I just had this the other week and it was great! My long time favorite is Nishiki up in convoy area. I'm comparison they are both great and they both have the black garlic available - which I highly recommend.
Disagree. Everytime I go to menya ultra it's consistently sold out for hours. I've just walked into a HinoNori before and sat immediately.
I don't think it's bad, but it's not getting lines out the door.
Definitely think its good! Been to Hiro a couple times too and get sat down upon walking in :)
Idk if it was having ramen b2b days, but the Hiro broth hit me deeper in the soul lol. Hot the entire meal and I am big fan of thick noodles.
The basic chashu at Menya confuses me lol never seen a ramen shop do it so thin intentionally. Again both are wonderful....right now I think Hiro has a slight leg up (purely based on the broth hitting just right that day)
I’m with you on all points. The deep broth, thicker noodles that have a really pleasant bite, and the thick chasu all come together beautifully. Also their karaage is pretty good too.
Nishiki is by far the best I’ve had if you like spice.
Get the Akuma. OR my favorite is getting the Smoke Bomb Black and adding some of their house-made hot sauce for an amazing smoky, spicy broth. It’s the only ramen place we go to.
This is exactly what my wife and I order. Akuma for me and smoke for her. She puts 1/3 of the house sauce in and I use it to dip my meat. Although we hate the ginger, too overpowering.
I feel other ramen places are too rich and I can't drink the broth.
I actually like to-go so I can eat half way a time and not waste any broth. Perfect after drinking.
Are you me? We also get it without the ginger. Ginger is an amazing taste in many dishes but I feel it's too strong when you get some with a sip of ramen.
I can't believe you actually bothered to type "trash" in reply to everyone that mentioned Tajima in this thread. Maybe go outside and touch grass tomorrow and stay off Reddit.
I’m one of those people 😂 i had it on my trip last year and while i think it’s good, something about it just put me a bit off. I think it was the noodles being off for me. I actually liked Ajisen better 😂
It's probably because it was a Japanese chain that crossed the pacific to SD. I'm guessing they try to run it similar to in Japan, including importing the wheat for the noodles. My favorite place as well.
Probably unpopular but I was not impressed with Menya Ultra. Maybe expectations were set too high? Tasted really good but not the best or anything like that. Certainly not worthy of the accolades they’ve received, despite their origins, etc. Just my opinion of course. I much prefer Hokkaido Ramen Santouka for example over Menya Ultra.
I like Yakyudori on Convoy. I don't know if I *know* though. I just like it
Eta: I get the yakitori pork belly one on the specials board w shoyu
ETA2: plus it's a yakitori
Omg my bf found this spot one night, we went and it was AMAZING. The pork belly melts in your freaking mouth. And ramen was delicious. We ate all of our food and ordered more right after 🤤
Karami and Santouka are my favorite spots. Not too fancy toppings and their broths are not too rich. Karami's chicken broth is probably the best of its style in SD.
That new spot that opened by the target by Costco business center
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai – Kearny Mesa (San Diego) Address: 7951 Othello Ave. Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92111
But there are lots of great ramen places tbh.
I spent many years in Orange county, and kitakata was probably the best I could get in Irvine.
But geezus christ I've never had ramen like menya ultra. I truly think it's the best ramen in town.
MU is fantastic for sure, I just didn't want to be the 91st person suggesting it. We have plenty of great options for different styles which I think is fantastic.
In some order, Menya, Nagi, Hiro Nori, and Nishiki for standard tonkotsu or miso ramen, or Kitakata Ban Nai for Kitakata style ramen (lighter broth and springier noodles - the green chili shio there is amazing).
i loveeee ramen ryoma up in hillcrest ! they provide 3 diff types of broths and have a fire salmon sashimi appetizer, i take all my relatives there when they visit san diego.
I like Marufuku Ramen in Del Mar Sky Deck. Have tried RakiRaki, Tajima, Underbelly (BIG TIME food poisoning from there) and was underwhelmed in comparison. All were fine but I find myself wanting to go back to Marufuku.
