From New York to London: Ivan Ramen
Ivan Ramen has officially opened to the public in London, marking a long-awaited and permanent UK arrival after the brand’s sold-out pop-up in 2023. Tucked away at 98 Farringdon Road, the new restaurant brings the unmistakable spirit of Ivan Orkin’s cooking to the capital, following years of acclaim in New York and Tokyo – where it’s crazy viral on TikTok. The opening feels less like a flashy launch and more like a confident settling-in, signalling that this is a restaurant built to last!
Behind the project is Ivan Orkin, the celebrated ramen master whose unlikely journey from the US to Japan was documented on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Stepping inside the Farringdon space, that personal story is immediately felt. With just 26 seats, the restaurant is intimate and understated, not dissimilar to a Japanese canteen.
The interiors, designed by Harrison, blend Japanese minimalism with the buzz of a New York ramen shop. Clean lines, muted tones and reclaimed furniture form the foundation, while pops of colour come through in manga-style artwork and glowing lightboxes. The result is cool but not cold, contemporary yet full of character. At the front of the room, the open kitchen draws your attention, framed by Japanese-inspired artwork and allowing guests to watch ramen being made in real time.
The menu brings together Ivan Ramen favourites alongside a new dish created especially for London. Familiar bowls like Tonkotsu, Tori Paitan and Spicy Miso Red Chilli sit alongside much-loved sides, while the Salt Beef Bun is a playful nod to the city. Inspired by the flavours of an East End bagel, it’s filled with warm salt beef, pickled cucumbers and a punchy karashi mustard mayo, bridging London tradition with Ivan’s distinctive style.
On my visit, Ivan’s Karaage was an immediate standout. The buttermilk-fried chicken thigh was unbelievably tender, coated in a crisp golden crust and paired with yuzu kosho mayo that added brightness and heat. The option to add Spicy Kyuri Pickles was a welcome one; sharp, refreshing and completely moreish. For ramen, the Tonkotsu is the bowl to order. The rich pork broth is deeply comforting without being overwhelming, topped with shoyu-braised pork chashu, woodear mushrooms, pickled mustard greens, soft egg, mayu and spring onions. Each component feels carefully considered, coming together in a bowl that’s both indulgent and balanced.
A well-chosen round of sake complements the offering, ensuring the space is loud and buzzy without being too overbearing. The queue on exit was down the street!
The opening has been made possible through a partnership with Sessions and represents the first step in plans to expand Ivan Ramen across the UK. For now, its new home in Farringdon feels like a special moment: a thoughtfully executed arrival that adds something genuinely exciting to London’s food scene.
Find out more > www.ivanramen.co.uk
