Cancel

Open app

Search

Marugame Udon

3.7 (937 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

Order Marugame Udon Takeout or Delivery

MARUGAME UDON · YELP ASSISTANT

Ask Yelp Assistant

Marugame Udon Photos

MARUGAME UDON ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Trendy
Good for kids

More like Marugame Udon

Recommended Reviews - Marugame Udon

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

Jenny Y.

I love Marugame! I always order the Curry Nikutama. The curry flavor is light but still flavorful, and there's a good amount of beef. The udon and egg were both cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that I wish the food had been served hotter. It wasn't busy when I dined here, so I didn't have to wait in line long or worry about finding a seat. This location is also very spacious, with plenty of room between the tables. The tables aren't squished together, so there's enough space to comfortably walk around.

Bolognese, big chicken and sweet potato tempura
Stephanie L.

I'm assuming this location has a poor star rating due to service/procedures, because the location and food itself is good. We popped in on a Sunday, right before 11, but unfortunately they were late to open the doors by about 5 minutes. Once they did open the doors, we found the tempura options weren't ready so we had to stand to the side and wait a little longer for them to get those out. They had several posters and signs up advertising the new Tomatama curry, which I really wanted but when I ordered, the employee informed me they don't offer that sauce anymore. I let her know all the signs outside say they do.. she said they didn't realize that and they have to be replaced. She was really nice, but that was a bummer. She said I could sample the sauces they do have though, so that was the consolation prize. It did help me choose between their normal curry or the new Bolognese. After you choose the udon option you want, they make your bowl and give it to you on a lunch tray, along with a paper container to put your tempura options. I went with the Big Chicken ($5) and sweet potato ($2 something). You can top your bowl with as much tempura flakes and green onions you like, which is nice because I love me some green onions. At the end, the cashier will ring you up and then you find your seat. The dining area is nice. It's well lit, aesthetic but we haaaaate the chairs with a passion. There is no back support unless you sit in a booth. I really like that all the utensils, napkins, to go items, tempura sauce, etc are all available to grab as needed. I also like that they have chili powder! A must for us spicy eaters. The tempura sauce is rich, and flavorful. A little sweet, but it balances the tempura well. They also have katsu and gyoza sauce in packets. Pro tip - use the larger cups instead of the plastic sauce cups to dispense the tempura sauce, so that it's easier to dip! Wow this was long winded, but onto the food. The regular size bowl will have you full but you can opt for a Large for a couple bucks more. My bolognese was sooooo creamy and savory, and made even better by adding the chili powder and a couple spoons of the tempura sauce. Don't ask me why, it just works. I don't know if it's just a seasonal item, but hopefully not, as the sauce works. I like that i clung to the noodles well too but def get yourself a spoon to help ladle the meat alongside each bite of noodles. The big chicken isn't that big lol But it's basically 1 chicken thigh. I appreciate the dark meat, as it keeps the meat juicy. The sweet potato had the perfect batter on it, but tbh I probably could have gone without another starch. I had a sip of the Creamy broth and the Nikutama my sisters had. Creamy broth was savory and creamy, but it didn't have a bold enough flavor for me. The nikutama is sweet af.. way too sweet for me. But i liked how tender the beef was. There's street parking, free on Sundays. I wouldn't wait in line to eat here, but for a quick, comforting meal, this will hit the spot without breaking the bank.

Udon, chicken katsu, gyoza
Jessica J.

Rude and dirty! We came because we'd gone to the sister location in Hawaii and we loved it so much. But this location was disgustingly dirty, the staff were snippy and rude, and so much of the tempura was ice cold. The ginger and dipping sauce station was crusty and empty. We were super disappointed we made the trip out to Berkeley for this. The plus side? The udon was delicious. but after sitting at sticky tables, and seeing how the rest of the restaurant looked, I'm worried about the food safety of the areas we could see.

Kake udon with imitation crab tempura and shrimp tempura
Emma N.

