A bowl hitting all the right notes at this lively, comfortable restaurant.
Reading my reviews lately you’ll know many of my recent ramen experiences have found one element of the bowl lacking. That’s why my return visit last week to Ippudo’s Westside New York restaurant was such a pleasure.
This is a restaurant suitable for date night. You enter into a separate cozy bar area. The restaurant seating is split into a U-shaped counter facing the open kitchen, with comfortable padded-with-back stools, and a separate table area. It was a lively scene, with the place filled on a early Wednesday night.
There’s a broad menu of appetizers, side dishes, drinks and sake. This had me concerned that the ramen might get compromised. Not the case. I ordered the Akamaru, a version of their basic tonkotsu ramen that adds garlic oil and their umami paste. I had to order the egg separately.
The bowl presentation wasn’t as elegant as the menu photo, but any concerns disappeared after my first taste. The broth was wonderful, perhaps a lighter version of their creamy tonkotsu, filled with flavor and a lovely lingering aftertaste. As the garlic oil and umami paste slowly blended with the broth, it had a light spice kick and added a deep richness. The noodles were wonderful, thin and cooked perfectly al dente with a subtle but distinct flavor.
The two very thin slices of chashu had good pork flavor and nice fat content. The egg was perfect. The menma, crunchy. This is the bowl of ramen I was hoping for, each of the elements executed well. It solidified the Ippudo chain as a high standard of ramen well above the oft-compared Ichiran.
The menu is provided via QR code on a creative wooden cube. Thankfully your order and the final check are handled by a waitperson. Service was friendly and professional.
Ippudo is a major, well-regarded chain in Japan and worldwide. I’ve been to Ippudo in Osaka and in Berkeley several times. Aside from one mediocre Berkeley experience, I’ve always been impressed. I had eaten at this NYC Ippudo seven years ago and remember being similarly impressed with the ramen and attention to details.
This trip to New York was short and I visited Ippudo on my last day. I wish I had gone sooner as I would’ve returned to try another bowl. Clearly, this is a very successful spot for Ippudo. On my next New York trip I’ll be back.
Ippudo also has NYC locations in the East Village, 5th Avenue and Brooklyn.
Ramen Club 5-Star Rating System:
Food: 4.00 stars
Service: 4.00 stars
Atmosphere/Comfort: 4.00 stars
RATINGS LEGEND: 1 star: weak * 2 stars: just ok * 3 stars: good * 4 stars: very good * 5 stars: superb or special *