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GONZO! is located in one of my favorite little areas of Carlsbad. There was a line to order, but I liked how they get a table ready for you so you have somewhere to sit down after you do order. While we both really enjoyed our ramen from here, it was also, I'm sad to say, not very memorable. The chashu pieces were very good, but the broths were really lacking in flavor (especially the black garlic). I would be happy to come back and eat here again, but it's one of those places that I would forget about if I didn't have pictures, ya know?
A fantastic experience. Gonzo kept showing up on my yelp feed when I was searching for some eats after a long day at Legoland. So we made the trip there. It's a lovely decor, massive size and quite busy at 8pm at night on a weekday. It's a great place to hang with friends. I really like how they do seating. You queue up for an order at cashier first and the staff then finds you a suitable place to sit. Lots of art and posters on the wall to look at while waiting for the ramen to come out. The service was quick and efficient. The ramen was legit good. Was skeptical of the name, but he food was good. They also have a full bar/lounge area and al fresco dining on the patio outside. It's a great spot, next time I'm in town, I'll definitely check it out. Really liked the downtown area at night. Seems lively and a good place to hang. The tonkatsu was really yummy, rice broth, I drank the whole bowl. Great char siu, good flavor.
Came here with my family to try their ramen. I tried the tonkatsu ramen. The flavor/ broth was delicious. Some places are too salty and you leave feeling dehydrated and needing more water-- this place was totally opposite of that. It hit the spot! They have both indoor and outdoor seating. You stand in line to place your order, and then choose your seats. Water is self served. The employees here are very friendly. My nephew is an extrovert and happily told an employee he finished all his food! The employee gave him knuckles and it made my nephews day (sorry I didn't catch his name). Thank you Gonzo! For a lovely dining experience.
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.
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
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! 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.
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!
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.
...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.
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.
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.
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!
4 months ago
Overall a wonderful ramen experience, with seating inside giving you that feeling like the place has time travelled to present day. Simple to choose ramen selections, I've had the Black Garlic and the Tonkatsu Gold. I will definitely be going back for more. Don't forget they have additional seating in the bar next door and to complete the experience stop by their gift shop. The staff is wonderful and answered any questions I had. read more
Another amazing yelp find. On my weekend trip to Carlsbad we were looking for a place to eat and this place came up as the number 2 Ramen place in the US. Had to give this place a try my husband loves Ramen and so he got his Ramen black. My daughter loves her spicy noodles so she got the Ramen red. We also got the miso and the regular Tonkatsu. Overall, this place is very cute. The food is delicious. I wouldn't say it's the best but it is pretty delicious. The service was fast but then again we were there as soon as they opened place was clean and yes, we would come back again. If you've never had Ramen, get the tongKatsu since the broth is very mild. read more
This is only about Gonzo as a music venue. I can imagine this is how some of the great little music venues started out. I mean who would think of a Ramen restaurant having live music. It's after the restaurant closes and then reopens for the band, so no food is sold during that time. But there is beer and wine and saki. If I was them I would expand on the selections of wine, maybe one more of white and one more of red. The acoustics were surprisingly good and I really enjoyed seeing Paul Collins and The Beat there last week. I felt like I was a teenager again. read more
Casual sit down ramen shop with indoor and outdoor seating and adorned with lanterns. Ordered the miso and tonkatsu ramen and a side of takoyaki. The broth was creamy, deep in flavor, and not too heavy. I also loved that chashu pork was a thick cut with a bit of chew mixed with the melty fat. So good. The only somewhat disappointing thing was the takoyaki which had disproportionate batter to octopus ratio. Wish there was more octopus! Ramen however was top notch. read more
