Ramen Ishida Chelsea — Restaurant in New York

I have no idea who Mr. Ishida is but his ramen creations are mindblowing. Let me first get over the atmosphere and interior. Unlike your traditional ramen-ya setting, it is a modern, clean, look & feel. Almost too airy for you to expect great ramen here. But boy was I wrong. Once you have the first taste of anything, you start to understand that the interior is just a facade and you can truly take the culinary journey.

So when you go for a $22 bowl of ramen, a lot goes through your mind. Why must it cost that much. I had the Tokyo Shoyu (the first one). How can I say this... the ramen broth is both complex and yet sophisticated. The chef balances a gentle truffle scent with a single shio leaf. The broth is clean but absolutely has depth. The ramen noodles were a bit unique - felt more like a somen - not your chewy squiggly type. But that's okay. It made sense with everything in the bowl. The traditional half-boiled egg was to perfection. This bowl of ramen made me so happy, that I simply couldn't put a pulse on the hieritage of this restaurant. Where did Mr. Ishida come from? This bowl of ramen isn't just your everyday ramen. It has history. It has a story to tell.

The other side dishes were also quite phenomenal. The pork gyoza came in a wonton soup style bowl - a bit salty and mildly spicy. Everything fitting well together. And the crab cream croquette was also heavenly, although a bit bland. I would recommend infusing a bit more crab meat into it. But again, the croquette was fried to perfection.

It is seldom that you get such caliber of creation at a brand new looking restaurant. But Ishida is just that. Will...

I just found out about the new location. I've been going to the old place since it opened. So of course, I'm a little biased. Having enjoyed so many heavenly meals there, I immediately had to try the new place. I never write reviews, but I felt compelled to spread the word about this amazing chef and his work. I had the new Tokyo shoyu as usual. I believe it is his signature dish. It was just as delightful as ever. I don't really know how to describe it, except to say it is the best ramen I've ever had. The person sitting a few seats away, told the waitress the same. That is something I have witnessed many times. I love watching peoples reactions because I still remember the first time I had the ramen. I also had the boiled gyoza. I must tell you that the broth on this appetizer has a little kick to it that is sublime. Even though I was pretty full, I was seriously considering getting one more gyoza order, just to get another taste of the broth. Then I had the vanilla ice cream desert. Just the perfect end to a meal. The "snow angel" sake is also very tasty with a beautiful finish. The place is larger and very well designed. The old space is fine but I always felt it was a little too small. The only thing I didn't find fitting is the liquid death sparkling water in a can. I'd much rather see my favorite Saratoga sparkling water. That's just me nitpicking. Everything from the design to the service was amazing. I can't wait to bring my friends to...

If you’re on the hunt for a ramen spot that offers not just a meal but an experience, look no further. This ramen place is a true hidden gem. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the perfect tone for a delightful dining experience. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the ramen. The noodles are cooked to perfection, boasting a texture that’s both firm and chewy, exactly as they should be. Each bite is a testament to the chef’s dedication to quality and authenticity. The soup is another highlight. Clean, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, it complements the noodles beautifully. Whether you opt for the classic Shio ramen or venture into more adventurous flavors, you’re in for a treat. The broth is meticulously crafted, striking a perfect balance between savory and umami. Don’t skip the appetizers! They are a delicious prelude to the main event. From crispy crab croquettes to the delicious shishito peppers with yuzu salt, each dish is prepared with care and bursts with flavor. These small plates are perfect for sharing and add an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal. Don’t forget to drink the excellent sake by the cup! In summary, this ramen place is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates good food in a great setting. The combination of perfectly cooked noodles, tasty soup, and delicious appetizers, all served in a lovely ambiance, makes it a standout choice for ramen...