Nontraditional but delicious. Ivan is a Jewish guy from New York who opened two successful ramen shops in Tokyo, then came back home to build his empire. He gives a nod to his Jewish roots with caraway noodles and schmaltz in some of the bowls, but overall the menu (like the vibe) is exaggerated Japanese. Whatever you get, add a smashed egg. The chicken karaage is delicious, too.

Ivan Ramen is up there– maybe tied with Nakamura for favorite in NYC. Just don’t judge it by this unappetizing photo that I took.