Ramen By Ra

In a city filled with countless ramen shops, Ramen By Ra stands out not just as a restaurant, but as a truly unique culinary destination. Located on the bustling Bowery, this spot redefines what a ramen experience can be, blending traditional Japanese techniques with a distinctly New York-inspired, brunch-focused menu. Ramen By Ra is the brainchild of Chef Rasheeda Purdie, a former fashion stylist who found her true calling in the art of ramen during the pandemic. She has since gained national recognition, including an appearance on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay, for her innovative approach.

The dining experience at Ramen By Ra is unlike any other. It is an intimate, reservation-only space with a very limited number of seats, designed to transport you to a cozy Japanese food stall. This unique setup allows for a personal connection with Chef Ra herself, who is known for her warm energy and attentiveness. She not only serves the food but often engages in conversation, making guests feel like honored friends rather than just customers. This intimate setting and the chef’s direct interaction are key to the memorable and personal nature of the dining experience.

Ramen By Ra is nestled at 348 Bowery, New York, NY 10012, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and easily accessible NoHo neighborhood, right off the famous Bowery Market. Its location is a major plus for New Yorkers, as it is a short walk from various subway stations, making it convenient to get to from almost anywhere in the city. The area itself is full of character, with a dynamic blend of shops, art galleries, and other unique eateries.

For those driving, the restaurant offers free and paid street parking options nearby. This is a rare convenience in this part of Manhattan and provides a flexible option for those coming from outside the neighborhood. The restaurant's intimate setting, mimicking a classic Japanese food stall, creates a sense of discovery and specialness that enhances the overall experience.

• Dine-in: Ramen By Ra offers an exclusive dine-in experience. The small, intimate setting is the core of its business model, designed to provide a highly personal and memorable meal. The focus is on a sit-down, in-person culinary journey.

• Reservations Required: To maintain the intimate atmosphere and ensure an efficient, seamless service, reservations are mandatory and must be booked in advance. This pre-booking system also often includes pre-payment, which eliminates the awkwardness of handling money at the end of the meal and allows guests to simply relax and enjoy the food and company.

• Takeout: While the primary focus is on dine-in, some reviews mention the availability of takeout options. It's best to check with the restaurant directly for current policies regarding this service, as the menu and availability can be very specific.

• Brunch and Lunch: The restaurant's menu is inspired by "asa-ramen" or "morning ramen," a Japanese tradition of eating ramen in the morning. This concept is blended with classic American brunch and breakfast flavors, making it a perfect spot for both a unique lunch or brunch experience.

• Unique "Asa-Ramen" Concept: Chef Rasheeda Purdie's innovative menu is the main draw. Instead of serving traditional ramen, she creates fusion dishes that blend Japanese techniques with American brunch and breakfast classics. Signature bowls include Steak & Egg Ramen, BLT Ramen, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Ramen, and Gravlax Ramen with a cream cheese foam. These creations are both comforting and foreign, providing a truly one-of-a-kind flavor profile.

• Intimate and Personal Atmosphere: With only a handful of seats, the restaurant provides a very intimate and cozy setting. This allows Chef Ra to interact with every guest, explaining the dishes and sharing stories. This personal touch makes the meal feel more like a private dining event hosted by a friend.

• Efficient and Modern Booking System: The pre-booking and pre-payment system is a major highlight. It ensures a smooth, stress-free dining experience with no lines and no wait times. Diners simply arrive, sit down, and enjoy their pre-ordered food. This model also significantly reduces food waste, making the business more sustainable.

• High-Quality Ingredients: The food is undeniably some of the best ramen you'll ever have. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the toppings are meticulously crafted. The use of premium ingredients and attention to detail, from the perfectly cooked soy egg to the high-quality steak, is evident in every bite.

• Woman-Owned and Black-Owned Business: Ramen By Ra is a celebrated Black and woman-owned business. Supporting this establishment means more than just enjoying a great meal; it means celebrating a unique and inspiring voice in New York City's culinary landscape.

• Great Vibes and Attentive Service: The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, welcoming, and filled with great vibes. Guests feel a sense of camaraderie with fellow diners, and Chef Ra's friendly and attentive service ensures a wonderful experience from start to finish.

Address: 348 Bowery, New York, NY 10012, USA

Phone: (347) 619-3346

Choosing Ramen By Ra is about embracing a new kind of culinary adventure. What makes this restaurant truly worth choosing is its ability to deliver an unparalleled dining experience that is both a reflection of the chef's personal story and a celebration of innovative food. The food itself is the primary reason to visit. The ramen is not a traditional bowl you might find at other spots; it is a creative masterpiece. The fusion of breakfast and brunch flavors with classic ramen techniques results in a dish that is both a comforting indulgence and a fascinating new taste. The Steak & Egg ramen and the BLT ramen are not just gimmicks—they are thoughtfully crafted dishes that work perfectly.

Beyond the food, the business model itself is a major selling point. The reservation and pre-payment system ensures that your meal is perfectly timed and prepared just for you. This means you get to enjoy the "good food and great vibes" without any of the stress typically associated with popular New York City restaurants. The 45-minute sit-down time is more than enough to savor your meal and even have a pleasant conversation with the chef or other guests. This focus on a streamlined, intimate experience is a refreshing change of pace.

The personal touch provided by Chef Rasheeda Purdie elevates the entire meal. Her passion for her craft and her genuine care for her guests are palpable. She has created a space that feels like a cozy retreat, a place where you are not just a customer but part of a community. Her story, as a Black woman-owned business owner who turned a pandemic-era passion into a celebrated restaurant, is an inspiring part of the New York City narrative. Ultimately, Ramen By Ra is worth choosing for its innovative food, its intimate and personal atmosphere, and its forward-thinking approach to hospitality. It is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and memorable meal that you will be dreaming about long after you leave.

Ramen By Ra

348 Bowery, New York, NY 10012, USA