I had a very disappointing experience at Ippudo Berkeley CA on 08/31/25 around 7:12pm-7:30pm. When the food isn't good I usually don't say anything or post reviews I simply never return but the staff at this restaurant insulted my intelligence which is why I'm posting this review.
I had ordered the Bun Medley (1 Shrimp, 2 Chicken) because the menu photo showed the buns covered in a red sauce—similar to the saucy nuggets at Wendy’s which is exactly the reason why I ordered it.
When the dish arrived, the meat in the bun had a plain batter, with no sauce at all. I politely asked the server about this, and instead of acknowledging the issue, he told me the photo was “oversaturated”—which felt like an insult to my intelligence, since the picture clearly showed a red sauce. When I pressed further, he went to ask the chef and came back saying the photo was outdated, handing me a black sauce instead saying this was the sauce in the photo. I poured it on, expecting it to appear red, but it remained black. Again, this felt dismissive and dishonest implying I didn't know what I was looking at and was too stupid to notice.
If the menu photos are outdated, they should have been updated—otherwise it’s false advertising. I ordered based on the promise of a red sauce, not a bun with a plain battered meat & an overly salty and slightly sweet black sauce on the side.
On top of that, the chicken was overcooked with a chewy, burnt-tasting batter. Also, where I was seated smelled unpleasantly like a used bathroom.
I chose Ippudo because of its high ratings, but my experience was the opposite. Between the misleading menu photo, the poor food quality, the dismissive service, and the unpleasant environment, it was a very upsetting experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Falsley Advertised Items
I had a very disappointing experience at Ippudo Berkeley CA on 08/31/25 around 7:12pm-7:30pm. When the food isn't good I usually don't say anything or post reviews I simply never return but the staff at this restaurant insulted my intelligence which is why I'm posting this review.
I had ordered the Bun Medley (1 Shrimp, 2 Chicken) because the menu photo showed the buns covered in a red sauce--similar to the saucy nuggets at Wendy's which is exactly the reason why I ordered it.
When the dish arrived, the meat in the bun had a plain batter, with no sauce at all. I politely asked the server about this, and instead of acknowledging the issue, he told me the photo was "oversaturated"--which felt like an insult to my intelligence, since the picture clearly showed a red sauce. When I pressed further, he went to ask the chef and came back saying the photo was outdated, handing me a black sauce instead saying this was the sauce in the photo. I poured it on, expecting it to appear red, but it remained black. Again, this felt dismissive and dishonest implying I didn't know what I was looking at and was too stupid to notice.
If the menu photos are outdated, they should have been updated--otherwise it's false advertising. I ordered based on the promise of a red sauce, not a bun with a plain battered meat & an overly salty and slightly sweet black sauce on the side.
On top of that, the chicken was overcooked with a chewy, burnt-tasting batter. Also, where I was seated smelled unpleasantly like a used bathroom.
I chose Ippudo because of its high ratings on google reviews, but my experience was the opposite. Between the misleading menu photo, the poor food quality, the dismissive service, and the unpleasant environment, it was a very upsetting experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kenneth D'Amica
Always love coming here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Craig Jones
Really good
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Ippudo Buns, History of Ippudo Ramen
NK Lam
The food favor was bland, salty, and cold. The noodle was warm and all the sides were cold. There was no broth. The price does not match the quality of the food. First and last time at this place. For 4 people we spent $146.00 - 3 bowl of ramen, two sides, sushi (15 minutes wait), side of cucumber, 2 drinks. We ordered a side of broth and it was salty. So disappointed. 😔
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
nimita mishra
SO good. I came here at least 30+ times over the past year and was never disappointed. The ramen is delicious, and they have great veg options as well. (daizu no chikara) miso is a must try, veg or not, really hits the spot. only downside is that it is $25+ everytime, so certainly a bit pricey but worth it imo. (all the pictures are from seperate visits LOL)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SH Kim
Love all of the vegan options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Evgeni Reshetnikov
Great ramen! Hands down some of ths beat in bay area!
Maxime Moquelet
Really good and fast
Annalisa Convento David
Food was amazing - wonderful flavors and beautiful presentation. Attentive and never had to ask for more water or tea.
This was the second time I've been to this location and the first time was ages ago when it first opened. Service was prompt and the food was good. The standouts were the chicken karaage and Ramen. It was good and they did have a happy hour.
Dudy Bar-Tal
Ippudo Berkeley never disappoints! From the moment you walk in, the friendly staff makes you feel welcome and taken care of. The food is just as incredible—the airy steam buns are perfectly soft and filled with flavorful goodness. The crunchy spicy karaage has the ideal balance of crispiness and heat, making it an absolute must-try. And the ramen? Simply outstanding. The sesame oil broth adds a rich depth that makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Whether you're a ramen enthusiast or just looking for an amazing meal, Ippudo Berkeley is the place to go!
annie ryder
The noodles were hard. Not cooked. The server was rude. We had to ask for chili flakes 3 times and still none.
fujino bby
Veggie ramen and buns were tasty
Neel
NIRVANA KARAKA is a must try ramen for vegetarian people. Everything was a hit! Highly recommended.
