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I thought it was decent... it's a small place, so there can be a wait. The only thing was that the noodles were cold. I liked the broth and was avoiding the spicy food at this time. They were pretty quick to bring out evrything.
Tonkotsu ramen was solid, but I've had better in the city. The broth had great flavor was but *extremely* thick, which made it heavy and not sippable. The staff is super friendly and attentive, but the space is quite cramped -- be prepared to sit elbow to elbow with the tables next to you and to have to awkwardly shuffle butt-right-at-bowl-height between tables to get in and out. The highlight of the bowl for me was the pork belly. It was tender, perfectly fatty, and had a lovely smokiness that added an interesting dimension to the ramen. All that said, one of my pet peeves is restaurants that are unreasonably rigid. The menu is full of disclaimers that you're not allowed to have chili oil or paste on the side, and that you can't remove ground pork from the bowls. These are switches that wouldn't cost the restaurant anything (removing ingredients is to their benefit, no?), and could make the bowl much more enjoyable for the eater (I prefer being able to control my own spice level), and yet the messaging and inflexibility is off-putting. I appreciated my hot bowl of noodle soup on a frigid evening but will not be coming back.
Came here for dinner tonight with a friend. We waited about 10-15 minutes, but it was definitely worth it. I live nearby, and the hostess kindly offered to take my number so I didn't have to wait outside in the cold. Very thoughtful to offer! I ordered the house hot sake, which really hit the spot, and my friend and I both got the Spicy Ginger Ramen -- apparently their top seller. We both really loved our choices! I went with spice level 1 (mild), and it was the perfect amount of heat for me. My friend tried level 2 -- not too spicy, but I preferred level 1. Next time, I'll definitely try the Tonkotsu Ramen that our waitress recommended. The staff was incredibly kind and attentive, and while the space is on the smaller side (as most ramen spots are), it has a comfortable, welcoming feel. I'll definitely be back soon!
This is a unique ramen spot that I've only been to quite late in the evening. The staff is friendly and the lighting is quite red so most of my photos from this place come out pretty poorly. As I have only been here alone, I've sat at the counter which has ample room for dining in. On a side note in terms of spice as others mentioned, level 2 wasn't that hot but level 3 had a good little kick so if you're going to pay for spicy ramen, get the higher levels. They specialize in Ginger Stamina Ramen which I have had once. It is $20 and is a mix of chicken broth, wavy flat flour noodles, pork belly, ground pork, half boiled egg, cabbage, bean sprouts, chives, scallions, cilantro, shredded ginger, shredded & chopped red pepper and spicy oil. As it is is a chicken broth/paitan, it's a bit lighter than the usual pork broth found in other places. In terms of chicken broth, I prefer Nakamura with the egg also being better there but the flavor was solid. I'm usually not the biggest fan of pickled ginger/myoga but it works here added a slight sour ginger flavor. The pork belly is cooked a bit more than other spots added a nice little extra crunch while the noodles have good texture. The rest of the veggies add some crunch. It is overall good but for the price point, there's better. I have also had their Tonkatsu which is $19 with pork broth, thin noodles, sliced pork belly. kikurage mushrooms, scallions, shredded red ginger, seaweed, sesame seeds, and fried garlic. It is a dollar cheaper but as it doesn't contain a half boiled egg/nitamago which is one of my preferred ramen toppings and generally contains less ingredients, I would say is a bit less worth it. The flavor of the broth is a bit richer but I would recommend the chicken broths instead seeing as they also contain ground pork and pork belly. This is a serviceable bowl of ramen which is open late and has a nice wide selection of bowls. It's not my favorite ramen spot but for a late night meal, it's quite nice. Mid 3 for the Ginger Stamina. Low 3/upper 2 for the Tonkatsu.
