Ippudo

The broth had a wonderful depth of flavor, but the toppings on this "shiromaru N.Y. style" ($13) — tonkotsu soup with stewed pork, cabbage, and scallions — left me flat. The ramen noodles were very thin, and firm. I sampled Ippudo's signature ramen during their soft opening, so I'll certainly visit them again, but only after they've had some time to settle into their routine.

Ippudo
65 Fourth Ave. (9-10th Sts.)
212-388-0088

Comments

[Chris]

Wow, how did you get there so fast I heard today was the opening. I'm excited, though I've been waiting for them to open all month!... lunch just 3 hours away...

[Dave Cook]

Sometimes you see a lot just by looking. I was passing through the neighborhood about a week ago when I spotted a curious-looking establishment down the block -- something like Lincoln Logs in blonde wood. I'd forgotten about Ippudo entirely, but there it was, with their "soft opening" hours posted right in the window, and I made it a point to stop back in for a bowl (on my way to dinner).

Expect to wait, even if you arrive early. Have fun!

[bill p]

I agree... broth was great, the rest just ok. and i only got one piece of pork -- feel like two is the norm. also: too much greeting!

[j]

I've been coming here for ramen, since I moved to NY about 2 years ago; but yesterday, I abruptly left the restaurant when management decided to slap me with a surcharge of $4/person for eating a cupcake in their restaurant. No one gave me a warning, but they just automatically added the ridiculous surcharge to my tab. I went late in the afternoon, and did not have to wait for a table, but for some reason, things were EXTREMELY SLOW in the kitchen. I mean, come on, it should take 5 minutes to bring out a bowl of ramen. I was STARVING and the only thing to stave off my hunger were the cupcakes that I bought from Butter Lane. I asked if, instead, I could order an appetizer or drinks, but they didn't even give me the option. Moreover, I think it's annoying when this "policy" was not listed anywhere on the menu. The manager on duty said management is allowed to do whatever they please, but shouldn't they, instead, try to please the customers? Afterall, you are paying $15 for a bowl of peasant food. So fellow ramen enthusiasts, beware!