 50 minutes. I expected so much since the place had such good reviews and people rave about how good it is. I order the pork buns and Shiromaru Chashu. The Pork buns were amazing! Really good... which sucked because it raised my expectations for the ramen. When the ramen came out, it already did not look appealing to me. And of course my instinct was correct... the flavor was just not there. I did not care for the broth or the noodles. On top of that, the bowl was tiny! $14 and an almost one hour wait for this? I only gave it two stars because the pork bun was good.. one of the best I've had honestly. I will not be coming back, maybe just for the pork bun if there's not a long wait.
(2)Jeff K.
3.5 stars, I rounded up due to the excellent service. Came here with someone right before they re-opened for dinner. There was about a 45 min wait. I gave them my cell phone number and we walked around the area, for the duration of the wait. They called me, in about 45 mins, and when we came back, we were seated. I tried the miso ramen with the kae-dama or the second helping of ramen. The ramen was good. It wasn't amazing, it was just good. The broth had a good flavor to it. The service here was excellent, the staff was very attentive and friendly. Our waters were always refilled, sometimes even before we were finished. As a side note, I don't know why this place is always so busy or why there are so many reviews for this place. It was good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
(4)Tobie N.
You like Ramen, Dont miss out. This is the place to go! I'm not a noodle slurper but i sure licked the bowl dry. They broth is yummy. The beef is so tender that I had to get extra. I got their pork bun too...I wish i got a few more orders...that's all i have to say. I checked out Totto Ramen the day after to compare...check me in a Ippudo again please!
(4)Susanna L.
Whew. In search of a ramen place, I stumbled upon this gem. Going to school in Philly, I was deprived of a good bowl of ramen. Avoided them like a plague. So I looked up this place and decided to give it a try. Indeed like everyone mentioned, there is a pretty long wait during lunch time and dinner. Came here around 7 and there was a line outside. The seating tables are all one big table. So you are practically seated with strangers that are across the table. Ordered the kamaru modern ramen with an egg and pork buns. The pork buns were so juicy and delicious. It had alot of flavor which was great. The bread was nice and plump. I can't get enough of it. The ramen was a work of art. It was filled with flavor. The mix of veggies and pork was just. I finished mine pretty quickly I wish there could have been more in the bowl!!! The noodles weren't enough for such a big bowl!!! So I suggest coming here for ramen. You won't regret it!!
(5)Alexis R.
incredible. portions are huge, service is quick. i actually dug the loud, chaotic vibe.. i worked in food service for years so it added to the appeal for me. we sat at the bar waiting the cooks make steamed buns and starter dishes. i got [vegan] wasabi shoyu ramen which was absolutely delicious, though i barely finished it, huge portion. also the veggie steamed buns are not to be missed. even my omnivore girlfriend loved them. warm, pillowy buns with crispy, flavorful veggies.. sauce was awesome. wish i ordered a few more. we'll be back.
(4)Maureen O.
Delicious food, and efficient restaurant. They put policies into place about seating, and wait times, etc. You will wait a long time, but enjoy yourself and have a nice cucumber gimlet or another great drink at their full service bar. I would advise going in non peak times. The ramen is delicious, the texture of the noodles is much different than other places. I would recommend getting the shishito peppers and the pork buns to share.
(4)Phuong N.
We love ramen, so this place is definitely a must-try when coming to NY. The queue was really long as usual, and we had to wait for more than 1 hour to get in. The staffs were very friendly and gave you Japanese-style greetings when you come in. The pork buns were amazingly delicious. The ramen was quite as good, although it was not as impressive as the pork buns. Would love to come back at a off-peak time when we visit NY again.
(4)Blahh H.
no doubt the best ramen in the city. hands down superior to Toto Ramen, just saying. lines could be managed a bit better and the hostesses could be less arrogant / rude, but Ipuddo is the best.
(5)E M.
Really good ramen and great customer service. I love how they greet you in Japanese when you walk in. This is definitely one of my go-to places for dinner in NYC.
(5)Aijia Y.
Great atmosphere and food. I love the fried chicken and the classical ramen but wish it was spicier. They run late hours so it's great for late dinners and dates.
(4)Chanel C.
Ok, BRING IT New York! I heard the hype all the way from Los Angeles and you've convinced my friends to stop in. My friends were not down to wait 45min to an hour to eat so we decided to come around 11:30pm for a late dinner. We received a warm and full of energy greeting from the staff upon entering, which made us feel so welcomed. The space is inviting--trendy, chic, with Japanese-inspired modern décor. Ippudo was dim and romantic with sultry lounge music, which makes it a perfect date spot. The place just has a dope vibe, and the service is spectacular to boot. Since it was late I decided to share a ramen with my friend. The bowls are small and the PERFECT individual portion. I could've easily had one to myself. The four of us girls tried the Shiromaru Hakata Classic (with spicy miso paste on the side) and the Akamaru Modern. THE MOTHER EFFIN BROTH. Really good and solid, although I prefer the slightly more delicate flavor of the Classic as opposed to the bolder flavor of the Modern. The house-made ramen noodles were very thin and cooked al-dente, but I honestly prefer thicker noodles with a little more chewiness. Texture wise, this is were the ramen fell flat for me. It's an expensive bowl of ramen, but despite the big price tag the meal was full of quality and fresh ingredients. Unlike some other ramen spots, you don't feel all bloated and sick after eating at Ippudo. And SCORE for the 2:1 ladies:men room. I absolutely LOVE when I see guys standing in line for the restroom. IT'S RARE so I'll soak it in when I see it. And if you happen to make your way to the restrooms, please admire the extremely intricate confetti art. It's stunning and elfin' awesome.
(4)Soliluna R.
As far as ramen goes, this place is the cream of the crop. I was a bit nervous it wouldn't live up to the hype, but I was not disappointed. The wait time was quite long, understandably; New Yorkers are willing to wait for something special. The interior has a sleek and elegant underground feel, the staff members joyously yell unintelligible things presumably in Japanese with the arrival of every new customer, which makes for a somewhat raucous and fun environment. The waiters have a great attitude and the service at the table was flawless. The prices are on the higher side for ramen but still reasonable. The pork buns were simple, yet bursting with flavor and umami. The Akamaru modern ramen is delectable with a flavor that is more subtle and complex than you get at your run-of-the-mill ramen joint. The pork belly in the ramen is succulent... What else can I say. You will leave here stuffed because of a staunch refusal to leave any of the amazing fare behind.
(5)Jinna P.
Have to wait for a long time, otherwise be there 10min before their open time and you will Possibly be in the front of the long line. Once you enter, must order the pork bun and Akamaru modern. This one is my favorite. The deserts are pretty good as well. Greentea crepe cake is just like lady M's, and ice creams are okay. What I do not like are the waitresses that ate waiting and staring at you eating to take over your dish as quickly as they can. They can also be a little annoying when they shout aloud greetings in Japanese every minute.
(4)Kelly T.
My number one favorite ramen is Ramen Dojo in NorCal, but Ippudo NY is my best friend's absolute favorite. So I had to come try it...and of course because of the 6000+ reviews as well. I still think Ramen Dojo wins but Ippudo was very good! We started off with a couple orders of the PORK HIRATA BUNS and dayum so worth it because when I think of Ippudo...the first thing that pops into my mind are these buns. Now my tummy don't want none unless they got hirata buns hun~ But anyway haha the pork was so flavorful and they're served with ippudo's original spicy buns sauce and mayo.. which upped the flavor EVEN MORE. They gave a lot of sauce and the whole thing was just so delicious! For the ramen, I tried the AKAMARU MODERN based on yelp reviews and it was bombbb! The broth was so good. The pork chashu literally melts in your mouth and I loved the nitamago (soft-boiled egg). So happy! Haha all my friends ordered extra chashu and i wish i had too! My friend tried the WASABI SHOYU RAMEN bc he wanted to be a rebel but he ended up regretting it haha. It's not the typical ramen you think of, so he felt like he wasted his tummy and should have gotten one of the popular ones. I liked the wasabi taste of it but the broth was soy-sauce based so it was only okay for me. It wasn't anything special. I need the flavorful dense ramen broth! Two of my friends ordered the BARA BING...which was a new collaboration special ramen between Ippudo's Noodle Master & NY Chef Jeremy Velardi. It was tsukemen-style fettuccini ramen noodle. So basically you dip the noodles! It was definitely different and the sauce was pretty good but it doesn't satisfy your craving for actual ramen. The sauce is too salty to drink too so don't even think about pretending it's your broth. They do take the leftover dipping sauce and turn it into a soup for you though AFTER you're done with your noodles so that's pretty cool. I'd definitely come back and I would order the pork hirata buns + Akamaru modern ramen again. You will never lose with this combo. YUMMM! But seriously the buns doe.
(4)Simon C.
Finally tried this one of the rated top ramen places in NYC. Was not disappointed. However I thought the real star is the pork bun with its juicy and flavored pork wrapped insider white and fluffy bun. We tried the Akamaru and the Karaka (spicy) types of raman soup. Felt the quantity of raman was on a small portion side considering the price charged for each ($15). The atmosphere inside the restaurant area made you feel like you are in Japan some there. They announce the arrival of every guest party and the readiness of every dish in Japanese. Was kind of hoping them to sing Happy Birthday as well in Japanese for a party celebrating a birthday there. ;)
(4)Wilda R.
So while omnis may instinctively choose the pork buns, the eggplant buns are out of this world!!! They are delicious and tasty (it's surprising it's really eggplant jam-packing all that flavor). The ramen is mmm mmm good...hot and spicy so make sure your napkin supply or hanky is ready for what feels like hot yoga. I'm a ramen lover & this ramen definitely makes the top pick! The drinks are also unique and call for a second round (don't they always). I love the hip hop and r&b always playing in the background. All in all, Ippudo is a dope spot where culinary mastery meets NYC.
(5)Jessica N.
I have to admit, I'm not a ramen expert but this place rocked my world. Highly recommended the Akamaru Modern ramen. I don't really care for pork but got it anyway because of my friend's recommendation and she was right. I tried the other orders at my table and mine was by far the best. Try it, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Sophia C.
I never expect super-famous restaurants to live up to their hype. Somehow, this one did. We started with the pork buns, which were absolutely heavenly, but I was expecting that from the reviews. I got the "Akamaru Modern" ramen and it was INCREDIBLE as well. Easily the best ramen I've ever had. Docking a star only for the price (quite high for ramen), but it was well worth it, at least once.
(4)paul a.
A bit pricey (paid $60+, including a modest tip, for 2 beers and 2 ramen without any extras), which is at least twice what you'd expect to pay for the same amount of food in the west coast, but it was worth it. I had the original and my wife had the spicy. Both were excellent, but I thought the spicy ramen was superior in its flavor and subtlety.
(4)Jenny T.
5-stars for the pork buns. Seriously, do yourself a favor and get them. The pork is melt-in-your-mouth-I-need-another-one-order-me-Âanother-order-right-now amazing. As for the ramen...well it's definitely good, but I don't think it lives up to the hype. Personally, I think there's a lot of places in LA that are the same if not better than the ramen you can get here (Daikokuya!!). Nonetheless, if you're in NYC and want to try this place, definitely do it! The pork buns themselves are worth the hour wait you're likely going to have to sit through.
(5)Irina M.
Meh. The broth of their classic ramen soup tasted way too much like garlic, the pork was blah, and I really couldn't get excited about their noodles. The egg ($2 supplement) was the tastiest part of the dish and the food came out quickly, but I don't get the hype at all. The place is also very loud. I can't believe Jinya Ramen closed after a year while these guys get rave reviews. Not fair.
(3)Anthony C.
I don't know what to say but in other words they didn't know what they were doing the brother the one plates I mixed up my order several times gave you the wrong drink I wasn't happy finish my meal that was overpriced paid my check and I walked out
(1)Paul B.
Pork buns have good flavor to it not the typical stuff. Awesome wings and awesome ramen. No complaints
(5)Bryan N.
Hands down the best ramen I have ever had in the US. I've been to numerous ramen shops across the U.S., and none have compared to Ippudo, they really are the Ramen King of Tokyo. Super flavorful and the whole bowl goes down with ease. A must go to while in NYC.
(5)Anita S.
My favorite ramen place. The pork buns and eggplant buns are so good. My favorite is the akamaru modern ramen, the broth and the noodles are perfect imo. The lychee sparkling drink is very good.
(5)Sarah L.
Not my favorite ramen restaurant in NYC, but they do have the best pork buns I've ever tasted! I would definitely go back, but I wouldn't wait in a long line to get in....
(4)Linda C.
Came all the way to St. marks just for ippudo. The ramen was average quality. Definitely overpriced compared to other ramen shops near by. I was a bit disappointed to see how large the bowl was but how small portion they served me. Not to mention most of the toppings you have to pay for as add ons. My sister ordered a fried chicken which I thought was okay but she didn't like it. Food took a while to come. The store was so loud that it was annoying. Also pretty dim lighted. . Service was good. The guy refilled my water at least five times. Felt a bit clustered with the tables so close to each other and trying to pass through the bar outside to get to the door. I don't think I'll be back
(3)Nick H.
Definitely one of the best ramen places I have had. The ramen was quite delicious with their tonkotsu broth. With the ramen, you have a choice of adding the sides. I had an egg and char siu with mine. Now, this must be the first and only place that have done their sides perfectly. The egg was a perfectly soft boiled egg that works great with soup. It isn't one of those overcooked eggs that is basically a yolk floating in water. The char siu is a bit more weird. Most places have it so that it is standalone dish but for them, if you eat it by itself, it is almost too sweet. Now if you mix it with the ramen, it really does work. Also ordered the boneless spicy chicken wings. Probably one of the best chicken wings I have tasted. Perfectly tender and seasoned. Comes with an accompanying sauce that is completely unnecessary based off their season but rather adds to the flavor. Service here is also great. Never need to actually ask for a refill on your drinks because they notice it before it gets to the point. Servers are attentive, helpful and very friendly. The only nitpicky thing that I have to say whenever giving a 5 star compliment is that their sauce is on the saltier side so for all those ramen lovers that love to down the soup at the end of their delicious endeavor, be warned. It maybe a bit saltier than usual.
(5)Jill T.
This was a great place. Much better than Momofuko . Fun upbeat atmosphere and great food. Good price point as well.
(5)Tina C.
I thought this restaurant would be one of those overhyped places.. but no, I actually really liked the atmosphere, the service, and the ramen itself! My bf and I put our names down for dinner and the hostess told us it would be approximately 1-1.5 hours, but they would text us once it's available. No problem, I love restaurants that do this. Trying to maximize our time in NYC, we walked over to St. Mark's Place and had dessert before dinner. By the time we finished dessert (45-50 minutes later), our table was ready for us. Perfect timing and earlier than expected. We walked in and the hostess guided us towards the back and loudly notified the servers and line cooks to greet us by saying, "IRASSHAIMASE!" We felt so welcomed already. Since we had dessert before dinner, we were already a bit full to actually try the buns they were also known for. My bf just ordered the Karake Men and I ordered the vegetarian Wasabi Shoyu Ramen. Although it was on the smaller side, I loved the broth and the ramen itself! I think they actually used real wasabi, and it was balanced very nicely since it wasn't overpowering. My bf actually liked what I ordered more than his Karake Men. They serve hot green tea afterwards when you're done with your meal :) Perfect place to dine at for those cold winter nights in NYC. Definitely worth trying!
(5)Dubs V.
This is like an upscale version of Totto. The same long waits (well, slightly shorter), similarly delicious ramen. They also have absolutely incredible pork & eggplant/mushroom buns, that I would highly recommend. The ramen is great as you can tell from all these other reviews - it's just slightly more expensive than Totto and I miss the divey vibe of the latter. Still great food.
(4)Sristi P.
Oh ippudo, how you rocked my vegetarian socks off. The wasabi shoyu ramen is perfection - a slight kick of wasabi in a deeply flavorful broth - it was so good that my friend who got the pork broth (forget which one) preferred it to hers! Also love the ambience that's the perfect in between of traditional - with counter seating by the cooks- and super modern - with international waitstaff announcing dishes in great Japanese as they bring them out.
(4)Deanna Y.
Absolutely delicious! The service was quick, and we got seated immediately. (disclaimer: being seated so quickly apparently never happens, we just got there right before closing). The food is so authentic, savory, and has so much flavor to it, it'll leave you finishing every last drop. Not to mention, the presentation is impeccable, in the restaurant, and in the dishes. We got the pork buns(MUST try), the shishito peppers (perfectly fried), and the wasabi octopus (our favorite). For my main course I got the moden ramen noodles with egg and spicy paste which. The portion was huge, but could be easily finished if you come with a hungry stomach. I really recommend this place, they just earned a loyal customer.
(5)Antony M.
Words cant describe! Just go there and experience it for yourself. Complex flavors bring on a taste 'journey' as the broth passes over your tastebuds. Incredible.
(5)Ann L.
After many visits to Ippudo, the past two visits have been beyond disappointing. The last time I was at Ippudo, luckily I was one of the groups that had gotten seated before the food inspector came. I say "luckily" because that meant that at least my friends and I were seated while they shut down the kitchen for 2 hours. While there is the standard wait time to be seated at Ippudo, it is a bit obnoxious that after closing down the kitchen for 2 hours, the management never thought to comp or even as a gesture provide anything for free. Keeping in mind that if the kitchen is actually a clean and well functioning kitchen, they would not have needed to close it down for a food inspector. But this all now makes sense. As I returned about one month later. A COCKROACH ran across our table, and I promptly killed it with one of the chopsticks. Instead of making a dramatic, big fuss about it, I politely told the servers to pick up the dead cockroach. At first the server tried to bring us the free tea that they serve EVERYONE at the end of the dinner as a gesture of apologies for the cockroach. After I made it clear that I knew that the tea was free, they later tried to compensate with "one free gelato" for a group of three. I hardly find ONE scoop of $6 gelato equal being horrified by a cockroach on their dining table and killing it. Not to mention the value they may have saved had I not screamed across the restaurant that there was a cockroach. When I asked them to deduct the $6 from our tab instead, he tried to then deduct the beer that our group never ordered and the other server had brought over accidentally. Finally, we were comp'd an order of pork buns. WOW. The event of cockroach running across our table now makes it clear why it was necessary for the incompetent kitchen to close during a food inspection. Poor customer service would be a grand understatement. Ichiban my ass.
(1)Felipe C.
We arrive 25 minutes it was closed to lunch. We were told there was no more time to eat due to the waiting (6 people already). We decide to stay and 10 minutes later we were already seated. The atmosphere is loud, busy and fascinating. The service inside was very attentive and helpful. The pork bums are 5 starts, so tasty and tendar. The ramen was 3 stars. So I would give 4 stars on average. It definitely worth a visit!
(4)Maitreyee R.
Being from Atlanta, I'm not usually spoilt for a choice in Ramen. However, on my recent trip to NY, I decided to try out the highly decorated Ippudo. I was warned that I will be expected to wait about 2-3 hours before I get seated. So I put my name down, and headed for the nearest bar. I was called by the hostess to let me know my table was ready even before I was able to order my first drink! Not bad at all! When you are walked to your table, the entire staff welcomes and greets you. The dining space feels crowded and loud when you enter, bu when we were seated, although it was a bit of a communal table, it strangely didn't feel so. We were able to chat without shouting, and quite fairly private. And then came the food. WOW! I think the nearly 2 billion reviews for this place cover all aspects of it, so I'm not going to get into details. However, the flavors, or should I say the balance of flavors. The experience of drinking the broth was like drinking an excellent aged whiskey - the flavors, the lingering after tastes, the tingling of sense. Must also add their alcohol list is extensive and very well curated. Definite must go - the place is packed for a reason, and not douchy at all - something I have come to expect from most NY places with lines 2 mile long.
(5)Julie R.
What can I add that's already been written about this place? Probably nothing more than to reiterate how delicious the food is and what an experience it is to eat there. It's best to go during an off time, which sometime works out (usually no problem during lunch hours) and sometimes not so much. Last time we went we showed up 25 min before it closes and luckily we were persistent enough to hang out and voila we managed to get seated. The pork buns are amazingly flavorful and a must have. While the ramen is great and I really enjoy it, is it the best? Probably not, but overall the entire Ippudo experience makes a visit worth while.
(4)Mrs P.
Our friend recommended this over Momofuku and we were glad to try it. We went on a weekday around 11:30 and had no wait. There were four in our party and we were seated at one of the huge tables that could probably sit 10-12. The atmosphere is loud and jovial. It seems the entire restaurant screams a greeting whenever anyone enters. The ramen was delicious--broth was decadent and we all opted for the Lunch Set (add $3 for a salad and rice bowl). We definitely over-ordered as none of us was able to finish the insane amount of food. I would recommend two people splitting one lunch set and you will be pleasantly full. Our plan was to have one person try the $2 second noodle helping, but there was NO way any of us could even manage it! Highly recommend this yummy place.
(4)Anna N.
I came with my friend, who was visiting NYC, on a Friday for a late lunch, and we waited for 45 minutes. You get text message alerts on the status of your table, so in the meantime, we walked around the area and did some window shopping. The food comes quick. I had the Akamaru Modern with the egg, and the pork buns of course. Huge portion of ramen for me - I barely finished half. It was a bit salty for my taste, but still decent. I wouldn't really come here too often since there are other ramen places I've been to that are just as good (or even better), but cheaper.
(3)Steph H.
I was vacillating between 3-4 stars but ultimately settled on 3 because even though it was a damn good bowl of ramen and it was a really cool-looking joint, I ultimately couldn't justify the price for what I got. It was recommended by a friend, and I was warned that it wasn't a cheap (or even moderately priced) ramen joint, but I was curious and was willing to pay to satisfy my curiosity. I came here on a rainy afternoon for lunch--it was the perfect weather for it and I was ready! I got their Karaka Men $14 - "The original silky "Tonkotsu" (pork) soup noodles with Ippudo's special blend of hot spices, topped with pork chashu, sesame kikurage, mushrooms, onion, minced pork, and scallions." Sounded spicy and good, and I added a poached egg for $2. It was very good; all the elements in balance and quite tasty, but I can't say it knocked my socks off. The portion wasn't especially big, but it was fine enough to satisfy (but not stuff) me, even though I was quite hungry. In retrospect I wish I'd tried their hirata buns too but at the time I didn't want to overstuff myself. With tax and tip it was a little over $20, which to me was just waaaaay too much to pay for ramen that was really GOOD, but not GREAT. STEPH JUDGEMENT: If you're really curious and willing to pay, go for it, but I don't think it's going to blow your mind.
(3)Keli R.
Soup is my favorite....as long as it's homemade and done well. I don't care where you come from or what your idea of "soup"... I'm always a fan.. Well this...this is the idea of your favorite soup.....injected straight in the butt with steroids. Layers of flavors and complexity and textures. Over priced.. Yes.... Is there a place in NYC that may be a hideaway that's just as good? Some little ramen shop that no one really knows about? I would hope so... But this is an experience. They said an hour for the wait but it was only like 35 min.... And what exactly did they scream as they walked us in the door? The communal seating was ok...I wish we had friendly people around us though...it totally could've been a party!,
(4)Jennifer D.
After a recent discovery of and conversion to Ramen-ism, I had to make a pilgrimage to the holy grail while I was in the city. What struck me most is that ramen is only a component of the Ippudo experience. It's really a way of life. I loved the commitment to maintaining the atmosphere - there's always someone speaking in Japanese and every item on the menu seems authentic and intentionally placed. The Akamaru Modern I tried was delicious, and they had the best ramen noodles I've eaten. So what was missing? Perhaps it's that my favorite parts of the ramen experience are the intimacy of the crowded ramen bar or the surprise of an unexpected topping in the bowl... Ippudo is undeniably quality but I think I'll seek smaller, more hole-in-the-wall places in the future to fulfill my ramen journey.
(4)Tyler L.
While the pork buns are great and the ramen is decent, I have to say it doesn't quite live up to the hype or price. You're basically paying $4.50 for a bun with two pieces of pork and some lettuce. The sauce is delicious but not worth the price. I had the akamaru modern as recommended and felt it was decent but nothing to write home about, especially not for $14. It's about as tasty as average ramen in Tokyo and the toppings are overpriced. Personally, I would recommend Totto ramen over here.
(3)Kay Y.
Check! Got this one off the list of places to try in NYC. Lots of reviews already 6000 and counting...so don't need to say much. Literally waited almost 2 hours for a spot at this place during 4th of July weekend on that Friday around 8 ish... There are a few chairs inside to sit if you want to wait there. Also a small bar available when you walk in.Tables are communal if you are party of 2. There are booths but I bet those are reserved for larger groups. I would advise get the ramen with the regular pork chashu and not the one made from pork loin unless you're health conscious. It just makes the pork more tender. Broth good, nothing really screamed amazing but tasted good. Add the egg for $2 while you're at it when the ramen is $15. The akamaru modern tasted better than the classic. I also liked this one cause its the original store. I say wait if its like 30 minutes but go back another day if its anything above that unless you really really want ramen... btw clean bathrooms!
(3)Haoran Z.
I just don't understand why so popular here. It's interesting that many of my Chinese friends believe that the reason to go here is only "famous", and there's no reason to come second time. I tried the pork buns and ramen. For me, the taste is no better than food truck. The ramen is nothing but instant noodle in China. I would say it's just like Weiqianlamian. In all, the food is mediocre, but consider the price and the line, I won't recommend any Chinese friend go there.
(2)Benson Y.
For years, friends of mine raved about Ippudo. Full disclosure: having grown up in a Chinese household where we ate noodles regularly (and didn't spend more than $8 for a bowl that left you quite full), it was difficult for me to accept the concept of paying $15 for a bowl of ramen. However, a friend's birthday party had me put aside my bias for a night so I went to Ippudo looking to be proven wrong about my bias. First warning: it's next to impossible to get right into Ippudo unless you're going on an "off hour". My friend put his name down and we didn't get in until two hours later (this was on a Thursday). This is typical unless you go say, at lunch time on a Wednesday in which case you should be able to get in fairly quickly (read: less than two hours). The restaurant is very trendy with dark lighting, dramatic curtains, wood tables, large booths and a kitchen area in plain sight to allow you to see the action behind preparing your dishes. As you enter you are greeted loudly and with enthusiasm by the staff. Expect this all night long. Do not come here expecting a quiet dinner. It's a very "party atmosphere" though in a sophisticated way. Every server was spot on all night. They train their staff very well. Everyone was friendly, attentive and could rattle off a description of something on the menu without blinking. The service alone rates two of the stars in this review. Okay, so what about the food? Here's the breakdown of what I had: Tako Wasabi (Raw baby octopus in fresh chopped wasabi sauce) I'm not a huge fan of uncooked octopus, so this dish was only "okay" to me. I liked the flavor profile for sure (a bit of the sea with wasabi and soy sauce) but the texture was a bit chewy in a way I don't like (but everyone else at my table loved). Hirata Buns (Steamed buns filled with pork) This dish was easily the run away favorite of the table. Each bun is enough for a person to get 2-3 bites. The bun was soft and chewy (in a good way) and the pork was perfectly seasoned. I could've easily eaten four of these and been happy! Bakuretsu Tofu (Stewed spicy tofu with minced pork, and crunchy noodles served in a sizzling stone pot) This reminded me a lot of Ma Po Tofu. It had a sweet, salty flavor to it and it was very much an Asian comfort dish. I really wanted to just take the bowl and pour it over rice and go to town on it. Very tasty. Karaka Men (Soup noodles with Ippudo's special blend of hot spices, topped with pork chashu, sesame kikurage mushrooms, onion, minced pork, and scallions) The description of this dish was reminiscent of a Chinese dish that I used to eat, and while it didn't taste like it, it was a wonderful "alternate" take on that dish. The spice was the perfect level, just the right amount of heat without blocking out all the other flavors. The noodles were perfectly cooked and the broth was very satisfying. The broth was rich, but not terribly so, and they gave enough that I actually ordered more noodles just to enjoy it more! Mascapone and Ice Cream (Green tea ice cream with mascarpone cheese and pistachios) This dessert delivers on the promise of its description. If you enjoy the sweet, yet earthy flavors of green tea and pistachios, this is the dish for you. It's sweet and savory at the same time, a wonderful combination. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I wouldn't do this every day (I'm not that rich) but for a once and a while experience it's totally worth it!
(4)Jackie C.
Best ramen in NYC. Yes you will have to wait, but it's worth it. Order the Pork buns, cucumber salad, Akamaru Modern ramen and mascarpone & ice cream for dessert. Ugh now I am craving Ippudo.
(5)Lisa L.
We were seated immediately (Thursday 11:30am) we got the pork buns that everyone raved about. The seasoning was amazingggggg the only complaint that I have regarding the pork is that it was chewy-er than I expected. Maybe my expectations were held too high based on all the rave ippudo has been getting but I honestly thought the broth was blah. There was honestly nothing special about the broth in my opinion but the noodles were cooked to perfection. Since the broth was just blah, it made the whole ramen experience not so great. Overall, I wouldn't come here again. I honestly prefer totto ramen over ippudo. Our waitress was great and so were the staff that was cleaning up.
(3)May C.
Wow, well worth the wait! Let me start off by saying that I am not that big of a fan of ramen. Whenever my friends pick a ramen place, I'll go, but I'll usually order the rice. I was hesitant coming here because they only have ramen, but they had a lot of delicious appetizers to choose from, so I figured that would be my back up plan. We came here at 12:30 pm for lunch on a Saturday. It was already packed. The lady told us it would take 1.5 hours to get a seat, so we put our name in, gave her our number and left. We stayed nearby, none of us have really explored the East Village, so we walked along Lafayette. Luckily, they called us within an hour, letting us know that a table just opened up due to a canceled reservation. We were only 5 minutes away. The lady was very sweet about it. She told us to take our time getting there and our table will be ready when we arrive. We were immediately seated when we arrived. Unfortunately, it was so packed that we didn't get a table to ourselves. We had to sit along the same side of the long table. It felt weird at first, but you get over it. To start off, we ordered the pork buns. They were delicious! The pork was so juicy and flavorful and the bun was so soft and warm. I just wanted to make a meal out of the pork buns, forget the ramen! We were tempted to order more (only two pork buns per order), but we decided against it because well, the ramen is apparently delicious. I ordered the Torishio Ramen, while my friends ordered the Karaka Men Ramen with a poached egg and Shiromaru Hakata Classic Ramen. I loved the Torishio ramen. It had a lot of flavor and it wasn't too salty. I wish there was more meat though. That was the only deficiency. My friend really enjoyed the Karaka Men Ramen, it wasn't too spicy for him. My other friend who ordered the classic dish said it was really good, but that the broth was way too salty. He kept drinking water afterwards. Overall, had a great experience. I just wish the wait wasn't so long. It's the only thing that's deterring me from coming back!
(5)Bee B.
While waiting to be seated, enjoy their well made cocktails. Try the pork buns and cucumber salad and hot sake. The bathrooms are in the basement. Kinda stinks. The best part of waiting, they all shout and greet you as you enter the dining room. The Hamachi carpaccio melts in your mouth.Tako spicy grill (octopus) is on the chewy, spicy and a bit salty but nonetheless very tasty. Pork buns are the best with some mayo. Akamaru ramen is my favorite out of all. The broth is less thick than the others. Shiromaru ramen tastes has a more meaty pork flavor. Tofu nasu broth tastes like hot soba broth and is sweet. Kam sukiyaki duck breast comes with a sweet broth, tender but not my favorite. Overall, the MUST here is the pork buns and the akamaru ramen!
(5)Sandra C.
This was rated one of the best ramen places in the city, before all the others came along 5 years ago. Yesterday I came here again to try and remember why it's always so packed. On a Sunday at 3pm, there was still a 45 minute. So my friends and I walked down to get dessert before dinner. Once I got the text and the call from the restaurant we quickly went back and claimed our table for 3. I like the decoration of the entire restaurant. The bar is lined with ramen under the cases. Bowls are decorated and hung on the wall. My friends and I ordered 3 bowls of the Akamari Modern with a poached egg. And for starters we ordered 2 orders of the pork belly buns. The pork belly buns came in orders of 2 for $9. There were three of us, so we ordered 2 orders! Our ramen came and it such a delightful site! It came with three pieces of sliced pork! And the egg came poached perfectly. The noodles were long and just the right chewiness. The broth was deliciously made from miso. I never pay for overly priced bowls of ramen where I can make at home with shinramyun, but ippudo was exceptionally good for a once in a while treat!
(4)Jessica P.
So good. I hate to agree to all the hype about Ippudo, but this was so good. SO GOOD. We got chicken wings, pork buns, and ramen. The chicken wings came with this sweet and salty soy-saucey concoction with cabbage. They were pretty good. The pork buns were everything everyone says. Light, fluffy, savory. The meat was thick so it didn't seem too small. The amount of lettuce seemed a bit not proportional to the bun but some bites did not have a crunch to it. It also had a bit too much mayo, in my opinion. Nonetheless, it was everyone's favorite. I ordered the akamaru modern. It was so good. It had just enough heat to get rid of feeling like the soup was too rich. Luckily, we went when it was still summer but I can't imagine having to wait so long during the winter. The prices were definitely pretty steep but it was worth every single penny.
(5)Ed S.
This was my first time here food was very delicious there was a little wait for a table but it was worth it the staff was excellent they were intended to detail the food came out at a reasonable time all the dishes were very good looking forward to returning
(4)Joe C.
Meh, don't know what the big deal is. On the good side, nice decor, fast service. On the bad, music too loud. Had their tonkotsu. Pork was thin and dry. Broth merely ok. For $15 bucks not a great value.
(2)Janet L.
The ramen is really good, but sometimes it's too salty. The hirata pork bun appetizer is good too. Try to not come with a large party or else it's gonna be a long wait- it's always crowded and loud.
(4)Anthony C.
No clue what "Ippudo" means but if I were to give it a meaning, it would be "lively spot for a meal". I really liked the tables, but a little underwhelmed that they weren't actual whole tree trunk stubs borne from the fields of a battle on Middle Earth
(5)Tara P.
This place is really good and it is extremely loud. Every time they seat a guest they let out a high pitch shrill greeting. While it's an effective way to announce you have a new guest it is extremely loud. Like beer hall during octoberfest loud, you can barely have a conversation unless you are whispering in your partner's ear directly. Even with that said , I like the noodles and the buns, and the mentaiko on rice. The buns are especially delicious. They are soft pillows of steamed sweet bread filled with crispy chicken, sweet and salty caramelized pork. I've tried them all and they are all outstanding. Look to the night specials. I had a chopped chicken skewer thing that was spicy and dipped into a coddled egg cup. The flash fried shishito peppers were ultra spicy. There was no coming back. The waitress took them off the check, which was nice. We had a few lychee martinis which were filled to the brim and not the usual flabby alcohol flavor, they were tart and assertive. So good. My rating reflects the very good noodles, extraordinary buns and terrible, terrible, cacophonous din. I'll be back. Next time for lunch where the noodles are good, buns extraordinary and the gates of hell are closed... Until dinner.
(3)biker c.
I have been coming here since it opened. The food is above average; therefore, it was one of my dependable neighborhood dinner spots. The wait has been getting longer and longer due to the restaurant being over-hyped. I had to wait two hours a few weeks ago. That made me re-evaluate the food and experience. I then realized that there are too many places nearby that offer an equal if not better dinner experience--without the wait. I went this week-end with out-of-town friends. We were told that the wait was 2 hours. It stretched into 3 hours, but the hostess never notified us. I have lived in Japan; respect is a crucial aspect of their culture. Ippudo needs to re-visit their policies--telling people the wait is 2 hours when it is really over 3 is showing disrespect to your customers' time. The food is not that amazing!
(1)Danni I.
This place is so worth the hype. This restaurant is a triumph. I finally tried this restaurant after hearing about it from friends...all over the world. The restaurant was better than I imagined. The ramen was so good (tonkotsu ramen - this first one on the menu) and so were the sides. I'll go through them one by one. Tako appetizer (can't remember the name but it was the $5 one served raw) - This dish goes down in my top 10 foods ever had. The octopus was so fresh and well seasoned, I died and went to heaven with every bite. My husband isn't a fan of octopus so I had the whole little bowl to myself. I would go back just for this dish. It was so good that writing about it today is making me salivate. The karaage (fried chicken appetizer) - Again, I can't remember exactly what they called it on the menu but it was the fried chicken appetizer. The flavor was amazing (lemony) and it was served with an orangey soy saucy thing with grated turnip (like how they do it for tempura). The chicken was very juicy (amazing how juicy they got it to be) and super tender (cooked perfectly). This one gets a 5 star though. I with the skin on the outside was crispy, like karaage should be. Husband got the Clear broth ramen - I have never seen my husband love a bowl of ramen so much. He just kept going at that bowl, with a wrinkled brow, curious how they got the clear broth to be so tasty. He loved the noodles most, he said. He sad there was something about the noodles that made it better and different from all the other ramen houses we've tried. He finished the whole bowl. Even the broth (he usually leaves half of the broth as he is interested mostly on the noodles). I got the tonkotsu broth special (wish I took a pic of the menu so I could tell you guys exactly what I got) - This was the best broth I had ever had. I feel like this is what all ramen is trying to be. At first I thought the noodles were too thin and that they might not have that nice texture I usually look for but I was wrong. It was all that! The texture of that noodle was amazing. The stuff they put on top (bamboo mushroom chasu) was all good. At momofuku they use toppings from a can (tastes like metal) - here they use fresh made toppings. The chasu pork wasn't too fatty. I like that. It made the soup cleaner. I don't like overly oily fatty ramen. Give it to me clean, you know? Lady M Crepe cake - funny that they served this cake here. I was just telling my husband about it and wanted to bring him there to try it. The slice was $10 and it's usually $7 at the actual Lady M location. So if you wanna try this cake do it at Lady M. Well worth the effort. But last night we splurged on the extra $3. They made it look a little fancier. The slice was a little smaller than how they'd do it at Lady M, but this one came in a big fancy plate with slivers of chocolate, fancy smears of strawberry cream and slices of kiwi. Can't wait to go back. Oh and customer service was TOP CLASS! The servers were all nice and even if the place was full everything came out quickly, water was served right away (my glass was never empty, and I drink like 4 glasses a meal). And we came with no reservations and got a table in 30 mins. Granted it was a Monday and not as cold out (waiter said when it's cold it's harder to get a table).
(5)Maria P.
Amazing pork buns and ramen every single time. The other food looks fantastic as well. The wait can easily be around 1-2 hours, but just give them your name and wait it out, because it's well worth it. I live nearby, so I just give my name and then go home until they text me that my table is ready. The atmosphere is trendy and lively, and the chefs are dedicated to their craft. The portions are big and somewhat pricey, but I never feel like it wasn't worth the price.
(5)Kenny N.
So good! My brother was right. The ramen was a winner. We first whetted our appetites with a Japanese cucumber seasoned with Ippudo's original sesame oil sauce. It didn't look like much, but was very delicious. For the ramen, I ordered their Akamura Modern. It was simply delicious. I described it as a flavorful meat slurry, which might sound unappetizing, but accurately describes the broth's texture and flavor in my food mind. I would happily return.
(5)John R.
Nice, rich, ramen. Nothing otherworldly. Worth a pop-in when you're in the neighborhood if you want to hear white dudes scream at you in Japanese haha
(3)Emily H.
I'm a very impatient girl, but the two hour wait (at 10 PM) faded completely from my mind after biting into their Hirata buns (we had the pork ones) - they blew me away! The buns are warm and soft, the pork is melt-in-your-mouth succulent and the flavor is sweet and potent - hands down the best buns I've ever had at ANY restaurant. The edamame was also a nice starter - perfectly firm and salted. And the good times kept on rolling... The Ramen: OH MY GAWD. Again, completely worth the ridiculous wait! I got the Karaka Men. My favorite part of ramen -- the broth -- was extremely rich and flavorful! I especially loved the little spice ball that comes with this - it would have been perfect even without the additional side dish of spice that I ordered (I admit, I may have gone a little nuts on the spice level that night after adding half of the side into the already spicy broth). The pork was good too, but the richness of the broth is what really made it memorable. My noodles were the skinniest of the three bowls we ordered, and were cooked to perfection and held the flavor nicely. My friends - one of whom was a ramen virgin - got the Tori Ramen and the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen. The Tori was a complete waste - it lacked ANY flavor and could have just been a bowl of canned chicken soup (although I may just not be a fan of chicken-based ramen). The noodles were a little thicker than mine, which I prefer, but EVERYTHING else was lacking about this bowl. The Shoyu, on the other hand, was VERY good, and my friend was literally salivating over the pulled pork he got as a side even after he was completely stuffed. Not a morsel was left of either! Although Shoyu is my normal go-to choice at a ramen place, I was glad I made a different pick because nothing could touch the bliss that was the Karaka Men! Plus, it was vegetarian... and I don't like to have to add my meat as a "side". In sum, my impatient butt will most likely be waiting outside this restaurant again soon... although hopefully, we'll go BEFORE we get hungry next time! Note: they call you when you're table is ready and give you time to get back, so if you stop by before you're starving, you can chill at one of the nearby bars until a spot opens up in this ramen heaven! I wonder if this place has "off hours" when there isn't a wait? If so, I wish they'd allow reservations for those times or advertise them... as I (and I'm sure many others) would be a much more frequent visitor.
(5)J A Y.
SOOO GOOD. The only downfall is the long wait. I've waited an hour each time. The broth is so flavorful. Perfect for winter!
(5)James T.
Ippudo exploded on the scene in 2008 with it's intense and flavorful pork-flavored broth and was instantly a hit. The décor is tasteful and modern, yet has a homey and cozy feeling. The menu consists of appetizers, fish and sake, all designed to go along with a fresh bowl of one of their amazing ramens.
(4)Leon C.
I love ramen and this place is really good! You must try this place if you're in New York!!
(5)Jewel C.
Might just be the best ramen and pork buns (hirata pork buns)I've had anywhere, EVER! The Akamaru Modern with Kakuni is to die for!!! Word to the wise: the ramen servings are huge and they don't have takeaway containers -- so bring a friend. Oh, and don't forget to wash it down with a cold Calpico Sour/Calpico High...YUMMM!!
(5)Jacqueline B.
Favorite ramen place in the city, either location because the quality is superb. I almost always order the shishito peppers for starters. I like the spicy paste to add to any of the ramens. Definitely worth the wait which could be long if it's busy.
(5)Mick R.
Overrated ramen and very overrated pork buns. Why does every trendy "Asian" place serve these pork bun things???!? Food truck style quality in an upscale setting and presentation and upscale pricing. A place that targets and rips off young college grad clientele I ordered a tonkatsu ramen for $17. First, the noodles are awful, they are stringy and straight noodles and a weird texture like vermicelli noodles almost. Very wrong. The broth is nothing special. If all you've ever had in your life is instant ramen, this place is a step up. In terms of international standards for Japanese ramen, this place would go out of biz in Fukuoka. Definitely not a ramen you crave or think about coming back for.
(1)Robinson C.
Went here with a couple of friends wanted to try out what the big hype was.. So we walked in immediately I was overwhelmed at how crowded this place was I left a crowded street of Manhattan to head into a crowded restaurant we waited around 45 minutes to get seated off to a great start. The waitress took our order the pork buns were delicious I will give them that but there are other places that make pork buns just as good without the long wait. When I had the ramen I was puzzled I was wondering where the rest of it was I think it got dropped or lost somewhere please show me any restaurant that makes you wait close to an hour and another 20-30 minutes for ramen and hands you one tiny piece of meat with a few displaced cabbage leaves the stew had flavor I will admit to that but not the best stew far from it..This is a average joint with nice decor nothing more..
(3)Milton N.
Ok so for the longest time, I have been meaning to try Official Ramen not one that comes out of a styrofoam cup. I recently made a trip to NYC this weekend to explore this city's food gems! A friend told me about Ippudo, and I said I guess I will try and see what the rant is about this place. Wow don't know where to begin but I was blown away by their ramen! But first let me tell you this place is "homie" I arrived 40 minutes before closing but they sat me down very quickly and everyone greets you as you enter the dining area!! Waiters are extremely caring and offered best service possible. I then ordered Sapporo Beer and I enjoyed it very much, its light and crisp. Then I went for some Pork Buns and for only $9 it was great price. These delicious tender pork buns will melt in your mouth with great flavor. Finally I ordered the Karaka Men Ramen with a poached egg ($17). I don't think I can go to another place for Ramen after this place. Broth was not as thick but creamy, the hot spicy sauce combined perfectly with all the noodles and broth very well. The noodles are not soft like those cups, its well al dente which I enjoy very much! plus if you want more noodles all you have to say is "kae-dama, please" and right way u get another batch of noodle for $2!!!! The poached egg is a must as it adds flavor to the broth! just everything combined made my first night in NYC a memorable one! I thank the servers for great service! Also the decor is stylish modern/old its just an amazing gem!!! I will come back here every time I visit NYC.
(5)Isaac W.
The best noodles of my life
(5)Wei S.
The food is good and I would go there again but after trying many ramen places downtown, this place is definitely on the pricier side. A lunch usually costs around $20. I think Ippudo's signature characteristic is their thin white noodles - something unique I haven't really seen around here because most restaurants go with the cheaper egg noodles. If you're going to go, be ready to go for a weekday lunch or prepare yourself to wait 30 mins or more. There is always a line outside way before the restaurant even opens. The service is great and it's a fun, lively atmosphere with the staff yelling Japanese phrases every second or two. Definitely not a great place to have conversations due to the communal tables and loud surroundings.
(3)Peter C.
If you are from Asia, don't try IppudoNY literally taste worse than 日清拉麵. There are so many good Japanese restaurant in Manhattan, even authentic one you can find. But definitely not IppudoNY, ramen here is more like normal noodle, and the chashu is dry like woods. So disappointed.
(1)Jeesoo L.
Yes, everything on the menu is overpriced BUT! I have yet to find a better ramen place in the area. The service is friendly and there is a general enthusiasm and warmness inside the restaurant. I do not think the wait is necessarily worth the quality of the food, but I also have never regretted going to Ippudo. I do like how they will put your name on the waitlist and will call/text you 20-25 minutes before they are ready to seat you!
(4)K W.
Food was okay, too much screaming from the waiters/waitresses and other employees for my taste...
(3)Dat T.
Ippudo has been a blessing and a curse. It has made me want to try pork buns at other places to find better pork buns, to which I've failed miserably. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very cool with ramen bowls on the wall. It emulates the restaurants in Japan where they yell at you in Japanese when you get in ~ Irashaimaseeee. The ramen is very good, though pricey, but they get you coming back with the pork buns, I usually get the Akamaru Modern ramen - rich and flavorful broth. The first bite into the pork buns is like that moment in Ratatouille when the food critic tastes Remy's soup for the first time and everything in your life comes together and you realize the meaning of life. The wait can be ridiculous ~ up to 2 hours! Be prepared to wait a long time if you have a large party. Be there 10 minutes before they open so you can skip the wait!
(5)Matthew A.
This is an unique establishment that really does their niche well. I am still not sure what they yell when a new diner comes inside, but it is a great establishment that will meet your needs.