This is from June 22, 2023 This was the first time I went to Karakatta, and i'm so thankful to this day for finding this place as I go once a month. Karakatta truly feels like another home, the staff is so warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is very chill, and I truly believe they have the best Ramen in New York. Please do not sleep on this place. My only negative would be the space, Karakatta definitely deserves a seating upgrade as it could feel very clustered at times, damn near elbow to elbow especially on days like Valentine's.
it was ramen weather so a friend and i decided to try this place near NYU that was small and could easily accommodate a group of two Their menu has a lot of options including two vegetarian ones. They unfortunately don't do substitutions on the ground pork in the ramen dishes so I went for the spicy curry vegan ramen with a spice level 3. I did choke for a minute on the spice but other than that 3 is incredibly manageable for those looking for a spicy meal. The ramen was packed with veggies and filling but overall nothing amazing, it was pretty standard. This spot is also very pricey.. I think I ended up paying something like $30 for just a bowl of ramen with tip.
I got their spicy ramen and man did it not disappoint ! Really good food and a large portion ! They were a little busy but we got a seat at the bar real quick. Def worth a wait if you want good ramen. It was nice and chatty inside. Lots of chatter going on it was a nice vibe.
We sat at the window bar. That was definitely the move, such a nice day out. The takoyaki was very good... I'm pretty sure the sauce was just sriracha mayo but for some reason it was so especially delectable. I enjoyed my spicy vegan ramen- spiciness 5... if you're like me and usually order the spiciest ramen option it will likely not be too spicy for you. I didn't think it tasted very spicy for being their highest but it did make my eyes water more than usual for whatever reason! The noodles had a satisfying texture, and I added bamboo shoots to mine which I'm glad I did. I just wish they had a seafood ramen instead, as I was craving that, but oh well. My lover enjoyed his tonkatsu ramen added 1 egg. Service was quite friendly and food came out in reasonable time. Music was definitely all over the place, but mostly pop. A bit loud from where we sat but not terribly so. Boyfriend says the bathroom was "small but clean and nice" lol (: Thank you!
Cute little spot. Stopped in for some ramen on a cold December day. Ambiance is typical for a ramen spot, with small tables. Service was good and prompt. I had the ginger shoyu spice level 3 which had a good kick without being overwhelming. I didn't love how the chicken was cooked. Otherwise, lovely spot.
Average ramen, heavy broth, I got the tonkotsu ramen (switched to wavy noodles) with spicy level 3, a bit too spicy for me so 2 might be better, you can add a soft boil egg since it doesn't come with one. I thought the soup was a bit too think so had to add some water. My friend really liked it though, We also got the appetizer sampler, good for sharing and if you want to try out different items. The takoyaki was a bit disappointing, fried dumpling was ok, I was too full to try the karaage, heard it was just ok from my friend too. Staff was friendly, space is quite small, we didn't have to wait on a rainy weekday night (past 9pm). It's a place I'd try out once but probably wouldn't be back again.
Fusion-style ramen with spicy options and good vegetarian/ vegan options. Small space. Only seats around 20-25 people at most inside. The chicken meat had a really nice char to it but I felt my pork belly was a little too burnt and dry. My favorite was the Vegan ramen was surprisingly very very good. I wasn't a fan of the butter miso ramen. the Shoyu ramen is good for people who eat chicken. I'd definitely recommend this place for a group with vegan or vegetarian people though cause it has a good selection and well marked menu!
Such a cute and cozy ramen spot located a few blocks from Washington Square Park. Staff are wonderful and recommend we try the spicy ginger stamina ramen. I decided to opt the pork for some chicken. It was absolutely delicious and filling. I got a 3 level spice, which honestly wasn't that spicy, so next time i'll try either a 4 or 5. Will definitely be back!
