Iconic steamed buns & creative noodle dishes. A vibrant East Village gem for elevated comfort food.
Will Hartman reviews Momofuku Noodle Bar, an East Village spot that's been a staple for ramen and creative dishes since 2004, highlighting its consistent quality and enduring appeal.
This East Village staple, a pioneer in the Asian Fusion scene, continues to impress with its innovative take on comfort food. Known for its iconic steamed buns and expertly crafted noodle dishes, it offers a consistently satisfying dining experience. The restaurant's warm ambiance and engaging open kitchen make it a perfect spot for casual dinners or lively dates.
The restaurant is celebrated for its creative Asian Fusion cuisine, with standouts including the rich Pork Belly Bao and various ramen options like the Garlic Chicken Ramen and Smoked Pork Ramen. While many dishes are highly recommended, the Chilled Spicy Noodles have received mixed reviews. The steamed buns, particularly the pork belly variant, are a signature item.
"Highly recommended dishes include the iconic Pork Belly Bao, Garlic Chicken Ramen, and Smoked Pork Ramen. The Spicy Scallop Hand Roll and Spicy Cucumber Salad are also noted as excellent choices."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment, praising the consistently good quality of food and the vibrant atmosphere. Some note that prices have increased due to inflation.
Important Note
One reviewer noted that prices have increased due to inflation. Another user suggested the restaurant might be skippable.
"The commenter empathizes with the pain of losing a favorite spot, comparing the impact of restaurant closures to the pandemic."
Neutral"The commenter found the restaurant to be good but noted it was always quite empty when they dined there."
Neutral"A brief comment expressing devastation over the closure of the restaurant."
Negative"The commenter shared a fond memory of having one of their best first dates at Marafuku Ramen and expressed sadness about its closure."
Positive"The commenter and their husband loved Marafuku Ramen in Oakland and were excited to find the East Village location upon moving to NY. They were planning to revisit soon."
Positive"The commenter initially liked Marafuku Ramen when it opened but felt the quality declined over time."
Negative"The user is devastated by the closure of Marafuku Ramen in the East Village, which was their go-to spot for various occasions."
Neutral"A user suggested Momofuku Noodle Bar as a ramen place that could fit the date night vibe."
Positive"This commenter suggested Momofuku Noodle Bar for a birthday dinner, highlighting its fried chicken dinner as a good option for groups."
Neutral"Momofuku Noodle Bar was mentioned as a potential option for noodles in Midtown. The commenter suggested there might be better noodle places available."
Neutral"This user suggested that Momofuku Noodle Bar is skippable."
Negative"A commenter referred to Momofuku as a 'chain' while asking for recommendations from the list."
Neutral"A user reminisces about Fuku's early days when it was piloted from Momofuku Ko on 11th Street, praising its "insanely good" full thigh chicken."
Positive"The original poster consistently finds Momofuku Ramen Bar to be a good experience but notes the impact of inflation on its pricing."
Neutral"Recommends the shrimp patty steamed buns at Momofuku Noodle Bar."
Positive"Offers large format meals like suckling pig and fried chicken and caviar. The user has dined here before."
Neutral"Mentions Momofuku (Momofuku Noodle Bar) as one of the many ramen places in the area."
Positive
