Ramen Restaurants near Oakland, CA

“I’ve ordered Tonkutsu Ramen (mild), its good but too spicy for me. I asked for hot water to reduce d saltiness n spiciness. Flavor still great!“

“I have had this place bookmarked probably for as long as they have been opened. Finally went and just Wowsers. I ordered everything: Caesar salad, chicken and shrimp fried rice, dumplings, veggie ramen, and the most amazing Pandan Cake. I would eat that cake everyday.

Service was attentive, so kind, and helpful. I had 3 different people check in on me and I literally just got take out. Baddies.

Great staff, great food, and great vibes. Don’t have pics bc I ate it all.“

“This is a must visit for anyone in Jack London Square“

“This place is so delicious. They have multiple options and all are interesting and tasty. With vegan appetizers and an interesting sake list this place is tops for me. I’m super into restaurants where everyone can eat. It’s a bit spendy but this ramen won’t disappoint! Updated from previous review on 2024-11-05“

“Some say this is the only “authentic” ramen shop in the East Bay. We had fried shrimp buns (seasonal, yummy) and shared a bowl of 5Chicken Ramen with Rich White “Paitan” Broth. toppings w/ chashu chicken breast. this is a small chain with locations in CA, TX, NYC and Vegas.“

“I've wanted to come in ever since seeing the original "JR Rail" sign years ago on the freeway! We finally had the chance on the way to grocery shopping. I wasn't disappointed!The owners do a good job of making this a unique experience. The shop is clean and streamlined, as you can expect from one themed on Japanese transportation! They play sounds of the JR Rail stop announcements overhead, and also steam NHK TV (a Japanese cultural channel) in the back. As others have also mentioned, there are also a few vending machines throughout the store which offer Japanese snacks and drinks (but are quite pricey at like $5 per ramune bottle). Orders come out of the wall with your receipt number displayed above the counter and loudly announced on the intercom. It's a fully contactless experience! (Btw, the code for the restroom is on your receipt!)There are only a handful of seats throughout the store, but they're single stalls à la Ichiran (IYKYK!). There's also a few standing spots open in the back (high table only). Other communal seating can be found outside, with a view of the moored ships in the estuary.We got the deluxe tonkatsu ramen with all the pre-recommended standard components. I found the ramen itself simple and not too heavy nor salty. The flavor wasn't anything to write home about, but the textures of everything were all on point. The noodles had the perfect chew, and the chashu and egg were perfect. Additionally, the portion size of the meat and noodles was quite sizeable and there was no way I could've finished off all my broth at the end without exploding. For $15, this wasn't a bad value. I also like that they include a wet wipe so you can have clean hands before/after your meal.Unfortunately, the iPad on the left (one of only 2) for taking orders was malfunctioning at this time, but you wouldn't know it until you got to the checkout screen and was ready to pay. There isn't any sign or anything, so either they don't know it's broken or it only broke recently. Hopefully this review compels them to fix it!“

“The food is fabulous, the staff is fabulous. It was a wonderful experience. If I lived here I would go back.“

“This is by far one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The flavours piled into this vegan ramen are insane. Worth a trip back to SFO just for this. It is a very small location with limited seating, a queue out the door isn’t uncommon but worth the wait.“

“I recently visited Tsuruya in Berkeley, CA, and the experience was nothing short of life-changing. Nestled in a cozy mom-and-pop shop atmosphere, the warmth and friendliness of the staff immediately made me feel welcome.

The star of the show was undoubtedly the tonkotsu ramen. The broth was rich and full of depth, clearly simmered to perfection, and the noodles were the ideal balance of chewy texture. Each ingredient from the tender pork to the perfectly cooked egg complemented each other flawlessly—the egg was particularly outstanding, with a creamy yolk that enriched the broth beautifully.

Tsuruya may be small in size, but the flavors and customer service are immense. This place captures the essence of traditional ramen with exceptional skill and care. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a transformative dining experience.“

“Good selection of vegetarian, vegan, and standard ramen dishes. I enjoyed the Timmy Tan Tan ramen - a little bit of spice, fresh crisp from the greens, and nice depth in the broth! I usually only have half a bowl and save the rest for leftovers but I was still a bit hungry halfway through and ended up eating the entire thing.

Service is very quick with orders and refills. Very relaxed, casual atmosphere good for catching up with friends.

Unfortunately they are now very low/out of eggs due to the current egg stock issues. It does leave the ramen feeling a little naked.

Dietary restrictions: Vegan options available“

“Twice in one week in a business trip to SF - happened upon ilppudo and came back a few days later. Friendly staff, great Raman and nice interior.“

“Amazing 🤩 Great service and tasty food“

“Besides the great Ramen Tan tan, make sure you get the fried chicken, Karage, only in japan i had it so good, the best in SF, a real japanese restaurant!!!“

“Good ramen is easy to find. Great ramen is harder. And finding excellent ramen at reasonable prices in downtown San Francisco is a rarity.

