ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Greenpoint
Master Critic Review
Wanpaku
8.4
Wanpaku is a modern izakaya and ramen shop where shoyu and miso beef ramen, karaage, and small plates meet a solid drink list and daily happy hour. It’s the neighborhood’s default for casual ramen cravings, pre-drinks before The Hidden Pearl, and easy group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso beef ramen, Shoyu ramen, Spicy karaage
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A lively ramen-and-small-plates izakaya that anchors Japanese casual dining on Manhattan Avenue.
Who should go: Groups craving ramen, small plates, and cocktails in one stop.
When to visit: Happy hour or early evening before the room gets packed.
What to order: Miso beef ramen, spicy karaage, and a highball or sake.
Insider tip: Book an earlier table and plan on a post-dinner cocktail next door at The Hidden Pearl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on Manhattan Ave and nearby residential blocks fill quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies and jeans are common, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak dinner; easy conversation at off-hours, trickier for large groups at peak.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak (6:30pm–8:30pm).
Weekday lunch: No wait or very minimal queue; seating is typically immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ramen bowls can be made vegetarian, plus veggie appetizers and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates and a customizable vegetable noodle bowl, but broth options are mostly non-vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some small plates and salads work, but ramen noodles and broths are not reliably gluten-free.
Best For
Better for: Fast, satisfying ramen with cocktails and happy hour energy—ideal for casual groups and pre-game meals.
Skip if: If you want hushed omakase calm or highly specialized ramen styles—look elsewhere for quieter or chef-driven tasting formats.