Zurutto Ramen

Swung by since the hotel was around the corner. Tried the classic ramen and if didn’t disappoint. Was around 1800 hours on a week day and we were the only customers. Would visit again.

Excellent ramen Good variety of food menu Good price Nice place

TLDR; best ramen in the neighborhood! I've been to probably 20+ in midtown/UES/EV. Ambiance (5/5): The establishment is huge and spacious with the room being divided in two rooms. It's a couple restaurants combined into one (Zurutto, Tenzan, Omakase Shihou). One side has a counter/kitchen and the other a full bar. It's quiet, brightly lit, and ornate. Upstairs is the omakase. Service (5/5): We came super late at night (9pm) and there were still several patrons but very few staff members. While they did not come to check in on us during our experience, we were able to get their attention very easily whenever we needed something. Staff was polite and friendly when I asked more about their establishment. Food: Zurutto Deluxe Ramen (6/5): Everything about this ramen was phenomenal!! The portions were huge--there was FIVE honky pieces of charsu which had the perfect ratio of fat to meat. The meat was tender to bite and juicy from the fat, seasoned through, and thick. Other competitors would give only a third of this portion. On top of that, there was a FULL seasoned soft-boiled egg (not the usual half). The bamboo shoots were marinated in seasoning too within the other toppings of diced white onions and scallions. It comes with a side of blacked garlic (which my bf poured all into the bowl, whereas I did not pour any bc it's not preferred flavor profile). I asked for a side of chili oil (+ $1) which further amplified the already savory broth. The soup had depth and umami, not too salty, and didn't need any sauces. Ask for your noodles a little more firm (I could tell the difference between the regular and the firm). Will absolutely come back again!! Spicy salmon roll (3/5): The salmon was good but the rice was a bit stale.

Better to sit in the adjoining Tenzan 52, which looks cleaner and brighter and does not have distracting restaurant equipment beside the ramen station. As for the ramen itself, please note that they use chicken broth which may or may not be your ramen expectation. That said, the Zurutto Deluxe ($18 plus tax) was a hearty blend of perfectly cooked noodles and toppings of tender pork, bamboo shoots and egg. The calamari ($8) was a tad overdone and became slightly too chewy. Service could be more streamlined.

We were seated in the Zurutto side so reviewing this place. Wheelchair-accessible entry. Got Truffle Mazemen which I liked - Dry noodles, spicy, with ground pork which I couldn't tell though bec mixed with crispy onions, etc, and a ramen egg. Large portion of eel in his Unagi Don but the rice had too much sauce. The Beef fried rice was pricey and we didn't like - sticky rice texture, not a lot of beef, which was a bit chewy anyway. Tempura appetizer had thick coating over a small shrimp, crispy/wasn't oily. Soggy Calamari. Green tea ice cream had 3 scoops and is rich in flavor, which was good. Ambiance could be better - there were boxes stored by the dining area. Service was great, attentive.