Masa Ramen Bistro

4.5 (320 reviews)

ModerateHawaiian, Ramen, Japanese Curry

Open • 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Updated 2 months ago

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Masa Ramen Bistro - BROKE DA MOUTH! - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Dining space - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Broke da mouth ramen - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Masa Ramen Bistro - Inside - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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MASA RAMEN BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Casual

Good for groups

Dogs allowed

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Loann H.

Berkeley is a great city to try new food and we found another ramen spot! This restaurant is located near the campus and parking was fairly easy to find after hours. When walking in, the dinner crowd was slowly trickling in. I found a spot closer to the entrance. They have the place a bit divided by two sides for more intimacy. The food is a mix of Hawaiian and Japanese. We both wanted to try the broke da mouth ramen as it was a customer favorite! I enjoyed my ramen and it was good to catch up and talk. The atmosphere was chill and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We ended up talking for hours about everything until I realized how late it was and the bowls were cleared. They were patient and didn't kick us out right away. Lol Ty Ty Very good ramen, good place to catch up and friendly staff. I'm still biased and have a few favorite ramen spots though

Jovilei G.

The Broke Da Mouth ramen was so delicious! I've never had ramen with parmesan cheese before and I was surprised at how the flavors came together. The meat was cut pretty thick but it was so flavorful and the spice level was just the right amount for me. I've never actually had mochiko chicken even after going to Hawaii multiple times, but their mochiko chicken was so good! Very crispy and went well with the cabbage. My bf and I wish we had more! Staff were friendly. Street parking available.

Lauren C.

Was in Berkeley looking for lunch and found Masa Ramen Bistro. Great selection of Ramen and plate lunch options at super reasonable prices! Just came back from BI, so getting the Kilauea ramen was very fitting. I got a level one spicy I had a great umami flavor with a great kick to it. The noodles in soft boiled egg were also cooked perfectly too. My sister got the diamond head Ramen and enjoyed her savory meal as well. I'll definitely have to come back to try the oxtail saimin since it's more difficult to find outside HI!

Irene C.

Amazing food but I was not fond of the tables and chairs. The chairs were metal and the tables were plastic? Very uncomfortable. The food is 10/10 though! Ordered the beef curry and their most popular ramen, broke the mouth. The beef curry was tender and super flavorful. The broke the mouth ramen was one of the best I've ever tried, except I had to take out most of the red oil. It was very oily but delicious . Will definitely be back for the food!

Tiffany C.

Came here with a party of six on a Sunday night and was surprised at how empty it was -- we were seated right away. To start, we ordered chicken karaage and takoyaki to share. The takoyaki was actually meant to be a substitution since one of our party members is lactose intolerant and couldn't eat part of her dish. The server asked if she wanted to swap it for something else, but instead of it being a true substitution, we were charged for it. That was a bit disappointing since it felt like they were accommodating, only to add an extra charge. For mains, my fiancé had the chicken curry katsu and I ordered Da Broke Da Mouth Ramen. Funny enough, he preferred his katsu while I preferred my ramen. The katsu was generous in portion but a little flat in flavor (I'm admittedly not a big curry fan, so take that with a grain of salt). The ramen, on the other hand, was deeply umami and very enjoyable. My only complaint was the cheese topping -- instead of melting smoothly into the broth, it clumped into a chewy glob. I think a lighter dusting of cheese would have worked better. Overall, though, the portions are generous and the value is solid. Definitely worth trying if you're in the area.

Odalys M.

Food- the food was great but missing something and I can't put my finger on it but overall got me full and can say it's a good portion. The spicy was enough but could add more to a kick. Service- our waitress was amazing and helpful. Love how the staff here is friendly and also lgbtq welcoming. Felt like I found my place here. Parking is a little bit of a hassle since it's on a busy street so it goes quickly and you might have to circle the area to find a spot. There's lots of other small businesses near by and a good bakery right next door.

Timothy T.

