ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square image

ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square

Restaurant Japanese restaurant Noodle shop Ramen restaurant

Informal ramen restaurant with a specialty for tonkotsu ramen in a pork bone broth. People often mention ramen, wait, experience, order, good, time, delicious, worth, broth, Ramen,


Address

152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020

Website

www.ichiranusa.com

Contact

(646) 964-4294

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: ramen (46) wait (20) experience (20) order (18) good (17) time (15) delicious (15) worth (14) broth (13) Ramen (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Tony L. 1 year ago on Google
    Honestly I thought this place was going to blow my mind because I’ve heard so many good things about it. But to be honest it’s not as good as I thought, it’s still good but just a little pricey. The broth was very flavorful and you can tell it’s been cooking for a while. The spice at first didn’t feel so spicy but it kinda lingers around after every slurp you take. The Pork was honestly very mid, nothing special about it. But I would definitely come back if I had friends that wanted ti try this place.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul C. 2 months ago on Google • 1264 reviews New
    Had a great time at ICHIRAN Ramen. It was very unusual first of all. It's all counter seating not one table in the place. Great for ones and twos not for bigger parties. You order at a Kiosk then wait for a space at the counter to open up. You are directed to your seat so there's no hovering over people. The staff is pleasant and helpful. Your food is then brought to you from a shade that opens in front of you. At this point you don't see any of the people that work there or your neighbor's. The food comes out nice and hot. Really fresh tasting. One serving can feed two people. Great for a quick meal before a show, they get you in quickly. A lot of fun authentic Japanese Ramen without all the fuse. Oh and tipping is included in the price.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sorina Aquinde C. 2 years ago on Google
    LOVE ❤. My family and I stood in line for a little over an hour, but let me tell you, it is totally worth the wait. If it wasn't so far from home, I would drive back just to eat here. The service was great, the wait time after sitting to get the food was not long at all. The restaurant was very clean. Paying the bill was super easy. They also have a rewards program for earning points. They also sell the ramen in gift boxes and they sell chopstick sets. I am a total fan of this place and if I'm ever in town, I would definitely come visit again!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linh Q. 2 years ago on Google
    We came to NY with a couple friends for a day trip. My usual go to place in NY for ramen Ippudo but we were recommended by a friend to give this place a try and so we did. We arrived at 7:30 which is 1 hr before closing. The line were out the door. We waited about 40 minutes to get seated. When we enter into the restaurant it was definitely a different concept of a ramen restaurant then what we used to. You will see different entrance to different rooms. Our served guided us to our seat where you are given a sheet of paper with one one ramen choice. You get to customize how you want your ramen. The water is self served. There is a call button that you need to press at the counter once you ready to order then they come by to collect your order form. You do not get to see the server. I thought I wasn’t hungry until the noodle came. My husband and I each ordered our own noodle and we also order the topping set to share. The soup was just so flavorful I could not stop drinking it even though I was full. This is a no tipping restaurant so you do not have to tip. It was definitely a cool experience. I call it the “anti-social” ramen noodle shop. I would definitely recommend those who never had this before to give it a try. Even though we had to wait 40 minutes outside in the cold it was all worth the wait. I would definitely return back next time we visit NYC.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunny B. 4 months ago on Google • 154 reviews
    My friend recommended this place and I couldn’t be happier with this find. We ordered for Classic Ramen with Asahi the Japanese beer and it was great. I had the veggie option and it was yummy. The whole sitting arrangement was an experience in itself. Completely superb. It’s a must visit place for sure.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victor W. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a fantastic time here and wouldn’t hesitate to come here again if I was looking for an authentic Japanese experience and delicious taste of ramen. The restaurant is setup in the traditional style with individual booths. The dividers can be folded up if you’re eating in larger group but I would recommend sticking with groups of 4 or less for the best experience still you’re sitting next to each other. The food is mindblowingly delicious with so many ways to customize the dish to exactly your preference. How much saltiness, oil, spice, noodle texture. All perfectly dictated via the order sheet. If you’re coming here for the first time, definitely recommend choosing the recommended options.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nori S. 5 months ago on Google
    Tasted just nice for my taste buds. Broth was delicious and I would recommend noodle to “Firm”. If you like salty food, recommend to put salty level to 3 (2 is medium). I chose spicy level 3, tasted just nice for my taste buds. If you prefer very spicy, can increase the level some more. Environment was good. Can come alone of with family and friends. If you come after 7 for dinner, there might be long Q.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bruno F. 1 year ago on Google
    Wanted to have a real experience of eating at the #1 Japanese Restaurant for Ramen. The experience is very unique and some friends who’ve been to the Japan one said that everything look the same. First, there’s no reservations and the place is crowded. We waited 30 minutes to get in. Good news is, everything is super organized. The menu is straightforward, you got the ramen, some toppings options (I picked the flight option so I could try 4 to 5 different ones). One dessert option (which I really liked) and then some extras and drinks. The place and dynamism is very unique. You get your own “cabin” and you don’t see any employee face to face. You fill out your form with your order and leave it in your cabin, they grab it and close the curtain. Once it’s ready they open the curtain and bring it to you and close it again. I think it’s nice if you are looking for a different experience. The flavor is amazing but there are other ramen houses around as good in my opinion. Also if your idea is to hang out with your friends and have a nice and long talk around the table, this is not the place. Be ready because the price is a little above the average.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sam B. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious broth and toppings, but pretty pricey. $20 for a bowl of ramen (at least there’s no tip). If you like spicy food, get at least level 4x. Anything below that and you’ll only taste the spice, not feel it. The recommended Medium textured noodles were a bit soft for my liking, but that’s personal preference!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lisa K. 1 month ago on Google • 551 reviews New
    Nestled in the heart of the city, this ramen store offers a cozy retreat for those seeking a moment of solitude amidst the chaos. As I ventured in, I was drawn to the promise of a comforting bowl of ramen to soothe the soul. Settling into a quiet corner, I eagerly awaited my order, envisioning the perfect blend of savory broth and slurp-worthy noodles. True to its reputation, the pork-based soup delivered on flavor, with rich notes that warmed me from the inside out. However, my culinary journey hit a slight snag as an unusual aroma wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the fragrant steam rising from my bowl. Though the soup itself was delicious, the discordant scent left me momentarily puzzled.