I've been here many times and have tried other ramen spots but this has got to be the best ramen in north county. Everything on the menu is solid. I love the regular tonkotsu ramen, nigiri and takoyaki. They have a great selection of Japanese branded drinks and some alcoholic options too. Menu is reasonably priced for the area and great portions. When I come for lunch I am always usually able to find a table for 3-4 people. It can get busy though and parking can be a bit tough. read more
4 months ago
This place is amazing!! Great ambiance and super tasty ramen!! The staff is super nice and they help you with finding a table since it's always sooooo busy!! Luckily the line moves fast and trust that it's worth the wait. Don't be intimidated by the long line outside if there's one. There's not a single dish that we did not enjoy.. it's soo yummy and right amount of broth and noodles!! read more
Gonzo Ramen aka Gonzo Store is an interesting restaurant/store in downtown Carlsbad. This is the closest ramen restaurant to my hotel. Firstly parking is limited and shared among a few other businesses. I don't know what other options are available so plan accordingly. The restaurant interior is eclectic with japanese memorabilia and posters all around. My pictures will be better than my words. You step up to the counter to give your order to the service staff or use the terminal to make take-out orders. The staff at the counter was friendly and efficient thanks to the menu stuck to the wall beside the register. Anyways I ordered the agedashi tofu and the black ramen. Since I was the first customer my order arrived in under 10 minutes. The agedashi tofu was OK but the ponzu sauce had way too much lemon in it. The ramen itself was quite good with al dente noodles and tasty char siu pork slices. The broth however was a little too thin for tonkatsu broth. It was lacking in creaminess. However the black garlic added to the flavor. Also I feel that there was too much bean sprouts which altered the flavor. Perhaps blanching them or adding fresh corn might help. I will try some of the other appetizers and ramen dishes next time I am in town. One other thing was the outdoor seating which will help on the warmer days. read more
Ramen was an okay. Ramen eggs were the best part, followed by the broth--not too salty and full of flavor. Tonkotsu was much better than black garlic in terms of flavor. Noodles were slightly different and we enjoyed both. Chashu was super tough. And other toppings were nothing special. Ambiance was good. You pay first. 4/5 overall, but for what it's worth, we'd go somewhere else. read more
4 months ago
Decent atmosphere ruined by petty, unprofessional and vindictive staff. I walk in and wait to grab a drink. After a persistent female bartender, i order. When she hands me my drink the bartender seems annoyed afterwards, and i think she thought i didn't tip her, but i did, it was just in cash and after she handed it to me. Anyways I chill for a moment and then get a table outside. Later when the music started, maybe 15 minutes after, around 10:35, i've decompressed from the week and am enjoying the night sky, it was a long week and i never go out, i walk in to dance briefly and the bartender persistently asks me if i was done with my 1st drink and if i wanted another. I said "no im not done, i like to drink my beers long and slow typically, i might get another soon though". Then i asked her about the menu becuase i was amused but the Naruto reference. I step outside the business to change my shoes to dance, and after i attempt to re-enter the entire security staff told me i wasn't aloud back in. I was perplexed initially because i had hardly interacted with anyone or anything, so i insisted on an explanation staring at my table with my possessions, which the security denied. Somehow I managed to get the attention of the bartenders, asking if they understood the problem since they were my main point of contacts, and they both looked *completely baffled and sympathetic*. Finally the manager came over, the owner, who seemed to act like they didn't speak english, or was simply struggling to verbally address the issue(?), and tried to sneak me away from anyone over hearing us. I asked for an explanation to understand what i had done wrong and she denied that, simply trying to pacify me off the premises. I've been subject to discrimination before so i insisted i was told why i was being kicked out. The problem is i still had my drink which was sat at my table with my stuff, and i was very offended for being treated so callously so randomly. After i began to record myself, explaining out loud the issue when it was clear i was not going to be met with transparency and professionalism, the male bartender came over and said "hey did you say 'long and slow' to the other bartender? She said that made her uncomfortable." At this point i finally caught up to the problem. This is what happens to a society when you make a group think that any possible way they can interpret or discover offense is validated and justifiably punishable. The problem is that this becomes a tumorus opportunity for people unwell in their mental health to project malice and past resentments onto innocent bystanders, feigning their own innocent feebleness while they watch a guillotine fall on some random idiot. GG 2026. read more
