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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeNew YorkNew York CountyNew YorkJapanese Restaurant in 1st AvenueKuu
Kuu ico

Kuu

Ramen restaurant, Japanese restaurant ★4.0 (701)·$20–30

1275 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

4.0
Pomegranate citrus Poke bowl was good but very spicy! Restrooms for customers. Service was very good. My husband had the Beef curry ramen and it was AMAZING. The broth was so rich and creamy! Best ramen we ever had - Gabriella
Kuu Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$20–30 per person Reported by 701 people$10–20$20–30$30–50

Kuu Introduce

ku ramen

For New Yorkers on the hunt for a truly satisfying bowl of ramen, Kuu on the Upper East Side stands out as a must-try destination. Nestled on 1st Avenue, this Japanese eatery has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its rich, flavorful broths and expertly crafted dishes. More than just a ramen shop, Kuu offers a diverse menu that extends to include other Japanese culinary delights, ensuring there's something to tempt every palate.

Kuu distinguishes itself with its dedication to authentic flavors and a welcoming dining experience. Patrons consistently rave about the depth of flavor in their ramen broths, with the Beef Curry Ramen, in particular, receiving high praise for its amazing richness and creaminess. This commitment to quality in their signature dishes makes Kuu a standout in New York City's competitive ramen scene.

Beyond the exceptional ramen, Kuu also offers a selection of other Japanese staples, including fresh sushi rolls and savory bao buns. This variety makes it an ideal spot for groups with differing preferences, where everyone can find something delicious to enjoy. The restaurant prides itself on efficient and friendly service, ensuring that even during lunch rushes, tables are turned quickly without compromising on the quality of the dining experience.

The ambiance at Kuu is designed to be pleasant and efficient, reflecting the dynamic pace of New York City while still offering a comfortable space to enjoy a meal. Whether you're dining in for a leisurely experience or grabbing a quick, hot bowl on the go, Kuu aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable visit. Its reputation for delivering great ramen and excellent service has cemented its place as a valued culinary gem in the Upper East Side.

In the bustling culinary landscape of NYC, Kuu manages to create a niche by combining traditional Japanese recipes with a modern approach to service. It's a place where the warmth of a perfectly crafted ramen bowl can truly make your day, and the friendly staff ensure your experience is as delightful as the food itself. This makes it a popular choice for both seasoned ramen enthusiasts and those looking to explore the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine.

Location and Accessibility

Kuu is conveniently located at 1275 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA. This prime address places it squarely in the heart of the Upper East Side, one of Manhattan's most vibrant and residential neighborhoods. Its position on 1st Avenue ensures high visibility and easy access for locals and visitors alike.

Accessibility is a key advantage for Kome Waza. For those utilizing New York City's extensive public transportation system, the restaurant is easily reachable via numerous MTA bus lines that operate along 1st Avenue and the adjacent cross-town streets. While direct subway access might require a short walk from lines like the Q, N, R, W, 4, 5, and 6 trains on Lexington Avenue, the bus network provides a convenient option for most.

For patrons arriving by car, street parking in the Upper East Side, as is common throughout Manhattan, can be competitive. However, the convenience of its location makes ride-sharing services or nearby parking garages viable alternatives for those who prefer to drive. The restaurant's presence within a bustling commercial and residential corridor means it's a natural stop for a meal during a day of errands or after work.

Kuu's strategic placement on 1st Avenue serves the local community directly, offering a delicious and comforting dining experience right in the neighborhood. This makes it an ideal spot for impromptu meals or planned gatherings without the need to venture into other parts of the city. Its central location solidifies its status as a beloved local haunt for authentic Japanese flavors.

