ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square

This is my first time at the Times Square location but still among the best Ramen outside of Tokyo. We got there around 8p on Friday and there was a small wait but nothing like the times I have seen the line out the door! This location is different that the other one in manhattan in that you order and pay at a terminal before you sit down and you get “receipts” with each item you hand over once you sit. It did make things easier so that you could just leave when done (and this was similar to how they do it in Tokyo). The cashier was super awesome and friendly. We sat down and handed over the tickets. Food came out fairly quick. And I enjoyed every last bite of the ramen. The broth is awesome (I bought the kit once and it’s not the same!). I tried the matcha beer this time and first sip was weird but then it grows on you. I actually enjoyed it better than the normal Asahi. Don’t feel like you have to order everything at the front, I ordered two beers bc I was afraid you couldn’t add on later lol, but you can order more food or drinks once you sit Ichiran is one of my fave ramen places (I know some people don’t like it) but we have never had a bad bowl! The only other ramen place I have truly enjoyed more in the US is in DC. Otherwise Thailand is the best ก๋วยเตี๋ยว noodles you can get!

ICHIRAN Ramen offers a unique atmosphere that’s great for a one-time visit. The food was nice overall if you enjoy spicier dishes, I recommend asking for extra spice. Worth checking out for the experience!

An introverts dream, Ichiran takes private ramen dining to a new level at their iconic Times Square location. A quick heads up, they don’t take reservations and the line can get long outside so plan in advance. When we arrived the interior was nice, feeling a lot like you stepped into a traditional Japanese spot. It was clean and they have an extremely organized system that has you preorder at a kiosk before being seated. Once seated in a private stall you pass the chef your order slip through a sliding door and they get to work on it. There is the ability to remove the side wall of your stall in case you’re dining with someone and want to talk to them too. Water is provided via a cooler that you have to get up to access and it can be a bit noisy in the hall as it’s narrow and full of people enjoying their meals. As for the food, we both ordered their classic tonkotsu with side toppings. Their broth is incredibly savory yet light, not like a lot of other tonkotsu broths that make you feel like you have to take a nap just to get over. The noodle texture you choose so depending on your choice is what you’ll get. We chose medium and firm and both came out exactly how we requested it. The chasu is solid, much better than other places and carries a nice texture that adds to the bowl. As for the toppings, everything is very standard but do note that their egg is simply a hard boiled one and not an ajitama egg. By the end of the meal we were very satisfied and although it is certainly a pricier bowl of ramen, the private aspect of the dining and the intimacy it provides is something very unique. If you’re in the Times Square area craving some ramen definitely check this spot out.

Absolutely blown away by this ramen joint and can’t wait to come back! If you’re grabbing a bite before a show or you just want to escape the tourist traps THIS is the place to be! Don’t let the small size and long line fool you—the place is actually huge, with 132 individual booths to enjoy your ramen in peace. The line goes quickly and the food comes fast once you sit down. Shay patiently manned the front and convinced us to dine in, which I’m so happy we experienced. She even kept my carry on luggage upstairs to make it easier! Super impressed by the smooth operation. You guys have perfection down to a science! Ichiran is great even on a hot day. There’s AC and fans inside. I love the partitions that you can keep closed or open up if you’re with company. Every booth is equipped with a call button, and there are free noodle refills. I love the ability to customize your own ramen, from the amount of flavor to garlic. It’s a quiet, gentle space to enjoy a traditional meal of rich broth, tender meat, and fresh, chewy noodles. While I have no doubt their ramen stands on its own as a tasty meal to go, dining in their Times Square location is a special experience I hope every ramen lover gets to try.

Ichiran is an exceptional restaurant, particularly suitable for those seeking a traditional ramen experience. While it evokes the ambiance of Japanese establishments, it unfortunately comes with U.S. tourist pricing. We enhanced our meal by adding extra Katsu, seaweed, mushrooms, and soft-boiled egg, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish. Upon entering, customers pay at the counter and hold onto their tickets until seated. The dining area consists of traditional booths with small walls separating each stool. Guests can hang their coats or bags, and a water dispenser is located in the center of the aisle for cold filtered water. To order beverages, customers can signal the server behind the curtain on the opposite side of the booth. This allows for requests such as dessert, drinks, or additional meal items. The dining experience was smooth and enjoyable, with a traditional ambiance. The parts of Japan I have visited share similar atmospheres, and while the taste may be superior in the motherland, this assessment may be biased. I highly recommend Ichiran, particularly for its generous portion sizes of noodles. However, it is advisable to arrive with an appetite.

While visiting NYC, I had to stop by this well-known ramen spot—and it didn’t disappoint. I got there around 7 PM and, as expected, the line was out the door. No complaints though—if the line’s long, it’s usually a good sign. Once inside, the ordering process was smooth thanks to the iPad system. Seating was in small, individual booths, just like in Japan—definitely added to the authenticity. Now the ramen itself? Excellent. The broth was rich and flavorful, the noodles perfectly cooked, and everything came together in a way that shows they take their craft seriously. One tip: get the extra noodles up front. Waiting until you’re finished to order more kind of breaks the rhythm of the meal. Overall, this spot nails it—great food, cool atmosphere, and worth the wait. If you’re in NYC and craving ramen, this place should be on your list.

A really delicious ramen with a lot of customization options. Super authentic experience of ramen eating, served fresh, and eaten in a booth. Also, no tips, per Japanese tradition. Definitely recommended, even if just for the taste!

As you can see from the photo, I didn’t leave a single drop – I ate every last piece of ramen and drank all the broth! That’s how good it was. Ichiran Ramen in Times Square was absolutely delicious! The flavor was spot on – rich, perfectly balanced, and incredibly satisfying. I loved how simple the menu was, making it easy to order exactly what I wanted. The service was quick and smooth, and everything was super fresh. Highly recommend to anyone visiting NYC, and I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town!