Kuu
Quick info
About Kuu
Kuu is a ramen restaurant in New York, serving classic Japanese noodle soups and donburi at 20 John St. The space is snug, with low lighting and concrete walls. The signature bowl is Kuu Ramen, and the menu also includes Japanese Fried Chicken and Bun Kakuni.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingDifficult to find a space
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Family friendly
- DietaryServes vegetarian dishes
Menu & Prices
51 dishes · mains $3–19
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gyoza, curry, ramen bowls and matcha ice cream.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gyoza, curry, ramen bowls and matcha ice cream.
Customer Review Summary
Diners consistently single out the ramen bowls as the core draw, with the spicy tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso pork ramen repeatedly praised for rich, well-balanced broth and springy noodles. Close behind, the curry dishes earn strong marks, particularly the karrage curry rice with Japanese fried chicken, which one reviewer called the best Japanese food they have had in New York. The gyoza and beef don also draw notice, the latter elevated by a sesame sauce several found memorable. Service earns frequent praise for speed and warmth, with one diner highlighting a server who cleared plates and refilled water without being asked. A few note the space is small with shared tables, which can surprise first-time guests, and one reviewer found the beef miso ramen's minced, sweet meat off-putting enough to switch dishes. Another expressed disappointment that the curry ramen's naan chips were replaced with store-bought crackers. Several suggest arriving prepared for a line during peak lunch hours.
Customer Review Summary
Diners consistently single out the ramen bowls as the core draw, with the spicy tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso pork ramen repeatedly praised for rich, well-balanced broth and springy noodles. Close behind, the curry dishes earn strong marks, particularly the karrage curry rice with Japanese fried chicken, which one reviewer called the best Japanese food they have had in New York. The gyoza and beef don also draw notice, the latter elevated by a sesame sauce several found memorable. Service earns frequent praise for speed and warmth, with one diner highlighting a server who cleared plates and refilled water without being asked. A few note the space is small with shared tables, which can surprise first-time guests, and one reviewer found the beef miso ramen's minced, sweet meat off-putting enough to switch dishes. Another expressed disappointment that the curry ramen's naan chips were replaced with store-bought crackers. Several suggest arriving prepared for a line during peak lunch hours.
Featured reviews
- Venus
“Tried Kuu Ramen in NYC — honestly, it was decent but nothing particularly memorable. The broth and noodles were okay, the portions were fair, but overall the ramen felt pretty standard and lacked that rich, special flavor that makes you …”
- Kat R
“Place is small, and also they have shareable tables just fyi, that threw us off, staff is super friendly and kind. We order some ramens and gyoza which was super flavorful, all their ramens were good, I forgot to take a picture of my husbands but his was spicy and had pork like chicharron (crispy pork) on top, which was to die for, my son didn’t like his beef miso ramen because the meat was minced and also had a sweet flavor so I switched it with mine and then he was happy, my miso pork ramen was delicious, savory and had a little quick since they decorate with what looked like chili oil, delicious but a little spicy. I was super happy with this place, glad we found it and would definitely try it again. Yum”
- Will Zhang
“Kuu is a small, intimate ramen spot in NYC. The gyoza were excellent—plenty of meat and solid flavor. The curry was delicious, especially with the added chicken karaage, which paired perfectly and tasted great. …”
- Alicia Austin
“Was passing by and stopped in on a whim. I am glad I did. The ramen was delicious, well flavored, balanced but not overwhelming. The service was great, my water glass was never empty. Highly recommend.”
- Ronald Casanova
“Ordered the Karrage Curry Rice with japanese fried chicken... simply the best japanese I've had in NY. This dish blew my mind. Amazing!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Classic Japanese noodle soups & donburi served in a snug space with low lighting & concrete walls.”
- Has fast service
- Serves local speciality
- Popular for popular for lunch
- Popular for popular for dinner
- Popular for good for solo dining
Amenities
- Has no-contact delivery
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- Family friendly
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves alcohol
Show more amenities
- Casual
- On-site services available
- Serves beer
- Serves comfort food
- Serves happy-hour drinks
- Has catering
- Service options· 1
- Offers delivery
- Dining options· 6
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Has counter service
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
- Has table service
- Parking· 1
- Difficult to find a space
- Highlights· 2
- Has fast service
- Serves local speciality
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Crowd· 4
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Popular with tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Popular with university students
- Family-friendly· 1
- Good for kids
- Offerings· 2
- Quick bite
- Serves small plates
- Popular for· 3
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
- Atmosphere· 2
- Cosy
- Trendy
Location
How Kuu compares to nearby restaurants
- Kuu · This shop4.52,734 reviews
Mentioned in reviews: gyoza, curry, ramen bowls
- Eataly4.26,425 reviews0.2 mi
Mentioned in reviews: fresh pasta, pizza, calzone
- Le Gratin4.6688 reviews0.2 mi
Mentioned in reviews: escargot, steak frites, endive salad with grapefruit
- 4,110 reviews0.2 mi
Mentioned in reviews: avocado toast, brekkie roll, pulled pork benedict
Kuu This shop | Eataly | Le Gratin | Hole In The Wall - FiDi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5(2,734) | 4.2(6,425) | 4.6(688) | 4.8(4,110) | |
| Price | $20–30 | $20–60 | $80–90 | $15–30 |
| Distance | — | 0.2 mi | 0.2 mi | 0.2 mi |
| Open today | ||||
| Vegetarian options | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Good for kids | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Reservations | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
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How this listing is sourced
Hours, contact details, and amenities are sourced from publicly available business data and re-checked regularly. Listings are ranked independently — no paid placement.