Following a sell-out London pop-up in 2023, global ramen icon Ivan Orkin is officially bringing his cult favourites to the capital as Ivan Ramen opens its first permanent UK home at 98 Farringdon Road (EC1R). The launch marks a major moment for London’s booming ramen scene — and a win for food lovers across the city.
Best known as the star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Orkin has built a world-class reputation in both Tokyo and New York, earning a near-mythic status among ramen fans. Now, Londoners can finally get a taste of the bowls that made him famous.
A Menu of Cult Classics — and a London Exclusive
Diners can expect Ivan’s signature dishes, including:
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Tonkotsu
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Tori Paitan
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Spicy Miso Red Chilli
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Ivan’s Karaage
But the headline addition is a London-exclusive: the new Salt Beef Bun — a warm, fluffy bun filled with salt beef, pickled cucumbers and fiery karashi mustard mayo. Inspired by the flavours of a traditional East End bagel, it’s a love letter to the city Ivan now calls home.
For fans of Japanese comfort food, this menu is set to be one of London’s most talked-about culinary openings of 2025.
Dan Warne, CEO and Founder of Sessions:
“Bringing Ivan Ramen — created by one of the world’s most celebrated ramen chefs — to the UK is a milestone for Sessions. Showcasing Ivan’s globally acclaimed ramen alongside our growing portfolio of original brands reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class food to new audiences.”
A 26-Seater Designed for Immersion
The restaurant is an intimate 26-seat space, brought to life through interior branding by Harrison. Drawing from Japanese minimalism and the energetic atmosphere of a New York ramen shop, the venue blends:
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clean architectural lines
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reclaimed furniture inspired by Ivan’s original NY shop
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bright manga artwork
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Japanese-style lightbox installations
The theatrical open kitchen takes centre stage, allowing guests to watch ramen being prepared in real time — a nod to Japanese ramen-ya tradition.
Throughout the design, storytelling is key: photography, textures and lighting trace Ivan’s decades-long journey from self-taught chef to international ramen master.
A New Chapter for Ivan Ramen — and for the UK Dining Scene
With acclaimed restaurants across Tokyo and New York, Orkin’s Farringdon opening represents a new milestone in his global footprint. For London’s competitive dining landscape — especially its already thriving ramen community — the arrival of Ivan Ramen is poised to be a standout culinary moment.
The launch is powered by Sessions, the UK’s leading platform for accelerating original food brands. This marks the first step in wider plans to expand Ivan Ramen to multiple UK locations.
Ivan Orkin, Founder of Ivan Ramen:
“Tokyo, New York… and now London! What an incredible honour to share our food in three of the world’s most iconic cities. London has one of the most exciting ramen scenes anywhere, and I’m beyond thrilled to finally be part of it.”