I got the kake udon with imitation crab tempura and shrimp tempura. I thought the broth didn't taste like much, so I'd probably get a different broth. I can make a much better broth. The noodles are standard but good and thick. I've never seen imitation crab tempura, but I liked it. The tempura batter was pretty good, and there's a lot of unique tempura options. The line moved quickly, and there's ample seating. The price is pretty reasonable, and UC Berkeley students can get a 10% discount with a valid ID.

Photo 1: Montage of images from Marugame Udon
Ed U.

There are over a thousand locations of this familiar chain worldwide, and I remember how the Waikiki restaurant in Honolulu looked like a crowded temple of worship for native noodle lovers. I could see how this particular location would be a big draw for hungry Cal students because the prices don't break the bank. Jamie W and I decided to come here after the gym because we figured we could afford the extra carbs. We're delusional that way. It's quite a huge space in here, and ordering à la carte was quite a coordination effort, especially if you're trying to dodge instant gluttony. After some hemming and hawing, I started with the cold $5.99 BK Udon Bowl with tempura flakes, sliced green onions, minced ginger, and an ample slice of chashu. I had them add the $1.99 Seasoned Soft Boiled Egg Half (Photo 8). I also went for the $2.99 Steamed Vegetables to offset the carbs (Photo 7). The result was probably enough of a meal, but of course, I had to peruse the tempura parade. I went for the $2.29 Shrimp, the $2.29 Potato Croquette, and the $1.99 Zucchini Slice (Photo 9). I thought I may have overdone it until I saw a young skinny Asian girl carry a huge pile of tempura on top of her udon bowl. I guess hungry students know a good deal when they see one. Too bad they don't have Ozempic tempura. Gurrrl, you gonna eat all that? FOOD - 3 stars...fresh udon, the rest is passable AMBIANCE - 4 stars...spacious in here SERVICE - 3 stars...not much on guidance TOTAL - 3 stars...you like tempura? RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's my collection of places l've patronized and reviewed: https://yelp.to/FAuydPsGO4

Chad S.

The best thing about Berkeley that all the foodie spots in downtown walking distance from any point staying in downtown. Over weekend cousin wedding we all meet lunch at Marugame Udon. It was the first time for me. My cousins all been before reason picked it. They are known for fresh Udon noodles made daily. Definitely can tell fresh not pre made. It open kitchen almost cafeteria style. Once pick menu item. She puts flavor broth choose in bowl then choice noodles nice hot, and proteins also toppings. It built right in front of u. Cool. U get bowl (also serve rice style bowls) also fried sides tempura more individual add on if u want as side or app. Next assortment of bottle drinks iced down if want or fountain machine as option. U pay cashier at the end of the line. I got curry based Udon. It was really good. I loved the curry and noodles were very legit. I got the big bowl. Surprise but that was lot of food. I like the interior very much Japanese vibe. It open seating u find spot sit. The staff friendly and awesome. Great spot for tasty bowl of Udon noodles!

Menu 11/2019
Elizabeth L.

Today I ordered the $5.99 Kake Udon + $1.99 Tamagoyaki as part of the "Eat Under $10 Tempura Promo." The broth temperature was just right, perfect for slurping the soup. However, the tamagoyaki was lukewarm, like it had been sitting on the counter for a while. I wish it had been hot and a little crispy. Yesterday I was at Marugame Udon in San Francisco, so I could compare the Berkeley location versus the San Francisco location. The Berkeley broth tasted much better, and the temperature was just right. The bill came to $8.80 total, which really matches what Marugame advertises with the Eat Under $10 Tempura Promo. I will definitely come back for the Eat Under $10 deal, but next time I'll try a different tempura.

Jacob C.

Hot nikutama is always the way to go. The noodles are fresh, beef is sweet and tender, and they always give plenty of tempura flakes and green onions

Melody L.

