ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Garment District
Best Ramen in Garment District
Master Critic Review
Zen Ramen & Sushi
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Zen Ramen & Sushi is a high-volume Midtown West standby for big-bowl ramen, happy-hour sushi rolls, and bento boxes a short walk from Penn Station and Times Square. Locals and visitors lean on it for dependable noodles, broad menu coverage, and one of the neighborhood’s more generous happy hour deals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tonkotsu shoyu ramen, Seafood ramen, Salmon teriyaki bento box
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A sprawling Japanese crowd-pleaser with popular ramen and aggressive happy-hour pricing.
Who should go: Ramen and roll lovers needing a lively Midtown sit-down option.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour before theater or after work rush hits.
What to order: Spicy tonkotsu shoyu, seafood ramen, happy-hour salmon and tuna rolls.
Insider tip: Head upstairs during peak times for better odds at a quiet table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Penn Station; rely on nearby paid garages along W 36th–38th Streets.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; office wear and jeans both fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially downstairs during happy hour; conversation is workable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak pre-theater hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage with veggie ramen, avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—simple vegetable rolls and broth-free dishes; confirm noodle bases with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some sushi and rice-based items qualify; ramen broths and soy sauces may not—ask for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for casual dates thanks to quick service and approachable dishes, but the space leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive slightly before happy hour to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids; the menu is broad and portions are generous, though the bustle may overwhelm very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, fast ramen service, and one of the stronger value-driven happy hours in Midtown West.
Skip if: You want high-end sushi, a quiet dining room, or meticulously crafted ramen—opt for a specialty shop instead.