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Updated April 2026
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Karazishi Botan is a boundary-pushing ramen temple in Cobble Hill where traditional Japanese flavors meet playful, inventive twists. Chef Foo Kanegae leans into unexpected pairings — think porcini mushrooms in miso broth, or vegan “fish” versions of classic dishes — while still honoring rich ramen broths and ramen-house staples. The boldness extends beyond ramen into starters, small plates, and cocktails, making every visit an adventure.
Location
Find the shop and nearby transit.
Our Take
At Karazishi Botan, Chef Foo Kanegae merges technique and curiosity. He reinterprets foundational ramen styles — tonkotsu, shoyu, miso — with creative boosts: mushroom umami in the Miso BOTAN-ical, a plangent shoyu-anchovy‐bonito blend in the Showa Classic, or a spicy sesame Tan-Tan Men with porcini. But he doesn’t stop at ramen: vegan “fish” dishes, signature takoyaki (and “Magic Balls”), and playful starters like matcha french fries show that Botan loves subversion. It’s ramen elevated, and everything else on the menu gets that same care.
Community photos
Real bowls uploaded by ramen lovers who’ve checked in here.







Community reviews
Average rating: 4.7 / 5
Thursdaybabyy
4/15/2026

🍜5 / 5ramen rating
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Spend: $20–30
“10/10 🎉 I would totally come back here again. I ordered the Pan Head and ate every bit of it 🙂↕️I think a Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to get ramen here. we were seated right away and had an amazing service.”
The Chashu kidd
4/13/2026

🍜5 / 5ramen rating
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Spend: $20–30
“Went to Karazishi Botan for our ramen meetup, this is definitely a spot you have to go to multiple times. First thing that stood out was the staff, super friendly, playful, and just made the whole experience feel easy. The space is also set up well and not cramped, there's not too many people that go there on Sunday afternoon apparently. The appetizers were a highlight. We got the shishito peppers and the black dumplings, both were solid, but the red dumplings easily stole the show. They’ve got a nice kick but are not too hot, really balanced and worth getting. They also have a really good lineup at the bar, the homemade ginger ale was really good. Menu wise, this place goes deep. There are a lot of ramen options and they are all pretty different from each other, which makes it feel like you need a few visits to really get a sense of what they do. I had the Paint It Black, a garlicky seasonal ramen, and it really stood out. The broth leans more on the sweet side than smoky, with a rich, almost caramelized garlic flavor that gives it depth without feeling too heavy. It still has that strong umami base, but the slight sweetness makes it really easy to keep going back for more. It is one of those bowls that grows on you the more you eat it. I have heard great things about their tsukemen too, so that is next on my list. Overall, this is a spot you come back to, not just try once. @thursdaybabyy @ashleyd.”
The Chashu kidd
9/26/2025

🍜4 / 5ramen rating
Service: 10
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian: Some vegetarian options
Spend: $20–30
“Karazishi Botan has one of the most creative ramen menus in NYC. I tried the oxtail ramen (Iron Men IV) and it was rich and flavorful, definitely not something you see everywhere. The tsukemen was excellent too, with chewy noodles and a deep dipping broth. They even have a ramen where you can add a splash of yuzu at the end, which is such a cool touch. On top of the ramen, the sushi options are amazing — super fresh and worth ordering. The staff are really kind, and Greg, the owner, is awesome. You can tell he cares about the food and the vibe. Highly recommend!”
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Frequently asked questions
- Today’s hours: 17:30–21:00. Hours may change on holidays.
- We summarize popular bowls here and link to the official menu for full details. Open the official menu →
- Yes. Vegetarian options are available; toppings vary by season. Ask staff if you have dietary restrictions.
- 255 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Brooklyn)
- Phone: +17186240622. For updates, check their social links or Google Maps listing.
- Yes — share your bowl with the Ramen NYC community. Add a review in the app →
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