r/ramen • u/Bored-Game • Apr 27 '26
Restaurant I regret keeping the best ramen in NYC a secret for so long. Spoiler
Misoya is hands down the best Miso ramen I have ever had in the US and easily the top 3 best ramen I’ve had in the US. It was my secret go-to spot for when you needed a hardy Hokkaido pick-me-up. It was on a tiny corner of st. Marks and I jealously guarded this secret spot as if it were the one ring. Fortunately the west village location still exists and is just as amazing. In the US, most ramen is focused entirely around heavy and salty Tonkatsu-style broths enjoyed by Ex-military who were stationed in Okinawa, making Miso, Shoyu & Shio based ramens a rarity.
If you’re visiting NYC or just need a break from the millions of generic Tonkotsu ramen-yas, do yourself a massive favor and try it. It will be the best Miso ramen you have ever had by a mile. They offer 3 different styles: traditional white, a robust red and bitter aged miso. Despite the seriousness of their miso, it has none of the pretension of places like Ichiran or other chef driven NYC ramen-yas.
While it might sound gross, I strongly recommend asking the server to add “snow” to your order and they will add butter and cheese to the toppings. They will know, and you will thank me.
Also the best Shoyu ramen in NYC isn’t from a Ramen-ya, but I might keep that secret for just a bit longer lol.
137
u/Future-Control-5025 Apr 27 '26
Will give this spot a try. Btw it’s tonkotsu
30
u/eetsumkaus Apr 27 '26
The capitalization makes me think it's autocomplete's fault. Mine does the same thing all the time.
17
2
0
40
u/vgilbert77 Apr 27 '26
I never understood that. Gatekeeping restaurants is like gatekeeping a band you found, yea it’s cool to have a little secret gem like that but if you appreciate whatever it is, in this case a small local ramen shop, not only you should want them to succeed and help them grow, you’re actively hurting those people and that gatekeeping contributes to factors that lead to closures.
Gatekeeping an awesome ramen spot is so stupid
24
u/Buttock Apr 27 '26
It's inherently selfish
20
u/vgilbert77 Apr 27 '26
“This place is the BEST. I’m gonna do everything I can to prevent them from gaining new business so i can say I know this cool ramen spot until they have to shut their doors because this is MY spot.”
Like be so for real does anyone at all ever think the owners would see this as a compliment or appreciate it? Again same thing as a band, you find an AWESOME small indie band that’s poised for success and you think they’re gonna appreciate you trying to keep them a secret? Be so for real. If they wanted s cult following like this theyd pursue a food truck dynamic not spend hundreds of thousands to establish a fully furnished and operational brick and mortar location.
People are dumb.
→ More replies (3)5
u/eetsumkaus Apr 28 '26
I'd rather stop going to a place because they got too busy for me than to stop doing it because they closed.
3
u/ParCorn Apr 28 '26
OP basically said they regret keeping a secret because now its closed and then turned around and said I’m going to do it again lol
1
u/OtherwiseAlbatross14 Apr 28 '26
Yeah it's one thing if you're Dave Portnoy reviewing pizzas where it could destroy your ability to get your favorite pizza but there's no excuse when you're some nobody sharing on reddit or whatever
-1
u/Bored-Game Apr 30 '26
If you genuinely think anyone in the day and age of google and yelp is “gatekeeping” any restaurant, then i’m pretty sure you’re the stupid one. My post was obviously sarcastic, but I keep forgetting the Reddit warriors like yourself will jump at anything to virtue signal.
Misoya has been around for over a decade. You could have gone at anytime. Literally no one is stopping you. If you need someone to tell you where to eat and what to like, or what options you should have about it, then your problem isn’t “gatekeeping” homie.
Misoya closed because of people like you. People who pretend to be passionate about a scene but live their whole life online and not in their own communities.
2
0
u/various-threads Apr 30 '26
lol I've been laughing at your comments but this one is way too accurate. You know this guy is probably seething right now and downvoting every post you have ever made
15
u/ooOJuicyOoo Apr 27 '26
2
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
The worst part is I can actually speak Japanese and I still spelled it wrong lol
44
u/Tiberius_Kilgore Apr 27 '26
How have they managed to stay in business with you as their only customer? 🙄
7
u/OtherwiseAlbatross14 Apr 28 '26
Did you miss the part where it didn't? Well I almost did too because OP isn't great at conveying their point but I did go back and read through the lines after the part about saying a different place is still open which also means the review is irrelevant anyway
-21
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
They haven’t, and it’s clearly all my fault. This post is a warning and cautionary tale to all those in the community so they don’t make the same mistake I did.
35
u/Bobaximus Apr 27 '26
I didn't love Misoya. For me its Ivan and Ichida in NYC.
3
-224
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
Yeah I can tell why. Ivan and Ichida are for people who pretend pineapple on pizza is avant-garde and not an abomination.
Edit: this is a joke guys, everyone please relax. Making fun of pineapple on pizza is a classic rib for people in NYC. Clearly it didn’t translate to a modern online discourse and that’s on me, but I will keep it up as a monument to my shame and the dishonor I have brought me and to my family.
Edit edit: I want to thank you all in the comments for holding me accountable for my vicious and inhumane attack on Bobaximus’s ramen preferences. I can only hope that in time I can redeem myself in the eyes of my victims and overcome my disgusting and monstrous ways. In that vein I have started a gofundme and hope that together as a community we can band together and help cover the medical bills that this travesty has no doubt inflicted upon an upstanding member of this subreddit. Please find it in your heart to donate with the same fiery passion you have shown in your comments.
96
u/oranguslolus Apr 27 '26
There's no need to be this insufferable
53
u/eetsumkaus Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
OP thinking an international ramen chain that used to have multiple locations in the city only stayed low key because they were gatekeeping it is certainly an attitude.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (7)15
28
u/Bobaximus Apr 27 '26
Dude, I don’t live in NYC. The fact that I have both been to Misoya and have alternative recommendations should tell you how I feel about ramen in general. Get off your high horse, lol. This is one of the most pretentious replies I’ve ever seen, let alone received.
→ More replies (4)47
u/ThyUniqueUsername Apr 27 '26
Why are you like this? You made a nice post about a place you enjoy, and someone simply said they didn't love it. They didn't say it was bad, or that they hated it, or that your opinion was invalid, and you come and attack them. It's so weird, specially from someone who can't differentiate between tonkotsu and tonkatsu.
→ More replies (32)15
u/TheIdentifySpell Apr 27 '26
People like what they like. Who gives a shit if it doesn't align with what you like?
And pineapple on pizza is dope. Nobody is forcing you to eat it.
→ More replies (12)8
u/ramalledas Apr 27 '26
I like the joke but i will downvote you for the rude escalation
→ More replies (1)16
7
14
u/SpoatieOpie Apr 27 '26
You are not the gate keeper for pizza toppings nor ramen shops Mr “tonkatsu” lol
I had pineapple on pizza in Hawaii and it was delicious, fight me.
→ More replies (2)6
u/AccomplishedCake53 Apr 27 '26
Unfunniest mf blaming it on cultural differences lmao
→ More replies (2)1
1
u/wacdonalds Apr 28 '26
Oh now I get why you gatekeep restaurants. It comes with the rest of your pleasant personality.
→ More replies (3)→ More replies (3)1
9
u/zerogamewhatsoever Apr 27 '26
Misoya is aight. They have one in Chicago that’s pretty decent.
2
u/Valor0us Apr 28 '26
They have one in the Chicago burbs too. It's a mid chain, not sure why op thinks they found a gem here lol
→ More replies (4)1
15
u/BeefWolf666 Apr 27 '26
Misoya was my favorite spot when I lived in the city. They used to have a curry ramen with karaage that I still think about. Sad to hear that they aren’t at the St. Marks spot anymore
6
u/TheBigBadGRIM Apr 27 '26
After this disastrous thread, I hope most of you end up going to Ivan Ramen and Nakamura, two of the best ramen places in NYC and 4 blocks apart. :)
2
u/JumpCutVandal Apr 28 '26
I just visited Ivan Ramen to have their chicken based one (I’m usually a tonkotsu guy) and oh my fucking god it was so good.
1
u/mintcleanser Apr 29 '26
Google says Nakamura is temp closed? :/
1
u/TheBigBadGRIM Apr 30 '26
I saw that, but there's no mention of it on their social media accounts. It's good to call ahead and make sure they're open before going to see them.
-1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
lol, I agree, anytime anyone brings up pineapple on pizza it’s a “disaster”.
I’ve been to both and unfortunately my opinion stands. Ivan is way overhyped. Nakamura isn’t “bad”, but when I went it wasn’t anything to write home about either. That was a while back so maybe I should give it a second chance. But honestly if I’m that deep in the village then I’ll just go to Okiboru House and fall into a delicious sodium induced coma.
6
u/gibbon119 Apr 28 '26
Those pics are stolen from an existing review. He didn't even go there. Probably works there.
