Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Back Bay

Wonderful service. The food was absolutely fantastic.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went on a freezing cold evening and even waited about 10 minutes outside in the cold — but it was absolutely worth it. We’ve been going to a Hokkaido ramen spot in the Bay Area for over 25 years, and it’s long been our favorite. This Back Bay location did not disappoint. After coming from 70-degree California weather, the bowl of ramen gave me the warmth I desperately needed. Everything on the menu looked great, and we ended up ordering two combos.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Solid ramen spot. Pretty popular spot but also a small store with limited seating, with frequent wait. I had the large shio chashu ramen combo with salmon gohan and soft boiled egg. Food is consistent with other authentic ramen.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Had a solid bowl of ramen for lunch here. Recommended.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

A bit cramped to eat on location and the chashu was a very tough. Unlike many competitors, the egg (or at least half) is not included. The broth was definitely the star of this meal, rich and flavorful - definitely what set them apart from the competition. Good, but left me wishing for more. Given the line out the door, I would have expected more. Still a positive experience, but better ramen spots around IMHO.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

The Ramen flavor was good. However, the noodles seemed package noodles, very thin and crunchy. The place is really small, we sat on the same table as two other couples.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

Just wooow, what a deal especially if you are a student 🧑‍🎓! You get a free appetizer if you bring 2 of your buddies. Also I 100% recommend you get the combo but it is a lot of food ‼️. I eat too much so it was perfect for me but my friends could not finish it. I got the Shiyaki and signature ramen combo and it did not disappoint~!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The staff service is average, the seating area inside is very small and extremely crowded, and you have to wait outside on the street. The ramen is very salty. Inside the restaurant, you can clearly observe some customers who keep eating continuously, while others barely take a few bites and then just sit there waiting for their companions. I don’t think this place is worth checking out. The price isn’t particularly expensive—around $20 per bowl of ramen—but considering the waiting time and how strongly the taste depends on personal preference, this is not a restaurant I would recommend.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

Great authentic ramen. The shop is small with very limited seating.
I am not sure it is worth the wait outside in the cold for this. If there is no line, then highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

It is 2025, but the place still operates under manual line definition, where you have to stand here for one hour straight. Time to introduce booking system or online line may be?

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Very nice Ramen with amazing service. Priced very good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is a chaotic dumpster fire masquerading as a ramen shop. The floor looks like it’s been marinated in old broth since 1998, the noise level is pure anime fight scene, the staff treat you like you personally offended their ancestors, and the ramen tastes like hot dishwater with depression. 1 star, and that’s generous.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I got the shio ramen and it was great. Super rich broth, equally balanced. The server did forget our egg a couple of times but i don't blame him, it's super busy+crowded.

Most of the times there's a line outside and you will sit next to other people 85% of the time. (esp when it's a small party) The reason for this is the store is super small. That wasn't really a problem with me, the tables i get seated with are super kind and respectful!

It can feel a bit overwhelming or claustrophobic inside, there is only one bathroom for all and everyone WILL see you walk in. 🫩

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Small space good ramen, have to share the table with others.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a super popular place to get ramen in back bay and you should expect queues on weekends. It's a small restaurant, but the food is great and service is extremely quick.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5