  • 5/5 Donald D. 5 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    This is one of three Ichiran restaurants in America. You order at the counter then wait to be seated in thus Japanese style Ramen restaurant. This was the best Ramen I've ever had. The service was great! It's a tad bit spendy but well worth it
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zhitong L. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down the best ramen place in NYC. Been to all three locations, and while the difference in minimal, I believe that the Times Square location has the best food overall. It's usually $20-$30 per person (no tipping establishment) and will definitely fill you up for an entire meal. The broth is very flavorful and you can choose an assortment of toppings. For any first-timers, going with the starter kit on the menu is probably the best choice. The Japanese spice they add is wonderful. It can get very spicy very quickly. Definitely a place to order seconds etc. If you're planning to go here while on a trip, plan to arrive a tad early. Wait times can get from 15 to 45 minutes and they will cut you off early if the time is too close to closing. Best ramen in NYC
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandy W. 1 year ago on Google
    Got here around 12:15, and the line was already pretty long - past their storefront. It took about 45 minutes for the wait, and approximately 10 minutes for the food to arrive. The noodle was absolutely delicious, and would order a 2nd bowl of noodles since there's plenty of soup in the bowl. Yum!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 BreBre 2 years ago on Google
    Right off the path of Times Square is this tiny joint. We did have to wait a long time to be seated. It seemed like they were under staffed, with only one person working the front trying to deal with phone orders, to go orders, Uber eats, and guest walking in to eat. Just seemed like a lot for one person working the front. Once we got seated it was a cool experience, you have your own little cubicle table. You can manage the wall between you and another person to be able to talk. The food was very good and had deep rich flavor. But I don’t think it was worth the price $20 for just the basic, and adding extras is where they got you and they seemed a little pushy for you to order extra. 4 stars because the flavor was sooo good. But wish you got more bang for your buck and that they get more employees to help out the drowning ones.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jiak P. 2 months ago on Google • 189 reviews New
    Step into a world of personalized ramen bliss at Ichiran NYC. Their signature pork broth is rich and complex, a perfect canvas for perfectly al dente noodles and melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork. Customize your spice level, richness, and toppings to create your ideal bowl, savored in the privacy of your own cozy booth. This isn't just another ramen experience, it's a symphony of flavors perfectly tailored to your cravings.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sid R. 2 months ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    Ichiran is famous for its unique Ramen. And they make it only one kind. It also offers vegetarian (which is not an afterthought at other ramen establishments) which is flavorful and one of the best I had in Japanese ramens, i have tried so far in city. You have two options one is regular and other with extra vegetables or items on side. You pay first and sit in chair and then the hot food is delivered to you. Check the below pictures Definitely worth a visit! Don’t forget to try out the matcha dessert it was very smooth and right amount of sweet ! Also it’s no Tipping establishment.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oscar H. 1 month ago on Google • 230 reviews New
    This is a whole new experience of flavour and theme, this restaurant is lovely you frel like you are eating in a traditional japanese ramen restaurant and I love it, thr prices are good and the staff is fast and kind when they are serving you the food. I love it and totally recommended :D!

