Cancel

Open app

Search

Aoki No Chuuka

3.7 (250 reviews)
Closed 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Order Aoki No Chuuka Takeout or Delivery

Aoki No Chuuka Photos

Business Info

AOKI NO CHUUKA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Aoki No Chuuka

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Andrew W.

First time coming to this restaurant with my Japanese friends. It's a small Japanese communities where we can get together eating and chatting! The staffs are very friendly and the head chef/owner is a very passionate person! And he was very accommodate-able person! Love it!

Mabo Tofu

A hole in the wall, neighborhood place where most customers and staff know each other. It was our first time there, but we felt welcome. The food was delicious and the service was great. We came here for the champon, which is difficult to find at most ramen stores.

Yuzu Yuzu Pepper Shio Ramen Noodle
Yurie H.

Cute Japanese Chuuka eatery with relatively affordable dishes! My fiancé and I came for lunch on a Saturday, shop is small with table and bar seating. The vibe is a typical Japanese Izakaya. We got the Sapporo draft (small $5 each), yuzu shio ramen ($13), half fried rice ($6) and liver stir fry ($15). The Sapporo draft was icy and cool, very refreshing. Yuzu shio ramen wasn't the best I've had, comes with a piece of chashu, menma, green onions, and bean sprouts, flavor is light so I was able to finish. Liver stir fry was a little salty but portion is generous. The fried rice was the best! Not overly salty and had hint of MSG. Overall solid Japanese eatery with good food and fast service. Would love to try the curry my next visit!

Sylvie C.

Prior to visiting Aoki No Chukka recently, I was rather excited to find out there's Chuuka Restaurant available in the area. Where I just moved from, there isn't one. We have tons of fusion restaurants but no Machi-Chuu at all. The food we ordered and got to taste was delicious despite the outrageous and hostile behavior of the servers, menu price and system. The gyoza is nothing to write home about and I would not recommend ordering. Neither are the takoyaki. The place also does not care about what order the food arrives. None of the appetizers arrived prior to our entrees arriving. And my dining companion's meal arrived well before mine, and the appetizers arrived well after both of us were nearly done with our food. The most noteworthy thing about the whole dining experience was the hideous behavior by the server and complete lack of care by the owner who witnessed the whole thing. What's with the rather overt and shameless ethnocentrism and xenophobic Japanese restaurant staff? I am ashamed to ever admit I come from the same tiny a*ss island these folks come from. Let me elaborate. We visited during a Saturday lunch time. There was just one other table being served and awfully quiet for weekend lunch hours. The diners looked not at all happy. That should have been a sign. The interior of the restaurant actually have menu items not listed on the menu that's just plastered on the wall. I wasn't quite sure what I should order. Everything actually sounded appetizing. I asked the Japanese waitress who initially seated us and came to our table to take the order what she recommends ordering. She was speaking to the owner in Japanese, so I spoke to her in Japanese to ask for her recommendation. I didn't think the questions were so cringeworthy for her. It isn't like I was making unreasonable requests or attempting to haggle menu price or something really tacky and ridiculous. "I see that there are many appetizing dishes on the wall and on the menu. Do you have any recommendations? What do you like eating from here? Tell me your favorite dishes. Any suggestions?" To my f*king surprise, you know what she said for response? Are you ready? "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THERE IS NOTHING I LIKE EATING FROM HERE. PEOPLE TEND TO JUST ORDER WHATEVER THAT'S ON THE MENU WITH PICTURES. JUST PICK THE DISHES THAT HAS PICTURES IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE DECIDING. THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE ORDER MOST. I GUESS YOU CAN ORDER THE SEASONAL ITEM - HIYASHI CHUKA IF YOU MUST." WTF!?!?!?!? I am fairly freaking used to receiving rude a*s service. Curt. Short. Rude. Expensive. Shamelessly friendly only during checkout type of stinking horrible service. But not quite this f*cking bad. Like I've lived in the US for 24 years and never have I received this kind of downright hostile and seriously rude service. I should have just gotten up and leave. I wish the server could have seen the aghast face me and the owner behind her, my dining companion, the other server, and the two other customers she was serving behind her had. It felt like the whole atmosphere truly froze and we were just.......so appalled. It's hilarious to me when people like that makes assumptions that I must not be Japanese nor do I speak or understand any because I don't look like one. And then act super ugly when I decide to alleviate their emotional discomfort by speaking to them in the said language they assumed I don't speak. I thought I was doing them a favor because they feel uncomfortable speaking English even after being in the US for quite some time. There's no winning with folks like that. Another Aoki No Chuuka surprise? If you order anything that's not donburi dishes, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY EXTRA $2-$3 FOR A SMALL BOWL OF RICE. I got myself Happosai - that's basically chop suey. It's a heavy gravy with vegetables and meat and seafood type meal. You cannot eat them WITHOUT RICE. Like why the hell would you even not have rice accompany a meal like that? Do they charge for rice if you order Kare Rice too? Like you'd just get the curry but you gotta order rice separately? Do you have any idea how outrageous that is? That's akin to going to places like Jack in the Box and you have to pay extra for burger buns. Like $1 for a top bun and another $1 for bottom bun type thing. You get the picture. Would you be happy if someone legit asked you a question like that? Now the Yakiniku / chashu don was delicious according to my dining companion. I would not mind eating their food again, BUT NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER AGAIN IN-PERSON. Blimey, the offensive server actually refused to serve our table after I asked about menu item recommendation. It's as if I violated her human rights. She literally stood and glared at me the entire time I ate. The other server was much more friendly but the atmosphere of the restaurant was just utterly painful to eat or enjoy anything. Consider this my warning if you are hesitant to go. Order via DoorDash.

