It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address171 1st Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
A true powerhouse in NYC’s food scene, Momofuku’s ramen is considered some of the best in town. The open kitchen design gives the restaurant inviting vibes, making it easy to linger too long with a few craft cocktails in hand.
The spicy mushroom ramen is a clear standout (miso, toasted chili, yu choy) but the smoked pork ramen (served with the restaurant’s famed pork belly) is a close second. Regardless of what you order, don’t leave without trying the pork buns!
A true powerhouse in the food world, David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar probably needs no introduction. The restaurant’s ramen makes an appearance on our roundup of the best ramen in New York City, but that’s only half the story.
From exciting appetizers to excellent entrees, this East Village restaurant serves a constantly rotating roaster of noodles, ramen and daily dishes. For a proper introduction, start with the hand rolls (I love the mushroom), transition to pork buns and then take a deep dive into the noodles.
The only non-negotiable at Momofuku Noodle Bar are the steamed buns, apart from that, the adventure is up to you, it’s hard to have a bad meal at this gem.