Services Offered
  • Dine-in Service: Enjoy a comfortable and efficient dining experience within the restaurant, even during peak hours, with staff known for quick table turnover.
  • Takeout Options: Conveniently order your favorite ramen bowls and other Japanese dishes for pickup, perfect for enjoying at home.
  • Delivery Service: KUU offers delivery, making it easy to enjoy their delicious ramen and other menu items from the comfort of your home or office. They are available on popular platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Seamless.
  • Wide Range of Ramen: A diverse selection of ramen types, including popular options like Tonkotsu Shoyu, Miso Pork Ramen, Kuu Chili Chili Ramen, Beef Curry Ramen, and vegetarian options like Miso Veggie Veggie Ramen.
  • Appetizers and Sides: A variety of Japanese appetizers such as homemade pork gyoza, Japanese fried chicken (Karaage), Pork Belly Buns, Crispy Squid Legs, and Edamame.
  • Sushi Rolls & Hand Rolls: Offers a selection of fresh sushi rolls and hand rolls, including Spicy Tuna Hand Roll and Salmon Avocado, providing more options beyond ramen.
  • Donburi (Rice Bowls): Various rice bowls like Teriyaki Chicken Don and Sukiyaki Beef Don, offering hearty meal alternatives.
Features / Highlights
  • Exceptional Ramen Broths: Renowned for rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful ramen broths, particularly the Beef Curry Ramen which has received high praise.
  • Wide Variety of Ramen Types: Caters to different preferences with a range of chicken, pork, and vegetable-based broths, along with unique flavor profiles.
  • Quick and Efficient Service: Even during busy periods, the staff is noted for turning tables quickly and providing friendly, attentive service.
  • Diverse Menu Beyond Ramen: Offers a comprehensive selection of Japanese dishes, including sushi, poke bowls, donburi, and appetizers like bao buns, making it suitable for varied tastes.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Commitment to using fresh ingredients, contributing to the high quality and deliciousness of their dishes.
  • Calming Ambiance: The restaurant environment is designed to be pleasant and comfortable, providing a good setting for a meal.
Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotions at Kuu are best confirmed directly with the restaurant, it's common for popular New York City eateries to offer various deals. Locals can often find value through lunch specials, which typically provide a discounted meal during weekday daytime hours. Given the high praise for their ramen, keep an eye out for potential combo deals that might pair a ramen bowl with an appetizer or drink.

For those who frequently order takeout or delivery, it's advisable to check the restaurant's listings on major platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Seamless. These platforms often feature exclusive promotions such as free delivery, percentage discounts on orders over a certain amount, or "Buy One Get One" (BOGO) offers on select items, as has been observed in the past with some of Kuu's sister locations or promotions.

New and seasonal menu items might also be introduced with special introductory pricing. The best way to stay updated on any current promotions is to visit Kuu's official website, check their social media channels, or simply ask a staff member when you call or visit the restaurant. Being a local spot, they might also have loyalty programs or special offers for returning customers.

Contact Information

To experience the delicious offerings at Kuu or to inquire about their services, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 1275 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Phone: (646) 838-5828

For direct calls from mobile phones, you can also use: +1 646-838-5828

It is always recommended to call ahead for any specific questions regarding their menu, current operating hours, or if you are planning a visit with a larger group to check for wait times or availability.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Kuu is perfectly suited for New York locals, especially those residing in the Upper East Side, for numerous compelling reasons. Firstly, its commitment to delivering rich, authentic, and deeply flavorful ramen makes it a standout choice in a city that truly appreciates good comfort food. The high praise for their broths, like the "amazing" Beef Curry Ramen, highlights the quality and dedication they bring to their signature dish, ensuring a satisfying and memorable meal.

Beyond the ramen, the diverse menu, which includes fresh sushi, tasty bao buns, and substantial rice bowls, means there's something to cater to all tastes and preferences within a group. This versatility makes Kuu an excellent option for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a solo treat. The ability to switch between a hearty ramen, a light poke bowl, or flavorful appetizers adds significant appeal for repeat visits.