4 months ago
A very petite and cozy restaurant. You're seated very close to the next table so if you're looking for something roomy, this wouldn't be the spot. While there's only 9 ramen options. I was still so indecisive because everything sounds so good! Ordered the tonkatsu and it was so delicious! The noodles were cooked al dente, the soup base warmed my soul, the pork belly was grilled to perfection! I'd only wish they added some corn and egg but the ramen was so filling ! I wasn't able to finish it! Definitely going back to try their other options! read more
Anytime is a good time for ramen. I wasn't even hungry, but walked by, saw this spot, and had to stop--and I'm so glad I did. It's a small shop (maybe 20 seats or less). Friendly quick service with a vibe that reminded me of izakayas in Tokyo. Cozy, no-frills, and all about the food. We ordered the tonkotsu and the spicy ginger stamina ramen. I always judge ramen by the broth, and both were packed with rich, deep flavor. Everything tasted fresh, authentic, and super comforting. Honestly, you're wasting time reading this--go get it NOOOOW. read more
I thought it was decent... it's a small place, so there can be a wait. The only thing was that the noodles were cold. I liked the broth and was avoiding the spicy food at this time. They were pretty quick to bring out evrything. read more
10 months ago
Tonkotsu ramen was solid, but I've had better in the city. The broth had great flavor was but *extremely* thick, which made it heavy and not sippable. The staff is super friendly and attentive, but the space is quite cramped -- be prepared to sit elbow to elbow with the tables next to you and to have to awkwardly shuffle butt-right-at-bowl-height between tables to get in and out. The highlight of the bowl for me was the pork belly. It was tender, perfectly fatty, and had a lovely smokiness that added an interesting dimension to the ramen. All that said, one of my pet peeves is restaurants that are unreasonably rigid. The menu is full of disclaimers that you're not allowed to have chili oil or paste on the side, and that you can't remove ground pork from the bowls. These are switches that wouldn't cost the restaurant anything (removing ingredients is to their benefit, no?), and could make the bowl much more enjoyable for the eater (I prefer being able to control my own spice level), and yet the messaging and inflexibility is off-putting. I appreciated my hot bowl of noodle soup on a frigid evening but will not be coming back. read more
11 months ago
Came here for dinner tonight with a friend. We waited about 10-15 minutes, but it was definitely worth it. I live nearby, and the hostess kindly offered to take my number so I didn't have to wait outside in the cold. Very thoughtful to offer! I ordered the house hot sake, which really hit the spot, and my friend and I both got the Spicy Ginger Ramen -- apparently their top seller. We both really loved our choices! I went with spice level 1 (mild), and it was the perfect amount of heat for me. My friend tried level 2 -- not too spicy, but I preferred level 1. Next time, I'll definitely try the Tonkotsu Ramen that our waitress recommended. The staff was incredibly kind and attentive, and while the space is on the smaller side (as most ramen spots are), it has a comfortable, welcoming feel. I'll definitely be back soon! read more
6 days ago
This is a unique ramen spot that I've only been to quite late in the evening. The staff is friendly and the lighting is quite red so most of my photos from this place come out pretty poorly. As I have only been here alone, I've sat at the counter which has ample room for dining in. On a side note in terms of spice as others mentioned, level 2 wasn't that hot but level 3 had a good little kick so if you're going to pay for spicy ramen, get the higher levels. They specialize in Ginger Stamina Ramen which I have had once. It is $20 and is a mix of chicken broth, wavy flat flour noodles, pork belly, ground pork, half boiled egg, cabbage, bean sprouts, chives, scallions, cilantro, shredded ginger, shredded & chopped red pepper and spicy oil. As it is is a chicken broth/paitan, it's a bit lighter than the usual pork broth found in other places. In terms of chicken broth, I prefer Nakamura with the egg also being better there but the flavor was solid. I'm usually not the biggest fan of pickled ginger/myoga but it works here added a slight sour ginger flavor. The pork belly is cooked a bit more than other spots added a nice little extra crunch while the noodles have good texture. The rest of the veggies add some crunch. It is overall good but for the price point, there's better. I have also had their Tonkatsu which is $19 with pork broth, thin noodles, sliced pork belly. kikurage mushrooms, scallions, shredded red ginger, seaweed, sesame seeds, and fried garlic. It is a dollar cheaper but as it doesn't contain a half boiled egg/nitamago which is one of my preferred ramen toppings and generally contains less ingredients, I would say is a bit less worth it. The flavor of the broth is a bit richer but I would recommend the chicken broths instead seeing as they also contain ground pork and pork belly. This is a serviceable bowl of ramen which is open late and has a nice wide selection of bowls. It's not my favorite ramen spot but for a late night meal, it's quite nice. Mid 3 for the Ginger Stamina. Low 3/upper 2 for the Tonkatsu. read more
8 months ago
This is from June 22, 2023 This was the first time I went to Karakatta, and i'm so thankful to this day for finding this place as I go once a month. Karakatta truly feels like another home, the staff is so warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is very chill, and I truly believe they have the best Ramen in New York. Please do not sleep on this place. My only negative would be the space, Karakatta definitely deserves a seating upgrade as it could feel very clustered at times, damn near elbow to elbow especially on days like Valentine's. read more
it was ramen weather so a friend and i decided to try this place near NYU that was small and could easily accommodate a group of two Their menu has a lot of options including two vegetarian ones. They unfortunately don't do substitutions on the ground pork in the ramen dishes so I went for the spicy curry vegan ramen with a spice level 3. I did choke for a minute on the spice but other than that 3 is incredibly manageable for those looking for a spicy meal. The ramen was packed with veggies and filling but overall nothing amazing, it was pretty standard. This spot is also very pricey.. I think I ended up paying something like $30 for just a bowl of ramen with tip. read more
2 years ago
I got their spicy ramen and man did it not disappoint ! Really good food and a large portion ! They were a little busy but we got a seat at the bar real quick. Def worth a wait if you want good ramen. It was nice and chatty inside. Lots of chatter going on it was a nice vibe. read more
1 year ago
4 months ago
We sat at the window bar. That was definitely the move, such a nice day out. The takoyaki was very good... I'm pretty sure the sauce was just sriracha mayo but for some reason it was so especially delectable. I enjoyed my spicy vegan ramen- spiciness 5... if you're like me and usually order the spiciest ramen option it will likely not be too spicy for you. I didn't think it tasted very spicy for being their highest but it did make my eyes water more than usual for whatever reason! The noodles had a satisfying texture, and I added bamboo shoots to mine which I'm glad I did. I just wish they had a seafood ramen instead, as I was craving that, but oh well. My lover enjoyed his tonkatsu ramen added 1 egg. Service was quite friendly and food came out in reasonable time. Music was definitely all over the place, but mostly pop. A bit loud from where we sat but not terribly so. Boyfriend says the bathroom was "small but clean and nice" lol (: Thank you! read more
Cute little spot. Stopped in for some ramen on a cold December day. Ambiance is typical for a ramen spot, with small tables. Service was good and prompt. I had the ginger shoyu spice level 3 which had a good kick without being overwhelming. I didn't love how the chicken was cooked. Otherwise, lovely spot. read more
Average ramen, heavy broth, I got the tonkotsu ramen (switched to wavy noodles) with spicy level 3, a bit too spicy for me so 2 might be better, you can add a soft boil egg since it doesn't come with one. I thought the soup was a bit too think so had to add some water. My friend really liked it though, We also got the appetizer sampler, good for sharing and if you want to try out different items. The takoyaki was a bit disappointing, fried dumpling was ok, I was too full to try the karaage, heard it was just ok from my friend too. Staff was friendly, space is quite small, we didn't have to wait on a rainy weekday night (past 9pm). It's a place I'd try out once but probably wouldn't be back again. read more
11 months ago
7 months ago
Yummiest broth I've ever had. Nice seating for solo eaters, cute decor down to the bathrooms and very quick service. Limited seating but definitely a great spot to catch up with a friend and enjoy a selection of ramen and snacks. read more