  • 5/5 Michael W. 2 years ago on Google
    Ichiran is a super efficient no frills ramen joint with a single menu item (albeit there is a vegetarian broth option). Get your personal booth (collapsible walls enable conversation with your neighbor) get your ramen and get on with your day!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zhigen L. 2 years ago on Google
    There was a line even when it was an hour before closing. The wait time wasn’t bad since they operate efficiently. It is at the same standard and set up as in Japan. The ramen was delicious and you are able to customize your order. I will definitely come back again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anson T. 2 years ago on Google
    I rarely give ramen chains 5 stars, because I don't think they hold up to the standard or the wait times required to have them. But this is one of the rare instances where I feel like the store upheld the standards of their Japan counterparts. The ramen was served really hot, and the noodles were cooked exactly how we wanted it. The broth was rich and flavourful which made me want to have more. Despite the longer wait time in line, it was definitely worth it as the delicious food was served within 5 minutes. Although, it is slightly more expensive than other ramen places considering the base version does not include eggs etc. The base version itself is amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew 5 months ago on Google
    If you’ve been to the ones in Japan, you know that this place is a must. The meal was so delicious and the broth was worth every sip. I highly recommend you go even if there’s a line, the wait wasn’t that long! It moves pretty fast.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony H. 2 years ago on Google
    By far one of the most amazing things I have ever ate in my life was romen from this shop. It was so delicious and flavorful I loved every second of eating these bowls. Only thing is be prepared to wait if you want to be seated and if you dont want to wait order online for take out and show up when its ready!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ᅳᅳJoonic 2 years ago on Google
    Usually a wait but I think it is worth it. Cute place and the food is good. The portions may not be super huge but I think its worth trying once. I swear the bowl they use is made to look bigger but there is a lot of space under it lol Service is quick and the people behind the curtain have always been nice. Pretty clean place as well. Can't think of anything bad to say about it. I am not a ramen expert but I liked what I put in my mouth so 🤷
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ethan Z. 1 year ago on Google
    I absolutely love this restaurant 😍 the noodles were unami and savory. The broth was smooth and delicious. Noodles were soft and delicious. The egg was soft and easy to peel. Matcha pudding is very good but very small size. Definitely love the tiny customization sheets. Overall awsome place would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pat O. 1 year ago on Google
    Where do I start? We got to Ichiran around 11:45am and the line was really really long. It took us 1 hour to get in. Their staff are very friendly. You get to fill out a sheet to customize your ramen before you get in. It was such an amazing experience. It was definitely worth the wait. You should try the broth before mixing in the red sauce. It was so so good. We will definitely be back. Their establishment is very clean, bathrooms are clean, staff are nice, food is PHENOMENAL!! They’re not that expensive either. Just do it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gaurang C. 4 months ago on Google
    The best Ramen I have EVER had in my life. Disclaimer - I am not a Ramen connoisseur. I have not eaten in the best Ramen shops in Kyushu. But I spend a lot of time in PNW and we have a lot of Ramen options here. There will be waiting. Even though we came early for dinner (5pm), we had to wait about 20-30mins. If you have a group of 1-2 people you will have a chance to get seated sooner. We were 5 and to be seated together, will require seating planning in the tiny space. The Ichiran experience is very unique and I don't want to spoil it here but it's quite cool. How they have a digital seating chart to how they serve you food. We followed their instructions on what to order and what to order. And it is really awesome! I have never eaten a ramen that has such good complementary flavors that blend perfectly. One note - we ordered 2 vegetarian options and they still put meat in it (by mistake). Luckily, the folks who had ordered it didn't mind just removing the meat and eating the rest. We didn't want to waste such good broth. Go early and go in smaller groups. Food comes fast and is so worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James P. B. 1 year ago on Google
    The best ramen I tasted. We came right before they open and there was a line formed already. My first time eating like we are animal waiting to be feed. My perception completely changed when I had the noodles and soup. I guess it’s a much efficient system. I like the fact that you can order more by filling out the little form and pressing a little button for service. Water is self serve by the corner. Just help yourself.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nabaneet G. 1 month ago on Google • 169 reviews New
    I recently dined at Ichiran and was thoroughly impressed by both the delicious food and the exceptional service. The ramen was packed with flavor, and each ingredient complemented the other perfectly. Moreover, the service was incredibly prompt and courteous, making for a delightful dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in Midtown looking for a satisfying meal with top-notch service.

  • 4/5 Hyewon L. 3 months ago on Google • 65 reviews New
    I arrived at opening time, yet half of the seats were already taken. This place is bustling! Being Koreans, we opted for level 2 and 3 donkotsu ramen, and level 3 turned out to be quite spicy! My boyfriend and I were thoroughly pleased with the flavorful broth and the delightful matcha dessert. While the prices aren't low, it's definitely worth a try. Good for party of 1 !! (혼밥러 추천!!)