Furthermore, Kuu's location on 1st Avenue offers unparalleled convenience for Upper East Side residents, making it an easy choice for both dine-in and quick takeout. The efficient and friendly service, even during busy periods, aligns with the fast-paced New York lifestyle, ensuring that delicious food is served promptly and courteously. For locals seeking a reliable, high-quality, and versatile Japanese dining experience right in their neighborhood, Kuu provides an exceptional option that blends authentic flavors with the convenience and pace of city living. It's a place that truly understands and caters to the culinary needs of its community.

Kuu Menu

  • Dessert

  • Green Tea Cheesecake US$7.00
  • Japanese Cream Puff US$5.00
  • Ramen

  • Butter Chicken Ramen US$19.00

    Creamy chicken and vegetable Japanese dashi-broth, nooodles, Tandoori chicken skewer, Naan chips, scallion, cilantro, finger red pepper, lime and dash of heavy cream

  • Triple Chicken Yuzu Ramen US$17.00

    Shio (salt)-based ramen with Chicken chachu, marinated egg, naruto, scallions, bamboo, garlic chips, sesame oil, sesame, and butter.

  • Miso Beef Ramen US$18.00

    Kuu homemade paitan(chicken) broth ramen with sukiyaki sliced beef, marinated egg, naruto, green onions, bamboo, garlic chips, sesame, butter, corn, chili oil

  • Miso Pork US$18.00

    Kuu homemade paitan(chicken) broth ramen with kakuni (braised pork belly), marinated egg, naruto, green onions, bamboo, garlic chips, sesame, butter, chili oil

  • Shoyu Ramen US$17.00

    Soy-based ramen with kakuni pork, marinated egg, naruto, scallions, bamboo, garlic chips, sesame oil, and sesame.

  • Beef Curry Ramen US$19.00

    Beef curry based ramen with Sliced beef, marinated egg, scallion, red onion, Naruto, corn, umami anchovy powder and chili oil

  • Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen US$19.00

    11-hour pork broth, special Kuu wavy noodles, spicy pulled pork, scallion, garlic chip, naruto, egg, and sesame.

  • Miso Veggie Ramen US$18.00

    Homemade 13-vegetable broth ramen with egg-free noodles,, corn, bamboo, inari tofu, tomatoes, kikurage mushroom, garlic chips, sesame oil.

  • Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen (Soy Based) US$19.00

    11-hour pork broth ramen, kakuni (braised pork belly), special Kuu wavy noodles, scallions, bamboo, garlic chips, egg, black garlic oil, and sesame.

  • Kuu Chili Ramen US$18.00

    Kuu homemade paitan(chicken) broth ramen with spicy ground chicken, kakuni (braised pork belly), marinated egg, naruto, green onions, bamboo, garlic chips, sesame, chili skin, chili oil

  • Spicy Seafood Ramen US$19.00

    Kuu original chicken and shrimp broth, noodles, shrimp, mussels, cilantro, scallion, finger red pepper, lime, and fried shallot.

  • Kuu Chili Crispy Pork Chachumen US$20.95

    Homemade chicken paitan broth, crispy pork chachu, spicy ground chicken, marinated egg, Naruto, scallion, bamboo, garlic paste, sesame, chili oil, chili skin

  • Snacks

  • Pocky US$2.95

    Choose your flavor.

  • Donburi

  • Teriyaki Chicken Don US$17.00

    Marinated chicken thigh in house-made teriyaki sauce, scallions, sesame, mixed vegetables, sansho pepper, miso dressing. Served with miso soup.

  • Sesame Chicken Don US$17.00

    Fried chicken in teriyaki sauce and sesame, green onions, mixed vegetables, miso dressing, and sesame. Served with miso soup

  • Sukiyaki Beef Don US$18.00

    Sliced marinated beef, green onions, mixed vegetables, miso dressing, and sesame. Served with miso soup

  • Spicy Tuna Don US$19.00

    Raw chopped tuna mixed with smelt egg, green onions, sesame, arugula, and miso dressing on rice

  • Side Orders

  • Side Noodle US$4.00
  • Marinated Half-Egg US$1.50
  • Side Rice US$3.00
  • Side Miso Soup US$3.00
  • Spicy Mayo US$1.50
  • Poke Bowl

  • Pomegranate Citrus Spice Poke Bowl US$18.00

    Sushi rice with Scottish salmon, mixed greens, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, edamame, pomegranate citrus spice sauce, ogo seaweed, sesame seeds, and masago.

  • Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl US$18.00

    Diced tuna, sushi rice, mixed greens, edamame, tomato, cucumber, ogo seaweed, Gluten Free Soy Sauce, onion chips

  • Hatcho Miso Tofu Poke Bowl (Vegan) US$17.00

    Sushi rice with seared tofu, arugula, hijiki edamame salad, ogo seaweed, tomatoes, hatcho miso glaze sauce, pumpkin seeds, kizami nori, and avocado.

  • Extra Spicy Mayo Poke Bowl US$18.00

    Brown rice with Scottish salmon, tuna, mixed greens, hijiki edamame salad, pineapple, edamame, tomatoes, cucumbers, kome waza spicy mayo sauce, kani salad, and onion chips.

  • Classic Tuna Poke Bowl US$18.00

    Tuna (cubed), sushi rice, mixed greens, red onion, hijiki edamame salad, ogo seaweed, scallion, Hawaiian style shoyu sauce, sesame, kizaminori

  • Soft Drinks

  • Calpico US$3.10

    Choose your flavor.

  • Olipop Sparkling Tonic US$2.95

    Choose your flavor.

  • Homemade Pomegranate Citrus US$5.00
  • Bruce Cost Ginger Ale US$3.10

    12 oz

  • Sodas US$2.50
  • Poland Spring Water US$1.50
  • Homemade Yuzu Tumeric US$5.00
  • Ito En Cold Teas US$3.10

    Choose your flavor.

  • Yuzu Choya Soda US$3.00
  • Plum Choya Soda US$3.00
  • Ramune Melon US$3.10
  • Specials

  • Kuu Chili Crispy Pork US$20.95

    Homemade chicken paitan broth, crispy pork chachu, spicy ground chicken, marinated egg, Naruto, scallion, bamboo, garlic paste, sesame, chili oil, chili skin

  • Spicy Seafood Ramen US$19.00

    Kuu original chicken and shrimp broth, noodles, shrimp, mussels, cilantro, scallion, finger red pepper, lime, and fried shallot.

  • Beef Menchi Katsu Sandwich US$14.95

    Homemade beef menchi katsu, sliced tomato, sauteed onion, cabbage, and homemade katsu sauce

  • Kabocha Pumpkin Sandwich US$12.95

    Kabocha pumpkin croquette, cabbage, sautéed onion, sliced tomato, and coconut curry sauce

  • Japanese-Style Chicken Katsu Sandwich US$12.95

    Free-range chicken cutlet, cabbage, Japanese cucumber pickles, homemade katsu sauce, and Japanese mustard cream sauce

  • Crispy Pork Curry Rice US$19.95

    10-hour homemade beef-based curry with crispy pork over rice, red pickled ginger and nori seaweed.

  • Butter Chicken Ramen US$19.00

    Creamy chicken and vegetable Japanese dashi-broth, nooodles, Tandoori chicken skewer, Naan chips, scallion, cilantro, finger red pepper, lime and dash of heavy cream

  • Kimchi Pulled Pork Sandwich US$13.95

    12-hour roasted pulled pork, kimchi, Japanese-style sweet daikon radish and carrot pickles, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño, and Kuu original spicy mayo

  • Beer and Sake (Must be 21 to purchase)

  • Ozeki One Cup Nigori Sake US$8.00

    180 ml

  • Ozeki Ikezo Jelly Sparkling Sake (Mixed Berry) US$8.00
  • Asahi Superdry Can US$6.00

    500ml

  • Ozeki One Cup Rainbow Sake US$8.00

    180ml

  • Nama Genshu Honjozo Sake US$12.00

    200ml

  • Choya Plum Wine US$5.00
  • Ozeki Ikezo Jelly Sparkling Sake (Yuzu) US$8.00
  • Sapporo Premium US$5.00

    Must be 21 to purchase. 12 oz. can, 5% abv.