6 months ago
Finally had a chance to stop by and try the ramen at Gonzo. It's been on my list forever but knowing the parking situation nearby had kept me away. After spending the first half of the day at LegoLand, we stopped by at noon for lunch. The place was easy enough to find and is located in a cool plaza with a bunch of other shops. The parking situation was indeed a struggle but we managed to snag a spot. The overall vibes of the restaurant were so cool. So much decor and cool lanterns! The worker was friendly and you order then go sit down with your number. We ordered the tonkotsu ramen and the kaarage chicken bowl. We also ordered some sea salt edamame. Everything came out pretty quick. The ramen was delicious. I was pretty surprised by how fresh the noodles were. They were soft and had a really good texture. The broth was full of flavor and after adding a bit of spice, perfect. Next time I'll try the spicy one for sure! The meat was so tender it melted in your mouth. Perfect balance between fatty/meaty parts. I'd say this is in my top 3 ramens in San Diego so far! read more
1 year ago
This spot still has my favorite ramen in North county! I love adding karaage to my ramen. I want to come back and try their new bar! Friendly staff and decor make the experience more enjoyable. I've been recommending it to everyone! Thanks Gonzo read more
4 months ago
The ramen is awesome. I love my red ramen. I wanted to try different one next time. But this red one is hard to beat i guess. Partnered with the crispy gyoza is a perfect harmony of meal especially during cold wintery breeze in carlsbad. The place is cool to with a lot of anime figurines and eastern japanese vibes but we ate on the outside table and its way more nice. You can see various people walking while sipping the hot tasty broth. read more
1 year ago
We came here because of the reviews and it was good, but not gush-worthy. Finding the restaurant is like a little maze in the building since they have multiple ways to get to the 2nd floor where the restaurant is. There is enough parking in the area. We ordered the takoyaki balls, the Gonzo red and the Gonzo black ramen. We also got a side of the super spicy sauce. The takoyaki was excellent. We loved it. Between the Gonzo red and Gonzo black, the Gonzo black was our favorite. The super spicy sauce was very spicy by itself, but adding it to the ramen definitely added more flavor instead of just heat. I tried some of their beer, but I couldn't finish it. Portions are huge and we couldn't finish everything so we had another meal out of the leftovers. They also have a shop where you can buy Korean and Japanese snacks, goodies, etc. We enjoyed our trip here and will try to come back. read more
Came and got the Gonzo Red ramen, karaage, and Gonzo Mania beer. The Gonzo red (spicy miso) ramen came topped with half a soft boiled egg, chashu pork, spicy ground meat, sprouts, green onion, mushroom, and corn. The broth was flavorful and not too spicy but a nice flavorful heat, there were a lot of noodles so it was quite filling. The chashu was very tender and the egg nicely done. The other toppings went well with the dish as a whole. The sweetness of the corn was a nice contrast to the spiciness of the broth. You can get a hotter version with Carolina reaper chili if you like but that's in the realm of uncomfortable for me. The Karaage was executed very well, it had a nice thick crispy batter and was very juicy. The Gonzo Mania beer was a Japanese lagger with yuzu. It was very light and refreshing especially with the slight notes of yuzu. Its cool that they have their own beer, in the restaurant they come on tap but you can buy them in cans to go in the store around the corner. Its more of a fast casual kind of place, so you stand in line and order, then find a seat, they'll bring your order to you with the table number provided. They ask that you don't have one person save a seat while you stand in line, so it leaves the seating open in order of people that have ordered. Service was great and friendly as they checked up on us multiple times. There is a large parking lot around the plaza but it can get crowded as there are a bunch of eateries that share the parking. read more
1 year ago
Ordered delivery. Food was on point. Got the GONZO! Black and Gonzo Green. Both arrived well packed and with go spicy on the side as requested. The broth was flavorful and both dishes delivered fresh deliciousness. The whole egg side was well marinated with a creamy center yolk. Will definitely be going back! read more