Service started off great--our server was friendly and attentive at first, but we had to keep asking for water refills throughout the meal, which was a bit frustrating. Portions here are definitely generous! I loved that the Chicken Curry Katsu came with multiple cuts of chicken--it was tasty and satisfying. However, the Da Broke Da Mouth Ramen was just okay to me; nothing really stood out. Someone in our group has a dairy allergy and requested her meal without any sides. The waiter kindly offered her tako as a substitute, which we thought was a nice gesture. Unfortunately, we were later charged for the tako, which felt a bit off since it was presented as part of the accommodation. Overall, good food with large portions, but some hiccups in service and billing made the experience mixed.

Jasmine Y.

So happy we decided to come here! We loved the atmosphere, very open, happy, and friendly. We had the diamond head ramen, broke da mouth, karaage chicken, and 808 chicken. First off the noodles were cooked so perfectly, thin and a perfect bite to them . All broths were not too thick, but rich with flavor. The broke da mouth ramen was so flavorful, rich, and spicy. We ordered the level 5 spice, and it's definitely got a kick to make you sweat but not inedible. I would say that some Buldak ramens are way more spicy. Definitely something that I could not eat myself continuously, but at the table my partner was can handle a good amt of heat and he thoroughly enjoyed it. The karaage chicken , da kine, was so crispy and light. The dipping sauces perfectly paired and I love to put only a little bit of lemon. Definitely a must!!! The 808 chicken was also cooked well, but I think because of the nature of it being caramelized it cannot be as juicy/light. I recommend the da kine chicken over the 808! Would love to come back to this place again!

Abel A.

Cozy, clean, cute bistro. Tasty, flavorful eats disappointed that they didn't have more options. Value is ok. Service was quick and effort.

Photo 1: Montage of images from Masa Ramen Bistro

Ed U.

(Strumming my ukulele) I wanna go back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii / I wanna be with all the kanes and wahines that I knew long ago... Sometimes Jamie W and I get a hankering for some local grindz, brudda. But hey, it's not as if we're at a roadside luncheonette on Oahu's North Shore. We be on University Avenue close enough to the UC campus to have entered a true student hangout even though some of the menu items were on the pricy side for a struggling undergrad. Even though neither of us were feeling like ramen-heads that evening, I felt like splurging a bit and ordered the $29 Pulehu Beef Short Ribs. The dish consisted of a couple of 1/2-inch cut Kalbi ribs covered in a sweet BBQ sauce and laid on top of shredded cabbage with scoops of Fukikake rice and potato salad (Photo 10). It was good but... The portion was paltry for the price. Jamie had better luck with the $18 No Worry Chicken Curry where the chicken cutlet was pleasantly a big serving of breaded tonkatsu in a pool of slightly watery curry sauce. He got plain white rice, mac salad, and a pile of pickled radish (Photo 9). He definitely got the better deal, but truth be told, neither dish sent us through the pipeline. The best deal of the night was the $4.50 Spam/Egg Musubi, a shareable portion with shoyu-marinated Spam and a scrambled egg packed with Fukikake rice and wrapped in nori (Photo 7). This casual snack was honestly the most satisfying part of our meal. There are other dishes to consider the next time we get a longing for the islands because... (Picking up my ukulele) I wanna go back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii / Where the humuhumunukunukuapua'a go swimmin' by... FOOD - 3 stars...decent but not really the grindz we was looking for AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...pretty spacious SERVICE - 3.5 stars...attentive enough TOTAL - 3 stars...do you know the words to "Sweet Leilani"? RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's my collection of places I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CbVh8u

Craig Y.

From the outside, you'd have no clue what the restaurant would be like, but once the food starts coming you're in for a treat. This restaurant doesn't put the money in fancy surroundings or high quality seating. Instead it invests in good food and good service and really which would you prefer? FOOD: Although it's called a ramen bistro (and they do have very good ramen), I love that they also have some very fun and traditional Hawaiian food and Japanese food, too. Personally, I can't resist a good loco moco so that's what I had and it was delicious. Great tasting burger, nicely cooked egg, great rice, and the gravy was good. Not quite as flavorful as I like, but definitely tasty. The mochiko chicken was phenomenal and I would come back just for that! Tender and moist on the inside with wonderful flavor. There's more I want to try and that's always a good sign. SERVICE: Beyond excellent. Seriously great service. Nice and attentive enough with a genuine service orientation. Portions were great and everything was plated so well. COST: Very reasonable for what you get. About $20 per person and worth every penny!

