Ippin (CLOSED)

Ramenville welcomes yet another noodle den: Joining neighborhood favorites like Ippudo and Rai Rai Ken, Japanese toque Shoehi Chin (1 or 8) ladles out his own take on the Japanese staple. Along with traditional varieties like shoyu (soy), shio (salt) and tantan-men (sesame sauce), Chin spices his signature bowl with dried chilies and curry, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. At the white marble bar, nosh on izakaya-style small plates (octopus ceviche with Japanese yam, a sashimi-topped pancake), or watch sushi chefs roll up intricate maki rolls (the house special is filled with a salmon-yellowtail-tuna trio and topped with kani). Booze options include Sapporo beer, house wines and sakes, with 107 brews available at the bar (sparkling Hana Awaka, light Shiro Sasa).