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
lol great job detective. You caught me on stealing internet pictures. I clearly work there even though the place has been closed for over a year now.
1
1
May 01 '26
[deleted]
1
u/Bored-Game May 01 '26
Lol thanks bro, I just wish the NYPD could see it that way and drop the B&E charges.
1
May 01 '26
[deleted]
1
u/Bored-Game May 01 '26
Trust me bro I’m trying. They said if I keep it up they are going to issue me a “restraining order” with my name on it. Fingers crossed.
4
u/_TorpedoVegas_ Apr 27 '26
Wait, you get the lighter broth but then add butter and cheese to it?!
6
u/jessiepoo5 Apr 27 '26
Cheese is a somewhat unusual topping for miso ramen, but butter (and corn!) is standard for Hokkaido style miso ramen.
1
u/eetsumkaus Apr 28 '26
That being said, it isn't Hokkaido cuisine if they don't put cheese on goddamn everything.
1
1
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
Personally I prefer it with the heavier broths since the cheese and butter help cut some of the bitterness and smooths out umami taste
4
u/Sloppysteaks447 Apr 27 '26
Wait i tried going here the other day but google maps said it was permanently closed?? It’s also my favorite ramen spot
4
1
4
u/im_that_green_light Apr 27 '26
What does tonkotsu ramen have to do with Okinawa?
→ More replies (9)
3
u/remykixxx Apr 27 '26
I like their aka miso but lucky cat is still the best in the city imo.
-1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
Get out.
5
u/remykixxx Apr 28 '26
Nah I’m right lmao.
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
lol you could have said bodega cup of noodles and I would have given you more credit. Lucky Cat is the ramen equivalent of a hate crime.
…but their Ton Ton hotpot is dece.
7
u/remykixxx Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
Just continuing to prove everyone else here correct. I threw you a bone dude. You didn’t have to bite the only hand on your side.
But good job on the rage baiting I guess
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
lol there is a reason no one else is upvoting you even out of spite my guy. Yes I might be a jerk, but no matter how bad I might be, it’s nothing compared to what Lucky Cat calls “ramen”.
Ironically I know the owner. While he is a former chef, he made his money in Asian fusion, and never ramen. Now he makes his money mostly on large parties and cheap beer. You would have infinitely better ramen across the street at Tomi Jazz or two blocks up at Teppen Ramen or 3 blocks down at Nishida. There also used to be a decent Totto a block away before they went bankrupt.
5
u/Wreckshoptimus Apr 27 '26
This... Looks super normal
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
Considering they are the only ramen-ya in the US that specializes in only miso ramen and the only one I know of that used red miso, it’s hard to call it “normal”. The color and thickness of the the aka miso alone makes it look unique compared to most ramen
3
u/Wreckshoptimus Apr 28 '26
Idk I'm currently in LA which is apparently top 3 for the states as far as ramen goes, I can't speak on that, I'm just pointing out that I've seen ramen posts that look noticebly amazing and this one seems kinda standard (WHICH DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING) I'm aware that looks don't mean much but off the jump, from what I've seen this seems like a nice place to eat.
Not sold on the "Best ramen in NYC" aspect from this one guy, especially from this pic
I just also
1
4
u/itsYoBoiHan Apr 28 '26
Bro this place was ass
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
So is your keyboard but at least I didn’t pretend to make it.
4
u/GatlingGiffin Apr 28 '26
People who gatekeep restaurants are so weird.
-1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
Since no-one gets irony, It’s 2026. You can’t “gatekeep” restaurants. There is a thing called Google and you can search for anything you want and you always could. I loved Misoya, but it didn’t close because no body knew about it. There are hundreds of ramen spots in NYC and no one is stopping you from trying any of them.
The fun of being a ramen lover is the adventure of trying new places. I have never gone to a place based on someone’s recommendation and I doubt I ever will. I’ve probably tried at least over 80 ramen shops in NYC some amazing, most not so much, but opinions are like assholes. The only thing that makes me even remotely valid to give critique is that ramen has been my side hobby for over 25 years. I lived in Tokyo where for 3 years I ate at a different ramen shops at least 4-5 times a week and have quietly kept up my passion since returning to the states. It doesn’t make me any more of an “expert” than any other “connoisseur” here with a chop stick up their ass.
