"Irasshaimase!" This warm Japanese greeting welcomes every guest at the newly opened Jinya Ramen Bar in Lake Grove. Conveniently located on Middle Country Road, this sit-down restaurant is just a stone's throw from Long Island’s largest grocery store, Wegmans.
Marking its debut in New York, Jinya Ramen Bar is celebrated for its distinctive, deeply simmered broths. Founded in 2010 by Tomo Takahashi, this popular chain boasts over 75 locations across the nation. The Lake Grove establishment is operated by Doherty Enterprises, a company that manages 158 restaurants throughout the tri-state area, including well-known names like Applebee’s, Panera Bread, and Wendy’s.
Occupying a spacious 5,000 square feet, the restaurant accommodates around 175 patrons. Its interior showcases a modern and elegant aesthetic highlighted by a backlit black marble bar, artificial greenery, and a vibrant neon sign proclaiming, "ramen is all the craze." Additionally, diners can admire a stunning mural inspired by anime, which depicts a woman savoring her ramen. There's also an outdoor area featuring a sleek black stone tabletop fire pit that adds to the inviting atmosphere.
The menu features a variety of ramen options, including the tonkotsu ramen ($22), crafted with a rich pork broth, tender pork chashu, fresh green onions, spinach, a seasoned egg, and nori seaweed, paired with extra-thick noodles. For those who crave something unique, the birria ramen ($22) is a must-try—the dish features a spiced beef and chicken broth combined with birria, red and green onions, cilantro, and lime. Notably, the broth is abundant and evokes the delightful flavors of a taco. In addition to ramen, there is a selection of Japanese small plates priced between $5 and $12, offering items like edamame and steamed buns filled with pork chashu.
Beverages range from refreshing mocktails like the J. Girl ($8), which combines blood orange, strawberry, grapefruit, mint, and sparkling water, to classic lemonade ($3.50) and the unique Ramune Japanese soda ($4). The drink menu also includes signature cocktails such as the smoky Wokashi old-fashioned ($16), alongside an impressive array of Japanese whiskeys available at the bar.
Doherty Enterprises selected Lake Grove for their inaugural Long Island Jinya location due to its robust market presence and strategic proximity to the Smith Haven Mall, according to CEO Timothy Doherty. Residents can also look forward to a new Massapequa location set to open later this year, with plans for two additional restaurants in 2027.
For those interested in visiting, Jinya Ramen Bar is located at 3176 Middle Country Rd., Lake Grove, and can be reached at 631-516-1388 or through their website jinyaramenbar.com. The restaurant operates daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extends its hours until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Melissa Azofeifa, a passionate food reporter with Newsday's FeedMe team, shares her insights on the cultural significance of cuisine. A Long Island native and Stony Brook University graduate, she began her journey with Newsday in the fall of 2024.
