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    GONZO!

    4.7 (1.5k reviews)
    ModerateRamen, Izakaya, Bars
    Open 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    GONZO! Photos

    Business Info

    GONZO! ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - GONZO!

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    Reviews With Photos

    Tonkotsu Ramen
    Laura M.

    If you're looking for a ramen spot that actually delivers on the "depth of flavor" promise, Gonzo! is it. I went for the Tonkotsu, and the broth was easily some of the best I've ever had--perfectly creamy and rich without being an absolute salt lick. It's loaded with all the essentials: plenty of noodles, tender pork, kikurage mushrooms, and an egg with that perfect jammy yolk. The vibe is chill; you order at the counter and grab a seat wherever. I tucked into a cozy two-seater outside in the corner, which was the ultimate spot for a solo lunch. Pro tip: Even if the bar isn't open, check the fridge! I grabbed a Junmai Ginjo sake that paired beautifully with the ramen. Simple, delicious, and a must-visit.

    Menu
    Toby P.

    This is by far my favorite ramen in north county. I was excited when it first opened because the reviews were fantastic. They didn't lie. I've been quite a bit over the years so I'm surprised I haven't reviewed yet. I've actually been craving it for a while now but don't get to down to the village that often. I was visiting a friend last night and knew what I wanted after. The parking last night was awful. They have changed a lot of spots to 20 minutes in the parking lot for the mall. It was more like a summer night down there than March so we had to park a few blocks away. There was no line when we ordered and there was plenty of seating. We sat outside in the covered area. It was a bit breezy due to the Santa Ana's but it was still pleasant. I got the black garlic, one friend got the spicy red and another just got the plain tonkasu. We all enjoyed our ramen. The staff checked regularly to make sure we were enjoying our meal and to see if we needed anything. Will definitely be back the next time I crave ramen

    Megan C.

    Always heard great things about this place and it did not disappoint! Got the Gonzo black ramen and the flavor of the broth was really good. I was impressed by how tender the pork belly meat was- it was definitely the star of the bowl. The noodles were also cooked well. There's plenty of outdoor seating here and some indoor seating. It's located on the second floor of the Carlsbad village plaza. The bowls came out really fast too. The bowl was $21 with tax which I felt was a bit steep for the serving size, but overall still enjoyed my time here!!

    Gonzo Black with black garlic oil over tonkotsu ramen
    Raymond N.

    GONZO! is a restaurant tucked away in a mini plaza with plenty of parking spaces nearby. I arrived at the restaurant for a late lunch on a Wednesday around 2pm and nobody else was dining in the restaurant at the time. The restaurant takes orders at the counter register (in addition to selling snacks available on the shelves) and brings your order to your table. The inside of the restaurant features Japanese and punk-inspired décor which is interesting to look at while waiting for your order. I ordered the Gonzo Black with black garlic oil over tonkotsu ramen since I tend to order black garlic ramen whenever I see it on a ramen menu; I did not request to make it spicy and did not make any customizations. The food arrived in less than ten minutes and was very hot. After cooling down for a few minutes, I started off with the broth which I thought was prepared very well. I liked that there were two large pieces of pork chashu, both of which had a good amount of meat (I don't like when chashu has a large amount of fat that dominates over the meat). The thin egg noodles were a bit firm for my liking, though I thought the egg was cooked well with a nice orange yolk. Overall, I enjoyed the Gonzo Black ramen though I felt something was lacking. The décor of the restaurant makes it stand out relative to other ramen restaurants, however it makes me question the authenticity of the menu; the posters and memorabilia make it seem like the restaurant is trying really hard to come off as a Japanese ramen restaurant. Regardless, my meal was enjoyable and filling though I would like to explore other ramen options in the area for comparison.

    Cristina A.

    Ramen? Yassss ma'am! Popped over to Gonzo ordered a spicy bowl and gyoza Sat outsude to enjoy the day plenty of tables outside for some people watching and enjoying the beautiful day. Food arrived quickly and brought to our table it was sooo good! It was not spicy hot at all but had a good flavor. I would totally give it a try. Parking can get tight but just find a spot n try this place out.

    Kids ramen
    Serli N.

    Pretty good ramen! Fun ambiance. Husband and I both ordered the black garlic ramen and it was delicious, a *tad* strong of a garlic taste but that could be personal preference. The broth was rich and the noodles were flavorful as well as the other toppings. I love that they have a kids ramen too which my daughter enjoyed. The spicy edamame appetizer was just okay though, it was a bit bland and lacked that chili kick. Fast and friendly service, we had a good time walking around the shopping center afterwards. Be sure to check out their store as well (same shopping center but just a walk over), to get a fun taste of Japanese culture and unique goodies!