(5)Teresa W.
Love this place! The decor is amazing and unique, and really creates a nice ambiance. I had the Akamaru Modern ramen and was an instant fan after the first bite. The noodles were tender and the broth was very flavorful. It was a little salty towards the second half, but still one delicious bowl of ramen! One note though, the tables are communal so expect to be sitting with other slurping ramen fans.
(4)Yusuf S.
Not worth it!
(3)Monica Q.
This place is pretty great. The pork buns - I almost didn't get them and I was super glad that we did! Yes, the wait is long, and it's really noisy, but I love the energy. Loved all of the ramens - I avoided the ones with shoyu because I am not a fan of soy sauce in my ramen. Other than that, put your name down for a meal, walk over to Angel's Share to get a cocktail, and then come back and eat to your heart's content.
(4)Matt K.
Great ambiance, with modern and traditional Japanese flare! Very trendy seating style, shoulder to shoulder. Ramen was great! Had awesome flavor for a NYC price. Make reservations way ahead of time or know someone important! We did the latter got in with the 2 hour wait in 5 min! Definitely would go back to try their other dishes!
(5)Timothy L.
Definitely a good choice if you're in the area and in the mood for ramen. Their broths are on point and the noodles help facilitate that tasty, salty, liquid with each slurp. The only bummer was that the pork was overcooked and tasted borderline chalky. The sake cocktails are well-priced and tasty. Could be a tad stronger, but that's all relative. The wait wasn't too bad on a Saturday around 6. Super expensive, so I wouldn't come here too often. A solid 3.75, rounded to a 4 ;P
(4)Peggy Z.
The wait was tolerable, planned ahead and grabbed drinks nearby while we waited for their text message. Now the food: Pork buns were okay...probably won't order them again. We tried the Akamaru Modern and Karaka Men ramen with soft boiled egg on both. Both ramen were really good but the Karaka one was my favorite. Had a nice little kick to it that won me over. Definitely more flavorful than the modern but if your not into spicy do the modern. The only Down side is that I would ask for more pork next time.
(4)El D.
Bit pricey but huge portion! I had the chance to visit NY and hit up this spot that has been most raved about. It was pretty good considering my Ramen taste buds are pretty hard to please. I am a ramen fanatic and think this place has a great environment and overall great workers that make it feel extra japanese. Soup is good and noodles are on point. I give it 4/5 stars because I've had better. But this place can get it on most days
(4)Michael A.
Best ramen I've had outside of my favo(u)rite spot in Vancouver, BC. Akamaru Modern is what I like the best. I've tried a couple others, but I always prefer this one. Had the Tako Wasabi appetizer (raw octopus and wasabi), and it was good but tiny and a little expensive for its size and content. Wait is often long, luckily we live close by and can time our visits around less busy times. I don't think I'd ever attempt coming here on a weekend evening. HOWEVER you can leave your name with the front and they will text and call you when ready, so then you can go grab a drink elsewhere or hang out in their front bar (which will be crowded).
(5)Pete M.
It was good but not worth the wait. I can think of a handful other places I can go to in the city and get just as good if not better ramen, pork buns and gyoza with no wait at all.
(3)Silky W.
Overrated trash. If u want real ramen go to minca in east village. Ordered some ramen and the waitress brings out something no better than the top ramen I can buy at cvs. To make things worst the poached egg wasn't poached at all, it was literally a raw egg and the soup was room temperature. Never again.
(1)Joseph B.
A friend recommended this place as her fave ramen joint. I was not disappointed. Perfect amount to give in the noodles and the broth was fantastic. Get the shishito peppers! Short and sweet cuz what more do u need? Slurp on!
(4)Chris H.
Ambiance is great here. The food is solid but would pick toto ramen over this any day.
(4)John J.
Best in NYC by far. The original ramen is spectacular. The wait is something to accept, have an ice cold sapporo (on draft) some endamame and a pork bun. You won't be sorry. If you are sorry, it's likely not about the food and more about some deep seeded emotional stuff, but it'll be OK in the end.
(5)Cynthia V.
The ramen here is definitely very good. It is, however, quite expensive, and the wait is very frustrating. I got the akamaru modern ramen, and went ahead and added the suggested toppings, which were boiled egg and a pickled spinach. The boiled egg was an absolute must, however the pickled spinach wasn't necessary in my opinion. The pork broth is delicious, and not too salty, which is very important. I do have one complaint, and that is the servers forgot to bring me tea until I was almost done with my food. I was sitting at the counter and got an excellent view of the kitchen, and it was entertaining to watch the chefs build the various appetizers.
(4)Celia Z.
I love this place. My first trip here was June 2012, when I mistakenly ordered the vegetarian ramen and found it mediocre, so I didn't return for quite a while. The ramen craze hit me this past year, when I found myself constantly eating ramen: the ramen burger shop that just opened right next to my apartment, bowls and bowls of take-out ramen in the office, a revival of Shin ramen when we discovered we could buy bulk on seamless. So naturally, I went back to Ippudo - and oh it is delicious! The way they layer the oils within the broth is to die for. The quality of ingredients, whether it is cha-shu, bamboo shoots, or a perfectly boiled egg, is filled with character. The chewiness and freshness of the noodles paired with an extra helping of hot sauce and you've got one good bowl of ramen. In addition to ramen, I often get the shishito peppers. Flash fried and dipped in the bit of yuzu salt, the peppers speak of juiciness and flavor. I'm also crazy for the Lady M crepe cake for dessert, of which they pair the most perfect scoop of ice-cream or housemade cream. The wait can be dreadful, but the good thing is that they will call you when your table is ready, so you can wander around and drink first ("Life is short - drink alcohol first") People say Ippudo is over-rated but I just can't get over Ippudo. Think this is just another love story.
(5)Ellen H.
Heads up. I love Ippudo and have been there many many times. BUT, i just checked their health grade on nyc.gov and apparently they have major health violations! They scored a 40, which is pretty bad considering that an A is 0-13, B is 14-27 and C anything above 28. So yeah I don't know if we should be concerned, but people should be aware before slurping their noodles. That said, I was there again last night, and the Tori Ramen was on point as usual!
(4)M T.
Beautiful place. Great food. Good service. Good for groups and solo. The only problem: Make a reservation at least 3 hours beforehand. I came here at 7PM and had to come back at 10PM.
(5)emily c.
Overrated tourist trap. Not worth the wait. Go farther into the east village to any of the other ramen places and it's just as good without the ridiculous wait.
(1)Kim N.
Monday night at 8:30. 2 people. Told an hour and a half wait. Darn. But there's a cute little bar at the door that looks well stocked. Ok...we got seated 45 minutes later. Service is attentive. They set up utensils and water for you at the perfect times. They refill and clear dishes quickly. They warn you to stir your dishes. They're good at their jobs. They're nice too. Pork buns are amazing, like everyone says. I don't like pork too much. (I know, don't kill me. ) But the pork had a great flavor and they melted in your mouth. Paired with the soft, delicious bun, it makes you close your eyes and take another bite. Tako Wasabi, for $5, was a good small portion that had a huge flavor. Great kick. Glad we ordered it. The octopus had a good crunch and the wasabi was tasty without being over bearing. We tried 2 different ramen bowls. They both had a yummy broth, flavorful but clean. Not too oily and not to salty. I was disappointed by the pork slices, they were tougher than i like and did not melt in my mouth like many of the ramen places in the Bay Area. I liked the appetizers much more. The lighting is dark and the music is loud. That's not how I typically like to eat noodles. I would definitely come back if there was not a line. An hour and a half wait though.....I don't know.
(4)Ara S.
Definitely an A+ Ramen place. The squid was also good ;of course the buns were amazing. I also tried their wings ,not bad. sitting at the counter made the wait all worthwhile. The chefs were a delight to watch ,busy like there's no tomorrow.
(5)Dex Y.
A 3.5-star ramen joint. Ordered Akamaru Modern. Pros: Clean environment Friendly, helpful staff Bustling vibe (reminded me of Japanese movie scenes) Kae-dama (替ãˆçŽ‰) (wish every ramen place could do this) Fast service once seated Cons: Good ramen but that didn't justify the wait time; soup base lacked character A little pricey considering the portions For first-timers, just don't set your expectations too high. Also if you hate long wait, go solo.
(3)Jordan S.
I was fully expecting to be let down due to the hype / wait time here. BUT the place was great. Super friendly staff and delicious food. Shishito peppers were DELICIOUS and not super spicy The "Modern" was really good - only negative was I wasnt crazy about the noodles.
(5)Josephine L.
THE BUNS!!!!! i am a huge ramen aficionado and as per many suggestions, i decided to try Ippudo one night. the night started a bit off as they said there would be a one hour wait (yes, make sure to arrive at least one hour before you are ready to eat to get your name on the list). They then forgot to call us and 2 hours later, and a few rounds of trivia deep, we came back to the restaurant check on the status of our seats and they said they mixed our name up with someone else and called the other person an hour ago. As for the food, if there is one thing you should get, it's the buns. Whether chicken, pork or vegetable, they are the most incredible things in the world. i want to return and order 100 more. for the ramen, i ordered the Karaka Men (spicy ramen). it was definitely tasty but it was the buns that made this a 5 star place
(5)Joe L.
I finally found somewhere outside of California with INCREDIBLE ramen. Try whatever they have on special, and don't be afraid if you don't what it is. This place deserves a visit for lunch (expect to wait a long time) or dinner with friend.
(5)Cat G.
I hate to be That Person who says that they didn't knock it out of the park, but here we are. A couple of college friends and I were planning a small reunion (that makes me sound much older than I actually am... so I will rectify this by saying that I've been out of college for less than a year) and I suggested Ippudo because I had saved it on my list of ramen restaurants a while back. There were four of us and we were actually seated pretty quickly considering how popular this place is - we came in at around 1:30 on a Sunday and waited less than 15-20 minutes. So that part was pretty nice. Service throughout the meal was attentive and the food came out quickly. Between the four of us, we tried three different ramens: the shiromaru, the akamaru, and karaka men. I always order the tonkotsu on my first trip to a ramen shop, just on principle - it's a classic and a good measuring stick by which to judge the restaurant. However, Ippudo serves multiple "types" of tonkotsu. Or rather, they serve the tonkotsu broth in a number of their ramen options. I went with the shiromaru, which was probably the most traditional. The best thing about the ramen was the texture of the noodles - perfectly springy and just the right amount of chew. I will say that in this regard, Ippudo makes some of the best ramen I've had. What I didn't like as much was the thinness of the noodles, which may just be a personal preference - I like my noodles thicker than what they were serving. I probably could've overlooked this, but what I was really disappointed by was the pork. I'm a firm believer that the best cut of pork to use for tonkotsu ramen is the belly, and Ippudo's tonkotsu illustrates exactly why - the pork loin in their ramen was miserably tough and dry compared to the lusciousness of pork belly. In my opinion, it just added nothing whatsoever to the dish. The tonkotsu broth was decent - not the best I've ever had, but good enough that I ate pretty much all of it. TL;DR five stars for the cook and texture on the noodles, two stars for the pork. Overall the experience was just fine, but for the amount of hype, I thought the ramen here would blow me away. I'd probably try out the other ramen places around the city before I come back to Ippudo.
(3)Justin V.
Honestly, I have nothing but positive things to say about this restaurant! Yes, there is always a line and the likelihood is you'll have to wait--but the wait is well worth it. The atmosphere is bustling with an extremely cheery and attentive staff. From the hosts to the waiters to the chefs cooking our meals right in front of us (free entertainment)--the place just exuded a celebratory vibe. And the food is unbelievably good. We started our meal off with the Hirata Buns--basically an ever so soft, texturally fascinating bun with pork belly (can't go wrong), lettuce, and a little spicy mayo sandwiched in between. Tremendous. Afterwards, both my fiancée and I (who are spice fiends), predictably chose the Karaka Men--ramen in a broth enhanced with spicy miso, simmered pork belly, and a poached egg. Truly the best ramen I've had to date with everything cooked perfectly and an incredible depth of flavor. Easily recommend this place for a date night or for small parties. Definitely not the place for larger groups as the wait will be quite long.
(5)Ted T.
Ramen noodles. What's the big deal? Nothing till you try it here. Didn't think ramen noodles could taste so good. Prepare to wait during peak hours. Pro tip: get your name on the list and have them call you when your table is almost ready while you bar hop around the area.
(5)William C.
Was there really a wait? With any restaurant that puts out great food, I don't think I would mind waiting one bit. That, and my friends and I just went around the corner for some drinks. The service was done right. As we walked to our table, the staff continuously greeted us. There was no attitude of indifference or arrogance, except for smiles and greetings in what I assume was Japanese. I expected to be crammed into a tight area with a bunch of people around us, but we were seated at a table in the corner and it was surprisingly spacious. The servers were also very attentive in making sure our waters were full and errthang. As for the food - I ordered the first item under the specialty appetizers (it was fried chicken with some ponzu sauce) - this was fried very well. The batter was light and crispy. As for my ramen, I ordered the Akamaru ramen (I don't know what this meant except I knew it was a character's name in a popular Manga...ha..ha..) I have been to a handful of ramen shops, and Ippudo easily tops them all. I eat fairly quickly and as I was waiting for my friends to finish, I kept drinking the broth. I'm very glad I came here for dinner last night.
(5)Zaydz Z.
After thorough research, I decided to come here to try the ramen. It was past ten and the wait was still 40 minutes (on a monday night). Well it's worth the wait, tables are communal so better be friendly. I wanted to get extra noodles but realized that it's too much. But if I wasnt that then i'll definitely get more!
(4)Daniel N.
One of the better Ramen places. I think its menu caters to all taste buds, But I do feel its a bit overrated and very expensive. On the upside the restaurant is beautiful and service is top notch but for a ramen place..... its a bit too much STUFF and ramen is not exactly a date food.
(4)Jenni I.
Really good New York ramen! First, the wait. Don't go here if you have somewhere to go afterwards (or at least allot about 2 hours time because there is always at least a 30 minute wait). The servers are really nice and the atmosphere is very hipster Japanese. Now the food. First of all, the pork buns were delicious (I went back just for pork buns at one point!) Devoured. Next, the ramen. I got the akamaru ramen (did this remind anyone else of naruto?!) with hanjuku tamago (a soft-boiled egg). The soup was delicious. The meat was good. Overall the ramen was very good. HOWEVER, I was disappointed when I noticed that my egg was hardboiled. The egg is one of the best parts about ramen and I was a bit sad that I had paid extra for the egg and it wasn't cooked right. The price of the ramen was expensive, but to be honest, everything in new york is and it was worth it. I don't regret paying what I did for good ramen! All in all, ippudo was very good. I would go back (we went twice while we were in new york). And I do recommend it for ramen fans, especially those from california that want to compare! :)
(4)Steph C.
This place makes it on everyone's ramen list and rightly so. It's one of the best in NYC. My earliest visits to Ippudo preceded my Yelp membership by a good 3+ years, so I'm just now getting around to reviewing this place. Ippudo has the porkiest broth of any of the ramen places I've tried. Their Akamaru Modern ramen broth is ridiculously rich and creamy and meaty. Though I'm generally more partial to lighter, Hakata style ramens, I make an exception for Ippudo. Also extremely delicious are the pork buns. Never go here without ordering these. The place has gotten more and more popular and the waits to get in can be horrendous. The smaller the group you have, the better. And if you go solo, the wait will even be somewhat reasonable.
(5)Tim S.
in a world full of mediocre, there is one that shines above the rest. That place is Ippudo. I am not the foremost authority on ramen, although, I really love the stuff. It satisfies my taste for salty, rich, fatty, and slurpy noodles. I don't think I have even been to a place that had a bigger discrepancy from what I consider the next best place in its food niche. If Ippudo is a 10, my second favorite ramen is a 6 - no joke. I waited in line about 20 minutes before they opened to ensure I got myself a seat. Don't be frightened by the staff screaming Japanese at you when the hostess presents you to the dinning room, its actually kinda cool and it makes you feel pretty damn important. It had a much more beautiful decor than I was expecting...it does not look like a old ramen shop. I ordered the Akamaru Modern with the suggested accompaniments. Like all ramen, the broth is what makes it truly special, and my knees are buckling just thinking about it. So rich and decedent, while still being balanced with flavor and not too salty. You can see the different colors that make the broth mix as you start to eat it. Probably more so than any other ramen I have had the flavor of the broth soaked into the noodle. And speaking of the noodle this wasn't just an ordinary ramen noodle. It had perfect texture with nice long strands to shovel in. I was able to compare the following day to another very famous ramen spot in manhattan and it honestly wasn't even close. The other place felt amateurish in comparison (even though I did still like it). What a meal - will be at the top of my list to revisit in NY.
(5)Aziza A.
Food tastes not bad but I spent 40$ for nothing. Absolutely nothing. You might want to put some effort on the quantity.
(1)Steve C.
I may not be mister hot spot so call me a few years late to the Ippudo party! I might be a decade late,but I am very happy I stopped in for a quick bite to eat. We were seated at a communal table which was neat,because I felt like a tourist.I actually sat next to a nice young lady from South Africa, who was googly eyed and excited about visiting NYC for the first time.It was cool to experience her wonder at the city we sometimes take for granted. On to the food.We had the pork buns which were awesome.They were fluffy little bites of pure flavor.I would go back just for them. I had the special ramen which had bourbon in it.I found it tasty and not too salty like some spots. For dessert we shared a green tea creme brule which was 10/10! It really ended our meal on a high note. The service was crisp and enjoyed the vibe of the staff greeting each new customer as well as saying farewell in Japanese. If you are in the east village and haven't tried Ippudo already, I highly recommend it.
(5)Steve O.
Excellent ramen, among the best in the city. Well organized to deal with the crowds. Excellent non-ramen choices as well. Overall, excellent although not as excellent as its neighbor in Midtown West.
(5)Ting I.
Was recommended by my friend to try the pork buns! They were great! Seating on average takes time but the staff were friendly and genuine. Front bar is a great way to spend time whilst killing time. Over all A for presentation of space. A for food and A* for serving time. Will come back for 3 orders of pork buns!
(5)Vera L.
I took my girlfriends and met up with a few other friends from Hopkins for Ippudo ramen this cold weekend. I would highly recommend doing what we did for our large party: go when it first opens at 11am. For one, there is already a line, but second of all, even if you wait for about 15-20minutes, for a party of 7, we were still able to be seated relatively soon. Things shared included -pork-belly buns -Akamaru Modern ramen -Anin (Almond) tofu custard dessert with matcha ice-cream Pork Belly Buns PROS -nice hefty cut of pork belly -well-seasoned (not overly-seasoned) meat to bun ratio CONS -small for an appetizer: if you're not going to get ramen, this is not going to be -sufficient as I could devour two or three on my own. Akamaru Modern Ramen PROS: -sufficient quantity for two, provided you get an appetizer or two -soup was nice and not overly rich (compared to Daikokuya in LA) -ramen noodles were spot on: great consistency (ie. perfect amount of "chewiness") CONS: -we had to add an egg. no offense, but to me, ramen should just come with an egg, no questions asked. It's like a ramen staple! Annin Tofu Custard Dessert PROS: -not overly sweet creamiest and lightest almond tofu that I've had perfect combination with the green-tea (matcha) ice-cream CONS: -super small, probably perfect for two people after a full meal but not for more than that other to get a taste. pictures: rammiegirl.wordpress.com…
(4)Tony C.
Statistically speaking..., cause I'm not a star chaser myself..., I'm supposed to love the ramen here. I should be smitten about the ramen craze which invaded the US. How could I not fall head over heels over the progenitor of the ramen burger? This is how.. I'm a spoiled asian brat. I grew big sipping up condensed noodle strands while coalescing in my mom's belly. For me, ramen is like white bread. I grabbed at the most accessible forms of noodle.., and it was my joy. I grew up in the ghetto of noodle village.., people scream in your face when they are 'asking' you for some toilet paper!!.., ghetto. (what the hell do I do?, do I give them the guest brand, or my cousin Chan''s $0.99 store supply that breaks exactly every 4 squares? The bowl of noodles was filling indeed, and so pretty too with all those colorful ingredients they put in there. If you get excited the way I get excited about seeing, 'Glistening pieces of fat from the pork belly' Then you can understand just how pretty this bowl of ramen noodles was. I did enjoy the eating experience as well, the whole chopstick, spoon orchestra worked my hand and facial muscles in corners I didn't know existed.., like a zumba workout for my hands, and face!
(3)Christina H.
I am crying as I write this review, knowing that I will have to live with the sadness of not being able to eat Ippudo's delicious ramen until I return to NY again. One friend ordered the Akamaru ramen, which has a tonkotsu and miso base. My other friend ordered the Wasabi Shoyu ramen; the wasabi wasn't overpowering at all and complemented the other ingredients well. It also comes with a fattier cut of pork. I ordered the Shiromaru ramen; love the tonkotsu broth (be sure to leave enough broth for 'kae-dama' aka more noodles - $2; I like the wavey ones)! I wish I could shout KAE-DAMA for more noodles now. KAE-DAMA... dammit KAE-DAMA.
(5)Y Y.
Very touristy and not worth the wait. If you're with a small party you'll likely be sat at a communal table, which I generally don't mind, but this time I was sat with some drunk bridge and tunnel bros who kept bugging me. (One actually called me princess. Vom.) The restaurant is kind of janky and dirty but not in the way divey ramen places usually are, but instead kind of a grody Applebees in a strip mall type way. Lots of trash on the floor, sticky tables, etc. Don't use the bathrooms. I'm warning you. Keep in mind that this is a chain restaurant in Japan so the food is adequate but soulless. I tried the pork buns because I figured I was never going to come back here again and wait 2 hours to be harassed by bros so why not. They were okay. The ones at Totto were better. The Akamaru Modern was fine, but like I said, soulless. Totto or Santouka in NJ are way better for your time/money. Overall: Good for tourists or people who don't get to Japanese restaurants much. Not worth it for everyone else.
(2)Nancy W.
As a Japanese, I love all kinds of ramen. But here, I love their services! Very friendly and nice~cool place~~
(5)Liz C.
*** Amazing service, Great ramen selections, Must try!! *** Get here early whether it is for lunch or for dinner. This place gets packed fast and for good reason too. Their ramen is very delicious and filling. I'm a huge fan of hearty broths and Ippudo does an almost close-to-perfect job on their broths. You get great portions too. I'm also a huge fan of their pork buns, which are very tender and juicy; although I wish I got more for my buck! Highly recommend coming here!!!
(5)Kim S.
I LOVE Ippudo. It is by far the best ramen I've had. I've been here a few times. Each time there's always a wait .. and that's a suckie part. But if you can get through it, then you will be rewarded with a delicious ramen. On my latest visit for lunch, we arrived around 1 and were told the wait was going to be about 30-40mins. I instantly wanted to smack my friends (I was hangry) because I warned them that there would be a wait if we got here during peak lunch hour (I wanted to arrive at noon-ish). BUT we were determined to have ramen that day so I gave Ippudo my phone number. We went to Grace Church nearby to kill time and my friend jokingly said that we should pray for a wait to be shorter. HA! Oddly enough, 5 mins afterward, a text from Ippudo showed up that our table is ready! Instead of 45 mins, we waited for 15. Lucky day! Yes, I ordered that delicious HIRATA buns (pork). Oh my damn, they were soo good. Get them please! For my ramen, I had AKAMARU MODERN with nitamago (soft boiled seasoned egg) and bakudan (spicy paste). Broth was excellent. Ippudo got it right. Ramen I had from other places were either too salty or too watery. I finished all the broth and not feeling like I'm dying from salt overload. Spicy paste was pretty tasty. It wasn't very spicy and it had a smoky taste to it which went so well when mixing with the broth. Vibe of this place is awesome. Lively, friendly, and fun. Ippudo is my # 1 ramen spot.
(5)Annie C.
I never really been a person who goes out to eat for ramen. Being chinese, i grew up on ramen and would never think ramen for $15 was worth it but.. I am in love. Not only was the ramen tasty, the appetizers were so good. For two, we had pork belly buns, shishito peppers, yuzu pepper shrimp and 2 bowls of ramen. I had the akuma ramen with a poached egg and my bf had the spicy one with all the toppings. Pork belly buns were so good. Warm soft buns with such flavorful pork belly. I cant wait to try more of their appetizers. For dessert we had the monthly special, blk sesame icecream with raspberry coulin and almond crumble which i would skip since the matcha brulee actually looked more appealing and probably tasted better. The wait is long, try coming early afternoon or late night to avoid peak hours.
(5)Daniel D.
* PROS * - RAMEN HEAVEN - I personally love ramen & I am a big critic when it comes to noodles, but Ippudo definitely reaches every expectation of the perfect noodles and takes your taste buds on a roller coaster! - I noticed that the cucumbers are very popular by customer demand, but for appetizers we always order the buns AND THEY ARE BEYOND AMAZING!! - The service IS PERFECT - CONS - Be ready for a 45 min - 1.5 hour wait especially during the weekends, but hey if you want popular/amazing food, you have to wait! The area is also great to walk around while you wait since they call/text you when the table is ready
(5)Brendan W.
Pros: Obviously the food - everything from the spicy Karaka Men to the Edamame appetizer was absolutely delicious. The pork is beyond tender and the broth is savory with a real kick. The ambience is nice as well - lively Japanese shouting, dim lighting, constant music. Cons: As expected, the wait is rather long - 40 minutes at 8 pm on a Sunday. I also thought the portion amounts weren't exactly worth the price tag; however, the Kae-dama system makes it a little better by letting you add an extra ball of noodles for only 2 more dollars. All in all, I had a great first experience here and am looking forward to coming back, especially as it is so close.
(4)Kyra M.
Fantastic ramen and pork buns. Probably my favorite for both in the city. The service is fast too. That said, you'll likely have to wait two hours before being seated if you're going with anyone else. If you want to have an intimate, quiet date, this might not be the place, as you'll likely be seated next to others and the lighting is quite dark. And the price is a bit expensive. But totally worth the splurge if you need a fulfilling bowl of noodles and pork.
(4)Charles M.
This is a great place to go by yourself, especially if you plan to go during peak hours. I walked in around 8:30 on a Friday and was seated immediately at one of the communal tables while the party of 2 ahead of me was told they would need to wait 45 minutes for a table. It's pretty much impossible not to smile when you are escorted into the dining room and the whole staff looks up to greet you with a loud Japanese "Hello!" This is a ramen restaurant, but don't let that stop you from ordering an appetizer or two first. The tempura shrimp with sweet mayonnaise and salad that was on special when i went was even better than my main course! I ordered the spicy ramen this time and I felt like some of the subtler ramen flavors from the milder soups got lost. The ramen here is made with a very rich broth but it can be a bit light on the noodles, so you may need to order extra noodles mid-meal, which only costs a few bucks and arrives in a matter of minutes. Make sure you save room for dessert! I had the tofu almond pudding with house-made black sesame gelato and it was divine. At $7, it is the cheapest item on the dessert menu but it's so smooth and perfectly sweet that I would happily pay more.
(4)Jacqueline C.
Did not live up to expectations. Ramen was not very chewy. Broth did not have the rich flavor that ramen is known for. Miso paste was a nice touch, but kind of reminded me of the taiwanese minced meat.
(3)Priyanka E.
Welcome about to super quick service to super tasty ramen to super quick checkout Vegetarians- Wasabi Shoyu- only ramen option but I held on to that last little ounce of soup.. Delicious!!!
(5)Kathleen C.
Umph. I have got to have my ippudo pork buns it's similar to a peiking duck bun except with a nice fatty piece of pork and crunchy lettuce with a mayo sauce. The spicy akamaru ramen is nice too. Not as thick and laced with lard (which is a good thing) as Mitsuwa's ramen but it's nice and salty and savory. The downside is the inevitable 45min wait for a table and the $15 price just for a bowl of ramen and 3 friggin dollars just for an egg. And the slice of meat the ramen has isn't salty enough (at least for my tastes).
(4)Lotus T.
I've been searching for ramen just like they make in Japan.. Still not there yet! But this place was awesome. Got here around 4:50pm and the line was reaching two storefronts over. As soon as it hit 5pm, we were filed in and seated right away. Felt very welcomed as they greet each guest as you're walking in with loud japanese hellos. Service was amazing, not once was my water empty. They were very attentive and friendly. I got the Akamaru modern which was more of a peppery soup base. We also got pork buns, cucumber thing, fried chicken and scallops. This came out to $90 with 25% tip. I tip 25% on exceptional service. The pork bun was made with pork belly so there was the added fattyness for a juicy flavor. The buns were texture perfect. Cucumber thing was refreshing to have after the pork bun and fried chicken. Chicken is very juicy, not dry at all. Scallops were just right, I would definitely eat it with the pepper on the side and not too much sauce to overpower the scallop. I was overall very satisfied with the service, environment and food. I recommend!!
(5)Tammy W.
We were lucky to get to Ippudo at 6:15 on a Wednesday and endure only a 15 min wait. I know, right?! Damn. What a hip joint. We really enjoyed the 2 for 1 sapporos (3$ each *jaw drop*) at the bar. There's club music playing which would be cheesy anywhere else but they pull it off here. We were ushered to a long community table with dim lighting and cool branch thingies coming out of the middle. The service there is impeccable, there isn't a designated server so any dude you flag down will help you out. the ramen was not the best i had. we both got the Akamaru ramen with the special umami miso paste. I wasn't a huge fan of the super skinny noodles but the broth was super complex and ON POINT Unfortunately i'm a big fan of toppings and the ramen was lacking it, unless you wanted to pay for extra. At 15$ a bowl, it was a bit steep for what we got. The free green tea afterwards was a nice touch. I hear there appetizers are really good, so all around, its a sweet spot for a date, but would probably not make a point to return if i was craving ramen and definitely not if I had to wait longer than 20 minutes.
(4)Tommy K.
My favorite ramen in NYC. I usually order the KARAKA MEN with a poached egg, and for $2 more another serving of noodles if you have enough broth left over. The broth is rich, and the noodles are hard yet chewy. Still one of the best places for ramen. Get there early and eat in small groups, like 2 or else wait longer. Even lunch is about a 20-25 min for solo dining. So many places pop but they lack the rich broth and some are just too salty.
(4)Christine L.
First time here. The reviews are right about this place! One of the best ramens I've had! I came in before the lunch crowd, so there was only a 5-10 minute wait. I ordered the pork buns and the Akamaru Modern ramen($15) and added the soft boiled egg($2). Pork buns: Best I've ever had! So tasty and soft. A must order! Akamaru Modern: I can't compare it to the others, but this is the more garlicy flavor one. Broth is packed with flavor. Noodles are not too soft, not too hard. I loved everything in it. Only bad thing I would have to say would be the price. It's worth the price, but I don't think I could afford to have a $20 lunch all the time.
(4)Gilson C.
This place is great. The staff here is so welcoming. They really get the Japanese environment down. The food is amazing! The pork buns are great, and so is the ramen of course. This ramen is definitely the best I've ever had. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)Armee J.
Such a happening spot, it's a must to Try the Ramen here, I tried the chicken bun so crunchy and tasty. The akusura ramen is so tasty, I added chili paste to Give it a spice and its the right thing to do. Enjoyed every bite. Highly recommend this place
(5)Jim Z.
I do not remember being here but according to my credit card receipt I tipped well enough so it must be good.
(5)Debbie C.
My fiance recommended I stop by. I honestly didn't enjoy my ramen that much. I liked my octopus appetizer a lot more. Maybe something wrong with my taste buds? :(
(3)Will C.
This is probably the best ramen I have had after trying a few of those top rated ramen places in california. We came as a group of 3 at 7:20 Friday night and had to wait 2 hours before we got seated at a community table. We went to spot dessert bar as we waited for this place I got the classic hakata ramen while two other friends got the miso flavored ones. I liked the classic soup, not too thick and not too thin, and flavorful enough. I tried the miso one and thought it was too salty but my friends said they liked theirs better. So I guess it all depends on how salty and strong flavored you like your ramen. I also really liked the texture of noodles. Its so well done. A friend asked for more noodles and our server insisted on getting the extra hard noodle( the regular one is medium hard) and I honestly liked the regular ones better. Didn't get anything else here as we came here after getting spot because of the long wait here... I would definitely recommend coming to this ramen shop if you are in nyc. Worth the hype!
(5)Yury F.
One of the best Ramen places I've ever been! Went there last weekend with my girlfriend. Ordered Hotate Yaki (Scallops) and Hirata Pork Buns (yummy!) for appetizers. Carafe of Ippudo Nigori (unfiltered white sake) for drinks. Special Chesapeake Tonkotsu Ramen and Akamaru Modern Annin Tofu for dessert. Everything tasted amazing, and waiter was very helpful. Will definitely go there again. It's a bit pricey but very well worth the visit, highly recommended!
(5)Ashley O.
The Pork buns are AMAAAAZIIING! Also, every time I come here I tend to be attracted to the Karaka men! My fav!! One day I will try something else, but that is my fave for now. I am writing this review now though because (we're from Boston and have had Ippudo about 4 times now. Everytime we make a trip to NY Ippudo is a must.) Also, this time my husband and I actually got a spot at the bar, and our bartender was Christian. He is a great, down-to-earth guy. We loved him! He was really accommodating and knowledgeable. They were out of the particular whiskey they used for their manhattans, but he recommended another very good whiskey that my husband thoroughly enjoyed. I loved my drink as well! I had the Cherry Blossom. Delightfully sweet and light! (I would've had more but I had been drinking prior.) Christian was also very easy to talk to, and he is someone I will always look for when we come back to NY!! Thank you Christian!
(5)Ivy H.
This is still one of my favorite ramen spot whenever I'm craving for a bowl of authentic ramen. I gave it a 2 star because I feel the taste of the broth has changed. Since this is an extremely busy eatery, all the waiters and waitresses weren't really pay attention to us. It was not a comfortable experience returning my favorite spot after craving it for months.
(2)Jesse Y.
Came here late last Friday at around 11PM. They seated us (party of 2) in roughly 15 minutes which was great. Personally, the waiters speaking Japanese in poor accents is a little tacky for me, however it's a cool experience. The pork buns were delicious and very well made. Definitely recommended. Got the spicy ramen which is pretty spicy so if you're not a spice fan, avoid it. The noodles were OK but the broth was excellent. However, as I was still finishing my broth, a waiter came by and asked if he could clear the plates. I said yes to the plates (they were appetizer plates) but then he grabbed the bowl of broth as well. He put the plates inside the bowl but when I said I hadn't finished, he replied "oh... well they didn't touch." I understand that this may have been some miscommunication however afterwards, I asked twice for a refill of drinks and we never got it. You'd think the waiter would try and make up for the mistake with some better service. Overall, food was good, but not out of this world/as authentic as you'd expect for a price of $15 a bowl. Service felt very rushed even at a slow time (there were empty seats) so I can't imagine what it's like during peak hours. Won't be returning but glad to have finally tried it, and glad we didn't wait hours.
(3)Susan Z.
It's always packed and my friends keep telling me to try out this ramen joint but I never got a chance. Waiting for a table takes an hour or more. Maybe that's why people rate that place really high because they've waited for 1 hour after thinking that they were hungry. When the ramen finally arrives after being seated and ordering, eating it like a starved being can make anything taste amazing. I didn't like my take-out ramen from this place. It wasn't worth the price because instant ramen taste better. It had a odd bitter after taste. The meat and the egg was cooked perfectly and seasoned really well. I'm amazed that they seasoned the boiled egg. But the noodles were so hard. I got heart burn after eating it. They gave me less than half a quart of soup. I like to eat with a spoon and have soup and noodles together but I was unable to since there wasn't enough soup. I don't understand other people's review for this place. Probably eating at the restaurant is different from the take-out experience. Must be the environment. My friends got me the take-out and I've never stepped foot into the place before.
(2)Jessica S.
Awesome ramen experience. Everything has been said about this place and it's all accurate. The wait is worth the meal.
(4)Yannie E.
Been wanting to try Ippudo out for a while now. After being turned off by their wait time multiple times this past Winter, we decided that it only made sense to tough it out and see what the whole rave was about. This time we got there earlier than usual and the wait was a little over an hour for dinner. Anticipating good ramen, a little part of me suspect that it might just very well be overhyped like other popular hot spots. We were seated at the bar with an open kitchen. Apps: -tuna tartare -octopus wasabi Main: -Akamaru ramen -Tori ramen Dessert: -milli crepe 4 star Tuna tartare highly recommended, though their sauce can be a little overpowering in my opinion, seemingly masking the taste of tuna and other magics on the plate. 3 star Octopus wasabi: not the best I've had, I would skip it. 5 stars Akamaru ramen and Tori ramen have both the best broth ever. Perfectly seasoned all the ingredients come together not too salty either. Not a fan of their ramen noodles though. I am used to the thicker ramen noodles that has more of a bounce to it, and Ippudo was serving a thinner ramen which in my opinion lacks the kick of conventional ramen. Ordered a side of soft boiled eggs +$2 def worth it, boiled to just the right consistency of yolk, and obvious that it's been soaked in miso sauce for taste, which I love. We ended up ordering a side of the noodles because we were dedicated to fill our tummies up the roof. Milli crepe (4stars) Service: 5 stars attentive, helpful, though can be a little pushy at times, it's understandable with the wait outside. Food: overall 5 stars Decor and ambience: 4 stars with staff engaging in welcoming new customers and pitching their orders in. Thank you for the great food Ippudo, you have lived up to the hype.
(5)Lona Z.
There's a huge wait for the dinner shift, my family and I showed up shortly after 5 and got a table right away. Apparently a line will form even before they open so get there early. The meal is a bit pricey...we had four bowls of ramen and two servings of pork bao, our bill hit well over a hundred....I mean...ITS NOODLES. I'm not a fan of ramen usually so I might be biased. But that's absurd. It was actually a good bowl of noodles too, good flavour, not overwhelmingly fatty or salty. The soft boiled egg was leaning toward medium boiled, not the best I've had. The pork buns were AMAZING. I would've traded my bowl of ramen for another serving of buns. Anyway, the point being, it was super pricey. The staff was well-trained and very friendly. If the price went down I'd definitely come back.
(3)Kristine V.
We went on a Friday night and it was packed but the wait wasn't too bad if you order a drink at the bar. We got 2 Sapporo (Japanese Beers) and wait about 20-30 minutes which I hear is not that bad considering they told us it was supposed to be 45-1hr. So once we actually sat down which was communal seating so you may be seated next to unknown people but it's New York your always going to meet new people which makes the experience all the more fun. Plus the ambience and decor of this place is really amazing. You'll find something cool to look at in any direction. Appetizer - Hirata Chicken Wings $7 Fried chicken wings (3pc) glazed with Ippudo's special black pepper sauce but ordered extra piece for $2 which is kind of pricey for wings but I was so delicious we couldn't resist. Main Ramen Dish - Shiromaru Hakata Classic $15 The original silky "Tonkotsu" (pork) soup noodles topped with pork loin chashu, sesame kikurage mushrooms, menma, red pickled ginger, and scallions. We also ordered a special that was not on their main menu but we preferred they're famous classic ramen dish. I have to say this was by far the best Ramen soup I've ever had and I'm not really a big soup/ramen person so it was that good. Plus the servers are really nice and attentive. The food came out in good time. Overall this was a great food experience for me and my friend and the service and decor made it even better. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have the best ramen experience ever. So I give it 5 stars and I will be going back to try more of their other dishes.
(5)Sandra M.
I ordered the shiromaru hakata ramen and vegetable "pork" buns--OMG, sooooo good! Service is attentive and fast.
(5)Foodie C.
Last couple times lost its charms for following reasons ; - Having major Diarrhea after eating here - portion has reduced comparing to previous times - Quality seem no longer there, price doesn't justify, after having stomach issues, I am questioning everything I consumed here and decided never to return, considering this is not my first time having stomach issues after eating here Service : not impressive, asked questions about noodles, server response was, I'll come back when you ready.. How about just informing the customer?? Yucky overall --
(2)Polina S.
Delicious ramen. I had the modern and my friend the traditional. Neither are spicy and have different flavors. The pork was perfect! Also interesting appetizer specials and good sake selection. Service is sublime and it's cool to see the whole restaurant run by young people.
(5)Veni N.
From the perspective of an Indian growing on Maggi and Top ramen(Indian version of Ramen) from younger days, Ippudo's Ramen broth is an ultimate divine experience. I wanted to get their spicy version. But since my bf ordered it, i ordered their famous Akamaru Modern which is less spicy but u can feel some much flavour. If they just give it as a soup, i will eat that as breakfast and dinner.
(5)Jenn C.
The place is nicely decorated. My favorite part of my Ippudo meal was the pork buns appetizer. It reminded me of the Chinese crispy duck with sweet sauce from Chinese restaurants. For Lunch, I had one of the spicy ramens with pork. I did not put in all the spices thinking it might be too much. I was right about that. Some of the most important ingredients of the ramen, like the pork or egg, were actually add-ons! That surprised me because for the price of the base ramen I would certainly think that it included the meats. Even as add-ons the pork pieces were not enough for me. My friend having been there before ordered "extra" pork for her ramen. Service was good, I thought. My friend told me they won't wrap your leftovers so I was sad and annoyed about that. The noise level was high for lunch time. I would have preferred upbeat but not loud party music. Overall, I like this place and I'm glad for the experience but I won't come back.
(3)Kimmi V.
I've been a frequent customer for about 2 years now -- I'm never disappointed. Get the Karakamen if you're into something a bit spicy. Otherwise, go with the Akamura Modern. Add an egg to both. Divine! Also, obviously get the pork buns, duh. Preferably two orders in addition to ramen. Maybe I just eat a lot. The wait is longer here than Westside, and the menu's a bit different too. Get the Duck sukiyaki (?) if you want. They don't have it up at 51st. 5 stars, always!
(5)Sheryl K.
This is by FAR my new favorite spot for ramen! I don't remember the name of which ramen my fiancé and I had ordered but I loved the flavor of the broth and the noodles had a great texture and flavor. The black pepper wings were really good but the pork belly buns were the BEST I've ever had. I found myself thinking about them for a few days after. My fiancé would also randomly say to me, "Oh man, how good were those pork buns!" They were that good. The lychee soda was also yummy. The atmosphere was really nice too! I never write reviews, but I would have felt bad if I didn't because everything was so enjoyable!
(5)Edward J.
If you like ramen, this place will alter your expectations of others in North America. This will be the benchmark by which others are gauged. Make you go early as the line ups start well before opening.
(5)Aleks K.
For starters, we had no wait to our total surprise. We walked in to a loud, hustling restaurant expecting to have to turn around and go elsewhere and instead we got seated at the counter right away. We ordered the fried chicken buns and a ramen to split. The buns were soft with spicy, crunchy chicken. Loved those and wished there were more of them in a $9 order. We chose the spicy ramen, added soft boiled egg. Broth was good, noodles were soft but less chewy than I thought they'd be. Overall, a belly filling, warming meal in the middle of our trip through the city. I would return if I didn't have to wait. The atmosphere is hectic, the employees yell things to each other and greetings (I'm guessing since it's foreign) at diners as they enter the dining room. Price for what we ate was decent. $32 with tip.
(4)Tom N.
Great ramen spot but I would never wait more than 1 hour for anything. I was lucky to go on a off time so only waited 20 mins so WIN. Great place to take a out of towner. Ramen was really good, good portions, and solid pricing. Missing one time because of the long wait but besides that awesome ramen spot. Not sure if it's the best doe. Make sure you get the combos. Especially during lunch. One love!
(4)Dan K.
So this place should be known as Ippudo: I Wait. Get ready to wait hour plus if your not one of the first 10 groups in line right when they open. I honestly don't understand the hype of this place. It's glorified ramen that doesn't taste like the ramen of ma dreams. My first issue with it is them noodles. They are not regular ramen noodles, maybe these are the more traditional ones but I felt like I was eating a korean noodle dish not japanese. These noodles are stiffer and do NOT soak up the broth up in its spores. Meaning the taste is in unison, instead you get two very distinct tastes of noodle and broth. And we all know a house divide don't stand doe! The broth was pretty good, but seriously broth shouldn't be that hard to mess up anywhere you go. Moving on to the pork buns... they were pretty darn good. The ingredients in it were very simple, but the meat was higher quality than that of bao haus... having that said pork is the cheapest of all meats especially belly. Taste was right on but you gotta have dough to enjoy doe. The price was steep. When you really think about the ingredients and the type of food you have here it doesn't measure up to the cost. Think- broth is cheap as heck especially when making it in mass amount, sauces, pork belly, lettuce... The interior was nice and super boogie and the service was pretty fast and dope too, except dat wait time. Yeah I don't think it's worth it.
(2)Jennifer P.
It has been a long time since I've been to a restaurant and the wait staff has been so rude. I have worked in restaurants for many years and never in my life have I asked someone to leave after an hour and fifteen minutes when they had ordered multiple courses and still had beer left, so that I could re-seat the table. But this is what happened tonight. There is plenty of good ramen in NYC. I wont be going back.
(1)Iman R.
The pork belly bun is out of this world. I would go back just for another order of those. The Akamaru Ramen was pretty good. If it could've had a little more heat it would've been great. I personally prefer the more crunchy noodles Totto serves. This is a popular place so understandably there is a wait before you get seated. I really liked the lower than normal seats, made the whole meal feel more intimate.
(4)Janet L.
Mmmmmmmmmm. Pork buns? Delicious. Chicken buns? Pass them ovaaaa. Ramen? OMG YESSSHHHHHHH! Thinking about it gets me all hyped again... Knock it down a star because of the price but other than that, I would come back to splurge and probably get the same thing, haha. I got the ramen (with the soft boiled egg, of course) and it was devineee!! The buns were delicioussss. My parents enjoyed the pork more than the chicken. However, I think the chicken was really good, juicy and just the right amount of crunch. Definitely worth a try! If I had to do it again, I'll probably get the ramen, with the egg #duh but skip on the buns. 2 for $9? Come on bruh.
(4)Josefine C.
I came here for the first time tonight after hearing so much about it and my expectations where exceeded! This place has food that I had never tasted before, like pork buns, which now is one of my favorite appetizers! Delicious! The place is really trendy and the staff greets you in Japanese which adds to the Japanese feeling. My first experience here so superb! I will definitely come back here!
(5)Dylan W.
I lived in japan for the last 7 years and just moved to new york. I loved ramen in Japan. This restaurant is the only ramen place I've found so far in nyc that I recognize from tokyo (what I mean is it is the same chain, one that I've been to in both countries). Kind of weird they don't sell gyoza here though. That's like a pizza place without breadsticks or something. It would be even better if you paid with a vending machine or at the register on the way out but, oh well we're in America. Great food - line is kind of long though.
(5)Fionna C.
Heard so many great things about this place so I went in with high expectations. We ended up finishing our bowls super fast. The broth was good but I felt like I could still eat some more afterwards. I love the interior. It's super cute with the famous bowls on the wall, but their seating had these cute sofa chairs. The service was good but towards the end it felt like they were rushing us to leave ASAP. Yes, there are lots of people waiting, but that's never an excuse to make your customers feel like you're wanting them out. Overall the ramen was good and I definitely recommend! :)
(4)Vivian L.