8 months ago
GONZO in Carlsbad is such a fun spot! The vibe inside truly does feel like another world. The food was awesome the karaage bowl was crispy and flavorful, the takoyaki was cooked perfectly with all the toppings, and the ramen had a rich broth with a perfect egg. Everything came out hot and fresh, and the service was friendly extremely quick even though it was super busy. The set up once inside was a little confusing. All of the drinks are inside their coolers and fridges spread out in the restaurant. And at first I was a bit lost, but the cashier was super helpful with that. Another small little gripe I had was the fact that all of the outside tables, regardless of whether or not they were taken, had a reserved tag on them. So I spent a little while standing around waiting for a table to open up. Until one of the workers told us that we were able to sit anywhere we want. So the reserved things were pointless. But other than that, the experience I had was awesome. The interior decoration was really creative and fun, the food was super flavorful, and the people working were super kind and helpful. read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
Went here with a friend and we absolutely loved it. Gonzo now has a new addition to The Village to go with their Gonzo Ramen and Gonzo Shop locations. Right off the Ramen outdoor patio, Bar Gonzo now occupies what used to be The Compass. The Pork Gyoza and the Curry Fries are a must-order. The Sakurapolitan and the Mikas are a must try from the drinks menu. We loved the atmosphere and the service. Thanks so much for having us, can't wait to be back! read more
2 years ago
Amazing and thoughtful service! The interior is so beautifully crafted and just FUN! There is so much to look at, you just feel joyful here! Gonzo Mania is actually one of my favorite Booze Bro beers so that's how I ended up trying GONZO! The ramen here is deliciously flavorful. A nicely seared chashu, flavorful broth, and a quality egg! If you're ever craving a quick ramen while up in Carlsbad - Gonzo is a great choice. Eating here is a fun experience with great service and environment! read more
GONZO! Ramen was not our first choice for a dining destination when we arrived at the Village Faire in downtown Carlsbad. When our primary spot that was also on the second level of the complex looked less than satisfactory, we switched gears and walked over to the west end to join the line at this noodle shop. The decor was heavily inspired by music, in particular punk rock. It seemed like the place even hosted live acts at least once a month which was surprising for such an eatery. Laminated menu sheets were available to view while waiting to order. Appetizers, alcohol, rice bowls, and curry were listed on one side. Five types of ramen were featured on the other side with a set of toppings that you could add for a surcharge. I asked for the Tonkotsu ramen with extra noodles, and we also split the Chicken Karaage as an appetizer. A number was given to us to bring to our table which ended up being on the adjacent patio because the inside seating was at capacity. A server brought the two bowls of ramen out first before the appetizer. Mine consisted of thin egg noodles with pork and chicken broth, green onions, kikurage mushrooms, half of a soft boiled egg, two pieces of pork, and red ginger. The bowl had a sufficient amount of noodles so the extra portion was probably unnecessary. The broth was light and flavorful. Seven pieces of freshly fried chicken were on a plate with a lemon slice and a dollop of kewpie mayo. The crust was quite crunchy. The weather was pleasant to be dining al fresco unlike the heatwave conditions that had recently passed the area. There were about a dozen outside tables. For the price and quality of the food we purchased, I gave a four star rating for our dinner at GONZO! Ramen. read more
5 months ago
Due to cold weather, craving for something warm. Japanese ramen with an interesting wall design and an inside merch available in the store. Food choices are limited just like a typical Japanese restaurant is. Ramen was appetizing, filling and satisfying. Crew is very accommodating. read more
9 months ago
Excellent Ramen Great service Family Friendly atmosphere Very nice workers! Will sure visit again read more
2 years ago
I'm so glad we tried this place, my aunt said it's her favorite. I tried the black miso ramen with pork and I really enjoyed it just added a bit of chili oil and it was delicious. I do wish it had a bit more broth felt like I was jipped on broth. My grandma enjoyed her rice bowl with chicken karaage & we all did too. My aunt loves the vegan ramen with an added egg. I can't wait to bring my husband back to give it a try. Gentlemen working there were friendly & attentive! Even though you order at the front like cafe style. Plenty of seating outside and inside. read more
