HinoMaru Ramen

HinoMaru Ramen has been part of Ditmars Boulevard dining since 2011. Its casual room fits an Astoria stretch where neighborhood regulars mix with diners arriving on the N/W train.

The kitchen centers on slow-simmered broths and bowls such as tonkotsu, shoyu, spicy miso, and Fireball ramen. Noodles are only part of the menu: gyoza, takoyaki, karaage, okonomiyaki, soft-shell-crab nikuman, and sushi broaden the meal.

It works especially well for a group with different cravings or for diners who want shareable starters before ramen. The eight consecutive Bib Gourmand years cited by the restaurant help explain its longevity, while its everyday strength is a wide Japanese comfort-food menu close to the Ditmars stop.