Ippudo – Japanese
Stepping into this bustling ramen sanctuary, guests are greeted by the rhythmic energy of an open kitchen and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered pork bone broth. Each bowl is a symphony of textures, from the springy, house-made noodles to the velvety tonkotsu that coats the palate in rich, savory layers of umami. It is a vibrant celebration of Japanese comfort food, where modern design meets time-honored craft in a space that feels both high-octane and deeply soul-warming.
321 West 51st Street +1-212-974-2500 https://www.ippudous.com/westsideRating: 4.5/5 (5116 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, nut-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, plant-based, pescatarian, diabetic, heart-healthy, low-cholesterol, high-fiber, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, gerd, low-fodmap, raw-food, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, aip, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, lectin-free
What diners are saying
Diners widely celebrate this ramen spot as one of the city's best, praising the rich, flavorful broths and high-quality ingredients. Standout dishes include the Daizu no chikara miso, Shiromaru, and Akamaru ramen, with guests also raving about the "mind-blowing" Chashu pork and excellent pork buns. While some reviewers noted a lack of depth in certain bowls, most highlight the quick, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere that balances high-end dining with a cozy feel. The extensive sake selection and reasonable pricing for the location further enhance the experience.
Menu
Ramen
Traditional Japanese ramen featuring Ippudo's signature broths.
- Shiromaru Motoaji: Pork tonkotsu broth, Hakata thin noodles, scallions, seasoned bamboo shoots, naruto, slow cooked pork loin chashu. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Akamaru Shinaji: Pork tonkotsu broth, Hakata thin noodles, pork chashu, scallions, seasoned bamboo shoots, fragrant garlic oil, Ippudo's original Umami paste. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Karaka Spicy: Pork tonkotsu broth, Hakata thin noodles, pork loin chashu, scallions, Ippudo’s house blended spiced Niku-miso bolognese, fragrant garlic oil, fried onion chips. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Yuzu Shoyu: Classic shoyu broth with a bonito fish dashi, straight thin NY silky noodles, chicken chashu, diced red onions, ginger, yuzu skin, seasoned bamboo shoots, naruto. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Miso Ramen: Ippudo’s signature broth blended with miso and seasonings, Tokyo-style thick wavy noodles, fried onion chips, ginger, seasoned bamboo shoots, scallions, corn, diced red onions, slow cooked pork loin chashu. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Dragon Tantan: Tantan sesame broth, NY silky noodles, house blended Niku-miso bolognese, red onions, chives, pickled Takana, Chashu, Sichuan pepper. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Maze Men Raoh: Maze men dry noodles made with organic dark rye, pork chashu, seasoned bamboo shoots, corn, red onions, Kaiware sprout. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Spicy Miso: Ippudo’s signature broth blended with miso and seasonings, Tokyo-style thick wavy noodles, fried onion chips, ginger, scallions, corn, diced red onions, slow cooked pork loin chashu, Ippudo’s spiced Niku-miso bolognese.
Vegetarian Ramen
Plant-based ramen options.
- Daizu No Chikara Miso: Ippudo’s signature broth blended with miso and seasonings, Tokyo-style thick wavy noodles, fried onion chips, ginger, seasoned bamboo shoots, scallions, corn, diced red onions, tofu chashu. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Plant-Based, Low-Cholesterol
- Nirvana Classic: Ippudo’s mushroom broth with exclusive Japanese soy milk, Tokyo-style thick wavy noodles, fragrant garlic oil, marinated carrots, fried enoki mushroom tempura, tofu chashu, sprouts. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Nirvana Karaka: Ippudo’s mushroom broth with exclusive Japanese soy milk, Tokyo-style thick wavy noodles, fragrant garlic oil, marinated carrots, fried enoki mushroom tempura, tofu chashu, sprouts, Ippudo’s spiced Niku-miso bolognese on the side. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Spicy Miso Vegetarian: Ippudo’s signature broth blended with miso and seasonings, Tokyo-style thick wavy noodles, fried onion chips, ginger, scallions, corn, diced red onions, tofu chashu, Ippudo’s house blended spiced Niku-miso bolognese on top. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
Appetizers & Rice Bowls
Small plates, buns, and rice dishes.
- Ippudo Buns: Choice of Pork Bun, Chicken Bun, Shrimp Bun, or Vegetable Bun. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Goma Q: Cucumber seasoned with Ippudo's original sesame oil dressing, topped with mild chili flakes. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Chicken Kara-age Rice: Japanese rice, marinated fried chicken with original sauce, shredded lettuce, mentaiko mayo, crispy panko seasoning, Kaiware. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Aburi Chashu Rice: Japanese rice, shredded pork, lettuce, honey mustard, pan-fried pork chashu glazed in signature BBQ sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Spicy Gyoza: Steamed chicken and vegetable gyoza with a spicy sauce and cilantro. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Spicy Tuna Roll: Sushi roll filled with seaweed, cucumber, pickled radish, avocado, spicy mayo, unagi sauce, topped with mango poke. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Oishii Kara-age: Deep-fried boneless marinated chicken with dill and caramelized lemon. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Drinks & Dessert
- Beverage & Dessert Selection: Draft beer, Local Beer, Cocktails, Wine, Sake, Japanese spirits, Kombucha, desserts, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ippudo
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Goma Q supports keto and gluten-free diets, while Spicy Miso Vegetarian and Nirvana Karaka are vegan, vegetarian, and high-protein options.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include the Daizu no chikara miso, Shiromaru, and Akamaru ramen, along with highly-praised Chashu pork and pork buns.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Reviewers highlight a welcoming atmosphere and quick, friendly service, making this cozy Japanese comfort food spot suitable for families.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Ippudo has a total of 5,116 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 from its guests.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Experience the welcoming atmosphere and quick service by ordering standout dishes like Shiromaru, Akamaru ramen, and the mind-blowing Chashu pork.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- This moderate ($$) priced restaurant offers high value, evidenced by its 4.5/5 rating and praise for high-quality ingredients and service.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners highly praise this 4.5/5 rated spot for its flavorful broths, Chashu pork, and friendly service, despite minor depth concerns.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- Rated 4.5/5, this restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere that balances high-end dining with a cozy feel for special occasions.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- The price range at Ippudo is categorized as moderate ($$) for its selection of Japanese ramen and traditional comfort food.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Ippudo offers vegan, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free options like Goma Q, plus high-protein dishes including Nirvana Classic and Shiromaru Motoaji.
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