I love Ippudo! The ramen is definitely one of the best in NYC but the pork buns stole the show! Came here with a party of 2 and was seated immediately. Staff is fun and friendly, would love to come back again.
(5)Dee D.
whenever i choose to eat japanese, i always go for sushi. this is actually the first time i've ever had ramen outside of my home. it tasted great. the texture of the noodles were nice and chewy and definitely very fresh. i had the ramen with pork chashu (akamaru modern) and the special soft boiled egg ($2 extra). expensive but very tasty. my friends and i shared a bowl of edamame (not worth the $7 as you can get that anywhere else for less, but tastes good as you can't actually make bad edamame), a plate of marinated filet sushi (tasty, but it wasn't worth the money - it was very tiny), and for dessert - sweet almond tofu custard with black sesame gelato (this was fantastic). the downfall to this place is that the wait time is 1.5 hrs and up (we waited 2 hrs) and they don't take reservations. will return one day as the food is good, but because of the long wait, it'll be awhile. bottom line: if you're willing to wait, skip the apps and go for the ramen and dessert.
(4)Chris K.
Five stars for the pork buns!! They do it the best out of everywhere I've been. The ramen is good too but honestly I go for the buns. Just get the buns, don't argue with me!! ...the wait though...try going to the new location on the UWS, it's exactly as good. Don't do that stupid halal guys type I-must-go-to-the-original-location-or-else-it's-Ânot-as-good b.s., it's EXACTLY the same food.
(5)Kat H.
Great ramen! Not to mention my love for the pork buns. Only downside is the wait. 45-an hour is fairly common unfortunately.
(4)Ran W.
The hakumaru ramen tastes good; the akamaru ramen is really the hakumaru plus some soy sauce and spice. But both of them are delicious. It is a little bit too noisy and it's really hard to hear your partner talking.
(4)Gianna W.
The food was great and the service was super enjoyable.. once you pass the wait and crowd that is squished in the lobby area. At least there is a bar and you can get a drink or 2 before you are seated. The price is a bit high but you get what you pay for. I can tell they care about their ingredients. You can also physically see the cooks making your meal. The cooks also look like they work harmoniously and know their stuff. Pork buns are amazing btw!
(4)Rj K.
amazing pork buns and amazing Ramen!! The Ramen is sooo good..I think theyre better than toto ramen but my brother likes toto better. Either way, you cant go wrong.
(4)Cary T.
Yo this place is the jam. ALWAYS a wait, but well worth it once you're inside. Good beer. Good ramen. Do it.
(5)Elizabeth P.
So nomtastic. I still drool thinking about their pork buns. I've never had such delicious pork buns. Not ever! It just melts in your mouth. The ramen, of course, is bomb diggity. Please be aware that you may have to wait like 30 min. in line depending on what time of the day you go. But trust me, it's worth the wait :) Can't wait to go back when I'm back in NY!
(5)Stephanie Y.
Soo soo happy with this place. My only wish was if it could be a little less busy so that I don't have to wait forty minutes for a table. Butttt that just goes to show how good it is here. Came with my boyfriend for his first meal in the city. We were hoping to see if I could meet the match of our favorite ramen restaurant back in San Diego. He got the akamaru modern ramen and I got the first ramen on the menu (forgot what it was called). They both came with thin noodles originally and when we got kaedeem we got to choose if we wanted thick or thin. The broth is so rich here and the major plus for me was that it wasn't too salty like a lot of other ramen places. The service here is also pretty spot on considering how busy it is. They do an announcement as you walk into the restaurant and are generally pretty attentive. They also give you a cup of tea. Highly recommend.
(4)Nick B.
So dank. Doesn't get much better. The vegetarian steamed buns were incredible and the ramen is really delicious. I'm not big into waiting (met my friends there) but this place is worth it.
(5)Clarence C.
very delicious
(5)Alex C.
Terrible ramen. Totto is sooo much better. The noodles were to soggy and I wanted wavy noodles for miso ramen, but the waiter insisted I had to get the wasabi vegetarian ramen. They both tasted like crap. Thanks for taking my money.
(1)Jay B.
This place never fails to disappoint. Service is always excellent. Food is always great. It's a bit expensive but always with it. The hirata buns are definitely what keep me coming the most. The ramen is always on point. They average out to $14 dollars for a bowl of ramen. But it is worth it. Cause you will be full. You can add boiled eggs or mor pork for $1 each. You get that and an appetizer, you won't have room for desert. Don't know much about the drinks since I go for the food. This place is busy at all times. They get 4 stars only because the wait is always long. If only you can reserve. But you can't at either locations. This is their first restaurant... they have opened a new one recently. The other one is on the west side on 51st street. You should expect a wait at peak times for dinner between 5-10pm. They close at 11pm mostly. The wait time around that time will always be 45-2hrs wait. So plan ahead and just reserve a spot in person cause you can't do it by phone. But it is always worth the wait.
(4)Lisa D.
Delish and fun. I LOVE noodle soups and miss having veggie options - the vegetarian ramen here is amazing. If you're lucky, there will be shrimp buns on the special list, those are unreal.
(4)Victoria L.
Oh man.. I can't tell you how many times I waited in line for at least an hour to eat ramen at this place. They don't take reservations and it's insanely popular, especially during the dinner rush so make sure you have lots of time if you plan on eating here. I will tell you one thing, though: it's totally worth the wait. The only ails I have about this place is the price, it's about $15 for a bowl of ramen, then factor in $2 toppings, totaling about $17-20 for one person! I think that's kind of stretching it.. but it is New York.. and it is very delicious.. so I guess I can see where they're going with this, but still! I also really appreciate their vegetarian ramen option, Wasabi Shoyu Ramen. Often times, it's hard to find dishes that don't include meat, so kuddos to them for remembering to include it. I also really like that they update their dessert menu often, it says that they're creative and not afraid to be adventurous and take risks.
(4)Steve K.
I just thought we should have been treated better. So to start at the end... I ended up having a cold pork bun (my wife snuck it out for me) at the hotel and it was yummy. It would have been better warm. I also ended up sitting outside of the restaurant on the concrete with my 5 year old, eating a slice of pizza and watching an episode of The Office on my phone. We had bookmarked this place (we were on vacation in the city) and were excited to come. We were able to get a table pretty quickly (it was that odd 3 o'clock hour) and upon getting there told the lady bringing us back that one of my kids would not be eating there. We were holding his slice of pizza in plain sight along with a bag of chips. We sat and the waiter asked if we were ready to order and we told him we'd need a minute and once again, let him know that one my kids would not be eating (he was already eating his bag of chips). Another waiter came by and we ordered some buns before ordering anything else. He returned to give us some plates and we told him, again, one of our kids would not be eating with us and we brought his food (by now it's on the table in very, very, very plain site). A few minutes later, the buns come out and the waiter tells us, "We have a strict policy for no outside food." I understand the policy kind of. It is the right of the restaurant to have this policy. My issues with that day was, WHY ARE YOU TELLING US NOW!!! We have ordered. We are sitting. We've had 3 employees aware of the Pizza on the table. Since nobody enforced the policy until we ordered... can you cut us some slack? Can you cut my child some slack? We asked for an exception because we were not told until the food came out (we did not keep it a secret b/c we believe that's not fair to the restaurant) about the policy. We were told again the same. So I ended up outside on the sidewalk eating a slice of pizza with my son trying to explain to him what happened and why. Not easy to explain to a 5 year old. I told him I was sorry that his Dad was angry, but not at him. I told him the restaurant is not wrong in not letting him eat pizza there. I told him there is nothing wrong with him eating anything different. That's about as much as I could explain to him. I respect the policy. I don't respect the restaurant and how they handled their own policy.
(1)Mike R.
Best. Ramen. Ever. Period. Okay, so there's always a wait. That usually means a place is worth it. And in this case, it is. But if you go at lunch, early, you'll have no problem getting in for the best pork buns and ramen you've ever had. Trust me. I know you. All of you. That's why I can say that.
(5)Nick L.
Always wanted to try this place, so I finally got the chance to when I traveled to NY for a day. I've had my fair share of ramen and I would have to say, Ippudo lived up to the hype. Overview: 2nd best ramen I have ever had, only behind Ramen Dojo in CA. You know a dish is great when you eat it and your only natural instinct is to close your eyes and take in the depth of flavors happening inside of your mouth. This rarely happens for me, but I have to say, it occurred when eating the ramen here. Best Dish: Akamaru Modern ($15) and Hirata Pork Belly Buns (2 for $9) Tips: Long lines, be prepared to wait! Wait inside and frequently check on your remaining wait time, as many people cancel if the wait is too long. Ambiance: Came on a Sunday night around 6:30 pm with a party of 2. Was told the wait would be 1-1.5 hours, but ended up getting seated within 45 minutes due to cancellations! Great decor, slightly loud, and it was smart of them to put a bar at the waiting area. Service: All servers greeted us in Japanese when seated and leaving. Attentive waiters constantly came by to fill up our water and to ask if we needed anything every few minutes. Food: My party and I got 2 of the Hirata Pork Belly Buns, a Shiromaru Hakata Classic, and an Akamaru Modern. While expensive, quality definitely showed in these dishes. The buns consisted of the perfect texture of stickiness and fluffiness, while the pork belly melted in our mouths. After trying both ramens, I must say that the Akamaru was better by far. It is the same as the Classic, but the big difference was that the Modern comes with a dollop of their original spicy miso paste and black garlic oil, which made the soup a lot more flavorful. Also, I am not sure if this is standard, but the chashu that came in the Modern was a lot more fatty and tender than those in the Classic. Additionally, the fact that you would have to pay for additional toppings, such as for a nitamago (seasoned salt boiled egg), which normally comes with the ramen in some other shops, made the high price hard to justify. Conclusion: Really great ramen but a bit pricey. Definitely worth a try along with the pork buns if you have the patience to wait.
(4)Mary C.
I thought this was going to be another over-hyped and over-priced restaurant in NYC with ridiculous waiting times. I was wrong... The food, ambiance, and staff were stellar. I could not have been more satisfied. We avoided the obnoxious line by getting there really early. The restaurant closes from 3:30-5PM to transition for dinner. We got there around 4:30PM and were one of the first people online. By 5PM, the line was already around the corner! I know it's crazy to have dinner so early, but that's the only way we would ever get a table without waiting 1 hour or more!
(5)Ying Y.
The best thing about Ippudo is the service! When you enter in they great you so warmly, it makes the impending wait completely worth it. Although, I found that going early afternoon is a sure way to avoid the lines! I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of more vegetarian/non-pork ramen options. I realize that most ramen broths are pork-based, but I expected more options from this world-famous place! However, their wasabi-based broth was good-just a little bit too much on the salty side. I really enjoy the texture of their noodles and the bamboo shoots that they add.
(4)Cat H.
The food - The broth of the Shiromaru Hakata Classic was decent but you can definitely get better ramen for under $10 - not to mention, a bigger portion. For $15 I would expect at least a soft boiled egg, and not for an additional $2! The pork was also a bit dry and thinly sliced. The green tea, on the other hand, was probably one of the better ones I have had served to me in a Japanese restaurant. The environment - loud and hectic. The waiter rudely asked me twice if I was done with my bowl, making my meal seem rushed. Overall, I did not think it was worth the money!
(3)Tom M.
Absolutely the best Ramen I've ever tasted. On top of that, the appetizers and ambience was through the roof. My whole family loved it here and being from Hawaii, I thought no one had better Japanese food than Hawaii. I was wrong and will visit this restaurant again before we go home. This place should be rated a whole lot higher. Thanks for the best meal we've had all trip. Aloha
(5)Giao C.
I had the pork belly buns and classic tonkatsu ramen. Both were excellent. The buns were fresh and fluffy. The pork belly tasty, not too sweet, and melted in your mouth. The ramen broth was deep and flavourfull. The extra egg is a must have. Note that this place is a eat and pay up place. Dont expect to sit around and chat over a sake or a pot of tea. You will get the bill quickly after finishing your food. Come for the food and find another place to talk.
(5)La G.
If you want to eat a true Ramen it's THE place. Don't go if you don't like to wait before being seated. The funny thing is you can scream a magic word and the serve you more noodle before the end of your Ramen (be careful you have to have enough soup). Loved it
(5)Dan K.
5 star food but minus one for insane waits. But it's not so bad if you get a beer and pork buns at the bar.
(4)Paul P.
There are definitely better places in the city for ramen. It's not bad and the pork bun are very good as well, but it's over-hyped.
(3)Dave N.
I visited from out of town and had the pork bund and some noodles. The option to fill the broth with more noodles for just over a dollar was great. That really filled me up. The pork buns my wife still talks about to this day. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. This is one of the best restaurants I've eaten at. If I ever come back to New York Shitty, you'll find me here.
(5)Aakash P.
I personally think this place is good, but a bit overrated. I've been a couple times and I tend to leave thinking I've waited too long and overpaid for a meal which isn't much different from other ramen places in NYC. The lines is extremely long in the evening, as this is one of the many NY places people have on their list as a must-go in new york city. Check out the Hirata Chicken Buns and the Tori Ramen! The noodles are fresh and the broth is rich. With the ramen, def get the Bakudan sauce, an original Ippudo hot sauce. Worth dropping by once if you are in the area and the line isn't too long, but if your are looking for an amazing ramen, I don't think place provides the best value given the slow service and overpriced items.
(3)Rola R.
This was my first experience at a ramen house. I am a big fan of pho, so I had high expectations for this place but sadly, I don't think I am a ramen girl. I personally thought the ramen wasn't very tasty, probably because I was forced to get vegetarian and I am not a vegetarian. The reason why I had to get vegetarian was because all other options had pork. Like every single other option. For all I know this place operates directly from a pig farm. I mean really? Not one chicken dish? I guess that's just traditional ramen but I would have loved to try a chicken or beef option, maybe I would have enjoyed my meal a little more. The wait is SUPER long so make sure to arrive early. There's also not much place to sit and wait so you should give them your number and go somewhere nearby. The three stars are mostly for the creative decorations and the ambiance.
(3)Vanessa E.
I want to start by saying that this review is based on my overall experience, if I was strictly basing my experience on food alone it would be 5+++ stars each time. That being said, I feel that service plays a very strong role in the overall dining experience and unfortunately this time, the incompetent hostesses really brought this down so much. I know that Ippudo is an institution so I always go in expecting a long wait. My friend conveniently lives upstairs so she went down around 6 pm to put our name in. She was quoted no more than a half hour. Now, the wait has never been that short so we were all excited. 20 minutes later she is alerted that our table was almost ready. This is when things get weird, we hear nothing for another half hour so we go downstairs and the hostesses (3 OF THEM BY THE WAY) have seemed to have lost our spot somehow. Its now been an hour, fine. We are told they are cleaning our table and it will be 5 minutes. A half hour later, I shit you not, we are still waiting. No apologies, no explanation. None of the hostesses look like they know what's going on whatsoever and have nothing to say to us, they even glare and look like they are whispering to each other, never an easy feeling. We end up waiting 2.5 hours and watch about 4 other parties of 4 being set before us, some of which definitely came in after we did! The only thing that I can think of is that they think we are tourists and that we should feel privileged to have secured a spot at all (we have lived in NYC for 4 years, so we are far from tourists). Most of you are probably thinking by now, why we didn't just leave, but if you have ever experienced the pork buns and Akamaru Modern ramen, then you will know that once you are set on eating Ippudo, then there is no turning around. I have been here many times and in fact, I bring all of my out of town visitors because I feel so strongly about how amazing this place is. I have never experienced this sort of treatment before and it was really startling and upsetting as well. I have somewhat disregarded the rave reviews of other ramen places around the city because I truly though that nothing could beat Ippudo, I am certainly rethinking this and will definitely be on the lookout for a new ramen spot. The server was nice, the food amazing as always, but the initial 2.5 of bull shit really weighed in on our overall experience. Truly disappointing.
(2)Alex T.
5 stars minus 1 star because of overpriced...... HECK 5 STARS REGARDLESS BECAUSE ITS SO GOOD. Hands down the best ramen every. I have been here over a dozen times. Be prepared for a very very long wait during peak hours so I suggest you go during weekdays and before noon. The ambience of the place is just very cozy for some reason. Staff are very friendly. When you go get seated to your tables, a bunch of staff just shout out some greeting in japanese. The decorations of the place is pretty good with the kitchen in the back/side. I always get the akamaru modern with a soft boiled egg and extra noodles. The other choices are very good too. The broth is creamy and savory, very very flavorful. Even If I just ate 15 minutes ago, I always end up finishing it all no matter what. Their noodles are cooked so perfect that even if sat in the broth for a while, it will still remain chewy and not get soggy. The pork buns are delicious too. Very juicy and just melts in your mouth!
(5)Barbara D.
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place. Although, this is only the second or third time here. Great idea for a date night... as it was where we went last night. I wouldn't have thought about ramen for summer, but somehow, it just worked. Things to know... as if the other 6,000 reviews wouldn't tell you... there's going to be a wait. Expect it, plan on it, and it's legitimately about that amount of time. However, EV/USQ offers a ton of great options to occupy your time while you wait. Got the spicy wasabi this time and added in the pork. Great choice. My date got the Bara Bing... which was totally not what we expected, but fantastic also. Be warned that the noodles are a bit more like a fetticini style than your typical thin ramen. It also comes dry with soup on the side. Started with the shishito peppers, which are always fun. Nice meal that didn't make me leave feeling overstuffed or like I needed to lay down. I've had the pork buns on another occasion and can't say enough good things about them, as well.
(4)Yuz D.
The service was very attentive although staffs screaming Japanese to each other is little bit forceful and not necessary. I get it, they want to create a similar ambiance in Japanese Izakaya type of place. I am from Japan, and I don't feel comfortable hearing them screaming "irasshaimase- (meaning welcome in English)" every time a new customer walks in. Rame noodle was excellent, a bit salty but very tasty. It is on pricey side for ramen noodle but because it is so hard to get an authentic Japanese ramen noodle, I will go back there.
(4)Liza Faye T.
Hirata Pork Buns. Hirata Chicken Wings. Wasabi Shoyu. Karaka Men. Akamaru Modern. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
(5)Amanda L.
This place is pricier than I care for, but jeeeeez those pork buns...
(4)Lauryn T.
Seriously tasty ramen. You may wait a while for it, but it's totally worth it. Get there around 6pm or just before to beat the after work dinner crowd.
(5)Becky C.
Decided to try this place for dinner. Luckily, it was open late and I was starving. Ordered the pork buns and the Akamaru Modern ramen...both were so good. Maybe my hungry stomach made my opinion biased, but the food was definitely enjoyable. I liked looking over to my neighbors to see what they were eating too. The ambiance is pretty nice and mix of modern and asian decor. I would go again if in NY again.
(4)Luke L.
I really do think Ippudo is the best ramen in NYC and like so many others I think the Pork Buns are crack. I find the specials, and many other dishes to be hit or miss. I do love the cucumbers app and the slat and pepper wings. Service is OK, again it can be hit or miss. The wait is often really annoying and I find the staff doesn't know how to mange the line well or give accurate assessments of when your table will be ready. I tend to think its annoying when a restaurant this full all the time won't take reservations. Its seems very inconsiderate to its customers. But the ramen is good enough that I often wait, as so many do!
(4)Katherine W.
After living in Austin for 2 years, I've had a lot of ramen and couldn't wait to try Ippudo. Let me just say the hype is real. The ramen noodles are more on the thin side, and the pork belly is melt in your mouth. If you like pork, and tender chasu, order extra! Ippudo has one of the most tender chasu I have ever tasted in a ramen. The egg was cooked to perfection and the food came out fast. -Restrooms are located at the entrance of the restaurant to stairs down the right.
(4)Patrick J.
Still my favorite place for ramen. Always must get the pork bun. Lines are always bad. Unfortunately the lines are justified. Easily the place you bring people from out of town to try ramen in NY.
(4)Anita L.
Great food. Fast service. Come early so you don't have to wait.
(4)Christina M.
Fast service and great noodles. I love this place!
(3)Wei G.
I had the Akaruma Ramen and Harata Chicken wings. Food in this restaurant is a little bit overpriced that one person spent more than $30. I used to like to go to Ippudo when I was in Japan, but the quality of food in Japan is way Better than its NYC restaurant. Akaruma Ramen should be a spicy soup base after you stir the red sauce, which it's not spicy at total in this store. Harata Chicken wings is a good choice if you like sweet spicy.
(3)Judy K.
I've been here multiple times and I never had a bad experience. The noodles are cooked perfectly so that they remain chewy even when sitting in the broth for a while. As others have mentioned, the akamaru ramen is my favorite but if you're experiencing ramen for the first time, it's best to go with the classic shiromaru. The broth is both milky and savory and all the flavors are well balanced. The broth tastes really complicated and intense, but it's the good kind that makes you wanna slurp down the entire bowl. For most people at the end, they are left with some broth and no noodles. If that's the case, you can order more noodles and your waiter will plop them straight into your bowl of soup. Don't forget to top off your ramen with a soft boiled egg!! If you're feeling a little bit more adventurous, try the new ramen specials they have every week. It changes all the time so you can keep coming back for different bowls of goodness. I've never not liked any one of the specials so whatever sounds the most appealing, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it. The pork buns are also worth the trip. It's quite simple but the sauce that they use really accents the pork belly and the pickle cuts through all the grease for a refreshing finish. I've had pork buns from momofuku, but I think ippudo does it better. It's much more tender and the pork belly literally melts in your mouth. I usually don't like the fatty portion of any meats, but you won't even know its fat because it melts when it hits your tongue. There usually is a long wait if you come during peak hours so come early! When you're walking over to your table, all the chefs and waiters greet you in Japanese which is quite exciting. The only thing is that every time I come, my waiter isn't as attentive because the place is so busy. I understand they can't cater to all my needs, but it is hard to find them when you want their attention.
(4)KwangHoon H.
There's a reason why this place is famous. I had a Shiromaru Hakata Classic few weeks ago. When I tasted a broth, I felt "this is it" There was a very deep pork flavor with silky, milky texture, which is almost close to beef-bone broth. (It means they nailed the broth.) And I could taste the hint of ginger, garlic and the other ingredients inside of the broth. It's a harmony. This is why they don't have any extra seasonings on the table. The noodle was perfectly cooked and soaked little bit of the broth. Cha-shu was melting down on the tongue. However, my missing star goes for Nitamago which have to pay extra 2 dollars and not too special comparing to the broth and noodle. The atmosphere was superb. Little bit fancy,authentic Japanese fusion, beautiful interior.
(4)Leo O.
The soup and the noodles are good, not too oily but not worth the long wait. Char siu that's comes with the ramen is not good.
(3)Michelle N.
This place is a very unique, strict place, the wait tends to be a little long(we waited an hr), but it's worth it. If there are 3 to a party, all 3 have to be there before being seated. No to-go's and no leftover to-go's, I guess because they are just THAT good. The ramen is hands down the best ramen I have ever had! When I came to New York, it was a must try and the pork bun were sooooooo freakin good! You cannot go wrong with those two! I hope to return again just to eat here again soon, I miss it already. Satisfy my craving!! ):
(5)Amy K.
Solid ramen place. Ippudo is a popular restaurant chain in Japan and this one in the East Village was the first of their overseas restaurants. Nice modern decor, but not traditional Japanese. You'll find a lot of waiters shouting out welcomes and orders in Japanese, but don't expect them to actually understand Japanese. A bit pricey, even for NY standards, but everything is delicious. Definitely go for the tonkotsu ramens: I personally prefer the "shiromaru" white Haka-style ramen. It's great for those wanting something rich and classic. The "akamaru" has a bit more of a kick with the special slightly spicy Ippudo sauce. It can be quite a wait in the evening, especially with larger groups. Go during the week or for lunch to escape the crowds.
(4)Jayrun J.
Apps: Yamitsuki Goma Kyuri & Hirata Buns Ramen: Akamaru Modern & Karaka Men Trust me
(5)E K.
Probably the best ramen south of Union Square. Get the pork buns too
(4)Winnie M.
The Ramen and the pork buns was absolutely delicious , the waiter was supper efficient with his service. Ippudo never make me disappoints. This is the one of my favorite restaurant. If you like Asian small plate dishes and noodle soup,you must go to here. Which is the reason why there is a long wait to seated !
(5)A C.
We all had a great time at Ippudo. Of course, I had a fabulous ramen. We started with the pork buns and ended with green tea ice cream. The service was wonderful and it was a lot of fun seeing the chefs at work in the kitchen as there is a glass partition showing you where the magic happens. Best news: they have a counter! You can pop in for a pork bun fix when you're on your own, easy peasy.
(5)Eli L.
The best ramen I have tried in nyc. When we arrived, they told us it would be a 40 minute wait. However, 5 minutes later they called our name. We were lucky, and we ordered the Chicken Hirata Bun for an appetizer. It was delicious. A soft bun with chicken in a flavorful sauce. For our main course, I ordered Akamaru Modern Ramen, someone else in my party ordered Wasabi Shoyu Ramen, and someone else ordered the Classic Ramen. The Akamaru Ramen was amazing. The broth was hot and flavorful, and the noodles were springy. All the toppings they included were great, and I would even suggest adding an egg on top. The classic also had a great broth and delicous noodles. The Wasabi Shoyu wasn't bad, it I didn't love the broth and I wouldn't order it. Finally, for desert, we ordered the Green Tea Creme Brulee. It had green tea under the sugar crust as well as green tea ice cream above it! A nice way to finish a great meal. I will definitely come back here.
(5)Karen H.
I tried 3 of the ramens the best I liked is the Karaka Men! ( mild spicy one. Not too spicy in my opinion) the Classic Ramen was fine but the soup had a strong Pork scent which I dont personally like. So if you dont really mind a really strong pork scent tried it, you would mostly like it. Also I had to shared table with another group because we were only a party of 3. So come if you dont mind sharing Have to pay extra for toppings that you add to the ramen. You can also add noodles if you finish your Ramen but still feel hungry. They will bring the noodles on a plate and you will put it in your broth and eat it. You can check in first and then go outsite shop or walk around. They will call you or msg you when the table is ready for you. ( so there is no need to wait in the crow with everybody!) P.S they shout out to welcome customers so expect screaming from time to time while you are eating.
(4)Anthony N.
We got lucky on a Sunday around noon and snuck in without a wait. There were people out the door as we finished our meal. Tried the pork bun and it was pretty good. The ramen was good but I wouldn't wait over 30 minutes for it. Fun atmosphere inside. One of the girls with the high pitch voice was kind of annoying though...felt like I was in a Sailor Moon episode with her yelling in my ear for an hour. Should try at least once since it's such a destination spot.
(4)Paul P.
This place is ramen heaven. I ate here three times over the course of a week. The raw octopus in soy sauce is not to be missed!
(5)Annie N.
This is a really popular spot, theres ALWAYS a wait for it no matter what time you come unless you are a party of 1 then you will probably get seated right away, the food is consistent and i think their soup base are really good.. my favorite one is the aka and the wasabi... cant go wrong with either one (maybe i like aka a little more) their pork belly buns are good and the samurai ribs are a must try! the meat slids right off the bone. i would skip on the dessert since there are alot of better places around the area but if you are in the area you should definitely check it out
(4)Katie H.
my boyfriend absolutely loves ramen so we've frequented quite a few ramen places during our time together. as someone who doesn't particularly care for ramen and actually prefers the instant kind over authentic, i don't really see what the hype over ippudo is all about. the waiting time can get rather lengthy because they don't take reservations, their portions aren't that generous (every time we go, my boyfriend gets extra noodles on the side because he's not full), and the food is okay. there hasn't been anything on the menu that i've been dying to try, although i will say their pork buns are good, but not the best i've had.
(3)Yvette F.
I absolutely LOVE Ippudo NY. The food is always delicious and I like sitting at the bar area where I can watch the artistic development of each dish unfold. The staff is warm and friendly, being a frequent diner they know exactly where I like to sit and what I like to eat. The trick question is whether I will have a Lychee Martini or a Sapporo beer.
(5)Ali S.
mmm...pork buns.
(5)Heather L.
Finally tried Ippudo because I've been searching for ramen that compares to Japan. The largest con is the long wait- which I think is half popularity and half for show. If you are by yourself you'll have the best luck to squeeze you in. I also recommend going right when they open around 11 am. I had the classic- and classic it was. The broth was delicious and the noodles cooked perfectly. They were the common size noodles (kind of like spaghetti size) It comes with the pork but I really wanted to try to pork belly. It's a shame though I haven't been able to find a decent bowl at a reasonable price but I guess that's market price for you. If you want bang for your buck- do the lunch special- for just 3 bucks you add a salad and an app.
(4)Deeksha K.
Dear ippudo, I love your food, I crave it almost once a week. I have dreams about the delicious bun you serve. The ramen always takes me to a happy place and you always have the best sake. Can you please start taking reservations or move to a larger space so I don't have to bear the hour long waits and die from the hunger pangs? Sincerel
(4)Christy L.
The ramen here is great but the portion size is pretty small. I definitely prefer Totto Ramen for a solid broth rather than come here. However, I must say that the pork buns here are spectacular!
(4)Jane L.
You should go early so you don't have to wait as long. The staff here is very friendly and professional. I love going to Ippudo with friends who are visiting NYC. I highly suggest the Akamaru Modern with an egg, it's so good! The broth is at just the right temperature and everything about it is delicious.
(5)Miro N.
Quick service, excellent ramen, the broth was fantastic, not salty like the other ramen I've had. It's quite expensive though. The pork bun was good but there was not really any vegetable, the bun itself is soft and excellent.
(4)Ray C.
The pork bun $9 and Ramen $15 were good, but not enough to bring us over again. Esp with at least 1 hr wait. Not sure about the hype, but since we are from toronto. There are couple comparable Ramen places in Toronto.... We had the original and the spicy Ramen, liked the spicy one more, also the edamame was kinda a rip off, $6 with boiled edamame and a plate of salt....
(3)Tim N.
It's all about the Ramen. Beautifully done. I could do without the bitchy host and the incessant cheering from the staff every time a new party enters. But I guess it helps let you know you're about to have food that reaches event status. I got the Akamaru Ramen and chicken buns. Unbelievable. Flawless.
(4)Sonal U.
I went with my date around 10 on a friday and there was 30 min wait! Because everyone waiting looked content and were having drinks at the bar we decided to put our names down and wait. Because the environment was pleasant and the restaurant has interesting decoration the 30 min wait was not bad at all. They take down your number and text you half way to see if you are still there and then text you when your table is ready. Check out the bar counter at the front entrance my Ramen fans! We sat down at a long table with other guests which was pleasant and well spaced out. The decor is simple and beautiful. The service is quick paced and adequate. One thing I noticed- which is hard to miss- is that the scream a lot ( similar to shouting orders across the room but i guess you can get us to it and it becomes a little funny too). VEGETARIANS! there is only ONE dish available for you in terms of main course dish. if you want to try something novel definitely try it out. I paired the vegterain dish with the appetizer peppers and a must have vegetable bun. this vegetable bun is a must have. If i could I would have order 5 of these and be content. BONUS TIP- ask for green tea. It's free and the cup is traditional and adorbs. Cheers and enjoy
(4)Juliette L.
Been here once before and I am tied. I love the ramen, but I hate being there. It is SUPER loud. I could barely hear my own thoughts. It is also VERY pricey. It's also an ETERNAL wait. Unless you're willing to spend your paycheck to take someone out to dinner, I say look for somewhere else to go.
(3)Michael E.
This place is super hyped, My review comes down to one thing: the broth. It's too sweet. I ordered the classic ramen, added egg and pork (like the menu suggested). I did not like it. I also got the raw octopus and brussel sprout apps. They were fine. My gf got the vege ramen, it was also overly sweet.
(2)Jim H.
excellent ramen and pork buns, really cant go wrong here. I was with a group of 9 and we got served appetizers at the front bar while we waited for our table to open up due to some late arriving members of our party. Service was on point, everyone enjoyed their meals.
(5)Sharena C.
when you're craving ramen, this is your go-to place! I guess depending on the time, you can get a table quickly. I went around 2:30 and got a table without waiting at all. the staff is so nice and friendly! you're greeted by everyone and once you leave, the whole staff seems to say goodbye in Japanese to you. this place is also vegetarian friendly so a definite plus! I got the vegetable hirata buns (made from eggplant and eringi). and it was so damn good. it was considered an appetizer, but hell I Could eat a few of those and call it my entree. I also got the wasabi shoyu ramen without the wasabi and it was delicious!
(5)Mariella B.
Ramen here is exactly what you think it will be, delicious! This makes for the place to be super popular and really busy all the time but if you have patience you can have some really good food, worth the wait
(5)Nat P.
All the ramen choices is delicious in my opinion. You really can't go wrong here. But you DEFINITELY should get an order of the pork buns! The wait can be very long and you won't get seated or have your name placed on the wait list until your entire party is here. I tend to come early afternoon and with a party of 2.
(4)Lia L.
Meh overhyped. Ramen was okay. Don't hate me! I mean it had flavor but it lacked toppings. It looked really empty and adding toppings were pretty pricey $2-4. (Picture is of my boyfriends bowl with the egg) My boyfriend said the egg was soft and yolk was gooey. Wasn't a fan of their skinny spaghetti like noodles. I love that the place is very modern and clean. Came around 12pm on Friday and only waited 15 minutes for a table. I probably would have left a lower rating if I waited more than an hour. Overall I'd give it a 3.5.. Maybe a 4 if I tried the pork buns but they were out due to distribution problems.. Sigh next time.
(3)Ami B.
In the world of Ramen you are either a noodle guy or a broth guy. I am a broth guy however, I do appreciate the perfection in noodeling. Ippudo is a solid Ramen place, and worth the hype. Their noodels are cooked to perfection I just wish their broth was a bit more flavorful. If you like broth you may want to try Terakawa Ramen.
(4)Joe C.
I really thought the Ramen is ok. It was good, but definitely not worth the over 1hr wait. In my honest opinion, the buns were better than the ramen itself.
(3)Alisha A.
I absolutely LOVE Ippudo. If I could sleep and breathe it I would. The ramen is delicious, the atmosphere is welcoming and, to me at least, laid back. I have eaten at Momofuku's and I have to say Ippudo has them beat. Don't get me wrong Momofuku's is delicious but doesn't warrant multiple visits or a long wait in line. It's all about the broth, and these guys nailed it. I have only been to the southern location but I hear the one uptown is exactly the same (food wise). Oh and be prepared to wait. I have been there quite a few times and the wait can be anywhere around a half an hour (if you are lucky) to over an hour (which is the norm). I forgot to mention. When it's busy, there are tons of people waiting at the bar so it can get very uncomfortable. I usually head to a near by bar and head back around the time they tell us our seats would be ready. So if you are a claustrophob like me, hang around outside or take a stroll to one of the many near by bars to kill some time.
(5)Chans J.
We loved ippudo so much that we went to ippudo twice during our two days trip to nyc. Will i go to ippudo in my next visit to nyc? 1000% yes!
(5)Quyen V.
I've been here a few times, and on our most recent trip to NYC I chose Ippudo as our very first stop. Literally checked into our hotel, booked it to the subway, and were seated at the restaurant (within probably 30 mins of arriving in Manhattan). They're open until 12:30 am, and this really means their kitchen is open until then! We came in around midnight and the service was really polite despite the late hour. Our food came out efficiently and was delicious, as always. The ramen here is really special, and is currently my favorite in NYC (and possibly the world...!) I've even gone so far as to seek out Ippudo while in Singapore, and it was just as good. The noodles are fresh, and you can tell that they are made in house. I always get the Akamaru Modern here. The description says silky, and I don't know how they accomplish that (or what it even really means in regards to ramen noodles) - but goshdarnit it really is silky! The flavor is excellent -- savory without being too salty, which I think is rare for ramen restaurants. One thing - the pork buns here are a solid appetizer, but they're just not quite up to par compared to Momofuku. I have yet to try Totto, but this really is my favorite of the ramen restaurants for noodles in New York so far.
(5)Janie T.
This place was recommended by my little sis who saw someone had eaten here on Instagram. There's a subway stop near here on Astor Place/Lafayette. But we walked here from our earlier stop which took about 15 min. We heard there was usually a line so we arrived around 4:20p and waited until they opened at 5. Awesome welcoming staff and they announce your arrival in Japanese. They have great communication skills between each other and help each other out, which is a big stand-out! Major props! I had the Shikamaru Classic ramen. Definitely a traditional ramen with delicious pork broth and plentiful ramen noodles. My sisters ordered the Akamaru Ramen that was definitely a more smoky, delicious flavor with extra order of chasu pork and boiled egg. We also had the pork steamed buns which were absolutely amazing! Loved the spicy mayo-like sauce that came with it and the pork was cooked to perfection. We also got their "I love ramen" shirts $25 a pop! We dropped lots of money here but I think it's worth it. I'd definitely come back and try their other items on the menu if in ever in town again. Great food, staff, and decor. Highly recommend.
(5)Holly W.
Hailing from Japan, this is the first Ippudo location in New York. For some reason, I wasn't too impressed by its famous egg noodle soup, but you can't go wrong with pork buns. Not sure it's worth the long wait.
(3)Annette T.
Just came back from visiting New York for birthday celebrations and got a chance to stop by this popular ramen joint. The ambience in the restaurant feels much more upscale than I had expected (which is a good thing). My party had ordered the Hirata Pork Buns (which comes in 2 per order) and Shishito Peppers (which can easily feed up to 4 people) for appetizers. Both dishes were actually pretty good so I'd recommend both as starters. Then we ordered ramen. We got the Akamaru Modern which was OK and the Karaka-Men which I thought tasted better since it was slightly spicy (in a good way if you like a little spice in your ramen) and had a bit more flavor. Overall, service was superb and the food was average. This place gets busy quickly so come sooner than later.
(3)Michelle D.
So different but is good to try new styles of food in this world hope next time a order new and tasty!!!
(3)Jessica X.
Love love love the pork buns. Been here 4 times now. Must get the Modern or the Akamara Men (?). It's the middle two ramen choices on the menu. Also get the soft boiled egg. So much better than the poached egg. Every time I came, I haven't had to wait terribly long -- 30 minutes max.
(5)Josh L.
Great ramen spot. Perfect for a late or early lunch (need to beat the crowd). Very ample ramen bowls will keep you full for most of the day. Excellent service, always with a smile.
(4)Matt W.
The place is great if you're OK waiting a while. Get the extra pork (Kikumi?) with your ramen.
(4)Mrs T.
I always get noodles when I come here so can I can't speak about the other food. The noodles here are excellent and the broth is very flavorful (doesn't matter which ramen you get. They're all great). But the wait is too long and service is inconsistent. There are other good ramen places in the area that will generally have seats readily available or with minimum wait time.
(3)Vina V.
Alright, I'll admit I came into Ippudo with preconceived biases. After all, I am from Los Angeles and swear by the graces of Daikokuya. I stumbled into Ippudo the morning after a late night out (people in NYC stay out way too late). I was trying to find a Pho restaurant but it was closed down. Luckily, I came and there was no wait! What??? I heard people waited 2 hours to get in so I was as excited as my tired body permitted. I kept it simple and got their Tonkotsu ramen. The first taste blew my mind but as I kept eating it, I got pretty tired of it quick. It definitely is a steep price to pay for a bowl of ramen but I expected nothing less from a trendy restaurant in New York City. In the end, I was glad I tried it. However, I will probably not revisit the next time I am in New York.
(4)Kimmie O.
Finally tried this place out. I wasn't expecting a huge line for lunch on a cold Thursday, but I was told about a 45 min-1hr wait. We went window shopping nearby to kill time because there were way too many people waiting in the waiting area. Upon seating, I personally didn't like the chanting, I thought it was too commercialized. The ramen didn't disappoint. I think it was the best I've had so far. We didn't try anything else, so that's maybe why we were not completely full afterwards. It is pricy but it's definitely worth a try if you are a ramen lover.
(4)Thy N.
My family and I came right when this place opened at 11 so we didn't have to wait in any line. We were seated promptly and greeted by literally everyone working. We started off with two orders of Pork belly Hirata buns, which were very juicy and crispy. There's two pieces so for me, it's a light appetizer. Ordered two of the Shiromaru Hataka Classic Ramen and added eggs. The ramen was delicious and the ingredients were really well balanced; The soup wasn't too salty or sweet. The ramen was really good but I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever had. I'm also used to eggs being cut lengthwise but ours was cut width wise. After we were done, they brought out some tea. Service here was over the top. Throughout the whole meal, the staff greets you and replies to you in Japanese when necessary. I loved the fact that they immediately cleared your plates when you were done with a course. They also brought out items right away. We needed extra napkins and bowls and they were brought out 10 seconds later. Really fun atmosphere too. Oh, and the bathroom is awesome. They have a mural or panel art and a really cool hand dryer. I'll probably come back and try the other types of ramens later on.
(4)Miylah K.
Always packed. Limited space. However, the food is great. One phrase: PORK BUNS!! A must try. It will quickly become your favorite.
(4)Katy C.
Very decent bowl of ramen but not exceptional. I liked the ambiance more, a mix of NYU rowdiness and tourists of all nationalities, plus the izakaya vibe of the staff. The community table seating might not be for everyone but I thought it was apropo for NYC. Given the long wait, I probably won't be coming here again. I got the miso ramen and sampled my sister's kimchi ramen. - broth - quite salty but could've been more complex - pork slices - could've been larger and more flavorful - noodles - no complaints, these were the skinny straight variety All in all, Chuko in Prospect Heights remains my standard for ramen.
(3)Sam P.
This review speaks to more of the service quality than the food generally. I preface my 2 star review by saying that the restaurant has a great design, excellent sake, and good light snacks as you wait for your table. I ordered the one vegetarian ramen dish that looked appealing. No where on the menu did it say this was a "chilled" or "cold" based ramen. When I got it and tasted my first bite, I quickly told our server that I didn't know it was cold and asked for an exchange. This dish was $3 more expensive than many of the meat based ramens (mine was $18) and I didn't feel like paying for something I would barely eat. He said I could order another dish but I would still be changed for this cold one. I later got the attention of the manager from another server who also said there was nothing he can do. I mean come on. One meal exchange would not make or break their revenues that night (it was pretty crowded as it is) and customer satisfaction should be the highest priority. Maybe it is but I definitely didn't get that feeling.
(2)K T.
There's a reason this place has so many reviews, Ippudo has great food and a fun vibe. Always a great place to bring friends from out town. Went to the Ippudo in Ebisu prior to coming to this one. The one in Tokyo is a no frills, serious eats, and relaxed environment. Had immediate seating! This one plays Usher and club music. I guess that's NYC for you. If you want to eat delicious ramen in a trendy place, brave the wait because it's worth it. Still need to try the one on the west side!
(4)Steph Y.
This place seriously needs to reconsider its acoustics it's always so damn loud inside. What made me really uncomfortable was once I saw a chef use the same knife to cut raw fish and then vegetables immediately after. This sort of disturbed me because it just doesn't seem hygienic? I always get the modern and it's perfect. I love everything about the bowl and it's also the perfect proportion. I.e. Filling but not to the point I want to vomit yet slightly uncomfortable. In terms of dessert, I get the green tea crepe cake. It's from lady M so if you don't feel the need to travel to their location uptown, you don't have to! The wait is forever of course. Come in the afternoons when it's off peak. They will quote you anywhere from 1 to 2 hours during peak hours unless you are a single diner. The front bar is always crowded with people waiting but there's the option to grab a beer in the mean time.
(3)Kartik I.
Great place but I still don't get the hype. Don't see how waiting for hours is worth it. Cocktails are decent but I'm a big fan of their sake collection. The Ramens are all great and for the vegetarians, the veg option is great too! I'd go here again but won't like to wait for more than 20 minutes.
(4)Jennifer V.
Thee BEST ramen I've ever had no doubt. I can still taste my bowl of deliciousness. Ippudo come to the west coast please thanks!
(5)Charity V.
Fantastic food, should definitely get there way earlier due to the exceeding waiting line- but food is always a+ and the bao rolls and ramen omg the best!
(5)Darren N.
I have never craved ramen. Ippudo has changed that for me. Start your ramen experience off right at Ippudo. I will repeat what has been said countless times, Hirata Pork Buns, get them, this is a must! The steamed buns are pillow soft and that pork is sweetly glazed with the right balance of fat. All ramen at Ippudo is served extra hot. Temperature is just as important to me as flavor and here they do both to my liking. The flavor of the Akamaru Modern Ramen broth is amplified with the Umami Dama miso paste. Keeping with the Tonkotsu tradition, thin and straight noodles are served. These noodles have a great texture and taste. The flavors in this bowl are heavenly. Yes, you'll probably have to wait. But you see everyone else waiting, that must tell you something!
(5)Petr V.
Not worth the huge lines. It's good food but it's definitely overhyped and overpriced. If the line is short, def. worth a trip. otherwise there are way better options in the neighborhood
(3)paul g.
Don't bring a coffee. They don't allow any outside drinks. I don't even think they sell coffee
(1)Ray L.
Overrated and overpriced, I seriously can't understand the hype over this place and always feel like giving the people waiting on the super-long line a reality check. First off, let me say that I've been to this one in NY several times, mostly because I've been dragged along by uninformed friends who are visiting from out of town or for birthday/farewell dinners (even though I never wanted to return after my first visit). I also went to branches of Ippudo in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and will admit that their quality is similar-- so credit for that. However, I have to tell you that the pork buns and ramen never fail to disappoint-- even with my low expectations. I'm not exactly sure what it is that people like about pork buns that have a thick, pillowy bun and dry meat with dripping oil-- but to each his own. I obviously wasn't a fan. Moreover, the ramen portion is always too small, so I'll order a second helping of meat (which are passable, but not great, as they aren't usually seasoned and kind of dry on the inside) and noodles (which are about as thin as fine-haired rice noodles, and usually a bit too crispy for me-- as though they were just dunked into a hot water bath right after being taken out of a plastic package). This always leads to me spending more on the ramen here than I would at other places that have bigger portions with better ratios of ingredients and higher overall values. The wait staff is always very enthusiastic and welcoming when people step in, but I find the darkness of the interior, coupled with the high price and completely underwhelming food to be a huge letdown, every time. I'm sure the long lines will continue on (even as they continue to expand to more locations), but I have to say that this is one place I'd rather avoid.
(1)Stephanie N.
I had never been to this place because of the overwhelming line that starts out the door during noodle hour. (Just made that up don't think there is a happy hour for noodles here). One of my friends called me and asked if I would like to come to Ippudo one Thursday night, and I wholeheartedly agreed because I had never been there and love ramen. We ordered some lychee martinis at the bar, and they were delicious. The bar top is covered in ramen squares, and the interior of the restaurant is modern, matching its noodular theme with ramen bowls on the wall surrounded by some Japanese art. Ever since I had a lychee cocktail in Miami last year I wanted to find another great one. The ones at Ippudo were almost as good as those. When we got our table, we immediately ordered a plate of hot shishito peppers to start. You dip the fried peppers in salt, and they are crispy and burst with flavor. We had to try the Hirata buns- we got the pork buns since they were the best type to try. For the final part, the ramen, we each got the Shiromaru Hakata Classic with extra scallions. The noodles were long and silky, and the pork broth was delicious. I liked the appetizers better than the ramen itself, as this is a known ramen spot. Next time I come here I will definitely order just appetizers.
