Seemor
Ivan RamenB+Worth Trying
25 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
· Ramen restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (8545 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Inventive, flavor-forward ramen with standout small plates; excellent for adventurous eaters, but salt levels and reservation/policy issues frustrate some.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ivan Ramen delivers exceptional broth quality and noodle execution with creative chef-driven touches that draw devoted repeat visitors. However, inconsistent salt levels and occasional temperature issues prevent a higher grade, and the cramped seating limits overall experience polish. Strong service and chef reputation make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood ramen destinations, though execution gaps keep it from elite standing.
Restaurant Summary
The Lower East Side room feels warm and bustling without tipping into chaos when timed right. Servers are friendly and on it, and details like QR code bill-splitting keep things easy. One diner put it simply: "The broth had deep umami and the noodles had perfect chew." However, there are no notable authenticity concerns here, though a few sharp service-policy run-ins show up among otherwise strong feedback. The cooking leans modern and creative: chef-driven ramen with flour blends and toppings that push past tradition. Spicy miso and chicken paitan lead the charge, while small plates like karaage and crispy nasu add range. Expect bold seasoning and occasional heat rather than minimalist restraint—great for adventurous ramen fans. For families, there is kid-accessible comfort like fried chicken, buns, and milder broths, but several dishes run spicy or assertive. Gluten-free rice noodles and a vegan shoyu help with dietary needs. If your crew is picky, consider steering toward chicken paitan or tonkotsu and skipping the spiciest bowls.
At a Glance
- Deep, balanced broths with creative touches
- Standout small plates (karaage, pork buns, crispy nasu)
- Salt levels inconsistent across visits
- Strict group seating and prix fixe policy for 8+
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- chef-driven_rye_noodles_twist
- innovative_small_plates
- vegan_and_gluten_free_noodle_options
What People Love
- Broths with serious depth and balanced heat
- Crispy, flavorful karaage and fluffy pork buns
- Rye-influenced noodles with great chew
- Friendly, helpful servers who guide choices
Points of Concern
- Saltiness varies; a minority report broths too salty or lukewarm
- Reservation and seating policies feel rigid for large parties; reports of $60 prix fixe for 8
- Occasional management tone conflicts; some guests felt dismissed
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Ivan's Karaage, then Chicken Paitan or Spicy Miso; add soft egg and grilled oyster mushrooms; finish with Matcha Cheesecake if sharing.
Perfect For
- A ramen-focused date night with creative small plates
- Solo noodle run at the bar
- Friends who love spicy, umami-heavy bowls
- Dietary-conscious diners seeking vegan or GF noodle options
Location Insights
Area: Trendy, nightlife-heavy Lower East Side with mix of locals and visitors; casual-cool dining scene.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; late-night bustle typical for LES.
Nearby: Near bars, galleries, and indie shops; easy pre- and post-dinner options.
Lower East SideThe Lower East Side offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and iconic food spots. The social atmosphere is lively and diverse, attracting both locals and tourists seeking authentic and innovative culinary experiences in a culturally rich environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–21:00
Tuesday12:00–21:00
Wednesday12:00–21:00
Thursday12:00–21:00
Friday12:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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