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    Udon Lab

    3.9 (626 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    UDON LAB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    weekday lunch menu
    Simon P.

    Stopped by for lunch on a weekday. They have a weekday lunch menu that is a few dollars discounted from the original prices. Got the niku udon with beef with spicy yellowtail roll. The roll uses a nori packaging similar to the onigiris you get from stores, which is quite fun although feel a bit pre-made. The udon texture is a bit softer than what I prefer. Service is attentive.

    Gyu Don
    Yawei B.

    This was our second visit to Udon Lab. We really enjoyed their gyu-don during our last visit, so we decided to come back again today. We arrived a little too early without realizing it, but one gentleman--possibly the owner or manager--was kind enough to let us sit inside and wait until they officially opened. That small gesture was really appreciated and made us feel very welcome. This time, I tried their cold Himokawa udon. It's different from the usual udon noodles we normally eat--the noodles are extra wide and flat, which gives them a really nice texture. Since it's served cold, it came with a cold dashi broth and a cold sesame ground pork dipping sauce. I like spicy food, so I asked if they had something spicy, and they brought me some chili oil, which paired really well with the noodles. The set also came with a hand roll. Personally, I felt it was a bit too much carb after eating a full plate of udon, and I think tempura might be a better pairing. That said, I really liked the noodles themselves and would definitely order this dish again.

    Service was fast and friendly. Noise level allowed for us to hold conversations just fine. Hamburg steak was tender and paired well with the brussels sprouts, egg, and sweet sauce. Pork loin katsu was crispy but dry and the sauce was salty. I recommend dipping it into the sweet hamburg steak sauce. Shrimp crunch sushi roll was pretty standard, served with a side of wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce. Overall a solid lunch spot, would come back to try other menu items!

    Angelina S.

    The food is ALWAYS SO GOOD!! The drinks are great. The place is clean and the staff is always friendly. The ambiance is classy and calm. Love it

    special
    Varsha T.

    udon lab in ktown usually has a very long line, and this was my first time trying it around lunchtime after the knicks parade. there was no wait for a party of two when i arrived. i noticed they have lunch specials for $18, which include an appetizer and an entrée, and that's what i went with today. i will say the menu is a bit harder for people with dietary restrictions, since most of the broths contain fish except for the 1 vegetable option. otherwise, the meal was pretty good. i felt like it leaned a bit more mild, and it reminded me of a chicken noodle soup. everything tasted fresh and was nicely presented. i really appreciated that every seat had outlets nearby. overall i enjoyed my time.

    Nick S.

    Udon Lab is a modern udon restaurant in Koreatown that focuses on freshly made noodles, creative udon dishes, and a more elevated take on traditional Japanese comfort food. We walked into a space that feels cozy and contemporary, with clean lines and a warm, inviting energy that makes it a nice spot whether you are looking for a quick meal or a more relaxed dinner. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with seating that accommodates both solo diners and small groups, and the open kitchen adds a layer of transparency that fits the focus on freshly made noodles. The mentaiko cream udon was the highlight. The sauce was rich and creamy with a savory seafood flavor from the mentaiko, but it did not feel too heavy. The udon noodles had a great chewy texture that held up well with the sauce, and the combination made the dish feel more unique than a typical noodle bowl. It was a good example of how Udon Lab mixes Japanese flavors with a more modern style. Beyond the mentaiko cream udon, the menu has a good variety of options depending on what you are craving. The niku udon offers a more classic comforting bowl, while dishes like the katsu curry udon bring something heartier, with the crispy cutlet adding a satisfying contrast to the rich curry broth. The restaurant also has sides like takoyaki and other small plates that work well for sharing, and the selection of appetizers adds variety to the meal. The service was friendly and the food came out at a good pace, with the staff checking in at the right moments and keeping the pacing of the meal comfortable. The restaurant can get busy, especially around peak dinner hours, so seating may depend on timing, but the turnover moves efficiently and the atmosphere stays relaxed even when the dining room fills up. The energy feels casual but still polished, which makes it a good option for both a quick meal and a longer catch-up with friends. Udon Lab is a solid spot for udon in Manhattan. The freshly made noodles, creative menu, and comfortable atmosphere make it stand out from a typical noodle shop, offering a meal that feels both thoughtful and satisfying. The balance of traditional comfort and modern creativity gives the restaurant a distinct identity, and the quality of the noodles and the depth of the flavors make it a dependable stop for a satisfying udon experience.

    Hiyashi Udon set
    Stefanie C.

    Iit had been a few years since my last visit, but decided to stop by when I was in the city last month. I'm happy to report that Udon Lab is still one of my go-to spots in NYC. Right away I noticed the menu has expanded with a lot of new items, and honestly, the more options the better. Even though it was freezing outside (lol), I was craving cold noodles, so I went with the Hiyashi Udon and made it a set. The noodles come separately from the soup and toppings, which I love, and I added shrimp tempura. The set also comes with a cabbage salad and your choice of a crab or spicy yellowtail hand roll. I followed our server's recommendation and went with the spicy yellowtail, WOW. So on point and exactly what I was in the mood for. Everything paired perfectly with a cold Asahi. The place is a little small so rsvp's are always encouraged, however, they do take walk ins. Service was great as always! Safe to say, I'll definitely be keeping Udon Lab in my regular rotation. Still just as good as I remembered!

    Maria A.

    We really enjoyed our meal at Udon Lab. We started with the sautéed Brussels sprouts and the takoyaki (octopus fritters), and both were so good--great flavor and cooked perfectly. I ordered the pork Niku, which was comforting and delicious. The service was friendly and welcoming, and the location was super convenient since we were staying right next door during our visit. Overall, a great spot and definitely one I'd recommend if you're in the area!

    Niku udon with beef, set with crab handroll
    Khy Ee S.

    Good go-to spot in K-Town! Went for a late weekend lunch (around 3pm). Every other spot in K-Town was packed, and was happy to see that Udon Lab had some available tables. Got the Niku udon with beef. Love that it comes with the poached egg! For any udon, you can also make it a set for an additional $6 - it will also include a cabbage salad and handroll. I got the set with crab handroll. Overall worth it to get the set. Make sure you're hungry! Otherwise, the udon should be substantial enough.

    Sauteed Brussels Sprout
    Wai Chi C.

    The udon was average. With the price given I expect more. Portion of the noodle is fine but there was so little beef. The soup niku udon was average. The niku tsuke was disappointing, it's not rich enough and not hot enough. A few dip of the noodles made the soup cold already. And you can only taste the chili oil in the noodle instead of the dipping soup. I guess the best dish of the meal was the brussel sprouts. Another nice part was that you can watch them making the udon fresh. It was fun to watch. But the texture of the udon is no different from the frozen udon you can buy in supermarket. I thought it would be more chewy but no.

    Korean Spicy Udon
    Nafisa H.

    I love how the udon tastes here and the broth is super flavorful and satisfying. We were able to get seating quickly in ktown and on a weekend. I tried my friend's simple udon and the broth was so tasty. I ended up with the Korean spicy udon and it was a massive bowl so I left with leftovers. Service is attentive, we were given a huge water jug which is so nice because the cups of water are so tiny. I'd definitely come back in the area for udon.

    Matcha tiramisu
    Dan K.

    Came here for a quick dinner with my son on one of those early fall evenings when the cold hits suddenly and a hot noodle dish just feels right. We arrived early enough to get seated right away, but soon after, little "reserved" tents started popping up on the tables. We ordered the Mentaiko Udon for him, the Kimchi Bacon Udon for me, and Karaage to share. A few negatives to get out of the way first: the timing was off. My kimchi udon came out well before the karaage, which was also served long before the mentaiko. The same thing happened at the table next to us--kimchi came first by a long shot. That said, the food itself was excellent. The karaage was lightly fried and juicy, paired with a citrusy mayo that kept it bright and not heavy. You could tell it was freshly made. The kimchi udon had a creamy, hearty sauce with big slices of mushrooms, just-funky-enough kimchi, and chunks of bacon. The spice built gradually rather than hitting all at once, which I liked. The udon noodles weren't your typical pale white, squared-edge type--they were broader, flatter, and had a really satisfying chew. The mentaiko udon was also creamy, but with a savory kick from the fish roe that came through clearly. We finished with the matcha tiramisu, which was a great call--the sweet, creamy layers were offset by bold matcha powder that mimicked the cocoa dusting of traditional tiramisu but added a deep, earthy flavor. Service was fine overall (aside from the pacing issue), and the ambiance struck that perfect balance between casual and date-night friendly. A cozy, satisfying spot for those first chilly nights of fall--comforting food with thoughtful flavors.

    Mentaiko Cream Udon
    April L.

    Maybe it is just the specific udon I got but I thought it was just OK and not super amazing or something to get again. (I got the mentaiko udon). I've had better mentaiko udon so I'm definitely comparing to past experiences with this style of udon so I would recommend to try another dish rather than this one. The interior is quite nice; warm lighting and feels cozy. Staff were attentive and service was quick.

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    Udon Lab Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Udon Lab

    Do you take reservations?

    Yes, they do reservations.

    Are there any vegan options?

    Yes, they have vegan options.

    Is there take out?

    Yes we do take out!!

    Are the lunch specials available over the weekend?

    No sorry. Only available Monday through Friday!

    Is there Happy Hour?

    I'm so sorry. No happy hour at this moment.

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    Tensai - ebi niku udon ($18)

    Tensai

    4.3(59 reviews)
    1.1 miMidtown East

    I had stopped by this little hole in the wall a handful of times before stopping in several months…read moreago during a cold winter day. The place was pretty quiet, and the staff was friendly. To drink, I had a Hot Organic Super Matcha Tea for 4.95. It was alright tea, and I wish teas were included in the price point, as otherwise, this place feels pretty traditional. In terms of food, I only ordered from the seasonal menu, so I'm not sure how the rest of the dishes are, but from what I had, I would go back for a light traditional meal. My appetizer was the Dashimaki Tamago/だし巻まき卵たま, or sweet savory omelet with daikon for $6.98. This came with three pieces along with a little dollop of grated radish. The pieces had a light sweetness to them along with a bit of savoriness. They were juicy and a bit bouncy while maintaining some softness. This was standard and good. My main dish was the $19.98 Beef Tan Tan Udon, or ground sirloin beef, spicy broth, baby bok choy, kikurage mushroom, scallions, and sesame seeds. While I have preferred udon from spots like Raku, the udon had a mild chew to it, and they were still good. The broth had a mix of sweetness and spiciness with a nice depth of flavor. The vegetables inside tasted fresh, and the meat added some richness. This was good as well. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to go here, but the food was good. If you're in the area and looking for no frills Japanese dining in a more comfortable atmosphere at pretty decent Midtown East prices, I would recommend this place.

    I recently tried Tensai for dinner during the weekday and enjoyed a nice authentic Japanese udon…read more The restaurant is nestled in Midtown East NY and has several two-seater tables, but only one or two larger tables that can seat a party of 4. Very cozy restaurant and the staff were attentive and friendly. Luckily their service is very fast so my family and I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for a table in the back. I really enjoyed their niku udon. The broth was flavorful but not too salty. The menu offered a variety of options, all reasonably priced between $10-20, ensuring great value for the quality provided. I would come back to Tensai for some comforting Japanese udon noodles!

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    Tensai
    Tensai - Karaage

    Karaage

    Tensai - Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)

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    Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)

    Sakagura

    Sakagura

    4.2(2k reviews)
    0.8 miMidtown East
    $$$$

    Food: 4/5 Service bumped it to a 5/5 because all of the…read morestaffs were so friendly. From the moment we walked in to us finding the bathroom and waving anyone down for our requests. We got the fish carpaccio to start and it was pretty good! It tasted like what I expected from the description. The miso soup was also good, not too salty and slightly different than your trusty takeout sushi spot. I got the dashi omelette and it was a little sweet and savory. It paired nicely with the radish. I got the cold, plum udon. Which was refreshing and a bit sour from the plums. The broth was sippable since it wasn't too salty. My friend got the mushroom cold soba and it came with mashed yam. This dish tasted more like what I was expecting since the sourness of my dish kinda was unexpected, but I still enjoyed it! My friend also got a drink and it was SO strong. I think they're serious about their drinks here I didn't see any mocktails or cocktails. They gave us black sesame ice cream on the house since her drinks came out later than expected, which was really nice! I'm not a black sesame fan, but this place's ice cream was good! You're able to chew on the black sesame's bits and pieces in there. Overall, I do think they nail Japanese food, it's supposed to be simple and clean. So if you're looking for creative and big umami flavors, that's not going to be this place. But if you want authentic, Japanese food, this is the place!

    This is one of the best izakaya restaurants in Manhattan, and it keeps bringing me back time after…read moretime. The moment you walk in, you're instantly transported to Japan. The décor features light natural wood and bamboo, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere, with an impressive collection of sake lining the wall. The food is outstanding. We started with the seasonal soft-shell crab, which was incredibly fresh and fried to perfection. The daily sashimi special was exceptionally fresh, and the salad was light and refreshing. The must-order Wagyu beef, served on a hot stone, simply melted in our mouths and was unforgettable. Every dish was beautifully prepared, and I enjoyed every single bite. The impeccable service was the icing on the cake. The staff was attentive throughout our meal, making sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. I absolutely loved the entire dining experience and can't wait to come back again!

    Photos
    Sakagura - Happy Friday!

    Happy Friday!

    Sakagura - Hot "Inaniwa" Udon

    Hot "Inaniwa" Udon

    Sakagura - Lunch Time. Happy Friday!

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    Lunch Time. Happy Friday!

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.9k reviews)
    0.8 miMidtown East
    $$

    This is my go-to restaurant for katsu in the city. Any katsu set you get will not go wrong. The…read morecrispiness of the katsu is just right, and you will not regret it, besides not picking another one. When it gets busy, there is usually a line waiting at the door, sometimes extending outside. If you have a reservation, you will not be seated until the whole party is there. One small note: if you are seated in the back, the cell service is really bad, but who needs their phone when you have good company and good food.

    Food: This is one of the few places in NYC that does a traditional Japanese tonkatsu very well;…read moreit's not as good as Japan, but it's still very good. This restaurant offers a variety of Japanese katsu including pork loin, pork tenderloin, curries, seafood, and donburis as well as many appetizers, drinks, and desserts. We tried the miso pork loin and the half pork/half chicken curry katsu. Both were delicious, and very enjoyable. The katsu is very crispy and well made; the meat inside is very moist. For every entree, you have the option of choosing set A (miso soup with pork and vegetable, potato salad, shredded cabbage) or set B (miso soup and shredded cabbage). There was nothing special about the vegetable and pork soup and potato salad so I would recommend set B. At every table, there are a variety of condiments - salad dressing for the cabbage, spice powder, tonkatsu sauce, and soy sauce. I would definitely come back here if I am craving katsu. Service: Service was phenomenal. The restaurant was packed and very busy, but our server was still very attentive and always available if we needed something. Very friendly! Ambiance: The restaurant is not big but can accommodate both large and small groups. Space is a bit tight, but the seating is still comfortable. They have counter seating as well as tables in the back. During peak dinner time, there was a little bit of a wait and a line near the door; the place is very popular. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are craving tonkatsu!

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    Katsu-Hama
    Katsu-Hama - Oyster and katsu

    Oyster and katsu

    Katsu-Hama - Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu

    Sozai

    Sozai

    4.3(177 reviews)
    0.7 miMidtown West

    Beyond the usual ramen and sushi--an incredible Japanese spot!…read more When friends suggest Japanese food, it's usually the same rotation of ramen, basic sushi, or curry. This place completely breaks the mold! The chefs here put genuine thought, balance, and incredible freshness into every single dish. The space is small and cozy--perfect for groups of 2 to 4--and our server, Alisa, was attentive, friendly, and never pushy. Here is a breakdown of what we ordered: Sake Flight & Sakura Mori: Smooth, light, and the perfect start to the evening. Ankimo (Monkfish Liver): Super innovative and a total standout compared to other spots. Paired brilliantly with the ponzu-wasabi-soy combination. Uni: Exceptionally fresh with that natural, clean sweetness you always hope for. Toro Tataki: Pure summer vibes! Beautifully fresh sashimi topped with the perfect crispiness. Scallop Roll: Fresh with a great bounce to the texture. Karaage: Fried to perfection--super crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside, and paired with a delicious house-made mustard dipping sauce. Age Tofu: Super soft texture with a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. Takoyaki: Generously packed with octopus. The sauce was a bit heavy-handed, but if you love takoyaki sauce like I do, it hits the spot! Pork Katsu Curry: Crispy, perfectly fried pork chop balanced out seamlessly by the rice and rich curry sauce. Kurobuta Sausage: More of a casual bar-style bite that felt a little out of place next to the other refined dishes, but saved by that great house mustard. Black Sesame Ice-Cream & Fried Sweet Potato Dessert: We usually skip dessert when we order this much food, but this combination was an incredible, must-order finish to the night! You can tell the kitchen takes immense pride in their craft. I can't wait to come back!

    Vibe/ambiance: clean, modern Izakaya Service: attentive…read moreReservation: recommended Items ordered: Fav dish was hamachi crudo - v good flavor combo with light truffle flavor Salmon carpaccio was aight nothing too special here Kakuni is like hongshaorou. A bit dry but then very fatty Scallop yellowtail yuzu roll: 9/10 Udon: 9/10 Fried squid: 6.8/10

    Photos
    Sozai - Bar area

    Bar area

    Sozai - Sake Clam Miso

    Sake Clam Miso

    Sozai - Black sesame ice cream and red bean

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    Black sesame ice cream and red bean

    Izakaya MEW - Salmon Carpaccio

    Izakaya MEW

    4.3(3.3k reviews)
    0.1 miMidtown West
    $$

    You walk down a sketchy staircase off 35th with basically no signage and land in a basement that's…read morelouder than half of K-town one block over. That's the charm. Went tonight and the sushi was legitimately fresh, like actually fresh, not Midtown-lunch-counter fresh. Yellowtail carpaccio and the salmon tataki were the standouts, clean fish, no fridge taste. This is izakaya food though, so order like it: geso kara, aged tofu, gyoza, repeat. Frozen beer comes with that slushie foam cap they do in Tokyo and it keeps the pint cold to the last sip, which matters when the room is this warm and packed. Service is fast and a little chaotic. Prices are fair for the neighborhood, borderline cheap at lunch. Not a temple of sushi, but for a rowdy basement near Herald Square? Way better than it needs to be. Full by 6pm sharp. Come at 5 for the sake deal or book on Resy, the phone voicemail is always full.

    We came on a weekday evening around 7pm and there was a short line down the stairs to get on the…read morewaitlist. It only took about 20 minutes to get a table. The environment was loud like a buzzing bar. The service was attentive, bringing out dishes and cleaning up the table throughout. I liked the texture of the salmon tataki and the wasabi cream was well-incorporated. The kimchi cream udon was delicious. I was literally licking the sauce off the plate because the sauce was so good! The okonomiyaki came on a sizzling skillet. The flavor of the dish was perfectly savory and made for some great bites.

    Photos
    Izakaya MEW - Dining area

    Dining area

    Izakaya MEW - Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Izakaya MEW - Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

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    Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

    Udon Lab - noodles - Updated September 2026

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