(5)Cindy M.
Super flavorful ramen. If you get there right when they open, there isn't a wait! Must try the pork buns, they were melt in your mouth amazing-ness.
(4)Kathy N.
I am probably the world's worst Asian...I have never had true ramen (as in the non-instant microwave cup kind) until the end of my last trip to NY. I was craving something Asian and noodly, so when I stumbled upon Ippudo, my girlfriends and I just had to stop in. We definitely did not regret that decision! The service was exceptional -- all the staff were genuinely welcoming and hospitable. They were accomodating in making adjustments to two of my friends' very particular tastes, and were just so friendly and prompt in serving us. Now the ramen...oh my goodness...to say that it is like heaven in your mouth may be an understatement. The broth was absolutely delicious all on its own, but coupled with the perfectly cooked noodles, along with the various toppings in the bowl -- I could have easily devoured everyone's bowl on the table! Before we were even halfway through our dining experience, my girlfriends and I were alreadg plotting dates to come back! Hands down, one of my favorite places in the city. A must try if you're in town.
(5)Alejandro B.
Review #275! At some point, you have to ask yourself if waiting for food is worth it. Tourists wait 40 min+ for Shake Shack at Madison Square Park without realizing that the nearby locations in Midtown East rarely have a line. Similarly, this place is legendary for its hour(s) long waits. Without a wait, Ippudo is worth checking out for food that I'd give a B+ or A-. With a wait, you're better off at restaurants with shorter lines (though I am well aware that good ramen restaurants are always busy). According to the pizza cognition theory (which according to my favorite food blog, is a thing), the first pizza one ever eats defines the standard by which all future slices will be judged. This is the same thing with me and ramen. I had ramen for the first time a few months ago, having shied away because the 99cent packets tinted the meal in my mind. I was blown away by the chewy noodles and broth that coats your mouth, plus all the different toppings adding texture to the soup. Fast forward a few months. My friends and I are in the East Village debating a brunch spot. We don't have much time but we want an adventurous meal (for a second, I thought we would settle for an ordinary brunch meal of eggs Benedict and watered down mimosas). I originally suggested Momofuku Ssam, but quickly changed my mind when I realized how close we were to Ippudo, a name I had heard since I moved to NYC two years ago. No time to stop for coffee, we're going here now! We have to beat the crowds! I arrived at 11:30am on a Sunday and was promptly seated. Wouldn't wait more than that. I'm glad the pizza (er, ramen) cognition theory held true: I'd be rather inconvenienced if I needed to wait for hours (or limit myself to a very early lunch) every time I wanted top notch ramen. I'm glad it's not the case at my favorite pastrami joint, that's for sure. While the broth is well flavored, the noodles here are thin; I prefer thicker noodles personally. The buns were well executed but on the small side. The pulled pork for the ramen (made with hoisin sauce and ginger) was outstanding, but also on the small side. Let's factor out the fact that this place is almost always crowded. Given the price and size ratios, Ippudo is still not among my favorite ramen restaurants. Why does Ippudo have over 7,000 reviews on Yelp? So I can have a nicer meal at my favorite ramen place down the road without having to contend with the crowds. If a meal at Katz's Deli (another much reviewed NYC institution) has taught me anything, is that an overhyped restaurant can usually slide on its reputation, while other high quality options exist nearby, eager to compete for your dollar and wow you with a better (and maybe even cheaper) meal.
(4)Annie C.
NO RESERVATIONS. You know this place is good when you have crowds willing to wait hours for the ramen noodles. This place isn't dirt cheap, the average main costs around $15 per bowl. If it's your first time, you should definitely try: YAMITSUKI -- Japanese cucumber seasoned with a sesame oil sauce. It's a refreshing appetizer that's simple and delicious. HIRATA PORK BUNS -- Soft bun with a tender and flavorful pork belly. AKAMARU MODERN -- My absolute favorite here. It's all about their rich, pork-based broth. The depths of flavor in this bowl of noodles is amazingly delicious. Make sure to add a poached egg to make your bowl extra orgasmic. This place had started my ramen craze. They definitely earn the preeminent title in NYC's ramen scene. Four stars!
(4)Dennis C.
It's a long wait but the broth is so delicious. It's communal style seating so you get to know your neighbors. They serve you a free cup of green tea afterwards which is a nice touch.
(5)Joseph P.
On my first trip to NY, ever, my friend coerced me to try Ippudo swearing that it's the best ramen in the world. It's definitely not. I was only convinced of trying this place, because of his overwhelming zeal in taking me there. Let me preface everything by saying Ippudo NY is a good ramen house, but it was nothing special for me. The interior of the restaurant is very modern and trendy with Ramen bowls adorning the walls as you walk in (bowl side up, facing you). Inside there's seating arranged in an deliberate order that gives natural curves to the room. The Samurai art inside looked pretty sweet too. As for the food, I actually enjoyed their tapas style dishes more than the ramen. The Hirata pork bun is really bomb, and I'd go just for that. The doughy white bun with perfectly marinated and cooked pork chashu wedges and a little bit of green, really hits the spot when you're hungry. I highly recommend that. The shishio peppers were also fabulous. It was perfectly cooked with a hint of white pepper and a side of citron-super charged Japanese yuzu salt (make sure to squeeze some of the lemon on top!). Now for the ramen, I ordered the Akaramu Modern. The Akaramu is one of their tonkotsu broth base ramens that feature a slice of their pork chashu, cabbage, sesame kikurage, mushrooms, scallions, a dollop of black garlic oil, and their house special miso flavor bomb. I'd say, by itself the umami score of this tonkotsu broth levels around at a 6.5/10 for me. It was creamy, like many others I've had, but it did not have a whole depth of flavor that I was expecting. The miso flavor bomb did help, once I incorporated it into the broth, but not by much. Overall, I discovered why the Gardena/Torrance ramen houses in Southern California have such legendary reputations that precede them. My friend ordered the Karaka Men, which pretty much is the same thing I ordered, but it's spicier and is lacking the miso flavor bomb. Once again, I was not much impressed, although I preferred his Ramen to mine, as I enjoy spicy flavors much more when there's a lack of any others. Service was good, but overall my experience was mixed. It felt like I went into a steak restaurant to eat steak, but left raving to others about the potatoes. Anyways, if I ever end up over at this restaurant again, I know that I can at least see it as a tapas bar and get my fill that way. Be advised, the wait for entry into this ramen temple may really test your patience.
(3)Suki C.
I don't usually eat Ramen but somehow whenever I'm in New York, I just need to stop by Ippudo to get my annual (or perhaps semi-annual) Ramen treat. The restaurant is as vibrant and fun as I remember. We came here around 10 and there was still a line but not too long of a wait. We has a classic ramen and a spicy one. Initially we were unsure whether we want to order the spicy ramen given our prior dining experience at a Korean restaurant the night before. But thankfully, the level of spiciness is nothing compared to the Korean dish we had the day before lol If you're in New York, this is definitely one of the places you can include on your checklist :)
(3)Linda F.
PROS: Nice decor and seating spaces, good broth flavor. CONS: Straight noodles (I prefer curly), small portions for high price, really small menu
(3)Wilson Z.
Wait is ridiculous , and they don't even do reservations. Best time to go is lunch time. Because dinner was about an hour wait for me. But obviously its because of the restaurants popularity. The atmosphere was nice , more upscale then casual. Service was good. Price was about the same as other ramen places. I had to get an extra plate of noodles because it wasn't enough and I was really hungry. But overall the ramen was good, would I say it's the best I've had? Probably not, I think totto ramen in Hell's Kitchen is a little bit better. But ippudo beats it in every other category. I will definitely be coming back, but the best item on the menu were the pork buns. PORK BUNS you're the real MVP, I could eat 20 of you!
(4)Willy B.
Over priced, long lines. Meh, I've had better for less and no waiting.
(3)Ace C.
Sometimes you feel this place full of people who don't really know ramen, but just come and try to catch the tail wind of it. Food is not bad, especially the pork bun, however the line is what's killing the experience of it, at least to me. It's not uncommon for a 45-90 mins wait during meal time here, which I thought it's ridiculous.
(3)Wulandari D.
Super friendly and amazing staff. The food is delicious but not so amazing. Ordered ; 1. Squid : tasty, plate is too big, made me feels like eating in fine dining restaurant. 2. Fried chicken : very cute serving, love the sauce and and seasoning on the chicken. I couldn't finish the chicken as an appetizer.. it was too good that I needed to eat it with my ramen! 3. Modern ramen : lucky I ordered chili sauce on the side, otherwise, it would be too plain. The broth, noodle and the sliced pork was delicious but not EYE POPPING DELICIOUS for me, with all the hype and all, I expected something more to be honest. Will I come back? I don't think so. But, worth to try, if you haven't been to this place ;) Fun place to eat tho. Fun and lovely ambiance!
(4)Doug R.
Best overall ramen in nyc. It doesn't necessarily taste the best but I believe the ingredients to be least affected by too much MSG. Their smaller dishes are also quite good especially their bento options. Far better quality and service than Totto Ramen and feels lighter and more reasonably priced than momofuku noodle bar. Pork buns are excellent as an app
(4)Ash A.
Like the ramen but my favorite are the pork buns. My friend nearly cried when he finished eating his share.
(4)Megan C.
Worth the wait. Doesn't matter what day of the week you come, unless you're by yourself be prepared to spend some time stuffed in their small waiting area. Once you get a table, the atmosphere is great and the wait staff is very efficient. The steamed pork buns are the best thing you'll ever have! Get one order yourself - you won't want to share! The ramen is delicious and is so much food. Keep going back again and again...
(5)A B.
Great place to try good quality ramen. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere couldn't be beat. We had no wait, arrived just at noon for lunch. I had the original and my husband has the spicer version, we would recommend both.
(4)Emily R.
Best pork buns hands down! The Ramen is good as well but we always come back for the Hirata buns. Out of the three or four times my friends and I have been here, we only had to wait a long time once. After that, we prepare ourselves to go early. Or you just have to wait! The food is definitely worth it. While you're waiting for a table, order yourself Hirata buns and a Sapparo at the bar and you're set.
(5)Sen-Pei H.
Is it me? Have I gone crazy? (Most likely) Did the ingredients in the ramen change? Something was different after tonight's dinner at Ippudo. It was subtle, but definitive, and my recollection of the place was decidedly better in my memories. First off- 30 minute wait. But that's okay. Second, no WIFI. Which is not a big deal, because this place is not the sort of place that one can type for an hour at a time - nor would you want broth splashed all over your laptop. Now onto the Ramen. When I was growing up, my father used to send me to the Korean supermarket that was on our corner. It was a relatively large supermarket that was unheard of in our small corner in Queens, at least at the time. He would ask me to pick up what he referred to as "the thin noodles" - similar to angel hair, but made out of rice. These noodles came cut "short" and in large packages - usually Japanese brands. Upon arriving home, he would start the ritualistic process of making his infamous noodle soups. The beef or pork bone broth would have already been simmering (made anywhere from a day to a few days in advance) and his mise en place consisted of some form of meat: thin slices of beef, pork belly or pork hock, scallions, boiled eggs (thousand, salted or plain), bean sprouts, bamboo shoots and at times, a special Taiwanese minced beef/ pork (which is out of this world). He would place little saucers filled with fermented tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil and Hunan style chili sauce. Then we would eat. The quality of the dish would almost always depend on the broth and type of noodle he used- the rice noodle as his preference- and at times, he would substitute it with egg noodles, which, to me, changes the entire chemistry of the dish. By the end of our meals, he would quip, "Now we must finish our soup," at which point, my siblings and I would try to drink as fast as possible to show how good of children we were ("bad" or "spoiled" children leave leftovers, as was the adage in my household). He would change his recipe many times over the years, and it was always a good day when the waft of the familiar bone broth welcomed me at their door. By the way, my family is Chinese by way of Taiwan, so my palette is naturally geared towards Japanese tastes, which, as we all know, has made its imprint on modern Taiwanese cuisine. Either way, Ippudo is one of the better known ramen joints that uses this particular rice noodle. The pork broth is savory and full bodied- but salty, so that when submerging the noodle into it, catches enough sodium to make the noodles just as flavorful - quickly. The pork fat is tender, but the meat itself is lean and a bit tougher than what I normally am used to. For some reason, I recall it being much more tender, to the point that it resembles soft pork belly- but that was definitely not the case today (and it almost leaves me feeling as if my previous review was based on another elusive ramen joint). The wood ear was as crisp as pigs ears, which I loved, and also have taken in the flavor of the broth. But something was different. It wasn't the service, which, like most michelin listed restaurants, applies the French style of table serving, which is subtle and non-presuasive. It wasn't the wait time- it took all of 8 minutes for my ramen to arrive, especially since I was sitting at the counter without a group. It is either the food or my perspective. I have a feeling that it may be both. To me, the famous broth was just too salty. I know what this sounds like. If you go to any ramen joint, the broth would be filled with sodium, as the noodles need to embody the flavor with every slurp. And although Ippudo's broth is definitely much more flavorful than other simple sodium filled broths found in New York ramen joints, it was so salty that it no longer made sense to me to raise my bowl to my lips. It was that simple difference that made my meal tonight, not as satisfying. Leaving an entire bowl of broth, sans noodles, made me contemplate the price. Was it worth it? There is definitely a high standard for worth when it comes to the noodles, the wood ears, and to a certain degree, the flavorful broth - as it is necessary for all the ingredients to be lightly submerged with flavor in order for the dish to come together. But the pork could have been a bit more tender and the soup a lot less salty. I would prefer it to be salty enough, but not to the point where I am unable to drink it without a glass of water afterwards (like a good Asian - just kidding). And let's face it- It's ramen- straight up street food. So unfortunately, I will have to give my beloved memories of this place a rest and give this place 2 stars... I've had better. *I will still stop by to grab a drink or order other dishes here- just not the ramen. I am confident that I will give a much higher rating then.
(2)Pavel U.
Ok place. Nothing special. Good for the price. Messed up my drink and didn't wanna replace it. Wouldn't come again.
(3)Darice L.
This place is overated. The wait was long and the food is pricey. I was running late but they wouldn't seat my friend unless our party was all there. So my friend lie that's why I gave it a 3 star instead is 2. My friends order first and since I was late we thought we can add my order later. They have a strict policy about only ordering 1 broth per person and not allowing add on. So I couldn't order any broth basically I had to eat off my friend broth and order extra noodles
(3)Pirates C.
3 dinner meals within the same week - yes, it was that good. The service is excellent for the most part with special mention to the support waitstaff. Even though the place was packed all 3 times, the food came out in reasonable order. We tried most everything on the menu and liked to loved everything. Definitely get there early to avoid a long wait.
(5)Beauty by Grace I.
Karakamen and green tea creme brûlée. Next time I want to try the traditional classic ramen.
(5)Eugenia W.
Came here with 3 other people on a Tuesday and the wait wasn't bad at all. There were a lot of other people waiting, but they were waiting for their friends. I thought for sure i would have to wait 2 hrs!!! When the last person came, we went in and they sat us right away. Our seating was spacious like 6 or 7 seats. We ordered pork bun, fries, and some pork rib thing for appetizers. The 2 girls had the spicy one and the guys had the garlic oil one. I'll say the food was delicious, I thought the broth was going to be fatty, but it wasn't. The service was great, there were a lot of people working and constantly refilling your ice water. I would Def come back when I'm in NY again!
(5)Mae L.
Waited at least 40 minutes to get seated on a Friday night which wasn't bad. Didn't expect the place to be that big inside! Love the decor and the atmosphere! Really nice employees as well. I got the akamaru modern which was really good but due to my cough I had to stop eating it but definitely one of the best ramen shop I've been too!
(4)Kevin L.
Here's what I posit: that for this price point, you legitimately can't find a better combination of quality ramen, a variety of other delightful dishes, and the ambiance and service to match anywhere else in NYC. Other than stating that I've not had a dish that I didn't nom the hell out of here, I frankly don't have anything to add that the other 7,000+ reviews haven't touched upon hundreds of times. Without further ado, here are my pro-tips: - Come here early or late; right when they open, or just prior to closing. I'm in the luxurious position of living in walking distance to Ippudo, so rolling in with a group of friends at 2330 on a Friday night is no problem. I've now done this multiple times and it's yet to fail us. No wait, in and out in 30 to 45 minutes. Flawless execution, each time. - If you're going during peak dining teams, ensure it's on a weeknight. Two-hour or longer wait? No problem. Roll over to Angel's Share for some luscious libations, rather than loitering. They'll text you when your table's ready, so settle up, chug your perfect Japanese tipple, and you're golden. - Don't forget to order the pork buns. I'm all about extra spicy sauce and a soft-boiled egg in my noodles. And if you have room for them, the ribs and karaage are both succulent.
(5)Wade C.
Ippudo was amazing from alcohol to appetizer to entree to dessert! A solid 5 stars. My friend and I were chilling by the bar while we were waiting to be seated. We both ordered some Kirin Ichiban and observed the really creative bar counter that they built. There were multiple ramen blocks in the counter which proved that Ippudo was very serious about their ramen! After about 20 minutes of waiting (Monday evening), we got seated promptly. The smell was simply amazing and made my mouth water as we were walking to the table. We glanced at the menu and already knew what to order. This included: 1. Tako Wasabi: Perfect marriage in paradise. Octopus and fresh diced wasabi working in continuous harmony. The octopus was very fresh and firm with every bite. The diced wasabi opened your tongue and (maybe nostrils) to extraordinary heights. 2. Yamitsuki Goma Kauri: Perfect vegetarian dish for you non meat eaters out there! Crispy Japanese cucumbers with peppers. It was refreshing but yet spicy!! Some were def. more spicy than others lol. Buyer beware!! 3. Pork Hirati Buns: A bun of heaven. Each of these buns consisted of two glazed pork bellies. The meat literally melted in your mouth and the buns were so soft. The mayo was delicious. Ugh I can eat hundreds of them and die a happy man lol. 4. Akamaru Modern Ramen: Noodles were cooked perfectly. Broth wasn't too salty and very flavorful. The pork belly was floating next to my poached eggs and it was so wonderful to look at before I freaking devoured them. Hell yeah! Normally I do not drink all of the broth but I did this time because IT IS PURE CRACK IN LIQUID FORM!! 5. Matcha Creme Brulee: I'm just going to say this. OMGWTF. WHY HAVEN'T I TRIED THIS EARLIER?! The fired up shell was so sweet and crispy. Paired with the matcha creme was a delight to eat. It was a perfect ending to the heavenly dishes we inhaled. The green tea ice cream on top with the sliced strawberry was the icing on the cake. I loved the atmosphere. Service was amazingly quick even when super busy and the food was DERICIOUS. Writing this is making me hungry Anyone want to take a ride with me into the city?? :)
(5)James B.
Always mouth watering but be sure to come early or else you are in for a wait.
(5)Emy B.
1st stop on our NY trip after we checked in to the hotel. A little bit of wait even after 8:30pm since they do not take reservation. The pork bun,the ramen, and the sparkling jelly sake was delicious. The place can get very noisy because of the proximity of the tables. Service was attentive. The M-E-N (noddles) on the Hakata ramen wasn't my favorite (it had a texture of a soba noddle) but the broth was very good.
(4)Momiji L.
It has been at least 5 years since I had their ramen last time. I must say that this time tastes better because the soup is not as salty and oily as the one I had last time! I had akamaru ramen which is the red one! My friends order the other one (white one) and for some reason we feel like the akamaru has a bigger portion than the other one!
(4)Bernard C.
long wait but well worth it. my go to ramen place
(4)Di Y.
I heard all about the ramen scene in New York, so I gave this place a try. It was delicious! The food: Delicious. We ordered the pork burgers for appetizers and ramen for main course. The service: Traditional Japanese service, which is excellent. However, they do not allow outside drinks, so they gave me a plastic bag to cover my drink while we dined there. We were also seated pretty quickly because the party before us on the waiting list cancelled last-minute. The facility: Clean and spacious, although full of people and waiters. Lighting is dark. Noise level is pretty high. We shared half a table with another party of three. Payment: They take American Express. Woohoo! Overall: Recommend at least once.
(4)LG L.
Love this place. The appetizers are immaculately prepared - I've never had a more thoughful chicken wing, and I really like the sandwiches. Even for a low-carber like myself, there's nothing like a giant bowl of ramen.
(5)Karl S.
fantastic, lots of yelling though, not sure if that's a good or bad thing
(5)Gavin P.
Great ramen, fun atmosphere and worth the wait. I've had better pork buns but the wings are also very good. Top tip - they don't take reservations, but if you go in a couple of hours before you want to eat they will put name down and call you, even if it is crazy busy which it often is. Also, make it there for the happy hour so some amazingly cheap drinks and a great atmosphere for people watching!
(5)Betty C.
Fast-food service but u just can't deny the broth is damn good.
(5)Angela K.
It's worth the hype. Ramen is delicious and the mixed drinks will be worth the price- just a tad bit too strong.
(5)German F.
One of the best places in New York. Incredible food and superior service! Buzz environment! Don't stress if they tell you 45 minute wait, the tables move quickly and gives you time to have a drink at the bar. Certainly the best Ramen in New York, but all other dishes are great too!
(5)Jannet P.
I think Ippudo NY is a great place to go for your quick ramen fix (when/if there is no wait). I think I would wait in line for great ramen but not Ippudo ramen. Nothing wrong with their ramen, it's just that I've had better in the city.
(3)Brian C.
Ippudo usually has a long wait but I came around 10pm tonight and it was no wait. The restaurant was still pretty packed though. Started the meal with an order of pork belly steamed buns, meguro tartare and a special tiger prawn tempura appetizer. All the appetizers were okay. I didn't think the flavor profiles of the dishes were strong enough to make me think the dish was delicious. The buns were underwhelming. I've heard many good reviews on the buns but I do not agree with any of those reviews. Thought the pork could have been more tender and I dislike it the usage of iceberg lettuce in any dish. It adds nothing to the dish. I got the Akamaru Modern ramen. It was pretty good. The broth was good with the addition of black garlic oil and the red paste in the center of the ramen. Noodles were cooked very nicely. A meal at Ippudo is quite expensive and the long wait does not justify the food they are putting out. If you did not have to wait, Ippudo can be an option for ramen if you want to splurge a little.
(3)Michael M.
The perfect energetic ramen spot. Always delicious and fun. (For a simpler ambience, try Rai Rai or Totto.)
(5)Katie W.
Waited over an hour, but it was still worth it. We had some pork buns at the bar, and it was the best decision ever. Warm, sweet, glazed pork belly just melted in your mouth and it was heavenly. When we finally got seated, the ramen was equally as good. The broth was amazingly thick and rich, and I could feel my arteries clogging, but it was so worth it. Best comfort food ever.
(5)Sky F.
This is my second time here i reall like the spicy soup but for noodle (ramen) in soup i am not impress but it was ok .The spicy sauce which they put on top really good Pork bun were so good. But for spicy tofu soup soso
(4)Joe C.
Great Ramen, always know I am getting quality when I come here and the pork buns are just amazing. If you can deal with the wait it's well worth it. The environment and decor is really well done and I love how the restaurant workers all shout out hello as you walk in. Would definitely go back multiple times as I would love to try everything on the the menu!
(4)Greg K.
Omaze! Friend raved about it so we checked it out for lunch and we went around Wed 11am first seating and luckily no line. Decor is cool and nice for a ramen place and surprisingly spacious. Ordered their signature 'modern' ramen and a pork belly bun on the side. Delicious!!! Probably one of the best ramen shops in the nation.
(5)S M.
Yum yum, hirata bun! Big fan of the Modern, since I enjoy the heavy richness of the broth, and the bounciness of the noodles. Despite that Ippudo is considered a middling chain in Japan, after having had excellent ramen in Japan, I still think that Ippudo is a solid ramen option, and one of the best in the city (props also to Totto).
(4)Sophie N.
everything here is spot on. If you can survive an hour or five to be seated then you'll see why the waits so long. We asked the waitress to bring everything she recommended. It was the perfect amount of food and everything was a 10/10. This is a must go.
(5)Aimee X.
I have been to Ippudo countless times over the summer when I interned in the city and am never disappointed. It is still my favorite restaurant to take friends and family to when they visit. Food: I order basically the same thing everytime I come here. To start: the pork belly buns. The pork belly melts in your mouth and the sweet sauce they glaze it with is so flavorful. Sometimes I also get the Shishito peppers which are green Japanese peppers flash fried and dipped in a yuzu salt. The peppers are not very spicy and so fresh and delicious with the salt. For ramen, my favorite is the Karaka men which is the pork broth with hot spices and topped with chashu poirk. I love it because it is spicy and the soup is so rich with pork flavor. The noodles have the perfect amount of bite to it so it's not soggy in the soup. The pork is still the amazing pork belly from the buns and I also add an egg to my ramen. Overall, the most satisfying bowl of ramen ever and especially great for the cold winters. Drinks: I tried their special house sake and it was actually quite delicious! It tasted lightly of rice and didn't have a very high alcohol content. I am not normally a sake drinker but I would order this again. Service: Even though this place is always mad busy, the service has always been great. The staff is so efficient at cleaning up immediately after you finish eating it's almost disconcerting. I really appreciate the fast, prompt service and am always surprised how they run it so well. Overall, definitely one of my favorite places to eat in the city and to take visiting friends/family to. I would highly recommend going at unusual times though because they don't take reservations and the wait can be ridiculously long on the weekends.
(5)Yarimel D.
DELICIOUS! The pork buns are beyond this world and the noodles cant even explain how delicious these are!
(5)Kathleen C.
5 stars because it's probably the best ramen I've had. Granted I've only had ones back home in Seattle and a couple in Vancouver BC and San Francisco. I was in NYC for 3 days and had this the first day. I was thinking about it later on the trip. I woulda been down for another one had I not wanted to try a billion other things. I got the akamura modern with an egg ($16). The broth was not as thick/heavy as what I'm used to in Seattle, which I liked. The noodles were also different! It's not crinkly like instant ramen is. My only compliant is that it only comes with two small pieces of pork :/ next time, need more! But as if it wasn't already a pretty pricey bowl of ramen. Note: We arrived right when they opened for lunch. Only a few people waiting to get in.
(5)Hallie T.
omg the pork buns.
(5)Brenden M.
Always take advantage of the opportunity to eat ramen at Ippudo.
(5)M L.
Went with a buddy to try out the ramen here during Fleet Week. We arrived just before noon and waited about 30-40 min before being seated in the food counter section just by the kitchen. Before going, I didn't know how the whole reservation system works here and so appreciated the two folks at the reservation counter prompting me after we arrived. We got the pork belly buns, Akamaru modern, and Kara-men. The pork belly buns were delicious and I liked how they were more lean than fat. However at $4.50 each they are pretty pricey. My buddy liked the Akamaru modern which I tried a little of, it had excellent pork flavor. My bowl of Kara-men was also amaze-balls. I'm not great with spicy foods in that I get rather teary eyed and even more runny-nosed, but I liked how the while the Kara-men was spicy, it wasn't a particularly lasting spicy. Like, when I'd wait between bites the spiciness would fade and then I'd take another bite. Also, it's not the kind of scratchy-in-your-throat spicy which I don't like. We ended up eating all of our noodles and drinking the delicious broth. The pork in the ramen was much fattier than the pork in the pork belly buns so we didn't eat the fat. But the ramen would taste richer if you don't mind that sort of stuff. The service was prompt and professional. I appreciated the waiter answering my questions about how the ramens are different from one another while we were deciding which bowls to order. If you want a filling bowl of ramen and don't mind dropping some extra cash on somewhat over-priced appetizers, you can get a super filling meal at Ippudo! Just come earlier during the day if you don't want to wait 1 hr or more for tables.
(4)Julia L.
don't go on a date here, because its so delicious that you can only concentrate on the spectacularly rich and wonderful ramen in front of you. plus there's the splashing effect as you slurp, but you can't stop because its just too good.
(5)Felix K.
A must try!!! Don't sweat the long waits, it's worth it. Make sure to get the PORK BUNS, samurai ribs, taco (octopus), sashimi plate, cucumber, modern ramen. YOU WONT REGRET IT!!!
(5)Haniya M.
I love this place...the ramen (even the vegetarian version) is excellent but the best thing on the menu is definitely the eggplant buns! Totally to die for and worth the sometimes super long wait. Would definitely call ahead if you don't want to stand around.
(5)Addison -.
Just eat here. Great food, vibe, and team. If you like a wide variety of Japanese dishes (this place goes way beyond ramen) then make the time.
(5)Sylvia K.
This is the coolest ramen place ever! Am I in a restaurant or in a lounge? The lighting is dark. The music is loud and upbeat. The employees are yelling loudly in japanese! And the interior is very hip. One wall has japanese characters all over it. The wall where the kitchen is looks like an old japanese village building. And when you enter, the wall along the bar is decorated with like a hundred ramen bowls. I love it! Came here for lunch on a Friday, a little past 11, when they opened. There were plenty of seats and so was seated immediately with a menu. The seating is communal style, most of their tables are big ones, so you will most likely get seated with other smaller parties. New friends! The server, who was super awesome, came by with ice water and asked if I wanted hot tea. Ordered the hirata pork belly buns and the akamaru modern ramen. The server said that you couldn't take any leftovers home. I understand why you wouldn't want to take noodles home since they would get soggy, and transporting soup is just difficult. But the buns and other noodley stuff would've been ok. But I do like that it leads to less packaging waste. They brought out cleansing wipe towelettes along with the pork belly buns. I thought this was really great service since you have to eat the buns with your hands. Really smart. The pork belly buns were delicious!!! The meat was super soft and tender and the white bun part was yummy too. And the meat came in their house sauce. The ramen was also delicious. The noodles, which I believe are the hakata style, straight, not curly, were cooked well and tasted good and went well with the yummy broth. The instructions with the ramen were to mix it well with the special miso paste that came on top. In most ramen places, the half boiled egg is a standard topping, but at Ippudo, it's not, so if you want one, you have to remember to add it on. Excellent customer service, fun atmosphere, delicious food. If I'm ever back in NYC, I would love to come back. The name also almost sounds like "it's pretty" in korean, which is kind of fun. Loved this place!
(5)Hoi C.
My friend and I arrived around 6pm on a Saturday. The wait was 1.5 hour, which was expected. We just went to happy hour in the area until they texted us that our table was ready. We had the Maguro Tartar, Shiromaru Hakata Classic, Akamaru Modern, and Mascarpone & Gelato. Everything was delicious. The food came out quickly and the service was great!
(4)Matt S.
best ramen in the city hands down.
(5)Nami P.
Best ramen in NYC in my opinion. I got the Modern ramen and my friend got the spicy one. We talk about them to this day, months after eating it.
(5)YuQuan T.
For those who've never been here please know there is usually a long wait. So plan ahead and accordingly - when i say accordingly, please know they don't take reservations over the phone - you have to be there in person. The lines are long but luckily there is a "Leave your Cell# and we'll call you back" option. That is if you don't die from starvation first. lets say you stay fully committed and toughed through the trails of fire and ice outside the restaurant because it was just too crowded in the front right next to the expensive bar. They will lead your now starving scrawny body in tattered rags into the dining room area. Leave your walking stick and vulture / hyena / wolf or whatever scavenger is dragging on you at the door. you will be greeted with the loudest of garbled yelling from a different land - "IIRASHAIMASE!!!" which is exotic-nese for WELCOME!! this will totally make you feel like Marco Polo traversing to india for spices and they invite you in with open arms. They sit you down in a dim lit room with picnic tables to the left or smaller loungey tables around the corner. Your waiter will give you water to start, which at this point you will be too shaky from starvation to care much for it and look at the menu. They have nice Appetizers to share like pork belly buns, edamame, chicken wings or even carpaccio. it's a nice start but you demand the main reason why you came in here the first place - The Ramen. Their Ramen is more of the Hakata style in Japan. usually Pork based. The Hakata Classic or the Akamaru is the way to go as a first time try. The difference between the 2 is that the Akamaru has a more Miso-Umami note on top of the classic. The noodle is thin and the broth is thick which makes it great for slurping. If you have a cold, the Karaka Men is a spicier version of the Akamaru and it's great to clear up your sinus' and perfect as a comfort food when you're sick. They also had a seafood special called the Chesapeake Tonkotsu. Sounds amazing if your a seafood fan. Not so much seafood as the typical ChanPon but more of a pork broth with seafood elements.. in all honesty it just tasted like Tonkotsu with Old Bay spice. I didn't find it that impressive. The noodle was also a bit thicker and wavy compared to the Akamaru too. when done and ready to leave, they will all yell garbles at you ARIGATO GOZAIMASU!!! which means thank you. if you're brave enough and want to show your gratitude you yell back the same thing at them!! and now you leave this dark exotic land with a new found experience and are ready to tell your friends of your epic tale. Ride on Marco Polo! Ride on!! All in all the food was great! the reason I gave 3 stars is because of the long wait time and the above average price for a bowl of ramen. HOT TIPS: -Go to a bar near by while you wait. it's St Marks. Bars are a dime a dozen. -If you want to Yell a more advanced version of thank you at the end, say "Gotsu-So Samadeshita!!"
(3)Meg T.
Ippudo is amazing if you're looking for true Japanese, not Chinese or Korean, ramen. Whenever I go, I always order the akamaru ramen. The broth is so savory and the noodles are perfectly cooked, never too soggy and never too hard. One of my favorites here are the Hirata Buns. The bun which is like the outside of a pork bun is super soft and fluffy and the pork inside melts in your mouth. The sauce they put on it ties the whole thing together. It is a must try! However, I'm often detracted by the huge lines which is typical for such a great restaurant, but sometimes the wait is 1 hour and 45 minutes. I would be willing to wait that long if it was my first time, but any other time, I usually go elsewhere. So if you really want to try this place out, make sure you go early or at odd hours!
(4)Joy G.
The hype is real. I wouldn't go so far as to call it the best ramen (unfortunately, you would need a one-way plane ticket to Tokyo for that) but it's certainly one of the elites in New York. You'll eat next to screaming tourist babies and stone-faced Japanese businessmen and still-hungover NYU students, and totally love it. If you're serious about eating at Ippudo (and only Ippudo, not Minca or Totto or Hidechan), you will come here at 11 am on Saturday morning when the rest of the city is either in bed or digging into salmon and poached eggs. Wasabi ramen was delicious if you're a fledgling vegetarian but still suffered a moment of weakness and partook in the pork buns. The noodles were thicker than the ones that came in the akamaru modern. Order the seasoned soft-boiled egg (or 2). I had to resist wolfing down my pork bun because ... well it cost $4.50 and fatty pork belly needs to be savored. Two small things that will brand me as a hater: 1) the waiters shouting Japanese greetings at any and all that walked in, and 2) the ridiculous wait times that scare me away. The trick to getting around #2 is to come in for a weekday or Saturday lunch. There is no trick to avoiding #1 except to wear ear plugs while slurping down your noodles.
(5)Tyler M.
This tourist trap can be worth it, but it really just depends on your needs. Any NYC restaurant with a well-known name is going to have a wait. Just shut up, wait your turn, and have a good meal. If you want a nicer, sit down ramen experience, than this is great and definitely a go to. Totto is just as good, if not better, and gives you that deli-counter ramen tradition. The benefit of Ippudo that I've found are the specials. I had a jalapeno scallop appetizer that I could eat every day!! The pork bao are on fleek. The veggie ramen is good, but the portion is a joke. Vegetarian does not equal bird.
(4)Rio O.
Seriously I don't know why it's taken me 7 months to write a review here but HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL: Best Ramen Ever! I went to New York for the first time as one of my stops on a cross country road trip across the US back in October. I was literally here for maybe 3 days and I knew I had to stop by and try this place out. We first went on a Sunday night and found out that there was a 3 hour wait. After walking around New York for the entire day, my starving self was not about to wait 3 hours. We tried our luck the next day for lunch on Monday and the wait was down to 45 minutes. Still quite a bit of time but going to Washington Square Park made the wait go by faster. I literally thought this was going to be a hole in the way type of scenery. But it was definitely modernize. As people have stated, there is the cafeteria feel to it. The servers are nice and prompt. They even do a unison Japanese greeting for each person that comes in! But anyways lets get right on to the ramen. The flavor is something I've never tried before. It was the right mixture of savory and creamy. I've tried many Ramen places here in the Bay Area and by far Ippudo wins by a landslide. The pork melts right into your mouth and the ratio of soup and noodles is perfect. Definitely a spot to go to any time I'll be in New York. Just writing this review makes me crave for it... Sigh lol.
(5)Ann C.
Good ramen but always long wait.
(3)Carlucci L.
What can I say about this place... Their specialty is definitely Ramen, so if you are hungry for sushi or any other type of Japanese cuisine, it would probably be better that you go somewhere else. I got out of work at 5 PM and made my way down to the restaurant. Our party had not arrived yet, but we did put our name down, my wife and I, to be seated at like around 6:15 PM. I kid you not, we did not sit down to eat until like about almost 9 PM, our party waited 2 hours... On a MONDAY... We saw a ton of people come in and out of the restaurant so I took it upon myself to kind of hang around the hostess area so they'd keep us in mind. We were finally seated. The service is pretty fast-paced, and it is a little noisy in there, so if you want a nice quiet and relaxing dining experience, I am not sure this place is for you. It is definitely energetic, which I thought was pretty cool. But I do not think it is worth it to wait a few hours for Ramen noodles. I think they could probably change the layout of the restaurant a little bit so they can accommodate more people. Just a thought, from someone who has worked in the restaurant business. I might check this place out again, just probably not with a big group. The wings were delicious, unfortunately you only get 3 :(
(2)Jazmin L.
I was very disappointed after putting my name down on the waiting list for several hours. I was informed by the hostess that once everyone arrived we could be seated. This was not the case once my colleagues arrived, we had to wait another two hours, three hours total. One of my colleagues was six months pregnant and it was very uncomfortable for her and to see her standing for so many hours. Finally we were able to order and eat dinner. I was very disappointed in the portion size of the appetizers and entrees. We were all hoping that the food portions and the wait would speak for itself but this was not the case. Oh and p.s the music is so loud in the bathroom downstairs in the basement its awkward. If you don't mind waiting almost 4 hours for some ramen noodles and small portion size food, then this place is for you. I would also recommend that the staff (server) show more enthusiasm and explain the menu as it would be nice to receive a welcome.
(2)Melanie A.
I am not experienced in the ramen department. I don't really understand the hype when I can go to the grocery store and pick up a pack of ramen noodles for like 15 cents. I have tried ramen at a couple of places in the city and eh, it just wasn't "my thing". Well, I came down with a cold and was craving a spicy soup. I figured that it was the perfect opportunity to check this place out as I had heard so much about it. I called them to make a reservation but they stated that they don't take reservations BUT they also informed me that they did not have a wait. Score! My friend and I jetted right over. By the time we got there, there was a 20 minute wait. Okay, not bad. We were seated at the communal table in the center which was nice as we could see the entire restaurant. This restaurant honestly is ideal for parties of about 6-8 as they have these huge tables to the side that are pretty cool looking and overlook the restaurant. i would come back here with a group. What more can I say about this place that hasn't been said in the TONS of reviews following mine? Not much! ++I ordered the spicy pork ramen and the broth was out of this world. They don't really give you much meat but it's all about the ramen people! This was the exact dish I was craving for. They give you spices on the side but honestly you won't need them as this dish is pretty spicy (and I love spicy food). ++ Tuna tartare which was plated beautifully. It was tasty but not mind blowing. If I came back I would want to try the himachi. Would I come back? YES. Definitely check this place out. I don't think that I would wait more than 30 minutes to eat here but it is really tasty.
(4)Sandy X.
This place is overrated. The ramen is just OK! The wait is just annoying for a mediocre product. Also, the pork buns are decent but more Asian fusion than authentic.
(3)Sean B.
Arriving at Ippudo we had a 3/4 to 1 hour wait, however, the experience of waiting was great. As a former bartender I have worked in placing where the bar was near the entry way, Ippudo has the best manifestation of this style that I have seem. The combination of timely and excellent service from the bar tender, the ability to order some appetizers, and the ability to see our place on the wait list using The List app, really made the time pass enjoyably. We did end up taking another $40-60 onto our bill. Well played Ippudo well played. Once inside the communal table we sat at was good size and didn't feel as invasive as many other communal tables I have experienced. My elbows had room and I appreciated it. Food was totally rock solid, the speed at which we were served was essentially perfect, and the staff were great. Absolutely no complaints. Service at the bar was $50 after tax and tip, our food ended up being $97.... Ippudo is really more $$$ than $$.
(5)erinn s.
Long wait but so worth it!
(5)Roshan G.
Loved the Ramen noodles and Pork Buns! GO for this place!
(4)Belle V.
Ramen was worth the wait! We placed our names on the list (there were 5 of us) and waited for an hour. The place is very trendy with its ramen bowls on the wall as decor (its really cool looking), and the club-like music. We went on Saturday and it was packed! The place doesn't look that big from the front, but it goes back quite aways, with hanging drapes that separate corners and hallways (kind of neat). They are very busy, but the service is still pretty good. I got the Akamaru Modern Ramen. I have been to other Ramen places around the city, but for some reason, you just want to drink the broth that they used with this particular dish! They added miso paste in it, which gives it more of a silky, thicker broth, unlike some that are thin, and almost chicken-soup-like. The ramen noodles are perfect. Crack the yolk of the soft boiled egg on top, as you dig in for your ramen and chasu; then let it explode in your mouth and let all the flavors meld together to give you that sense of comfort and warmth on a cold day (heck I'd eat this on a warm day!). Great atmosphere, great service, very tasty, a nowhere-else-you-can-find flavor of Ramen dishes!
(4)Ilene W.
Oh no! My first time, probably my last. Right before the food came a cockroach decided to stroll across the table right in front of me. The food looked delicious but no thanks.
(1)Ian A.
Great food, we got luck to sit at the bar and was able to watch them cook food.the pork buns were an A-, it could have been softer. We also had the lightly fried peppers. They were good, also and A-, because I expected them to be crunchy, they were not. For dinner I got the Akamura Modern, so good, so much flavor. I would definitely come back for it again.
(5)Jon E.
My absolute favorite for ramen in NYC. Totally kill it. The wait can get long, but I like to go at off hours. Worth every penny.
(5)Bill P.
Great atmosphere and great food! All the employees were knowledgeable and very nice. The prices were typical NYC rates, but worth it every once and a while.
(4)Ivan Z.
The overall experience is below my expectation. The meat burger is a great dish and innovation based on Chinese cuisine. However, the quality of ramen is not outstanding. The environment is so noisy that you can hardly hear what your friends say unless they speak very loud and closed to you.
(3)Ten C.
Tasty ramen, but original one in Japan is better. However, this place does satisfy my ramen craving! I always order "VERY HARD" noodles as I like extra al dente Woo!
(4)Tammy T.
I would book a flight just to have another meal here. It's an adorable entrance when a beautiful blonde is shouting at you in Japanese. What a way to set the tone! Luckily we beat the crowd so there was no wait, but I have to say I'd wait anyway. The pork buns are an absolute must. I think that was the best bite I had in all of New York. The tenderness of the meat was to die for. I almost regretted sharing with my sister until our ramen came out. The server made all the suggestions I needed before I finally made up my mind and went with their most popular bowl that was not spicy. I don't recall the name but it was light I flavor and flavorful all in one. There was plenty of meat and goodies in the bowl and I really didn't need to add anything extra. It was amazing as served! You can't visit without making a stop here. On a chilly New York morning this hit the spot.
(5)Travis D.
Really amazing place and friendly wait staff. Pork buns are a must for appetizers as well as the squid and brussel sprouts. Ramen broths were light and full of flavor. Would definitely come back
(5)Luis B.
First time at this location after a couple of previous attempts. This time it was a tuesday at about 5:45pm and the time was perfect to get a table without having to be on a waiting list for hours. I finally had the chance to taste the pork buns that everyone raves about and needless to say, it was a jubilation of yummy goodness!. The last, and only, time that I was at Ippudo in midtown they had ran out of these gems and now i know why. As always, the ramen did not disappoint. Ippudo keeps hitting it out the ballpark. hands down one of my favorite dishes to stuff in my pie hole. Happy hour is ok with their half off beers at $3 but no cocktails specials. Bar area is small almost "cozy" but it's more there to assist you if you are waiting for a table, which is certainly worth the wait.
(4)James S.
We always enjoy the food at Ippudo. Friendly, efficient service. Festive, but subdued, atmosphere. Only drawback is the long line for lunch on the weekends. A small price to pay for the great food.
(5)David B.
The ramen was good but not great like the hype from my friends made it out to be. I compare all ramen to Daikokuya in LA, which gets 5 stars, and Ippudo would get 4 stars if the pork in the tonkotsu was more tender and flavorful. The noodles had a nice texture and were perfectly cooked, though. Next time I'm in New York, I'll have to try Ippudo again. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt...
(3)Michelle D.
Best pork buns ever, all the rave reviews about them are on point. Although technically, mine were filled with chicken instead of pork. But either way...it melts in your freaking mouth. The ramen was perfectly cooked and I really loved the broth, which was full-flavored, savory and satisfying! Service was friendly and although I was there for Saturday lunch, the wait was under 10 minutes. Music is pretty loud and the tables are set up in communal dining style - so you're pretty much facing random strangers while you eat. Either way, it was a good experience. Atmosphere-wise, I liked it somewhat better than Totto Ramen, only because the wait was way less and the space is less cramped inside.
(5)Ben L.
I am adding another star since my two visits were probably two years apart. With the second visit, I was very pleased with my bowl of ramen, it still falls short of Totto but still respectable. The restaurant itself is a decent size and there are a good number of larger tables. The one thing that kinda bugged me was the constant yelling of Japanese phrases by the staff, then to make matters worse, the constant yelling wasn't from actual Japanese people.... whomp, whomp. The food: Karaka Men- Tonkotsu soup noodles topped with pork chashu, sesame kikurage with additional poached egg and Menma. The broth, to me, was the big ticket item in the bowl. There was so much depth of flavor, the pork chasu was tender and nice and fatty. Nom. The Menma, which are bamboo shoots, had a nice chew and texture, the poached egg was spectacular. My only issue with the dish was the size of the noodle themselves, I found them to be too thin for my liking. If the ramen noodles were thicker, I would have been in love with this ramen. Also, the bowl of ramen plus Menma and poached egg came out to $20, yes, bowl of ramen was $20......... let that sink it for a sec.... yelp.com/user_local_phot… Spicy fried chicken bowl- I wasn't all that crazy about the bowl, the chicken was pre fried and the mayo and soy were too sweet. I thought this was just OK. yelp.com/user_local_phot…
(4)Reggie T.
