We had a nice experience at this small Asian restaurant. Service was good, as is the hole in the wall atmosphere. It feels like a hidden gem. The food though is mild and to me dumbed down, to college level tastes. If I lived around the corner I would go often and doctor the ramen at home. It is not a place to seek out if you have eaten much ramen.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Ladi Saka
I was committed to getting Asian food. Even was determined to do a 20 min walk event a 34 min walk for Chinese one way and back. Thats how determined I was as I don’t eat Chinese food.
It was my first time ever eating at Yatai Ramen and I can honestly say this spot is a hidden gem in Tempe. Super lowkey atmosphere, no extra hype, just good energy and even better food. I love finding places that don’t try too hard — they just focus on quality and letting the food speak for itself.
What really stood out to me was how affordable everything is, especially coming from Los Angeles. The prices here are beyond reasonable. I grabbed a beer for $4.50, fried rice for $6.50, and a full bowl of ramen for around $10. That’s almost unheard of in LA. Out there, you’re easily spending double that, and even at most Chinese restaurants you usually have to order a ton of food for a group just to make it worth it.
Here, you can come in solo and eat comfortably without feeling like you need a whole crew to justify the meal. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a quality bowl of ramen by yourself, relax, and not feel rushed. The portion sizes were solid, everything tasted fresh, and the flavors were on point. The fried rice was flavorful and satisfying, and the ramen bowl hit exactly how it’s supposed to — rich broth, good texture, and filling without being overwhelming.
If you’re in Tempe and looking for a chill, affordable, and quality spot, Yatai Ramen is definitely the move. First time here and it won’t be my last. I’ll definitely be back whenever I’m in the area. Highly recommend.
What I love is that this place allows you to eat gracefully by yourself. You don’t need a big group or a huge order to make it worthwhile. It’s perfect for students, locals, or anyone who wants good food at a fair price. The atmosphere reflects Tempe’s college energy — casual, welcoming, and easygoing.
Affordable, filling, and comfortable. Yatai Ramen is definitely a go-to spot if you’re in the area and want real value for your money. I’ll be back for sure. I forgot who my host was but she made the place extra special definitely gives her a raise for sure great customer service.
The atmosphere is relaxed and lowkey, but still has character. It feels like the kind of place you can come to after a long day, sit down, and just enjoy your meal without distractions. I really appreciated how comfortable it felt eating there solo. Some restaurants feel awkward when you come alone, but not here. It’s welcoming whether you’re with friends, classmates, or just enjoying your own company.
place. Being in a college town like Tempe, you expect energy, movement, and personality, and this spot fits right into that environment.
The atmosphere is relaxed and lowkey, but still has character. It feels like the kind of place you can come to after a long day, sit down, and just enjoy your meal without distractions. I really appreciated how comfortable it felt eating there solo. Some restaurants feel awkward when you come alone, but not here. It’s welcoming whether you’re with friends, classmates, or just enjoying your own company.
The space feels authentic — not overly commercialized or trying too hard to be trendy. It’s simply focused on serving good food in a comfortable setting. You can tell it’s a place locals probably come back to often, which says a lot.
First time here and I left feeling like I found one of Tempe’s true hidden gems. Definitely a spot I’ll be revisiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Van Heyningen
Great ramen, friendly service, reasonable costs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Edward Ro
It’s the best ramen I’ve had in a long time. The broth is light and so flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Myers
The ramen needed a little more seasoning. Add some soy and a lot of chilli oil to give it some kick. I did order extra spicy but it was like there was nothing.
Great combo menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Rodrigo Cruz
Yatai Ramen was fantastic from start to finish. The ramen was rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care comforting, bold, and seriously satisfying. What really elevated the experience, though, was the service. Our server Maddy was not only incredibly attentive and friendly, but also brought such a warm, positive energy to the table. Beautiful presence, great attitude, and top-tier service. The combination of amazing food and excellent hospitality made this a meal to remember. Can’t wait to come back! 🍜✨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin Nguyen
Nothing more to say, the best ramen spot 😘😘
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Dan
I came here for years and loved it. However the most recent visit was much different, and it wasn’t the usual owner. May have changed owners or chefs, the ramen sadly isn’t nearly as good and the meat is now very chewy.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen
Austin Beachy
Great lunch spot! Everything I’ve ordered has been outstanding!! Highly Recommend the Tantanmen Ramen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Crusher Destroyer
One of the best local places i could ever go to, I'd go there just about everyday, (Mon. - Fri. only).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yatai Ramen Bowl with Fried Rice, Takoyaki, Oyako Chicken and Egg Bowl
The best ramen I've had in Arizona. I've come here for years and I have never been dissapointed. Even if the old chef retired the quality hasn't dropped one bit. The Gyoza and the curry rice are also amazing and I also recommend them. The portions might look small but they will fill you up. Some of my friends who have been to Japan have said this is as close to authentic Osaka style ramen you can get.
The prices here are worth it as well. Be advised though that parking is the only bad thing as there isn't that many spots.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice
Max
Best ramen for the price you’ll find anywhere
Aj Travels
This place might be the most solid tonkatsu ramen bowl in az. Ive had so many ramen spots in az but they suck. I was genuinely impressed with the broth and noodles. The egg needs work it was overcooked but very good! Theyre curry katsu bowl was delicious as well zero complaints about it. Will definitely be back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin R
Best Ramen in Tempe!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pat Bazan
Excellent ramen, the broth was so good and took the ramen to another level. Got the Yatai with pork belly spicy and it hit the spot. I made sure to finish the broth.
