Best Quick Bites Champions Japanese Restaurants in Midtown-Times Square
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
ICHIRAN - Times Square
Individual booths + fully customizable tonkotsu ramen for distraction‑free dining.
Notable Picks
8.6
ICHIRAN’s Times Square outpost offers reliable, customizable Hakata‑style tonkotsu ramen in solo‑dining booths — ideal for a quick, focused bowl any time. Their consistent broth and streamlined ordering keep it a dependable stop for solo diners or late‑night cravings near Broadway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, Veggie Ramen, Premium Yakibuta (extra chashu) bowl
What Makes it Special: Individual booths + fully customizable tonkotsu ramen for distraction‑free dining.
8
A fast-casual handroll bar from the team behind Mari and Kochi, blending Korean flavors into tidy nori-wrapped rolls. Great rice seasoning and punchy sauces keep it exciting at a quick pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni handroll, Spicy scallop handroll, Toro handroll
What Makes it Special: Korean-accented handrolls built for speed and flavor.
Worthy Picks
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This long-running Japanese grocery on 41st Street backs its shelves of imported snacks and pantry goods with a small kitchen turning out ramen, udon, curry, and donburi. Ramen isn’t the only draw, but it’s a convenient way to get a hot bowl alongside onigiri and other quick bites near the library and Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Miso Ramen, Kimchi Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Japanese grocery institution where you can pair a hot ramen with excellent onigiri and snacks.