Like the other reviews mentioned, there's only 8 seats so it feels a bit cramped and claustrophobic in there. Luckily grabbed two seats on 7pm Saturday. The waitress initially wanted us to sit the two of us in a corner. I asked to sit by the three seater next to the wall. They said it was reserved (strange because there's no reservation option anywhere). Then a minute later, she said we could sit on the three seater side. Very bizarre and didn't make any sense, but decided to stay in the corner anyway. Ramen was decent but overpriced for the light meat portions, tight setting, and lack of AC/extreme heat inside. Next time definitely going to a different ramen shop in the LES for more comfortable seating/better ambiance. read more

Spectacular hole in the wall - and I'm not joking about it being a hole in the wall, because there are only a handful of seats, maybe 8 max. Don't worry, it adds to the ambience and intimacy of this restaurant. It was a little breezy last night, so my friend wanted to get a warm bite to eat. She opted for this spot and I was all in. We got lucky because we walked up and there were a few open seats, so we didn't have to wait at all. The menu is brief- meaning they specialize in their craft (and even easier for me to choose because there's no analysis paralysis). We were immediately provided with water and our order was taken by a smiley and warm waitress. My pal and I shared some crispy chicken as an app, which was so beautiful plated, I almost didn't want to eat it. For ramen, I selected the miso (not spicy) ramen. The broth was rich and I loved the runny, half egg. It was perfectly cooked between tough and runny. The mini bok choy gave the soup so much character. My favorite part of this restaurant was the open air view that we had. Sitting, eating, and people watching is the perfect combo in NYC. Definitely recommend this spot. The food, ambience, workers, and price are all on point and very reasonable for the big city. Would definitely come by again! read more

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Ramen Ishida is one of my favorite ramen spots, and I was so happy to know they expanded to a bigger shop in Chelsea. This time I went back to the OG LES location and was disappointed. I'm mostly disappointed at the interior, because it looks and feels old. Tables are sticky and it smells musky which all affected my eating experience. Perhaps I'm skewed after visiting their Chelsea location. I think it would be a great idea to renovate the LES location especially since Chelsea is set up now. I'm also surprised by the new policy about minimum $20 spend per person and 20 minute eating time limit during busy times. The minimum spend makes sense as in it comes out to approximately one ramen per person, unless you want to reach it with appetizers and drinks. I'm surprised people are ok with the time limit. I'm personally ok with it but not convinced others will comply. I've seen other restaurants try to impose new ways of doing things without success. I ordered the Classic Shio which is my go-to. I still like the texture of their noodles which I believe is a custom blend from Sun Noodles. I find the truffle too overpowering and heavy in the New Tokyo Shio. read more

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I've tried a good amount of ramen, and the ramen here is definitely unique! We got the Tokyo style shoyu ramen and shio ramen. I enjoyed the shoyu ramen more, but they were both good. I liked the yuzu bits in the shio ramen. The meat in both of them were tender and clean. I enjoyed how light yet flavorful these bowls were since sometimes I can feel bloated after a bowl of ramen. The store is tiny with about 8-10 bar seats. We arrived close to the time they opened so fortunately there was no wait. Service was quick and friendly. read more

Ramen Ishida - Tokyo style shoyu ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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Went to try the Tokyo style shoyu and is pretty good .. clear n flavorful broth .. will come back try the spicy miso ramen read more

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Countertop seating in a very small location. If you want a sit down experience you should check out their chelsea location. I would describe this as a quick solid tokyo style ramen with a twist as they add truffle. Good noodle chew and great broth. read more

Ramen Ishida - New Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Had an enjoyable meal at ramen Ishida recently. I came alone on a relatively warm weeknight, and was met with about a 15 minute wait which wasn't too bad since it was warmer out. As others have noted, the space inside is pretty small with only about 8 seats. Once seated, I placed my order of a drink, an app, and a bowl of ramen. The sake was delicious and the crab croquettes came out fresh and hot. They were quite creamy on the inside, overall really enjoyed them. My ramen came out while I was still eating my appetizer. The broth itself was flavorful and there were plenty of noodles, but I was hoping for more of the pork at that price point (there were two thin slices of chashu). I felt a bit rushed, as they handed me my receipt while I still had over half my bowl of ramen left (they have a policy that they may ask you to leave 20 minutes after serving the ramen). I get that it's a small establishment, and they didn't outright ask me to leave, I just thought there would be a little more leeway given I was also rushed through the appetizer. Food is good though, and service was friendly! read more

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Recently came home from Japan and seeking out some good ramen. They have vegetarian options here which is nice. I had the spicy tofu ramen. It wasn't too spicy and was enjoyable. I liked the way they cooked the tofu. Next time I would try the plant based miso ramen. I sat at the bar seating. Service was generally attentive. Prices were standard for New York (I miss Japanese prices so much). Restaurant and bathroom were very clean. I would come back. read more