Edison H.

Seems like the egg shortage may have hit this restaurant HARD because all of the aji tamago have been crossed out. They're still up there valuewise though! I ordered their special Broke Da Mouth ramen, which is their signature parmesan garlic ramen. It was interesting.. the Parmesan cheese did add a new depth to the flavor. The garlic bits were also a little crunchy (not sure if this was intentional). I'll give the dish a 4/5. The creaminess isn't my thing but I think it's definitely something to try at least once. Not food related but I apprecite how the staff was okay with a kid bringing in his bike to eat. They were also giving out free Meyer lemons as well. The low prices and kind attitude stuck out to me. I hope this restaurant thrives here in Berkeley.

Viki N.

Simple, budget friendly, but still very decent ramen! No idea where else you can find $14 tonkotsu ramen anymore these days, so this is probably great for students living around the area. Unfortunate that they crossed out the included egg; that really would've sweetened the deal. There's no option to add additional toppings either. I ordered the Diamond Head and my husband ordered Broke the Mouth. Diamond head was very plain, especially with no egg, but really fit all my basic needs if I'm just trying to have a simple lunch. The noodles were thin and firm, the way I like it. The tonkotsu broth was not as rich in flavor as I would've liked, but it wasn't exactly bland either. I sampled the Broke the Mouth broth and it definitely had a lot more flavor from the black garlic and spice, but I usually prefer ramen with a lot less going on.

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Tatiana T.

Elite 20

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3 years ago

Came here for dinner on a Sunday. Plenty of seating. A little strange there is a counter in the middle of the restaurant and also an Instagram wall. The ramen was ok. Jammy egg. Noodles are the thin ramen noodles and were not soggy. Broth was fine, rich but no depth imo. Chasiu could be more tender. The curry was ok as well. Not bad. Katsu was nicely fried. Would come back for a quick bite of the Katsu but not really the ramen. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Daron C.

263

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2 years ago

Take it from a local boy born and raised in Hawaii. This place is 100% "broke da mouth" (delicious) & legit. Mochiko chicken on point: crunchy, moist on the inside, sweet & salty. Flavorful juicy Kahuku shrimp with garlic butter. AMAZING delectable ramen amongst the best in the area... Never had Parmesan before in it... But it was memorable & it WORKED! On the weekends get served with aloha & a side of pidgin (if desired =D ) from bruddah Clyde & sistah Jackie. Thanks guys, will be back for more ono-licious ramen. IDEA: add one "mix plate" to da menu ie like half shrimp, half short rib or teriyaki beef/chicken. Even more aloha! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Mochiko chicken - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Kahuku shrimp.... Thanks for not skimping! - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Cute photo area! Really nice touch! - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Stephanie W.

3 years ago

My first experience here, the service was very friendly and the food was good! Unique noms. However, upon second visit, my friend and I waited for over 20 minutes because of inefficient waitstaff. Despite there being open seating, the waitress left 3 parties standing around for over 20 minutes while tending to the other customers but also spending an excessive amount of time with them. Please, seat potential customers first especially if there is seating. It is incredibly frustrating to wait for that long and to be told "wait 5 minutes please" and for that to turn into a 20+ minute wait standing up and not even being given a menu to look. Not to mention, despite being the last to come in, the party of 1 was seated first while 2 parties ahead had been waiting for a while already. Incredibly disappointed and honestly unacceptable. Needless to say, we left and went elsewhere to eat. Honestly, if it were a different waitstaff, I'd come back because the food is truly unique and yummy and first experience was very good, but after this, I'm not sure if I will visit again. read more

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Kenneth R.

Elite 25

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3 years ago

I'm reviewing Masa Ramen Bistro on the basis of two takeout meals. I had a basic ramen (not a spicy one) both times and was pleased with the results. It's easy to order online, and pickup is not a big problem. Ramen dishes are packed in two containers, so that you can add the noodles to the broth and other ingredients when you get home. Everything was fresh and tasty. I especially liked the slightly runny half-egg. When I came in for pick-ups, I got a sense of what it's like to eat at the Bistro itself. The interior is not especially uplifting, and the dine-in clientele was thin both times I was there. Takeout is an excellent option because you can complement your meal with really good beer or wine. I look forward to trying the chicken kaarage and the oxtail soup when I next order from this restaurant. read more

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Derek S.