2 years ago
Fusion-style ramen with spicy options and good vegetarian/ vegan options. Small space. Only seats around 20-25 people at most inside. The chicken meat had a really nice char to it but I felt my pork belly was a little too burnt and dry. My favorite was the Vegan ramen was surprisingly very very good. I wasn't a fan of the butter miso ramen. the Shoyu ramen is good for people who eat chicken. I'd definitely recommend this place for a group with vegan or vegetarian people though cause it has a good selection and well marked menu! read more
Such a cute and cozy ramen spot located a few blocks from Washington Square Park. Staff are wonderful and recommend we try the spicy ginger stamina ramen. I decided to opt the pork for some chicken. It was absolutely delicious and filling. I got a 3 level spice, which honestly wasn't that spicy, so next time i'll try either a 4 or 5. Will definitely be back! read more
This place definitely amped up their menu. We were greeted by a very kind waiter, i believe his name was Ji Ji or Gi Gi. He made our dinner so much more worth it and catered to everything we needed. For appetizers we got the pork belly bun and gyoza. Ive been here once before and every item I tried before, i got again today. The portions felt like were doubled and the meats definitely fatter. And it was much appreciated! The apps got me so full, it took me a very long time to finish my ramen. But I managed to finish it, i did not want to leave a drop behind! Lol. My friend and I both got the Ginger stamina ramen and it is a MUST. So freaking delicious and satisfying. Its unlike any ramen broth I have ever tried! Everything is literally perfection in this bowl. Left here with stuffed and happy bellies, cant wait to come back. read more
1 year ago
Had the spicy curry ramen at Kanakatta Ramen in NYC and was seriously impressed. It's rare to find a ramen that hits this hard in both flavor and health. The broth had the perfect amount of heat and depth, and it came absolutely loaded with fresh veggies--zucchini noodles, raw mushrooms, bean sprouts--you name it. Felt nourishing without being boring. Honestly one of the few ramen bowls that leaves you satisfied but not weighed down. Highly recommend if you want something delicious, comforting, and clean. Small, fast, excellent authentic Japanese service. read more
5 months ago
As a die hard fan of the original Mr. Taka ramen, I had to try their sister restaurant Karakatta. The overall ambiance is very similar with an izakaya feel to it. It's small but cozy so you definitely will have to wait if the crowds build up. I got the spicy ginger stamina ramen as that seemed to be the popular choice. I was a bit wary of ordering this since I'm normally the one to pick out the ginger in my meal but I figured it was worth of try. Totally worth it because it was so delicious. The broth was so robust and had the most amazing heat to it. I only ordered level 2 but I was breaking out a sweat! I don't usually choose chicken broth but this one packed a punch. The pork belly pieces melted in my mouth and had a nice smokey flavor. The egg was perfectly runny. Overall, one of the best bowls of ramen I've had. Service was also very quick and the wait staff were very attentive. They took my order immediately and I was served pretty quickly. Considering how spicy my ramen was, I definitely appreciated having my water filled constantly. I think I've found my new favorite ramen spot! read more
2 years ago
My experience was simple but perfect. Spicy cucumber appetizer to start followed by the Spicy Black Tan Tan ramen. Service with a smile and two satisfying dishes, I couldn't ask for anything more read more
4 years ago
Great spot in west village for sushi! Quick and efficient service - Wait staff is very attentive, filling water for patrons very quickly. Very small and tight space - Not meant for big groups, maybe go alone or bring a friend!! Tonkatsu ramen was good- good variety and flavors. Would recommend spice level 2 for those who don't love spicy, but want a bit of kick! read more
When coming to this restaurant, the staff knows right away and gives the menu to our table. Has a hook to hang our coats. The staffs serve with smiles. Very welcoming. The spicy ginger stamina ramen is pricey but tastes great. The meat is fragile and soft. Egg is nicely boiled. Noodles are delicious. Karaage is tasty. There are solo seats for single customers which is convenient. Later, staffs light candles on the table to bring aesthetic mood. Very friendly environment to enjoy a meal. read more