Ramen Ishida - Vegan Spicy Mushroom Ramen with Tofu - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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A real sleeper in the NYC ramen scene. This is the OG location, a tiny counter service spot with bar seating only, but great vibes and serving the more rarely found Tokyo-style chicken broth ramen. Typically not too much of a wait despite the cramped premises. Great option for an impromptu dinner. read more

Ramen Ishida - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Finally got to try this ramen spot. It's a tiny little place with maybe 10 seats, no bathroom, but the ramen here is gourmet! I tried the shoyu ramen and it was amazing! The soft boiled egg was the best ramen egg I've ever had and the charred pork was delicious. It comes with truffle paste so there's a truffle aroma while eating the ramen. Service is quick but you are also expected to eat quickly, just like a ramen shop in Japan. Can't wait to go back! read more

Ramen Ishida - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

It was a cold and cloudy day in NYC after a night out drinking with friends and the way this ramen healed me, it warmed my soul. The broth was the highlight for me, it was clean, flavorful and well balanced - the truffle flavor was light and not overpowering. I typically don't finish ramen broths since they can be heavy but my broth was gone by the end of the meal. Overall I really enjoyed the ramen, definitely a lighter-style than what I'm used to but I was here for it. Service was good, they definitely were busy when we got there, luckily our group has reservations. Very cozy ambiance! read more

Ramen Ishida - New Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Best ramen in NYC! The signature shoyu ramen was full of umami and had a strong mushroom flavor. The chashu was perfectly cooked. It was tender with a nice char. The noodles had a good chew. Only counter seating is available. There is a short wait since there are limited seats. Service was fine. read more

This may just be my favorite ramen spot in the city. Their shoyu ramen with the truffle broth is so exquisite and checks every box that you want out of a quality bowl of ramen. Savory, umami, rich, flavorful and satiating. Need to start coming here more often for my fix! read more

Ramen Ishida - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

The ramen was good and the service was good as well. The staff was really nice. Only downside is the space because there aren't lot of sittings and so if you do decide come during busy hours, definitely need to wait long time. Karages were okay. read more

Ramen Ishida - Karage - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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I had the spicy mushroom tofu ramen. The best part of was the perfectly chewy noodles. However, I felt that the dish was too rich and savory without any contrasting elements. I'd really recommend adding some kind of pickled topping, though I wish this came standard. I added an egg, which was intensely salty, and only came with one half. My total came to almost $30 after tax and tip. It's hard to justify the cost, especially when the dish needs more toppings at additional cost to get the right balance. read more

Ramen Ishida - Vegan Spicy Mushroom Ramen with Tofu - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Unique ramen spot in NYC! If you're looking for a typical tonkotsu ramen, don't come here. But if you love a tokyo ramen with hint of truffle then come ! It's really really small and you gotta be out in 20min, so it's pretty rushed. Would say it's more of an eat and go spot. There were very few seats, I think 8 at most. Overall open window and kitchen concept read more

Ramen Ishida - New Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

The venue was pretty cozy with a few tables, a bar and a large table in the back for bigger groups. The menu had some great options with different styles of ramen as well as they were offering a set menu which composed of a ramen of your choice (new Tokyo ramen), an appetizer (kaarage) and a drink. The service was quite fast! Kaarage didnt look traditional but hit the spot with the drink. The main ramen took the spotlight. I mixed the truffle with the soup which made the broth outstanding and flavorful. This was a pretty good combo with the noodles that carried the soup well and the meat was prepared very well. Empty bowl was left but a full stomach was achieved. Would come back! read more

Ramen Ishida - New Tokyo ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

I haven't been here in a while. BUT. Ishida serves the best vegan ramen in New York. The Spicy Mushroom Tofu ramen is out of this world. The vegan Shoyu and vegan Miso are also delicious. I was recently thinking about whether any other restraurant even came close.. nope not a chance. The vegan ramen here is very flavorful so it doesn't feel like something is missing. I also love the hole in the wall vibe and the service has always been great. Must try! read more

I was recommended this place by my friend, so wanted to come check it out. Ordered two ramens and the sesame cucumber. I got the Tokyo style ramen and I thought it was good, but not the best bowl I've had. I think I had set high expectations for this location so when I finally had it, I wasn't crazy impressed. Would give the ramen 7.5/10. This restaurant is a bit smaller, and you have to order at the counter top. Service was attentive and good, but this is a one and done for me! read more