Pork ramen
Jason H.

I love this place!! Aoki No Chuuka has the best ramen I've ever had! Was working in the area and stopped by to get some food to go! Everyone was so nice and welcoming definitely will be back soon to sit down and try a lot more

Pan fried gyoza and Chukadon

See all

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Jay R.
18
54
7

9 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kent C.
153
158
1816

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Lica N.
1152
562
2873

10 years ago

Helpful 75
Thanks 0
Love this 71
Oh no 0
Photo of July L.
316
180
217

10 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0
Photo of Coy M.
18
56
8

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Julie H.
520
26
19

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ayu T.
59
14
10

10 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Debbie L.
1259
293
414

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of SJ Y.
119
220
71

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Winnie D.
458
47
131

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Masami K.
110
18
104

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Aaron F.
219
13
3

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Mike T.
383
841
3258

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nicole B.
153
78
63

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Tyler T.
461
20
11

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of John C.
4
83
50

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Cheyne T.
1310
1506
1212

7 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Maki S.
103
192
85

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Get take out on the regular. Their tonkatsu ramen is delicious and I always add shiitake mushrooms

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

I tried to come here to eat on a Sunday night and they were closed a whole hour and fifteen minutes early.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Josh Y.
0
31
10

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Miguel P.
204
20
16

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 14
Thanks 0
Love this 12
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 7

Aoki No Chuuka Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Aoki No Chuuka

Do they use msg? To the person who told me MSG is good for me, it gives me migraines.

There is a lot of hype around MSG but here are the facts: Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt… Read more

View All 2 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Ramen 93,051 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Hakata Ikkousha Ramen - Menu

Hakata Ikkousha Ramen

4.0(1.6k reviews)
2.1 mi
$$

A Legendary Slurp - Gone But Never Forgotten It is a true…read moretragedy for the Orange County food scene that Hakata Ikkousha in Costa Mesa has closed its doors. This wasn't just a "ramen joint"--it was a masterclass in authentic Fukuoka-style soul food. The Broth: Liquid Gold The standout was always their Signature Tonkotsu broth. You could literally taste the 30+ hours of labor that went into it. It had that distinct "frothy" texture (the bubble of the bone marrow) that you only find in high-end Hakata shops. It was rich, creamy, and carried a deep umami funk without ever being overly greasy. The Hits * Black Tonkotsu: The roasted garlic oil (mayu) added a smoky, dark complexity that ruined all other garlic ramens for me. * God Fire: For those who like to sweat, this offered the perfect balance of heat without sacrificing the integrity of the pork flavor. * The Karaage: Genuinely some of the best fried chicken in the area. Massive, juicy thigh meat with a shattering, thin crust and that addictive spicy mayo on the side. * Customization: I loved that they let you pick your noodle firmness. "Hard" was the only way to go to ensure that perfect snap with every bite. The Atmosphere The Costa Mesa location always had a great energy--functional, clean, and unpretentious. The staff were always efficient, greeting everyone with a loud "Irasshaimase!" that made the experience feel truly authentic. It's heartbreaking to see such a high-caliber spot leave the neighborhood. If you were lucky enough to eat here, you know we lost a heavy hitter. To the team at Ikkousha: thank you for the memories and the best bowls in the city. You'll be sorely missed! Note: For those still craving that specific broth, their Torrance locations are still holding it down--definitely worth the drive to keep the dream alive. Come back to OC! !