273

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3 years ago

As a Bay Area born and raised, I've had my fair share of ramen, but none have hit the mark quite like Masa Ramen Bistro. The first thing you'll notice is the fresh, perfectly textured noodles--nothing like the packaged kind. If you've never experienced freshly-made ramen noodles, prepare to be enlightened; it's a life-changing culinary moment. But the real star of the show here is the broth, particularly in their special oxtail soup. It begins with an inviting aroma and a taste reminiscent of high-quality pho. However, as you delve deeper, you'll discover layers of flavor complexities that elevate the experience into something truly extraordinary. It's rich but not overwhelming, a beautifully balanced act of culinary expertise. The Hawaiian ownership brings a unique, warm ambiance to the space. Having lived in Maui for three years, the atmosphere felt like a pleasant nod to the islands and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience. IMasa Ramen Bistro offers more than just a meal; it's a blend of exceptional flavors, high-quality ingredients, and cultural richness that makes it a standout in the Bay Area's ramen scene. You get the best of all worlds here. *It's not a fancy ambience, but ramen places aren't supposed to be! It's clean, pleasant, and has great service. read more

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Elsie S.

170

4 years ago

AMBIANCE Feels like home - that is local Hawaii vibes! When you enter, you are greeted with aloha. Owners and chef are from Hawaii and brought with them ono (delicious) flavors and hospitality. FOOD Broke Da Mouth Ramen had me going mmmmmmm with every sip and slurp. Packed with umami goodness, this bowl is flavored with black garlic oil, garlic butter, and my favorite part - topped with Parmesan cheeeeeeeese for some gooey yummy mess. The pork is tender, the egg is oozy, and the noodles a perfect bite. We thoroughly enjoyed the Oxtail Ramen, too! The oxtail falls off the bone and the broth is so comforting! My hub who is picky about his ramen says: "Exquisite flavors! So good make me want to smack your mama! We're usually partial to straight noodles, but these curly noods are on point! Can't find nothing else like this around us. Easily some of the best ramen in the Bay!" Chicken Karaage is crunchy and seasoned well and served with fun dipping sauces. Spam Musubi is always a fam favorite and this one is kid approved. CUSTOMER SERVICE Service with aloha! Since this new spot is at its soft opening, there's a small crew serving. They took the time to talk to us and ask for feedback. Super nice and family owned. PARKING Street parking available. Bonus parking lot (paid) around the corner at the UC Berkeley Extension. OVERALL Thankful to find a ramen spot that fills my heart with comforting flavors! I've been craving Oxtail soup and a ramen served with Parmesan cheese, so this hits the spot. Def a come back! TIPS For Broke Da Mouth, ask for spicy on the side to control the spice level. Habanero is also an option, if the highest level 5 ain't hot enough for ya. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Broke Da Mouth Ramen - it's the Parmesan cheeeeeeeese for me! - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Spam Musubi with seasoned rice. - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Chicken Karaage is perfectly crunchy. - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Raizzabel A.

246

2 years ago

Wanted to go on a cute lil ramen date with my bf since it was the perfect weather for ramen and saw this place on yelp and decided to try it out, first impression walking in: cute simplistic restaurant and was greeted right away by the staff who were very welcoming and kind. We sat down and ordered the Bruddah Brussels, tako, I had the original black garlic ramen and my man had the broke da mouth ramen. everything we ordered was quite tasty, the ramen was very flavorful and I absolutely loved how they used thin noodles I prefer these over the regular ramen noodles. But all in all I'm very pleased with my masa and will definitely come back! :) read more

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Jennie L.