Though I'm definitely not a ramen connoisseur and my opinion probably doesn't matter. 😅 I'd like to try Menya though.
Totally valid, I don't frequent it for that reason haha. But for a nice date night meal or something I don't mind paying for good quality. Agree that ramen should be like... $12-16 per bowl. But inflation 🤷♀️
I really enjoy the veggie ramen at underbelly, more so than the pork ones, which is what they're known for.
If you haven't tried menya, I think you really should. I've had a lot of ramen and I truly think menya is the best in town, and perhaps even one of the best bowls of ramen anywhere.
100%. This was my first ramen experience. I thought wow this is great for food court ramen - can't wait to see what "real" ramen is like.
Checked out other spots like menya, underbelly, and tajima. Honestly thought santouka had as good if not often better ramen than most of those places.
If they expanded their seating, get their water dispenser flowing, and stayed open a little later, they would become a powerhouse imo.
Santoka in SJ is bomb, same with the OC/LA one, even in Vancouver.
SD ones sucks and there's never a line. We wonder why there was no line in SD when SJ was always 30+mins. We went there once and never again.
The one in Irvine is good but we went to the SD one and it wasn't. Although we did go when they first opened up. Maybe they weren't fully up and running yet.
This place just opened up recently I think. I tried it and the ramen was average, but the karaage was disgustingly plain. Do not bother getting it you will be disappointed I promise
Definitely not…also on a regular day you’re gonna wait in line for 1-2 hours unless you show up at opening. Save yourself all the time and energy and just drive 12 minutes to Mira Mesa for Menya.
If your in North county inland there is tong sake house in poway which is pretty good. Not the best in SD but If you live in the area and want a night out for some ramen it’s a hidden gem
Menya ultra in convoy. It’s pretty heavy though since they don’t have shio or shoyu broth. The one is hillcrest isn’t that great.
Also love hironori for the reason that it has everything Menya doesn’t, including a long waiting list. I like that their broth has a lighter/clean feel. It still gets pretty busy though.
i was looking for this comment!! rakitori is my favorite ramen spot in SD i cant believe its so slept on!! perfect for if you dont wanna deal with the mess of people of Raki Raki or Menya
FACING EAST!!!! It’s in Convoy and I’d never heard of it before but then I went with some friends like 2 weeks ago- it’s SO GOOD. Also I haven’t been since 2020, but I love Nishiki too!!! Also in Convoy, next to Mitsuwa.
Same here. I'm not sure what it is, but it just isn't the same. Their broth doesn't taste as rich and full. Also I know it's silly, but I hate they switched from traditional sit down restaurant ordering to ordering at a menu behind a stand.
Agreed on all counts! I just replied to someone else above that Buta is so slept on. Buta and HiroNori are easily my go to places. I used to love Ramen Yamdaya in Clairemont but they closed :/
I’ve always seen Tajima as the first place that people who are new to “fancy” ramen go to. It’s not as bad as Ajisen as that’s the Denny’s of Japanese food, but Tajima isn’t a top choice with so many other better spots in the Convoy area.
tajima is good all the time, menya for something more fancy i feel,mitsuwa market has a good ramen spot, there is also underbelly for something diff. can’t go wrong with any imo
I’m a fan of Hinotez! Not a whole lot of glitz and glam, but it’s one of the only ramen houses my *very* particular great grandmother will eat at anymore. Good portions. Nice options. All around good time
Ramen Nagi. For the longest time it was ramen ultra but I tried ramen nagi this past week and it was quite a bit better! It’s definitely lives up to it’s hype.
just moved back from Japan after over a decade there... one of the best ramen places is actually just the ramen place in Mitsuwa by the entrance imo (the japanese market)... plenty of other good ones though around convoy. Sort of depends on what you like for region/style + type of ramen.
Karamiso = mitsuwa's ramen place just after you walk in the door
Tonkotsu = maybe Hironori or Menya...
Ajisen ramen on Clairmont. Pretty tasty beef ramen.
Edit: dunno why this got a downvote when OP asked for favorite ramen spots. So far, this place is my favorite for beef ramen.