We had a nice experience at this small Asian restaurant. Service was good, as is the hole in the wall atmosphere. It feels like a hidden gem. The food though is mild and to me dumbed down, to college level tastes. If I lived around the corner I would go often and doctor the ramen at home. It is not a place to seek out if you have eaten much ramen.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
I was committed to getting Asian food. Even was determined to do a 20 min walk event a 34 min walk for Chinese one way and back. Thats how determined I was as I don’t eat Chinese food.
It was my first time ever eating at Yatai Ramen and I can honestly say this spot is a hidden gem in Tempe. Super lowkey atmosphere, no extra hype, just good energy and even better food. I love finding places that don’t try too hard — they just focus on quality and letting the food speak for itself.
What really stood out to me was how affordable everything is, especially coming from Los Angeles. The prices here are beyond reasonable. I grabbed a beer for $4.50, fried rice for $6.50, and a full bowl of ramen for around $10. That’s almost unheard of in LA. Out there, you’re easily spending double that, and even at most Chinese restaurants you usually have to order a ton of food for a group just to make it worth it.
Here, you can come in solo and eat comfortably without feeling like you need a whole crew to justify the meal. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a quality bowl of ramen by yourself, relax, and not feel rushed. The portion sizes were solid, everything tasted fresh, and the flavors were on point. The fried rice was flavorful and satisfying, and the ramen bowl hit exactly how it’s supposed to — rich broth, good texture, and filling without being overwhelming.
If you’re in Tempe and looking for a chill, affordable, and quality spot, Yatai Ramen is definitely the move. First time here and it won’t be my last. I’ll definitely be back whenever I’m in the area. Highly recommend.
What I love is that this place allows you to eat gracefully by yourself. You don’t need a big group or a huge order to make it worthwhile. It’s perfect for students, locals, or anyone who wants good food at a fair price. The atmosphere reflects Tempe’s college energy — casual, welcoming, and easygoing.
Affordable, filling, and comfortable. Yatai Ramen is definitely a go-to spot if you’re in the area and want real value for your money. I’ll be back for sure. I forgot who my host was but she made the place extra special definitely gives her a raise for sure great customer service.
The atmosphere is relaxed and lowkey, but still has character. It feels like the kind of place you can come to after a long day, sit down, and just enjoy your meal without distractions. I really appreciated how comfortable it felt eating there solo. Some restaurants feel awkward when you come alone, but not here. It’s welcoming whether you’re with friends, classmates, or just enjoying your own company.
place. Being in a college town like Tempe, you expect energy, movement, and personality, and this spot fits right into that environment.
The atmosphere is relaxed and lowkey, but still has character. It feels like the kind of place you can come to after a long day, sit down, and just enjoy your meal without distractions. I really appreciated how comfortable it felt eating there solo. Some restaurants feel awkward when you come alone, but not here. It’s welcoming whether you’re with friends, classmates, or just enjoying your own company.
The space feels authentic — not overly commercialized or trying too hard to be trendy. It’s simply focused on serving good food in a comfortable setting. You can tell it’s a place locals probably come back to often, which says a lot.
First time here and I left feeling like I found one of Tempe’s true hidden gems. Definitely a spot I’ll be revisiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great ramen, friendly service, reasonable costs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It’s the best ramen I’ve had in a long time. The broth is light and so flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The ramen needed a little more seasoning. Add some soy and a lot of chilli oil to give it some kick. I did order extra spicy but it was like there was nothing.
Great combo menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Yatai Ramen was fantastic from start to finish. The ramen was rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care comforting, bold, and seriously satisfying. What really elevated the experience, though, was the service. Our server Maddy was not only incredibly attentive and friendly, but also brought such a warm, positive energy to the table. Beautiful presence, great attitude, and top-tier service. The combination of amazing food and excellent hospitality made this a meal to remember. Can’t wait to come back! 🍜✨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nothing more to say, the best ramen spot 😘😘
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I came here for years and loved it. However the most recent visit was much different, and it wasn’t the usual owner. May have changed owners or chefs, the ramen sadly isn’t nearly as good and the meat is now very chewy.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen
Great lunch spot! Everything I’ve ordered has been outstanding!! Highly Recommend the Tantanmen Ramen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best local places i could ever go to, I'd go there just about everyday, (Mon. - Fri. only).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yatai Ramen Bowl with Fried Rice, Takoyaki, Oyako Chicken and Egg Bowl
Restaurantji Recommends
The best ramen I've had in Arizona. I've come here for years and I have never been dissapointed. Even if the old chef retired the quality hasn't dropped one bit. The Gyoza and the curry rice are also amazing and I also recommend them. The portions might look small but they will fill you up. Some of my friends who have been to Japan have said this is as close to authentic Osaka style ramen you can get.
The prices here are worth it as well. Be advised though that parking is the only bad thing as there isn't that many spots.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice
Best ramen for the price you’ll find anywhere
This place might be the most solid tonkatsu ramen bowl in az. Ive had so many ramen spots in az but they suck. I was genuinely impressed with the broth and noodles. The egg needs work it was overcooked but very good! Theyre curry katsu bowl was delicious as well zero complaints about it. Will definitely be back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Ramen in Tempe!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent ramen, the broth was so good and took the ramen to another level. Got the Yatai with pork belly spicy and it hit the spot. I made sure to finish the broth.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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