With 140 locations around the world, the UK-based ramen canteen is now in NYC

Wagamama may be new to New York's shores, but this ramen massive is already a household name in the UK, where they serve up thousands of bowls daily across 140 locations worldwide. These canteen style restaurants are fast paced and super casual, offering up a menu of ramen, udon, curry and other Japanese classics. 

This 200-seat restaurant is more intimate than some of their large format spots in the UK, spread over a three-story space overlooking Madison Square with exposed brick, smaller communal tables and cozy booths for groups to settle into. Featuring an open kitchen - a Wagamama staple - U are greeted with a cornucopia of amazing smells the second U walk in the door that will set your mouth watering. Obviously, the ramen is a must here, but don't pass up their fantastic other dishes like the grilled duck donburi and pork-and-water-chestnut gyoza. 

The company was first founded by chef Alan Yau in 1992 and sold in 2011 for a casual $350 million. There are currently some pretty grand expectations for a full US expansion, although currently there are only four other sites open in Boston. 

Ideal For

Fast-Paced Slurping