This is the ideal spot for lunch or dinner and a hot bowl of noodles. The pork was deliciously juicy, the egg was cooked to perfection, and the Tonkotsu broth was very flavorful.

Service was quite good and attentive in both the upper and lower levels. Can recommend.“

“Was looking up ramen and we decided on this place.
The noodles are my favorite part of this deliciousness soup!
The coconut was perfect too.
Will have to come back and try different ones.
My friend who is vegan liked it too.
Fast and friendly service too.“

“I was today years old when i found out that tofu was a dessert. I added tofu to my order of spicy miso ramen and guess what? That thing did not look like the normal tofu i know and then it was as sweet as candy. Common, i know this can’t be normal, please give us the food we ask for in traditional way. If i go to a japanese restaurant i want to eat it japanese food not american. Everything else was great. Thank you“

“Bansho is a very special place. The extraordinary combination of delicate mindfulness in service and decor, and meticulous attention to the balance and quality of ingredients creates magic. You will leave feeling better than when you arrived. Highly recommend.“

“New recipes with the most amazing, home-made, wide noodles made our first inside visit in over a year a culinary celebration. And, as always, the staff is top-notch. Highly recommended!“

“My reason for no dinner tonight; I had a late lunch To Go, today 2:45 pm, Torraku-Ramen on De Haro, Chicken Katsu Don, Tempura and Edamame- All So Yummy!“

“First timer and definitely coming back for more!“

“The best ramen you will have in Alameda!! I had the Yuzu ramen and my boyfriend had the tonkotsu ramen and we both loved them! They were each so flavorful, the chasu was just so soft and fell apart. When you first walk in, there was surprisingly no music, but once you get your food you’ll be enjoying it too much to notice(plus you can focus on the food more). If you’re looking for somewhere new to go, this is the place!“

“One of a small handful of state-side ramen experiences that’s equaled some of the ramen bowls I’ve enjoyed in Japan. The yuzu ramen is the stand-out.

I brought my discerning professional chef friend here and when he tasted the yuzu broth, he immediately ordered a bowl from Hiroshi, then boxed up the meal he already had in front of him from another stall.

But maybe the clearest indication of Hiroshi Ramen’s visit-worthiness is the fact that it has unseated Super Duper Birger as my 11yr old son’s gold standard go-to restaurant.

The 1-3 star reviews here have me thinking there really should be a qualifications exam before you’re aloud to rate a restaurant on these platforms.

Just go.“

“The food was pretty good, though from what I've seen the prices are pretty high. GBO gave us an item included, but otherwise, even though the food tastes good and has great portions, it's very expensive.

Also, for any GBOers who see this, the spicy rice cakes (Tteokbokki) is not portioned for a full meal!

Otherwise the dine out area is quite nice!

Vegetarian options: There is the miso tofu ramen and maybe one other option, so vegetarians won't be left out!“

“This is a HIDDEN GEM!!Delicious!!! vegetable ramen- fresh steamed veggies, piping hot broth, huge portion! Pork dumplings- steaming, fresh! Strawberry milk tea- not overly sweet, I am a harsh critic of bobas!Attentive, quiet service! Price point in reasonable.“

“This place is amazing. The ramen quality is very consistent here. But the curry rice plate is okay. This is a true gem amongst the many mediocre ramen shops in the bay area. This is a place I'm willing to drive to just for ramen even if it is in the city.“

“This palce is a certain of community and history on Bernal Heights. Old friends come in to greetings of hugs and kisses from the staff. New patrons are welcomed in almost equal fashion! The food and vibe is hearty and made with love. No Reservations. Come over, put you name down, but you can enjoy wine or beer from a freat ludt inside or outsides as you wait. Shhh!!! Don't tell anyone else.“

“As soon as you walk in you notice the cute interior. I love the aesthetic of the tables and vibe feels similar to mom and pop places I've been to in Japan except the lighting is nicer here.

Pretty orderly service, s/o to the one person waitress running the counter and tables and one person in the kitchen.

Foodwise, place smacks. Been here 2 times in the last 2 years. The quality of dishes I got are on par with overseas both times. Got the kaarage uson set and tofu soba. Mild flavors, but I love that nothing is over-seasoned it's just right imo.“

“This little ramen gem is a must-visit! Despite its modest size, the place is packed with character and charm. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly chewy—ideal for a comforting bowl on a chilly day. They offer an incredible vegetarian ramen, bursting with fresh veggies, tofu, and a savory broth that rivals any traditional pork-based option. The staff is friendly and attentive, making the whole experience feel welcoming. It can get a bit crowded during peak times, but it’s worth the wait. If you're a ramen lover (vegetarian or not), you won’t be disappointed!“

“I ordered the Beef Okonomiyaki, some people call it Japanese Pizza, a delicious pancake made with a special batter with tempura flakes, small pieces of sliced beef, leeks and cabbage mixed and topped with very thin dry sliced beef, Japanese mayonnaise and a sweet umami sauce similar to Tonkatsu sauce. This restaurant opens early and serves American breakfast among other things.“