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Ramen Ishida is a fantastic addition to the LES ramen scene and a spot I'm always happy to return to--especially given its convenient location directly across the street from my favorite Japanese bar, Izakaya Juraku. This small, counter-seating-only ramen shop delivers big on flavor and authenticity. The broths are the clear standout: rich, deeply layered, yet surprisingly light. The New Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen is exceptional, with a subtle truffle aroma that adds depth without overwhelming the bowl. It's easy to understand why many people consider it among the best ramen in NYC. The noodles are equally impressive--thick, chewy, and cooked just right, holding onto the broth beautifully. The chashu pork and chicken are tender and flavorful, and the overall quality of ingredients is consistently high. It's also worth noting how strong their vegan offerings are. Dishes like the Spicy Mushroom Tofu Ramen and Vegan Miso Ramen are thoughtfully prepared and genuinely satisfying, even for non-vegans. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, very much in the style of a traditional Japanese ramen parlor. With only a handful of seats, it feels personal and transportive. Service is typically fast, efficient, and somewhat friendly, which helps keep things moving even when there's a line. That said, the small footprint does mean wait times during peak hours, and there's no public restroom, which may be inconvenient for some. Pricing can feel a bit high, and there is a $20 per-person minimum. Still, these are minor trade-offs for the quality and authenticity you're getting. read more

Seriously, delicious Ramen and appetizers. I highly recommend this place to anyone in low Eastside or even traveling here from other boroughs / upper Manhattan read more

Review: Ramen Ishida Wow--this was phenomenal. I ordered the shoyu ramen, and the broth is the star. It delivers that classic shoyu (light soy sauce) profile with a rich, aromatic depth, yet it's never overpowering or overly salty. The balance is spot on--clean, comforting, and deeply satisfying. I've had tsukemen nearby, and while it's good, the broth there leans too salty for my taste. Ishida absolutely nails the balance here. The pork belly (chashu) deserves special recognition. This is some of the best pork belly I've had in ramen. Perfectly charred, it offers multiple layers of flavor--slightly fatty, incredibly tender, and explosively flavorful. As you bite into it, the flavors open up beautifully in your mouth. Compared to the pork at nearby tsukemen spots (not bad by any means), this one feels more authentic and refined. The noodles and ingredients further elevate the bowl. Everything tastes authentic and intentional. The bamboo shoots have that slightly sour note, exactly how they're supposed to be, adding brightness and contrast. Nothing overpowers anything else--every component complements the others perfectly. Final verdict: Everything works together in harmony. From broth to toppings to texture, this bowl is thoughtfully executed and deeply authentic. Must try. Highly recommended. read more

Ramen Ishida - Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

We stop by for a quick bite, didn't want to eat a lot late at night but with the rule of spending $20/pp it was kinda $&#;:?. even for a quick 15 minutes stay... read more

Ramen Ishida - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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Now that Marufuku is gone (RIP), this is easily the best ramen in the area. It's a little pricey, but the classic shio ramen is divine. Add on the chashu pork and it's legitimately the perfect bowl read more

Don't come with a group! They have limited seating (about 9 stools) against the wall. You might be fine coming as a couple or by yourself. We had to wait about 30 min since we had a group of 4. There is only one chef with a small kitchen and one other helper who does the serving. We wanted to try this place out because of their vegan options. We tried the classic Shio, the vegan shoyu, and the spicy mushroom tofu ramen. The noodles were cooked well but the only one that we really enjoyed was the spicy mushroom. The vegan shoyu lacked depth of flavor and we have tried other vegan ramens elsewhere. Not sure if we would come back again especially because of the limited seating unless we are near the area again. Not worth more than a 30 min wait. read more

Ramen Ishida - Spicy mushroom tofu ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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I have to say this is probably one of the best ramen spots i've tried in the US. The soup is surprisingly complex: soy first then fishy, umami, and truffle. noodles were thin and perfectly cooked. not the biggest fan of chicken but honestly it works. chasu was seared and flavorful, not too fatty either. egg was marinated in a soy sauce and jammy inside. the ratio of toppings to noodle is great as well: although i feel they should've given a bit more bamboo for a perfect ratio. interior is small and nicely decorated with seating facing the wall. my server was nice and food came out fast. The ramen is on the pricey end coming out to ~$25 after tax and tip. Overall i'm amazed at how good this ramen was! read more

Ramen Ishida - New Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

love the small shop vibes. ramen noodles are delicious and broth is tasty. i usually get spicy but i found the shoyu broth to have a lot of depth to it and enjoyed it a lot. the broth is light and wont have you feeling too chunky after. beer is cold and refreshing, almost icey even. better than ichiran and a fraction of the wait. karaage is also good but when is it not. cant wait to come back. read more

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I got the New York style shoyu ramen with half the noodles and the spicy paste on the side. It was freaking delicious. If it had come standard with more/a variety toppings, it would be my favorite ramen in the city. As it is it comes with chasiu and chicken and half an egg, but then one piece of cilantro (literally one leaf ahaha) and like 3 wood ear mushrooms, which felt a little crazy for the price. But I sucked the broth down like it was the last Coca Cola left in the dessert; truly delicious. The staff was super friendly even though I was a bit confused on how to order lols and I was able to get a seat no problem! but the place is small so I did see a few people get turned away or quoted long wait times. Will be back because the broth is addictive but I might sneak some bean sprouts or scallions in in my handbag read more