I enjoyed this place. This placed pop up while I was looking for a nearby ramen place. I usually am not a fan of ramen as I am use to just used Americanized ramen from the groceries stores (cup of noodle). I was very surprised by all the different types of ramen that one can get here. I really enjoyed it and will be coming back here for more.
(4)Shaun L.
Best Pork Bun's in the business!! Always a long wait, but once you sit down, it is a great experience!
(4)Andrew H.
I am obsessed with noodles in soup. Pho, udon, ramen, soba, hand-pulled noodles - you name it, I dream about it. If you also suffer from this obsession, the Ippudo experience is for you. Ignore the nay sayers - bring a friend, order a couple of beers and embrace the wait. For noodles, start with the Akamaru Moden with bamboo shoots and an egg, and order your noodles katame (hard) if they will let you. Enjoy some ridiculously happy slurping.
(5)Freddy F.
Great experience - fun atmosphere, tasty food, quality service.
(5)John P.
I try to get into the city at least once a month just for Ippudo's ramen. The pork buns are killer!!! I almost always get a modern which is great. Tried the crepe desert once and that was also great. I've been to both the downtown and west side locations and love them both.
(5)Sophia R.
Amazing Buns. A bit pricey and loud inside. Usually busy and have to wait a while to get a seat, but once you're in, it's a great experience
(4)John B.
Very good ramen with an excellent wait staff. Great date spot, just a bit too upscale for dining solo.
(4)Janet Z.
The ramen and pork buns are tasty. (Not worth a 2 hour wait in line outside though. Also, they're very strict about not seating you unless your entire party is there.) Service is very good. It's fun watching the chefs prepare the food behind the counter. The restaurant is a bit on the louder side. Pork buns are yummy. Tender with just the right amount of sweet and salty flavors. Each comes with 2, so good for sharing. The spare ribs are not bad either. The shrimp miso ramen was definitely shrimpier tasting and smelling (less evident in the spicy version). It uses a thicker, wavier ramen (I like this one better) than the regular ramen, which uses the straighter, thin noodle. Went: 2 times
(4)Dana K.
Pork buns to die for. I get the Akamaru Modern, which is really good. My only complaints are that there is usually a long wait and it is way too loud. I mean, I do get the ramen place ambience with the employees yelling, but music + customers + yelling does lead to me having to yell to my friend who is 2 inches away from me. Otherwise, the food is always great.
(4)Diane S.
soo good and not over priced for food in NYC. I'm obsessed with ramen, I know so asian. Luckily when I went line wasn't crazy for a weekday for a party of two. I think its worth the hype. Plus all the places in SF/San Jose are an hour wait as well. A NYC must eat, will definitely eat here again on an NYC trip! i got the Akamaru Modern and the booth is so good and I love the soft boiled egg. The whole bowl was done :) Can you please make an ippudo in HTX
(5)Grace G.
They have gluten free ramen. It's vegan/vegetarian so you'll have to other a side of meat. It was so good though. I went here with a couple of friends and thoroughly enjoyed it.
(4)Jerome C.
Love this place! Got me hooked on ramen. Great atmosphere. The only negative is the long wait so get there early.
(4)Anna T.
I loved it here! The staff was extremely friendly and kept checking in us and on top of that the food was great! I would definitely go back. Easily one of my top ramen places.
(5)Lavi W.
So I've been going to Webster Hall for concerts quite a lot recently. By the time the gigs end, I'm usually really hungry and it's a rush to catch the earliest train. I've been hearing really good things about Ippudo, but it just seems busy all the time. I decided to come here after a gig last night (Noel Gallagher!!!!) because it's my birthday today and in Chinese tradition, you can't call it a birthday without a bowl of noodle soup. I ordered Shikamaru Hakata Classic-- just wanted to try the classic and see how that is. Everything was super fast. But I didn't like the texture of the ramen at all- not fully cooked and very starchy. Come on, this is a bowl of ramen, but pasta! Cook it right! The broth is very tasty and I was able to identify the shiitake mushroom flavor in it. But too salty even though the umami level is great. Watch your blood pressure if you frequent here. LOL. Then the pork- dry, very dry. The whole time I was sitting there eating the pork, I was thinking about how tender and soft and delicious the pork from Sandaime (or something similar) was! I will visit again to try other stuff to see if I was biased for this one time!
(3)James M.
Fantastic lunch. Salty and delicious. Some of the best ramen I've had in nyc. Everyone should give this place a try.
(5)Carmen C.
Good ramen. Even better pork/chicken buns! Long wait, but worth it. Very modern and clean interior and good service too. Ramen: I got the Akamaru Modern because it's supposed to be more flavorful broth. It came with 2 pieces of chasiu (more fatty than the other ones), and garlic oil. I paid extra for the soft boiled egg. Chicken/ pork Steamed bun: soooo yummy. the chicken was fried and slightly spicy, but it was delicious! More so than their pork belly bun! Green tea ice cream/coconut milk: looks like a work of art!
(5)Stephanie M.
Decent Ramen. I know people who love this place, but it didn't quite blow me away. The place has a great atmosphere and it's fun to watch the guys doing their thing, but the food didn't wow me.
(3)Jenny T.
Ippudo was the one of the first ramen places I've tried, so I used to think it was the best! But after trying many other ramen places and then coming back, I found ippudo's ramen overpriced and lacking. Decor is great and service is super attentive, but I just wasn't really digging the ramen anymore.
(2)Isa B.
Here's the thing...it's pretty hard to mess up Ramen. I mean the ingredients alone are awesome. However, I wasn't as impressed with Ippudo as I thought I would be. The portions are much smaller than that of other Ramen spots (Ivan, Jin, etc.) The broth is delicious but Ippudo is super skimpy on the toppings. Definitely not the best ramen in NYC.
(3)Angela A.
We were in town for a few days from DC, and Ippudo is always on our list of stops. I lived in Japan for a two years not long ago, and I know good Japanese ramen. Our last trip to NY took us to the Ippudo westside location, which is great, but it's also the more family/less hipster version of Ippudo. So when we decided to check out Ippudo East village this time, I was pleased with the decor and energy of the place, which is what i expect from ippudo. I was also impressed with the japanese of some of the wait staff! For the record, we went here two days in a row in our five day trip to New York. We also arrived at 2pm on a weekday one day and 1pm on another weekday, and both times we were seated within five minutes. We loved the pork buns so much that on the second day, we decided on two orders - two for each of us! When the person delivered our buns, he was kind of shocked that we ordered so many and said something like "way to go!" as he placed them on our table, which embarrassed my bf but made me feel pretty heroic. These pork buns are melt in your mouth good, and there's something about the flavor in the pork with the mayo and lettuce and bun that just makes it oh so satisfying. On days when we don't order so many pork buns, we also start off with the edamame and draft beer. Always eat your ramen with draft Japanese beer. My personal opinion is that Kirin Ichiban is the number one beer to have with your ramen. The two flavors really meld together and it works. Sapporo is a close second. So we both ordered the hakata classic with nitamago (soft boiled egg), and we always order one spicy sauce and split it between us. I'm telling you, this is the perfect combination. Like the westside location, I give the east village one 5 stars. Not close to as amazing as what you'll get at Ippudo in Japan, but definitely pretty fantastic for ramen in the U.S.
(5)Gabby D.
Yup. The best ramen I've ever had. Boom! Done.
(5)Cindy M.
I got the Akamaru Modern and the Hirata Bun, they are so good! The broth is really crisp and the pork belly in it was good! Noodle is thinner than usual but really interesting flavor. On the bun side, they have a really juicy meat. I don't mind coming back again for the bun but not a big fan of the noodles tbh :) overall~ love love love I came on a Monday around 1 pm for 2 people, the wait was only 15 mins :)
(4)Liz N.
The infamous Ippudo! One of my besties, Jae, and I came during lunch time because we weren't willing to wait for two hours to get a table. I hear it can be the average wait time during dinner. Another good tip is to go in small groups. We waited about five minutes before our party of two was seated. For our appetizer, we got the pork hirata buns. As we looked around at the other patrons at our community table, we noticed it was a popular appetizer. The pork was cooked perfectly and the buns were nice and fluffy. I got the akamaru modern and Jae got the shiromaru hakata classic. The miso paste and garlic oil in my akamaru modern enhanced the flavor of my broth. It was filling and was perfect for trekking through the weather in NY. Best ramen, hands down.
(5)Esther P.
I don't see what the whole fuss is about... it's just ramen.. But the pork buns are amazing sauce. lol little too pricey for me... for something I feel like can be made at home... but the drinks I have to admit were very good.
(3)Michelle C.
After grabbing a delicious burger at Superiority Burger a few blocks away, I walked over to Ippudo NY and put my name in. I was told it'd be about a 45-60 minute wait. It was about 6:30 at the time. They took down my cell and texted when my table would be ready. I love that. I ordered the Akamaru Modern ramen and added a poached egg. It was really good. I nearly finished the bowl... but it was deceivingly large. Service was just okay - she took our order and then disappeared until it was time for the check.
(4)Jen C.
Only worth it if you can get in with a 30 min or less wait. First time I came, the wait was over 3 hours and I actually waited. You're not eating noodles from the gods, and the added wait definitely brought the awesome factor down a lot. Second time I came here was at 10:30p after a concert. 5 min wait and things were just right. Don't get the special though - spicy ramen with some kind of ground meat. Tastes weird and is probably a mix of old meat before it goes bad. Instead, stick with the regular menu. The spicy one there is much better.
(3)Angela W.
This rating is more like 3.5 stars, instead of 3. I arrived around 7pm on a Monday night and put my name and number down for a 1.5 hour wait. I figured that the quality of the food would justify the long wait and the premium price that we would be paying. A little after 8pm, I received a text stating that our table was ready. We were famished at this point so we decided on the Pork Hirata buns ($9 for 2), Ebi and Kani Croquettes ($12 for 6), and the Shiromaru Hakata Classic ramen ($15). The pork buns were delicious, although a bit odd with the mayo. The fatty pieces of pork belly topped with crisp lettuce, a savory, dark sauce, and mayo were a great way to start off the meal. The croquettes were the most disappointing part of the meal. They were insanely tiny and were filled with more cream than actual shrimp and crab filling. The ramen was a toss up for me. I loved the rich and creamy broth but wasn't a fan of the uninspiring noodles. The pork chashu was tender and flavorful but the other elements such as the menma, pickled ginger, and scallions were standard. For the sky high price tag, I was expecting to have a mind-blowing meal and it failed to impress. The food was good, not great, but for a $15 bowl of ramen, I expected it to surpass the quality of ramen found in LA. So, 3.5 stars for Ippudo but for the unjustifiable prices and ridiculous wait, I'd have to round down to 3 stars.
(3)Awais A.
i only came here because i like the name, IPPUDO...... IPPUDO.. but that was not the only thing i was impressed with. i am fan of their Ramen and dumplings. but mostly Ramen. But are they worth the price, in my opinion yes. things to take a note on is there is mostly long wait but on the plus side you just walk and look around. and don't recommend the pork dumpling most because I'm vegan and I'm pretty sure they don't taste so good.
(4)Annie L.
I really don't think this place is worth the hype. Ramen is Japanese soul food. It's not meant to be fancy or upscale; it just has to taste good, and the soup should bring you closer to a sense of home. That being said, Ippudo NY does not meet this expectation, charging way too much for what should be a simple bowl of noodles. When I went here, I got the Karaka Men, and I thought it was mediocre. The noodles were weirdly thin for ramen, and the broth was spicy and very oily. Also, when you reached the bottom of the bowl, you are just left with a lot of seasoning that didn't dissolve, making the soup grainy at the end. Also, $2 extra for a poached egg?? (It's just an egg.) They should do better, or at least lower their prices, though I don't think they will since business does seem booming. The restaurant had a very long wait (25 minutes at 2pm-- not even prime lunchtime; also no reservations) and was very loud. All the servers, even the foreign ones, "spoke Japanese", and I thought it was a bit forced.
(2)Erin S.
So damn good
(5)James H.
love this place!!!!! from the service to the food.
(5)Shirley S.
The wait was worth it, the noodles are great, pricing isn't bad!! I came here twice before and the noodles never disappoint. The appetiser I got on both occasions (the caramelized potato which was a special) is so great that I keep thinking bout it even after I got home. The soup is so flavorful I finished its and kept thinking bout getting extras even though I am not a big eater by nature. One thing though, the bowl of ramen emphasises on the noodles and the soup more than anything so there are not much meat (you can side order though!) And there is always an option to order extra noodles if the bowl does not satiate you. Also, I waited for an hour and forty five minutes on a Memorial Day weekend, but there usually is a wait for lines everyday, so be prepared to wait if you really want to try this.
(5)Sally Y.
Ever since moving to New York, I've learned to appreciate ramen even when it costs me $16 for a bowl. I recently boiled up some Shin ramen and it just doesn't compare--not enough flavor in the broth despite all of the seasoning I throw in there. On my most recent visit I ordered the Kara-men. It's a spicy broth but definitely very tolerable. I was drinking the broth without breaking a sweat. I ordered it with the poached egg. For some reason, the poached egg doesn't seem to add a whole lot to the ramen. I prefer something hard boiled or soft boiled so I can enjoy sizable chunks of egg. The noodles are thin and definitely not the ramen noodles in instant form, but still delicious. They're pasta like in terms of texture and not really wet. I also shared the pork buns with my friends. Be aware that they are small. It's literally enough to wet your appetite. Sharing it only leaves you wanting more. The buns were delicious and came with a slightly spicy and delicious white sauce. If I could have, I would have slathers just a little more. It's as addicting as the white sauce that comes with halal food. Need to try next: Akamaru Modern. My friend ordered it under the recommendation of the waitress and it as supposedly amazing. Come here during a Monday-Wednesday night and it won't be as busy. I've had to wait over an hour before but luckily they use some phone system that contacts you when your table is ready so you can roam free
(4)Mr. And Mrs. J.
We got right in at 10:30pm. Really efficient and fast service. Everything is delicious and loud. Lots of young ones being very cool in their pants, but fun if you can get in without a wait and don't want traditional.
(4)Elizabeth G.
I love this place especially their pork buns hahaha oh there is a cutie here who dressed up as a Sailor Mars on halloween, i thought he was a actual girl wow lol
(5)David N.
Yes, there is probably tons of reviews above me so you probably get the gist already. This is the quintessential ramen by which all other are set upon. This kick started the ramen crazy and everyone wanted to catch the wave. If you decide to eat during the dinner rush expect a wait. Grab a cocktail at the bar and settle in for the long wait time. So go after or before. The service is impeccably smart. The food is solid from the buns to the ramen. Everything that comes of the kitchen will be delightfully good. There are lots of excellent/good/ok ramen shops in NYC but Ippudo is still top notch.
(4)Claire L.
The taste is wonderful; the noodle, perfectly el-dente. But the great flavored soup is much too salty and entire noodle dish not hot enough.
(3)Kevin G.
Went in for lunch with my mother. I've previously visited Ippudo quite a few times with friends and family since everyone seems to want to try out their famous ramen. I've tried most of their menu; even some items that don't exist anymore (shrimp buns, I miss you). All in all, my experiences have been roughly consistent. Pros: Their appetizers are great and their menu for them seems to change every so often. The restaurant is quite lively, but some may find that the music is too loud to be able to hold a proper conversation. The restaurant seems relatively clean, and the employees definitely try their best to uphold Ippudo's high standards. Cons: Food is expensive in NY, but their noodles aren't good enough to go back for at current prices. The main Ramen courses aren't bad, but they're definitely not great either. If you've been anywhere else, it's very likely you've had better. 4 stars for disappointing ramen.
(4)WonJi H.
One of the must eat places in NYC for sure! Aside from their ramen and pork buns, their tako wasabi (raw octopus) is really good and fresh!! **dont forget to get minced garlic with your akamaru ramen..it will change your world!**
(5)Elle W.
Really liked the ramen. Not fond of the wait. It was 1.5 hours. The ramen itself was delicious, but definitely didn't merit the wait. Perhaps because ramen in LA is so accessible and for such a cheap price, it just didn't make sense to me. Also, it doesn't come with an egg as most ramens do. Great vibe all around though. The green tea creme brulee was to die for. As are the pork buns.
(4)Tracy V.
One of the best places to eat ramen. The karaka men is my favorite with an added egg! The ramen is good but those pork belly buns are even better! There is always going to be a wait and they don't take reservations. The Westside location is usually a shorter wait but it's not as big as this one. For the most part service here has been okay. It does get busy so our servers often disappear into the night.
(4)Paul V.
I feel as though I need to preface this review by saying that no, I have not yet been to Momofuku Noodle Bar, and thus, by my own admission I have nothing to compare Ippudo NY to yet. The question remains though? Do I really need a point of comparison to something this good? Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? The service and atmosphere at Ippudo NY are top class, mixing the authentic with a fun and friendly group of staff and seating arrangements that are conducive to any group. On a Saturday afternoon my buddy and I were seated immediately and welcomed in near perfect Japanese by our waiter. Sure, if I worked here I might grow weary of the constant cries of welcome and order up in Japanese - but I don't, and if you've been to Japan, you know that that's not as uncommon as you might think. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? While not a luxury item in Japan, ramen notoriously commands a premium here in the states, so I wasn't too surprised when I saw the prices on my various items, which you'll see tacked onto my pictures below: Wings Appetizer: $7 - yelp.com/user_local_phot… Pork Bun Appetizer: $7 - yelp.com/user_local_phot… Ramen: $14 - yelp.com/user_local_phot… Honestly those aren't bad at all, and this was particularly a hefty portion of ramen. Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? I feel the strong need to start with the Pork Buns, as these were without question the best I've ever had in my life. Smooth and simple, the flavor in the pork was absolutely tremendous, and it combo'd beautifully with the lettuce, mayo and wonderfully fluffy bun. This was the highlight of my meal. The wings? Meh. They were okay. Not meaty nor really all that flavorful, they were merely a bridge between my pork buns and my ramen, which was fine. Honestly if I could do it over again I would have had another order of pork buns. Now, the ramen is where I was relishing the chance to be picky. Having lived in Tokyo for two years, I love strictly judging a ramen on both noodle and broth alike, and I'm pleased to say that Ippudo passed the test with flying colors. Fresh and perfectly cooked noodles blended nicely with a flavorful broth that eluded the common pitfall of being too salty. The chicken as well was a pleasant surprise, and the creaminess of the dish as a whole was fantastically authentic. Well done. Dual Stars Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? Until I'm proven otherwise, (and I'll go to Momofuku here in the next few months or so), this is the best ramen in the city, and possibly the best pork buns in any city. Star Granted.
(5)Pin C.
Went here last night for dinner because we were in town from Virginia. Decided to end our night with Ippudo because of all the word of mouth about how amazing this place was. We got there shortly after 6 and only had to wait 20minutes to be seated. The customer service was phenomenal and that is what matters the most on top of the food of course. We ordered the pork buns as an appetizer which comes with two but it was soooo good and flavorful. The bun was very soft. For entree, I got the classic ramen which comes with pork, bamboo shoots, and it's like a ginger based broth and my husband got the Chesapeake ramen which comes with shrimp and has a seafood tasting broth. At the end they give you a cup of hot green tea to drink which was a good way to end our delicious meal. Will definitely come back when I go to New York again!
(5)Viet H.
I had the original house ramen. I must say that flavors were all just perfect. It was not salty and not bland. It was just right. A little overpriced for ramen but then again. It's New York... I still think my favorite ramen place in Los Angeles is far superior to this joint and also much cheaper. It's pretty good but not amazing even though it would be in my top 4.
(4)Raul B.
SAME EXCELLENT RAMEN I FOUND IN JAPAN!!! Some minor differences... I knew about Ippudo because of my last year trip to Japan; and I still cannot forget the ramen we tried there: OUTSTANDING! In fact, we when twice to Ippudo during our stay in Kyoto and we also went to Ippudo some days later in Tokyo. The menu in the NY restaurant is very similar to the Japanese one. And the food is also excellent! There were two clear differences: first of all, the NY restaurant is much more expensive than the Japanese one. I remember in Japan they serve combos (1 bowl and 5 giozas) during weekdays that were very cheap. However, you pay in NY much more money to get just the bowl of ramen. Of course, in Japan you don't tip the waiters. The second main difference is the sauces and sides. In the Japan restaurant there were plenty of things to add to your dish on the tables (soy sauce, minced garlic, spicy sauce, pepper...). There is nothing on your table in the NY restaurant. The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous. Definitely I am glad I tried it just to remember the ramen we got in Japan a while ago. And I am willing to try the London or SF restaurants!
(5)Kelly D.
This may be well considered the ramen king in NY, but you must consider this, you're paying nearly $20 for a bowl of ramen with a few add-ons. I really have a nitpick about ramen joints that charge for simple toppings or add-ons like an extra $2 for an egg or $4 for some shredded pork. Overall the ramen broth tasted excellent and I can see why many New Yorkers love this joint, but the texture of the noodles just didn't feel like ramen to me. It tasted more like a vermicelli type of noodle. I like my noodles thick and starchy and that's the key ingredient in ramen here, the noodles. However, its not just the ramen that attracts so many customers here, it's the pork belly buns. They are a must have at this ramen joint and it's what drives me to come back for more.
(4)Kiai K.
Thanks to the reviewer Alessia who stated that when a new customer arrives, the shout is "Irasshaimase!" I loved it. And I loved the vibe the shouts among servers gave the environment - maybe something not so welcoming with a hangover. I didn't have a hangover and thought the shouting among servers was a really fun experience. (If you don't like a lot of noise, you could always wear ear plugs; like some rock bands do.) The bartender who recommended and served a delicious sake while my friend and I waited for a couple seats was welcoming. (Though the ramen under the plexiglass bar top is preserved, the ramen inside the restaurant is fresh.) We ordered the hamachi sashimi and veggie ramens. Both were delicious. I don't remember what came with the sashimi, but the plate had a number of different items that made taste combinations truly appetizers. The soups were good sizes and filling with almost al dente noodles with a just-pulled taste. (Not sure if the noodles were pulled; assuming.) Not too salty either. Service was spectacular. I don't think I've ever said that about service before. If anything, be entertained by the service. Looking forward to a revisit.
(5)Gwen H.
Enoteca Maria, Staten Island. Apologize for this very, very late review as we ate there last November (2014). We had a fabulous dinner and thoroughly enjoyed Nonna Nina's cooking. Melissa the waitress was very friendly & helpful. The food was delicious and not heavy. Each dish was a delight and I so wanted to learn how to make it. The ricotta was very light & not heavy or grainy as it usually is or at least the kind I buy. The rice ball with rice, meat & vegetables was so light & yummy with the ricotta, tomato spicy sauce & basil leaf. The stuffed shells & meat sauce were light and scrumptious; my favorite part was the meat sauce. We had veal rolls filled with pesto wrapped in bacon with roasted eggplant accompaniment; Yum, yum, yum again! Got to meet Nonna Nina, our chef, who was so sweet & happy that we so enjoyed her food. Too stuffed for dessert but we still wanted some so we ordered the plate of cookies "to go." They were a yummy though not the healthiest breakfast. My favorite was the multi-layer chocolate & nuts filled one. Yummmm! Highly recommend & well worth the ferry to Staten Island. Got an unexpected treat with the night-time ride back to Manhattan as the skyline was spectacular, especially Lady Liberty & One World Trade Center.
(5)Sebastian S.
Be prepared to wait around 25 minutes to be seated if you're lucky. The atmosphere is extremely loud and full of youngsters sporting fancy leather pants and jackets. As for the food, the Akamaru Modern is definitely top notch as other reviews have promised. The soup was delightfully seasoned and just the right amount of saltiness that leaves a savory taste in your mouth. The service was also great. Since our group was new to the place, the waiter asked to double check if we really wanted to try the wasabi ramen dish, since wasabi wouldn't be to everyone's taste. I enjoyed the food and would recommend this place for a quick lunch.
(4)N S.
I only give it a 4 because of the slow service. My girlfriend and I stopped in for a weekday lunch - the place was crowded but we were seated in about 20 minutes. Once we ordered, the food came out fairly quickly, however we had to wait at least 10 mins for the menu to brought back so that we could order dessert, and then a further 15 minutes for someone to take our dessert orde and it just kept going south from there. Then there was the wait for the check....and the wait to get our cards back......the dessert and check cost us a good 45 minutes. I wonder when the wait to get a table is pretty long, why the service in the restaurant isn't faster. All 4 stars go to the the quality of food!
(4)Matt K.
Worth the long wait - try going early, sometimes that works, but not always - other hip New Yorkers have already thought of that angle, too, to get their hands on some awesome ramen.
(5)Li L.
The ramen salad was the best. Ramen was too salty and it was just fine. And it was really really loud inside. The service was fabulous!
(3)Isabella R.
I will say that I'm not a huge fan of pork broth, so there were very few things on the menu for me. Well, one. I got a ramen dish with chicken broth and it was good. Not the best I've had, but good. Regardless, if you don't like pork broth they have another option for you. If you are a vegetarian - no options for veggie ramen.
(3)Gisel M.
Love, love, love! The pork Harata buns are just as good as they look! The sake selection is excellent and the ramen we had was perfectly cooked! Trendy, chic, and great service. Not much else you can ask for IMHO.
(5)Christine T.
Best ramen I've ever had in my life. And I actually don't even like ramen lol... Their pork belly buns are TO DIE FOR. Food is amazing, but a little on the pricey side. 4 people for $150? Also, be prepared to wait 2-3 hours.
(4)An B.
Hate the wait but worth it when not longer then half hour (thank god my best friend lives around the corner for the wait) Killer ramen soups (eat it all cuz they wont allow you to take it home so better come hungry) and MUST HAVE are the pork buns that damn Japanese mayo...they are like crack!!! fingerlicking good!
(4)A S.
I oscillate between 4 and 5 stars. The lines are horrible, but if you go alone you almost always get a place in twenty minutes or less. What are you doing taking a date to a ramen place anyway? I used to think that the Classic was the best ever, and the Modern was almost as good. These are nice but many other places have tastes that are close. And the char-siu pork is dry and almost leathery, although that may be by design and I too much of a bumpkin to know. But these days I go more for the Tori Ramen, for which there is no comparison in NYC. The appetizers are inventive and tasty.
(4)Ami S.
The ONLY downside of this place is the wait time. I've been here on numerous occasions. The food and service is consistently excellent. I literally drive from Long Island, just because the taste of their ramen and hirata buns are simply unmatched. Keep up the consistency and I will always be a loyal customer.
(5)Michelle S.
Came here a few weeks ago and aware of all the hype and long waits, decided to go early. Like senior citizen early bird special, early. Well it worked by a VERY narrow margin. We got there at 5:30. At 5:40 they started to come in droves... by 6 the place was lined up to the door. Now, I openly admit that I'm still on my Japan honeymoon. I absolutely LOVE every single thing about that country. Everything. And, I had life changing Ramen there. So now I'm a wee bit spoiled. So, just let me say that this was not a two hour wait on a Monday night kind of Ramen. It certainly was very good and the chashu was spot on. I had the Karaka Men just to buck the Akamaru Modern cult. I think those pork buns get more attention actually. They were delish. And, the karage was excellent. Atmosphere was as any hipster LES Ramen shop should be. I actually prefer more authentic surroundings, but this was totally appropriate. Obviously, Ippudo knows its audience. They have 'em wrapped around their little finger, or more like around the block.
(3)Emily B.
What else can I add to the 3,500+ reviews already on Yelp? Good food, a tad overpriced and overhyped, way too loud, nice service. So would I go again? Probably not. But, like other buzzy NYC restaurants, it is worth one visit.
(4)Nathasha S.
I don't want no mediocre ramen?! A friday night, two hour wait. Like c'mon, what do you think you're serving? This place is so hyped up, it was disappointing. I ordered the Akamaru Modern, what most other people say is yum, and I was very much underwhelmed. The soup lacked depth and flavor. The ramen noodles looked like la mian in chinese restaurants, a bit strange. Fatty pork, that was alright, not spectacular but good enough. My friend held the same sentiment as myself. I would seriously recommend all ramen lovers to take their money elsewhere or to other delicious food New York has to offer. Once was enough, sorries.
(2)Jade F.
Oh my God. The pork buns (appetizer) were amazing. Some of the best appetizers I have ever had. Period. It was $9 for two, and I spent the time I was eating my first bun trying to figure out how to steal the second bun from a friend I had invited for dinner. Unfortunately, he finished his bun before I finished mine. The ramen was top stuff. I ordered the Akamaru Modern and although I believe truly that it was delicious, I'm quite sure they could have served me dirt after the appetizer and I would have eaten it just as well because I was still so infatuated by the pork buns. We then ordered the mascarpone & ice cream. A dessert that's somehow light and rich all at the same time. The atmosphere was great. We sat (two of us) at a large community table with plenty of space to be either friendly to others or kept to ourselves. I honestly hardly spoke to my friend, so I could have been sat in the corner and happy with those buns! I will come back here as much as I can. Only downside is the wait. We had to wait an hour. Okay, and $15 is kind of expensive for a bowl of ramen (but who cares? Pork buns!). For those who say it's too loud...all I can say is don't go to The Meatball Shop in the LES. But I like the noise/music, so keep on complaining about volume because... well... I can't hear you. ;) TIP: Put down your name and number with the host, and then head down the street at get lost at The Strand Bookstore... An hour will fly by.
(5)Ting L.
This is my favorite ramen place in NY. I've ventured to the other popular ones like Totto Ramen, Ramen Ya, Jinya, Minca, etc., but I always come back to Ippudo. Despite its crowds, long waits, super loud atmosphere (which may be a turnoff for some people), its ramen really rocks. My favorite is the Akamaru modern, and I sometimes try out their seasonal specials (can be a hit or miss) and I always order their pork buns without fail. Ippudo's ramen broth is a flavorful pork bone broth, some may think it's too heavy, but I think this is more traditional Japanese ramen (at least in the Osaka region). The noodles have perfect consistency of chewy and soft, and the pork belly is delicious.
(4)Annie W.
I don't get it, what's the hype? I'm missing something huh... it's me. I went to the one in HK while on vacation before I even thought of going to the one in my home city! I hear about the crazy waits, so I've been here once... on a super rainy day. it was 15 minutes wait I think. They usually quote me 45 mins to an hour an a half wait. Anyway, if you want to have ramen in a classy environment, this is it. If you want to have yummy ramen in a hole in a wall place... try Minca... but not Bassanova or Ivan's. Someone please tell me is there a more healthier ramen restaurant that serves yummy ramen like the ones in the package? Nissin one with the 4 asian characters and a cartoon little boy icon! Green package for chicken and brown package for beef... call me crazy.
(3)Sarah J.
Like pretty much every other restaurant in the area, this place was packed on a Sunday night. We arrived, put our names down, and went around the corner to Central Bar for a drink while we waited. It took about an hour for the 5 of us to be seated, but it was well worth it. We started off with some hot sake and pork buns and eel buns. While both sets of buns were good, the eel ones were phenomenal! We ordered another set of them since they were so good! For ramen, I got the Karaka Men, the spicy tonkotsu ramen with pork and mushroom and a poached egg. It was soooo good. It wasn't very spicy for my tastes, but it was delicious. Apparently, you can order more noodles for your extra broth for only $2, and if you eat 12 extra orders of noodles, your meal is free and you get a t-shirt! I don't recommend doing this, but hey, if that's your thing.... The atmosphere in the restaurant is pretty great. Very chill, hip and modern all at the same time.
(5)Sarah S.
Five stars for their akamaru ramen. It's got a kick but it's not unbearably spicy. The noodles are perfection and the meat melts in your mouth. I did the kae-dama which means for a couple extra bucks you'll get another serving of their awesome noodles to put into your leftover broth so you can relive the experience all over again. Definitely worth the hour wait.
(5)Chi L.
I come here whenever I'm in NYC. Get whatever ramen bowl, but also get the pork buns and the fried chicken. If you don't think you can handle a ramen bowl, pork bun and fried chicken, then get the ramen and the fried chicken. Then wait an hour and get the pork bun. Don't leave that place until you've had all three!
(5)Kelly M.
Ramen Heaven!!
(5)Theo S.
they are good tonkotsu style ramen. I feel its a bit overpriced, so one less star. trendy interior, nice place to have a quick casual fun dinner date.
(4)Jenny B.
Definitely get the karakamen- that's my go-to ramen every time I go to Ippudo. It is so flavorful and has just the right amount of spiciness. Remember to leave some soup over for an extra helping of noodles (kaedama). You won't regret it.
(5)Cecilia Z.
Coolest Ramen place with handsome chef...lol I mean the food, is the best!! The shortcoming is u have to wait for hours to get a spot...however after u sit down u forget all the pain in waiting ;)
(5)Jose F.
The food gets a glowing 5 stars, but the organization to actually get a table is not even wrong. Positives: the ramen and the pork belly buns. I strongly concur with the other reviews on the food itself. Negatives: it's worth repeating that their service in getting a table is not even wrong. Folks, it's the 21st century, take a reservation! They have an odd sms setup managed by hostesses that couldn't care less about service. So here's a simple solution: allocate some tables for phone reservations; if a party doesn't show up on time, cancel the reservation and open it up. Simple. To add injury to insult, after waiting 2hrs I asked if I could start looking at a menu. The hostess curtly replied "I don't have one right now." Ok...thanks for trying? Yes, you could wait at another place and come back. Even if you do, you'd still have to knock over fellow brethren at the crowded bar to get to the restaurant itself. What an unnecessary circus! It's comical actually, so I took it all in stride. Over time I hope they modernize this service as it tends to bruise the great experience that is the food.
(3)Gen M.
It's as good as everyone says it is. We showed up at 6--just an hour after they had opened--and the wait for a table was already an hour and a half! The host took our phone number and we killed time getting drinks. The bartender was very much interested in hanging out with his hipster friends (who took up three of the maybe 10 places at the bar). I was annoyed with him, but I digress. We ordered a couple Kirins, edamame and pork buns. Order the pork buns. Just do it, thank me later. The glaze on the pork combined with the spicy mayo was on point. 90 minutes later, we were seated at a bar counter. Unless you're a group of four, you will be seated at one of the several counters in the dining room. Tables are for groups. We ordered the classic ramen and the modern with the spicy paste. The classic is basic ramen, mastered. The noodles are thin, a little chewy, and the broth is a little buttery and salty. The ramens here are no frills--just a handful of scallions, some pork chashu, and a sprinkling of ginger. The modern ramen, once mixed with the dollop of spicy paste, was a little smoky flavored and equally delicious. My only complaint was that my pork chashu tasted a little like turkey or chicken--especially after eating the pork buns, biting in to my chashu was a little off offputting. We were given complimentary green tea after our meal. Yum. Nice touch, Ippudo. The service was great. The dining room itself is loud; they were playing club music and the servers would call out the names of the dishes they were carrying, as well as shout greetings to each new guest coming in the dining room. Good thing we were seated at a counter, after all. Being close together let us have better conversation. Five stars!
(5)Real M.
The much hyped Ippudo! I'll give it 4 stars but only because I love ramen. Other than that, it's slightly overpriced. I love ramen though. I had to try at least once. And I enjoy waiters yelling Japanese at me when I walk in and out.
(4)Jayme L.
By far, the best place I've been to in NY... The service is top notch. The food is amazing.. They literally do not miss a beat here.
(5)Jon L.
The ramen is vastly overrated but the buns (specifically pork belly and fried eel) are EXCELLENT, so it all balances out. Absurd that they don't allow take-out bowls for leftover ramen, and that they only can divide a check 4 ways.
(3)Justin K.
I had high expectations coming to this place, but my experience was not good. I suppose it's partly my fault for listening to the waiter against my own judgment. I asked him for a recommendation and he kept raving about one of the specials for the day. All I remember was that it had tomato and sounded interesting, so I ordered it. What came out was not ramen at all. It was basically noodles with no broth, covered in random shit, with a side of some tomato sauce thing. Seems like they were trying to go for some Italian influence and it did not work at all. I tried my friend's dish and it was a lot tastier (don't remember what it was), so I may have to give this place another shot. I'm just pissed that the waiter made such a big deal about the special. Who could possibly think that it would be good??
(3)Ted K.
This remains the best ramen I've ever had. The atmosphere matched the food experience perfectly and the quality/flavor in the ramen was outstanding.
(5)Stephanie M.
The one and only negative (depending on your perspective)-- they don't take reservations. You have to schlep to the restaurant and line up with the rest of 'em, and wait your turn. Though, I have heard that you can go to the wait stand and ask in person for a time some hour in the future, and they will consider it. Otherwise, get there at 4:30pm to wait for their 5pm opening if you want dinner without a wait. Now for the good: EVERYTHING ELSE. The service is kind and attentive. They are having a good time, and make sure to tell their guests hello and goodbye. The restaurant itself has a funky yet grounded ambiance that I love. And now... the food. It's good. It's just so good. Listen closely to the special ramen- it might be a game changer. But if it doesn't whet your whistle, you can't go wrong with the Modern. Always add the soft-boiled egg. Just do it. And for the appetizer, you absolutely must get the Hirata Buns. Pork is my favorite. They're a game changer... they really are. If the special has Kakuni (braised pork) you will never be happier about anything you choose. I know when the special is Ki-Ki, you'll get the delicious kakuni. How I love you, Ippudo.
(5)Tom H.
There was a line at the door, but once inside, the staff greets you in unison. Arrive just before 5p to short cut some of the wait. Once inside, the Ramen is absolutely amazing. So well balance, and not overly heavy. Probably the best I have ever had.
(5)Shannon H.
You know that song "I don't want no mediocre" by whatever rapper. I think he was onto something and his song may have been inspired by Ippudo. I heard this place was the ramen to end all ramens. The holy grail ramen mecca of New York City. Nope. Not at all. So the usual wait here is an hour or more but we decided to go in early and wait in line for a table when they opened at 5. We were seated immediately and were served even more immediately. We ordered the pork buns to start which were actually delicious so I will not knock those. Too bad our whole meal wasn't those pork buns. Anyway.. I felt like the staff was rushing us the whole time. You ready to order yet? Like legit 5 times which cool I get it you are busy and don't want us lingering but we barely even started having a conversation before they interrupted us over and over again. We both ordered the Akamaru Modern ramen which is supposed to be their signature ramen. I was utterly unimpressed. The depth of flavor was severely lacking compared to other places I've been closer to home. Namely Astoria. I don't know what all the hype was about. Mediocre at best
(3)Ivania T.
The size and broth was on point! I want to go back already. It's worth waiting 45 mins. You can pay with your debit card which is a plus. If you go with 6 people you can get the booth! I had the Akamai modern with egg and my bf had karaka men with egg and it was delicious! The broth is like Wowza! We want to go again and check out consistency.
(5)Lilly C.
I've been dreaming about these pork buns before I ever had them before. I could imagine what they taste like and my expectations were high. Even with my super high expectations, I was blown away by my first bite. The fluffiness of the buns. The tender pork belly, perfectly seasoned. The crunch of the lettuce. The sauce--- THE SAUCE!! All in one bite. Perfection.
(5)H Y.
Really great place to hang out. Pork belly bun is by far the best I ever had. Ramen is good but not the best. Had the Kiki ramen only picked it because it says limited quantities only. It's good but not great. Akamaru ramen is the most popular and the best. Service is impeccable. They even took my dirty napkin n gave me a new 1.
(5)Jan F.
Decided to try this place today for lunch (seated within 10 minutes of arriving, which happened to be right when they opened). I ordered the spicy ramen and my husband ordered the ramen of the day (can't remember name). Both were good, though we both preferred mine. The broth and noodles are well prepared and taste good. Both came with pork, which was nice and tender. I'll probably try somewhere else next time I want ramen, not because it wasn't good, but because it wasn't as good as my current favourite ramen restaurant (Katana-Ya in San Francisco).
(3)Jared B.
Incredible pork buns. Seriously...maybe better than Momofuku. Really awesome classic ramen. Nice atmosphere. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the way the wait staff was constantly coming back to the table literally every three minutes. That won't stop me from going back.
(4)EVGENIA B.
Now that's real ramen! Amazing ramen, great appetizers, good for groups. Loooove this place. Ramen quality is impeccable. They greet you at the door by yelling out greeting in Japanese do the whole restaurant can hear. One tip: order pork belly buns as an appetizer. They don't take reservations so the wait may be quite long.
(5)Juliana O.
This WAS a big deal years ago but I don't think still happening now. Came here first time there're 2 hours wait! No matter how good you're it's not in our list to spend our money for 2h waiting! Hello?! Came free second time, prior to 10mins open the line was about 10people. We stayed in and ordered two ramen and the bun for appetizer. I believe that represent what they serve and I can conclude they're not the best ramen you get for the line you wait. We do like the bun though but won't come back cause apparently all ramen places have this kind of bun and they serve tasty ramen. I'd just like to say don't be a sucker and give them satisfaction they're worth to wait! Sorry! :)
(2)Rani P.
When searching for a ramen destination, New Yorkers understandably have mixed opinions. However, the panel I had gathered to advise me on my "seeking ramen" weekend seemed to unanimously agree Ippudo needed to be near the top of the list. After being told I would more than likely have to wait over an hour for a bowl, it was a relief to also learn they take your digits and text you when your table is ready. Probably one of the best texts from a random number I could ever ask for. Although, we soon discovered that our party of 4 at 2pm on a Saturday would be sat quickly only after 20 minutes of waiting accompanied by some mugs of Sapporo. Pork buns were some of the best I've ever had. I am a sauce person, and although I know I should learn to appreciate the pork in its alone state, I can't help but be excited about saucy goodness dripping from the bun with every bite. I selected what I was told was the most popular ramen at this cool joint: the Akamaru Modern. All I can say is, I picked up the bowl to slurp the last few drops of broth and felt a satisfaction that can only be attributed to an outstanding bowl of ramen. I feel confident I will consider it one of the best as I continue the ramen journey I embarked on since the early days of "Oodles of Noodles."
(5)Dan M.
It may be heresy to say this, but the ramen here just doesn't do it for me. I got the Shiromaru Hakata Classic. While the mushrooms are a great addition, I found the broth to be too light, and for $14, the portion to be too small. If I were basing my review solely on the Hirata Pork Buns, however, this place would get 5 stars. Those little buns of heaven will forever hold a special place in my heart. But if you're looking for better ramen and don't feel like waiting for an hour, go to Minca a few blocks away.
(4)D C.
You don't make reservations here, you give the hostess your phone number and they call when your table is ready- our wait was less than 30 minutes. Food was excellent, we all chose different appetizers, ramen, and deserts. Highly recommend saving room for their crepe cake!
(5)Calvin L.
Update: I've been back recently and it was once again incredible. I felt the need to update this with a bit more detail. My friends and I went last Saturday evening, and the wait for a table of 4 was about an hour and a half. We noticed that you can stand around at the bar and get drinks/pork buns while you wait, but decided to opt for exploring the area instead. That was a mistake. Not only was it cold outside and we were tempted to go other places, after trying the pork bun at dinner, I could have snacked on those at the bar for an hour and a half easily. Tender and full of flavor, then wrapped in a pillow-soft bun. Those were just the appetizers though. As we finished, the waiters brought handwipes, and then promptly brought out my Shiromaru Hakata Classic. I did not need more noodles, but instead I used a dual hand method of scooping up broth and then using the chopsticks for a fair amount of noodles each time. Every bite was incredible and flavorful. Excellent service. Overall a fantastic experience if you can stand the wait.
(4)Asaan B.
The Food The less you know about Asian cuisine, the more novel it will seem to you, and the more you will enjoy this restaurant. That being said I enjoyed my meal and felt everything was fairly priced. I recommend giving this place a try. I ordered the hirata buns. It was roast pork with sriracha mayo and piece of iceburg lettuce in an open bun typically used for Chinese style roast pork buns. It was tasty. If you don't like mayo watch out. The put a good bit on one of my two buns and you could really taste it. I enjoyed it. It wasn't what I was expecting. I imagined a super tender slow cooked meat. It was a tender piece of roast pork in a bun. I would imagine a Chinese person would be super disappointed if they paid 9 dollars for that. lol The buns are also a bit sweet; which I wasn't expecting, so if you get this appetizer don't make the same mistake as me and order nigori sake which is sweet. Get a beer or something dry to go with it. Then if you wan't some sweeter alcoholic beverage get it along with the ramen as it will pair nicely will the salty broth. I ordered takowasabi. It was plated really nicely. But there was nothing special about it. You could go up to Sunrise Mart and buy it in a little container and it will taste exactly the same. I ordered a ramen from the specialty menu. It had pieces of pork that were soaked in whiskey. Once my ramen arrived and I began eating it; I was trying to figure out why it taste familiar. And then it hit me. The broth was the same broth as Japanese use for a dish called niku jaga; which literally translates as meat and potatoes. It is similar to the broth used in sukiyaki as well: soy sauce, mirin, sugar, rice wine, and bonito dashi. I used to be able to cook it back in the days. The pork pieces could have been cooked longer. They were tender but when I'm home cooking I cook meat more tender than that. I feel bad because I'm complaining. If you are not that familiar with the above dishes they use as a reference for what they serve, you will likely think the food is incredible. I just felt like it taste really good. I would go back again if a friend wanted to go. And I recommend that you try this place. And a side note is, I hate Ramen. I actually like the flavor but I have a negative childhood association with it. My mom used to leave those cheap Nissin instant packs for me to eat after school. It traumatized me, so to get me to go eat ramen is a hard sell. I thought they would have other dishes as their main, but since ramen was it. That's what I went with. And I was pretty happy as I lapped up the last bits of broth and discovered there were these tasty bits of onion hiding at the very bottom of the bowl. The Service I had to give them one star alone for the service. I was ready to tear them a new one when I saw a guy wiping down the tables then setting the table immediately afterward, but I noticed later as I continued to observe him, that he wipes them down using only his left hand and places new napkins and chopsticks only with his right. The staff was super polite, super fast, and super attentive. And they manage to do this in an environment that is super busy. You won't have to ask for a water refill. You will feel what it feels like to be a customer in Japan. They treat you like a Queen. They treat you like a King. There are all different nationalities working there, but they are all on the same page. They make customer service and the Japanese dining experience a top priority. The Atmosphere The place is not quiet and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but you need to be aware of it. The staff screams Irashaimase!!!!!, when people enter, and Arigatou gozaimashita!!!, when people leave. It looks kind of romantic inside with candles on the tables and the lighting is kind of dim. There were couples dining together, friends, and even family members. One couple that was sitting diagonally across from me was canoodling towards the end of their meal. The Price As I mentioned above, I felt like it was priced really fairly. It was 16 for the ramen, 5 for the takowasabi, and 9 for the buns. I left a 10 dollar tip. They have have a separate tip jar for the chef/cooks. There was a sign over the tip jar that said please leave a tip and help keep us off the pole. It provided for some post-dinner humor.
(4)Elizabeth L.