“When specifically ask for chicken to be cut up into small pieces for a five year old to eat & you get back huge cuts of chicken a grown adult would have trouble biting it really annoying. However the food is excellent & conveniently located with decent size portions so that’s what keeps me coming back.“

“I don't typically take time to leave reviews, but this place was actually incredible. I am from Arkansas and staying at an airbnb almost 5 minutes away, and just stumbled upon the closest restaurant that was still open at 10pm. Walking in, you are greeted with the largest smiles, fun music, and chill atmosphere. Having been to Japan, and seeing the Okonomiyaki on the menu, I HADDDD to get it... and oh my gosh. It was SO GOOD. My husband and I couldn't get over how authentic it felt and how hard it is to find okonomyaki back home in Arkansas. I'm SO GLAD we stumbled upon this place and I will be sharing with everyone I know 100%!!“

“After lunch, I was surprised that they didn't have more people eating in this establishment. This is a great place for a date or to come alone. The food is amazing 10/10. We had the omakase nigiri. 10 pieces of pure magic. The ramen just was amazing the best i had in san Francisco. The staff was amazing too. Definitely give them a visit. 10/10“

“The sushi here is seriously good - fresh ingredients, creative rolls you won’t find anywhere else. The Fuji Roll? Absolutely delicious. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly, even if the vibe inside feels a bit cramped and could use a deeper clean. It’s a small spot, so I’d recommend takeout or delivery over dining in. For the quality of food though, it’s worth it.“

“Very expensive but good food. For context, I brought my son for his 25th birthday. We had 9 people, all 17+ years old and _no_ alcohol was ordered. The bill for 9 people with automatic tip came out to be $390 or $44/person.

With that out of the way, we had a good experience. The waitress was very gentle and patient. The place has nice decoration and Japanese architecture.. at least it reminds me of one which is a nice plus on the ambience. We sat at the upper platform so that part is not wheelchair accessible.

They have both menu book and also QR code so you can see what the food looks like. The raw stuff were fresh. Photos shows the things we ordered and everyone loved it. Since it's very expensive, we only come here on very special occasion and this is my 3rd visit in 2 years.

Yes I would go back again.“

“Their Chicken Karaage is soooo good 😋 paired it up with their tasty sauce. Must try!

I ordered the Black Garlic Ramen. For me it is good. They were generous with their toppings. I asked for medium spicy but it didn’t taste spicy at all.

I also tried to taste Tonkotsu Ramen and Pork Ribs Ramen which my friends ordered. They were alright. They’re not as flavorful compared to the other ramen houses. (Well, it’s just my opinion tho.)

The wait time is decent. We didn’t wait too long for our orders to be served. Well, i guess we came when it’s not rush hour because there’s only us there. 😅 But when we were about to finish with our meal, the place was almost full.

The servers are also nice.“

“the atmosphere is great and I love their 49 rolls! I usually go in a group because the food is very filling!“

“If you’re looking for a great spot to grab Chinese food in Richmond, V8 Kitchen on Macdonald Ave is definitely worth checking out. My wife and I found this place on Google Maps while looking for something new to try—and we’re glad we did! The photos and menu looked promising, and we were in the mood for a good lunch date.

As soon as we walked in, the lady who took our order greeted us with a warm welcome and helped us feel right at home. She was quick, polite, and made the whole experience feel personal. The place had a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a casual and relaxing couple’s lunch.

The food? Excellent. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and cooked just right. You can tell they put care into their dishes, and it shows in the taste. The prices were also really fair for the quality and portion size.

All around, this was a great little food adventure for us. If you're local or just passing through Richmond and want good Chinese food with kind service and a calm vibe, V8 Kitchen is a nice choice.“

“I can’t believe I never wrote a review for this place. Walked in you just feel like you went back to Japan. The decoration inside is so cute. The service was very fast attentive. The food came really fast too, and you can tell that they are fried chicken were freshly fried. We also got a cup of drink and it was also pretty good. They have a good selection of Japanese wine too. The sesame dessert we got at the end was so cool and we really loved it. It truly feels like you went back in Japan and go to Izakaya. I would definitely recommend here.“

“Really nice place with good-quality Japanese cuisine. The rolls are really tasty and really big, you can get enough with just one set! The Seafood Udon that’s in broth is brought in a pot in which it was cooked, very authentic. The bento box is delicious! We tried sushi in so many places this place is the best of the best. We always come back only here when we really want a good and quality sushi. I recommend 100% Lion king is our fav. Greatly recommend as a lunch or dinner place, the service is really good and the meals were brought pretty quickly.“

“Bento boxes were great, so many options to chose from. Would definitely go back.“

“Excellent foods, friendly staffs! We really love to have dinner here~ Absolutely, I will visit again when I come back to Berkeley!“

“It is at the same location as Alley’s. Order at kiosk, food come out from the bar counter, and send back bowl to bar counter afterwards.
The ramen was tasty and the soup base was rich. We had original, red, and black tonkatsu. The red tonkatsu was hot, but very flavorful .“