132 W 31st St New York NY - The image displays the words "fame and deeds".
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132 W 31st St New York NY

4.6
·491k reviews·New York, United States

Experience authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen in NYC, with unique solo booths for a personalized, focused dining adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, shorter waits

CrowdLow
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132 W 31st St New York NY - The image displays the words "fame and deeds".

132 W 31st St New York NY

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, shorter waits

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen in NYC, with unique solo booths for a personalized, focused dining adventure.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Japan's #1 Tonkotsu Ramen restaurant has multiple locations in NYC! Get the authentic Japanese ramen experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Customizable Tonkotsu Ramen

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

Unique Solo Dining Booths

Dining Area

Experience a focused and personal meal in individual booths, a signature Ichiran feature for ultimate concentration.

Matcha Pudding

Matcha Pudding

Dessert Menu

Don't skip this delightful, smooth matcha pudding – a perfect sweet ending to your savory ramen adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Solo Dining Experience

Ichiran is famous for its unique solo dining booths, designed for an undisturbed ramen experience. While great for focus, it means you won't be chatting with friends over your meal. Plan accordingly if you're looking for a communal dining atmosphere.

Prepare for Potential Lines

This popular ramen spot can draw significant crowds, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for a wait, as lines can extend out the door. Consider visiting during off-peak times to minimize your wait for this authentic Japanese ramen.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Post-dinner rush subsides
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A quiet art studio in NYC where you can draw/play board game all day for just $20 🎨🕊️ Optional access to their art library for +$15 = total creative escape. @your nyc living room 🌟🎨 📍247 W 30th St # 9R, New York, NY 10001 #nycthingstodo #nyc #drawingroom #drawingroomnyc #communitynyc #newyyorkcity #artnyc #midtownthingstodo #artclassnyc
@meezino
177.3K likes • 1.3M views

🎯 Customize Your Ramen

Fill out the order form carefully to tailor your ramen exactly to your taste preferences! Instagram

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

The solo booths are for focus; enjoy your ramen without distractions. Slurping is okay, but keep conversations low! Instagram

@yuki_nobu_nycfood 👈 Travel NYC with us🗽 Today We went to ICHIRAN (@ichiran_ny ) in Midtown West! 📍132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001 We ate the Classic Tonkotsu Ramen!! The soup was rich and gorgeous, and the ramen was fantastic!🤤✨ The mazesoba and ramen porridge that are buzzing in Japan, introduced in this video, are also very tasty, so you should definitely give them a try! #NewYork #visit...
yuki_nobu_nycfood
4.6K likes • 200.3K views
Idk but this will forever be my favorite ramen spot 😋 __ 🍜 classic tonkotsu ramen (light dashi, no/light richness, medium garlic, with scallion, with chashu, medium spicy, extra firm noodles) __ Perfect if u need to eat alone and always love the extra firm noodles 🌝 📍ichiran 132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
yjsfooddump
0 likes • 1.2K views

⏳ Be Patient with Lines

Popularity means waits can be long. Consider off-peak hours for a quicker experience. Instagram

🍜 Try the Matcha Pudding

Many visitors rave about this sweet treat as a perfect complement to their ramen. Instagram

Come eat @ichiran_ny with me 💖 📍Ichiran NY 132 W 31st St New York, NY 10001 United States
hungryhungrylam
367 likes • 6.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Customize Your Ramen

Fill out the order form carefully to tailor your ramen exactly to your taste preferences! Instagram

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

The solo booths are for focus; enjoy your ramen without distractions. Slurping is okay, but keep conversations low! Instagram

⏳ Be Patient with Lines

Popularity means waits can be long. Consider off-peak hours for a quicker experience. Instagram

🍜 Try the Matcha Pudding

Many visitors rave about this sweet treat as a perfect complement to their ramen. Instagram

📍 Multiple NYC Locations

If this location is too busy, Ichiran has other spots in NYC to satisfy your ramen cravings. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Authentic Tonkotsu ramen
Customizable orders
Unique solo booths

What People Dislike

Long wait times
Not ideal for groups

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

A regular bowl of Classic Tonkotsu Ramen at Ichiran NYC typically costs around $22, with additional charges for extra toppings or premium options. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🍜 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

You'll fill out a detailed order form where you can select your preferred broth richness, garlic amount, spice level, noodle texture, and toppings. Instagram

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! Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The signature dish is the Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich pork-bone broth ramen that you can customize to your exact preferences. Instagram+1

Ichiran primarily focuses on Tonkotsu (pork-bone broth) ramen, so traditional vegetarian or vegan options are very limited or unavailable. Instagram

Besides ramen, Ichiran often offers sides like seasoned pork chashu, soft-boiled eggs, nori seaweed, and a popular dessert, Matcha Pudding. Instagram

Yes, you can add extra toppings such as chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, nori, and more to your ramen order via the customization form. Instagram

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. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other diners' privacy, especially in the solo booths. Avoid flash photography that might disturb others. Instagram

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. Instagram

The unique solo dining booths themselves are a key visual element. Capturing the rows of booths can make for an interesting interior shot. Instagram

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. Instagram

It's best to ask for permission before photographing staff members to respect their privacy. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ichiran's unique solo dining booths might not be ideal for families looking to interact during their meal. While children can certainly eat here, the setup is geared towards individual focus. If your kids are easily entertained or enjoy a quiet meal, it could work. However, for a more interactive family dining experience, you might consider other ramen spots in NYC that offer communal seating. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🚶 Solo Travelers

Ichiran is practically designed for solo travelers! The individual booths offer a comfortable and private space to enjoy a delicious meal without feeling self-conscious. It's the perfect opportunity to savor your ramen, reflect on your day, or simply enjoy a moment of peace in the heart of New York City. Instagram

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. Instagram

🍜 Ramen Enthusiasts

For true ramen aficionados, Ichiran offers a pilgrimage-worthy experience. The ability to meticulously customize your Tonkotsu ramen, from broth richness to noodle firmness, is a dream come true. The quality of the broth and the freshness of the ingredients are consistently praised, making it a must-visit for anyone serious about ramen. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ichiran Ramen Experience: A Deep Dive

Ichiran is more than just a ramen shop; it's an institution built around a singular focus: the perfect bowl of Tonkotsu ramen. The core of this experience lies in its unique solo dining booths, designed to eliminate distractions and allow diners to fully immerse themselves in the flavors. Each booth is a private space where you can concentrate on your meal, a concept that resonates with many travelers seeking a moment of peace in the bustling city. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Navigating the NYC Ramen Scene

New York City boasts a vibrant and diverse ramen scene, with Ichiran standing out due to its distinctive concept. While Ichiran offers a highly personalized and solitary ramen experience, the city is also home to numerous other ramen shops that provide a more traditional, communal dining atmosphere. These establishments often feature bustling counter seating and shared tables, fostering a lively environment for enjoying a wide array of ramen styles, from rich Tonkotsu to lighter Shoyu and Miso broths. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1