Machiya brings ramen & upscale Japanese to Midtown

Sara Liss11/10/2012

The goods: Machiya brings upscale Japanese pub fare to Midtown.

Ambience: The inviting, earth-toned space has dark brick walls, cushy booths, a massive square bar, illuminated murals and a patio.

The grub: Ramen and Asian tapas. Springy, house-made ramen noodles are served three ways: classic Bakudan with pork stock and pork loin; Hokkaido with king crab, mussels, shrimp, scallops and garlic oil; and vegan Shoyu with enoki mushrooms and fermented tofu. All are available with traditional toppings like semi-soft boiled egg, spicy mustard greens and tangy kimchee.

Small plates include miso-braised short ribs, kimchee pork belly and tuna "pizza" covered in a wasabi paste. Crispy brussels sprouts with walnuts, grilled asparagus topped with pollock roe and heirloom tomato salad with white soy are among the vegetables. A small sushi menu is in the works. Desserts include green tea crème brulee, molten chocolate cake and soft-serve chocolate ice cream.

Verdict: Earthenware bowls filled with fragrant ramen, veggies and pork will satisfy Asian-soup cravings.