I had a very disappointing experience at Ippudo Berkeley CA on 08/31/25 around 7:12pm-7:30pm. When the food isn't good I usually don't say anything or post reviews I simply never return but the staff at this restaurant insulted my intelligence which is why I'm posting this review.
I had ordered the Bun Medley (1 Shrimp, 2 Chicken) because the menu photo showed the buns covered in a red sauce—similar to the saucy nuggets at Wendy’s which is exactly the reason why I ordered it.
When the dish arrived, the meat in the bun had a plain batter, with no sauce at all. I politely asked the server about this, and instead of acknowledging the issue, he told me the photo was “oversaturated”—which felt like an insult to my intelligence, since the picture clearly showed a red sauce. When I pressed further, he went to ask the chef and came back saying the photo was outdated, handing me a black sauce instead saying this was the sauce in the photo. I poured it on, expecting it to appear red, but it remained black. Again, this felt dismissive and dishonest implying I didn't know what I was looking at and was too stupid to notice.
If the menu photos are outdated, they should have been updated—otherwise it’s false advertising. I ordered based on the promise of a red sauce, not a bun with a plain battered meat & an overly salty and slightly sweet black sauce on the side.
On top of that, the chicken was overcooked with a chewy, burnt-tasting batter. Also, where I was seated smelled unpleasantly like a used bathroom.
I chose Ippudo because of its high ratings, but my experience was the opposite. Between the misleading menu photo, the poor food quality, the dismissive service, and the unpleasant environment, it was a very upsetting experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I had a very disappointing experience at Ippudo Berkeley CA on 08/31/25 around 7:12pm-7:30pm. When the food isn't good I usually don't say anything or post reviews I simply never return but the staff at this restaurant insulted my intelligence which is why I'm posting this review. I had ordered the Bun Medley (1 Shrimp, 2 Chicken) because the menu photo showed the buns covered in a red sauce--similar to the saucy nuggets at Wendy's which is exactly the reason why I ordered it. When the dish arrived, the meat in the bun had a plain batter, with no sauce at all. I politely asked the server about this, and instead of acknowledging the issue, he told me the photo was "oversaturated"--which felt like an insult to my intelligence, since the picture clearly showed a red sauce. When I pressed further, he went to ask the chef and came back saying the photo was outdated, handing me a black sauce instead saying this was the sauce in the photo. I poured it on, expecting it to appear red, but it remained black. Again, this felt dismissive and dishonest implying I didn't know what I was looking at and was too stupid to notice. If the menu photos are outdated, they should have been updated--otherwise it's false advertising. I ordered based on the promise of a red sauce, not a bun with a plain battered meat & an overly salty and slightly sweet black sauce on the side. On top of that, the chicken was overcooked with a chewy, burnt-tasting batter. Also, where I was seated smelled unpleasantly like a used bathroom. I chose Ippudo because of its high ratings on google reviews, but my experience was the opposite. Between the misleading menu photo, the poor food quality, the dismissive service, and the unpleasant environment, it was a very upsetting experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Always love coming here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really good
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Ippudo Buns, History of Ippudo Ramen
The food favor was bland, salty, and cold. The noodle was warm and all the sides were cold. There was no broth. The price does not match the quality of the food. First and last time at this place. For 4 people we spent $146.00 - 3 bowl of ramen, two sides, sushi (15 minutes wait), side of cucumber, 2 drinks. We ordered a side of broth and it was salty. So disappointed. 😔
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
SO good. I came here at least 30+ times over the past year and was never disappointed. The ramen is delicious, and they have great veg options as well. (daizu no chikara) miso is a must try, veg or not, really hits the spot. only downside is that it is $25+ everytime, so certainly a bit pricey but worth it imo. (all the pictures are from seperate visits LOL)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love all of the vegan options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great ramen! Hands down some of ths beat in bay area!
Really good and fast
Food was amazing - wonderful flavors and beautiful presentation. Attentive and never had to ask for more water or tea.
Restaurantji Recommends
This was the second time I've been to this location and the first time was ages ago when it first opened. Service was prompt and the food was good. The standouts were the chicken karaage and Ramen. It was good and they did have a happy hour.
Ippudo Berkeley never disappoints! From the moment you walk in, the friendly staff makes you feel welcome and taken care of. The food is just as incredible—the airy steam buns are perfectly soft and filled with flavorful goodness. The crunchy spicy karaage has the ideal balance of crispiness and heat, making it an absolute must-try. And the ramen? Simply outstanding. The sesame oil broth adds a rich depth that makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Whether you're a ramen enthusiast or just looking for an amazing meal, Ippudo Berkeley is the place to go!
The noodles were hard. Not cooked. The server was rude. We had to ask for chili flakes 3 times and still none.
Veggie ramen and buns were tasty
NIRVANA KARAKA is a must try ramen for vegetarian people. Everything was a hit! Highly recommended.
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