"Expect innovative, consistently satisfying food at this Lower East Side ramen joint from Long Island native Ivan Orkin, who rose to fame via his two ramen shops in Tokyo. Opt for the deftly constructed shio or shoyo ramens, or, for a more decadent meal, try the triple pork, triple garlic mazemen or unconventional, lamb-filled take on Sichuan dan dan noodles. While Ivan Ramen takes reservations along with walk-ins, the vibe is usually more low-key at lunch, which can be had at any hour of the afternoon — it stays open starting at 12:30 p.m. daily (except Mondays, when it’s closed). Plus, the enclosed back garden seating area is sun-filled in the daytime." - Alexandra Ilyashov