A place to enjoy
Discover Izakaya Zest
Izakaya Zest, nestled at 112 Eldridge St, New York, is a vibrant ramen and Japanese izakaya spot known for its fresh, comforting dishes and welcoming atmosphere. The standout ramen features flavorful broth and generous, succulent pork belly, making it a neighborhood favorite for late-night warmth. Beyond ramen, their pan-fried dumplings, fried chicken, and sushi impress with authentic taste and satisfying portions. The unbeatable happy hour offers exceptional value, with diverse options like oysters and lychee martinis enhancing the experience. Friendly, efficient service completes the charm, making Izakaya Zest a go-to for casual gatherings and flavorful Japanese fare.
Story & Atmosphere
Izakaya Zest
Nestled in the heart of New York’s vibrant Eldridge Street, Izakaya Zest offers an authentic slice of Japanese culinary culture. This cozy spot stands out with its warm, inviting atmosphere that mirrors the traditional izakaya vibe—perfect for casual gatherings, large groups, or a comforting solo meal on a cold night.
The true highlight here is undoubtedly their ramen. Multiple patrons praise the broth’s warmth and balanced flavor, complemented by generous, succulent pork belly slices that melt in your mouth. While some seasoned ramen enthusiasts find the broth modest, the overall experience remains satisfying and comforting—an ideal refuge for anyone seeking a hearty, flavorful bowl. The Shoyu ramen, with its crisp bamboo shoots and tender pork belly, exemplifies the restaurant’s dedication to fresh, quality ingredients.
Beyond ramen, Izakaya Zest impresses with its diverse menu selections. The katsu dishes deliver a delightful crunch paired with savory depth, while pan-fried dumplings and fried chicken come highly recommended for their texture and flavor. Sushi lovers will be pleased to hear the restaurant now serves fresh sushi options, expanding its offerings and appeal.
Happy hour here is a standout feature—marked by unbeatable prices and a rich variety of options. From $6 oysters to creative cocktails like the lychee martini, the drink menu complements the food perfectly, elevating the overall izakaya experience. Hospitality shines through with friendly, prompt service that makes each visit feel welcoming and seamless.
In essence, Izakaya Zest is a neighborhood gem that marries authentic Japanese flavors with a lively, approachable ambiance. Whether you’re in for a quick bowl of warming ramen, a round of happy hour specials, or a relaxed evening with friends, this spot consistently delivers freshness, flavor, and genuine hospitality.
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“ Such great service/ really rare nowadays! Food was fresh and staff courteous. The ramen is a must! ”
“ Really delicious ramen. Came in late on a cold night and wanted something tasty and comforting and boy they delivered. Brought home some for the family and they also agreed it was the best. Will go on our permanent hit list. Service was really kind and efficient too. ”
“ The happy hour deal is phenomenal. The food is pretty good but for the price it’s unbeatable. Kinda hole in the wall izakaya vibes with lots of large groups and drinking. ”
“ I love love love this place a lot! The food here is amazing and delicious, it's not the best ramen I ever had but it's still really good! I got the Shoyu ramen and the broth was warm and flavorful, the pork belly was perfect, and the bamboo shoots were crunchy and very yummy. I also liked the katsu(I stole some from my friend), it was crunchy and flavorful. I'll definitely get that next time I come. The only thing I'll have to say is that my ramen wasn't slurpable. Like it was choppy? The service was really quick, gave us water refills as soon as we finished, and was very patient and kind to us when I had to get a new receipt for my 10% off for sharing on any platform. They also cleaned up very nicely. The atmosphere was so cozy and warm. It's a small restaurant so it feels compact and cute. The decor was very nice and in general, the store is very clean and well-kept together. I hope to come here again ! :) ”
“ As an very experienced Ramen eater, I would rank Zest as some where in the middle ... their broth was pretty average, but I will say, they provided very large and succulent pieces of pork belly in their soup. There isn't a large selection, from recollection, they had basically 4 choices. March 20th 2022 Update: i have recently re-visited Minca, Gorin on 14th ; and I no longer place Zest somewhere in the middle, I now place them above average. But not on the same level as Menkui Tei. A solid 4 stars. They have littleneck clams for $1 during happy hour. Jan 18th 2024 Still going to Zest, I have again visited more Ramen shops since my last post on Zest in 2020 and again, the value and flavor compares to many other more well known and upscale Ramen shops like Ippudo. August 8th 2025 Still going to Zest, they have now added sushi rolls to their menu, they still have a happy hour, and also have added a new ramen item to their other usual soup flavors. Still many years later for me a solid Ramen choice. My only gripe, they do not have a robust AC system, at least not when i go, I will wait till fall / winter to revisit. August 25th 2025 I went back again and now have realized, they have pivoted to a sushi spot that serves Ramen. ”