Ramen by Ra — Review by Eater
New York, United States — Japanese Ramen
Kamari Mick, a pastry chef and owner of L'Atelier Event, visits Ramen by Ra, which she calls her hands-down favorite ramen in the city and describes as the hardest reservation in New York. She tries their signature deluxe ramen bowl with luxurious salmon and an elevated bacon, egg, and cheese bao served on soft bao bread, both of which she praises for their exceptional quality and unique preparations.
What was great: Deluxe ramen bowl with nori shoyu broth, cream cheese foam, crispy capers, and salmon; bacon, egg, and cheese bao with apple smoked wood bacon and Parmesan; umami-rich flavors and high-quality ingredients
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show at Ramen by Ra is the deluxe ramen bowl, a shoyu broth-based creation featuring nori, a luxurious cream cheese foam, crispy capers, shallots, pickled red onions, and premium salmon. Kamari describes this bowl as her favorite, emphasizing the incredible umami happening throughout. She loves the brininess from the fried capers, the seaweed notes, and how everything comes together in perfect harmony. The broth itself represents chef Rashida's take on asa ramen, a lighter breakfast ramen popular in Japan, designed for those seeking something less heavy than traditional ramen bowls.
Another standout dish is the bacon, egg, and cheese bao, which Kamari calls her favorite rendition of this New York classic. Rather than using American cheese, the bao features apple smoked wood bacon, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and scallions nestled in soft, pillowy bao bread. She appreciates how the Parmesan elevation makes this version so much better than traditional versions, describing it as absolutely perfect.
The restaurant also serves tea as part of the progression, completing the tasting experience thoughtfully.
The Experience
Ramen by Ra operates as a window service concept launched on National Ramen Day, offering both quick-service cups for on-the-go guests and a more elevated chef counter experience available on weekends. The atmosphere combines accessibility with fine dining elements, allowing both casual diners and serious food enthusiasts to enjoy the restaurant's offerings in their preferred format.
Value & Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the transcript, the restaurant is noted as having the hardest reservation in the city, suggesting premium quality and demand that justifies elevated pricing.
Notable Moments
This is definitely hands down my favorite ramen in the city.
There's so much umami happening. There's the brininess from the fried capers. There's the seaweed. This is definitely a hands-down my favorite bowl here.
Kamari's enthusiasm throughout the visit underscores her genuine appreciation for chef Rashida's work and the restaurant's innovative approach to ramen.
The Verdict
Ramen by Ra represents the new age of New York's restaurant scene, with chef Rashida recently nominated as an emerging chef for the James Beard Awards in 2026. This is essential dining for anyone seeking exceptional ramen with creative touches, whether through the signature deluxe bowl or the clever bacon, egg, and cheese bao. The restaurant appeals to both casual diners seeking quick, quality bites and serious food enthusiasts wanting to experience elevated ramen craftsmanship at the chef counter.