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Zen Ramen & Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Zen Ramen & Sushi
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Zen Ramen & Sushi is a high-volume Midtown West standby for big-bowl ramen, happy-hour sushi rolls, and bento boxes a short walk from Penn Station and Times Square. Locals and visitors lean on it for dependable noodles, broad menu coverage, and one of the neighborhood’s more generous happy hour deals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tonkotsu shoyu ramen, Seafood ramen, Salmon teriyaki bento box
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A sprawling Japanese crowd-pleaser with popular ramen and aggressive happy-hour pricing.
Who should go: Ramen and roll lovers needing a lively Midtown sit-down option.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour before theater or after work rush hits.
What to order: Spicy tonkotsu shoyu, seafood ramen, happy-hour salmon and tuna rolls.
Insider tip: Head upstairs during peak times for better odds at a quiet table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Penn Station; rely on nearby paid garages along W 36th–38th Streets.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; office wear and jeans both fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially downstairs during happy hour; conversation is workable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak pre-theater hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage with veggie ramen, avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—simple vegetable rolls and broth-free dishes; confirm noodle bases with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some sushi and rice-based items qualify; ramen broths and soy sauces may not—ask for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for casual dates thanks to quick service and approachable dishes, but the space leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive slightly before happy hour to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids; the menu is broad and portions are generous, though the bustle may overwhelm very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, fast ramen service, and one of the stronger value-driven happy hours in Midtown West.
Skip if: You want high-end sushi, a quiet dining room, or meticulously crafted ramen—opt for a specialty shop instead.
Zen Ramen & Sushi
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
A high-volume Midtown Japanese all-rounder that’s most reliable when you order like a ramen shop, not a greatest-hits sampler. The better bowls lean spicy and seafood-forward, and the kitchen’s speed makes it work for quick lunches when you want something warming without committing to a long sit-down. Keep the order tight—ramen plus one small appetizer—so the strongest items stay in focus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Seafood Ramen, Spicy Beef Ramen, Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast, broad Japanese menu where ramen is the safest anchor.
Who should go: Midtown workers needing a dependable ramen lunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the post-noon rush
What to order: Spicy seafood ramen, spicy beef ramen, gyoza
Insider tip: Order ramen first—treat sushi as optional add-on, not the plan.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Office attire and jeans are both common.
Noise level: Moderate. Busy lunch energy with audible conversation, but still workable for business or small groups.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak dinner hours
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes before noon; longer after 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – vegetarian ramen and a few vegetable-focused appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited – some vegetarian dishes can be modified, but broth options are restricted.
Gluten-free options: Limited – rice-based dishes and sashimi work, but ramen noodles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet than a romantic date. The pace is quick and the room stays active, so it’s not intimate but it is easy and comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Walk-ins are the norm, especially at lunch. Go before noon or after 1:30pm for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like noodles and soup. The environment is busy and not designed for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Speed, consistency, and spicy ramen options in Midtown—especially when you need a reliable lunch that doesn’t drag.
Skip if: You want a destination-level ramen experience, deep broth nuance, or a sushi-focused meal—specialty ramen shops nearby will outperform it.