Ramen Ishida - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Solid ramen, the tokyo shoyu is very clean, lots of flavor/aroma of truffle/mushroom, the pork chashu I preferred over the chicken, other toppings were good (menma ok). Solid ramen but not my preferred broth style Karaage was ok, the fry was light, but would've liked some citrus either on the chicken or in the sauce (kewpie and togarashi). read more

Ramen Ishida - Karaage @davideatsdc - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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My wife and I were intrigued about other reviews on this dish and we figured to give it try. First, the ramen was cooked to perfection. However, the spicy mushroom tofu did not work for me. I think the topping itself works if you eat it alone. But when you mix it with the soup, it makes the soup murky with tofu pieces which I did not enjoy. The dish is not spicy at all. read more

Ramen Ishida - Vegan Spicy Mushroom Ramen with Tofu - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Food: 5/5 | Service: 4.5/5 | Experience: 3.5/5 My group of 3 went on a Saturday evening, and we had to wait for around 45 minutes. They don't take reservations, and you essentially need to wait around in front for however long, and there is also no bathroom (docked through experience as that was not my expectation). There are 8-ish seats inside hence the really long wait. We ordered the potato salad and chashu rice as appetizers, which were good. I got the New Tokyo Style Shōyu Ramen, which had a beautiful presentation and came with toppings that's many times extra at other places (egg, bamboo). The broth was light yet very savory, and the noodles were springy. The meat itself was so tender. I would come back again to only get the ramen and at a time that's not prime dinnertime. read more

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I am by no means a ramen expert, but after walking past Ramen Ishida a few times, I decided to try it. The person at the counter greeted me immediately, suggested the New Tokyo Style Shōyu Ramen, answered my questions, recommended a sake, and brought water to my table. I asked for no pork, so they added extra chicken. The broth was flavorful, and the truffles added an extra oomph. I don't like hard-boiled eggs, but they melted into the broth, and I didn't mind it at all. Ramen Ishida seats about nine. It's a cozy space. If you sit at the window table, you can people-watch while you enjoy your ramen. read more

Ramen Ishida - UCC Green Tea and Shibata Black "Yuzu" Sake - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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Tiny spot, so plan accordingly. My friend and I came for lunch on a Tuesday and there was about a 20 min wait. New Tokyo style shoyu ramen was incredible. The broth, the noodles, the eggs... easily top 5 ramen in NYC. read more

Ramen Ishida - New Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Ramen Ishida is a relaxing escape from the urban scene--a small, hidden gem that transports you to being in a Japanese countryside ramen parlor. It's a cozy spot with a relaxed feel, featuring limited seating and a walk-in-only policy that only adds to its charm. The ramen is light but incredibly flavorful, and the pork is smoky and just fatty enough. The soft-boiled egg simply melts into the rich, umami-packed broth, adding a creamy element. It's simple, comforting food in a spot that's like a whole other world from NYC. I do feel like there are better ramen spots, like Ichiran, for a similar price. read more

Ramen Ishida - Tonkotsu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

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Some of the best ramen I had in nyc! I got the ramen with truffle and it didn't dissapoint. The server was also very attentive and accommodating would stop by again for a quick bite. read more

Ramen Ishida - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

A bitvout of the way in the Lower East Side you may find this cozy ramen spot. Greeted with a friendly smile as I stepped through the door. You cannot go wrong treating customers this way. I was promptly seated by a storefront window. The decor is modest, as brefitting the nice vibe I got. A glass of water was left for me as Ibplaced my order. The ramen was good, not as heavy as a pork based broth, but rich and tasty nonetheless. I like the half egg, and the pork was tasty. I was happy. read more

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Little spot to grab some ramen quickly. Quick service counter. The ramen itself is pretty solid. I liked the shio the most. read more

Ramen Ishida - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Be aware: this restaurant does not have a bathroom available for customers, so there's no place to wash your hands before eating, which felt very unhygienic and concerning. On top of that, the food was extremely salty and difficult to enjoy. read more

i ordered the vegan spicy mushroom ramen and it was so delicious! the bits of tofu and the broth were so flavorful and the noodles had a great texture. this place is a pretty small restaurant so theres usually a line but it moves very quickly. read more

Ramen Ishida - Vegan Spicy Mushroom Ramen with Tofu - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York

Wow! Ramen Ishida is damn near close to ramen I've had in Japan. The broth was incredible and so well balanced, I thought the truffle paste would throw it off (spoiler alert... it did not). The noodles were also very well cooked and the chashu and chicken breast were next level. Highly highly recommend getting an extra order of both proteins. read more

Ramen Ishida - New Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - New York, New York