    Outside patio
    Jo L.

    ...a Valentine's Day promise... Valentine's Day with a party of 9 is usually a recipe for chaos. I called and spoke with Nick and asked, politely, if they could accommodate a group of nine even though it was Valentine's Day. No hesitation. Nick said yes. Deal. We drove over with hope in our hearts and ramen on our minds. When we pulled up, the parking lot was busy and the main strip was full of happy people. Of course there was a line. No problem. That is the price of a place people actually want to eat at. Parking felt decent too, even with a full-size SUV or truck. While we were waiting in line, there was plenty to look at so it did not feel like dead time. Up front you see Japanese canned drinks, a few candies, merch, and little novelties that make the place feel like more than just a ramen stop. It is also family-friendly, with seating inside and outside, plus a bar area if you want to lean into the night. Waiting outside and then stepping into Gonzo felt like walking into a little pocket of Japan. The decor is playful and immersive, and the music had energy. At one point I caught rock-style tracks cutting through the room, and it matched the vibe: loud, fun, and confident. Here is the part that mattered most: Nick remembered us. He handed us menus, recognized we were the party of 9, and honored his word. We showed up within the 30 minutes we promised, and he had the table ready. That kind of ownership is rare, especially on a holiday. Respect. In my opinion, this is how it works here: you walk up, wait in line, think about what you are going to eat, and you pay first. Then you grab an open table. I could be wrong, but just from observation it looked like payment came before seating. After that, you eat, you are merry, you sip a drink, and then you head out happy. Even though the line looked long when we arrived, by the time we paid we had a table ready and reserved for us. That made the whole experience feel smooth instead of stressful. There are plenty of tables for smaller groups too, especially 2-4 tops, so I can see this being an easy spot for a casual lunch or a quick dinner. Also, the teamwork here is real. From what I could see, different people brought out food and different people bused our table as needed. Nobody acted lost, nobody disappeared, and service stayed fast the whole time. That kind of coordination matters when the place is busy. Now the food. I ordered the Gonzo! Black and it was exactly the kind of bowl that resets your mood. It is black garlic oil over tonkotsu ramen with red ginger, and if you love garlic, this is your lane. The tonkotsu was genuinely melt-in-your-mouth, rich without feeling heavy, and the black garlic came in deep and bold. Fair warning: there is a slight bitterness, but it works. The real magic for me was the black garlic + red ginger together. My palate basically exploded with flavor. It tasted like someone took comfort food and gave it edge. And honestly, for me, this was exactly what I needed. I left feeling refreshed. We also tried the katsu curry karaage, and this is one of those staple signature dishes where you think, how can you mess it up? They did not mess it up here. The curry tasted full of flavor and spices, then boom, a slight burst of spiciness that lingers just right. Crispy, satisfying, and the kind of item you keep stealing bites of "just to taste" until it is suddenly gone. One more thing: I live over 30 miles away (one way), and I would still come back. I would even come back on a truly slammed day, because the service and the food both earned it. If you want a ramen spot that feels lively, treats a big group with respect, and delivers real flavor, put this place on your list.

    Gonzo Red ramen
    Jessica C.

    Omg so cute in here! Loved the red lanterns and outdoor seating- so perfect for Carlsbad weather. We bought quite a bit from here and everything was so delicious and perfectly crafted. I would've liked my ramen with more broth but my husband and mom loved theirs so I guess it was just me. You can order extra broth on the side, which is what I'd do next time. Friendly service, fast and quick to attend your needs. Loved how clean everything looked too. We had a great experience.

    Inside
    Lydia B.

    Small menu, big flavor. Service was fast and the ambiance was so fun! They have a tiny little store inside with trinkets and knickknacks. And boy do they serve absolutely delicious ramen. I was floored with the flavor that shone through my vegan bowl, the tofu was soft and delicious, the mushrooms were absolutely stellar, and the noodles were green!! The spicy ramens were so good too, i grabbed a taste. They have various sodas but also a free water machine. The parking is tuff but it's a beach town so youll have that issue anywhere. The lot next to it is 90max until 6pm.

    Inside
    Christina A.

