132 W 31st St New York NY
Experience authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen in NYC, with unique solo booths for a personalized, focused dining adventure.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
132 W 31st St New York NY
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen in NYC, with unique solo booths for a personalized, focused dining adventure.
"Japan's #1 Tonkotsu Ramen restaurant has multiple locations in NYC! Get the authentic Japanese ramen experience."
🎯 Customize Your Ramen
Fill out the order form carefully to tailor your ramen exactly to your taste preferences!
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
The solo booths are for focus; enjoy your ramen without distractions. Slurping is okay, but keep conversations low!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Customizable Tonkotsu Ramen
Main Dining Area
Craft your perfect bowl with customizable broth richness, garlic, spice, and noodle firmness. A true ramen lover's dream!
Unique Solo Dining Booths
Dining Area
Experience a focused and personal meal in individual booths, a signature Ichiran feature for ultimate concentration.
Matcha Pudding
Dessert Menu
Don't skip this delightful, smooth matcha pudding – a perfect sweet ending to your savory ramen adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Solo Dining Experience
Prepare for Potential Lines
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Customize Your Ramen
Fill out the order form carefully to tailor your ramen exactly to your taste preferences!
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
The solo booths are for focus; enjoy your ramen without distractions. Slurping is okay, but keep conversations low!
⏳ Be Patient with Lines
Popularity means waits can be long. Consider off-peak hours for a quicker experience.
🍜 Try the Matcha Pudding
Many visitors rave about this sweet treat as a perfect complement to their ramen.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Customize Your Ramen
Fill out the order form carefully to tailor your ramen exactly to your taste preferences!
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
The solo booths are for focus; enjoy your ramen without distractions. Slurping is okay, but keep conversations low!
⏳ Be Patient with Lines
Popularity means waits can be long. Consider off-peak hours for a quicker experience.
🍜 Try the Matcha Pudding
Many visitors rave about this sweet treat as a perfect complement to their ramen.
📍 Multiple NYC Locations
If this location is too busy, Ichiran has other spots in NYC to satisfy your ramen cravings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ichiran is celebrated for its authentic, customizable Tonkotsu ramen and its unique solo dining experience, offering a peaceful escape in bustling NYC. While many praise the delicious broth and personalized bowls, some find the individual booths less ideal for group dining and can be put off by potentially long wait times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Times Square, you can take a short subway ride on the N, Q, R, or W lines to the 34th Street-Herald Square station, which is a few blocks away from Ichiran. Alternatively, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk south down Broadway.
Yes, Ichiran NYC is very accessible by public transport. It's located near several subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, and PATH trains, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city.
From Penn Station, Ichiran is a short walk of about 10-15 minutes east on 31st Street. You can also take a quick subway ride on the 1, 2, or 3 lines one stop north to 34th Street-Penn Station and walk from there.
Street parking in Midtown Manhattan can be very challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach Ichiran.
Yes, the Empire State Building is just a few blocks east of Ichiran. It's a very short and easy walk, taking about 5-10 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to buy tickets in advance. Ichiran operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and you'll join the queue upon arrival.
Ichiran NYC typically has long operating hours, often staying open late into the night, sometimes even 24 hours on certain days. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours for the 31st Street location.
A regular bowl of Classic Tonkotsu Ramen at Ichiran NYC typically costs around $22, with additional charges for extra toppings or premium options.
There is no cover charge or reservation fee. You pay for the food you order. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
Ichiran's unique solo dining setup means they generally do not take reservations, especially for larger groups. You'll likely need to wait in line and be seated individually or in small available groups.
🎫 🍜 Onsite Experience
Ichiran is famous for its individual 'flavor concentration booths' where you can enjoy your ramen without distractions. You order via a form and your ramen is served through a window.
While the primary setup is solo booths, Ichiran may have some limited counter seating or tables available for small groups, but the emphasis is on individual dining.
You'll fill out a detailed order form where you can select your preferred broth richness, garlic amount, spice level, noodle texture, and toppings.
Many visitors opt for a 'classic tonkotsu ramen' with medium richness, medium spice, and extra firm noodles. Don't hesitate to experiment with the options!
In Japanese ramen culture, slurping is acceptable and even shows appreciation for the meal. However, excessive noise or loud conversations are discouraged in the quiet dining environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The signature dish is the Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich pork-bone broth ramen that you can customize to your exact preferences.
Ichiran primarily focuses on Tonkotsu (pork-bone broth) ramen, so traditional vegetarian or vegan options are very limited or unavailable.
Besides ramen, Ichiran often offers sides like seasoned pork chashu, soft-boiled eggs, nori seaweed, and a popular dessert, Matcha Pudding.
Yes, you can add extra toppings such as chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, nori, and more to your ramen order via the customization form.
The Matcha Pudding is a smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet dessert with a distinct matcha flavor, highly recommended as a refreshing end to your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other diners' privacy, especially in the solo booths. Avoid flash photography that might disturb others.
Focus on the rich broth, perfectly arranged toppings, and steam rising from the bowl. The solo booth setting can add a unique element to your shots.
The unique solo dining booths themselves are a key visual element. Capturing the rows of booths can make for an interesting interior shot.
Daytime visits might offer better natural light if available, but the ambiance of Ichiran can be captured at any time. Consider the lighting within the booths.
It's best to ask for permission before photographing staff members to respect their privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do choose Ichiran with children, be prepared for them to sit separately if you're a larger group. The customization aspect might be fun for older kids who can read and understand the order form, but younger ones might find it less engaging. Consider bringing a small activity book or game to keep them occupied during the potential wait time.
🚶 Solo Travelers
This setup allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ramen experience, customizing it to your exact liking. It’s a great way to experience authentic Japanese ramen culture in a setting that respects personal space and quiet enjoyment.
🍜 Ramen Enthusiasts
Beyond the customization, the very concept of Ichiran—the focus on the ramen itself, the quiet ambiance, and the efficient service—is an integral part of the ramen culture it represents. It’s an opportunity to understand and appreciate a specific, highly refined approach to ramen making.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ichiran Ramen Experience: A Deep Dive
Customization is key at Ichiran. Upon entering, you're given an order form that allows you to meticulously craft your ramen. You can specify everything from the richness of the broth and the amount of garlic to the spice level and noodle firmness. This level of personalization ensures that every bowl is tailored to individual preferences, making each dining experience unique.
Beyond the ramen itself, Ichiran offers a glimpse into Japanese dining culture. The emphasis on quiet enjoyment and the efficient service, where your ramen is delivered through a small window, are hallmarks of this approach. While some might find the solo setup unusual, many appreciate the opportunity for a focused, personal meal, making Ichiran a memorable stop for ramen enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Navigating the NYC Ramen Scene
When exploring NYC's ramen offerings, consider what kind of experience you're seeking. If you prioritize a quiet, focused meal where you can customize every element, Ichiran is an excellent choice. However, if you're looking for a more social dining experience, where you can chat with friends and soak in the lively atmosphere of a busy ramen-ya, you might explore other highly-rated spots in neighborhoods like the East Village or Midtown.
Regardless of your preference, the key is to be open to exploration. Many NYC ramen joints pride themselves on authentic broths and fresh ingredients, offering a delicious journey through Japanese culinary traditions. Don't be afraid to try different styles and shops to discover your personal favorite.
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