2 years ago
Mid food, but nice customer service. We sat on the tables in their patio area which was nice, until a dog came up next to me and put their paws on me while I was eating Chicken karage bowl: chicken was juicy on the inside but it could have been more crispy. As an Asian restaurant, they could serve better rice. The rice was wet and mushy. Ramen: my friend said it was mid and thought that there was too much going on, but not enough flavor in the broth. She ranked it slightly below ramen Nagi read more
Gotta admit, I went in with low expectations. Despite all the rave reviews, I thought GONZO! Ramen would be more hype. The name also frankly rubbed me the wrong way--it sounded like it was catering to a weird clientele. And entering the Carlsbad restaurant was a bit like going back in time. The walls are festooned with old Japanese posters, with a decidedly punkish/new wave feel to it. I might have been walking into a happening restaurant ca. 1984.. I also admit I blanched a bit at the prices. Everything has been going up, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I did think a basic tonkotsu ramen at $17 was pretty steep. Nevertheless, I paid over my money and waited... And when my ramen came, I was surprised. No, I was shocked. The tonkotsu broth was good. I mean really umami rich, just the right amount of salt and oil, and hitting you down to your bones good. In fact, it was the best tonkotsu broth I have had in the SD area. The chashu and other accompany add ins (egg, kikurage, green onions, pickled ginger) made this a really enjoyable dish. I take a bit off for the noodles. Although they were perfectly cooked--I mean just right--they were a kind that I think are suited for winter. G!R uses a thicker, chunkier ramen, when I think a thinner, lighter noodle would have suited better. But that is, I know, a matter of taste and I certainly would not be making that complaint if I had gone in on a cool December night instead of a hot August day. I have yet to try their other offerings, but one thing I would have really liked to have seen on the menu was tsukumen (noodles dipped in broth in a separate bowl). When done with cold noodles and accompanied by a cool, citrusy broth, it is a great summer treat. But overall, I was very impressed with GONZO! Ramen. 頑張って (Do your best)! read more
5 months ago
I'm surprised about the high review.. the rice bowl came about 12 minutes after the ramen (even though we had ordered them at the same time) The ramen broth was so fatty! The extra bowls we requested all had a film of grease to them. The chasu meat was SOO tough and chewy.. You also pre-pay all the tips/ the food. I paid for the tips first, and then realized that you self serve water lol and then the super delayed food. Hmmm read more
1 year ago
Really loved this ramen spot! I really have zero complaints, only good things to say about this place! The location is great, the interior design was super cool, customer service was great, & the food definitely hit! I got the Gonzo Red Ramen & enjoyed every bite of it, I usually have a hard time finishing my food but I happily finished my bowl here it was so good, & the pork was so tender and flavorful which sometimes isn't the case at other ramen places I've been to. Definitely try this place out if you haven't yet! read more
1 year ago
Line looked long at first but it went by quick, staff is friends and accommodating. Ambiance is chill and cozy, Ramen was delicious and the beer they have is also tasty! Will come back again when close by read more
1 year ago
Ramen North county Carlsbad Strip mall parking Restrooms outside with code Reservations available Second floor of the mall Vegan options Indoor outdoor sitting Good for individual payments Order and pay before sitting Fast service read more
3 months ago
7 months ago
Cute little hole in the wall place for Ramen at the Village. They've opened a bar next door but haven't tried it yet. The ramen was served with a Smile. Portions came with a lot of noodles, 2 big slices of pork! Had an order of pot stickers and carragay fried chicken, sorry no photos of them, they got eaten too fast! Can't wait for the air to be a little cooler to really enjoy the ramen! read more
7 months ago
More info about GONZO!
300 Carlsbad Village Dr
Ste 201A
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Directions
(760) 672-5111
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Visit Website
https://www.gonzojapan.com
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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
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 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
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
64 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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GONZO! - ramen - Updated May 2026
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