I'm heartbroken to find out that my favorite ramen spot has closed down. I wish I had known so I…read morecould have gone back one last time. The Black Devil and God Fire were my favorites. Both had such a rich, deep flavor. I haven't had a broth as good. The chicken karaage was also slept on. It came with just salt and mayo, and it was simple, juicy, and crispy. One day, I'll go to the Torrance location and try Hakata again. Until then...

Photos
Hakata Ikkousha Ramen - Menu pg 2

Menu pg 2

Hakata Ikkousha Ramen - Menu pg3

Menu pg3

Hakata Ikkousha Ramen - Menu pg 4

See all

Menu pg 4

Ramen Nagi - Delicious ramen noodles!

Ramen Nagi

4.5(419 reviews)
2.2 mi
$$

This place has quickly become one of my go to spots at South Coast Plaza ever since they've opened!…read moreThey offer four different tonkotsu ramen bases, with further customization available from like oil richness, veggies, salt, and more, to tailor your ramen to your desired flavor!! Even with the unlimited customization options, they also offer limited-time ramen bases as well , like a pumpkin ramen, crab ramen, or even a curry ramen just recently. These limited-time ramen flavors are always so creative AND tasty, so the announcement of a new limited-ramen always gets me rushing over to try it!! The ambiance is excellent as well, and the addition of the patio provides a nice and private scenic breeze, with extra bonus points in practicality for providing a nice space for pet owners like myself when I have my dog with me! Not only is the food and ambiance great, but the service is spectacular as well. The servers are attentive friendly and quick, so I'm never waiting long! Extra special shout out to servers Bao and Kenny!!! Both Bao and Kenny have been my server time and time again, and both of them provide beyond exceptional service at lightning speed!! The managers too have been so wonderful to me as well, with Nike, Brandon, Britt and Chuong facilitating such wonderful dining experiences every time I visit!! I can't recommend this place enough to all of my friends. With their continuous dedication to quality, quickness, and care, I've found myself coming back again and again

Ramen Nagi is THE best ramen in OC! I especially love the Green King and that each bowl is custom…read moremade to fit your tastes. The bean sprouts are delicious as well. The staff are incredibly attentive, especially Justin. He was very attentive and even offered me a bib when he noticed I was wearing some nicer clothes.

Photos
Ramen Nagi - Restaurant entrance

Restaurant entrance

Ramen Nagi - Red King with level 10 Spice

Red King with level 10 Spice

Ramen Nagi - Chashu bowl

See all

Chashu bowl

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun Tonkotsu

Ramen Tatsunoya

4.7(182 reviews)
2.5 mi
$$

Love that this place is a little off the beaten track so I have always been able to get a seat…read morewithout waiting. Store interior is bright, very clean for a ramen joint, and has a cool vibe with jazz music playing. The ramen itself is actually fantastic: A tasteful broth with a slightly sweet onion flavor, noodles that are the right thinness and al dente, and chashu pork that was the softest I have ever had. There are many other ramen places in the area, but it's worth the extra 10 minutes to come here!

One of the best ramen places in OC! (Top 2 for sure!) We had the Tonkotsu Ramen, Gyoza, Spice tuna…read moreroll, and they had teriyaki chicken wings as a new menu item which I really hope they keep!! As it turned out to be the best part. The ramen was incredible. Super rich and concentrated broth with a nice sear and intense flavor in the chashu pork. We added a few soft boiled eggs which were absolutely flawlessly cooked, the best I've ever had tbh. The gyoza had a nice crispy bottom and were so shockingly juicy inside it felt almost like a soup dumping! The sushi roll was also packed with flavor and a nice heat. It was really the teriyaki wings that stole the show. Again, ridiculously juicy with a nice crunch on the outside, the sauce was insanely good! Sweet, rich, garlicy, umami - all the best flavors. Service was excellent, everyone was super nice and the food came out quickly and hot!!! It felt made with love and skill. The only thing is that it was a bit bright inside the restaurant but then again I am sensitive to light. Otherwise the layout was nice and specious and full of medium and small booth options. Overall we cannot wait to return and bring friends!! :)