  • 5/5 Reemma P. 3 months ago on Google • 38 reviews New
    10/10 the best ramen I’ve ever had. I’m usually underwhelmed by vegetarian ramen compared to its meaty-brothed peers on the menu but the veggie ramen here is absolutely divine (the fact that you can customise it and tweak it to your liking is honestly worth raving about for another paragraph). I’ve never been so addicted to the broth, would recommend it as a cure for every cold winter-y afternoon. I also love the atmosphere that accommodates to solo customers.

  • 5/5 איל �. 1 month ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    ICHIRAN A place that serves only one type of ramen : tonkotsu ramen , you arrive at the place and on a screen you choose the food you want and wait for them to seat you in a "private booth" There is no communication with the waiters everything is served to the booth and if you want something else you press a button and move the items you want according to a list that is on the side of the booth the ramen is very delicious and also It can be adjusted to your specific taste at the very beginning. There is no need to add a tip. Something quite rare in New York. What you pay is what you get.

  • 5/5 Watty H. 2 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Despite the long line, Ichiran Ramen NY Times Square efficiently seated us and took our orders promptly. I ordered the Classic Tonkotsu Ramen with regular spice but noticed they forgot the chashu topping; however, they quickly rectified the mistake. As a no-tipping establishment, the straightforward service was appreciated. The soup was deliciously rich and flavorful. Overall, a positive dining experience without a long wait.

  • 4/5 Leo Z. 2 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    Well it's really meant to be self-service so 2 stars are plenty, soup base is good you can taste the pork flavor, noodle is alright. 5 stars for the atmosphere because people who go to Ichiran are really there to enjoy their moment. But the price is insane, being Time Square I understand.

  • 5/5 Haleigh S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great ramen place for authentic ramen experience. Perfect if you want to be alone or join with others. Enjoyed some quiet time in the busy city. The noodles were firm and thick and very delicious. Highly suggest getting the recommended toppings of seaweed,egg, pork and scallions.

  • 5/5 Damon L. 2 years ago on Google
    First time trying this type of eating environment. The experience was pleasant The staff were a professional and very helpful. The booth environment was strangely covid friendly. I went with my wife and a friend and noticed that the partitions were removable which made for a nice little intimate gathering for us. The Robin was very simple to order one type with various different types of add-ons. The food was served very quickly and professionally and the ramen was amazingly tasty. One note the medium level of hotness was a little bit stronger than I expected but still very good. Definitely worth going back.

  • 4/5 josh k. 3 months ago on Google New
    *To be clear the place was really good*. Maybe I just had HIGH expectations. Have always wanted to experience this level of ramen, mind immediately goes to the original store in Japan. I feel like this one just fell short. Again maybe I had unrealistic hopes. Was still a very good bowl of ramen. Had probably a 45minute wait, but every place here at 6pm has a line it seems. Price was on point with everywhere else in times square. About $100 for two ballpark.

  • 5/5 John I. 1 year ago on Google
    A unique dining experience that is directly copied from Japan! You get your own booth (which have walls that can collapse if you would like to talk with your neighbors), a call button to confirm your order and a curtain to completely separate you from the hosts/waiters. The ramen is amazing - easily the best in the U.S. in my opinion due to its richness, customizability and simplicity! There is no over the top or extravagant ingredient, and there’s a combination for everyone - you just have to find it! If you don’t know what to get, just start with the regular options for all the options! Vegetarian options exists, and the restaurant does not use peanuts nor peanut oil!

  • 5/5 Isabela V. 6 months ago on Google
    Ideal for when you’re feeling introspective and craving for comfort food. Although the interaction with the staff was the minimum possible, whenever needed everyone was helpful and friendly. The simple menu gives no space for mistakes and it was possibly the best ramen I ever had. A hug in a bowl.

  • 4/5 Nathan T. 4 months ago on Google
    Excellent ramen that closely resembles the Japanese Ichiran experience. If you want to have a taste of the world-renowned Ichiran ramen here in NYC, this is the place to go. Wait time is relatively short and the staffs work fast to not keep you waiting. Even though it's a bit more on the expensive side, I'd say this is a must try for any die-hard ramen fan.

  • 5/5 Albert M. 4 months ago on Google
    Taste similar to Japan, but you can taste the differences. The meat was floppy compared to Japan. No tipping like Japan. There was a line when we went but went by pretty quickly. Food took a lot longer to come out though.

  • 5/5 Jojo E. 4 months ago on Google
    Went as soon as it opens. Long lines already but it is moving well. The BEST RAMEN 🍜 our family had especially on a cold winter morning in NYC. Learned a few Japanese language while we were waiting in our booth. No tipping. No communications with the server. Oh well, we were there to have a delicious soup anyway. If you are visiting NYC, this is a must experience


Call (646) 964-4294 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking garage
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as Asian-owned

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