    Ok...keep in mind I'm very passionate about my ramen. It's one of my favorite meals so I'm very particular. I don't understand the hype. When I first discovered this place I didn't think it would be very good. I came across their ratings and was enticed to try it since they ranked so high a few years ago. Sweet: We ordered the black garlic tonkotsu. That is my automatic choice at any ramen restaurant. The noodles were good. They were thick and a little chewy which is my preference for ramen noodles. The broth had good flavor if I had just ordered tonkotsu. I liked that they served a variety of Japanese sodas and alcoholic canned beverages. The location of the restaurant is good. Decent steering inside and outside. It's counter service which makes it easy and fast. Sour: I had high hopes with the high rankings. Had I have not known the #2 in California and #20 in the US I may have given a better rating. But I wasn't that impressed overall. The chashu was thick and dry. I wish the egg was marinated. The black garlic tonkotsu did not have any black garlic flavor. It was just tonkotsu. Overall it wasn't bad id go again if it was in the area but it's a top 100 ramen spot on my opinion.

    Black Gonzo Tonkotsu Ramen
    Caitlin D.

    It's located in a nice little shopping center in downtown Carlsbad near the beach. You order at the front and then they will bring you your order. I had the black gonzo ramen. It was so good! The broth alone was yummy, but pork chashu had nice flavor to it. I will definitely visit again if I'm up in the area.

    Pork Belly Fries
    Miguel G.

    Ate at Gonzo! in Carlsbad and WOW. The Gonzo Red Ramen was insanely flavorful--the broth was rich and comforting, the chashu pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the eggs were perfectly soft-boiled, and the noodles had a great chewy bite. The Pork Belly Fries were also a hit: hot, crunchy fries topped with a bold, curry-forward sauce, tender pork belly, and green onions. Everything tasted fresh and cooked to order. On top of the amazing food, the staff was very friendly and helpful, which made the experience even better. Easily one of the best ramen meals I've had--highly recommend!

    Red Miso Ramen
    Joe B.

    Service was ok, you order before you find yourself a seat at the register. Ambiance was ok. The ramen was pretty tasty. The noodles were on the firmer side which I enjoy. I got the spicy miso but it wasn't spicy at all. I also tried the gyoza, it came out fried and I prefer steamed but it was tasty.

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    Mika M.

    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    real

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    Page 1 of 38

    GONZO! Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - GONZO!

    Are they open on New Year's Day and Eve?

    Hi Alice, Yes, we will be open on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day! Please check our Yelp page… Read more

    Do you need reservations?

    No reservations are needed, walk-in only!

    Is it a pet friendly establishment?

    They have outdoor seating where you can bring your dog. Indoors is fairly small, not sure if they allow dogs inside.

    What's the largest party they can accommodate for? Looking to celebrate a birthday dinner with ~10+ people.

    Gonzos has very limited seating inside, but outside they do have picnic tables that can probably have or hold large parties. I would strongly recommend calling first and have them advise if they can accommodate that.

    For anyone that has been to Japan, how close to authentic is this? Or are they an American version of ramen?

    It's legit! 2nd Gen Japanese here and trust me this is on point. Plus the owner is Japanese from Japan.

    Is it fair to say you have gluten free noodles but no possibility of a gluten free broth? Hoping I'm…

    We offer gluten free noodles (shirataki noodles) but not gluten free broth. After we tried doing gluten free broth, we realized that we can make gluten free ramen but cannot guarantee our ramen is 100% gluten free due to chance of cross contact from… Read more

    What kind of noodles do they serve? It was really good!

    Regular ramen was egg ramen noodles, they have a gluten free shirataki noodle made of konjac

    Is this place have seating for large families with young children?

    Yes we are able to accommodate large families with children.

    Do they take reservations?

    No, first come first serve walk ins only!

    Do you have gluten free ramen and broth?

    We offer gluten free noodles made out of shirataki (konyac yams). Although, our broth contains a small portion of wheat.

    Does Gonzo have happy hour and if so, what days/times?

    Daily Happy Hour from 2pm - 6pm $3 Sapporo Draft Beer 16oz $5 Sapporo Draft Beer 32oz $1 off gyoza $1 off edamame

    View All 14 Questions

    Junmai Sushi Bar & Grill - Hamachi Truffle

    Junmai Sushi Bar & Grill

    (236 reviews)

    $$

    I ordered one of their new items, Kickin' Chicken Udon. That's good stuff right there. I'm usually…read moreordering the Yakisoba and now I'm leaning towards udon a little more. My husband said that it tastes the same as when he was stationed in Japan... well, in Okinawa anyway. That it was very good. When I'm feeling yakisoba, I'll order the Garlic Noods - another dish we really enjoy. My husband and I share it but we really should each have our own order. Garlicky deliciousness. It's an appetizer so it's a smaller portion. We also order sushi and it never disappoints. Typically, we order a Spicy Tuna roll and a special roll. This order's special roll was the Crispy Albacore Roll. Loved it. The flavor is consistent whether we dine there or do take out. The owner is friendly, energetic, and welcoming. This is a top spot for Japanese in the Shadowridge, Vista Business Park, and neighboring areas.

