Purists may balk at Zuzu‘s unorthodox ramen—a recent special involved a broth made with dashi and beets, and hunks of sweet-tender duck confit—but that would be the wrong approach to take here. This small, cozy Park Slope noodle shop seems intent on busting free from the usual ramen repertoire, but it does so with focus and restraint, not to mention terrific ingredients. Ramen options range from one made with miso-green curry broth and piled with pork belly, or a garlic-soy broth with bok choy, bamboo shoots, and slow-cooked egg. And sides like the mini pork buns stuffed with braised pork shoulder and sweet chili sauce round out the meal nicely. The house hot sake is a generous pour at $8; it comes in a ceramic carafe kept warm in a bath of hot water.  Zuzu is closed on Mondays, but another solid Park Slope cheap-eat is just a few blocks away: Tomato-N-Basil, home of one of the Slope’s best margarita slices, made with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a crispy crust.
Zuzu Ramen. 173 Fourth Ave. between DeGraw and Douglass Sts., Brooklyn; 718-398-ZUZU
Prices/Features: Cheap/Vegetarian-Friendly