Ramen By Ra

Tucked away in the East Village, Ramen By Ra occupies a space barely bigger than a home kitchen with just six seats. Dark wood, lacy curtains, and streams of natural sunlight give it the feel of dining in someone’s beautifully appointed private residence. This intimate setting is entirely intentional—every detail here has been carefully considered to create an experience that feels personal and special.

What sets Ramen By Ra apart is its wonderfully inventive approach to the morning meal. The chef reimagines classic New York breakfast staples through the lens of Japanese ramen tradition. Think lox and cream cheese transformed into a steaming bowl of noodles, or the humble bacon, egg, and cheese elevated to a creamy, parmesan-dusted creation with thick-cut bacon. The steak and egg version arrives with a vibrant chimichurri oil that adds just the right brightness to cut through the rich broth.

Getting a seat requires some planning—reservations open two weeks in advance, and you’ll need to pre-order and pay for your meal when you book. It might feel like a bit of a process, but once you’re settled in and the chef greets you with warm soba-cha served in delicate crystal glassware alongside a pillowy cream cheese and lox bao, any hassle quickly fades from memory.

This is the kind of place that rewards the solo diner. With so few seats and such focused attention from the kitchen, you’ll feel like you’re getting a private show. Open Wednesday through Sunday for those who plan ahead, Ramen By Ra transforms the simple act of eating breakfast into something genuinely memorable.