Marugame is a popular udon chain in the US with fast service and serving delicious udon bowls! Marugame Udon operates through a cafeteria-like format where you pick your udon flavor of choice, get asked if you want green onions and/or tempura flakes in your bowl, and then slide your bowl down the metal railings to pick up any additional tempura sides. After that, you pay at the counter with your completed bowl and you pick where you want to sit in the restaurant. They have a series of different udon types to choose from. My favorite is their Cold Nikutama which is a bowl with udon, simmered onion beef, savory sauce, and a silky soft boiled egg on top. I like to get my bowl Sakuna Style (meaning I ask them to add both green onions and tempura flakes when offered). The tempura/sides bar includes a large variety options including shrimp, sweet potato, and an assortment of other vegetables. They're all kept under heat lamps to guarantee warmth, and the prices for each side is clearly listed. Since it's cafeteria style, the service is always fast and efficient. Ambiance-wise, the restaurant has nice decor and plenty of space. I'd say it has become pricier over the years, but it remains a good fast bowl of noodles and soup. Great spot I'd recommend anyone to check out!

HORRIBLE FUCKING SERVICE! AND LIARS TO END IT AT THAT!

horrible customer services never have experience ever this bad of customer service in berkeley. they are some liars and lie about the menu. the employees treated my friends and i very rude and first of all, they told us that we had two options to get ONLY WHICH IS THE BEEF UDON AND SHRIMP and told us that those are the only two items they are offering but as soon as the employee took the other two orders behind us , they let them order whatever they wanted on the menu and we couldn't because they had ran out of rice and most of the items on their menu but they still offered it to other people and still made it for them. that's not fair. made me waste more money instead of the original item that i wanted

Debbie F.

Wow, this place was great! They are hand making the noodles as you walk in. #1 Udon was delicious! Meat was lean and very tasty

Large Nikutama
Lisa N.

Marugame is usually my fast-casual go-to for a savory, filling bowl of udon, so after moving to Berkeley, it was inevitable that I'd stop by this location. It's in a modern building in the heart of downtown Berkeley and feels spacious and clean inside. They have a digital ordering system for takeout and clear signage for where to line up if you're dining in. I pretty much always get the Nikutama, and the recipe has been consistently solid. The tempura at most Marugame locations is just average in my opinion, but it does taste better when you ask them to fry a fresh piece for you, even if it means waiting a couple of minutes. My biggest issue was the service during my last lunch visit. There didn't seem to be any problem with the kitchen or food prep--everything was already made and ready to be assembled. The delay was entirely at the ordering/plating station, where the employee putting bowls together was moving painfully slowly and seemed completely unable to keep up with a very standard lunch flow. What made it more frustrating was that other employees clearly saw the line building and did not step in to help. A massive line formed behind me, and several of us waited around 10-25 minutes just to order, even though the restaurant itself didn't seem that busy. It honestly felt like everyone was stuck on their own individual task while customers were left waiting unnecessarily. I'd still come back because the food is reliable but would immediately walk away if I saw the same employee working as this visit was genuinely frustrating. Management should make sure staff are properly trained and that the team actually supports each other during lunch service, because one inefficient person at the front can completely slow down the entire experience. Update: Popped back in on 7/8/26 around 1pm. Same employee working. Huge line. Only 2 parties seated. Line did not move after waiting 5 minutes so I had to walk away. Doubling down on my recommendation to re-hire or re-train this staff member.

Cheese Katsu Tomatama Curry Rice
Alex S.

If you want a simple but comforting bowl of Udon, this is the place. I would rate 3.5 stars if I could; the food is yummy, but the prices have steadily increased. Still a very decent spot for udon. I recently tried the new tomato curry udon, and it was quite delicious; I would recommend it. 8/10 - tomatoey slightly spicy Japanese curry, bouncy noodles, with some melted cheese; the katsu is a bit dry tho

About $30 for everything

See all

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Good experience, fresh food! Would definitely come here again, especially on a cold day.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joe C.
11
55
10

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Amy Y.
1886
1420
4559

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 11
Thanks 1
Love this 9
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Ha T.
314
280
2009

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kelly N.
19
38
34

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Sophie F.
1
100
100

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Alonzo C.

Alonzo C.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

We love the vegan options here the spicy Tantan is very good. I hope they add more vegan options to their menu. And more locations!

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 0
Love this 10
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Alonzo C.

Alonzo C.