  • Appetizer

  • Nori Shoyu Fries US$8.50

    French fries with nori flakes and homemade shoyu sauce

  • Spicy Pull Pork Bun US$8.50

    Spicy pulled pork honey pickle cabbage lime sour cream sauce

  • Spicy Japanese Fried Chicken US$12.00

    Kuu Original fried chicken in a chef's special spicy sauce, dried chili, sesame, and cilantro

  • Japanese Fried Chicken US$11.00

    Kuu's original Japanese fried chicken served with spicy mayo and Sancho pepper.

  • Spicy Tuna Tartar US$11.00

    Spicy tuna with avocado and chef's special sauce served with wonton chips

  • Karaage Chicken Bun US$8.50

    Japanese fried chicken, cucumber, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce

  • Takoyaki US$9.00

    Japanese-style octopus balls, takoyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and mayo

  • Homemade Pork Gyoza US$10.00

    Homemade pork gyoza (filled with pork and vegetables) served with soy sauce.

  • Cucumber Salad US$7.00

    Sliced cucumber, inari tofu, tomatoes, seaweed, and Yuzu Dressing

  • Pumpkin Croquette Bun (Vegan) US$7.00

    Japanese pumpkin croquette, Japanese mayo, and tonkatsu sauce.

  • Edamame US$7.00

    Organic soybean pods with natural sea salt

  • Crispy Squid Legs US$10.00

    Deep fried squid legs served with spicy mayo, cucumber and lemon

  • Kakuni Bun US$8.50

    Braised pork belly bun with eel sauce, Japanese mayo, scallion, and sesame

  • Japanese Curry Rice

  • Pumpkin Croquette Curry Rice US$17.00

    10 hours Japanese beef-based curry, Japanese pumpkin croquette and fukushinkuke pickles over rice

  • Pork Katsu Curry Rice US$18.00

    10 hours Japanese beef-based curry, hand breaded pork loin, red pickle, and white rice

  • Beef Menchi Katsu Curry Rice US$18.00

    10-hour homemade beef-based curry with Kuu original beef Menchi Katsu (hand-breaded minced beef patty) and hukushinzuke pickles over rice

  • Karaage Curry Rice US$17.00

    10 hours Japanese beef-based curry, Kuu fried chicken, red pickle, and white rice

  • Sukiyaki Beef Curry Rice US$18.00

    10 hours Japanese beef-based curry, sukiyaki sliced beef, red pickle, and white rice

  • Hand Rolls

  • Spicy Tuna Hand Roll US$8.00

    Raw spicy tuna, sesame seeds, and scallions.

  • Sukiyaki Beef Hand Roll US$8.00

    Sukiyaki beef with scallions, sesame, and Japanese mayo sauce.

  • California Hand Roll US$7.00

    Kani (imitation crab), avocado, and sesame seeds.

  • Hand Roll Meal (Comes With Miso Soup) US$18.00

    Choose your 3 hand rolls to complete the meal!

  • Shrimp Tempura Hand Roll US$8.00

    Shrimp tempura, scallion, eel sauce, and Japanese mayo

  • Salmon Avocado Hand Roll US$8.00

    Raw Scottish salmon, avocado, and sesame seeds.

  • Avocado Cucumber Hand Roll US$7.00

    Vegan. Avocado, and cucumbers.

  • Spicy California US$7.00

    Immitation crab with avocado and spicy mayo

Kuu Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Comfort food
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Happy-hour food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Toilet
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Parking

  • Paid street parking

Kuu Photos

Kuu Picture 1Kuu Picture 2Kuu Picture 3Kuu Picture 4Kuu Picture 5Kuu Picture 6Kuu Picture 7Kuu Picture 8Kuu Picture 9Kuu Picture 10

Kuu Location

Kuu

1275 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Kuu Reviews

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