Japanese Ramen Chain Ichiran To Open In Times Square, Report Says

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Japanese ramen chain Ichiran will continue its New York City expansion by opening its largest location to date in Times Square next week, according to reports.

The ramen destination, which emphasizes solo dining in personal booths called "ramen focus booths," will debut its newest location on March 28 at West 49th St. between Sixth and Seventh, Eater New York first reported. The location will eventually feature two levels of dining space seating more than 100 people, according to the report.

Diners place their orders at Ichiran on detailed order slips. Everything about the dish is customizable, including the texture of the noodles, saltiness of the broth and toppings such as scallions and chashu pork. Diner pass completed order forms through a sliding door to a server, and minutes later the server returns with a bowl of hot noodle soup.

Ichiran made its New York City debut in 2016 when it opened a large location in Bushwick to a positive reception. The Bushwick Ichiran location is unique in that it offers more traditional restaurant seating in addition to its booths.

The Times Square Ichiran will be the chain's second outpost in Midtown. Ichiran opened a location in 2018 near Penn Station.

Read the full Eater report here.