Seemor
MeijinA-Worth Trying
1574 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
· Japanese restaurant, Cocktail bar, Dessert restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (2110 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Cozy Upper East Side ramen-focused Japanese spot with flavorful broths, kind service, and great value lunch deals, but delivery issues and tip-charge complaints warrant dining in and checking bills.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Meijin delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—rich tonkotsu broths and well-executed noodles earn consistent praise—paired with warm, proactive service and inviting ambiance. However, inconsistent execution on delivery temperature and occasional order omissions prevent the higher tier, while fair pricing and strong local loyalty position it as a reliable neighborhood favorite worth visiting.
Restaurant Summary
On 2nd Ave, Meijin feels like a neighborhood refuge where bowls of steaming ramen arrive under a canopy of paper cranes. Service leans warm and proactive, with one diner noting, "They checked on me often and made solo dining easy." The room is cozy and inviting, and waits are typically short. The cooking is classic Japanese comfort with a few house twists: rich tonkotsu, balanced spicy miso, and the long-running Washu beef bowl that drinks like steak in broth. Expect reliable noodles, deep broths, and satisfying portions rather than culinary fireworks. Pricing is fair for the area, and weekday sets are a quiet steal for a quick lunch. Families do fine here. Kids gravitate to gyoza, rice, and milder ramen, and portions are shareable. The menu lists a vegetarian ramen and tofu options, though gluten-free choices are limited. If your crew prefers very plain flavors, ask for milder broths and simple sides to keep it kid friendly.
At a Glance
- Rich, flavorful broths and consistently good noodles
- Cozy ambiance with friendly service
- Strong value at lunch and fair pricing overall
- Delivery can be slow with missing or lukewarm items
- Isolated billing/tip discrepancy complaints; check receipts before leaving
What Sets It Apart
- house-specialty_washu_beef_ramen
- cozy_izakaya_vibe
- value_lunch_sets
- paper_crane_ceiling_decor
What People Love
- Broths with real depth
- Welcoming staff who check in kindly
- Generous, filling bowls
- Neighborhood vibe that feels like a regulars spot
Points of Concern
- Delivery reliability issues: missing items and lukewarm soup reported by several diners
- A few complaints about over-attentive service disrupting conversation
- Isolated billing/tip discrepancies; verify totals at payment
- Allergy handling criticized in a single report; communicate clearly and confirm with staff
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a mid-priced ramen and share an appetizer for value; add mochi for a balanced $30-40 meal
- Vegetarians: order Vegetarian Ramen plus edamame for a complete combo
Perfect For
- A comforting ramen night on the UES
- Casual date with cozy lighting
- Solo slurp at the counter or small table
- Warm-up meal after a museum visit
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper East Side corridor with steady neighborhood foot traffic and casual dining mix.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets and active evenings typical of UES avenues.
Nearby: Near museums and retail along 2nd Ave; close to apartments and offices fueling lunch and dinner.
YorkvilleYorkville offers a quieter, more residential feel compared to the rest of the Upper East Side, with a mix of classic brownstones and modern apartments. The dining scene includes a variety of casual eateries, family-friendly restaurants, and some upscale options, reflecting the neighborhood's blend of traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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