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Tonchin
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tonchin
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Tokyo-born tonkotsu with a Midtown polish: creamy broth, springy house-made noodles, and an izakaya-side menu that’s stronger than most ramen “supporting casts.” The move is to keep it ramen-forward—one signature bowl plus one starter—because the room can get busy and pacing matters. Tonchin traces its roots to Tokyo (1992) and opened its U.S. flagship in Midtown (est. 2017), with Michelin Guide recognition boosting confidence in repeatability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, Smoked Dashi Ramen, Seared Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Tokyo-rooted tonkotsu with house-made noodles and a Michelin-noted bowl.
Who should go: Ramen loyalists, business lunches, and post-work dinner crews
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner before peak reservations
What to order: Classic tonkotsu, smoked dashi ramen, seared gyoza
Insider tip: Book ahead and treat it as “one bowl + one starter” for best pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Nearby paid garages on W 36th–38th St; street parking is very limited and competitive, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room leans polished—business-casual fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but expect a hum during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Short wait or none if you arrive before 12:30pm; brief lines closer to 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. A well-developed vegetarian ramen option plus vegetable-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited. One vegan-friendly ramen and a few sides; confirm broth details when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited. Broths may be gluten-free, but noodles are wheat-based and no dedicated gluten-free noodle substitute is standard.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you like polished but unfussy spots. The room feels trendy and confident without being loud-clubby, and sharing one starter before ramen keeps things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but timing matters. Walk-ins work best at weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6pm). Prime dinner hours usually mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids than toddlers. There’s no kids menu, but simpler noodle bowls work well for kids who already like ramen.
Best For
Better for: Refined tonkotsu depth, house-made noodles, and a stronger-than-average izakaya-style starter lineup compared with most Midtown ramen shops.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual, quick ramen or strict gluten-free dining—lighter, faster noodle counters or specialty dietary-focused spots will fit better.
Tonchin
8.5
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
An izakaya-leaning ramen room where the tonkotsu base and noodle texture do the heavy lifting, backed by a polished, modern dining room. It’s a reliable “trendy-but-serious” meal: one starter, one bowl, and you’re set.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokyo tonkotsu ramen, Smoked dashi ramen, Crisp-seared gyoza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tokyo-rooted ramen with a refined, Midtown-friendly execution.
Who should go: Ramen people and lunch crews who want a sure bowl.
When to visit: Lunch off-peak or early dinner for fastest pacing.
What to order: Tokyo tonkotsu; smoked dashi ramen; gyoza.
Insider tip: Go early—midday lines spike quickly on weekdays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited in the Garment District; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekdays.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine; business-casual fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively room but still easy to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during the rush; little to no wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. A well-regarded vegetarian ramen and vegetable-forward starters.
Vegan options: Limited. Vegan ramen is sometimes available, but options are fewer—confirm when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited. Broth and toppings can work, but noodles are not gluten-free and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want something casual but polished. The room feels modern and confident, and ramen keeps the meal focused without awkward pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but timing matters. Arrive early for dinner or just before/after the lunch rush to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy noodles and bold flavors. It’s not a loud or chaotic space, but it’s more adult-leaning than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: A refined, sit-down ramen experience with consistent broth quality and a Midtown-friendly dining room.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap ramen, late-night hours, or extensive vegan/gluten-free customization—simpler noodle shops or specialty spots may suit better.
Tonchin
8.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
A polished ramen room where rich tonkotsu, springy house noodles, and well-run pacing make it an easy family meal between Midtown errands. The menu is built for sharing—wings, gyoza, and one or two bowls cover a group without fuss. Best when you book ahead or arrive a little early and keep the order tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Tan Tan Ramen, Curry Cheese Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-volume Midtown ramen with consistently strong bowls and sides.
Who should go: Families craving ramen without chaos
When to visit: Early dinner or off-peak lunch
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, tan tan ramen, wings
Insider tip: Order one appetizer first, then bowls—keeps pacing smooth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks are the safest bet, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but controlled; easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; shorter if you arrive before 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait off-peak; brief lines possible between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—clear vegetarian ramen and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan ramen available, but fewer customization paths than vegetarian.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no gluten-free ramen noodles; some rice-based dishes and sides can work with guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want casual and low-pressure—ramen keeps things focused and timing predictable, though it’s more relaxed than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes off-peak, but weekends and early dinner hours fill fast—reservations or an early arrival make it smoother.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for school-age kids and up; the menu is approachable, portions are shareable, and service moves quickly.
Best For
Better for: Reliable tonkotsu ramen, efficient pacing, and group-friendly ordering in a polished Midtown setting.
Skip if: You need gluten-free noodles, ultra-quiet dining, or a long, lingering meal—look to lighter noodle shops or full-service restaurants instead.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 10pm