Momofuku Noodle Bar
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"Six stars"
David Chang is one of the world’s most innovative chefs, and our visit to Momofuku Noodle Bar in Columbus Circle lived up to every expectation after an incredible experience at Momofuku Las Vegas. The ramen here is among the best in the US—if not the world. We ordered the smoked pork and garlic chicken ramen, accompanied by cucumber salad and a pork dip. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with bold yet balanced flavors. The smokiness, a true Chang signature, elevated the ramen to a new level, while the cucumber’s acidic dressing served as the perfect palate cleanser. The pork dip au jus was an inspired twist—fusing a French-American classic with Asian elements—resulting in something truly unique and memorable. Beyond the food, the service, design, and atmosphere were flawless. Chang has built a culinary empire without ever sacrificing quality, keeping his menus simple yet extraordinary. This place doesn’t just deserve five stars—it deserves six.
"Good tasting ramen"
We visited on a Friday and waited about 25 minutes for a table, but it was well worth it. The ramen was among the most memorable I’ve had outside of Japan, and the gyoza was easily the best I’ve ever tried (and I’ve had many!). The location is also convenient, just a short walk from Grand Central Station—perfect for exploring before or after dinner. You won’t regret dining here.
"Easy to get a seat, excellent food, mostly top ramen"
We visited twice for lunch—once early, once later—and never had to wait for a table. The ramen was excellent, and while the menu is short, everything we tried was delicious. Service was attentive and welcoming, making it a great overall experience.
"Tasted like instant noodles from Asia"
The spicy beef noodle bowl was underwhelming—it tasted very much like instant noodles you could buy at the supermarket for a fraction of the price. Definitely felt overhyped. On the positive side, the classic pork bun was delicious and worth trying.
"Still fabulous"
The food here is still as carefully and beautifully prepared as when I last visited 7 years ago. The buns, ramens, and specials were all sublime. The staff are relaxed and friendly, and it’s a family-friendly spot—kids are welcome. A big plus is that you can bring your own bottle of wine for a €20 corkage fee, and their beer selection is fantastic. For around €20, you can enjoy a world-class noodle bowl with a drink—outstanding value! Tip: go after 2 PM on weekdays to skip the queues.
"Small Menu"
The menu is small, which can be refreshing compared to places with endless options. The food is decent—not outstanding, but definitely above average.
"Ok. Not great."
We were excited to try David Chang’s food after seeing Secret Chef on TV. The service was excellent, but the food was just okay. The pork ramen was a bit disappointing—the meat was slightly dry and the noodles clumped at the bottom of the bowl. The pork buns were tasty, though. Overall, an average experience, not something to write home about.
"Asian food full of flavors"
An excellent, vibrant restaurant with fantastic and surprising dishes! If you’re not familiar with Asian cuisine, it’s worth checking out the menu first. The noodles come in a variety of combinations, and the spiciness level is not what you might expect—it hits the palate like a real explosion of flavor. Truly delicious, this is a place to get lost in.
"Ramen and buns"
Service was good. We started with the pork buns—they were just okay and not worth the $15 price tag, lacking flavor. I had the Garlic Chicken ramen, which was decent but not outstanding; the broth was a bit too salty for my taste. Others in my party had the pork ramen and found it overly spicy, with very fatty pork. At over $20 per bowl, I don’t think it’s worth it. Honestly, I’d be happier getting ramen in Chinatown.
"Lunch with family"
A pretty good spot to eat! The smoked pork belly bao buns are excellent, and the noodle bowls are solid as well. Service was excellent, making for an overall great experience.
"Underwhelming vegetarian meal."
The person I came with really enjoyed the meat options and said it was some of the best ramen they’ve ever had. As a non-meat eater, I hoped David Chang’s vision would impress me too. I absolutely loved the shiitake buns—they were flavorful and well-balanced. Unfortunately, the miso ramen fell flat. Aside from the chili, it was bland and felt phoned-in. If you have a solid vegetarian ramen nearby, skip this one. Service was okay, prices were reasonable, but the atmosphere wasn’t great and seating is cramped. Vegetarians going with someone else will be happy to have edible options, but I wouldn’t suggest coming here specifically for vegetarian food. It’s more of a “been there” experience.
"Great rice cakes, okay noodles"
I visited Momofuku with my boyfriend after hearing so much about David Chang’s famous restaurant. The waiter was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance was very nice. We tried the pork buns, rice cakes, smoked pork ramen, and cumin beef noodles. The rice cakes were amazing—highly recommend them! The pork buns were good, with a generous, fatty pork belly portion that we both enjoyed. The noodles were decent; I preferred the cumin beef noodles, while my boyfriend liked the ramen, so it really comes down to personal taste. If we return, I’d likely skip the noodles and focus on the buns and shareable dishes—it may feel a bit unusual at a noodle bar, but the flavors make it worth it.
"Inconsistent. One moment over flavored the next, bland."
Overall, it wasn’t great. The tuna crudo was absolutely dynamite—but way too small! The pork ramen was a bit too smoky, though the noodles were good. The scallion and ginger noodles were disappointing—gummy, flavorless, and overwhelmed by soggy nori. Drinks are great, but the miso cookies were a complete fail. I won’t be returning and I’m not buying the hype.
"Noisy!"
The much-hyped pork buns are rich and fatty. The ginger scallion noodles are packed with flavor, and the soft serve is a delightful surprise. Be aware—the lunch crowd and loud music make the sound level extremely high.
"Noodle bar delish!"
I was looking for a delicious but not pretentious meal near Lincoln Center, and this place delivered. I usually travel alone, so I enjoy sitting at the bar—especially when the bartender is friendly and knowledgeable about the food, which he was! The dishes speak for themselves, but add the chili crunch to almost anything and it becomes a five-star flavor.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Trendy Asian-inspired restaurant serving innovative noodle dishes and small plates. Casual yet lively, great for adventurous eaters.
Address
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, United States
Website
https://momofukunoodlebar.com/
Email
https://www.momofuku.com/pages/contact-us
Telephone
+16469188752