Kamisama Ramen

For New Yorkers with a serious appreciation for authentic and hearty ramen, Kamisama Ramen near Union Square is quickly establishing itself as a go-to spot. Named after the Japanese word for "god," Kamisama pays homage to the divine art of ramen-making, honoring both its spiritual roots and soul-satisfying flavors. This isn't just any ramen joint; Kamisama Ramen specializes in Jiro-style ramen, a cult-classic originating from Tokyo. What does that mean for you? Think massive bowls, overflowing with toppings, incredibly thick noodles with a rough texture, and an unapologetically bold, rich umami-laced broth that truly sticks with you.

Kamisama Ramen offers a range of Jiro-style options, from the creamy and rich Tonkotsu Jiro Ramen to the fiery Spicy Jiro Ramen, often topped with crispy fried chicken or luscious pork chashu. But the offerings extend beyond just ramen. This cozy spot also delivers on other Japanese comfort food classics like flavorful Donburi rice bowls and crispy Karaage Chicken. Whether you're a long-time ramen obsessive or curious to experience the unique Jiro style for the first time, Kamisama Ramen promises a delicious and satisfying meal in a warm, welcoming environment that's perfect for a cold day or any time you crave a truly substantial bowl of noodles.

Kamisama Ramen is conveniently nestled in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, at 230 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it just a stone's throw from the iconic Union Square, one of New York City's most bustling and well-connected neighborhoods. Union Square is a major transportation hub, making Kamisama Ramen easily accessible from virtually anywhere in the city.

The restaurant's proximity to multiple subway lines is a huge advantage for New Yorkers. The 14th Street – Union Square subway station serves the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines, providing unparalleled access from uptown, downtown, and across the East River to Brooklyn. This makes Kamisama Ramen an ideal spot for a quick lunch during a workday, a casual dinner after exploring the Union Square Greenmarket, or a hearty meal before catching a show. Numerous MTA bus routes also traverse 14th Street and the surrounding area, further enhancing its accessibility.

Kamisama Ramen itself is described as a "little ramen shop on 14th," featuring "heaters and small wooden seats." This intimate and "cozy ambiance" with "clean lines, soft lighting, and a buzz that hums with anticipation" creates a welcoming atmosphere. While it might be a compact space, it reflects the authentic charm of many beloved ramen-ya in Japan, allowing diners to focus on the delicious food.

• Dine-in Service: Kamisama Ramen provides a cozy and intimate setting for customers to enjoy their ramen and other Japanese dishes directly at the restaurant.
• Takeout Service: Convenient takeout options are available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal elsewhere.
• Delivery Service: Kamisama Ramen partners with major food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Seamless, and Uber Eats, allowing New Yorkers to have their favorite dishes delivered directly to their home or office.
• Walk-in Seating: The restaurant generally operates on a walk-in basis, accommodating guests as tables and counter seats become available.
• Extensive Ramen Menu: Specializing in Jiro-style ramen, Kamisama offers various types including Tonkotsu Jiro Ramen, Spicy Jiro Ramen, Shoyu Jiro Ramen, Yasai Jiro Ramen (vegetable), and Miso Jiro Ramen.
• Customizable Ramen Options: For their Tonkotsu ramen, customers can choose between chashu (pork) or chicken, and opt for no garlic/with garlic and no pork fat/with pork fat, allowing for personalized flavor profiles.
• Appetizers and Side Dishes: The menu features popular Japanese appetizers such as Sesame Cucumber, Shishito Pepper, Edamame, Seaweed Salad, Tako Wasabi, Agedashi Tofu, Takoyaki, Pork Gyoza, Karaage Chicken, and Spicy Wings.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): A selection of satisfying rice bowls is available, including Egg Fried Rice, Katsu Don, Pork Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Rice, Gyu Donburi (beef), Karaage Donburi, Mapo Tofu Donburi, Mackerel Meal, and Unagi Don.
• Beverage Selection: They offer a range of non-alcoholic Japanese beverages like Itoen Green Tea, Calpico, and Ramune, as well as standard sodas. Alcoholic beverages like Sake and Beer are also available to complement your meal.
• Manga Books: For those waiting or dining in, a selection of manga books is available to read, adding to the authentic Japanese ramen shop ambiance.