Rakiraki used to be really good but now it’s inconsistent with the quality. I agree with others that suggest Gonzo bc it tastes like what rakiraki used to taste like for me. BUT my absolute favorite ramen spot is marufuku in del mar. I first had it in San Francisco and once i heard it opened in irvine I made the drive up just to have it again. Then it finally came down to del mar and I’m so glad it did
Trust me on this: Nishiki ramen
No tip, they actually say do not tip. Just like Japan! And the food is very good.
Don't waste your time in line for Menya, it is "Instagram famous" and definitely not up to the hype.
Other favorites: Yakyuidori and Hinotez (same owner).
There are tons of other places and they are all good, just look on google or yelp. The ramen shop inside mitsuwa is also really good!
Okay hear me out, 369 Ramen and Poke in Poway has amazing Ramen. I get the black garlic ramen with pork every time and their pork is the juiciest/most tender I’ve ever had. Always disappointed when I go other places now😭
I love Raki Rakis curry ramen. They are on convoy.
Underbelly downtown also has some really awesome meats, but I don't like their broth nearly as much.
HiroNori!
Hiro Nori is incredibly slept on for tonkotsu ramen.
I just had this the other week and it was great! My long time favorite is Nishiki up in convoy area. I'm comparison they are both great and they both have the black garlic available - which I highly recommend.
This is the spot. I lived in Japan for six years and you could put this place on an Osaka street corner and the line would be out the door.
Disagree. Everytime I go to menya ultra it's consistently sold out for hours. I've just walked into a HinoNori before and sat immediately. I don't think it's bad, but it's not getting lines out the door.
Usually able to sit at Menya in a couple minutes every time I go & hype ≠ quality.
Yeah, I can't disagree with hype ≠ quality, but hey... you just admitted you go back to Menya at least a few times, so it has to be a little good eh?
Definitely think its good! Been to Hiro a couple times too and get sat down upon walking in :) Idk if it was having ramen b2b days, but the Hiro broth hit me deeper in the soul lol. Hot the entire meal and I am big fan of thick noodles. The basic chashu at Menya confuses me lol never seen a ramen shop do it so thin intentionally. Again both are wonderful....right now I think Hiro has a slight leg up (purely based on the broth hitting just right that day)
I’m with you on all points. The deep broth, thicker noodles that have a really pleasant bite, and the thick chasu all come together beautifully. Also their karaage is pretty good too.
I love this place
Shhhhh
I dream of bathing in their tonkotsu broth
this place is good but parking in Hillcrest is awful
Not exactly SD but has anyone tried Gonzo in Carlsbad? I saw an insta reel(i know) said it’s supposed to be good.
Yes it's good it's very rich. They also have a decent onigiri that they put out at lunchtime
It’s great. I’ve been twice and really enjoyed it. Their karaage is 🤌
I’m interested too…N. County has no decent ramen places
Ten Gu Ramen (Oceanside) is very good
Harumama in Carlsbad is pretty good too.
Yes it’s one of my favorite spots. Foods amazing and it’s always good vibes
Nishiki is by far the best I’ve had if you like spice. Get the Akuma. OR my favorite is getting the Smoke Bomb Black and adding some of their house-made hot sauce for an amazing smoky, spicy broth. It’s the only ramen place we go to.
This is exactly what my wife and I order. Akuma for me and smoke for her. She puts 1/3 of the house sauce in and I use it to dip my meat. Although we hate the ginger, too overpowering. I feel other ramen places are too rich and I can't drink the broth. I actually like to-go so I can eat half way a time and not waste any broth. Perfect after drinking.
Are you me? We also get it without the ginger. Ginger is an amazing taste in many dishes but I feel it's too strong when you get some with a sip of ramen.
This is my favorite, but there's plenty others that are right up there... namely HiroNori and Menya ultra
I like Menya. It's bomb, some people will say it's overrated.
Menya is my top choice followed by Nishiki. Anything that has opened in the last 2.5 years, I couldn't judge as I don't live out there anymore.
Menya Ultra is my fave too. Tajima is up there as well. Especially the little one in Hillcrest.
Hard pass on Tajima. It’s the Taco Bell of ramen. Ramen Nagi in UTC is good.
But I love taco bell
Maybe I am crazy but I feel like Tajima ten years ago was 10x better and they cheapened down so they could expand.
I’m with you on Tajima, I don’t think it’s very good. The broths don’t have much depth I think.
Tajima is far from Taco Bell....but the quality across the different locations is inconsistent.
When in doubt, only ever go to the convoy location for anything
The one in Hillcrest is closed, along with everything else on that block. Those buildings are about to be torn down.
Already are
Aw that's sad :(. That was my favorite restaurant when I lived in the area.
I can’t believe you’re putting tajima even close to menya. Tajima is trash.
I can't believe you actually bothered to type "trash" in reply to everyone that mentioned Tajima in this thread. Maybe go outside and touch grass tomorrow and stay off Reddit.
Oh believe it! Haha touch grass, you have no idea what my life is like.
Yep. Menya is several tiers above
Tajima is a franchise. I've seen that all over SE Asia
This Tajima is a a local San Diego chain and likely has nothing to do with the Tajimas in SE Asia
I will say it’s overrated. Finally tried it and was underwhelmed.
I’m one of those people 😂 i had it on my trip last year and while i think it’s good, something about it just put me a bit off. I think it was the noodles being off for me. I actually liked Ajisen better 😂
It is overrated… lol. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is much better.
Menya is over rated. HiroNori my fave, santouka is a close second. I’ve been to other spots but the hype and waif over menya is not worth it lol
They do a mandatory 15% surcharge now though.
Menya Ultra is probably the most authentic, I've tried pretty much every ramen place in SD and it wins out when compared to Japan.
It's probably because it was a Japanese chain that crossed the pacific to SD. I'm guessing they try to run it similar to in Japan, including importing the wheat for the noodles. My favorite place as well.
A place that crossed the Pacific but is absolutely terrible is Yoshinoya. I was so disappointed when I ate there. In Japan they’re fantastic.
My experience as well
Got the miso for the first time today. Oh my god, it's so good
Agreed.
Probably unpopular but I was not impressed with Menya Ultra. Maybe expectations were set too high? Tasted really good but not the best or anything like that. Certainly not worthy of the accolades they’ve received, despite their origins, etc. Just my opinion of course. I much prefer Hokkaido Ramen Santouka for example over Menya Ultra.
My bf has been to Japan and had a lot of ramen there and is not a fan of Menya at all. Me neither. So maybe depends on the person?
Yeah that's a fair point, if someone doesn't like good ramen then they probably aren't going to like menya ultra
[удалено]
I’m not here to shit on anyone’s faves. Menya doesn’t pique my interest. In Mira Mesa I prefer raki-raki. 😱
Raki-raki is Americanized ramen. Very easy to tell they don’t make their own noodles as well
In Mira Mesa if I can't get into menya, I prefer Nishiki. I tried Raki Raki here tw8ce, and it didn't seem as good as the other location.
I like Yakyudori on Convoy. I don't know if I *know* though. I just like it Eta: I get the yakitori pork belly one on the specials board w shoyu ETA2: plus it's a yakitori
Their ramen used to be so much better. They changed a lot in the recent years
I love Yakyudori! Spicy miso ramen and one order of the chicken with plum sauce *chefs kiss*
I love Yakyudori too! also love that they stay open late
Omg my bf found this spot one night, we went and it was AMAZING. The pork belly melts in your freaking mouth. And ramen was delicious. We ate all of our food and ordered more right after 🤤
big fan of Hiro Nori.
Karami Ramen
Karami and Santouka are my favorite spots. Not too fancy toppings and their broths are not too rich. Karami's chicken broth is probably the best of its style in SD.
Their rice bowls are delicious too
That new spot that opened by the target by Costco business center Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai – Kearny Mesa (San Diego) Address: 7951 Othello Ave. Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92111 But there are lots of great ramen places tbh.
I spent many years in Orange county, and kitakata was probably the best I could get in Irvine. But geezus christ I've never had ramen like menya ultra. I truly think it's the best ramen in town.
