Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Allston

Cold ramen is a must try in summertime

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This has to be my top 2 ramen shops! The broth was so rich yet not too salty, perfect balance. The ramen noodles are perfectly chewy.

I also loved their appetizers! Best of all, they have an app so I can rack up points for perks! Students can even get up to 20% off!

The service was excellent and ambiance minimalist and clean.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: R Black Garlic Ramen, Takoyaki with Bonito Flakes, Ramen, Miso, Tsukemen 蘸面

I came here Tuesday morning with my friend and we really enjoyed our experience here. The inside was very cute and comfy vibe. Our server was this pretty waitress who was very accommodating for us when we asked if we can change tables because it was very hot and we wanted to be closer to the door. Since we never come here before she recommend us the black garlic ramen which was a good choice. The garlic seasoning was a perfect and I also ordered the karaage chicken which I think is one of the best I ever have. I definitely will come eat here again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love the fried fish. My favorite is the pumpkin salad and fried eggplant!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The signature Shio ramen was delicious. In the US where many ramen shops compete with bold flavors like Shoyu Tonkotsu or Spicy Miso, the simpler soup with salt-based sauce and pork broth was comforting.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

As someone who has visited this place 15–20 times, here are my honest takeaways.

Branch ranking (out of the three):
1️⃣ Cambridge – by far the best (plus, parking is relatively easy)
2️⃣ Copley – decent and consistent
3️⃣ Allston – honestly, just skip it

The Cambridge location stands out every single time. The food tastes better, the experience is smoother, and the staff seems to actually know what they’re doing. In contrast, the Allston branch has been consistently disappointing—the servers appear confused, and the ramen didn’t even taste the same. We’ve completely stopped going there.

One major issue we faced: we don’t eat pork, so we usually skip the pork piece and add an egg instead. Over multiple visits, no one ever told us that pork can be substituted—we were charged extra every single time. We only found out later (at a different ramen place in California) that substitution is very much possible. We tried asking here, and it worked—but it’s frustrating that the servers never informed us. I don’t want others going through the same unfair experience just because the staff doesn’t guide customers properly.

Our absolute favorite ramen is Negi Namban. If you want to elevate the flavor, ask for a side of garlic paste and chili paste—they’re excellent. Just note that these are only available at the Cambridge store and are chargeable, not free.

Although this is a chain, the policies seem to vary wildly by location, which honestly feels more like staff inconsistency or lack of training. For example, we received a “free toppings for a month” offer, but were later told by a server that it’s only a one-time use—with no clear way to verify this.

Overall, the food can be great if you go to the right branch. Stick to Cambridge, be very clear about substitutions, and don’t hesitate to ask questions—because unfortunately, the staff may not offer information unless you push for it.

Service: 1

I just love Hokkaido so much man. Truly authentic. Great variety of ramens, and all taste awesome. Sides never disappoint too. I recommend trying Goma Miso ramen if you haven't.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time trying ramen here and I was honestly disappointed. The broth lacked depth and the overall taste was pretty average. It didn’t feel worth the hype. Probably wouldn’t return for ramen.

Food: 2

Service: 2

We love Hokkaido ramen and dine there very frequently in all the branches they have in boston. As usual we went to the one in Allston on Sunday at 9.00pm. We asked them if we can park outside the restaurant, she said no move it to marking, even though the board said 7.00-7.0m no parking. The entire restaurant was empty, there was zero tables occupied when we entered and checked in, they didn’t tell us which table to sit in, till we specifically asked. Our order was the veg ramen which we love, no modifications. The lady didn’t ask or take any drink orders. We got our orders which we finished in less than 15 mins and my friend saw there was an empty spot outside the restaurant, and got her car to the front, on which the waitress loudly commented to the other waitress, look she’s parked in front now, after I told her not to. I don’t understand why this happened. We were in there for maybe 20 mins overall, and since we felt it was off, we tipped 10%. She came to us and berated that it was 20% continuously, even after we said we are not obligated a tip, if we found the service lacking. She embarrassed us in front of another table which came and snatched the blow after this conversation. This has been one of the worst experiences at the Allston branch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

First time, I was in their Cambridge branch. This time I tried their Allston branch. Food was still good, just the place in Cambridge a lil bit bigger. Will definitely come back to this place

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shio Ramen 盐拉面

Food took over an hour and we were late to our show. Service was rough, had to flag down someone every time we wanted to order/get drinks. Food was not even close to worth the price which was crazy expensive

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Recently visited this place with a couple of my friends. As soon as we entered we were given a table and the female waitress was polite. Later to take the order came a male waitress started to give us some weird looks and was very rude throughout. My friend was asking a couple of questions regarding the food and he sighed and looked at him seriously. I wanted to bring down the situation so I said “let me order then that will give you(my friend) time to go through menu” and the waiter in a very serious tone said “WAIT” I was like what is going on? Why the weird looks and rude attitude? But we kept our peace and finished our meal and left.

I think people don’t understand that being in the service industry you need to be polite and attend to the customers rather than being rude and be judgemental. I think he didn’t like us as we were south asian.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

The ramen is decent, nothing crazy.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Yummy ramen and cozy place. Somehow I like it more than one at Harvard square, it’s more cozy for my feeling. But both places serve excellent ramen

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Miso Ramen, Tonkatsu Ramen, Vegetarian

Best Ramen in town

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5