Douska
Japanese · Lower East Side · $$
Japanese · Lower East Side, New York, NY · $
Ivan Ramen, founded by chef Ivan Orkin, is a renowned ramen restaurant celebrated worldwide. After teaching English in Japan and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Ivan moved back to Tokyo. Inspired by his wife, he opened his first ramen shop, achieving unprecedented success as a foreigner in Japan's ramen scene. Building on this success, Ivan opened Ivan Ramen Plus in 2010. In 2012, he returned to New York, opening Ivan Ramen Ivan Ramen on the Lower East Side. Both locations have received critical acclaim, featured in numerous publications and TV programs. Fluent in Japanese and deeply immersed in its culture, Ivan Orkin bridges American and Japanese culinary traditions. Featured in Netflix's "Chef’s Table" in 2017, Ivan continues to attract ramen enthusiasts to his restaurants, offering his distinct blend of Japanese and American flavors.
“Great spot! Food came out quickly and it was really yummy. All the staff were really nice especially our waiter (girl with the pink hair!!) thanks for a great meal, we’ll be back :)”
“If you haven’t made it to Ivan Ramen yet, let this be your sign. We started with the cauliflower appetizer — crispy, well-seasoned, and gone within minutes. The chicken ramen followed: a deep, soulful broth with noodles that had a perfect bite. Every component felt considered. Bonus points for being genuinely easy with kids. The staff were warm, the pacing was right, and nobody felt rushed. Serious food, zero pretension. Highly recommended.”
“I’ve had ramen all over the city, but Ivan Ramen on the Lower East Side just set a new bar. We ordered three bowls and two sides, and honestly? Not a single miss. The ramen stole the show. The classic tonkotsu was rich and deeply savory — those perfectly jammy soft-boiled eggs with their amber-orange yolks sitting in the broth like little jewels. The spicy bowl had a fiery red broth loaded with cilantro, sliced chilis, and a gorgeous scoop of what looked like house-made cream cheese or ricotta dusted with togarashi. Bold, complex, and dangerously slurpable. The vegetarian tofu bowl was no afterthought either — silken tofu, bok choy, and that same depth of flavor. Respect. The charred potatoes were an unexpected standout — crispy, blackened edges, sitting in a creamy, spiced aioli with scallions and chili flakes. The kind of side dish you don’t expect at a ramen spot but immediately wish every ramen spot had. The asparagus were blistered and glossy, tossed in a savory sauce with seeds and topped with a cool, spiced cream. Simple, but executed perfectly. Outdoor seating on a nice day, quick QR ordering, and food that genuinely delivers — Ivan Ramen earns every bit of its reputation. Go hungry. Order everything.”
“I stopped by Ivan Ramen last month as it was close to where I was staying in the LES. It did not disappoint. The space is small, but cozy and relaxed, and the servers were excellent and very attentive throughout the meal. I ordered the tonkatsu ramen, which was very rich and flavorful. We also had the potato salad and pork buns which were both very good. Everything tastes fresh, portions are generous and the presentation is really nice. For dessert, I highly recommend the ube pudding, it’s definitely one of the best ube desserts I’ve had. If you’re in the Lower East Side and craving ramen, this is definitely a place worth stopping by.”
“Hands down some of the most fantastic ramen I've eaten. Having visited Japan multiple times, I can confidently say this place is authentic and top-tier. If you appreciate high-quality ramen, you have to eat here. You absolutely have to try the Tonkotsu. A must-visit!”
Never miss a table
Watch Ivan Ramenand we'll alert you.
More like Ivan Ramen