Helpful 87
Thanks 0
Love this 85
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chai S.
164
215
152

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Kl K.
82
29
3

1 year ago

Food was good . We went during lunch line moved quickly wasn't to busy. Very friendly staff, place was clean.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Alonzo C.

Alonzo C.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Guest S.

Guest S.

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joyce L.
1396
622
2165

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Alonzo C.

Alonzo C.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jon L.
220
1162
1287

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Marugame T.

Marugame T.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 24

Marugame Udon Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Marugame Udon

Is this related/affiliated to Marugame Udon in Honolulu?

Yes they are, same place

Is the tempura batter made with egg/milk?

Just tempura flour and water

Are there any vegetarian or vegan options? It seems they all use bonito in the dashi?

Hey Katie, great question, I believe the bukkake udon would be vegetarian since in its description it does not state any meat used to make the broth. Hope this answers your question!

Just wondering if anyone knows if this location has "curbside service"?

Unfortunately no. They are set way back from the street. So you have to park and then walk.

Are their musubis and onigiris back?

I didn't see any of those when I was there last weekend. Their selections are limited due to Covid

Do they have an outdoor setup that is protected in case of rain?

The outdoor seating has a canopy or umbrellas over the seating to shield the sun from diners. In the event of rain, there is not enough seating enclosed to protect diners from getting wet.

Is this place open during this pandemic?

Yes I went there last Friday and they are open. You may want to call ahead to order or reserve some time to wait for your order, as with the new health practices in place orders will take 15-20 minutes to make.

Anyone know if they're open on New Year's Day?

What's the difference between curry udon and the curry nikutama?

The curry udon doesn't have meat and the curry nikutama has beef in it.

How's the Red Cayenne Chicken Udon?

Are they open today 10/11/19?

They did on soft opening on 9/24/19 where they are only open for dinner (4pm to 10pm) until 10/28/19. Their grand opening will be on 10/28/19.

How long the queue is?

Tuesday 5:00pm = 5/10 minute wait Friday 6:15pm = 1 hr wait Avoid 6/7 pm if possible

Do they have vegan/vegetarian options?

Based on traditional udon recipes, the kama age should be vegan, though the dipping sauce may not be (traditionally contains dashi, bonito fish flakes). I imagine you could supplement this well with tempura veggies or the fried tofu.… 

What are their hours?

Right now, since they're having their soft opening, the hours are: Monday - Saturday = 4:00pm -… 

View All 20 Questions

KAOKAO Grill

KAOKAO Grill

4.7(199 reviews)
1.5 mi•Elmwood
•$$

Gluten free friends rejoice! You can have char sui!…read more Reunited after 10 long years! That's how long it's been since I've had char sui! I did attempt to make it from scratch once, but that's a story for another time. The chef just recently accommodated their menu so the barbecue items with rice can now be made gluten-free! It was the most succulent pork I've ever had! Both the chicken and the char sui were Michelin level, nice presentation (yes yogurt plate swoosh), in a humble setting, with super nice staff, and so delicious! Be sure to get the green beans too!

Very disappointed. It didn't please our party. Smoke was…read moreunbearable at least have air purifiers or fans. Don't wear nice clothes if come in to dine. Think kbbq smell all day. Char siu plate is just ok for the price tag you think it is plated better than a bowl. Chicken plate was not good at all. Not sure why it is sour. Trying to be Indian curry but not?? My favorite was Steam White Rice was fabulous legit chewy good. Price point should have been full service but it was hole in wall. Maybe this is made with the seasoning for the demographic and clientele . They don't know any difference?? Super nice guy taking order. The place doesn't really have a good flow... Bad feng shui entrance and operations. Sorry but try a few fans and purifier will definitely improve any dining experience. I might give extra star

Photos
KAOKAO Grill - Upstairs dining area

Upstairs dining area

KAOKAO Grill - Takeout KaoKao Chicken ($17.43) - served with rice and chickpea curry

Takeout KaoKao Chicken ($17.43) - served with rice and chickpea curry

KAOKAO Grill - Takeout KaoKao Chicken ($17.43) and Kaokao Char Siu ($18.54)

See all

Takeout KaoKao Chicken ($17.43) and Kaokao Char Siu ($18.54)

Simmer & Steamer

Simmer & Steamer

3.8(34 reviews)
0.1 mi•Downtown Berkeley

I think I get the concept behind this genuine fast food operation, I.e., ready-made ingredients are…read moreassembled to produce Korean-style bowls as quickly as possible. This might work well in a bustling location full of non-exempt office workers who have strict limits on their lunch hours. However, I decided to try this particular spot and arrived when there was not a single customer. Then a deranged homeless woman came in. Fortunately I was able to dodge her as I was reviewing the giant backlit menu. I didn't think anything about the emptiness of the space until my order was ready. I decided to try the $13.99 Samgyeopal Ssam-jang, which featured grilled pork belly mixed with veggie soybean paste topped with fried onion, roasted seaweed, and sesame oil, all over rice (Photo 7). The bowl was a strange contrast of textures. Flavor wise, there were more misses than hits. The pork belly was overcooked with the chewy meat rendered almost inedible. The rice was weirdly mushy like it was sitting in lukewarm water far too long. The rest of the ingredients were nondescript. Definitely a hard pass on this bowl in the future. The only reason I'm not leaving one star for this business is that I felt bad for the one soft-spoken server who had the temerity to deal with the unrelenting rantings of the homeless woman. FOOD - 1.5 stars...pre-made ingredients kill the real flavors expected from the bowl AMBIANCE - 2 stars...certainly spacious but nothing cozy in here SERVICE - 2 stars...quiet until she had to confront the woman TOTAL - 2 stars...I was left more steamed than simmered RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/3Hv4fBG5La

Came for a quick bite, no wait on a weekday, lots of seating available and service was good…read more Ordered the Korean cheese corndog, which they said takes 5 minutes to cook. They warned "be careful it's very hot", however it was COLD. No cheese pull, no sauces available. $6

Photos
Simmer & Steamer - Photo 5: Front entrance

Photo 5: Front entrance

Simmer & Steamer
Simmer & Steamer - Photo 6: Interior

See all

Photo 6: Interior

Kitchen Story - Mascarpone Stuffed Deep Fried French Toast

Kitchen Story

4.0(1.4k reviews)
2.5 mi•North Oakland
•$$

I stopped on a whim for breakfast and it was a happy surprise. The Kitchen Story scramble was…read moredelicious. My only concern was that it was too plentiful for me to finish. Service was friendly and helpful, just attentive enough. My seat on the sidewalk made for great people-watching. One other thing, very important. I am a disabled older woman on a mobility scooter, and this morning I was alone. I often get less-than wonderful service under those circumstances in places where I am not a regular. The service and attitude here was warm; I had no doubt that I was welcome. This is an extraordinary place and extraordinary people staff it.

The last time I came here was around 2021 and I remember this place used to be super busy. Luckily…read moreI joined the waitlist on yelp when we were on the way to the restaurant. We only waited about 10 minutes before we were seated. The service was quick, we didn't wait long for our food and we got checked in on a lot. We sat upstairs, which must be new because I don't recall them having an upstairs dining area. But it was really nice and the noise level was perfect enough to listen to the company you are with. Didn't feel packed at all. I enjoyed the candied bacon, it was one of my favorites when I came the first time and still tastes good as I remember. I ordered the KF chicken and waffles, the chicken was okay but I think it was overly cooked because it was a tad try once I bit into it. My bf got the omurice and he said it was good and filling. I am not a big fan on poutine, my bf said it was good and that the tater tots held their crispiness even after being mixed with the sauce and egg.

Photos
Kitchen Story
Kitchen Story - Mascarpone Stuffed Deep Fried French Toast the outside was more crunchy than expected. Was a bit tough to chew.

Mascarpone Stuffed Deep Fried French Toast the outside was more crunchy than expected. Was a bit tough to chew.

Kitchen Story - Chicken and waffles, very good.  Waffles so sweet, syrup was unnecessary.

See all

Chicken and waffles, very good. Waffles so sweet, syrup was unnecessary.

Marugame Udon - japanese - Updated November 2026

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