Momofuku Noodle Bar — Restaurant in New York

We had dinner reservations here during Christmas week. The family members we were with had eaten here pre-pandemic and raved about their fried chicken with Caviar dish.

Upon arrival they checked our vaccination cards and ID. Then they seated us at our table. This spot is tiny. The chairs are trendy and uncomfortable. It's basically a bunch of backless wood chairs. Having a party of 12 squeezed into a table. We were literally on top of each other and couldn't move. We had to place our coats on a table behind the host desk. They didn't even have a coat place. I would expect a little more for a restaurant in NYC.

We ordered appetizers, ramen dishes and the Osetra Caviar & Fried Chicken dish. The "Black Truffle Rice Cakes - butter, chives" appetizer was so good! I highly recommend ordering this dish. The Mushroom Ramen - miso, toasted chili, pea shoot was alright. There were not many pescatarian or vegetarian options. So this is all I could really provide a review on.

My husband really enjoyed the Smoked Pork Ramen. He thinks it's one of the best dish. My kids really loved the Garlic Chicken Ramen.

Apparently, the big hype about this place is the fried chicken served with caviar. I didn't get to enjoy the Osetra Caviar & Fried Chicken dish like everyone. They stated that due to the pandemic they couldn't serve a whole fired chicken like before. So they served pieces of chicken. It just seemed like they went and got a bucket of fried chicken from KFC or something. The Caviar came in the containers they were purchased in. I honestly didn't see the big deal about the fried chicken and caviar. I tasted the caviar and wasn't impressed. My husband didn't think the chicken and caviar was worth the price at all. Our table couldn't even finish the dish.

How I see this place, they should really just stick to the casual neighborhood ramen joint. The clientele seemed to be neighborhood locals. The staff are dressed in t-shirts and jeans. The furniture and decor is minimal and modern. However, the price point is up to $500 for a menu item. I just don't think...

If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, the Momofuku Noodle Bar is absolutely worth the detour. Locals know it as a hidden gem—but thankfully, not too many tourists do! I traveled all the way from Montreal just to try their famous ramen, and let me tell you, I’ve already been back three times.

Just take a look at this bowl—perfectly arranged with tender slices of pork, a soft-boiled egg, and a rich, flavorful broth that’s packed with depth and umami. The layers of flavor in every bite are simply unmatched. Honestly, it’s probably the best ramen I’ve ever had. Every ingredient feels thoughtfully chosen, making it a truly unique experience.

And it’s not just about the ramen—the “shrimp burger” is an absolute must-try, offering a delicious twist that will leave you wanting more. Their menu, along with their daily specials, is mind-blowing, keeping things exciting for both regulars and newcomers.

The ambiance inside is warm and inviting, with a lively yet cozy atmosphere. Sitting at the counter, watching the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. The bustling crowd is a testament to just how beloved this place is.

And let’s talk about the service—because when you dine here, it’s exactly the kind of hospitality you deserve. I’d give them 10 stars if I could! The staff were warm, attentive, and went the extra mile to make my experience special. I was friendly with them, and they surprised me by offering dessert on the house—such a thoughtful and generous gesture that made my visit even more memorable.

Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or just looking for an incredible meal, Momofuku Noodle Bar is a must-visit spot.

The chef asked me for a good restaurant recommendation in Montreal… I really hope I won’t...

Wasn't thrilled about this experience. Came here for lunch on a summer Friday. I was seated at the bar - not really asked for a preference, though there were many open seats at tables, and wearing jean shorts made it kind of awkward to climb onto the high stool.

I also would not recommend sitting at the bar because the open kitchen noises seem particularly loud here - every so often there was a very loud metallic bang - loud compared to many other places where I have sat at the bar by the kitchen. If you have any PTSD issues related to noise, this might not be for you.

I loved cold ramen in the summer so I ordered the "Chilled Spicy Noodles." A heads up that these noodles may start out chilled, but you would not know this since they come with (a quite large and disproportionate IMHO amount of) hot spicy sausage and peanuts, the whole dish is actually warm, almost hot. The flavors were ok but overall it wasn't really what I wanted.

There seemed to be a corporate, or industry person seated at the end of the bar to my left who had a laptop and kept getting offered drinks and food, and being talked up by the manager (?) - not really a problem obviously, but not really what you want to hear while you pay $19 for your bowl of ramen ;-)

But the worst part was that they seated someone immediately next to me. The barstools are not placed that far apart. The hostess even somewhat brusquely asked me to move my water glass and eyeglasses and waited, then waited again while that poor woman also had to climb up on the stool. I was confused, and surprised since the ENTIRE row of barstools to my right was empty (see pictures).

Considering the absolute embarassment of riches foodwise in this area I think you can...