Hinata Ramen

Tucked into an unassuming storefront in Midtown East, this Japanese spot allows diners to build their own bowls of steaming ramen. Choose a type of ramen—classic ($12.50), spicy ($13.50), vegan ($14.50), rich miso ($14.50) or dipping-style ($14.50)—then pick one of the four varieties of noodles, roasted pork or chicken and any extra toppings. Hinata uses organic chicken broth, never adds MSG and makes all their own noodles, including vegan and gluten-free options. If you’re not in the mood for hot soup, try one of the restaurant’s other offerings, like pork gyoza (five for $7, 10 for $13), octopus carpaccio ($9), fried chicken ($7) or salmon sashimi and roe over rice ($8). To drink, choose from a wide variety of sakes ranging in flavor from fruity to dry ($57–$70 per bottle), or sip a Sapporo or glass of plum wine (both $6).