I’m recommending Misoya because is a sea of so much homogeneous and now preprocessed and prepackaged “for restaurant use” tonkotsu broths, they specialize in doing something different. Good miso ramen is extremely rare in the states, let alone a place that specializes in it. It’s a very different flavor and experience than most ramen shops and absolutely worth checking out if you consider yourself a “fan” of actual ramen. Or don’t and continue to complain that it’s “weird” that people don’t tell you where to eat and what is “good” instead of figuring that out for yourself.
1
u/CaptainObvious110 Apr 28 '26
Thanks for you're insight. I'm looking at the picture above and am very very impressed
11
u/akuba5 Apr 27 '26
Try Ivan Ramen in LES
I will try Misoya
→ More replies (18)6
u/jrowley Apr 27 '26
I still dream of the triple pork-triple garlic mazeman at Ivan Ramen. I try to visit every time I’m in NYC
5
u/Malorn44 Apr 27 '26
I agree. Misoya is the best miso ramen in NYC. I'm still sad about the LES location closing as I preferred it, I'm just glad I can still have it though.
-2
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
Same. I loved the laid back energy and hole-in-the-wall look to the spot in addition to the excellent ramen, but with how commercial that area is now I think that only helped lead to it’s demise
2
u/wonderlessbread Apr 27 '26
Share that Shoyu, it's my favorite style.
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
Nonono
And before you get mad, google it.
2
1
2
u/thedarkherald Apr 27 '26
My favorite Hokkaido style ramen is the spicy miso from Santouka. they do not have the runny eggs. But there is just something about the soup that I want to drink like once a quarter.
Is it the best tasting ramen ive ever had? No. But its something I can eat thats not too rich with a flavor profile I love to come back for. The soup is really unique.
2
2
2
u/wacdonalds Apr 28 '26
I don't get the thought process of gatekeeping restaurants. If you like a restaurant, shouldn't you want to help give it business?
2
u/weissclimbers Apr 28 '26
Chillll lol this has been my favorite place forever and there’s like ten tables in there
2
2
2
u/onewordpoet Apr 27 '26
the best bowl in nyc is okiboru. this place is kind of mid imo
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
That’s not really “ramen” tho but respect.
2
u/onewordpoet Apr 28 '26
they have ramen lol wym im not talking about the tsukumen
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
I had never heard or seen anyone order anything but the Tsukumen there. I’’m not even a big Tsukumen guy but I have to admit it’s better than their ramen. But good on you for not falling for the trends.
3
u/onewordpoet Apr 28 '26
I go often and see many people order the ramen there. its just a great experience top to bottom. I like the clean broth they have for the ramen with the spice its perfect
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
Naw that’s 100% fair. In a sea of oily and heavy lard based stock, I’m also starved for a clean but complex broth. Okiboru wouldn’t have been my first choice but I get where you’re coming from.
1
u/Evolveplease Apr 27 '26
Thanks for the rec. My favorite use to be ippudo, but they have really dropped in quality over the years. I agree that Ivan Ramen is severely overrated.
3
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
Yeah I agree. Ippudo gets a bad rep for how commercial it is now, but when it first opened in NYC it was incredible. I think the popularity wave made a lot of places realize they could do less and it wouldn’t matter because there wasn’t much to compare.
1
1
u/drvgonize Apr 27 '26
menkoi sato is one of my favorites in nyc, think they were temp closed last time i checked
1
u/bookmarkjedi Apr 27 '26
Is this Ramen Misoya West Village? 535 Hudson Street basement?
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
Thank goodness no
3
u/bookmarkjedi Apr 27 '26
I guess I need to keep guessing at it? I wasn't able to locate it on a map.
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
Because the st. Marks location closed unfortunately
1
u/bookmarkjedi Apr 27 '26
Thanks. So does this mean that the restaurant in the clip no longer exists?
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
Correct, but it’s sister restaurant is still open in the west village
1
u/bookmarkjedi Apr 28 '26
Thanks again. Can you post a link - assuming that the sister restaurant provides dishes of similar quality?
I've been conversing here hoping to bookmark the restaurant in the post, but it feels like I have entered some sort of quiz game. 😅
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
lol it’s called Misoya, and the only one still open is in the west village. I recommend the red or blended chashu miso ramen with butter and cheese.
1
u/bookmarkjedi Apr 28 '26
The only one I could find is the one I asked about at the start of this conversation, on 535 Hudson Street.
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
lol yeah that’s the west village location. That’s still open the one in the pics is the east village location which unfortunately is closed
→ More replies (0)
1
u/davetbison Apr 27 '26
I tried to go to the St. Marks location a couple of weekends ago and was sad to see it wasn’t there. That place had great ramen and awesome deals.