• Specialization in Jiro-Style Ramen: This is Kamisama Ramen's defining characteristic. They are one of the few ramen-ya in New York specializing in this cult-classic Tokyo style, known for its "huge portion sizes," "overflowing with toppings," "extremely thick noodles with a rough texture," and an "unapologetically bold flavor" with "rich umami-laced broth."
• Rich and Hearty Broths: The Tonkotsu broth is described as a "good savory choice, hot and refreshing," with an option to customize with or without garlic and pork fat. The broths are designed to be "creamy, rich powerhouses" that are deeply satisfying.
• Generous Portions and Value: Customers consistently note the "very generous" portions, particularly for the ramen bowls, emphasizing that they are "worth it for what it costs." This provides excellent value for a hearty meal in NYC.
• Authentic Japanese Comfort Food: Beyond ramen, Kamisama offers a range of classic Japanese comfort dishes like Gyu Donburi (thinly sliced beef simmered with tender onions, soy, mirin, and egg) and Katsu Don, ensuring a diverse menu.
• Customization Options for Ramen: The ability to choose between chashu or chicken, and adjust garlic and pork fat levels in the Tonkotsu, allows diners to tailor their bowl to their exact preference.
• Friendly and Professional Staff: Patrons highlight the "very friendly and professional" staff, noting that the service contributes positively to a "pleasant and delicious experience."
• Cozy and Authentic Ambiance: The "little ramen shop" features "small wooden seats" and manga books to read, creating a warm, minimal, and focused atmosphere that channels the spirit of old-school Tokyo ramen shops.
• Unique Side Dishes: While some sides may be hit or miss for individual tastes, the "tako wasabi" (fresh wasabi mixed with fresh octopus and seaweed) is noted as a "healthy portion" and a "love" by one reviewer for its unique fresh wasabi flavor.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Its location near Union Square with multiple subway lines makes it easily accessible, and the availability of delivery services adds another layer of convenience for New Yorkers.

Kamisama Ramen has been known to offer compelling special promotions, enhancing its appeal to New Yorkers looking for value without compromising on quality. One notable past promotion included:

• 2 Course Dinner For Two & Beers, Sake: A specific offer seen on platforms like Pulsd NYC provided a "2 Course Dinner For Two" for $39 (a $74 value). This typically included:
  • 2 Entrees (choice of Signature Ramen or Rice Bowl, up to a $22 value each).
  • 2 Mochi (up to a $5 value each).
  • 2 House Selected Sakes or Beers (up to a $10 value each).

This type of promotion highlights Kamisama Ramen's commitment to offering an excellent overall dining experience at an attractive price point, combining a hearty meal with drinks and dessert.

For the most current and active promotions, New Yorkers should:

• Check Deal Platforms: Regularly visit deal-based websites like Pulsd NYC, Groupon, or others that specialize in local restaurant promotions.
• Monitor Delivery Apps: Keep an eye on DoorDash, Seamless, and Uber Eats, as restaurants often run exclusive discounts or free delivery offers through these platforms.
• Visit their Official Website or Social Media: The best way to stay informed about any new or ongoing specials is to check Kamisama Ramen's direct online presence, if available.

While the specific "2 Course Dinner" promotion might be a limited-time offer, it demonstrates Kamisama's willingness to provide attractive deals to their customers, making it a great spot for value-conscious diners.

To experience the hearty and authentic Jiro-style ramen at Kamisama Ramen, here’s how you can reach them:

• Address: 230 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
• Phone: (341) 314-4341

Kamisama Ramen operates with typical restaurant hours, though they do have a break between lunch and dinner service. Their hours are generally:

• Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM (lunch), 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (dinner)
• Friday-Saturday: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM (lunch), 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM (dinner)
• Monday: Closed

It's always a good idea to confirm their current hours, especially around holidays or if you plan to visit close to their break time, by checking their website or calling directly.

Kamisama Ramen is an excellent and highly suitable choice for New York locals, particularly those in search of a deeply satisfying and authentically unique ramen experience. Its specialization in Jiro-style ramen sets it apart from many other ramen shops in the city, offering a hearty, generously portioned bowl with an intensely rich broth that truly hits the spot, especially on a cold New York day. This specific style caters to those who appreciate bold flavors and substantial meals, providing a comforting and fulfilling escape from the city's relentless pace.

The restaurant's prime location near Union Square makes it incredibly convenient for locals commuting from various parts of Manhattan and beyond, thanks to the multitude of subway lines converging there. This accessibility means you can easily pop in for a quick, delicious lunch or a relaxed dinner without a lengthy commute. Despite being a "little ramen shop," its cozy ambiance, complete with small wooden seats and even manga books, provides an authentic and intimate dining experience, reminiscent of beloved ramen-ya in Japan.

Beyond the signature ramen, the diverse menu of appetizers and Donburi rice bowls ensures there's something to satisfy every craving, offering a comprehensive Japanese comfort food experience. The friendly and professional staff further enhances the visit, making diners feel welcomed and comfortable. For New Yorkers who value generous portions, robust flavors, and an authentic taste of Japanese culinary tradition, Kamisama Ramen is a true gem, promising a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and happy. It's a reliable spot to add to your list of local favorites.

Kamisama Ramen

230 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, USA