    Great spot with good food and fresh sushi. Thanks to fellow Yelpers for the rave reviews, chose…read morethis as our family date night. Hostess was present right at entrance, and seated us quickly. Our server took drink orders quickly and was attentive throughout our visit. Ordered: rainbow and Philadelphia rolls, chicken yakisoba and Habachi salmon entree. All were really flavorful and sushi rolls were fresh. Loved the Habachi salmon, it was crispy on top and cooked perfectly inside, the mushroom/veggies were amazing! I couldn't get enough. Onion soup so good, the broth was delicious & it had so much depth to it. A great spot! *Bar is right as you enter and restrooms to the right side of restaurant. Big TV's at bar so you can enjoy current sports, yay!

    Love Boat Sushi - Surf and Turf and Spider Roll

    Love Boat Sushi

    (1.2k reviews)

    $$

    hadn't been to the San Marcos edition of LOVE BOAT SUSHI in quite awhile. the sister-wife, Blue…read moreOcean Robata and Sushi Bar, is a few blocks from our Carlsbad house and a lot shorter drive. 2 January, 2026 an article appeared in the Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/parenting-food-diet-kids-sushi-8ff64063) suggesting parents were going broke from their kids' sushi obsession now that raw fish has replaced pizza as a birthday party staple. Coincidentally, if you're still naive enough to believe in that sort of thing, was the night the family ate at LOVE BOAT SUSHI and my grandson's birthday. we sat outside to accommodate a party of nine there to celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of Benjamin's birth. that's a nod to my late father who ALWAYS insisted on making the distinction between anniversary (which happens every year) and the actual day of birth (which happens only once). as you would reasonably assume from the photos (and AWOL are an additional eight or ten items), to paraphrase a line from my favorite Muppet movie, dinner in this restaurant costs the same as a new Buick. hey, I read it in the Wall Street Journal -- it must be true. service and food were both five stars. happy birthday, Benjamin. ps: not sure why only ten of the nineteen photos attached to the footer of my review since they ALL posted. does Yelp have a cutoff of ten?

    We wanted some sushi but the place we wanted is all the way on Nordahl which takes 20-25 minutes…read moreduring rush hour to get to. Saw Love Boat Sushi, it was closer, decided to order take out. We some combos, I got a sashimi and nigiri combo, my husband got a nigiri and rainbow row, and California roll on the side. They don't have chirashi bowls, so that was a bummer. The sushi wasn't bad. No fishy taste and pretty fresh. It was a random Wednesday. Definitely pricey for not a lot of food though. Wish they add a chirashi bowl, but wouldn't mind ordering from here again.

    Sushi On The Edge

    Sushi On The Edge

    (360 reviews)

    $$

    I have been to "Sushi on the Edge" several times in the past 5 years. The interior was a very…read moreintense & eclectic one....Hand made signs and lighting that gave the place an "Old School & New York Vibe"...Prior to COVID they were excellent and the Sushi and Tempura and other Japanese dishes were prepared well and prices & service were great! However, during and after COVID they seemed to suffer dramatically! While the Sushi was now just OK.. there wasn't any staff (just Husband and Wife)...so I was asked to wait outside for my order to go..?? Strange as this was a fairly large "sit down" restaurant..? Then I ordered a "take out "Shrimp and Veggie Tempura platter and WOW.. that was it! Totally"soggy " and not even close to being a nice crispy treat!...So that was it for me...!! Stopped going there for 1 year! Went back in August 2025 to see if they had made improvements...Closed Permanently!!

    The food here is pretty decent and filling. The salmon skin salad was enough for 2 people. I would…read morehave liked a knife to make the salmon skin smaller since it was a little hard to chew. Jalapeño cream cheese wontons and salmon hand roll were ok. The spam musubi was pretty tasty, it had pretty good flavor in the rice and spam. The lady that helped me was kind and had the best customer service. I'm not sure when this place became just a to go place, but I sure do miss when they had $1 Sapporo happy hour. It's been years since I've been here.

    GONZO! - ramen - Updated May 2026

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