ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square

- 152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020

In the bustling, sensory-overload environment of Times Square, finding a true escape from the crowds can feel impossible. But tucked away on West 49th Street is a place that offers not only an oasis of calm but also an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience: ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square. This Japanese restaurant is a global phenomenon, renowned for its legendary Tonkotsu ramen and its unique dining concept. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Tokyo's famous ramen culture without having to leave the city. ICHIRAN is more than just a place to eat; it's a carefully crafted experience that focuses on delivering the perfect bowl of ramen, every single time.

What sets ICHIRAN apart is its dedication to a single, perfected dish: classic Tonkotsu ramen. The broth is rich, the noodles are fresh and chewy, and the experience is designed to let you focus on every last bite. The restaurant’s "flavor concentration booths," with their individual partitions, provide a quiet, personal space for solo diners to enjoy their meal in peace. This unique setup, a staple of ICHIRAN's global brand, is a refreshing departure from the typical group dining experience and makes it a perfect spot for those seeking a quick, introspective meal. As one reviewer noted, "don't let the small size and long line fool you—the place is actually huge, with 132 individual booths to enjoy your ramen in peace." The operation is so smooth that they have "perfection down to a science."

This article will guide you through the one-of-a-kind experience at ICHIRAN Ramen, detailing its location, services, and the unique features that have made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

ICHIRAN Ramen is strategically located at 152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020, USA, placing it right in the heart of Times Square. This central location makes it incredibly convenient for a pre-theater dinner, a post-show meal, or a quick, delicious lunch while exploring the city. The area is a major transportation hub, with multiple subway lines running nearby, including the N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains. For those who are driving, there is paid street parking available.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance. While the interior is known for its individual booths, the staff is accommodating, and the ordering process is streamlined to ensure a smooth experience for all. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including college students, tourists, and families. The restaurant is a perfect fit for solo diners, given its unique booth setup.

ICHIRAN's services are designed for maximum efficiency and convenience, reflecting its fast-paced Tokyo roots.

• Dine-in: The signature ICHIRAN experience, where you get to enjoy your ramen in a private booth, focused entirely on your meal. This is a special experience that every ramen lover should try.
• Takeout: For those on the go, you can order your ramen to be enjoyed elsewhere, allowing you to take the unique flavors of ICHIRAN with you.
• Delivery: Get ICHIRAN's delicious ramen delivered to your home or office for a convenient and comforting meal.
• Fast Service: A major highlight, as noted by multiple customers. Despite the long lines, the ordering and seating process is incredibly efficient, and food comes out "fairly quick" once you are seated.
• Accepts Reservations: While there is often a wait, the ability to accept reservations helps with planning, especially for those with a tight schedule.

The streamlined operation, where you order and pay at a terminal before being seated, makes the entire process incredibly fast and efficient. As one reviewer noted, this is "similar to how they do it in Tokyo" and "did make things easier so that you could just leave when done."

ICHIRAN is defined by several key features that make it a one-of-a-kind dining destination.

• The "Flavor Concentration Booths": This is ICHIRAN's most famous feature. Each guest is seated in an individual booth with partitions, allowing for a solitary and focused dining experience. The partitions can be opened if you are with company, offering the best of both worlds.
• The Classic Tonkotsu Ramen: ICHIRAN's menu is centered around a single, perfected dish. The broth is rich and delicious, and the ramen is consistently praised by customers as being "among the best Ramen outside of Tokyo."
• Customizable Ramen: Each booth is equipped with a customization sheet where you can specify everything about your ramen, from the richness of the broth to the amount of garlic and firmness of the noodles. This level of personalization ensures your bowl is exactly how you like it.
• Noodle Refills ("Kae-dama"): A standout feature for noodle lovers. You can order a KAE-DAMA (NOODLE REFILL), which is delivered to your booth, ensuring you don’t run out of delicious noodles to go with your broth.
• Unique Offerings: Beyond the ramen, the restaurant offers some unique items like Matcha Pudding for dessert and Matcha Beer. As one reviewer noted, the Matcha Beer "grows on you" and is a great alternative to a regular Asahi.
• Commitment to Hospitality: Even with its streamlined process, the staff is praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. One review highlights a staff member, Shay, who "patiently manned the front" and even held a customer's luggage, showing a commitment to customer service beyond the standard.

For more information or to plan your visit, you can contact ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square at the following details.

Address: 152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020, USA
Phone: (646) 964-4294

While the menu at ICHIRAN is highly focused, there are a few things that are absolutely worth choosing for a complete experience. First and foremost, the THE CLASSIC TONKOTSU RAMEN is the reason to come. The rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles are a consistent hit with every visitor. For those who don't eat meat, the ICHIRAN Veggie Ramen is an excellent and equally delicious alternative.

To enhance your bowl, the Recommended Toppings Set is a great value, allowing you to try a variety of additions. The Soft Boiled Egg and EXTRA CHASHU (4 SLICES) are also popular add-ons that take the ramen to the next level. Don't be afraid to order more food or drinks once you're seated, as the in-booth call buttons make it easy to get a KAE-DAMA (NOODLE REFILL).

For a unique finish to your meal, the MATCHA PUDDING is a refreshing and delicious dessert. And for those feeling adventurous, a customer review suggests trying the Matcha Beer, noting that it's an enjoyable surprise. Ultimately, what is worth choosing at ICHIRAN is the entire experience of quiet, focused dining and a perfectly prepared bowl of ramen that will transport you to the bustling streets of Tokyo, all while right in the middle of New York City.

ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square

152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020, USA