Kyuramen: A Strange Date Night with Mixed Results for a Ramen Enthusiast

After a bad first date at Kyuramen, the guy isn’t the only one who won’t be getting a second chance.

Note: This review was written back in November, before I had a Substack.

I went to Kyuramen this past weekend on a first date. Within the first 30 minutes, I knew we weren’t a match—but I still clung to the delusion that maybe a good bowl of ramen could rescue the weird vibe of the evening. If the date wasn’t going to be memorable for the company, I was hoping the ramen could at least redeem the night.

As someone who considers ramen their favorite food, I make a point to try ramen restaurants wherever I go. As a result, I’ve developed a discerning palate for what makes a good ramen experience. Overall, Kyuramen had both highlights and drawbacks that shaped my visit.

The restaurant’s aesthetic is reminiscent of a traditional ramen shop in Japan, with minimalistic but intentional decor. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a large red paper lantern featuring the restaurant’s name and logo. A striking mural spans the right-hand wall, adding a touch of artistry to the space. Smaller paper lanterns and Japanese symbols adorn the restaurant, enhancing its authentic ambiance.

I highly recommend making a reservation if you visit on the weekend, as the restaurant was quite busy. On a Saturday night at 8:30 p.m., without a reservation, we faced about a 30-minute wait for a table for two.

We opted to sit at the bar—decorated with flags displaying Japanese symbols—which turned out to be an enjoyable choice, as it allowed us to watch the detailed process of how each bowl of ramen was prepared. 

We started our meal with drinks, both ordering the “Amazing Lemonade.” Unfortunately, this drink did not live up to its name for me. The menu didn’t mention that it contained cucumbers, which posed a problem, as I’m allergic to them. Thankfully, my allergy isn’t too severe, so I decided to try it in an attempt not to appear overly fussy on a first date. The flavor leaned heavily on cucumber, which overwhelmed the overall taste. If I liked cucumbers, I might have found it refreshing—but in this case, it wasn’t to my liking.

The ramen was served relatively quickly, which was impressive given how busy the restaurant was. I ordered the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, my go-to dish that I use as a benchmark for new ramen spots. While the bowl looked promising, the flavor profile fell short of expectations.

Traditional tonkotsu ramen—known for its rich, pork-based broth—took an unexpected turn at Kyuramen, with a noticeable fishy quality that felt out of place. The thick noodles had a pleasant chew, and the chashu pork stood out as the most enjoyable part, being both tender and flavorful. However, the overall dish lacked cohesion, with the broth's unusual flavor being the main letdown. Normally, the broth is my favorite part of any ramen experience, so this aspect significantly influenced my overall impression. Still, one underwhelming bowl doesn’t always tell the whole story.

Unlike my date, I maybe open to giving Kyuramen another try, as their generally good ratings and multiple locations suggest it might have been an off day. The restaurant also offers a varied selection beyond just ramen, which piques my interest and makes me curious to try more options if and when I eventually return. However, I’m definitely in no rush. A telltale sign of my true feelings about a meal is whether I bring home the leftovers. In this case, I did not.

Location: 210 E 14th St (Multiple Locations Available)

Selection: Amazing Lemonade, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

Instagram: @kyuramen.nyc

Price Rating: $$

Flavor Rating: 🌟🌟

Selection Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

*Ratings are out of 5*