My friend told me that I had to try this place. We went on a weekday after I got out of work. Waited about an hour to hour and a half. I expected that but it is nice that they take your phone number and text you both when you have 10 minutes until your table is ready and when it is ready. ( We just went to a bar while we waited). Overall the place is extremely dark, and as an interior designer I don't understand why designers must make it that dark...? We ordered the pork buns and I was blown out of this world because I crave them now like all day. I also ordered a cranberry cocktail and I'm putting it in simple terms because I don't remember the correct name. It was good could have been a bit stronger but not horrible. I wish I remembered what ramen I ordered but it was pretty amazing! I left in a food coma. But there is always room for dessert my friend and I got Anin Tofu. Sounds weird but it was great. The only thing that kept throwing me off was the slightly obnoxious yelling they did when they served your food. Kind of annoying when the girl had a high pitch voice, and did it 939375 times. So when can I go back?
(4)Nav G.
AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING PLACE!!! After hearing all about ramen noodle houses throughout the city, my friend took me here!! Very cool spot to hangout with a huge bowl of ramen. Don't like ramen? Not a problem! You're going to love the ramen they serve here. I got the Akamaro modern bowl, which comes with you choice of rice (I got the spicy fried chicken rice - not spicy at all - great to have on their own!) and a salad as part of their lunch special. I enjoyed every single bite of it! The ramen were great, the soup that they're in was delicious!! Oh, and they bring out complimentary hot tea after you're done with your meal!! This place is right across the street from my work! God help me! I see a whole lotta ramen in my future!!
(5)Patrick L.
Pork buns at the bar with beer and sake while we waited for our table. How can you beat that?? Great service at the bar. We arrived around 1:30pm on Valentine's day and waited about an hour, which is really not bad. The ramen bowls are pretty large, so be aware. After a beer and a single pork bun, I didn't think I had room for another appetizer. I was right. I ordered the Akamaru modern with seasoned egg, and bakudan on the side. It was delicious. The bakudan is pretty spicy, so be careful. My girlfriend got the classic ramen which was also very good. My only regret is not being able to eat more food. So many of the appetizers sounded amazing. I'm excited to go back and try some more.
(5)Edward L.
Please dislike my comments. I am writing as i witnessed the place. I hope what I saw was not true! I must say that this restaurant is OVERRATED and rated B by NYC inspectors for various reasons. One of the rather discomforting facts is their food quality. All they use is MSG or hexane based food additives from Japan. Thankfully I sat at the bar counter witnessing how each plate was prepared. They mix-matched their knives to cut fish and cooked meat. I got speechless when I saw they kept cooked beef wrapped by wet paper towels. Over dusting MSGs or using low quality fans and pots seem unimportant compared to how they do with meat or fish. Knives are used on veg, cook meat, and raw fish without washing them with running water. Plates were cleared with over-used kitchen clothes. It is no wonder NYC health department rated this place B. I would rate this place F. The drinks and deserts were also very subpar. I tasted no alcohol in a cocktail which was priced for quality, which wasn't delivered. The dessert was okay at best but I started asking myself about how they prepared the sticky syrup and kept it safe. I think the overall quality has deteriorated over the years. The solution - they should be what they really are - a cheap ramen place simple, clean and cheap. A simple ramen place would not need to deal with many health codes as it's all cooked and simple. If not, they must re-design its concept as a fine Japanese fusion establishment with more resources and training that patrons should be served in line with common practice rules. Right now it is a disaster disguised!.
(1)Alex B.
Oh my god, ramen heaven. I went with a couple of friends and we got lucky enough to sit at one of the back tables all to ourselves. Granted it was 2:00pm on a Monday afternoon (yes, we skipped work because we had to have it). It was worth it. The ramen was amazing- I don't remember which one I had but I'm sure they are all delicious. We got the pork buns to start and they are unreal. Not sure if I would wait 2 hours to eat here, but if you can get in early on a week day or go around lunch time it is highly recommended!
(4)Raven C.
goodness gracious, great bowls of ramen. this place is fantastic. went here on valentine's day- had an hour & a half wait even though we got there right at 5 when the doors opened (there was already a line out the door and down the street, LOL). my date & i went nearby to have drinks until our table was ready, which was totally fine, as they take your phone # and text you when your seats are ready. we both ordered whiskey, neat, about $14 a glass. then we had about 3 rounds of the pork buns- soft, smooth, deliciously confusing bread wrapping salty delicious fatty succulent pork in some type of sauce and seasoing, with iceberg lettuce and some type of seasoned mayo. simple, addictive, amazing. after that it was more whiskey and then the ramen- we both ordered the special of the day which our waiter so nicely mentioned to us was 5 bowls away from selling OUT. this was a pork ramen bowl, with noodles, spinach, and a delicious porky broth. i ordered a side of miso paste to add some paste. i forget what it was called... Kiki ramen or something? Not sure, but it's not a regular menu item. if you ever see something like this as the special though, GET IT. the date i was with & the bar tender at Sweetwater Social (where we went for drinks before) both claim this is the best ramen in the city... and I might just be in agreement. #TeamIppudo
(5)Andie S.
Ok so I've never given a bad review before and the first thing I'd like to say is the staff at Ippudo are very welcoming and nice, but this was a HUGE disappointment for me and my friend. My boyfriend had warned me not to go, but my friend and I as ramen enthusiasts felt we HAD to try it. After a two hour wait on a Sunday in an ice cold waiting area we finally sat down at the bar. After chowing some pork buns and having some yuzu sodas we were pretty excited until we saw the chefs taking out the buns for the pork buns from a premade package!!! We wanted to photograph, but felt it was to mean. THEY DON'T MAKE THEIR OWN BUNS that you also pay a hefty price for and it only includes two small baby slices of pork that I noticed is frozen and thawed in a sauté pan then doused in sticky pre made sauce. So disappointing, but we kept hope. Then came our extremely disappointing bowl of ramen! Two small slices of fatty pork in a broth with hardly anything else in it for $15+. The noodles are definitely not handmade and while the broth was tasty that doesn't make up for the rest of the issues. My friend had to pay $2 extra dollars for an egg which is part of this historic dish and in restaurant terms COSTS NOTHING TO MAKE!!! Then I saw them microwaving the pork to put on the soup and that's when we absolutely had it. I do think the soup had flavor, but this is NYC and good isn't good enough. This place was extremely disappointing, a gimmick, and very pricey. If you want a good bowl of ramen go to a neighborhood joint like Ramen - Ya. Thick cuts of delightful pork and a broth you'd want to swim in with a wait time of 0. Now I know why my boyfriend lives across the street, but never goes!
(2)Margo L.
People vote with their feet...err...mouths. With 6,876 Yelp reviews, it's obvious this place is very very good. You'll have to wait a long time to eat--most likely a couple of hours. And, you'll have to cough up about $15-20 for the ramen alone. But, if you're looking to try one of the best ramen restaurants in NYC, that's the price you pay. I won't pretend to know anything more about ramen or Ippudo than the other thousands of reviewers that have already weighed in. But, I will say that I disagree with those who think this place is not good for vegetarians. I think you can have an excellent meatless meal at Ippudo. Today, I got the vegetarian bun (with fried eggplant and a heavenly sauce) and the wasabi ramen. There was no FOMO. I left very happy. There is a lot of hype surrounding this place, but it's well-deserved. If you haven't gone, go.
(5)Nora M.
Definitely enjoyed our experience here and look forward to being back again soon. As soon as we walked in the door and were greeted in Japanese, we felt we were experiencing something unique, authentic. And that is just the start of what we look for when we dine out. Ramen is great, lychee martini is delish and we even had tasty pork buns at the bar while waiting for our table to help pass the time.
(4)Di P.
6K+ good reviews and I was still skeptical. there was a freakin' LINE in a SNOWSTORM of people waiting to get into this place. This place is a factory-- they open up the doors and a team of hostesses start seating people right away. Food is already prepped and ready to go because the faster they get you in and out, the more eager hungry somewhat inpatient more customers they can serve. your party HAS TO BE THERE or they won't seat you. they politely shoo you away and you're doomed to the waitlist. the one other time i tried to go there was a 4 hour waitlist. sheesh! this place isn't super nice or fancy. but we ordered several servings of the steamed pork buns because they were excessively tasty. we had a team of people making sure that plates were cleared quickly, food was served hot and ready, water was refilled, seconds were ordered easily. it's pretty amazing. but also there's an impeding sense that you really should not linger. not the way i like to enjoy dinner out usually, so i think if there is an unpopular time to go here, that would be much more enjoyable. we all tried different ramen bowls and because i like my broth spicy i had the karaka men-- I added the poached egg and it was allllll goooood. also got their special sake which was surprisingly sweet and easy to drink. overall, a tasty experiences if not impersonal and rushed.
(4)Celia D.
This place would have gotten five stars if not for the mediocrity of what it is known for - the ramen. I have been trying to find a good ramen place in NY since I moved here for college and after reading rave reviews hoped that Ippudo would be it. Unfortunately, the ramen was just alright and not something I'd go back for. I ordered the Akamaru Modern, and was immediately disappointed at the quality of the noodles. They didn't have the elasticity you would expect from a good fresh ramen noodle and didn't hold flavour very well either. The broth was decent but had no depth - compared to a lot of tonkotsu ramen I've had in Asia it was almost bland. The only thing I can praise about my bowl was the chashu - it was flavoured well and tasted almost identical to that of my favourite ramen place in Manila, though I wish the slices were bigger. The rest of the food was quite good. The pork buns were delicious; salty and flavourful. My vegetarian friend ordered the vegetable buns and enjoyed them as well. I also had a bit of her Wasabi Shoyu Ramen and enjoyed it - while it didn't taste like 'ramen' it was a good vegetarian noodle. We also both ordered the yuzu soda and I would definitely recommend it for yuzu fans. The service was very good. We arrived just before 1 and were told there would be a 30 minute wait, but our table was ready earlier than that. Our server was chipper and attentive, and someone was always topping up our water glasses. Overall this is a nice place to eat if the wait is not too long, but don't come expecting to taste the god of all ramen.
(3)Dat V.
I would give 3 1/2 stars, but I'll round up. Arrived on a Saturday night at 7pm, 2hr 15 minute wait. It was dark, loud and filled with patrons shoulder to shoulder at the host stand/bar/waiting area. I had the Hirata Buns, steamed buns opted for pork. 2pc/$9, it was good but could've used some sort of acid or pickled element to go with the sweet ippudo sauce and sweet mayo. Then had the Akamaru Modern ramen ("tonkatsu" pork soup noodles topped with ippudo's secret "umami dama" miso paste, pork chashu, cabbage, sesame kikurage mushrooms, scallions, and fragrant garlic oil) with the addition of a poached egg. The noodles were pretty firm and broth was flavorful. The service was fast and definitely hurried, probably a 25 minute table turn.
(4)aly y.
solid bowl of ramen if you can get around the mealtime rush! Quick service one you are in :)
(4)Jess C.
Working in a NYC restaurant myself, I realize the weight of a bad review. I'm not saying this lightly but dining here was one of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had. I'm sharing in hopes that Ippudo will take steps to improve their service. Last Friday was my boyfriend's birthday so we stopped for lunch at Ippudo. We got sat before 3 pm, where our server told us they were doing last call for food. Firstly, one of the three hostesses in front should've informed us that they were closing their kitchen to prepare for dinner. I would've chosen to come back to Ippudo at another time had I known we would be rushed. We had to order all of our food from our server within minutes of sitting. These are all things I can deal with. I completely understand the kitchen closes but as a courtesy, someone should've told us before we sat. Our server asked us if we wanted dessert and the obvious answer would've been Yes, it's my boyfriends birthday but I was so turned off by being rushed that I said No. I would have spent more money and had a higher check, all good things for servers, if the service was better. We got our food, which was good, but overshadowed by what happened next. I asked for a to-go container for my food, so that we could get out of their hair but our server said they don't do that. He drops our check soon after. Before I can even look at it (maybe one minute later), a female server whom we had never spoken to, comes to our table and says, "You are the last ones, we need you to close out". We had been sitting for less than 45 minutes and we were not the only ones in the restaurant. We must've had the one remaining check open. Now, I spent $80 on lunch in a place where I can't even finish my food in the comfort of my own home and now someone is coming up to my table telling me, not asking me, to pay and leave. Unacceptable. I commented on how rude it was, hoping it didn't ruin my boyfriend's entire experience of being there. While I was preparing to pay, FOUR different people (bussers, the same female server, our original server) came up to our table within 2 minutes of each other. One was trying to clear our plates and said, "Take your time" ironically, another was trying to fill my water which I said I didn't want any more, then the female server came and filled my water... All within 2 minutes. I understand that they were trying to get us to leave, making their presence known so we didn't get comfortable and stay for a long time, but I was appalled. Especially since we had been there for less than 45 minutes. We weren't chit chatting in an empty restaurant for 3 hours. I'm shocked Ippudo allows this kind of behavior from their staff, who is inexperienced and unversed in NYC dining standards. Some of the worst service I've ever experienced. I will not be returning.
(1)Karasimsek m.
Although I had to wait in a long line to get in, it was well worth it. the ramen was UNREAL. probably top 3 Ive ever had. also, the service was friendly and professional. definitely plan on going back.
(4)T B.
Best restaurant ever! The wait is worth it and is usually sooner than they say. A must try if you haven't. Anytime I am in the city after checking into the hotel this is my first stop no matter what. Prices are great. Two full noddle meals with two extra sides of noodles and two appetizers- only $50. Love it! (They do not take reservations and do not have gift cards)
(5)Dennis R.
I love and hate this place at the same time, but my love for this place is far more than what I hate about this place. I must start of by saying why I hate this place, there is always a wait and they do not take reservations, you have to go to the restaurant and put down your name. Also you cannot be seated till the entire party is present. I love every single ramen they serve here, i feel the broth is like a drug I can never get enough of it. The pork belly buns is a must try, if you have been here and not tried it make sure you go back immediately and try it. They have a good selection of sake, I usually always drink the nigori over here. All in all I must say if you are going to wait go in a bigger group so that at least your wait is enjoyable.
(4)Krissy L.
I'm generally not a ramen fan... but their ramen was pretty damn good. I'm torn between giving this place a 4 or a 5 so for the food, 5 stars. In my heart though it's a 4.5 compared to it's other location. Consistent with the other reviews, the wait time is no joke. For 2 people, it was about 1 hour and 10+ minutes on a thursday night @ ~8pm. The wait space and bar area itself isn't very large so with all the people crammed in a tiny space, it's a bit hard to maneuver to. We spent our wait time at a bar around the corner drinking some beers so waiting wasn't a big deal at all. When seated, we shared a table among other groups which was kind of weird. I've shared tables with strangers on numerous occasions but just the fact that your group and another group are facing each other was a bit awkward for me but it wasn't hard to get over. The atmosphere is pretty lively and the waiters all yell table numbers in japanese to each other or something making it kind of exciting and fun to be there. During our meal, they were incredibly attentive and fast at bringing out the food and check despite being as busy as they were. Again, the ramen was YUMMY! Ordered the Akamatsu Modern, which is apparently pretty popular around there. The broth was both creamy and flavorful and the pork belly just melted in your mouth! Pretty pricey at $15 per bowl and even more so for the extras. Worth it if you're just getting the ramen alone. ---update--- Came again for lunch time during the weekend by myself~ Probably around 11:30 or 12 and was seated IMMEDIATELY! And also the ramen is $14 instead of the dinnertime $15.
(5)Dimitrios K.
I can only say I've never tasted the food, nor shared the experiernce, but from what I have read it's a definite destination when next I visit Chitown. and: scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.ne… hope Toni and Liz forgive me...
(5)Tricia C.
This is the first ramen place I tried where I understood why people are all uppity about ramen. It's super good. The broth, the noodles, the toppings, the pork...I generally like more stuff in my ramen and it does get pricey for add-ons. It can be a pretty long wait, but they'll call you when you're up so you can walk around in the meantime. There are so many ramen spots to choose from in NY but you definitely can't go wrong with Ippudo.
(5)Joey R.
I went at noon with a friend and only had to wait about 10 minutes before being seated. As soon as the hostess started to walk us in, she screamed something in Japanese and the serves responded just as loudly. It was kind of weird because there was no explanation or translation and was more scary than welcoming. Be prepared to share table space unless you are going with a group. They have a 2-3 booths for groups but otherwise, you're seated on along table with everyone else. The decor is simple but pretty. The service was pretty efficient- in fact, as corny as it sounds, they were kind of like ninjas. They pop out of nowhere to take your order, and then bam! Your food is there! Same with the check. I had the Shiromaru hakata classic and added the nitamago (the egg) for $2 more. For $17 total, I expected more than just two pieces of meat, and maybe a bigger portion, but otherwise, it was a pretty good meal. Oh and when you leave, they yell thank you in Japanese. That much I was able to interpret from my anime watching from years ago!
(3)Alexandra U.
I wish I could give a quarter star!!! Yes, that bad! This place is a joke and I don't know who's writing reviews in here, probably people who never tried good ramen! First of all, we had to wait for an hour and after being texted that our table is ready, they made is wait another 15 mins. The lady who finally took us to the table started to yell sth, just like every waiter, so obnoxious!! If only they could see how ridiculous they look like, geeez. Our ramen arrived semi warm, which sucked on a cold day. So did out green tea, cold!!! Wtf?!? The amount of ramen was very small and with two pieces of meat in it and a chipped bowl in which it arrived, I've had enough? Overpriced big time! And cold! And let's not forget about absolutely horrific and brain piercing 'music', repetitive techno crap which for sure killed many millions of neurons in my brain! Horrific experience! Never again! Wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy! Also, the decor of this place sucks BIG TIME! So tacky and cheap! IKEA white bowls displayed on the wall and dry ramen noodles 25 cents stuffed under counter tops!!! Food, atmosphere, decor and prices for all that are a JOKE! Don't waste your time and your hard earned money!!!!!
(1)Louis D.
I don't know why so many people think this is so good. A 90 minute wait at an overcrowded bar with bad drinks. Ok food but very small portions and I think it is overpriced for the portions. Large appetizer menu but only 5 choices for entree and they are all Ramen soup. the soups were all noodles with 2 very small and very thin slices of pork or beef. The flavor was good though. For over 6500 reviews and a 4 star rating I think the people reviewing this must often eat from either garbage cans or fast food restaurants. We have a general attitude of trying highly reviewed places with 4+ stars and this is without a doubt the worst place we have ever gone to in this category. On the positive side the service was ok even though all night the wait staff kept yelling random stuff all night.
(1)Kim A.
There was a long long line so we had to wait for an hour and a half. It was worth it. Besides you can enjoy a bar on the waiting line. I mentioned worthiness . Right. Taste is the best service that restaurants can provide. Its food was definitely delicious. Both ramen and fried eel entertained our tongues. Especially eel with cucumber and wasabi was so fresh and exotic. I think its wasabi is so special. It was the best among what I have ever had. Very nice Japanese restaurant Even in comparison to local restaurants in Japan
(5)Kat D.
This is my favorite ramen place. I got the akamaru modern with the spicy paste in the side. If you really like spicy ramen I'd ask for something spicier. I also added a few garlic cloves. The broth was flavorful and not too salty. The portion was good and I left satiated. We also got the pork buns which were okay but had too much mayo on it. We went for lunch on a weekday and the wait was about 30 min. Price wise, it's a little bit on the pricier side at $15ish per bowl. But then again, it's nyc so what do you expect...
(4)Jinna K.
Best ramen I have had. Their pork buns are also amazing. In 5 days, we went back here twice since it was perfect for a cold NY day. Best ramen I've had! Their suggestions are always recommended and a good addition. Their classic is my favorite. We had the spicy one and also the bold one Both were so good. The lines can get very long so try to come at a time that's it's not the busiest. The quality of the broth is heartwarming. The eggs are cooks perfectly as well. The service was great! Great little restaurant. I'll never look at ramen the same.
(5)Vera Y.
Worth wait for 2 hours. The ramen is amazing specially the soup. Also the pork burn is delicious.
(5)Acetyl C.
Pricey ramen with bland flavor. Nice staff and service, maybe the pork buns are worth it but I didn't get to try them.
(3)Jessica C.
Went here with some friends. Got there 15 minutes before the restaurant opened and waited in line outside. After the restaurant opened we were seated rather quickly. Do not be alarmed at the staff yelling as you walk in although I did jump a little. I ordered the Akamaru Modern ramen and it was delicious. The pork was tender and delicious. The broth was amazing! I also love that the broth to ramen ratio was on point.
(4)Lauren Y.
I ordered the pork hirata buns per everyone's hyped recommendation. It was pretty good but there's some type of mayo in it which was unnecessary. The ramen was good mostly because of it's extremely fresh noodles. I got the karaka miso and the bf got the araka. I thought mine would be spicy but it wasn't.. I thought the bf's was better since it had a richer broth. $72 ramen dinner. Prob one of the better ramens I had but given I'm not a huge ramen fan to begin with, I prob wouldn't return. (Hour and a half wait!!)
(4)Adam S.
I came here the other night with a group of friends, and the food was excellent. No complaints whatsoever - just the right amount of spiciness, flavor, and portions! However, at the end of our meal things took a turn for the worse. My friends and I split our check, and we decided to have two of us pay more for tip than the others. I didn't leave an additional tip as my friends agreed to cover it. A few moments after paying, some woman walked up to our table (who we hadn't seen all night - a manager maybe?) and proceeded to ask the entire party who "Mr. Adam" was. After telling her that it was me, and worrying about a possible problem with my card, she began asking me if everything was okay because I didn't leave a tip. She then showed the receipt to the entire table and pointed to the empty line where the tip should be. This was not only humiliating, but wildly inappropriate. Even though it really wasn't any of her business, I mentioned how we split the check. She seemed unphased by this and continued to stand at the table until I wrote something in. I'm not big on writing reviews, but I wanted to give everyone a heads up about this. My friends and I loved our meal, but it's highly unlikely we'll ever return. I still can't believe that it happened... Adam
(1)Ana S.
Quick Tori Ramen! Great ambiance. "Ramen king" not so much. The broth is delicious, the portions are really small.
(4)Chrystlle Anne B.
When we came here we had to wait for 45 mints and it was pretty busy.. We didnt care at all because we read some possitive review about this place. The atmosphere and the servers were amazing, but i got dissapointed with their dishes. The chicken buns were made from heaven but their ramens werent that amazing, i felt that we just wasted our time for not that great food.
(3)Hani G.
Went there by 5 pm.. So we didn't have to wait, we had been greeted in Japanese by the servers " I assume that was greeting, Hopefully".. The staff were very polite and friendly. We ordered the chicken hirata bun which was a mouthwatering,, My fiancée ordered the Akamaru modern with the soft egg and I ordered the shiromaru.. The Akamaru was good..mine was ok. Order the nitamago " the soft egg" it adds a flavor. We had 2 drinks and finished with the green tea creme brûlée " yummy" :)
(5)Sandra P.
We've heard so much about Ippudo and we're curious what the hype was all about. We happened to stumble upon Ippudo as it was close to opening, so we stuck around for maybe 15 minutes before we got seated. We ordered the following: - Pork buns- delicious and flavorful! - Brussels sprouts- topped with walnuts and weren't as crisp on the outside as I'd hope; it was more boiled or raw, but still tasty - Fries- mediocre, not missing out on anything if you don't order this. Plus, it's more of an effort to preserve the "American" in this restaurant rather than completing the main dishes. - Kata men- this has a more red broth that's spicy not but overwhelming. - Classic ramen with a soft boiled egg, baedanku(?) spicy paste, hot chilies- very tasty and great during winter! May come back again if I'm in the mood for ramen! Most likely won't wait in the long line unless we're there right when it opens.
(4)Amy L.
The Ramen is so good!
(5)Siv M.
I first came here back in 2012 while visiting my sister in NY and had the Karaka Men ramen...it's spicy with a good flavorful kick to it. Best ramen I've had so far in the States. The service was very good and the dining experience was fun and unique. In 2013, I had the pleasure of visiting the Ippudo in Tokyo and I must say, the ramen in the NY location is just as good as the one in Tokyo! Prices are higher here since ramen is not a staple of this country like it is in Japan, but it is still reasonably priced. Love this place and would definitely recommend it to any ramen lovers out there!
(5)Jacqueline L.
We only had to wait 10-15 min for a table which wasn't bad at all for this place. There was definitely more seating available at this place compared to totto ramen. I got the Akamaru Modern ramen. It was a little wait before we got our food but that was understandable because they were busy. The broth was really delicious! It definitely had a unique flavor. I was just a little sad that it didn't come with an ajitama egg. You had to add it if you wanted egg with your ramen. The noodles weren't that's great. I've had better in Austin and Dallas. I just think this ramen was a little too overpriced. It wasn't worth the price.
(3)Stephanie S.
After hearing so many people rave about Ippudo I decided to give Ippudo's ramen a try. I was underwhelmed by my ramen dish however I thought the vegetable buns were delicious. I would definitely be open to going back and trying a different type of ramen.
(3)Marcos H.
Honesty, the ramen dishes are overpriced and not that good of taste. I have tasted better and cheaper places. It is overhype sold to tourists.
(2)Ann K.
Haven't been able to update my yelp because I just came from a food infested journey in New York City. It's been about five years since I last visited but it was my first time trying Ippudo. I've heard mixed things about this place. People say it's good but it's not good enough to warrant the wait time of 45 minutes to an hour. Well it was worth it to me because I didn't have to wait in line ONE BIT. A friend that lived there already put our names down and told us to come when the time was near. The owner of Ippudo is called RAMEN KING and for good reasons. I ordered the Akamaru Modern Ramen which is the pork tonkatsu soup with fragrant black garlic oil. The ramen was delicious. Hearty and salty. The noodles were thin and PERFECTLY al dente. Make sure to order the pork buns as well. I also imagined Ippudo to be a mom and pops looking store but I was actually taken aback by the modern ambience.
(4)Rena Y.
3.5 Ippudo is really just overhyped. Some of the ramens at Ippudo are quite delicious and I do enjoy eating the pork buns on occasion, but it really isn't worth the wait. I go for lunch every now and then but primarily because I live a short distance away and because I simply have an affinity for Asian soup noodles. Never because it has to be Ippudo. I cringe however, when a friend or a guest expresses desire to have dinner at Ippudo. You don't just walk in and get a table at Ippudo. You walk in, put your name down, and wait in the entrance area packed shoulder to shoulder besides many, many people for an average bowl of ramen. But then again, this isn't Japan.... Delicious ramen can't be found readily and beggars can't be choosers. The reality is, you have to line up to get a decent bowl of ramen in NYC. Ugh. Tips: Be prepared for a long wait if you're looking to dine around dinner time. If you're famished, order a combo set which comes with a rice bowl or a "kaedama" (an extra serving of noodles to be eaten in the soup remaining in your bowl). Best to go 11:30am or 1:30pm on a weekday for off-peak hour lunch if you must try Ippudo Order the pork buns. These are better than the baos at Momofuku and Baohaus. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Lady M crepe cakes are excellent for dessert!
(3)Michael Y.
The akamaru ramen here is good, somewhat unconventional. The noodles have a unique texture that doesn't taste like typical ramen noodles. The soup base was very flavorful and unique. The pork buns were good as appetizers leading to the meal. Not quite at the level of some of the ramen places in japan but definitely one of the better ones in the states. Service is excellent.
(4)Kayla P.
My overall experience was truly amazing! I made it a point that for my few days in New York I would try Ippudo, and surely they did not disappoint. From the looks of it, it gets quite busy. Luckily, my friend had gone before me and waited most of the time. They don't seat incomplete parties, so they sat us as soon as we all arrived. The decor is quite modern and the servers were beyond amazing. They made small talk and made us feel right at home. I wanted a little taste of everything so to start off my friends and I shared the Hirata Chicken wings. This was the only thing that I wasn't the craziest about. It was good, but I think my expectations were way to high so it was average. I highly recommend getting the buns!! I had ordered the Hirata Pork Buns, this was by far the most perfect thing ever! If I could eat it all day, I would. It's a steamed bun, with your choice of pork, chicken, or vegetables. They put their own special sauce and some mayo. WHAT A YUMMY COMBINATION!!! so simple, yet so good! For my main course, I had ordered the Akamaru Modern with a lychee soda. Let's start off with the Lychee soda. It was okay, I wasn't crazy about it. It kind of tasted like club soda with one lychee in it. It had little to no flavor. Now for the Akamaru Modern, It is their tonkotsu (pork) soup noodles, and they put their own secret Ippudo miso paste with pork, cabbage mushroom, scallions and a garlic oil. This was by far the most delicious ramen I have ever had! and when it looks like you are close to finishing your noodles the server comes around and asks if you would like kae-dama. This is another serving of noodles, just in case you were still hungry! If you do order the kae-dama, I would suggest saving enough soup for the second bowl of noodles. Next trip to New York, I am definitely coming back!
(5)Jojo A.
Finally we will have the chance to taste what it is about Ippudo! Me and my wife are ramen lovers. Being stationed in Japan and been all over the U.S we are in the hunt for the authentic taste of Japan original noodle! Sorry Ipoudo but your ramen is not what we expected. The noodle lack everything! It will be better if we open up the dollar ramen package! Wow! Broth are subpar that you get from a regular ramen shop like Mentei ramen in boston. I do not recommend the house special ramen $17. Too spicy! Got bunch of veggies not usually found on ramen! The taste is bad. Did not finish my bowl. My wife did get the over price pork buns, and the fried chicken arrage. Taste are ok on the buns but the chicken taste good. We like the texture of it the same you get in Japan. So, in short not worth the trip. Not gonna miss anything if we dont go back here. The place is loud and will not recommend bringing your family if you have kids. Bunch of drunk people and they can get louder! Sorry Ippudo! Yume wo katare of Boston will be the best in the Eastcoast! Pikachi of boston will be second and Inakka.
(1)Andrea K.
Okay. I waited over an hour for this ramen. My soft-boiled egg was cold, I only got two small pieces of pork, and in my opinion the noodles were nothing special- much stringier than I expected. For $17 it was a pretty sad bowl. I gave three stars because of the broth (pretty good) and of course, the delicious pork buns :) If I ever were to come again I would order five of those buns and skip the ramen altogether.
(3)Gab G.
Totto still wins, but Ippudo makes some darn tasty food. Unfortunately, I don't think the wait is worth it, and it's much shorter at Totto. We had a potato appetizer special that was out of this world, and my friend's vegetarian ramen was delicious if a little heavy on the wasabi for my taste. I had the Akaru Modern and it was great, but not as mindblowing as the Classic, which I've had at Ippudo Westside. They shout when people enter here, which is fun! We also sat at the bar and it was cool to watch the chefs work.
(4)Gene E.
Hard to compete with this place... Easily in the top 3 ramen restaurants in America. Despite having to wait a bit, it's very worth it. The broth is intense and the noodles are cooked perfectly. Chashu is tender. Kaedama is timely. That's all you need to know.
(5)Monica M.
This is still the ramen joint that kicked off the craze, so I will forever be grateful. Before Ippudo, I thought ramen only came freezedried in a bag and I associated it with trying to save money. Now I understand what ramen is/can be, and owe that to Ippudo. Now that there are other options that: - I don't have to wait ten hours to get into. - Are not so hot and loud. - Have less intensely rich options. ... I sometimes make other choices. But Ippudo will always be my first.
(4)Kathy K.
The broth was SUPER, I ordered the shiromaru classic, hirata (pork) buns and chilled house sake. Very satisfied with the flavors of the food as well as the service. We were a party of 6, on a Saturday around 5:30 pm. We were ready to wait 45 minutes but after 20 minutes they had a table for us! Nice surprise. We were seated promptly, staff was so attentive, there were no miscommunications, we got our food so quickly and the vibe was just really cool. Fun place to be. I can see that they kind of rush you (fast-paced music and fast service to kind of make sure you don't linger too long) but I didn't feel unwanted and we stayed for a decent amount of time regardless. I wouldn't say this is a "traditional" ramen spot BUT the concept is still very Japanese with modern and Western touches-i think it works well.
(4)Henry A.
NPS = 7 I can tell why this place has been reviewed so much and seems to be an EXTREMELY hot spot for NYers! As soon as you walk in, you get an amazing greeting in Japanese. I had to ask the server what they were yelling but it seems to be your party size and what table you'll sit at (at least that is what I understood). We ordered the pork belly buns to start with. It has been 2 weeks since we went to NY and my girlfriend is still talking about how good the pork belly buns were! The ramen is a DEFINITE must have. We all ordered different ramen noodles and all of them were fantastic. I recommend getting a semi-cooked egg with it and nothing else. Also, once you are done with your ramen remember to ask for additional noodles for your leftover ramen juices! Even though a bit pricey, this place is worth checking out while in NY.
(4)Amanda S.
GREAT Ramen, the best I have had in NYC. It would have been 5 stars, but their Shishito was very undercooked so we kept getting extremely spicy pieces which wasn't too fun. The service is eh, but my star rating is not based on the service.
(4)Amara T.
I had never had "authentic ramen" before coming to Ippudo. While I was nervous as to what I should expect, there's no doubt in my mind that the food there has made me a ramen convert. The first time a friend and I went, we were seated quite promptly - come in before 4pm to beat the outrageous lines. If you come in later you're guaranteed to suffer the wait, which is difficult because there's not much of a waiting area. If the wait is REALLY long you can just record your name and walk around the area - they can notify you through your phone. The unexpected waiting times docks one star. Once you get inside the atmosphere in the restaurant can blow you away (especially if it's your first time). You can hear all the staff shouting in Japanese, and if you sit at the bar you can watch the cooks in action. It's beautifully decorated, too, you even your eyes get a treat. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY THE FOOD!! Although most come for the ramen, the long and varying list of appetizers also does not disappoint. I personally recommend the chicken wings. They're waaay more than a typical wing, and the pepper sauce is to die for! When the chicken is gone you'll still be lapping it up. I had the Modern ramen, but I assume all of the options taste amazing. The noodles are just right, and the broth is sooo rich! You have the option to add extra noodles (which you totally should), eggs or mustard leaves. I would advise, however, not to get an appetizer beforehand if you order extra noodles - if you do you won't be able to breathe for the rest of the night. So all in all: Ippudo is a must go. The food is astounding and super filling, but you have to get in first before you can taste it!
(4)Jon V.
I was told by a classmate that this place is a must to visit. I was only in NY for the weekend and ended up eating here 3 times. It's so good!!
(5)Al H.
The Akamuru Modern is my go-to order when I get there. Broth is really rich with a complexity of flavor layering that few others even come close to. I really like the West Midtown location as we did not have a wait (like in the East Village one) and it was more relaxed. We sat at the counter, and our server was very attentive.
(5)Earl C.
What a delight!!! We arrived just in time before they opened their doors for the evening (1700). We hit that corner and smack in our faces are people in line, waiting for their spot. This is quite an important rule, **IF YOUR ENTIRE PARTY IS NOT PRESENT, YOU WILL NOT BE SEATED**. Fortunately, everyone from my party was in line waiting in the rainy and cold weather, so we had the opportunity to bypass tardy-party. I had this insidious smile on my face, like "HA! We're being seating while you wait on one from your party" (say that with a dark and cynical voice). I've always been a fan of ramen. I suppose ever since I started watching Naruto and other Japanese Anime. I had an itch to make the dish and implement the "sugoi!" experience in my own home, but it didn't compare to what I experienced here. They have a daily ramen, which I order - sorry I don't know the name of it - but everyone else ordered the Akamaru Modern. All dishes were pretty amazing! The Hirata Pork Belly Bun was so moist; my mouth is salivating while I'm typing this review. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is graving some ramen.
(5)Truc T.
All I got to say is, PORK BUNS. oh man, they were delicious. I want to fly back to New York just to get my hands on more of those delicious, hot BUNS! The wait was long but expected and so worth it! Ramen was okay, nothing too special that you would rave to your friends.
(4)Ashika J.
While the ramen was good, they don't allow you to take your leftovers home. What a waste of good food!!
(2)Logan J.
I've reviewed this place previously, but I had to write an update (2 years later) because I've eaten here so many more times and have been impressed with their dependable service and food! In the last two years, there have been tons of new ramen places pop up in the city, and I have to say that Ippudo is still one of my favorites. I stand by my previous statement that the Hirata Buns are delicious and a must have! I have taken friends here, and they have contemplated forgoing the ramen and getting a couple more orders of the buns! The ramen is amazing, especially compared with others that have become popular in the past few years. My favorite is the wasabi shoyu ramen. I get it with a soft boiled egg ($2 extra), but it is worth it. All of the flavors work so well together, and it has just the right amount of kick to clear about my sinuses but not leave my mouth burning. The wait can get a little crazy, but for small parties, it's usually less than an hour and is definitely worth it. Ippudo, you have a faithful customer in me, and I'm sorry about the less than perfect review in the past. You've earned these 5 stars!
(5)Grace Y.
Been here before and there was no wait... Probably cause it was lunch time. Tried to go for dinner but didn't make reservations Requested a table for four... Wait about 45 min. Sounds reasonable so I put my name down and went to the crowded bar. We ordered pork buns and beers. TASTED DELICIOUS We waited past our 45 min and decided let's walk around in the cold because it's way toooooo crowded and the hostess had my number to text me when my table was ready. We ended up going home and forgetting all about ippudo The hostess finally calls me when I'm back home relaxing in QUEENS and says my table is ready. I just replied umm we left sorry. She replied back with you know the im not giving you an attitude but I indirectly am... Oh well thanks for letting us know. EXCUSE ME?! YOU TOLD EVERYONE AT THAT RESTAURANT WAITING FOR A TABLE IT WOULD BE 45 MINUTES AND YOU CALL ME TWO/THREE HOURS AFTER I REQUESTED A TABLE AND I SHOULD BE THE ONE TO LET YOU KNOW?! Minus her... Everything was great. Wish they had a bigger waiting area and had a bartender that actually hung around the bar when it was packed with people
(3)Charmine V.
Pretty cool interior. Food grading had me thinking of going but for the love of yelp. I listen to what my fellow New Yorkers rave about. First of, how amazing is it that almost all the staff we saw knew how to speak Japanese. Such a fun atmosphere. Our food was great, pork buns are amazing. Ramen has great balance and well seasoned broth. My husbands octopus was great too!!! Definitely will be coming back!
(5)Bryce B.
As a ramen fanatic, I have long wanted to eat at Ippudo and finally got the chance recently. We had a large (15 person) group all piled up in one of the U-shaped booths in the back of the restaurant. Despite the frenetic nature of the restaurant and our large group, we received excellent service with frequent check-ins. OK, enough about that, you're probably saying. How was the fabled ramen? Well, I have to say the bowl I had here was nothing short of revelatory. The Karaka Men was, simply put, a work of art. The broth was intensely deep in flavor, yet not too heavy. The spice was subtle at first, but slowly built up to a exquisite burn. The texture of these noodles was perfect, with a toothsome chew that I've rarely encountered. The pork buns were simply OK, nothing really special about them. Only somewhat better were the chicken wings. Don't waste your time with the appetizers, go straight to the main event. Ippudo is probably the most stylish ramen restaurant I've seen, exhibiting both modern and classic Japanese aesthetic. Until I am back in NYC, I will dream about that bowl of noodles. And so will you.
(5)Jen L.
Very good ramen and the broth is wonderful especially when you're super hungry. While it is very good, I feel like it's a bit overhyped and really doesn't have that WOW factor that would make me go back frequently or wait insane amounts of time for.
(4)Giulia A.
A japanese friend brought me here in june 2014 and everytime I come to nyc, it's a must! The tonkotsu broth is simply amazing! It's very tasty and it's a pure joy for your palate! Always well cooked noodles (with a refill if u'd like it for a couple of dollars more) and the nitamago (boiled seasoned egg) as topping is something that gives more to this dish! So nice to ear the workers here speaking Japanese, the ambience is pretty loud but makes you happy, I promise!! The only thing is that there is always a huge line, and usually you will wait an hour to be seated, but it's worthy to wait!!!
(4)Austin Y.
Akamaru Modern was good, the noodles were perfect and I loved the miso garlic broth, but I got some pretty chewy, tough pieces of char siu that time. Had the Karaka Men on another visit which was very good, the pork was perfect and the broth was rich and delicious, though I would have preferred it a little spicier. The chicken hirata buns were delicious, nice a spicy with a really good mayo-based sauce, I'd definitely get those again!
(4)Anna E.
We came for an early dinner and arrived right before they opened for dinner service. As one of the first groups in line, we made it inside within minutes of their 5pm opening. I felt bad for others that came later as the line got very long, the wait times longer, and it was cold outside. The ambience and service was great. Our server, a handsome young man, was terrifc. The greeting for to each new group that arrives is such a warm welcome and makes you feel special. The energy is fun and lively. We started with cocktails and loved the Hakata with sake, gin, and grapefruit. The Samurai with sake, gin, and apple juice was good too. So good we got a couple rounds! The table shared a few starters of pork and chicken Hirata buns (delicious), Hamachi Carpaccio (underseasoned + underwhelming), and the Tofu & Nasu Agedashi (our favorite! excellent! memorable!). For ramen three of us got the Akamaru Modern while one ordered one of the specials of the day. I enjoyed my ramen very much but wouldn't say it was the best ramen I've had. A very good experience overall though.
(4)Linh N.
Wait was long but the ramen was very yummy!
(4)Giselle C.
Delicious!! Didn't wait long, as my friends and I arrived right when they opened for dinner (5pm). I had the Tori ramen, and my friend had the wasabi ramen. It was perfect for a cold winter NYC night. The veggie bun was delicious!! It was even better than the pork bun.
(4)Nick C.
Incredible ramen and worth the price though I wish it was cheaper so I could go more often! Also great service with lovely smiling waiters everywhere.
(5)Tashi D.
Today was my first time here and it was okay. I would've gave them a three star but customer service was really nice. The food was good, but I guess it was over hyped and it was pretty expensive. I really liked the surrounding of the place though. The space was nice, but it was really dark. This is just my opinion, but I don't like to eat in dark areas. It was kind of weird cause there were white people speaking Japanese, but it was cool 'cause it felt real. I watch some Japanese shows sometimes and people are yelling in Japanese so it felt like the real deal. It was expensive. For two ramen and two pork buns it was more than $50 including tip. It was worth the experience, but not daily. I do recommend this place for once in a while type of restaurant, unless you don't care about spending money.
(4)Edith O.
Love this place! The wait on a Wednesday was not bad at all. The staff is great and attentive. They were all ready with suggestions. If you are new here take their recommendations! The chicken Hirata buns were sooo tasty. A bit spicy for me but my boyfriend devoured them. They are a must have. The yuzu pepper shrimp tasted very good but the crispy fried noodles just tasted like raw noodles. If you dont want anything too heavy go for the Tori Ramen.
(5)Kristy K.
After a year, I was finally able to come back to Ippudo and it was just as good as it was the first time I came! I was told the wait for a party of two was going to be an hour to an hour and a half but we only waited for 30-40 minutes! We got seated right in front of the chefs and just looking at them cook the food made me even more hungry! Especially the pork buns which I was not able to get but will get the next time I come! I got the Akamaru Modern again and it was amazing!! I enjoyed every bite and the slices of pork was tender and yummy! Can't wait to come back again!
(5)Sara L.
After shivering through 5 NYC winters and playing tour guide to lots of visitors, Ippudo is high on my shortlist of favorite restaurant (of any cuisine, of any place). I've been here over a dozen times, and the food quality is superb each time. I used to be more adventurous with the appetizers / menu, but have settled on my favorites: an order of the pork buns (amazing, on par w. Momofuku Ssam Bar's), followed by the Karaka Men (for me, spicy broth only enhances the flavors). In general, with respect to the ramen, you can't go wrong with any of the standard dishes. (Warning: they had a special cold vegan ramen I tried once... it was not good.) For appetizers, other highlights include eggplant buns and edamame. For the St. Mark's location, the wait tends to be much shorter during lunch (same level of deliciousness). When faced with a long wait for dinner, I tend to hit up the nearby Starbucks or Saint's Alp Teahouse. Final note: Ippudo Westside is equally good. Unfortunately, in my experience, the wait is also equally long.
(5)Jeannie T.
Ramen was good but not all that. I had better. Kinda Pricey. Waiting to get is a bitch here!
(3)LostInthough T.
Over the last 5 years Ippudo has always been a 5 star experience for me, but recently they took the pork belly off the menu as an additional topping for the ramen bowls! Instead of succulent pork belly, my Hakata classic came with 2 slices of REALLY DRY pork. I left disappointed that Ippudo would ruin my perfect ramen experience. Mr. Ippudo, if you are reading this please restore the perfect ramen experience...BRING BACK THE PORK BELLY TOPPING! Buns are still good though.
(3)Stephanie D.
Both times I have been here it has been very busy and a long wait, but it is well worth waiting! I have to thank yelp for finding this place, was in NYC and wanted noodles! The ramen is so yummy, I can't remember what I ordered, but it was delicious! Hope to be back soon!
(4)Ying X.
Absolutely loved this place except for the long wait. Be prepared and don't go with your stomach empty because you will have to wait. Best ramen in town, tasty pork buns, nice atmosphere.
(5)Edna G.
I must say I was afraid to go here as I heard it was a wait! There were lots of people waiting already but we were seated with 5 minutes! I think we got lucky as there was a huge crowd waiting! The place was not too big but good enough that you can have a big group if you wait. The kitchen was open to see. All the servers announce what is being served on what table said in Japanese. The servers were all friendly and were quick to assist or provide input or maybe quick to get you outta there to serve others. We sat next to the kitchen where you can see they were cooking the noodles that come in pre-packaged plastic bags. :( I guess it's not fresh. Our table also shares three others on the other side of the nice real wood table We placed our orders and were pretty quick to arrive even if there were a lot of people. We ordered Sapporo beer and two large hot sakes...it was average size but double the price from our home restaurant prices. We ordered two orders of 'Hirata Buns' which we chose the pork belly bun since it comes with two and there was three of us. It was good but there was more steamed bun than inside. That was a disappointment. We ordered the 'Gindara Saikyo' which is a grilled cod with miso. That was soo good. We also ordered 'Maguro Tartar' which was a seared ahi tuna wrap. That was very good, too. We were recommended the 'Ki-Ki' ramen which was their specialty. Good thing I shared this with my husband. It was not the rich soup and not spicy I am used to. They didn't offer any spices on the table to adjust my soup. ;-) I think we ordered the wrong ramen. The ramen was only ok. I would rate this a 3.5 stars only and not 4. I will try it again one day and try a different ramen with thicker noodles. For the very high prices, there are better.
(4)Bikram S.
great food. long lines but worth it. loved the pork buns.
(5)Vijay D.
i had heard about this place for many months from colleagues and friends. So one day, I decided to finally come here. Great idea when it's winter, because warm pork belly buns and hot ramen make for a good remedy. First the decor of the place was interesting and intriguing but not obnoxiously artsy. The dining is family style. As as you are being seated, you are loudly greeted by the staff, which is a bit terrifying when you're not expecting it. After getting seated, the staff attends to you in a manner that I can only describe as enthusiastically stealthy. They fill you glasses and change your plates out of the blue and do so with a smile on their face. Now for the food, the pork belly buns are a must...$9 may seem very expensive for only 2 buns, but trust me, it's definitely worth every penny. I had to fight with myself in just ordering one order. For the ramen, I definitely thought it was tasty and worth having again. However, the only down side to it was that I wished there was more meat and the noodles cooked a bit more (that's my preference, it may work other's). So overall, solid place to get your tummy filled with warm goodness.
