Karazishi Botan

- 255 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Karazishi Botan has established itself as a vibrant and essential destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts in the heart of Brooklyn. Located on Smith Street, this venue expertly blends the soul-warming comfort of a classic ramen shop with the energetic, shareable dining experience of an Izakaya. It is not just another ramen joint; it is a "New York-style Ramen Diner," a concept that signals an innovative, non-traditional, and seasonally-driven approach to a beloved Japanese staple.

The culinary vision for Karazishi Botan is led by Executive Chef and Ramen Master, Fumihiro "Foo" Kanegae, known for his mastery at the acclaimed Ippudo. With this background, Chef Kanegae brings a foundation of expert technique but immediately deviates from the traditional, catering his inventive menu to the adventurous palates of the Brooklyn and greater New York clientele. The establishment itself is described as a 'casual pocket ramen shop'—a small, cozy, and lively space that immediately immerses patrons in a friendly, energetic atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for a casual weeknight dinner or a quick, satisfying lunch. The dining experience is marked by a noticeable creativity and a sense of humor reflected in both the decor and the menu items, making it a unique and memorable part of New York's diverse food scene.

The restaurant's dual nature as a Ramen restaurant and an Izakaya restaurant means guests can enjoy a full meal, from a deep bowl of rich broth and springy noodles to an extensive selection of flavorful, sharable small plates. This versatility makes Karazishi Botan an excellent choice for solo diners, small groups, or a date night, offering something exciting for everyone, including an impressive dedication to vegetarian and vegan options which are often a highlight in customer reviews.

Karazishi Botan is conveniently nestled in the charming and popular neighborhood of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, making it a local favorite and easily accessible for those venturing from other parts of New York City.

The physical address is:

255 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Located between Douglass and Degraw Streets on Smith Street, the restaurant sits in an area known for its lively dining and shopping scene. While specific subway stops are not listed in the immediate information, Smith Street in Carroll Gardens is typically well-served by Brooklyn subway lines, allowing for relatively simple public transit access from Manhattan and other boroughs. For those driving, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, though as with much of New York City, it is advisable to account for potential search time.

The venue is also conscious of accessibility needs, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance to welcome all patrons. A delightful feature for warmer weather is the availability of outdoor seating in a charming backyard garden area, providing an intimate and relaxing setting away from the bustle of the street.

Karazishi Botan provides a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed for convenience and comfort for the New York diner.

• Dine-in: Guests can enjoy the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with table service.
• Outdoor Seating: A backyard garden area is available for seating when the weather permits.
• Takeout and Delivery: The full menu is available for pickup or for no-contact delivery via popular platforms.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is highly recommended due to its small, 'cozy' layout, especially for groups larger than two.
• Dining Options: Services are offered for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Payments: The restaurant accepts multiple payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• Accessibility: Features a wheelchair accessible entrance.
• Alcohol Service: A selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and wine is available to accompany meals.

Karazishi Botan is distinguished by its unique take on Japanese dining, merging tradition with New York City's distinctive food culture.

• New York-Style Ramen: The core concept is innovative and non-traditional ramen, reflecting the city’s inventive spirit rather than strictly adhering to classic Japanese styles. This approach has led to creatively customized bowls and seasonal specials.
• Izakaya Small Plates: Beyond ramen, the menu offers an extensive selection of sharable 'tapas-style' dishes—what is often referred to as Izakaya dining, which is akin to a Japanese gastropub focusing on drinks and small, shareable comfort food.
• Ramen Master Pedigree: The kitchen is helmed by Fumihiro "Foo" Kanegae, a former 'Ramen Master' from the globally-renowned Ippudo, ensuring the technical quality and depth of flavor is exceptional, even within a creative menu.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: The restaurant has garnered significant praise for its commitment to plant-based diners, particularly for the excellent and inventive vegan ramen options like the 'Miso BOTAN-Ical Ramen' and other vegetarian/vegan dishes.
• Unique Menu Items: The menu features imaginative takes on Japanese and comfort food starters, such as Matcha French Fries, EscarDogs (Mini Turkey Corn Dogs served Escagot-Style), and Red or White Dumplings, alongside inventive ramen bowls like the Showa Classic and Knuckle Head.
• Atmosphere: The venue is noted for its "casual, cozy, and trendy" atmosphere, attracting a strong crowd of local diners who appreciate the lively, energetic vibe.
• Fast Service: A recognized highlight is the fast and friendly service provided by the staff.

For first-time visitors to Karazishi Botan, navigating the inventive and extensive menu can be a rewarding experience. The selections that truly stand out often marry traditional Japanese flavors with an unexpected New York twist.

For the main course, you must explore the Ramen menu. Options like the classic Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.50) offer a rich, silky pork broth that appeals to traditionalists. However, the true essence of Karazishi Botan lies in its unique offerings, such as the Miso BOTAN-Ical Ramen ($19.50). This popular vegan option features a porcini mushroom-based miso broth and kale noodles and is highly praised by customers for its depth of flavor, proving that plant-based ramen here is an absolute home run. The Tan Tan ($19.50) is also a strong choice for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

To fully appreciate the Izakaya side of the restaurant, sharing a few of the creative Starters is a must. The Matcha Chicken Wings (5 Pcs) ($14.50) and Botan Wings (5 Pcs) ($14.50) are excellent for sharing, as are the savory and slightly salty Shishito Shio Koji Pinchos ($8.50). For a truly unique appetizer, the Matcha French Fries ($8.50) and the Fish And Chips ($20.50) offer delightful twists on familiar comfort foods. Diners often highlight the takoyaki (octopus balls, often listed as "magic balls" or similar items on seasonal menus) as an appetizer that should always be ordered.

Don't overlook the inventive sandwich selection in The Burgers section, featuring the Fried Ton-Katsu (Pork) Burger ($19.50) or the Zangi Fried Chicken Burger ($19.50) for a unique main dish experience.

For drinks, complement your meal with one of the refreshing non-alcoholic options like the Premium Ume Soda or Premium Yuzu Soda ($5.00), or choose from the selection of beer, sake, and wine for a traditional Izakaya pairing.

To plan your visit, reserve a table, or place an order for takeout or delivery, please use the contact information below.

Address: 255 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (347) 763-1155

Mobile Phone: +1 347-763-1155

It is recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak dining hours, as the "cozy" size of the dining room means seating can be limited.

Karazishi Botan

255 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA