Sapporo

Back when most people thought ramen was just an instant food, Sapporo was already dishing out steaming bowls of the real stuff at this bare-bones location just north of Times Square. Among the various broths available, including salt and soy, the Sapporo Special ramen’s miso base is our favorite, studded with scallions and bits of corn, fluorescent rounds of pink-and-white fish cake and sliced pork. Those seeking a larger meal can fortify their order with crispy fried pork gyoza or savory donburi (egg-and-onion-topped rice). While it’s no longer New York’s best option for the soup—the noodles could be springier, the flavors richer—it’s still one of the tourist-packed area’s better spots for a meal.