(4)Alex M.
I actually thought the ramen was the "worst" thing we ate, relative of course. The ramen was excellent, best I've had in the City, although the ramen in at Santuko in Mitsuwa in Edgewater is superior, but the pork belly buns, the chicken wings, the sauce in the octopus dish and the hamachi crudo blew me away. The shishito peppers were just OK, not really worth it, but nothing wrong with them. The cocktails were also excellent. Definitely a must try as long as you don't mind the wait.
(5)MyLinh P.
Of course we had to visit Ippudo while in NYC! Got here about fifteen minutes before opening and there was already a long line. As soon as the restaurant opened, the line quickly moved and we were in there in less than five minutes. The decor is not like your standard ramen joint. It has more of an upscale feel and is definitely not a hole-in-the-wall. Most of the seating is communal, so don't be shy. Prices are definitely reasonable. We ordered the pork buns, shiromaru hakata classic and the akamaru modern ramen. Yum. Yum. Yum. The pork buns were melt-in-yo-mouth delicious and the ramen bowls were so comforting! The akamaru modern's the more memorable one, so I'd recommend that over the classic - only if you love garlic like I do, of course. All in all, this is a must-visit while in New York. Don't miss out.
(4)Judy H.
We were lucky enough to get a table for 11 upon arrival. I ordered the Akamaru Modern with a soft boiled egg which came out to 17 bucks. Id have to admit it was the best ramen I've had out. It had great flavor and the texture of the ramen was on point. However, that was all it was. Broth and ramen if I hadn't ordered the flippin two dollar egg! They only gave two pieces of thin pork which combined, doesn't even amount to one piece of pork. I understand that NY is pricier than Houston but I wouldn't have been full if I hadn't had Grimaldi's earlier. AND I EXPECT TO BE FULL IF I SPENT 17 BUCKS. You should definitely try it once though :D
(3)Amanda I.
So over-hyped, not at all the best ramen in town. I went to Ippudo with someone who swears by it and I was so disappointed. Since I didn't want to break his heart, I only told him my positive comments and so here they are: PROS: -Lovely ambiance, a very nice place to come before going out on a weekend night (even despite the whole wait thing) and if you want to impress people. It's glossy and dark inside with tons of sleek architectural features and seating for small and large parties. -Service was speedy, efficient, and friendly. -Pork buns were pretty good, pork was chewy yet tender, and the sauce was really tasty. CONS: -Sadly, the ramen here was not at all up to par. I have to say, I really liked the tonkatsu broth I ordered. It wasn't too salty and had a nice addictive flavor to it, though not the best one out there. But I only ordered it because, much to my dismay, they no longer do a miso broth. This is where the compliments stop. The pork cha shu they place on top of their ramen was a JOKE. It was sliced so thin and cooked to death that it almost no longer resembled pork. Plus the cut had no fat on it whatsoever like it should for ramen. The other toppings were fine: the egg was standard but a bit overcooked, the mushrooms were very good, and the scallions were chopped nice and small so as to integrate. But the noodles disappointed me again, as they were the very thin kind, which are not my favorite. Overall, if ambiance and a bit of glossiness are what you're going for in a ramen place, you can't beat this one. As far as ramen goes, I could think of at least four others in a stone's throw that would do so easily, and without a wait.
(3)Bhavana R.
The pork buns are the best in the city!! Modern ramen, with their special hot sauce will brighten up any dreary winter day!
(5)Glennznyc R.
yes! Great decor (lots of lights...) and fun environment... A little too noisy with two groups around us, but after they left, it was much more bearable... The Indian beer was AWESOME!!! I'll be back!
(4)Mochi F.
Ramen is delicious, but is it $17 dollars + 1.2hours wait delicious, no. I love ramen, but this place seems a bit pricy for what amounts to be a bowl of Japanese pasta with soup. Ahhhh, the blasphemy. Okay okay, I like Ippudo, but paying almost $20 for a bowl or ramen seems excessive, even in NYC excess standards. I would like to compare this to a $9-11 dollar bowl of Phö from a vietnamese restaurant. Equal comfort food at half the price. If the price of Ippudo ramen was $11 after tax, it would be 4 stars.
(3)Kate K.
The Ramen is extremely flavorful. Quick and friendly service.
(4)Catie M.
Arguably the best ramen in NYC. Get....everything. But especially the pork buns and the Karaka Men.
(5)Richard R.
awesome ramen. way too popular now.
(4)Bobbie Y.
one of the best pork buns!!!! and a better chance of getting in here than momofuko. but I also feel like their ramens are better than momofuko's as well.
(4)Candice L.
BEST RAMEN I'VE HAD IN AMURICA. I visited NY for the first time and this was one of the first spots to go yasyas. I went with my sister right when it opened so it wasn't crowded at ALL woohoo! We got the spicy ramen which was deliciouus and those buns omggg so soft and GOOD. The broth is very flavorful and the noodles are not too soft which is nice. The portion size is perfect for me but it might be small for those who eat a lot haha. It is pricey but only cause it's NY and everything be damn expensive there hA, BUT it is definitely WORTH IT. It beats all the ones in SOCAL that's for sure hahahaha. Not by a landside but a good amount.
(5)Ursula S.
Food is great and decently priced, though is the wait worth it?i don't know. I waited almost an hour for a table and while the ramen was good, personally it wasn't that special.
(3)Fisayo S.
A late night craving for ramen (almost midnight) drive me out of my apartment to Ippudo. I got the spicy broth which wasn't spicy enough for me but still tasty. The ambience was nice and the line moved fairly quickly from what I saw (not an issue for me as I was on my own)
(3)Nilsa L.
This is my third time at Ippudo NY and they have not disappointed me at all but why would they? I've waited for them 2+ hours for dinner before so I was convinced that it is not going to be much better for lunch. When I walked in, there were crowds already waiting by the bar. Not a good sign. Thankfully, we were seated immediately after my coworker arrived. The place was quite busy already. Typical to many Japanese restaurants, the staff greets you in unison as you arrive. I always joke that you never really know what they are saying if you don't speak Japanese. I'll leave it at that. We sat down and ordered the hirata pork buns and two shiromaru hakata classic . I decided to go all out and also got the nitamago (soft-boiled season egg). The hirata bun just never disappoints; even my coworker was surprised at how good it is. The ramen came soon after. Now, I had to explain to my coworker who is a ramen novice that the ramen here is not the instant ramen you buy $1 for 5 packs. Surely when the ramen came, it proved my point. To attest to how good it is, we both were pretty quiet throughout the meal except for the gentle slurping of the noodles. The only not so good thing was that my coworker only had one piece of chashu. Lunch at Ippudo seems to be a better use of my time than dinner. I'll be returning!
(5)Mary B.
I had trip to NY in the fall and found this place on yelp with the most reviews! My friend from home, has been here before and she said to go right when they open to avoid a long wait. We got there 30 mins after they opened and still had to wait about 20 mins for a table of 2. The have a bar right in front of the restaurant, so waiting wasn't bad at all. The staff here is awesome and very attentive! We had a seat right in front the chefs prepping and cooking the food. I say there and watched them, while I was waiting for me food.They're no joke, I watched the chef and the other guys make every plate with serious concentration, patience, and they made it seem like that plate was made for the president. That's awesome!! Hands down best ramen I've ever had! They server recommend i pair my ramen with their in house ale. Best advice I've ever had!
(5)Adrian Mh L.
Very tasty, great service, but epically long lines and no reservations. For almost a year, I walked by this place, marvelling at the huddled masses of people waiting in line for a spot at an Ippudo table. I later learned that they don't take reservations either, which was a major inconvenience in my book. "Could ramen really be that good?", I wondered. My musings were answered one day when I walked by and saw an uncharacteristic dearth of people. Seizing my chance, my girlfriend and I entered and got a table. Like many Japanese restaurants in New York, the staff greeted our arrival with a spirited "Irasshaimase!" But these staff seemed especially enthusiastic, and wore Ippudo clothing as well. When the food came, ramen and pork belly buns, I could see why people would line up for this place for hours. (Personally, I would not, perhaps 45 minutes max, but I could see why others would). The ramen broth was excellent and full of umami, and the meat tender and succulent. My favourite, was still the nitamago, the boiled egg with a soft, semi-runny yolk. And thus did I taste the famous Ippudo. Scrumptious, but definitely find opportunities for shorter lines.
(4)A Z.
My rating is still 5 star, but I wanted comment further and be less vague. Stopped in last night with a friend. Ordered the classic and the modern plus pork buns. I always forget which ramen to order but I won't make the mistake again. Always get the MODERN. ALWAYS. It comes in a red bowl. This is the star here. The classic is lighter with no miso paste and garlic oil and quite frankly, it's basic boring and like any ol ramen on the block. Pretty mediocre. 3 stars at best. The modern is 5 star ramen. Complex with a beautiful broth and much better noodles. $15. Add egg For $2. Only way to go here. The service, as usual, was excellent and the wait time (40 minutes) was much less than the estimated time.
(5)Gautam K.
Love this place! It's easily my favorite ramen place in nyc and I've been to lots. I always get the Akamaru Modern and the pork buns. I've had some of their other ramen too, but that's what I always get. I'm deducting a star because I wish they delivered and their hours were better. I somehow always find myself going to them right in that weird 1.5 hour gap between lunch and dinner when they're closed. Otherwise, they're excellent!
(4)Jess W.
On the pricier side, but ridiculously good. Haven't found any better ramen place in the area yet!
(5)Andrea S.
so freaking good! came at lunchtime and waited 15 min - win! The broth is soooo good, and the noodles were perfect. My fiancee and i flew to NY from SF for "business" but mostly to have more ippudo!
(5)Ashley B.
I met a friend here - it's one of his favorite places to eat in Manhattan. I have SEVERAL food allergies - I mean, an extensive list. I wrote down my allergies and what I CAN eat and handed it to my server who then talked it over with the manager. the manager then came to speak to me directly and then talked to the chef and assured me they would find me something. They came back with a phenomenal meal that wasn't even on the lunch menu. The manager took care of us the rest of the time and food I had was amazing. I know that it is not always easy to have to deal with people's food allergies and they did an outstanding job. Thank you!
(5)Niks C.
My favorite ramen spot in NY. Love the Akamaru Modern and the pork buns
(5)Zhenya M.
What I will say is that it's a shame. Front desk staff is rude, they have personal issues. Wait times are crazy at this place to begin with and they let their friends or whoever in quietly but make all others wait over two hours. This was noticed and encountered multiple times by multiple customers. The food is great but unfairly waiting is beyond frustrating. My suggestion to management is to ensure that front desk staff is nicer and FAIR with wait lines.
(1)Vicki C.
I came here a few years ago and I was not impressed. My husband and I came here for lunch today and boy did it satisfied our bellies. We both had the akamaru modern with soft boiled egg, tako wasabi and hirata pork belly bun. All were deeeelish. Don't forget to ask for the freshly ground sesame and red pepper.
(4)Kenny C.
After being bombarded with rave reviews for Ippudo for years, I took the plunge and decided to spend some quality time with myself on a Friday night with some ramen. If you're a group of more than 2, good luck getting a table. Luckily, I only had to wait 10 minutes. First thing I noticed was that the place was huge. There were tables everywhere. There were gigantic booths, smaller tables, and communal seating. I started out with an order of the pork buns. It came with two pieces and I gladly ate them both (I skipped lunch that day, don't judge). They had a little bit of kick from the sauce, but weren't the best pork buns. That honor still goes to Totto. For my ramen, I had the Shiromaru Hakata Classic. It was pork broth with pork loin. I also added a poached egg for $2 (should've skipped that, actually). I actually found the broth a bit disappointing and the chashu too dry. Presentation also wasn't very appetizing, but that's hardly ever a concern for me. The noodles themselves were great, though. Overall, I was disappointed by Ippudo. Maybe it's due to all the hype that it's received (at the time of this writing, it has a staggering 6700+ Yelp reviews). It's also a bit gimmicky. They have white hostesses speaking Japanese (they also randomly yell into the kitchen once in a while), and the servers wear funny shirts. It's a nice space though. On my way out, I heard the hostess quote a 1.5 to 2 hour wait. I would never do that. Hell, if I had to wait more than half an hour, I'd walk out the door and go to Setagaya instead. Oh, they have my favorite Japanese beer, Ginga Kogen!
(3)Lisa H.
Akamaru ramen was A Okay! Not too salty and very flavorful. A bit unsure of the pork buns. The pork buns melts in your mouth but the bun was a little too thick for the amount of pork in it. All in all it was pretty good but not the best spot for ramen.
(3)Angie C.
Great place but definitely recommend either coming late or early to avoid the long 45min to 2hr wait. The brooklyn beer was really good with the karame men and the yuzu citrus sake just reminds me of trip to japan when had yuzu there. Very interesting that after my huaband finished all his ramen and still had quite a bit of broth left the wait staff offered him more noodles! I believe it was an additional $2, which they didnt say when they offered but either way the second round of noodles were so much more flavorful!! A little more towards the al dente style, which is the way i like it. The wait staff was on top of it!! Anytime water was low they were there to fill it. Great service! I like ramen way more than my husband, so he was just there for the ride but felt the same. Definitely worth the experience.
(5)Maddy G.
The Akamaru can't be beat for its Instagram worthiness, however, the Karaka Men has more of the spicy-clean-put-your-sinuses effect that I'm going for when I get ramen. Both are big portions that will leave you waddling after the meal especially if you wash it down with a couple of the beers Brooklyn Brewery makes especially for Ippudo. Amazing! They help the three hour wait go by faster as do the delicious pork buns. Nine dollars for two tiny buns but the bao is perfectly soft and chewy and the meat is buttery melt in your mouth. Pro tip: go while everyone else is watching the Super Bowl and have your whole group ready (you won't be seated until everyone is present).
(4)Srikanth M.
Believe the hype. It's the best ramen you will have in New York. I have had their Karaka Men and their Kiki Ramen. Both are truly festival of flavors. Chashu pork is so tender and so good. They have Kae-Dama which a extra serving of noodles, and also means you must have enough amount of broth. But, the broth is so blissfully delicious that both the times I was left with ramen not the soup. They should start an extra serving of broth for people who finish up the broth not ramen. Their pork buns are perfect. Only frustrating part is that they don't take reservations and there is always atleast a 2-3 hr wait time, west side location probably a bit lesser but still very busy. But the food makes you forget every pain you will endure to make the Ippudo journey.
(5)Maria G.
Very cool ramen place with unusual and funky atmosphere as all the staff communicates shouting in Japanese. Sitting at the counter was a great experience as we could watch the cooks in action. Quick sevice and tasty food. The black cod was quite decent and the ramen very tasty and filling. We didnt have to wait too long to be seated either. Very recommendable!
(5)Olivier C.
Simply the best ramen I ever had in my life! Every time I am in new York, I have to go to that restaurent. Unfortunately, there is almost always a very long queue to eat there so I do my best to go there around 11am just to avoid the queue. The ramen are just amazing. The pork is so tender and tasty, I haven't find any other places that has such a good meat. The soup and ramen are also delicious. Together with the great service, very friendly atmosphere and wonderful design, the experience is the best I ever had
(5)Jennifer O.
4 stars because not sure if it's worth the 3 hour wait that can happen sometimes, but this place really is delicious and worth at least one visit. We showed up about 15 minutes before they opened for dinner and after waiting in line, got an estimated 45 minute wait. Not bad. It was pretty painless, we just ran around the corner for a drink and they texted me when our table was almost ready. Their estimate was very accurate. On to the food - decent selection of drinks, we grabbed some Japanese beers. Absolutely get the Hirata pork buns, they are amazing. The sauce is delicious and the pork belly isn't too fatty. I honestly could have just eaten 6 of these and been happy. I had the Akumara Modern with a soft-boiled egg and it was great - very rich, deep flavor, well-cooked noodles and plenty of toppings. I forget what my boyfriend got, but he enjoyed it as well. My only complaint (other than the wait) is the brisk service. It really felt like they were trying to rush us out, which I understand, but it's a little overwhelming. Think 3 servers swarming around you every 5 minutes, grabbing a dish the second you pick up the last bite. Not the most pleasant. Pricing isn't bad and the atmosphere is really cool. I'll be back, but probably not too often.
(4)Christina F.
Before I get to my main gripe about this place, let's talk about the food for a quick second. The Akamaru ramen was really good. The broth was intensely flavorful and the bowls were a decent size considering most ramen dishes leave me wanting a few more spoonfuls. Prices weren't overly inflated due to their insane popularity. Will I give in to the hype and say it's the best ramen I've ever had? Eh. It was delicious, and that should be enough, really. I'd love to come back for more and will be perusing other reviewers' numerous tips on best times to come for less of a wait because... If you know enough about Ippudo, you know to expect long wait times, and it doesn't help that they don't take reservations. I came for dinner on a weekday expecting a less disgusting wait than the weekend would undoubtedly deliver. What I learned: A- Yes, wait times during weekday evenings aren't as long. B- They're still long. Luckily, my friend and I hadn't seen each other in a long time and were in no rush to end the night early. We put our names down and went to another place for drinks (maybe about 45 mins) before coming back when I received a "your table's almost ready!" text. We eagerly scurried back and made our second entrance, but we still had to wait another 15 mins or so. We grabbed another cocktail at the front bar and were finally led to the dining room. Cue staff greeting in Japanese! An hour isn't horrible by popular NY restaurant standards, but I have a hunch an hour is the exception. Part of the allure or not, I'm not a fan. I get that ramen's big now and I don't blame people. I lurv it too. But daaayuuum! I'm not myself when I'm hungry, and I'd rather not grab myself a snickers bar. So please, at the very least...reservation for 2? Yes?
(4)Taylor C.
We went shortly after it opened at noon and there was already a line. We ordered the classic ramen and fried wings. The ramen was really good, but the pork is a little bland I think. One thing I didn't like was that the waiters came and ask if we're done as soon as we put the chopsticks down. I understand that it is are a really busy restaurant, and that they have many customers waiting in line, but rushing customers to finish the food and pay the check quickly is a little bit unpleasant.
(4)Debbie D.
This place is always busy! It will take you 20 mins or an hour to be seated. But definitely worth the wait!
(4)Seeee F.
When it's a little chilly and rainy, I would think that this would be the best time to go here and avoid the lines. I guess I was wrong and EVERYONE has the same thoughts. Still had a 2 hour wait and then finally get to slurp the goodness that is Ippudo.
(4)Hana K.
Ippudo is kind of like Starbucks or Mcdonalds. Their ramen is consistent no matter which location you go to. I have been to one of the locations in Tokyo (in Roppongi although they have over 65 locations throughout Japan) and now in New York, and the ramen tasted exactly the same. Ippudo is famous for their tonkotsu-based soup, which originated from Hakata, Japan. My favorite is the akamaru modern, which I got at this location. It's the original tonkotsu-based soup topped with ippudo's secret "umami dama" miso paste, pork chashu, cabbage, sesame kikurage mushrooms, scallions, and garlic oil. It's a lot more rich and flavorful than the shiomaru hakata classic. If it's your first time, I recommend you try their akamaru modern. The shiomaru is good as well but it's a little more simple and lighter. It's all about what you are in the mood for. If you are craving a spicy ramen, try their karakamen. In Japan you can adjust the spiciness, although I'm not sure if you can at the NY location. Ippudo is one of those ramen places that is tried and true. It's good, consistent, and prices are reasonable. The ramen here is a great introduction to hakata style ramen.
(3)Sarah G.
I'm not usually a big "ramen" fan, but I thought this was delicious. The noodles are a great consistency--never mushy or flavorless like some ramen I've tried. The wait is pretty discouraging, but you have the option of putting your name in and waiting for a text (but don't expect to wait less than two hours).
(5)Euna C.
I was a huge fan of Ippudo when it first opened in NYC. However, I recently went back to visit and it was a dissapointing experience. Staff are mostly college students, no japanese chefs in the back and food is not as good as it used to be... so sad! I miss the old Ippudo.
(2)Cindy P.
its all really amazing! the food is amazing and so is the staff and must go
(5)Stephanie R.
My fiance and I were extremely disappointed with this place. We are big fans of Momofuku's, but wanted to try something new while we were in New York. Everyone says to get the pork buns, so we did. They were just okay. The bun was tasteless and the pork was tough. Then we each ordered ramen. The noodles weren't like traditional ramen noodles; they were pretty hard and didn't hold the flavor of the broth well. We were running a little late for our train so we asked the server to take our remaining ramen to go. To which, he responded, "We don't really do that", as if putting it in a container is beneath him. We didn't have time to argue so we had to let him win. We will never go back.
(1)Amanda G.
I've been to two Ippudo locations in Japan as well as both in NYC and they are all incredible. The pork buns, cucumber and akamaru-modern are my go-to choices.
(5)Vanessa M.
Overpriced ramen and overly salty. The wait is definitely not worth what you'll be eating. The bowls of noodles are so expensive but it's comparable to the instant noodles you survive on in college. The thin cuts of meat are full of fat. The portions are small for the amount you pay. I would suggest going down to St Marks and getting a cheap bowl of noodles from one of the dive restaurants. The experience will be better and so will the food.
(2)Nancy D.
The food is what everyone is saying. The service is great and quick. We went on a Sunday at about 2 p.m. and was told there would be a 5 min wait (winning!) We got seated in less time than that (even more winning!!) They gave us a wet nap and I totes didn't know when I was supposed to use it. Before my pork bun? After? After the whole meal? Felt kinda like Shrek with the soup/washing hand bowl.
(5)Jared M.
Loved this joint!
(5)Malcolm C.
On my great Ramen search, I have yet to find an eatery in New York that can hold a candle to Daikokuya in Los Angeles. Ippudo is a worthy contender in New York, and has a more understated elegance than the down to earth Totto Ramen around the corner. It is much larger, which makes the wait a lot shorter. We had the Miso ramen and the Akamaru modern, both of which were very good. I think I prefer Totto for it s atmosphere and its broth.
(3)lisette f.
The Ramen is delicious. I had the pleasure to try a couple of wonderful Sake's the restaurant keeps in hand. The service was amazing, and worth the visit.
(5)Lara B.
Ippudo captures the energy of New York in this swanky, sexy spot with lines of people noodling round the foyer and out the door. So, A+ for ambiance. But in terms of food, well, I've had better, fresher ramen for less. Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed my veggie version of the soup, the wasabi cleared my sinuses as I slurped, and the service was faster than fast. But if we judge on food alone, not sure it's worth the hullabaloodles.
(3)Diane A.
My fav ramen in NYC. Note, I've had good share of ramen as have lived in Los Angeles and Visited San Diego as a second home. The eggplant bun is to die for!!! Employees greet everyone as you come in, non-Japanese folks speak the basic greetings in Japanese too.
(5)Amy L.
Pork was plain and flavorless. I tried to like this place, but I prefer Ramensan and Wasabi in Chicago. Note that I've been here 3x.
(2)Christopher C.
The standout here for me was the pork buns, best I have had. The ramen was great but once you have a great one they are all similar. Great broth and great pork. Space was really cool and overall as great as all the hype you hear.
(5)Alan T.
The pork and chicken buns are delightful, though I wouldn't put it past any of the food truck buns I've had in my lifetime. The ramen is quite possibly the best ramen I've ever had, and I hate to be "that guy" that says something is "best" but as of today, this is what I'm going with. I had mine spicy with some pork belly added and and extra egg. You really don't realize how big the bowl is or how much they give you until you get to the end of it. I had the thought in my mind that I was going to order extra noodles (an option on the menu) but quickly tapped out as I lifted the bowl and guzzled down the broth.
(4)Adam G.
I'm falling out of love with this place. The modern ramen is still fabulous. But I don't choose to go there any more. Sure the wait is annoying. But the experience once inside is worse. Last couple of times I've had a seat with my back to staff walking past all the time. And just as you're mid mouthful someone behind you screams (really loudly screams) - I think they're saying arigatoo gozaimasu, but I'm not sure. Whatever it is tho they are screaming just behind you they are not talking to you, they're talking to some other staff member at the far end of the restaurant. I wish they would all stfu. Go to the london branch of ippudo, the staff there act like they're trying to make it a pleasant place rather than an audition for yelling wankers of broadway.
(3)Huong N.
Ippudo changed my view on how ramen should be made. Honestly, this is the best ramen joint ever. I ate at so many ramen joints but it cannot be compared. The noodles and broth was so delicious. I finished everything in 15 mins because it was so good. The broth was so creamy, but it didn't taste or make you feel so heavy in comparison to a lot of ramen places. It was amazing. However, I wished there were more pork belly and veggies in my soup. I believed they give you two baby slices of pork belly. I'm a big girl and I like to eat. At the end of the day, I hope you will consider opening up a shop in Chicago. Until then, I'll be waiting.
(5)Carolina P.
long story short? i friggin love this place. been here a handful of times and already cant wait to go back. dark from the front, but full of energy and life once youre inside. all the servers shout things across the tables at each other. they were playing hiphop i love, the food is top notch ramen .. and i feel like a got served from an actual badass ninja girl covered in tattoos. everyone that works there gets trained in the japanese language, its so intriguing. im in love. if you dont know what ramen is, go find out!! asap!! totally a place i want to bring people to impress them with my coolnesss.
(4)Sandy L.
Good Service and even better food. Although we also have Ippudo in China, but the one in NYC, it's spectacular. I think it's the best Ramen in Manhattan.
(5)Richard L.
Giving a 1 star just to bring down the currrent 4 star rating. It's not a 4 star ramen place. Only mediocre. Come if you have little to talk to your dinner guests about. It's loud, and the ramen is only so so.
(1)jackie t.
the pork buns are better than the ramen!!! (not saying the Ramen isn't good of course)
(5)Mina T.
What more can I say about this place that others haven't already? Good ramen, good pork buns, good ice cream/gelato. Only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is because it is a very long wait (~1 hour, but they do text you and you can use this app to find your place in line) and it took a while for the waitress to take our order even though she can see us waiting for her.
(4)Cindy L.
Food Akamaru Modern: The noodle is cooked to a chewy perfection and the soup base is absolutely tasty. Hakata Tonpu Yaki: Mmmm! This was part of their specialty appetizer and they specialize in it alright. It was delicious and perfectly seasoned! Experience 9/10 - Really liked the greeting when you first walk in. Makes me feel appreciated. - Long wait for food. Service is slightly lacking here. - Food is as good as always. - Like their choice of music but its loud so it's kind of hard to have a conversation in there.
(4)Marie E.
Stayed across the street at the Hyatt and was pleased one afternoon not to find a line. Went in and had the wasabi ramen - felt a bit rushed to eat and gtfo, but overall a good bowl of ramen. I originally went to Ippudo a few years ago with some friends and didn't like my dish then, but based on my second visit - I highly recommend.
(4)Michael M.
Truly authentic ramen that reminds me of Japanese comfort food we experienced in Tokyo. Remember to go during off peak dining hours, unless you don't mind waiting for a table. The staff was excellent and took really good care of us.
(5)Phil M.
You come her for the ramen, so don't get distracted by other entrees. Apps are good, I usually get the shishito peppers.
(5)Vanni P.
This is kind of like Momofuku Noodle Bar - for some reason people get really excited about these noodle places and then I end up having to wait 1 hour to get ramen. Well at least Ippudo has a nice little bar area separate from the eating area and I can forget about how long I have to wait with Wakatakas. The pork buns and the ramen are pretty much the must-haves on the menu - both very good but there are several other places where you can get equally good quality without having to wait for 1 hour.
(4)Sonja C.
A casual ramen bar that awoken a sleeping Ramen giant. I had no idea ramen could be so good! Casual atmosphere, great food, at a nice price. Go get some ramen and eat them with chopsticks!
(4)Rebecca W.
Fun atmosphere, great place to bring visitors from out of town- we got locky at thier big round table and chatted with the other group across. everyones friendly. Of course the soup and noodles are great, and i am glad i went with the modern bowl. The pork buns were suggested by a friend as an app, and were ALMOST the highlight. Until you get the soup. What more can you ask for? reservations? Probably would diminish the line outside hence the allure....but for the non- NYU crowd, it'd be nice......
(5)Steven K.
The Ramen noodles and the pork bun was delicious. I love the lighting, music and food. I would go there again, I just hate the long wait but it is what it is.
(5)Gary M.
Everything was absolutely delicious, and the entire staff, save one, short, bitter guy in the receptionist's area was awesome!
(5)Julia V.
I am not an expert at ramen but this place was really, really good. Like "I get what all the hype is about" and "I'll wait over an hour for a table" good. Hubby and I arrived at 7:30PM on a Friday and told that there would be a wait time of an hour and fifteen minutes before we were seated. Ordered a few drinks to kill time and were eventually seated at the bar-like area, where we got to watch all the delicious food being prepared. We each started with a Hirata buns, which were amazingly delicious especially with the spice bun sauce and mayo. Hubby got the Akamaru Modern (he loves the miso paste), and I got the vegetarian option, Wasabi Shoyu Ramen. Both went well with the Nitamago (soft boiled egg), and I say that despite the fact that I am not a fan of soft boiled eggs. The wasabi that I got to mix into my soup was the best part of the meal and gave the broth a bite. Drink prices here are also reasonable - $6 for a beer and $8 for plum wine. I especially love all the little touches of the restaurant. We were given a moist towelette with our meal and complimentary green tea after to help with digestion. I can't speak to the quality of this place against other ramen joints in NYC, but I can definitely say this place made me a ramen lover! I believe that earns 5 stars in my book.
(5)Santiago F.
I had the Classic Ramen and some Pork Buns. The Ramen was good, but not extraordinary. The buns on the other hand, were amazing. The service was good and friendly. The reason I give it 3 stars is because I could have the same food (same quality) for cheaper and without the hour and a half wait in other restaurants around that area.
(3)James D.
I've been to Ippudos a few times to celebrate a variety of occasions and have had the same experience just about every time. The food is always great, especially the little appetizer rolls that they serve. I can't for the life of me remember what they're called but they'll be able to tell you if you ask The service at the tables is very good, the staff is friendly and doesn't let your drink stay empty for long. The only thing holding me back from giving a full five stars is that they won't take reservations and there is always a very long wait in a very small room before you can get seated. If that was to change at all this would definitely consistently be a five star experience.
(4)Fiona H.
I love Ippudo! Sure, it's a long wait but you can put your name in then head off to one of the East Village's many bars and have a nice glass of wine whilst you wait for them to call you. I have been to Ippodo many times and have tried a variety of dishes from the menu. The stand outs for me are the chicken buns and the spicy Kara-men ramen. The pork buns are also amazing. My out-of-town friends love this place too and enjoy the fun atmosphere!
(5)C J.
Very lively atmosphere. Food was good. It's busy but they were efficient with people waiting and there is a bar upfront to keep you happy.
(5)Phil B.
Good quality for my first experience here, but not nearly the quality or cost available in several of these contemporary ramen restaurants most notably on the upper east side. Under the surface of a pleasant, modern atmosphere, it seems like quick service sit-down style that unfortunately many NY eateries are trying gain traction in the restaurant industry
(3)Russ D.
We couldn't ignore the amazing ratings on yelp, and went and tried it for ourselves. Chris took excellent care of us, and the food was so amazing. Pork & vegetarian buns were for sure the best. Chicken not as good. The staff and service were both top notch. I will go back again every time I'm in New York!!
(5)Judy Choni S.
Great food! Nice place Great drinks, nice bar, just the service is a little too pushy and rush u. They are ready to take your plates before your even finish eating or drink your drink , they tried to take half a bowl of soup REALLY reason minus of a star
(4)Rishita P.
Delicious ramen and a great place for a date night or dinner with a group. Be prepared for a long wait. Luckily the bartenders are great and you can order apps at the bar while you are trying not to inhale the delicious scents coming out of the main room. I'm not sure if this is still the case, but the last few times I went they did not allow take/out or doggie bags, so order accordingly.
(5)Bc B.
One of the nicest Ramen restaurants I've ever been honestly, the waiters from what I could tell spoke some or fluent Japanese and where very nice. This place also has obviously good ramen which was made pretty quick, also it has very good appetizers my favorite being the spicy octopus. On another note there are three things which I found to be not the best when going here. 1) It was expensive for a ramen restaurant, but I guess you pay for what you get and after all it's Manhattan 2) They won't allow you to be seated unless your group or second person is there due to the seating arrangement they have. 3) Its a bit of a wait to get a seat on a bizzy night.
(4)David S.
OMG, me and my roommates came to visit New York for the first time for an event and wanted to try one of the high rated restaurants and ended up going to this place. Me and my friends all got ramen with appetizers such as the buns, and baby octopus w/ wasabi. They were all amazing! You are able to order "add-ons" to your ramen such as egg and other essentials for flavoring!
(5)Diana C.
Overrated. My friend wanted to have a birthday dinner here and I gave him a heads up that the wait would be ridiculous on a Saturday night. He went ahead and put down his name early and when it came time to seat us, I grew quite impatient. Service is quick in terms of getting our orders in and having our food ready. I ordered the Akamaru Modern ramen with a boiled egg topping. It was good but I've had better, especially considering that I've been to Japan, the treasure trove of amazing ramen. Come here for the experience of it but go to Totto Ramen for even better ramen.
(3)Gilad B.
Outstanding in every way. We loved it all except the wait. You must try the pork buns because they were outstanding. Everything else was also outstanding so you must go.
(4)Evan Z.
It was so good! I had wanted to come here for a while now but didn't have the chance so on this trip I made it a priority. We had the modern ramen and spicy ramen as well as the famous pork buns and the hamachi. Everything was on point and I would definitely come again (and again) when given the chance. If you like ramen this is a no-brained.
(5)Yen N.
This place lives up to the hype!! I've tried several ramen places and this is hands down the best place I've tried! This place is an absolute must if ever in New York!
(5)Lily F.
Best ramen noodles I've ever had! Definitely worth the wait. I had the chicken bun and the salad of the month which was the fried calamari salad and then I had the Akamaru modern which was delicious! My friend had the Karaka men. I didn't like ramen so much before I tried this place but now I do! Not to mention the customer service was great, they welcomed everyone in Japanese!
(4)Jellene F.
the ramen was deliciousss. waited a little long for a table for 2, but it was okay cus we sat by the bar, grabbed some pork buns and glasses of sapporo that made it worth it!
(5)Scott S.
Excellent Restaurant. Food was great! wait staff were fantastic. Definitely recommend this to friends and family.
(5)Marc B.
I haven't tried them all yet, but this is my favorite bowl of ramen in the city. The biggest draw is the broth - it has the most amazing salty flavor with a rich silky texture that you can't stop eating. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and of course the pork is on point too. I like to get my bowl with bamboo shoots as well for some added crunch. There are two set backs. First, the wait. Be prepared to wait for over an hour at any given time. The second is the price, it comes out to about $20 per person for just the ramen after one or two additions. Worth it, but the price deters me from going more often.
(5)Ella N.
Pork bun is so good here !!!! The ramen are most popular. The broth are delicious. There will be a line even before the business is open. So best to come at least 10 minutes prior to opening hour. The place is cute and staffs are extremely welcoming. Overall, it was pretty memorable for someone who doesn't love ramen.
(4)T X.
Looking at more than 7k reviews, this must be the top ramen! Soup is definitely one if the best, also got the pork bun, very tender and tasty. Many mocha deserts are also top notch, including Lady M. Ippudo is now my favorite place other than Tsujita in Los Angeles!
(4)Jeremy R.
Ippudo is originally a Japanese noodle chain, this being the NY variety. I went rather late at night and enjoyed a steaming hot bowl of pork ramen with egg. I can't really complain - the ramen was fine - and the atmosphere was reasonable. I guess I just had higher expectations having dined at the originals in Japan. Still, for ramen fans looking for a solid outing, this is a good spot. Be prepared to wait, though - it's generally extremely crowded.
(3)Zi M.
Coming from LA, we have a lot of ramen shops and different types of ramen. Ippudo was definitely one of my favorite places to eat while staying in New York. I think the most important thing is the soup base. I ordered the Akamaru Modern. It was delicious. Great flavor and the noodles were a perfect medium towards al dente. Personally thats how I like the texture of my ramen others will have their preference. The soup base was not too thick perfect amount of fat ratio in soup. In LA we sometimes have an option to get a stronger base for those that really like extra flavor and a fattier base. Really enjoyed my meal here. Very balanced.
(5)Dee K.
Came here on a Saturday night, the wait was about 2.5-3 hours. What's good here is they text you when your table is ready, so you're able to walk around the area of St. Marks/SOHO to kill time.. The ramen here is good.. but I think it would have been even better if there was no wait... Overall I think it isn't worth the wait type, but the ramen is good and the broth is rich.
(3)Jak P.
Yeah there's a reason this place has such a high rating with over 6000 reviews. Some of the best raven I've ever had as the broth is so flavorful without that oily aftertaste that you get from low quality places. We had some of their bao, including the veggie one and that was crunchy, rich, and very flavorful as well. I'd highly recommend this place. Just get there early and expect a lot going wait time.
(4)Dean H.
Perfect noodles. Having traveled throughout the Asian continent I have had my far share of soup with noodles. Broth could not be better, and while Ramen has it's detractors as a cuisine but when it is done perfectly like this....well it's art. p.s. there is a wait
(5)Jennifer D.
Way over-hyped. Was expecting to have my socks knocked off by Ippudo ramen,.. well my socks are on. The ramen is good, I just was not blown away by it like I was hoping to be.. Had the classic ramen ($15) and the broth was good, rich in flavor, nice depth and silky. The noodles were firm, which I prefer, but I think a little too thin. The pork loin was totally dissapointing - very thin and dry slices, way too lean , and quite flavorless. Had to pay $2 extra to add a seasoned soft boiled egg. This place is loud and chaotic. Annoying if you ask me. $17 for decent ramen, I can get better for less money and actually be able to hear what my companion is saying. Not worth it. Will not be back ;) Glad to have given it a try tho!
(3)Scott M.
Ippudo never disappoints. Compared to the best ramen spots in NYC, SF, Chicago (a new hotbed for ramen), and Hong Kong (including the tiny place in Wan Chai where the proprietor makes a limited amount of noodles each night and closes when they sell out), Ippudo continues to reign supreme. The broths are rich and layered with flavor, the noodles always perfectly textured, and there are always seasonal specials to mix things up. Starters and hot dishes are always great... pork buns not quite comparable to Momofuku but still excellent. Walk carefully down the stairs to the bathroom if you've got heels on.
(5)Sangeetha R.
Hands down, the best ramen spot ever. Determined to try all the best ramen spots according to that New York Times article but this is the best one yet. I have gone to the Ippudo in Hell's Kitchen as well, but I personally prefer this one. I don't know if I was just hungrier when I went to this one but I thought the food was better. I got the Akamuru Modern both times and it is amazing with pork belly. Thinking about the spices in the ramen is currently making me salivate. Their pork buns are also great! It's always packed so make sure to get there a little earlier than when you intend on eating.
(5)Ryan C.
The ribs. Oh my god the Samurai rib....I would have been happy if I just left with that. Ramen is good too though. But the rib was a fucking work of art.
(5)C H.
The wait is worth it, not just for the lovely ramen but also the fun atmosphere. Just request a table 1 hour before your intended dinner time and go to a nearby bar to have an aperitif. Enjoy!
(4)Su W.
Best ramen ever! The only down side is that you have to wait about 2 hours for the amazing ramen, but totally worth it!
(5)Asuka H.
One of the best I've had in NYC so far. I was expecting a long wait when coming here for lunch, but my friends and I got super lucky and got a large booth to ourselves after only about 15 minutes. I got the tonkotsu ramen, which was thick yet also very refreshing. My friends got the Akamaru Modern, which had a completely different taste from the tonkotsu but also had a flavorful broth. I only wish the portions were bigger!
(4)Kazuha K.
Side dishes were pretty tasty, especially their wings. Ramen was slightly disappointing - Isn't Ippudo all about "making sure our ramen tastes the same everywhere in the world?" I always enjoy Ippudo ramen in Japan, but the one I had in NYC was not as good. Something was off. Also, according to my partner who had eaten there multiple times, they used to serve better ramen. Sad.
(2)Rick M.
Great Ramen and pork buns. Dont understand why they would use cheap lettuce... I just took it off and the pork bun was Awesome. Ramen was better than average.
(4)Shushu C.
I love thin noodles. I have been to both the uptown and this location. I would say this location is better. The pork buns are definitely good and worth getting. Not the best.....I would say maybe momofuku has better.. Anyway, I usually get the akamaru modern one (the miso). Their tako appetizer is also pretty good with like crunchy wasabi or whatever that stuff is. delicious. They also sell Lady M cake, although once I remember they ran out of the green tea option. Disregarding price and wait time, I would say this place is definitely really good. Go early!
(4)Randy C.
Great flavors: broth, noodles. I had the Akamaru Modern and my gf had Karaka Men. We both loved her broth a lot more, but that could be due to both of us liking spicy foods. My broth was still very good and I recommend it for someone who doesn't like a lot of spice. Of course I got the extra noodles. I always do when I eat ramen. Service was GREAT! Very attentive & on top of things, no matter what you needed: extra noodles, refill your water, clear your dirty plates, etc. The speed & efficiency this restaurant runs at is a #1 example of how all companies in the food industry should be ran.
(5)Lucinda C.
Good traditional fare. I love hearing these honkies shout out japanese words. Everything is delicious and very very fast. The decor is tasteful and restrained . . . quintessential Japanese. I went on a lovely date here, but alas the guy turned out to be a coke-headed asswipe. Though that certainly was not a reflection of the food.
(4)Jane Y.
Got a bowl with a spicy sauce. Yummy and so filling. Good on a cold day.
(4)Allan R.
Momofuku has nothing on this place. Period.
(5)Max M.
Long waits during peak hours. Ramen is really good, but not always worth the wait. Service is ok. waitress was nice. Pork Buns are definitely worth the wait.
(3)Bob B.
On the positive side, tasty menu with both buns and ramen delivering. On the negative side, "the place is too crowded - nobody goes there anymore". Long waits, a service attitude that combines haughtiness and inefficiency, and a pack-them-em feel. Lots of places in NY to find better food without the queue.
(3)Samantha T.
The wait on week nights are usually anywhere between 10-30 mins. On weekends the wait time can be anywhere from 1-2 hours. Well worth the wait for the ramen. The pork buns and wonderful. A little kick to them but absolutely delicious. The classic ramen has been my favorite up until today when I tried the Modern ramen. The taste is wonderful and the it's the perfect amount of saltiness. The Matcha Brûlée is the best brûlée I've ever had. Hands Down. Ippudo is one of the few places where I know the wait is long but always know I'm going to be satisfied.
(4)Ben C.
Just too overrated, too crowded, too pricey, I'm not gonna lie you have a good pork bun which exactly the same thing as what my mom cooks for me at home. Besides that you are just an ordinary ramen place which quickly became another food chain business. I have tried you twice which mean I gave you 2 chances to impress me but you are just okay. I like the staffs though, they work hard and they deserve recognition.
(3)Kathy W.
Pork buns: 5/5 AMAZING!! A little pricey though. $9 for 2 Karaka Men: 4/5 Love the broth. Noodles are okay. $15 Matcha creme brûlée: 3.5/5 I didn't really like way it was burnt. It was very creamy and delicious. The green tea ice cream on top didn't really add to the dish. I actually prefer my creme brûlée to be warm. $8 Atmosphere: 4.5 it was lively and well decorated. I sat in a common seating area. ( sharing one table with different groups of people) You don't get a designated waiter but everyone is attentive and clears your table quickly. Overall it's a little out of my price range but id be happy to go for a special occasion.
(5)Min Y.
I have mixed feelings about this place, but ultimately I have to give it an average rating. There is a lot of hype around this restaurant, and I think it underwhelms. First, some positives. The decor is very nice. Spacious, clean, very NYC. It's not incredibly loud here, but it's not exactly whisper quiet either. Lots of groups here dining, and they sit you with other random people, so don't expect an intimate experience. Overall, I did like the venue. The service is excellent. Everyone is attentive and friendly, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the service here. Also everyone has been trained to scream out japanese phrases (even non-asian workers here) so that made me chuckle. The ramen is good, but it's not mind blowing. The broth is a little too salty for my taste. I do have to admit that the noodles themselves are very good, but ultimately the broth is what makes the dish. I agree that these ramen noodles are good, but is it $20 good? No. I'm glad I tried this place but ultimately I don't plan on going back.
(3)C I.
The ramen was good, but wasn't great. I took out one star because the place was unbearably loud.
(3)Kelly G.
This place is a well-oiled machine. We were told 30-minute wait for 2, it was more like 15. Service is quick, courteous & lively! Steamed pork buns were delicious & ramen was beautiful. This place is not for a lingering meal and seating a large party could be tricky. But fun experience!
(4)Henry H.
Got here early on a Sunday and didn't have to wait at all. We had the pork belly buns and chicken wings as appetizers and both were amazing. Got to the Ramen and was only slightly impressed. Not sure what the whole deal is but I definitely would not wait in line for the noodles, no line would be another story. My biggest complaint was the level they played their music. It was deafening for us, I couldn't understand why none of the employees were wearing earplugs. I guess when you are that much in demand, you want to turn tables around fast and rush people out. That must be how they do it.
(4)Christine Y.
Excellent. Definitely try the pork buns if you come here; the ramen is so well done and not overcooked. Best thing to do is, everyone orders ramen and then one or two orders of pork buns to share.
(5)Brian P.
I usually go with the modern version. and almost always end up at the west side location rather than the one near astor. Best time to go is for brunch, opening time
(5)Nam N.
The ramen is pretty good but the appetizers are the stars of the show.
(4)Oliver S.
This place used to be a five star place for us. But recently, they have cut back their portion size and even worse, got rid of the pork belly option to add to the ramen. Don't get between a man and his pork belly!
(3)Mike T.
I'm obsessed with this place. In my opinion, it's by no means the best restaurant in New York City, but it's the meal that I actively crave the most when I'm away from the city for a while. It's the New York equivalent to me of the Father's Office burger in LA and the El Farolito burrito in San Francisco. Timing is everything here, though, if you want to avoid a legendary wait. Even though they turn tables pretty quickly, excessive demand can leave you pretty hangry. It's generally pretty reasonable for an early lunch (before Noon) or a later dinner (after 10pm) any day of the week, which is when you might run into me there shoveling spicy soup into my mouth. Definitely start off with the pork buns - they're pretty expensive at ~$4.50/ea. but they might be the best I've had in the US (the best still being Tim Ho Wan in HKG). For the ramen, you can't go wrong with the Karaka Men (spicy) or the Akumaru Modern (un-spicy), and they even throw in a nice cup of green tea as you're figuring out the bill. And be sure to yell "ARIGATO GOZAIMAS" on your way out because they'll be doing the same for you. Food: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Atmosphere: 4/5
(5)Katie C.
This place is terrific! In my week visit, I came twice! All of the ramen bowls are tasty and flavourful. The spicy ramen with a soft boiled egg is my favourite! Be sure to get some steamed bao buns as well, we got the hirata pork buns--to die for! I have a photo of the hirata pork buns on my food instagram account: katieatsfood. It will make you drool until you can get over to Ippudo. I'd say if you don't get a spicy ramen bowl, then to add some miso paste to your ramen (it is under the add ons under the ramen bowls) to give it an extra kick of flavour. Otherwise it is a good chicken and pork broth, which is great, but there are more dimensions of flavour with the paste!
(4)Neil D.
A surprisingly spacious ramen joint that has some of the best noodle bowls outside of Tokyo. While the base Shiromaru is good, a special note has to be given to the Akamaru and Karaka Men for their perfect balance of miso flavor. Not either overly stated or lacking like most other places. Just enough to enhance the layered flavor of the broth. The Hirata Buns are excellent and the Hirata Chicken Wings are sure to wake your taste buds. The friendly staff is welcome too. This place is my kind of jam.
(4)Madie D.
Staff is very kind and the atmosphere of the restaurant is very nice! pork buns, and chicken wings are highly recommended for appetizers! the wait can be really long, especially on weekend nights. (I'd recommend going on a Monday night) the ramen here is exemplary, from the classic to the hiraku!! heads up: the noodles in the ramen are the thin, straight kind, and I actually prefer the curly kind, but I believe you can ask for the curly!! :D
(5)Diana R.
Knowing I was coming in to town and wanting to make my visit special, my friend suggested we try this spot which she and her husband are "addicted" to. Three of us split an order of pork buns - basically an ultra soft, fluffy doughy "shell" holding a mini "taco" of sorts of perfectly seasoned port and veggies. I could have just eaten thirty of those and then went into a food coma. One of the tastiest appetizers I've ever eaten. After our bowls were put in front of us my friend, who lives in Queens, excitedly told me about her journey to find ramen anywhere in the five boroughs that matched Ippudo. She stated one place had come sort of close, but the rest lagged far behind. While I have greatly enjoyed the one ramen place I have frequented in Buffalo, it had not prepared for me Ippudo (though to be fair, I order vegetarian ramen at my local place, so it is apples and oranges). I got the "modern" style ramen and everything about it was perfect - the spice levels, the complexity of the flavors, the texture of the noodles, the seasoning of the pork broth, the cooked-to-perfection vegetables. My table mates were equally happy with theirs. There were long periods of relative silence as we quietly slurped up noodles and large spoonfuls of broth. A note of warning on the ramen for those with small appetites - Ippudo does not do take out! My friend said she heard it is considered rude in traditional Japanese culture to not finish your soup, so leftovers are a no no. Whether this is true or not, they definitely don't do take out but it wasn't a problem for me - I was the only person at my table to finish my massive bowl, apparently quite a feat as the waiter good naturedly ribbed me about it. The only downside to this place, which I can't really deduct a star for, is they are a victim of their own success. They are so good and so popular they are *packed.* We got a table within a half hour but only because we just beat the dinner rush. People after us were getting told far longer waits and the staff had to politely ask us to leave as we were catching up a bit after our meal and they desperately needed the table. If that sort of thing is not for you - a loud, busy, bustling restaurant with a quick turnover - avoid. It's not something I would want to deal with constantly, but for the treat that was this meal totally worth it. I'd also say it's probably not good for groups larger than four. It is already difficult to get a table and I'm sure more so if they have to push several together.
(5)Andrew B.
I can't say Ippudo is incredible from the moment you walk in the door, but it hits about five seconds after that. As you're led to a seat, the host/ess calls out something in Japanese (which I now wish I knew more of), and all the staff, including everyone in the open kitchen, calls back enthusiastically. That energy persists all the way through your visit. These people clearly love what they do and love making customers happy. Seating is available at the bar, at communal tables, or in booths. I visited solo and didn't request anything specific, so they seated me at a table. They're big enough that it doesn't feel particularly cramped or awkward, as those sometimes can. The decor is definitely on the modern side, and fits the rest of the experience well. I started with an order of pork hirata buns and a glass of Brooklyn Kaedama Ale (pass up the chance to try an exclusive beer? Never!). The pork buns were a toss-up with my standing favorite (Snappy Ramen in Somerville, MA). Ippudo's buns lack the wasabi mayo that I go crazy for, and their pork is a little less tender. They make up for it by providing a larger portion of pork in each bun, and their spicy sauce is good in its own right. Kaedama Ale doesn't particularly stand out, and I didn't finish my glass because I had filled up on the amazing food! For the main course, I was leaning towards the Karaka Men, but I didn't really want to take the time to scrutinize the menu. To make it easy, I asked for "something spicy" and my inclination was confirmed. I added nitamago, because of course I did. The soup came shortly after I had finished the pork buns. It's a pretty standard presentation, though I was a little surprised at the pile of chili in the middle. I tasted it directly before it dissolved into the soup (which, as I discovered, it will quickly do on its own as you eat around it). It's not overly spicy, but a little bitter and definitely not meant to be eaten on its own. The nitamago was standard (which is good). I really liked how finely sliced the mushrooms were. Big chunks of mushroom are unappealing to me both visually and texture-wise. The chashu pork was good, but there was less than I would have liked. I'd order extra chashu next time, and if you have to choose only one of that or the nitamago, I'd take the pork (but why not both?). Okay, okay, enough with the accoutrements. What about the noodles and the broth? Both very good, if you didn't notice a pattern already. The noodles are thinner than I'm used to, and definitely on the firm side. They're more interesting to eat than most ramen noodles, which is a good counterpoint to the broth. Compared to most tonkotsu broth I've had, Ippudo's is relatively light. The Karaka Men spices are also mild -- still definitely there, but not sinus-clearingly spicy. On its own, it's tasty, but you definitely want noodles with it. Fortunately, kaedama offers exactly that possibility! They give you tons of broth relative to the first serving of noodles, but you can add more noodles to your heart's (or stomach's) content. Unfortunately, I had parked in a 1-hour metered spot, and having gotten a $115 fire hydrant ticket in Brooklyn just that morning, I didn't want to go for a daily high score. I was getting to the edge of uncomfortably full, so I would have had to nurse that next batch over most of an hour. (Protip: Washington Place has 2-hour metered parking instead, which I helpfully discovered on the way back to my car. Sigh.) Finishing off the meal, another nice surprise came in the form of an unsolicited cup of green tea to finish things off. Alternating broth, tea, and beer is a fun exercise in weird flavor and temperature combinations. The bill with tax came to just over $37. Looking over it now, the pork buns ($9) are pricey but probably worth it, the beer ($9) is terribly overpriced, and the ramen ($14 + $2 nitamago) is just right. I tipped a smidge over 20%, and that might have been low -- the service was absolutely exceptional in terms of speed, availability, and attitude. Finally, a note on timing: I visited shortly after lunch opening (11 AM) on a Monday. There was no wait at all, for anything. When I arrived, there were three groups in booths, one group of two at another table, and a group of two at my table. When I left (shortly before noon), there were about four more people total than when I arrived. If you want your Ippudo fix and don't want to wait, go for lunch on Monday.
(5)Nicole J.
Oh my goodness. This is the best ramen I've had in my entire life. The experience was life changing in the way I saw ramen. I ordered the Akamaru ramen. The noodles were light and fresh. The broth was flavorful and complex. The pork was delightful and not too fatty. I also had the famous pork buns for an appetizer and it lives up to the hype. I don't think I'll eat ramen from any other place because it will only go downhill from here. This is a must visit for any ramen lover. Lines are intense and the wait is long. I'd recommend coming before they open on a weeknight but the place is large and they keep the tables moving.
(5)Chloe S.
Best pork buns in the city! They are spicy, tasty, and not at all fatty. And the best part? Since this epic, no-reservations (typical New York) restaurant is always packed, order your pork buns at the bar and you won't have to wait nearly as long! If you are going to wait though.... .... The ramen is incredible too. I love the classic, and I add mushrooms. The flavors are incredible and the food is fresh and extremely customizable. The wait staff is incredibly friendly, especially if you haven't had ramen before, and will be more than willing to help you out in order to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. The only reason that I wouldn't give it 5 stars is because I have literally waited 3 hours for a table, which is a little frustrating at times. HOWEVER, I will say that it was worth the wait. Just don't plan to come here if you have a tight schedule!
(4)Jennifer R.
The wings are really good. You have to get the pork buns every time. They are so delicious! I like the spicy Ramen the best.
(5)Aditi D.
Amazing food and great service. I love Ippudo and wish I could eat here every single night. One of the best ramen places in the city.
(5)paolo c.
ippudo is happiness! The best ramen and pork buns
(5)Rosalia X.
After reading so many great reviews and people talking about how good Ippudo was, I wanted to try it myself and I was a little disappointed, maybe it's because everyone hyped it up for me. I was told the wait time is pretty long here, but I didn't wait long. I got pretty lucky I guess, I only waited 15 minutes. My meal wasn't memorable, I prefer to eat at ramen-ya or ramen misoya. This place is over rated. I ordered the lunch set with shiromaru hakata classic with grilled eel rice bowl. And I honestly like the grilled eel rice bowl more, the broth in the ramen was nothing special. Would I come here again? Maybe. If I do, hopefully the next time I eat it, I'll be WOWed.
(2)Anchisa P.
Great solid ramen. Both Shio and Modern Akamaru were really good. Pork belly buns are a must! Fun vibe and modern interior. No reservations so try to avoid peak meal times because there will be a line.
(4)Ulises R.
Cool atmosphere but overrated. Being a ramen fan, i know there are better places nearby for a good bowl of ramen without 1h wait.
(2)Linn P.
Decent ramen. Still not super duper flavorful. Love the pork buns!!! It was different from my usual pork belly buns. Different marinate and flavor. Got the eel over rice dish. It was a little dry and tough, little sauce to help. Our waitress was very nice and dealt with our demands. Hahah. It was pretty busy here but they squeezed us in immediately since it was just the two of us. We sat at a community table. This place is good but I don't think we would come back if we were in New York again.
(4)Janis M.
This review is for Ippudo's ridiculous policy of not letting you take your leftovers with you. I went here for my birthday and we ordered a lot of food. After our meal I had almost a full bowl of ramen left. I was told I could not take it with me because of their quality control policy. It was basically like I paid for a full bowl of ramen but was only given 1/8 of it to eat. This policy is a big fu*k you to poor people. No one is going to take their left overs home and dissect the flavor palate of the food to recreate it at their own restaurant. I have been to Japan and Ippudo's ramen is not that special! This is NYC and there are many other ramen places that have better ramen for a lower cost. Rai Rai Ken and Sapporo are two of my favorite restaurants and Sobaya has amazing soba and udon noodle soups! On principle I am not going back to Ippudo I paid a lot of money and could not eat what I ordered!
(2)Ken C.
I'm visiting from Los Angeles and I have to say today's experience here was great. There was a wait which was 30 minutes but it didn't bother me and my friends. All the servers were on point even when it was busy. Constant refills, food came out fast, and the staff was always checking on us. I think the ramen I got was something modern. The broth was clean and not so fatty. Noodles were great too. I would come back here if I'm back in NY. There's another ramen place I enjoy eating in Los Angeles called Daikokuya, try it out if you're ever in Los Angeles it's a must
(5)Tiffany T.
Will not be coming back. Personal experience included 2 hour waiting time.. for a one person party at the community table around 7 pm on a weekday... Funny enough, a person left the table right when I seat down so the next person to be seated there did not have to wait at all... As I travel through Flushing to get home from work and am used to Flushing food as a chinese american... I do not recommend this place. My least favorite thing is that the portion was small. Very cheap of them, for such an overpriced bowl of noodles. After I finished the bowl, I kind of felt really lost and mildly shocked... When was the last time I went to a restaurant and left feeling this unsatisfied... I can get a bowl of superior noodles in Flushing that is hand-pulled homemade noodles for 5 dollars. The portion size in Flushing of noodles probably 5 times the one in Ippudo. The broth is nothing special. As a chinese american, I was brought up on homemade chicken bone broth noodles, and this broth, after all the hype, registered to me as horribly salty and lacking actual chicken bone flavor. Personally, I dislike salty dishes and also MSG, so I did not find this heavy broth nor good-tasting at least. Also, the waitress who helped me was not patient and, after I asked a stupid question, gave me the ugliest face of disgust which I had not experienced in any establishment before... Having people watched while waiting for my seat, I observed two of the staff there to have an air of being arrogant/self-absorbed... I came to Ippudo really excited and wanting to satisfy my ramen craving at such a top-rated ramen place in NYC.... I left being dead disappointed. I spend so much money for such a small disappointing meal with bad service, after having waiting there for 2 hours and having such a high expectation... This is not my cup of tea. Do not recommend.
(1)Keenan D.
I've been to Ippudo Westside a few times but this time was my first time at the NY location. Ramen was completely satisfying as expected. This place was great for large groups because we could take over an entire table.
(5)D M.
Yummy ramen but I noticed that the last time I was there the portions were smaller and toppings were sparse. Don't cheap out us Ippudo
(4)Lindsay A.
I've heard raving reviews about this place so I had to try it. Best ramen and pork buns. Ever! When I eat ramen now, I always compare it to Ippudo. The only place that comes close is Ramen Dojo in San Mateo, Ca. Other than that, this is the top of my list!
(5)lilmissalice d.
TIP: Get there early. like right when they open early. so that you don't have to take away your experience by waiting in line. the buns are a MUST. and i had the veggie one too.
(5)Jane K.
I don't think it's worth all the lines and hype, but it is solid ramen.
(4)Ms. V.
I think I'm one of three, maybe four people I know that doesn't like Ippudo, which I find hilarious, because some of my friends LOVE this place. I've been here, maybe a handful of times, more likely than not with the friends that are always raving about it. Don't get me wrong, the few times I've been, the service was always on point. The staff were friendly, knowledgable, and patient. The wait times were ridiculous, even if you had some poor sap holding your spot on line, unless you were the unlucky one that got there before they opened. If you choose that route, they won't seat you unless your entire party is present. If you must have ramen here, don't come with friends/family that you know are perpetually late. Their pork buns are good, but are they worth the wait? Not really.
(2)Eric G.
favorite ramen place in NY
(5)Jose S.
Would have gave this 5 stars but we showed up 1 person short and they made us wait an extra 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!! food was awesome, service was excellent. really enjoyed the apps. Will definitely be back.
(4)Nicole M.
Had the pleasure in coming here few year ago when I first went to NYC and ramen was not as popular; so this review is like 7-8 years overdue. But I so remember this place, because it was that good. Pork buns and ramen was so good. Probably top 2 ramen I have ever tried. I think this place is better than their Japan location. And best of all their Green Tea Creme Brûlée! Creme brûlée is one of my favorite desserts and for it to be green tea flavor - I was in Green Tea heaven!
(5)Vikram O.
Love it everytime, except for the 2+ hour wait regardless of the night I have gone. Bit on the pricey side for the ramen you get. Definitely try to pork buns!
(4)Ashley P.
Will take pics next time....such a cute spot. Taking time to actually go back and write this. Went months ago, first Ramen place I had been to. Love the ambiance, the servers greet you as you walk in, don't be scared away by the crowds.Ordered the Akamaru Modern Ramen - it was filling, fresh, delicious. Top it off with an egg! Tried the octopus and hirata buns as apps. Such fun combos! Well worth the wait. Will definitely be back for more!
(5)Anthony L.
Unreal. Must try. Don't leave any leftovers on the plate because you can't take anything to go!
(5)Carl S.
Something's not right here. They servin' taiwanese gua bao as some japanese Hakata bun bullshit. Is that legal? That's like when my Korean friend goes on about how Koreans invented rice. We all know who invented rice, and it was not the Koreans. The Hakata bun. It obviously is a gua bao, but they do something to do. Something is caramelized. They caramelized my tastebuds. So complex. So different. I'm in love. So much so I had to tell the female patrons next to me how in punch-drunk love I was. And they bought my enthusiasm. And we're going bar hopping later together. I love this city. I love Japanese people stealing from Taiwanese people. Like a sore on my ass. It's cool though. The Hakata bun is legit. However, the ramen is disgustingly unbalanced. Like eating a bag of liquid potato chips, where the bag was liquified with the potatoes. And instead of being a bag, it's now ramen noodle. There's as much "Hakata" in your buns as there is "Kamikaze" in a belly flop. 5-stars!
(5)Brittany P.
We lost track of how long we waited for a table at Ippudo. Maybe 1.5 or 2 hours? Oh and it was a Tuesday night. It was still worth it! The pork buns were so steamy and delicious. The soup was amazing! So delicious. Worth the wait.
(4)Jennifer H.
I should really try to avoid these really hyped/trendy/popular places but I want to try it too much to stay away.. oh the dilemma :( Ippudo NY was definitely way too crowded, super trendy, super hyped and just had quite possibly the worst nightmare of a wait there was. My friends and I got here at about 7pm on a Sunday night and the wait was 2+ hours. They weren't kidding around and it's not one of those times where they tell you its a super long wait but you get seated in half the time. My friends and I waited s o o o o o o o o long! Luckily, there is the famous Strand Bookstore close by and since they call you when your table is ready, you don't have to be in the restaurant painfully waiting. After 2.5 hours, we were finally seated. They greet you as you walk through but I didn't know what they were saying, it sounded like garbled yelling. They have pretty darn good service for a restaurant that is super packed. We ordered and got the food pretty fast. Of course, we got the pork buns and the Akamaru modern ramen. The pork buns were delicious and addicting, definitely worth getting. The Akamaru modern was savory and full of flavor. I really liked their broth, it was one of the best I had. I just didn't really like the noodles but that's my personal preference for thicker noodles, their noodles are too thin. Was it worth the wait? not really sure but it was definitely good ramen. I know plenty of people say to stay away from here because its overhyped, it's not worth it, etc.. and I almost want to say that too but really if you're going to come to NY and you have the chance to try one ramen place, then you're not going to choose wrong with Ippudo.
(4)Glenn B.
Craving some Ramen, a group of fam and friends rushed to make the 3:30 cut off for lunch, and arrived with our party of six at 2:40...only to be told that they couldn't accommodate us - even if we split up our group. Not easily discouraged, we agreed to return at 5:00 for dinner. Knowing we were in for a wait, we showed up at 4:45 with a line already beginning to wrap around the block. Still, we were determined to have our ramen. We were told the wait would be 50 minutes, and with heavy hearts and half empty stomachs, we resolved to wait. The bartender allowed us to wait in the area marked "reserved" where we loaded up on Kirin and the House Sake (definitely worth it!). Our last order of sake before we were called to get seated was actually GREEN TEA! However, our bartender quickly appeased the situation with 2 large sake's, on the house. SCORE! This is where our evening began to turn sour. Although we were called up to get seated at 5:50, we waited another 20 minutes by the hostess stand. After asking several times what the hold up was, and seeing numerous people get seated before us, we were told that the table they prepared to seat us in was still occupied. "The other party has paid, but has not yet left." So they had us standing around like a-holes, give up our bar space, only to wait an additional 20 minutes. I'm sorry, but although I thoroughly enjoyed the pork buns, chicken wings, and Akamaru modern ramen that followed - this was BULL SHIT. As a hostess, do not call a table to get seated if there is no table to seat them at. All in all, the food is good, the waitress was on point, but the hostesses pretty much ruined our entire experience.
(3)Cathy Y.
Overhyped? A little. Still crave-worthy? Definitely. Buns: 4/5 I've had better for less Cucumber appetizer: 5/5 but portion really small Ramen: really only worth it if you get the extra noodles after you finish the first and leave the broth. I like the Akamaru modern. Samurai rib: 10/5 The only really rave-worthy item on the menu...MELTS. IN. YOUR. MOUTH. UGH. That basically sums Ippudo up. I would still allow it its mantle of 'best ramen', but it's still really pricey and the queues drive me insane. I went on Valentine's Day with my ex (then-boyfriend) and we happened to catch the one day that it wasn't so crowded, so that was nice. The one thing I will say is that no matter how crowded they get, the quality of the food never changes. Someone noted that I got the service, sorry! Service is 5/5. There's only been one instance in which it was slow, and that was during a full house and we ordered a lot for a business meeting. All the servers are friendly and capable and often times very, very attractive. (; Favorite server is still Brandon though! He served us when we brought a rowdy group of friends--great sense of humor and very perceptive of our needs.
(4)Paris F.
Ippudo ramen is one of the best in NYC. There is always the wait and it is worth the wait. I love to try Ippudo in Tokyo!
(4)Yang C.
Had Akamaru modern ramen, good but the soup base is not as good as I had in totto ramen. Hirata pork belly buns is very delicious.
(4)Julia N.
I entrust Yelp with a lot of my decisions in choosing where to eat. Dining at Ippudo on my 2-week trip in NY was no different--granted, my boyfriend also works here so of course it piqued my curiosity enough to try this place out. Although I must admit, Ippudo can definitely stand on its own. 4 stars with 6641 reviews (and counting)--more often times than not, Yelp ratings are well-warranted. Here are my reviews for the things I ordered: ***PORK BUNS*** Arguably the biggest attraction to Ippudo. I'm certain that the restaurant can replace their ramen with more pork buns and still be able to sustain itself. They're just THAT good. Definitely a must-have for first-timers, second-timers, third-timers--you get the point. ***CHICKEN WINGS*** Another item on their list of appetizers. They were crispy and flavorful, just how I like my chicken wings. But what was the most surprising element to me was half of lettuce head and the complementary dressing that came with it. I only had 2 pieces of the wings, but I finished every shred of lettuce I could get my chopsticks on. ***AKAMARU MODERN RAMEN*** I ordered this based on the suggestion that it was Ippudo's most popular ramen. I probably would have raved about it if I weren't from California, where there is a morbid plethora of ramen joints there. Still, it was a safe and standard choice for a first-timer like myself. My boyfriend, on the other hand, had the Wasabi Shoyu Ramen, which is basically wasabi soup with thick noodles x_x Not my cup of tea, but hey, to each his own. If you're like me and dependent on Yelp in making sure your money is well-spent on restaurant food (b/c $13-$15 on ramen is a pretty hefty penny), I can confirm first-hand that Ippudo is in the clear. I'd recommend Ippudo for tourists and residents alike. The ambience was minimalist yet modern and the employees delivered personalized attention to every customer (my cup of water was always never more than half-empty and I drink like a hippo). Plus, I find the tall, Korean guy working the cashier kinda cute so it's more than enough reason for me to go back ^^ NOTE: To avoid the peak dinner time and subsequently, the long wait, a little birdie tells me that it is best to come in at 5 PM or 11 PM :)
(4)Diana K.
I don't get the hype. I do believe that their broths are quite delicious, but their noodles were just whatever in my opinion. There are places that have better noodles in their ramen dishes. This place is VERY loud, I would not try to come with someone that you want to catch up with or on a date. This is strictly a "come in, get seated, eat ramen, leave" kind of place.
(3)Diana D.
I really wanted to love this place. I really truly did. But, while I can only rate the food as "fine," I can at least give serious props to the awesome staff. Super friendly, amazingly accommodating and superstars at making their patrons feel special, this place knows how to hire 'em. You gotta love that from a trendy NYC restaurant. It's not a common occurrence, unfortunately.
(4)Pam L.
We didn't have reservations, but the wait for three on a Sunday afternoon was an impressive 5mins. (granted we shared a table with another group of three) Ambiance and atmosphere is cool. There is some kind of traditional Japanese chant that is performed by the hostesses and the chefs as you enter the dining room (similar to what might be performed at a traditional sushi bar) Between the open style kitchen and the busy dining room, there is a lot going on, but the music is pretty cool & I found myself "shazaming" through my meal. I've had way better pork buns, but the ramen, however, was on point. I was in pretty rough shape from the previous Saturday nights festivities, so the idea of some good old soup broth to soothe my soul and nurture me back to good health sounded like a great idea. However, unfortunately, it turned out that I couldn't really eat that much and I was disappointed to learn that you aren't allowed to take your leftover meals to-go. (I KNOW, I KNOW...you're probably thinking..."who the heck gets a doggy bag for ramen?")...but it was just that yummy! and I had barely gotten into the bulk of the dish! So three stars for that annoying rule...I feel as though as a paying customer, you should always be entitled to your wishes - and if that wish is to package your remaining food to-go, you should be allowed to do so! But hey, maybe its a NYC thing, who knows!
(3)Jean C.
Maybe not the best ramen I ever had, but well worth the hour and half wait. I'd say very good, but not quite "magic".
(4)Hoang D.
They make really good ramen. I slurp the bowl clean every time. The Classic is my go to ramen. Can't go wrong with that. And I don't know if it's just my luck, I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes to eat here ever and I have been here a ton of times. Go here at weird hours helps. A lot.
(5)Marie S.
delicious ramen!!! best i've ever had in the city.
(5)Tony L.
Very popular! Might be a wait! This place seems to be very popular amongst new yorkers! First time here, noticed that it was a very friendly environment and atmosphere. The servers were great! The buns were probably the best part of the dinner to be honest. The ramen noodles weren't even ramen, they were egg noodles (if you eat enough noodles you can tell the difference). They also didn't give much meat in the ramen, I think it was 2 pieces per bowl which was enough for 2 bites and you're done! The soup was very tasty though! I would give it 3.5 stars mainly because I went to a ramen place for ramen not egg noodles, also it was a little more on the pricey side. Tip: Call in to make reservations! this place gets packed!
(3)Virginia C.
I took away a star for the long wait. I was told it would be 2 to 2.5 hours but it turned out to be 3 hours! So that's that. Plan ahead. Leave your name and go catch a flick at one of the nearby cinemas because the wait is no joke. Now on to the food. Their appetizers and dishes (sans ramen, we'll get to that later) alone are 5 stars. They are all fresh and meticulously prepared. I would recommend any of the seafood dishes. The cucumber dish was refreshing. I also really liked the duck dish that came with an poached egg and some delicious curly ramen noodles that closely resembles packaged dry ramen noodles hmm.. but those noodles were al dente and cooked perfectly. Lastly, their ramen noodle soups. I will give their broths 5 stars. The Classic has so much depth in flavor. You get that layer of porky stickiness in your mouth that only a good tonkotsu broth can give you. The Modern broth has a more bold, full flavor. Almost garlic like. I've also tried the Clear broth which is very light but sweet. The noodles were a little too thin and soft for my liking. And the toppings were very sparse. I mean at $15-17 for a bowl of noodles, you can't include an egg that's worth like a quarter? So to get your money's worth and savor the great broth further more, add in an extra portion of noodles for just $2! So to sum it all: good dishes, good broth, ok noodles, long wait and their prices = 4 stars.
(4)Julie S.
pork buns were great, the other apps we got were okay and the ramen was not my favorite, defintely have had better at other dive places.
(4)Eunice K.
Mindblowing ramen. Maybe I have been craving for ramen for far too long, but I would never forget my first sip of that akamaru ramen after a personal ramen drought of a month. The tonkotsu broth was deep and tasty, certainly on par with those that I had in Hakata, Japan and even better than the ones served at ippudo back home. One thing that could have been better was the egg. Pity that the egg charges extra. Also, it was cut across the width, not length-wise that I am used to. It could also be marinated more to match the depth of the ramen broth.
(5)Patti L.
Wonderful environment, warm welcomes from the staff when you walk through the entrance. I love their Akamaru Modern ramen, but I prefer the regular ramen instead of the ramen it comes with. I only reason I gave it 4 stars is because of the long wait even for lunch.
(4)Courtney C.
The shishito peppers were a perfect appetizer and the ramen broth was rich and deep with favors. Added the tender bamboo shoots and they were a nice texture and flavor.
(5)Karen K.
Delicious! Even when my friends visit NYC they always want to make a stop at Ippudo. Food is consistent and delicious, service is wonderful, ambience is equally great.
(4)Evan H.
I had my first real ramen here in 2009, and have been coming back ever since. The ramen bowls are first rate (though a little expensive once you add toppings) and the service is great. I've only gone for lunch, and if you get there before 11:30, you won't have to wait in line.
(5)Jazmine D.
Delicious and great service
(5)Nicolas L.
I didn't enjoy it. The hype is not deserved.
(1)Spencer M.
God bless the Pork Bun at Ippudo. I never in my life have savored something so small for so long. It's a burst of flavor that can't even be described. Their chicken wings are also insanely delicious. Their akumaru modern ramen with the chili paste is always a delight. This place is the ONLY place I can ever say I waited two hours on a Saturday night and had absolutely no qualm about it. 5/5
(5)Ekta V.
Ippudo is excellent. It has such scrumptious ramen and I really love the ambiance. The pork buns are a must, I think I could eat 100 of those. I have been there several times and l always look forward to going back.
(5)Mario C.
A lot of hype for this place, noodles are not you typical ramen type, more like soba noodles. Broth is mostly if not all tonkotsu based so good luck if you don't eat pork. Place had a cold feel to it, mainly because of its big open space and long community tables, definitely not a place for a romantic dinner. Service was okay, they seated us within 10 min. After we sat down, ordered our food. It took awhile to get the servers attention again to ask something. even though it was around 2 and it wasn't as crowded. Good place to visit once for the experience but would not go back for the price.
(3)Amandaa S.
This place is seriously to die for. The flavor of the broth is amazing, I think the best I've ever had. I also tried the steamed fish appetizer and ribs which were so tasty. My husband and I chose to sit at the counter which also made it a great experience as we watched the time and effort that went into every meal, it was just amazing to watch how all the chefs worked together so quickly; seeing how your food is made really makes you appreciate it even more. Yes, it's loud, but that doesn't bother me. Also, you'll wait about 45 min for a table but it's worth the wait, just grab a drink with a friend at the bar and the time will pass quickly. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
(5)Cheryl A.
Perfect Ramen weather everyday in the city! When in NYC, go to Ippudo! Akamaru Modern $15 w/Spicy Paste $2 and Pork Hirata Buns $9 for two pieces. Pretty expensive but it is what it is in New York. It was the hubbies first time here so it was a good experience. Very fast paced environment, friendly staff, but they're goal is for a speedy turnaround at every table to maximize they're business. You almost feel rushed to eat your food. Don't expect to sit around if you're not continuously ordering something. If you have to wait longer than 30 minutes, it's not worth the wait. Just come back when they open or when it's not so busy.
(4)Stephen S.
This place is amazing. I had the spicy ramen, whatever it's called (It's been a few days and I've forgotten the name). We also had pork buns - amazing. The service was very good. They rushed us out the door a little, but the place was crowded with people waiting for a table so it's hard to be too upset about that. Especially when the food was so darn good.
(5)Francisca W.
the shishito peppers, trying it for the first time, was really novel and exciting. ramen... maybe i'm not being fair, but they're not even as good as the ones i've had at Narita's food court. noodle type wasn't my cup of tea, either, though foodie sister claimed that was also "authentic". it's cool. other foods, was presented nicely and tasty alright. price... NYC range, it's not too bad. the wait... yeah. you know it. but it's seriously a little too dark and too loud inside. all things considered, just can't be a "fan" (i.e. 4-star rating) because i would be quite reluctant to line up that long again for a "been there, done that", especially when there is an abundance of restaurants in the area, offering similar or other cuisines. is all. no hard feelings, ok? it's not personal.
(3)Gavin G.
Not even close to good. There are so many ramen shops in NYC that are far better. This place piles on the MSG to fake flavor. They cook the noodles pretty well and there are some dishes that are passable but the broth is lousy.
(2)Jesse J.
This place is great. Delicious and interesting Japanese food, though there can be up to a two-hour wait at busy times.
(4)Joseph H.
Never disappoints! Came here for probably the 4th time and its just as good as ever. I always get the Hirata Buns (pork) and the Akamaru Modern.
(4)Jenn T.
Came here for lunch at 1:30 PM on a Thursday. When I have time off during the weekday, I like to take advantage of the opportunity to go to a place i refuse to wait the necessary time to eat at if i tried going for dinner. It's also somewhat rewarding when, after your experience you can say, "wow, that would NOT be worth a wait of any longer than 30 minutes. I had a good" wait- mate" so the time passed by quickly. we were brought to a dark black box of a back room and seated at what looks like a communal hibachi table. call me a fuddy duddy, but it was too loud and frantic in the dining room. add to that the weird cacophony of noise the servers engage in the entire time you are there. Was i at Mo's? Cold Stone Creamery? TGIF during a birthday serenade? it was really annoying. Food comes out quick because you know they are in the business of high turnovers. The vegetarian ramen was yuck. Plain and simple. So forgettable and maybe a scallion to speak of. Minca, farther east, BLOWS THIS PLACE AWAY and for a much better price and vibe. I got what i expected and was further encouraged to save these 'put your name on a list and wait forever' , trendy places for those random days I wont have to wait, if at all.
(2)Jina Y.
I absolutely LOVE ramen. My weakness by far. Service was great. Everyone was friendly and prompt. Forget what the dish is called, but it was basically flash fried calamari with green tea salt. It was very crispy and went well with the green tea salt. I would recommend this dish. We also had the hirata chicken wings which was filled with flavor and went well with the cabbage. I really liked the sauce of the wings. As far as ramen, I ordered the Akamaru ramen, The broth was very flavorful and I have to say more than the classic. I added a bit more spicy paste to it because I love spicy food so that also added more flavor. The noodles weren't over cooked and just right. I would definitely go back.
(5)Fazeela S.
The group that I went with thought that Ippudo was just OK (this includes two others who eat everything - including pork/beef/etc...). 1) I'm pescatarian - so this obviously affects my rating; 2) The appetizers are VERY good - if it were based on the tuna app, etc... I would rate the food 4/5 stars; 3) I had a vegetarian ramen - too salty, very little flavor. I have had better in the past. 4) The others had the full pork/beef ramen and said it was pretty good, not good enough to rave about. For Japanese soups - I prefer Soba-Ya in the E. Village. YUM! Unbelievable.
(3)Ivan T.
This review is based on my time there about 5 years ago. Although from what I hear, it hasnt really changed. The seating style is family oriented. You gather around a fire pit and eat. The ramen are just killer, i mean oh my gosh, they are soooooooo good. Upon entering the eating area, all the staff yell out a greating to you as you come in. Its a bit weird because you arent accustomed to it but its fun. We had a small wait about 15 minutes but thats nothing compared to the wait time you will experience during dinner. We entered during the early afternoon. The staff are friendly, the food is awesome. I had the pork belly ramen and meat buns. I was impressed, I had ramen before in other locations and I could care less for it. But this location, it made me a fan of Ramen again.
(4)Anna W.
After trying like every known ramen place up and down the tristate area (lolol jk only like 5 places), it was only a matter of time I tracked down the most popular of the cult favorites. And being as impatient as they come, I refused to stand in line at the East Village location for a bowl of cooked noodles. My boyfriend and I searched diligently until we found the quaint location in Midtown West and sat down for lunch. We started with the wasabi tako, which was underwhelming but good enough that there were no complaints. I can't remember which ramen I had, but I do remember thinking to myself... did they buy some 1.50 walmart ramen, slap some corn in it and label it gourmet? It wasn't bad but it wasn't Hide-Chan good. Dessert was green tea ice cream with a side of red bean paste, some Japanese jellies, mochi balls and unsweetened coconut milk. It was a delicious and light way to end the meal.
(4)Meredith J.
Joe installed an outdoor Tantenna on my house in Brooklyn, NY. I found him helpful, professional, efficient, courteous and knowledgeable. Not only that but he was on time. And he even called me the next day to make sure that everything was working properly. I will certainly call him again for other projects. I can't recommend him highly enough!
(5)Robin H.
I live close to the downtown Ippudo and decided to try it one Monday evening. There always seems to be a line so I figured it is worth a try. We arrived at 9:30 and had to wait about 1/2 hour for a table for 3. While waiting we tried a pork bun which was very tasty. The atmosphere is quite busy. The service was quick since they need to turn around tables fast. The ramen was fine. Would I wait more than 1/2 hour to be seated. Probably not, the bar area was quite small. I would go back but try to time it when it wasn't quite so crowded.
(3)Laura M.
I'd like to preface this by saying that I have been to Ippudo multiple times and had I written a review prior to the last time, it would probably have been a four-star review. The regular ramen is excellent if overpriced. HOWEVER, now that I am 100% gluten-free my opinion of the place has understandably shifted. I went to Ippudo most recently because I was excited to learn that they offered a gluten-free ramen. Of course, I had to try it. Their gluten-free selection ended up being their Shojin ramen (which is also vegan). I was underwhelmed to say the least. I'm not really sure where they get off calling this ramen, because there are maybe two-bites worth of noodles in the entire dish, not including the gross styrofoam type noodles with which they top it off. If they had made up for the lack of noodles by including an abundance of other types of ingredients, I may have been satisfied, but sadly, they did not. Basically, I was served a few tasty bites in a very large bowl for a whopping $18. Luckily, I didn't have to pay for it, otherwise I would have been very put out. I will admit that what I ate did taste good, but it was neither ramen nor worth the price paid. On the plus side, our waiter was VERY friendly. Maybe too friendly. Like maybe he was on something friendly... In the end, I don't suppose I will be going to Ippudo again.
(3)Steph S.
I had high expectations for this place upon seeing the reviews and pics, but I don't know. It just wasn't that great to me. The style of the restaurant is really cool and everything, but the food quality to price ratio was definitely not impressive. If I order a $15 bowl of small ramen, then I want to have a lot of noodles and a lot of vegetables. They didn't even have bean sprouts, which is a staple at other ramen houses. Even the pork slices on top were one-fourth the size of other places. The $9 pork buns were not spectacular in any way (in my opinion). I don't know. The ramen was greasy and made my stomach hurt... I'd definitely rather go to totto ramen over this place any day. 5 stars for presentation, minus three for its unimpressive service and flavor.
(2)Shirls L.
Always. Freaking. Delicious.
(5)Nic B.
love when they do the black garlic broth!
(4)Elena A.
THE BEST ramen I have ever had. The cocktails are delicious and so are the apps, but the ramen is icing on the cake. The service is great too: quick, pleasant and on point!
(5)nel r.
Service was incredible. The employees speak Japanese very well and it was quite impressive. Food was absolutely delicious. The pork buns are a must try! We ended up ordering two! Ramen was excellent. I do think that this restaurant is pricy but I didn't expect anything less for NYC.
(5)Sayumi C.
This was the first ramen I had in NYC and knowing the hype this place had, I expected the price to be pretty high. It wasn't exorbitant. However for such a small amount of ramen served I probably won't come back here too often. The ramen was good, but definitely not worth paying almost 20 dollars (incl. nyc tax and tip). (Especially when you know how much good ramen costs in Japan and Hawaii.) But $4 for menma!? Are you kidding me? For the wait: I had to wait about 25 minutes for a Wednesday night for my group of 5--not too bad.
(3)Yuehan X.
Amazing ramen. The lines are long, especially on the weeks so make sure to come right when it opens. Best ramen in NYC and I've been to at least 10 different places.
(5)John S.
thast great and i expriented nice
(4)Corbett W.
Dinner lines are extremely long as they don't take reservations (however rumored to accept same day if you make it in person) so I have been twice for lunch (no wait) and have been incredibly satisfied with their ramen. I ordered the SHIROMARU CHASHU with an egg and felt it was fantastic. The noodles tasted authentic, as did the soup broth and other ingredients. The lunch set is a steal and really fills you up - if that doesn't do it you can order extra noodles to finish your broth. The decor is modern and interesting, and the service was quick. After they take your order, your server yells it and everyone else in the restaurant repeats it so chef can hear it (it's their style) - this was the only negative aspect as it can sometimes get loud. Overall this is my go-to ramen spot.
(5)Christina N.
If I could use emoji's in my review, I'd use the one with hands in the air praised cause man ohhhh man, this had to be one of the best bowl's of ramen I've ever had! I ordered the Karaka Men, and it was unlike any other ramen broth I've had the pleasure of indulging in before! The special blend of hot spices had the perfect amount of kick to it. Also the first time I've had skinny ramen noodles at a restaurant, and it was an adjustment...but it worked very well with their flavors! The atmosphere is dope, decor inspiring and staff so lively and full of energy! It was a bit of a wait for late dinner on a Sunday night, but it's obvious why! I plan to visit this place EVERY TIME I'm in town again, I can never look at another bowl of ramen the same haha.
(5)Leanne N.
Best Ramen in NYC. Great service, excellent food. There will be a wait, who cares just go!
(5)Joanna P.
Its really good, but just way too pricy. I ordered seltzer water for 2 and it was this 2 small tall cup for $6 each. Just too much for just bubbly water. Despite my little rant regarding about the water, the overall experience was great. Customer service was right on, and the enthusiasm of the workers just made the vibe feel like a real Japanese restaurant. My one little concern was that I had experienced that Japanese ramyun is bit "oily", but not with this one, it seemed like a real good taste with the right balance of the every ingredient.
(4)Lok Yi W.
Definitely up there in the top 3 of my favorite ramen places. The lines are long but it certainly lives up to its hype. I got the Akamaru Modern and it was delicious. The broth was not too salty and the noodles were perfect. I'm usually not a fan of thin noodles, but there is something about Ippudo's noodles that are magical. I will definitely stop by Ippudo the next time I'm in town. The only downside to the restaurant was the noise level. It was way too loud and at times I found myself yelling at my friend just so he could hear me. It didn't help that every few minutes a waiter or cook would shout something out in Japanese and the rest of the employees would repeat or reply to it in unison.
(4)Diogenes W.
Ippudo has always had some of the longest lines for a ramen place. But the hype is really not worth it as you can easily find cheaper and better ramen with less wait. However, some of the draw here is not just the ramen. Their appetizers are great, as are some of the drinks. Does it justify the wait? Nope. My top 5 picks (in no particular order): 1. Tako Wasabi - raw octopus with wasabi. It's amazing. Always get it. 2. Hotate Yaki / Hirata Buns - these are tied. They are both great starters. 3. Wasabi Shoyu Ramen - Wasabi ramen does not have the same strong kick, but the taste is there. 4. Shiromaru Hakata Classic - It's the classic pork ramen. Everyone should eat pork ramen monthly. 5. Jun Tenzan Sake - Not something I usually get here, but when it comes to sake I always get this one. Try them and see! That is, if you can stand the wait. But Ramen Takumi is so close... yet so much better...
(3)Emily C.
No, they don't take reservations and yes, the wait is long - but it's so worth it! The wait can be 1-2 hours for dinner (although I did get lucky once and was seated right away). I highly suggest putting your name on the list before you are actually hungry and then taking a walk around the neighborhood until your table is ready. Or hang out at the bar and occupy your time with a drink and some Hirata (pork) Buns! I also love the Yamitsuki Goma Kyuri (Japanese cucumber) - simple but delicious. I usually order the Akamaru Modern Ramen. The servings are somewhat large so if you're not starving, you can split a bowl and order extra noodles. Or, just have a bowl for yourself :) I love the atmosphere here - the entire staff greets you when you walk in and most of the tables are communal. It's a fun place and an even better hangover cure!
(5)Christina C.
Ok there's a lot of hype over Ippudo, and I'll have to say it's totally worth it. Their ramen noodles are perfect and as a vegetarian, it's hard to find flavorful vegetarian ramen. Ippudo did not fail me - their vegetarian (with little wasabi flecks) was really good - a bit saltier than I'd like it to be, but I still slurped every last sip of my ramen. Their soft boiled egg is also really, really good. I wish Ippudo delivered to SF... :-).
(4)Pat L.
Fantastic ramen, great pork buns. Enough said.
(5)Marvin H.
The best ramen I ever had.
(5)Chase L.
Oh Ippudo, how I miss you already. Sadly, I didn't order ramen because I was trying to save my stomach for an 8 course meal I was going to have for dinner, so I ordered an appetizer......and dessert! LOL Seeing many pictures of the cute little buns, I had to try them. I got the vegetable buns which actually came with fat slices of fried eggplant dipped in some sauce that had me going cray cray. But that's not it. The bun was silky, soft, and freshly steamed. Then, I had the green tea morscopone. The presentation was beautiful (as you'll see in my picture). My second stomach inhaled this dish with no regrets. It wasn't too sweet but rang a great flavor of green tea, chocolate, and mascarpone. Just get it; you'll see. Service was attentive and fast, which I loved. It seems that all the workers speak Japanese to each other, too. When I say all, I mean all. That includes the hispanic and white guys/gals. I was impressed.
(5)Donna L.
I've tried the various top ramen shops in NY and I have to say, while there are some greats out there- Ippudo is consistently top of the game. The broth is rich but not overly greasy, the noodles are cooked just right and their toppings are unparalleled.
(5)Claudia S.
Ippudo is awesome. I went during lunch with some work colleagues and was extremely impressed by the efficiency with which it's run. It's so busy there yet everything seems to move so quickly and smoothly. That aside, the food is great. The pork buns are a MUST to start. Truly delicious. Not super wallet friendly, but that's just how it is. Still worth it!
(4)Xi Y.
Ramen was top-notch! I've been here a few times and the wait has always been long but it's definitely worth it depending on how hungry you are. TIP: If you order the fries, save the herbs and spices for later and put them in the ramen, it really adds up the flavors!
(5)Michelle H.
The Akamaru Ramen is THE BEST ramen I've ever had. The soup was so flavorful and the pork belly was super tender. I also tried the short ribs and it was also very tender and fell right off the bones. I love the atmosphere of this place and the decorations. The only complaint I have is that they keep the temperature way too hot in there! I felt so suffocated the entire time I was there.
(5)Yan Y.
Great food and environment, little expensive with amount of food you can get, but definitely try it personally before you judge it, worth of a try
(4)Taryn K.
You will wait. You will wait a long time. They have an app that ostensibly will tell you how long you have so you can go get coffee or something, but I even had an instance where the app told me to go back because my party was next and then we waited another half an hour. That was more frustrating. But seriously this ramen is so delicious. Just get there before you're actually fully hungry and be prepared for a wait.
(4)Luna G.
Too dark and noisy for a Ramen place, maybe it's the reason it is popular, it's more like an after drink supper place then a proper Raman. It's cool and fun. I'm Asian, I know what ramen shop is normally like. Way too many people for a very limited selection of Raman, I thought it is a Place for Raman, but it's more for Japanese appetizer and drinks. I don't eat pork, so I ordered wasabi soy sauce veggie soup one, way too salty.... However the chicken bun is cute and it taste good. I recommend that. Though I think wait for 30 mins doesn't worth it...
(3)Takeo N.
One of the best Hakata Ramen in the US. I always go for the Akamaru modern ramen with an Onsen tamago (poached egg) and pork Kakuni (slow braised peak belly). Pork buns are classics here, and the chicken bun is surprisingly delicious. Overall, great apps and beverages. Just a bit too much on the pricey side. $120 for 2 with a glass of sake is a bit ridiculous.
(4)Jin Z.
I am all for Totto Ramen, but this place really set the bar. My review is going to be brief because frankly, it's so good that nothing else needs to be said. Great food, efficient staff (given how busy it gets) and great atmosphere. The price is ridiculous on some of the items, but they are worth it. If you like a heaping bowl of soup (I mean, who doesn't?), it's the place to be, however rare you desire to visit here.
(5)