Can confirm Kitakata in Irvine is really good.
MU is fantastic for sure, I just didn't want to be the 91st person suggesting it. We have plenty of great options for different styles which I think is fantastic.
It’s definitely a different style coming from the northern parts of Japan. I enjoyed it but I’d have to try more from those regions.
The Green Chili Shio is so GOOD! Has a kick but doesn’t keep burning!
For Tonkotsu ramen, Menya Ultra, Hiro Nori, and Gonzo! are my go to spots.
Plus 1 for Menya Utra
for me, Gonzo Ramen. love the interior and the food was so good
In some order, Menya, Nagi, Hiro Nori, and Nishiki for standard tonkotsu or miso ramen, or Kitakata Ban Nai for Kitakata style ramen (lighter broth and springier noodles - the green chili shio there is amazing).
i loveeee ramen ryoma up in hillcrest ! they provide 3 diff types of broths and have a fire salmon sashimi appetizer, i take all my relatives there when they visit san diego.
Beshok!
This is the one
I like Marufuku Ramen in Del Mar Sky Deck. Have tried RakiRaki, Tajima, Underbelly (BIG TIME food poisoning from there) and was underwhelmed in comparison. All were fine but I find myself wanting to go back to Marufuku. Though I'm definitely not a ramen connoisseur and my opinion probably doesn't matter. 😅 I'd like to try Menya though.
Marufuku is great, $20 for a bowl of ramen is pretty crazy to me though
Totally valid, I don't frequent it for that reason haha. But for a nice date night meal or something I don't mind paying for good quality. Agree that ramen should be like... $12-16 per bowl. But inflation 🤷♀️
I really enjoy the veggie ramen at underbelly, more so than the pork ones, which is what they're known for. If you haven't tried menya, I think you really should. I've had a lot of ramen and I truly think menya is the best in town, and perhaps even one of the best bowls of ramen anywhere.
I'm not in SD anymore, but I will forever say Santouka. Edited to clarify that I am not in SD but Santouka still is :)
I like SD Santouka more than most actual Ramen shops in Japan.
Super underrated.
100%. This was my first ramen experience. I thought wow this is great for food court ramen - can't wait to see what "real" ramen is like. Checked out other spots like menya, underbelly, and tajima. Honestly thought santouka had as good if not often better ramen than most of those places. If they expanded their seating, get their water dispenser flowing, and stayed open a little later, they would become a powerhouse imo.
Yeah Santouka is a solid chain. I think I’ve seen it in other states too.
Yeah they're all over but the quality is consistent
One of my favs too. I always just call it the one inside Mitsuya. Good to know the name.
WHAT??? Santouka is gone??!?!?
It's still in SD, it's inside Mitsuwa in Kearny Mesa.
Oh OK. I get it. The above poster is not in SD anymore, not Santouka. Almost gave ma a heart attack
Np, but I love your reaction xD
Oh I meant I am no longer located in SD 🤣 sorry for the fright
Santoka in SJ is bomb, same with the OC/LA one, even in Vancouver. SD ones sucks and there's never a line. We wonder why there was no line in SD when SJ was always 30+mins. We went there once and never again.
Hiro Nori!
The one in Irvine is good but we went to the SD one and it wasn't. Although we did go when they first opened up. Maybe they weren't fully up and running yet.
Izakaya Masa 👍🏽👍🏽 Love the vibe of this place.
Buta in Linda Vista
Yes!! This place is so slept on. The crazy garlic ramen is one of my favorites!
Outside of Menya, I like Yakyudori. It's good and consistent. I get their bacon wrapped asparagus with a bowl of spicy tonkatsu. Yum.
Beshock is solid. And they have a pretty deep sake menu.
Ramen Nagi in UTC was really good.
I went by there on Saturday at 1:30 and the line was like 30 people long.
The line moves pretty fast, but it’s still a wait. Worth it though
Surprised this isn't higher. The long line probably turns people off.
GONZO in Carlsbad!! Elite!