266

4 years ago

**10% student discount! **Good cheap food **Amazing service and immaculate Hawaiian vibes paired with sleek Japanese interior design It's hard to get a good ramen for under $15 nowadays, but Masa Ramen Bistro has just that! I had the diamond head ramen with house chili ($1). It was a creamy yet light tonkatsu broth--not the heavy tonkatsu that will have you out for the rest of the day. I added a dash of soy sauce for some umami and it was really good! My boyfriend got the loco moco and loved it as well. We also got the 808 chicken, which was good but kind of expensive (~$8) for the size. Overall, we had a really good dining experience and left happy and full! Would definitely come back when I'm craving Japanese/Hawaiian food. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Diamond Head Ramen - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Clyde C.

Mahalo Jennie glad you enjoyed our food!

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Ava B.

1 year ago

The food was absolutely delicious and the service was AMAZING!! Our waiter was so lovely and she made our experience so enjoyable.

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Jessica S.

138

4 years ago

Stopped for lunch here on my way to SF & it was well worth it! One of my new favorite ramen stores. I got the Kuni Ramen-- the noodles are soft and thin, the pork is fresh and thinly cut, & the broth was flavorful and rich! The service was excellent! Super friendly staff & very attentive. I wish I got a pic of the inside of the restaurant because it's so cute & aesthetically pleasing. Wishing I had another trip to the Bay Area so I could stop here to get some more ramen!!!! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Kuni ramen, POG, & views - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Clyde C.

Mahalo Jessica! We hope to see again soon!

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Ofe N Rob A.

2 years ago

Broke Da Mouth lived up to the name and I loved the flavors. The Parmesan Cheese was new to me but loved it and would recommend getting again. My 12yr old son had the Diamond Head with level 3 spicy. He said it was a banger "BRUTHER" in a Sketch voice. Son also got the Spam Musubi and gave it high regards. My 6yr old son got of course fries and finished it. Fries came hot, fresh and the right crunch to seduce my little man. I'm from San Jose and will be visiting here anytime I'm in the area. Mom was at work but benefited from the son's Diamond Head left over when she got home and said it was hella good and wants to go back. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Boys at the Masa Bistro Photo Booth. - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Diamond Head. Son gives it 5 stars. - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Chanda B.

3 years ago

First time here and we were not disappointed. Hawaii is known for their unique cultural creations of foods and heavily influenced by Japanese cuisine. This bistro is one of those places. In my opinion, this would be a typical local favorite spot for "saimin" in the islands, but located in Berkeley. This is now our family's favorite "local style" place to eat. We decided to order Broke da Mouth, Diamond Head, Chicken Katsu, spam musubi, ika, and the braddah Brussels. ONOLICIOUS!!! Everything so flavorful. We will definitely be back!!! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Ika with an aioli sauce. - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Braddah Brussels - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Clyde C.

Mahalo Chanda!!!

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Stacy H.

3 years ago

I always walk by this place and thought I'd try it with a friend for lunch. We came when it was fairly empty, but we had to wait a pretty long time to get seated. The server was very sweet though, so we didn't mind the wait. I got the Broke Da Mouth ramen after reading so many great reviews on it. I loved the parmesan cheese in the broth and the char siu melted in my mouth. The broth was rich, but a little oily for my taste. However I still apreciated the black garlic flavor! I thought it was delicious, but a tad bit expensive for what it was. Overall, I still enjoyed the dish! Would definitely give it a try! read more

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Irma G.

2 years ago

We made the last minute decision to eat here. We were heading to TenderGreens when this place caught our eye. The food was delicious. A great balance of flavor. The ambiance is very peaceful but not dull. Super welcoming. A place teenagers or adults would enjoy. The service was awesome and I can't wait to go back. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - BROKE DA MOUTH - Masa Special and Kahuku Style Shrimp - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Kenneth M.

4 years ago

FINALLY! I've been eyeing this place since I first saw construction being done a couple months ago. They finally opened for their soft opening and I decided to go for lunch today. I walked in and was greeted warmly. They are so kind and attentive here; you can definitely feel the aloha spirit. Great ambiance, and even better food. I decided to try their Masa Special... BROKE DA MOUTH They have spice levels 1 to 5 and an additional 2 levels above 5. If you're a big fan of spice, I'd highly recommend this dish. The noodles are thin and perfectly cooked. The parmesan cheese may throw some people off... but trust me, it works INCREDIBLY well. So much flavor--this is going to be my go-to dish from here. I also got an appetizer of choke fries. The fries are wonderfully seasoned and crispy and came with the opinion of spicy mayo or yuzu aioli. I got both, and the yuzu aioli was by far the best I've ever had. This will be my new spot whenever I'm craving ramen. I will be back to try out the Hawaiian style platters that they offer. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Instagram wall! - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Casey H.

