Jinya Ramen Bar opens in Lake Grove

"Irasshaimase" — that's the Japanese greeting extended to guests as they enter the new Jinya Ramen Bar in Lake Grove. The Middle Country Road sit-down eatery is steps away from Long Island’s largest grocery store, Wegmans.

This is the first New York location for the chain, known for its signature simmered broths. Founded in 2010 by Tomo Takahashi, Jinya Ramen Bar has more than 75 outposts across the country. The Lake Grove location is run by Doherty Enterprises, which owns 158 restaurants in the tristate area, including Applebee’s, Panera Bread and Wendy’s.

The 5,000 square-foot space seats roughly 175 people. Its decor is elegant and sleek with a backlit black marble bar, faux greenery and a neon sign that reads, "ramen is all the craze." There’s also a stunning anime-style mural depicting a woman eating ramen. An outdoor space has a glossy black stone tabletop fire pit.

The menu includes tonkotsu ramen ($22) made with pork broth, pork chashu, green onion, spinach, seasoned egg and nori dried seaweed served with extra-thick noodles (order the red and black versions, which offer more spice). The must-try birria ramen ($22) is made with spiced beef and chicken broth, birria, red and green onion, cilantro and lime. The broth is so voluminous, and the soup tastes just like the taco in the best way. Beyond ramen, there's a short menu of $5-$12 Japanese small plates (think edamame and steamed buns stuffed with pork chashu).

Drinks range from mocktails like the J. Girl ($8) with blood orange, strawberry, grapefruit, mint and sparkling water, to lemonade ($3.50) and Ramune Japanese soda ($4). Signature cocktails include the smoky Wokashi old-fashioned ($16), and there's a range of Japanese whiskeys on the bar menu.

Doherty Enterprises chose Lake Grove for its first Long Island Jinya for its "strong" market and central location near the Smith Haven Mall, CEO Timothy Doherty said. A Massapequa location is coming "toward the back half this year," with plans to open two more in 2027.

Jinya Ramen Bar, 3176 Middle Country Rd., Lake Grove, 631-516-1388, jinyaramenbar.com. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.