Photos
Ramen Tatsunoya - Nice seating. Great service so far

Nice seating. Great service so far

Ramen Tatsunoya - Koku extra chashu

Koku extra chashu

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun Tonkotsu- great for kids

See all

Jun Tonkotsu- great for kids

Wadaya - WADAYA is now OPEN

Wadaya

4.6(1.2k reviews)
0.9 mi
$$
Locally owned & operated
Free parking

Randomly decided to try this place with the wife last night…read more I remembered there being a spot called mogu mogu here prior and confirmed with the waitress that it's the same menu! Spicy miso ramen: 9/10 Actually one of the better ramens I've had lately. The broth is creamier and isn't overpowering with chicken/beef flavor. The chashu was nice and tender as well. I really liked that their noodles were al dente and not too soft Deluxe mazemen: 8/10 Taking my first bite, I was instantly greeted with an explosion of umami. There's a LOT of flavor packed in this bowl and the noodles used are actually a bit thicker which is right up my alley. My only drawback on this dish was that I wished it came with some sort of veggies to cut through all the flavor. They also give you a small serving of rice at the end for you to mix into the bottom which was a nice addition Kurobota sausage: 7.5/10 We've recently been on a kurobota craze. Don't get me wrong, these were great but we've only had them charred and grilled before so I was taken aback when I saw that these were only steamed. Flavor was spot on but I'm a sucker for a nice char or crisp to my meat Overall, loved the service and small restaurant vibe of this spot. We were seated very quickly and the food came out even faster. Definitely come try this spot, I know we'll be back

Never had Mazemen before which is basically broth-less ramen with various of toppings. We were on…read morethe way to Kitakata, but after finding this place on Yelp, we had to check out the hype. The interior is cozy and small with authentic Japanese decorations/setup. Kinda felt like we were eating in Kyoto or something, lol. The lady who served us was friendly and gave us good recommendations. I think she was handling the whole operation to be honest. To start it off, we ordered their specialty chicken karaage and it was very delicious. It has a nice crispy and crunchy texture. The batter on the chicken was good and once you bite it, the meat is juicy and tender. Doesn't really need dipping since it's so good. As for the Mazemen, we ordered the Deluxe and Veggie one, both is a 5/5. Very flavorful and it tastes just like ramen, but without the soup. The presentation of the dish looks like a work of art. Very picture pretty. I ate that shit up within ten minutes. After that they give you a scoop of rice so you can mix it up with the leftover sauce. Lots of umami for sure. Definitely will come back again to try the other flavors. People, trust me and come through!

Photos
Wadaya
Wadaya
Wadaya

See all

Kashiwa Ramen - Straight noodle shot!

Kashiwa Ramen

4.4(1.2k reviews)
0.8 mi
$$

You literally won't regret coming here !!! Top tier ramen !! Spicy black garlic is what we get and…read morehave never been disappointed!

I've been around this area for so long but only just now am I trying Kashiwa Ramen!…read more Going inside, the seating area is not large, and off the bat, I couldn't get seated with my family because the 2 high chairs they have available were already taken by another family. Thankfully, they had a booster seat available to have our child sit on. We ordered a miso ramen, a spicy black garlic ramen and a gyoza for our appetizer. The person taking our order was patient with us as we ordered even as we were dealing with our toddler. Our requests were accommodated respectfully and to the best they could! Upon first glance, the gyoza looked good, like it was a family recipe and made from scratch! The spicy garlic ramen had thick, and a tasty looking broth and the portion sizes for the ramen looked like decent enough for the price. The taste for the gyoza was good, but the spicy black garlic ramen definitely stole the show! The broth was the perfect level of savory with a delicious blend of garlic that wasn't overpowering along with the pork broth. The chashu was incredibly tender and flavorful and the ramen was cooked perfectly - *chefs kiss*, amazing! Another reason that helped me decide on eating here was that there is a student discount for OCC students! Definitely cool that the local business is supporting local students! I had a great experience eating here with my family - the food was delicious, the staff was helpful and it was joy!

Photos
Kashiwa Ramen - IG: happyfoodieoc

IG: happyfoodieoc

Kashiwa Ramen - Gyoza

Gyoza

Kashiwa Ramen - 5 Karaage - @rayz

See all

5 Karaage - @rayz

Aoki No Chuuka - ramen - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...