THE GARDEN AT DITMAS — Restaurant in New York

I had been meaning to visit the garden since they opened. All of my friends who live in Kensington had reached out to me to let me know that there was a delicious new ramen spot in my neighborhood. But my schedule never really aligned. After a long morning of errands and working out. I told my fiance... "You know what I could really use right now? A hearty tonkatsu ramen."

The air quality was still a bit questionable so he asked if we should do takeout and I wasn't having it. Ramen (at least the first time you're testing a restaurant) needs to be eaten in house. So we went to Cortelyou, and took a seat in the Gardens garden.

Long story short: the food was worth the hype. We ordered the gyoza, shishito peppers and the Garden roll. All the portions were generous and we didn't wait long at all for anything. (We went around 7pm on a Saturday night. The place was at about 70% capacity).

We were most pleased by all the surprising subtle flavors we tasted in these otherwise common dishes we had ordered. Nothing major, just enough for you to turn your head and say "oh I didn't expect that, and I like it."

I ordered exactly what I had been craving that morning and it couldn't have been more perfect. The tonkatsu broth was hearty and flavorful without overwhelming the senses. My hard boiled egg was fermented and salty, the perfect combo with the pickles and bamboo shoots.

When we were all done, we both felt comfortably full...and satisfied 🤤. I love that there's a place in the neighborhood that is quick, easy, and thoughtfully delicious. I will be back. Definitely. (P.s. the spicy yuzu Marg is...

If you're looking for a taste of Japan in Brooklyn, look no further than Garden. This unassuming Japanese restaurant offers some of the best sushi and ramen I've ever had.

First, the sushi. The fish is incredibly fresh and expertly prepared, with each piece melting in your mouth. The selection is varied, with traditional options like tuna and salmon as well as more unique offerings like octopus and sea urchin. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or a novice, you're sure to find something to love here.

But Garden isn't just a sushi spot. Their ramen is also top-notch. The broth is rich and flavorful, with tender noodles and perfectly cooked toppings like soft-boiled eggs and tender slices of pork. It's the perfect comfort food on a chilly evening.

The ambiance at Garden is also noteworthy - it's cozy and intimate, with a minimalist decor that lets the food shine. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to make recommendations or answer questions.

Overall, I can't recommend Garden highly enough. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait to go back and try more...

I know the Garden is fairly new-ish to the area, but I’m going on record to say it’s probably the best spot on Courtelyou since Purple Yam. I ordered pieces of the yellowtail and tuna sushi and honestly can’t be sure if I didn’t receive 2 pieces of yellowtail but it was still delicious. My tonkotsu ramen was equally tasty, the broth 100% worth slurping even once your noodles are long gone. Hot without being scolding, the flavors of the pork, egg, and vegetables fairly balanced. This might sound like ‘table stakes,’ but I’ve been to some shops that completely butcher the ramen with too hot (or barely warm) broth.

What might’ve been most surprising were the spicy yuzu margaritas. I had a couple and almost walked out without my tote bag. “It was those 2 margaritas,” the server and I said at the same time.

Crossing my fingers the quality sustains as I’m excited to come back and try much more...