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Nishida Sho-ten
Master Critic Review
Nishida Sho-ten
8.4
A compact late-night ramen counter in Midtown East, Nishida Sho-ten focuses on rich kakuni-style pork ramen, black-garlic broths, and a few vegetarian options in a Showa-era–inspired space. Office workers, ramen hunters, and service-industry folks rely on it for deeply flavored bowls well past midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Kakuni Ramen, Black Garlic Shoyu Ramen, Vegetarian Miso Ramen
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Showa-era ramen counter known for late-night hours and punchy broths.
Who should go: Ramen obsessives craving serious bowls after dark.
When to visit: Late nights after 10pm when the counter feels transportive.
What to order: Pork Belly Kakuni Ramen, black-garlic ramen, a draft beer.
Insider tip: Lines shrink after the post-work rush, so aim for a late-night visit for quicker seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd/3rd Avenue is limited, especially late; rely on nearby garages along 2nd Avenue.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, office wear, and winter layers are all typical for a ramen counter.
Noise level: Moderate—small space with kitchen sounds, but still fine for solo dining or casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak late-night hours; faster after 11pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the counter can fill briefly around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—there is a vegetable-forward ramen option and a few sides suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—broths and noodles typically contain animal products; ask staff for the day’s possibilities.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no gluten-free noodles and broths may contain wheat-based ingredients.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates no-frills ramen counters—it's intimate and atmospheric but not suited for long conversations or polished ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only; arriving after the early-evening rush ensures the quickest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—space is tight and seating is counter-only, so it’s better for older kids comfortable with hot bowls and quick meals.
Best For
Better for: Late-night, flavor-forward ramen with rich broths and quick service, especially for solo diners.
Skip if: You want a long sit-down meal, large group seating, or extensive vegan/gluten-free choices.