1 year ago

Just to start, they had the most incredible waiter and it was amazing service! The food was also amazing and it had a very peaceful atmosphere with good tunes! 10/10 :) read more

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Londyn N.

1 year ago

Delicious food, and amazing service! Very great establishment with beautiful clean decor!

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Julia J.

186

3 years ago

I didn't know I needed Parmesan cheese in my ramen until now!! Took the flavor to the next level in addition to the pork and egg! I love spice, so I started with level 2, but could handled a 3 or 4. Huge fan when the spices don't take away or overpower the flavor of the broth. The crunch on the Brussels sprouts and squid legs were to die for!! Fell in love the the color scheme and layout of the restaurant. Super chill and great for kids. The service was excellent! We had a young lady (didn't catch her name) servicing our table and she was super attentive and helpful when it came to ordering. My first time grabbing ramen at Masa and definitely leaving beyond satisfied and can't wait to revisit!! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Broke Da Mouth Ramen (Spice 2) - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Bruddah Sprouts, Ike, and Broke Da Mouth Ramen - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Dana L.

4 years ago

Fast, delicious, and great price! Got the diamond head original ramen and da plattah. Both came out fast and was so good. Ramen was $14 and I think better than Ippudo. Service was attentive and gave great recommendations. We got extra food to go we liked it so much! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Ramen - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Da plattah - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Clyde C.

Mahalo for the review!!! Glad you like our food :)

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Josephine H.

171

2 years ago

Went here for Saturday dinner with a friend who was visiting town and the restaurant was not busy at all. It was nice and quiet. Staff were friendly and accommodating with my friend's onion allergy. I got the signature ramen at spicy level 2, which was spicy enough for me. I got the cheese on the side - it was quite yummy with the ramen! I would go again to try more of the Hawaiian inspired dishes. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Broke Da Mouth Masa special ramen, spicy level 2, cheese on the side. In the back is the brussel sprouts appetizer. - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Paul C.

141

2 years ago

It's not the greatest ramen but it's okay. This is Hawaiian saimin so it's slightly different I guess. I had the broke da mouth masa special ramen because that's what they recommended, but they put cheese shavings on top and I wasn't really into it. I thought they added mayonnaise as well. There was definitely a lot going on in the bowl. Service was good - young folks, friendly, and it was fast. The dining area is tight with small tables, but clean and presentable. I went in there with the idea that it could be comparable to Marufuku and unfortunately for them, that's the standard. It's definitely not Marufuku. The one on Telegraph is not too far I guess but there will be a wait, and there wasn't one at Masa Ramen. read more

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Alexa A.

Elite 25

231

288

178

2 years ago

Finally came here for a quick ramen dinner. If you're looking for something quick, tasty, and budget-friendly, Masa is a good spot! Their service is quick, food is hot and tasty, and most ramen is around $15ish :) My only issue is the chopsticks at the bar area smelled a little like cleaning solution or soap, but it was rectified quickly by our waiter! read more

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Wichuda N.

3 years ago

It's very tasty l love soup and shashu pork Must be try next time I wanna try the spicy one read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - DIAMOND HEAD - Original DIAMOND HEAD - Original - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Clyde C.

Mahalo Wichuda!!!

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jackson v.

203

3 years ago

I work nearby and eat at a lot of the restaurants around. Hands down best chicken katsu I've ever had. Being JA, I've eaten katsu a lot. It was tender and flavorful without using tonkatsu sauce. We also had the Brussels sprouts that were tempura battered. Gotta come back and try the ramen. But I might just stick w katsu curry lol read more

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Margaret H.

Elite 26

217

492

3 years ago

Quick service and the ramen was tasty. We went because we were headed towards Zellerbach and wanted to grab a quick lunch.

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John G.

