Ivan Ramen

Ivan Ramen in Clerkenwell is an intimate, 26-seat walk-in-only ramen bar that fuses Tokyo’s casual dining culture with a New York edge. The interior is warm and minimalist, featuring light wood furnishings, reclaimed materials, and soft, atmospheric lighting. Manga-inspired murals and striking lightbox art add playful Japanese character, while the open kitchen means guests can watch the craft of ramen-making up close.

The restaurant’s unique selling point is its ingredient-driven approach to ramen. Ivan Orkin is renowned for his handmade noodles, crafted from a custom blend of flours, and broths that are slow-simmered for depth and complexity. Signature dishes include Tonkotsu, Tori Paitan, Spicy Miso Red Chili, and crispy Karaage, alongside London exclusives like the Salt Beef Bun - a nod to East End traditions - and a luxurious Truffled Veggie ramen.

Chef-owner Ivan Orkin’s story is central to the restaurant’s appeal. A New Yorker who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, he became an unlikely ramen authority in Japan, opening his first shop in Tokyo in 2006 to critical acclaim. His reputation grew internationally, bolstered by a feature on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, and his Tokyo branch earned recognition in the Michelin Guide. Today, Ivan Ramen Clerkenwell brings that pedigree to London, offering a refined yet approachable take on one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods.