Naruto Ramen NYC Review: Affordable Ramen Bowls Under $18 on the Upper East Side

Naruto Ramen NYC Review: Affordable Japanese Ramen on the Upper East Side

If you’ve been craving a steaming bowl of ramen in New York City but don’t want to drop $25 on a ramen bowl, Naruto Ramen might be your new go-to spot. Located at 1596 3rd Avenue on the Upper East Side, this small but charming ramen shop serves comforting bowls of noodles at prices that are increasingly hard to find in Manhattan. With bar seating, a cozy atmosphere, and ramen bowls mostly under $18, Naruto Ramen feels like a hidden gem for anyone who appreciates good food without the luxury price tag.

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First Impressions of Naruto Ramen

Walking into Naruto Ramen, I immediately noticed how compact the space was. The restaurant is bar seating only, which might feel a little tight for large groups but works perfectly for solo diners or pairs who want a quick, satisfying meal. The setup reminded me of casual ramen shops in Japan, where the focus is on eating and enjoying rather than lingering for hours.

There’s something about the coziness of a bar-seating ramen shop that sets the mood. You hear the sizzle from the kitchen, you can peek at the bowls being prepared, and everything feels casual but comforting. It’s an atmosphere that transports you away from the busy Upper East Side streets and into a small corner of Tokyo.

What We Ordered

On our visit, we tried a mix of appetizers and ramen to get a well-rounded experience:

• Orion Beer (Japanese lager)
• Takoyaki (Japanese octopus balls)
• Naruto Ramen (regular)
• Naruto Ramen (spicy version)
• Tan-Tan Ramen

Takoyaki: A Solid Starter

The takoyaki was a pleasant surprise. Too often, you find takoyaki in the city that skimps on the octopus, leaving you with a ball of batter and barely any filling. Here, the pieces had a good amount of octopus inside, giving it the chewy texture that makes takoyaki so enjoyable. The flavor was comforting, the outer shell lightly crisp, and it paired well with the savory toppings. As an appetizer, it did its job: warmed up our appetites and set the tone for the meal.

Naruto Ramen: Regular and Spicy

The star of the menu is, of course, the Naruto Ramen. We tried both the regular and the spicy versions to compare.

• Regular Naruto Ramen: This bowl was straightforward, no gimmicks, no unnecessary extras — just a classic ramen experience. The broth was clean and flavorful, the noodles had the right chew, and the toppings gave it balance. It wasn’t overly complex, but that’s part of the charm. Sometimes all you want is a simple, well-made bowl of ramen without the frills.

• Spicy Naruto Ramen: The spicy version added a kick without overwhelming the broth’s base flavor. The heat lingered nicely and made the bowl more exciting if you prefer stronger flavors. Personally, I enjoyed this version a little more because it gave the ramen an extra layer of character.

Tan-Tan Ramen: Nutty and Creamy

For variety, we also ordered the Tan-Tan Ramen. This dish leaned toward the creamy and nutty side, with sesame and chili influences that set it apart from the standard shoyu-style ramen. It had a slightly richer mouthfeel and a subtle spiciness. If you’re the type who likes ramen with depth and a little indulgence, this is a good choice.

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Price: Where Naruto Ramen Shines

Let’s be honest: ramen in New York City has gotten expensive. In recent years, it’s not unusual to see ramen bowls priced at $22 or more, and sometimes the taste doesn’t justify the cost. This is where Naruto Ramen stands out. Almost every bowl on the menu is under $18, which feels almost rare these days.

It’s refreshing to enjoy a satisfying ramen meal without spending a small fortune. Naruto Ramen proves that good food doesn’t always need to come with a premium price tag, and for locals or students nearby, this place is a blessing.

Atmosphere and Vibe

The vibe at Naruto Ramen is cozy, casual, and a little funny. The bar seating gives it that authentic Japanese ramen shop feel, but what really caught my eye was the décor.

Given the name “Naruto Ramen,” you might expect the walls to be decorated with imagery from the famous anime Naruto or at least feature the iconic narutomaki (fish cake with the pink swirl) that the restaurant is named after. While “Naruto” does indeed refer to the fish cake, many people outside Japan associate the word with the anime ninja. In the show, the main character Naruto is famously obsessed with ramen, often depicted sitting at a bar counter slurping noodles — which makes it a perfect fit for a ramen shop theme.

But here’s the twist: instead of Naruto-themed art, the walls were decorated with characters from One Piece, another hugely popular Japanese anime. I found the irony hilarious. Eating ramen in a place named after Naruto while staring at Luffy from One Piece felt like a little inside joke for anime fans. Whether intentional or not, it gave the shop an extra dose of personality.

Comparing Naruto Ramen to Other NYC Ramen Spots

New York City has no shortage of ramen shops, from the famous chains like Ippudo and Ichiran to boutique ramen spots in the East Village and Brooklyn. Many of them lean into the “gourmet ramen” trend, offering elaborate broths and specialty toppings at steep prices.

Naruto Ramen doesn’t try to compete in that space — and that’s exactly why it works. It’s basic ramen done right, at the right price. If you want an indulgent ramen “experience” with intricate flavors and trendy décor, you might prefer places like Ivan Ramen or Momofuku Noodle Bar. But if you want a casual, no-frills bowl that fills you up and doesn’t empty your wallet, Naruto Ramen is a smart choice.

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Final Thoughts

Naruto Ramen is not the most glamorous ramen shop in New York City, and it’s not trying to be. What it offers instead is comfort, affordability, and a touch of humor with its quirky anime décor. The food is straightforward, the atmosphere is cozy, and the prices are some of the best you’ll find for ramen in Manhattan.

If you’re looking for a place to grab a quick bowl of noodles after work, a casual date spot that doesn’t require a reservation, or just a taste of Japan’s ramen-bar culture on the Upper East Side, Naruto Ramen delivers exactly that.

For me, the combination of chewy takoyaki, a simple yet satisfying ramen bowl, and the lighthearted vibe made the experience memorable. I walked out feeling full, happy, and without the regret of overspending. And in New York City, that’s something worth celebrating.

Key Details

• 📍 Address: 1596 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
• 💲 Price: Most ramen bowls under $18
• 🍜 Recommended dishes: Takoyaki, Spicy Naruto Ramen, Tan-Tan Ramen
• 🪑 Atmosphere: Cozy, bar seating only
• 🎨 Fun detail: Naruto-themed name, but One Piece characters on the wall