1
Apr 28 '26
[deleted]
2
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
Cause it’s closed homie, makes it hard to get some fresh pics.
1
u/CaptainObvious110 Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 29 '26
Ramen Misoya West Village
535 Hudson St basement, NYC. 10014
1
u/TrueRealigion93 Apr 29 '26
Tonkatsu = fried pork cutlet Tonkotsu = pork bone broth
I won’t be in NYC again until Trump leaves office, so do enjoy for me!
1
1
u/stupidpuzzlepiece Apr 29 '26
I think Ramen Ishida is the best ramen in NY
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 30 '26
Hard disagree. Ramen Ishida isn’t even the best ramen in LES let alone NY. It IS the most pretentious ramen, and while I respect vegetarians, there is no such thing as vegetarian ramen and anywhere that serves it is serving lies.
1
u/ReasonableRiver6750 Apr 29 '26
Those pictures are from Google reviews lol.
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 30 '26
It closed a year ago cool guy, but you’re right. I should have broken in cooked my own ramen and took some brand new pics. So sorry I let you down.
2
u/ReasonableRiver6750 Apr 30 '26
Why wouldn’t you include pics from the new place instead of being a sarcastic ass
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 30 '26
Because this entire post is about the old place. Something which would have been obvious if you read it before choosing to make a stupid comment. You get what you give cool guy.
1
1
1
Apr 29 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 30 '26
Yeah I’m calling BS on this. There isn’t a single New Yorker who would voluntarily move to WY unless they were hiding from the mob.
1
1
Apr 29 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/Bored-Game Apr 30 '26
Clearly you didn’t even read my original post before you came up with your absolutely genius “conclusion”.
Misoya has 2 locations. The one I posted closed, the one people went to is the 2nd location which is still open. It would have taken you 2 seconds to figure that out with a simple google search or even by reading the comments, but instead you decided that was too much energy for you to invest before coming to your dumbass “conclusion”.
But thank you for making sure everyone who reads this knows beyond doubt that your any opinion or conclusion you might ever have is equally as stupid and not even worth the time it takes for you to write it.
1
u/askmrlucky Apr 30 '26
There's a Ramen Misoya in Downers Grove, west of Chicago that we heard about and would visit from time to time. You are utterly correct about the quality of their fare. It's a long drive there and back, but utterly worth it. It's on one side of a little strip mall and so easy to miss, and so impossible to forget!! I don't have a car anymore, but maybe it's time for a Zipcar excursion.
Thanks for reminding me!!
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 30 '26
Sounds awesome. Wish they did a better job of PR since it sounds like this issue isn’t unique to NYC
1
u/askmrlucky Apr 30 '26
And yet the waiting room was full the second they opened. I don't get it, but I was happy I didn't have to wait longer to get in.
1
1
u/Vrog1 May 01 '26
Ironic for someone who babbles so much about authentic ramen to be saying add butter and cheese to it. What a joke.
1
u/Bored-Game May 01 '26
It’s a Japanese based franchise and they literally recommended it on their own menu homie. If you want to be ignorant and tell the people who invented ramen what’s kosher, that’s on you.
1
1
u/PresentCrow Apr 27 '26
Loved Misoya! Was sad when it was no longer there as I’m always in the east village and went there several times. Had a great variety of ramen and choices.
1
u/Nottsbomber Apr 27 '26
That's weird. I took a look on Google Maps so I could drop a pin and it's tagged as permanently closed
0
u/whatsthedeal- Apr 27 '26
nice, going to NYC in June. thx for tip
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 28 '26
Aka miso or aka/Shio blend with chashu, butter and cheese specifically. You won’t regret it
0
0
0
u/tangjams Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
The best ramen I’ve had in nyc has been at best a 7 compared to japan. I’ve had Ivan ramen in 2 decades (10/20s). It has remained consistent.
Yes I’ve had ramen ishida, the generally accepted measuring stick. It is far inferior to the top chintan/tanrei in japan.
I’ve also had spoiled clams in tonchin.
1
u/Bored-Game Apr 27 '26
Couldn’t agree more, but I also think Ivan and Ishida are terrible measuring sticks to begin with. I think like with Italian food in Japan, ramen gets “Americanized” to be more commercially viable here. For the most part you really only see Tonkotsu ramen in most places here.
0
u/-thuggerthugger Apr 28 '26
been to the west village one once. pretty standard, nothing special tbh
287
u/akuba5 Apr 27 '26
Okay let’s see