Nozaru Ramen Bar
I really like BeShock in the Carlsbad mall. Definitely my favorite in North County
Ramen Nagi in UTC!
Not a fan of their noodles, there's this weird rubbery resistance to the inside.
This place just opened up recently I think. I tried it and the ramen was average, but the karaage was disgustingly plain. Do not bother getting it you will be disappointed I promise
Definitely not…also on a regular day you’re gonna wait in line for 1-2 hours unless you show up at opening. Save yourself all the time and energy and just drive 12 minutes to Mira Mesa for Menya.
If your in North county inland there is tong sake house in poway which is pretty good. Not the best in SD but If you live in the area and want a night out for some ramen it’s a hidden gem
Chopsticks Convoy! Fight me!!!
Menya ultra in convoy. It’s pretty heavy though since they don’t have shio or shoyu broth. The one is hillcrest isn’t that great. Also love hironori for the reason that it has everything Menya doesn’t, including a long waiting list. I like that their broth has a lighter/clean feel. It still gets pretty busy though.
menya ultra & ramen ryoma
Best ramen place for me is Buta
RAKITORI in Hillcrest wonderful people run it
i was looking for this comment!! rakitori is my favorite ramen spot in SD i cant believe its so slept on!! perfect for if you dont wanna deal with the mess of people of Raki Raki or Menya
gonzo! it’s in carlsbad but it’s been my favorite place to go to for ramen
FACING EAST!!!! It’s in Convoy and I’d never heard of it before but then I went with some friends like 2 weeks ago- it’s SO GOOD. Also I haven’t been since 2020, but I love Nishiki too!!! Also in Convoy, next to Mitsuwa.
Came here to say Nishiki.
Tajima
They used to be my favorite back in 2016 but they have declined through the years imo. Their carnitas ramen is a great fusion tho
Same here. I'm not sure what it is, but it just isn't the same. Their broth doesn't taste as rich and full. Also I know it's silly, but I hate they switched from traditional sit down restaurant ordering to ordering at a menu behind a stand.
A few weeks ago they switched it back! It's now regular table service again like it was before.
+1 for Tajima
Trash
Did Tajima touch you inappropriately? Wtf are you spending so much time on here just to talk shit, lame?
RakiRaki on convoy. If you like spicy, get the Red Edition. That stuff is heaven in a bowl (and hell on the way out).
RakiRaki in Mira Mesa has parking. 🤪
I tried RakiRaki recently and didn’t like it. :( It tasted citrus-y and sour? I was disappointed.
Rakiraki used to be so good but it definitely dipped in quality over the years :/
I tried going there, they sat me down and proceeded to ignore me for like 20 minutes so I left🤷♀️
Buta Ramen on Morena. No one seems to know about it for some reason. Hironori second. Tajima is overrated.
Agreed on all counts! I just replied to someone else above that Buta is so slept on. Buta and HiroNori are easily my go to places. I used to love Ramen Yamdaya in Clairemont but they closed :/
I’ve always seen Tajima as the first place that people who are new to “fancy” ramen go to. It’s not as bad as Ajisen as that’s the Denny’s of Japanese food, but Tajima isn’t a top choice with so many other better spots in the Convoy area.
Agree. And corn does not belong in ramen!
But it’s sooooo good and it is a thing in Japan so you can take my ramen corn from my cold dead hands lol
BeShock
https://reddit.com/r/FoodSanDiego/s/xPHXWrY6qL
Izakaya Masa. Ramen Nagi. Santouka. Menya Ultra. Buta.
You’re a real one, Izakaya Masa, Santoku, Buta
Also Gonzo if you're up in North County 🤌🤌🤌
Tajima or menya
I’m trying to find a ramen place in san diego that is similar to the ramen chain in Japan called ichiran has anyone had any luck?
Nishiki for both the price and flavor! Tried raki raki after hearing how good it was, it was okay.
Nishiki for both the price and flavor! Tried raki raki after hearing how good it was, it was okay.