2 years ago
Amazing food!! Amazing vibe!! I love the area and the staff is super considerate and aware of our needs. Got the Spicy Ginger Stamina was 10/10!! read more
2 years ago
This is actually my favorite pork belly I had in a ramen so far! I enjoy my pork belly to have less fat but stay soft and flavorful and balance the flavor between the lean meat and fat. This one was cut a little thicker and charred well and I am surprised to say I really enjoyed it. It definitely beats Mr. Taka ramen even though I find a lot of similarities from that place here. I got the Butter Miso which seemed to be a huge hit in the restaurant amongst other customers and it's safe to say it has so much flavor packed into it! I was scared it would taste like too much peanut butter but it was nicely balanced with the noodles and the double meat they put in the ramen. They also add ground pork I think for the extra flavor. I love that they use chicken broth because pork broth can get super heavy and I found that there was an amazing balance in this bowl as it was a creamy heavier broth but not as fatty and thick as a tonkotsu broth! There's some spices inside the broth so you may bite into them randomly and a lot of that flavor comes out. It tastes like some sort of allspice or coriander. I went with a vegetarian and she got the Spicy veggie Curry ramen which seemed to be a fan fave on Yelp as well and it definitely impressed! We were both so satisfied. I would say the portions here are smaller than your typical ramen restaurant which is much better for my diet. Last thing to note - when sitting outside be wary that homeless can open the window/door to come in to ask for money. There's a lot that frequent this area so I would recommend to sit inside. read more
My friend and I both got the Miso Butter ramen and thought it was a little to heavy and salty. The portion size isn't very big for ramen and normally I have trouble finishing all my noodles but this one I finished and was still a bit hungry. Overall overpriced for what it is. read more
This is a great, intimate spot in the heart of the East Village. The serving sizes were generous and the crowd is laid back. I would come back here as I had an especially good time with the company I enjoyed my meal with. The evening was relatively busy so our wait staff was relatively preoccupied, but our food was fantastic when it came. If you're looking for a good, classic NYC ramen spot I would recommend this one. The history of the restaurant adds to the intrigue of the experience. An easy establishment to root for. read more
(Overall: 72% | C) - I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen, which had reasonable flavor development. The pork was unfortunately a bit dry, but paired well with rest of the toppings. The bigger problem I had with this restaurant is that the servers are a bit slow and inattentive and the atmosphere is loud and full of flies, making it unnerving. read more
3 years ago
I got the spicy veggie curry ramen and was pretty underwhelmed. I felt the broth lacked flavor and there were WAY too many scallions in my bowl(and I love scallions!). I was surprised by the lack in flavor because it was the spicy curry broth!. I also felt like my noodles were a bit too chewy even though I usually prefer my noodles on the form side. This is a little more nitpicky but I wish the bowl was wider so it was easier to eat. Maybe the other dishes are better, but I was thoroughly disappointed by my ramen. I would much prefer to to Ramen Danbo a few blocks down for a better deal. read more
Was pretty crowded when I came with my friends, but we were able to get seating along the window. I really liked my shoyu ramen. The flavors mixed together well. I usually prefer thin noodles for my ramen but the wider noodles in my shoyu ramen had great texture! I recommend trying if you love ramen! read more
4 years ago
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More info about Karakatta ramen
230 Thompson St
New York, NY 10012
Greenwich Village
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(917) 261-6297
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https://karakattaramen.com
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Ask the Community - Karakatta ramen
Are there noodles made without eggs here (for people with egg allergies)?
Yes the noodles we use don’t contain egg. Hope see you soon!! Taka
Are there vegan or vegetarian options here?
Yes! They have a Spicy Veggie Curry Ramen with leeks, tofu, white mushrooms, and scallions.
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