Ivan Orkin is a ramen master. It doesn’t matter if he’s a Jewish white man from Long Island; he’s traveled the globe to put in the hours, dial in his focus, and devote his life to close study. But at his Lower East Side flagship, Ivan Ramen, the culmination of all that scholarship isn’t some lofty exegesis. No, his treatise comes in a bowl, and you’re supposed to slurp it.

The room nods to a ramen shop without leaning into cosplay. The concept is simple: run a ramen-ya through an NYC filter. And the space delivers: modern, clean, well-lit and open; whitewashed with pops of color from wall art, including a notably impressive backyard tile mosaic. Staff are attentive if not enthusiastic, quick with explanations and suggestions. The vibe is casual, more fun than romantic.

The draft list kee

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