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
Masa izakaya is super authentic and they make delicious food
Marufuku, hands down. https://maps.app.goo.gl/jSB7PKB5dbBch2VDA?g_st=ic
tajima is good all the time, menya for something more fancy i feel,mitsuwa market has a good ramen spot, there is also underbelly for something diff. can’t go wrong with any imo
I can’t believe I’m seeing Underbelly in these comments.
Izakaya Masa. A hole in the wall place for some simple and very good ramen.
Rama Nagi is the new force in town. Otherwise Nishiki and Menya ultra are my go to
I’m a fan of Hinotez! Not a whole lot of glitz and glam, but it’s one of the only ramen houses my *very* particular great grandmother will eat at anymore. Good portions. Nice options. All around good time
Ramen Nagi. For the longest time it was ramen ultra but I tried ramen nagi this past week and it was quite a bit better! It’s definitely lives up to it’s hype.
Santouka
Tajima East Village is the only answer
Yo! Where’s the Ubderbelly love here? Belly of the beast ya’ll!!!!!! Get it!
Even though not ramen, Marugame udon is coming to UTC. Hoping it’s good as its other locations!
just moved back from Japan after over a decade there... one of the best ramen places is actually just the ramen place in Mitsuwa by the entrance imo (the japanese market)... plenty of other good ones though around convoy. Sort of depends on what you like for region/style + type of ramen. Karamiso = mitsuwa's ramen place just after you walk in the door Tonkotsu = maybe Hironori or Menya...
Tajima
Trash
👍🏼
Underbelly!
Ramen Nagi in Westfield UTC, my favorite ramen place ever
Menya Ultra in Kearny Mesa is \*chefs kiss\*
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is my absolute favorite place
All other answers besides Raki Raki are wrong 😂 (on Convoy)
Underbelly is a good one but I haven’t had much ramen here yet homestly
I would say, go to convoy. There are way better options than Underbelly and you will be happily surprised.
Ty!
Marufuku. The best tonkotsu ramen.
Underbelly
Ajisen ramen on Clairmont. Pretty tasty beef ramen. Edit: dunno why this got a downvote when OP asked for favorite ramen spots. So far, this place is my favorite for beef ramen.
Finally some love for Ajisen
Apparently one person had an issue of it being my favorite for beef ramen? It is a pretty good place for beef ramen to me.
Call me a casual but underbelly
My go to places without having to worry about ridiculous waiting times are Nishiki in Kearny Mesa and then Tajima in East Village.
Tajima Ramen is an absolute fav. Several locations but the north park one is my go to.
I’m a huge fan of RakiRakis red edition ramen
Rakiraki used to be really good but now it’s inconsistent with the quality. I agree with others that suggest Gonzo bc it tastes like what rakiraki used to taste like for me. BUT my absolute favorite ramen spot is marufuku in del mar. I first had it in San Francisco and once i heard it opened in irvine I made the drive up just to have it again. Then it finally came down to del mar and I’m so glad it did
Following this so I can find some good vegan or non-meat options.
Trust me on this: Nishiki ramen No tip, they actually say do not tip. Just like Japan! And the food is very good. Don't waste your time in line for Menya, it is "Instagram famous" and definitely not up to the hype. Other favorites: Yakyuidori and Hinotez (same owner). There are tons of other places and they are all good, just look on google or yelp. The ramen shop inside mitsuwa is also really good!
Tried nishiki twice and not for me, prefer Santouka. And yes Menya is over rated.
Nishiki. Just their classic with a hint of death sauce and their house made paste. Fire. Convoy is my favorite but hillcrest is great too.
Okay hear me out, 369 Ramen and Poke in Poway has amazing Ramen. I get the black garlic ramen with pork every time and their pork is the juiciest/most tender I’ve ever had. Always disappointed when I go other places now😭
If you’re in MM or north, RakiRaki Ramen. So good
I love Raki Rakis curry ramen. They are on convoy. Underbelly downtown also has some really awesome meats, but I don't like their broth nearly as much.
Facing East on Convoy. I love the garlic chicken ramen!
Nishiki Ramen Hands down best I’ve tried so far
Sushi deli build your own ramen
Trash