Momosan Ramen & Sake — Restaurant in New York

My honest rating is a 4.5 but I rounded up. I had been planning to eat ramen in the garment district, but the spots were often too full or I never seemed to have the time. I had passed by Momosan before and thus decided to try it. It was nearing the end of their lunch time, so I was grateful to see it wasn't too crowded. Their opening shout surprised me, and I got a seat at the bar. I highly recommend their lunch combo. It's got ramen, a rice side, and an appetizer, all for about 25 dollars including tip. I ordered the tonkatsu ramen, gyudon side, and a kakuni bao. The bao and gyudon came first, and the time wasn't too long for waiting. As I sat at the bar with my water, I could watch a worker making sushi behind the counter. Momosan has a nice and dim ambience with relaxed atmosphere. The decor looks a little fancy at first, with dark colors of stone and metal, with hanging lights, and wooden surfaces. The bar is also stocked with foreign and domestic spirits. But the waiters and waitresses are very accommodating and you feel comfortable quickly. Onto the food, it was good, to be succinct. The gyudon was nice and hot, with plenty of beef and onions proportional to the rice. The onions were cooked until soft and mixed well with the slightly chewy beef. Their juices made an excellent mix with the rice, and they were seasoned well. The kakuni bao comes with lettuce and a mustard sauce, the type were you can see the grains. The pork itself was soft and tender, easy to bite through without worry of pulling it out of the bun. The bun was pillowy, and worked well with the meat. The lettuce didn't really lessen the richness of the pork, and the mustard just felt creamy rather than having a flavor contribution. As for the ramen, I liked the side and appetizer more, strange to say. The ramen portion is good for the fact that I just ate some rice and bread already. It came topped with nori, pork belly, and half an egg. When I tried the soup on its own, I only tasted salt for the most part, with only a hint of creaminess. There was sesame added already, but I had to add more to get any smoky flavor. Also, I highly recommend the offered Morimoto ramen pepper, as it will add flavor that I felt the soup did not have on it's own, with virtually no spice. The noodles were nice and had a decent chew and thickness. The nori was good and I wished I saved some rice to eat it with, because it soaked in the broth. The bottom of the bowl was where there were bits of seaweed and shoots, I think. The bowl of ramen came with a plate of pickles, which was a nice touch. Last but not least, the pork belly was great. It was cut into a thin strip and folded on top of the bowl with some sauce, and provided the most flavor out of that entire bowl. Overall, Momosan has definitely satisfied my expectations, with the sides if not with their ramen. I highly recommend their lunch and I might be going back...

Momosan, located in New York City, is a culinary gem that offers a delightful fusion of Japanese flavors and innovative twists on traditional dishes. Helmed by acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto, this vibrant restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

As you step into Momosan, you are greeted by a lively and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the energy of the surrounding city. The décor is modern and stylish, with sleek wood accents, industrial touches, and an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs in action. The ambiance is vibrant yet intimate, making it equally suitable for a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner.

The menu at Momosan is a showcase of Chef Morimoto's creativity and expertise, featuring a wide range of Japanese-inspired dishes that are both innovative and comforting. The Ramen, a signature dish at Momosan, is a standout, with rich, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and a variety of toppings to choose from. The Tonkotsu Ramen, in particular, is a crowd favorite, with its creamy pork bone broth and tender slices of pork belly.

In addition to ramen, Momosan offers an array of small plates, sushi, and izakaya-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. The Pork Gyoza, crispy and savory with a juicy filling, are a must-try appetizer. The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, a modern twist on a classic dish, features crispy rice topped with spicy tuna and a drizzle of spicy mayo, offering a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

For those looking for something heartier, Momosan also offers a selection of yakitori skewers, grilled to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces. The Wagyu Beef Yakitori, tender and succulent with a smoky char, is particularly indulgent and flavorful.

The beverage menu at Momosan is equally impressive, with a selection of craft cocktails, sake, and Japanese whiskies that complement the flavors of the food perfectly. The Sake Sangria, made with fresh fruit and premium sake, is a refreshing and vibrant option, while the selection of Japanese whiskies offers something for every palate.

Service at Momosan is attentive and friendly, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations. The pace of the meal is relaxed yet efficient, allowing diners to enjoy their experience without feeling rushed.

Pricing at Momosan is reasonable, especially considering the high quality of the ingredients and the creativity of the dishes. It's a great value for the unique and memorable dining experience...

It was just after hitting the gym for a workout that I called my dear friend to see if she was getting off work that Sunday afternoon— looking for a place we might go to after 6pm. When me met up in front of The Grand Library on Fifth Avenue & 41st, I told her [she] could decide where to go … and she picked this place called Momosan— on Lexington Avenue not far from Grand Central. Momosan is definitely quite an Asian Fusion kabosh of sorts, though, heavily Japanese inspired seeming a toss-up between Osaka or Tokyo-inspired cuisine. The place itself is really eclectic and bustling with a very hip crowd, fashionable to a point where nobody feels underrated or overdressed. Great ambiance and Sake and mixed house concoctions ! An (A+) as it were— however upon recommendation by the waitress we chose the special ramen selection with a side dish for ($25). She had the Dan-Dan which she delightfully squeaked how wonderful it was along with a side plate of huge slabs of Chicken Kaarage! Amazing. But, my Spicy Miso Vegan was plainer than Jane— looking similar to a Thai curry and tasting literally verily blander. Now, the ramen noodles were fantastic. Plus, the extraordinary deeper fried tofu cubes with kale, tomato, and, Negi (green onions). Now any true vegan would simply love it. (I, didn’t), for one reason or another. It just did not do anything for me except cure my bowels the following day. Delightful, right. But felt great! But in any event the Sake Flight really made the evening truly memorable— the Sake selection is extensive— and she loved it!! So I made no noise that she didn’t either !! Highly recommendable nonetheless. Over the fantastic crowds and by the great wait service what’s hard not to like about the place—a must as far as that goes. Try it some time. The more the merrier, it’s honestly true!! But I only date one...