2 years ago

Superb balance of flavors. Exceeded my expectations. Staff were very friendly. I even felt comfortable doing some laptop work here.

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Leyda A.

2 years ago

The food was really tasty and great. I have to be honest, this is the best ramen i've ever had. I usually don't finish the broth but the broth here at Masa Ramen Bistro is to die for. read more

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Mary C.

2 years ago

honestly the best ramen i've ever had. the broth has so much depth, it's not too salty, we could drink it all. and the noodles weren't the traditional yellow egg noodles but these are honestly better. you can taste the quality and we found out they're handmade locally! very friendly service too. 11/10 recommend. read more

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Kimberly G.

Elite 25

118

3 years ago

great place for ramen :) it wasn't that busy when we came in on a Saturday afternoon. the food came out very quickly, which was great bc we were starving. i got the Broke Da Mouth ramen and it was really rich and flavorful! i've never had cheese in my ramen but it was really delicious. the oxtail ramen was super light but didn't lack any flavor. it was absolutely perfect and the oxtail was so tender and delicious. it was pretty quiet and mellow inside, nothing crazy. would recommend this place if you're craving a bowl of warm noodle soup! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - BROKE DA MOUTH - Masa Special - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - No Ka 'Oi - Oxtail Ramen - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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William C.

703

3 years ago

Had a great experience here. Good vibe, food and service. Japan and Hawaii fusion is so authentic! High recommend: oxtail soup, Broke da mouth, 808 chicken, And spam/egg musubi. Our server, Debbie, was so friendly and helpful as well. Will be back! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - The 808 chicken - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Angie C.

123

3 years ago

Great and delicious comfort food for a rainy day! I got the broke da mouth ramen (spice level 2/5) and shared the 808 chicken with a group of people. They got the pulehu ribs and chicken curry. The broth of the ramen was flavorful. The pork charsui was tender but it could use a bit more seasoning. The spice level was just right for me that I could enjoyed it without suffering. Ramen also came with a small portion of parmesan cheese which created a different texture. Noodles were made by a local small business which they were cooked perfectly. The food portion was decent-sized. I didn't add any extra toppings, and I still wasn't able to finish it. The ribs were good, well-cooked, and flavorful. The dish comes with a scope of rice and potato salad. 808 chicken was really juicy and tender. Our server was really nice. She made sure we had everything we needed. Food came out in a timely manner. Restaurant and bathroom were clean. I would come back again to try other dishes! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Pulehu Ribs - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Business owner information

Clyde C.

Mahalo Angie!

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Brittney W.

3 years ago

This place was so good! I ordered the Kuni ramen. The broth is perfect, rich and creamy. The pork was tender and well cooked. Noodles are the thinner ones and the egg was one of the best I've had in a while! I'll definitely be back! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Kuni KUNI - Black Garlic - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Cute sign - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Business owner information

Clyde C.

Big mahalo Brittney!!

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PJ J.

345

3 years ago

This place is WINNAHZ!! If you are in the Bay Area and love ramen, no where else to go but Masa Ramen. Ambience was perfected with Hawaiian pidgin to da max phrases and beautiful artwork. Staff greeted you with Aloha and was always available to ask for whatever you need. Ordered some pupus, Braddah Brussels and Manini Fries. Super yummy. Ramen was phenomenal. I ordered the Diamond Head ramen. And got a spam musubi to get back to my local roots. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Manini Fries - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Spam Musubi - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Kasey N.

Elite 24

295

379

3 years ago

The ramen here is so good, very flavorful and the noodles had good texture. The 808 chicken is one I definitely recommend to get! Berkeley students also get 10% if you show your student ID read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - BROKE DA MOUTH - Masa Special, 808 Chicken - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Business owner information

Clyde C.

Mahalo Kasey!!!!

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E C.

195

3 years ago

Food, services and ambiance were FANTASTIC! Oxtail ramen was soooo tasty and not fatty. Loco moco is was better than ANY Hawaiian loco moco (and Im from Hawaii!). Broke da mouth is really broke da mouth! You can choose your spice level. Spam musubi is special- much better than L&L. Japanese potato salad also woth trying. Lilikoi iced tea is great too. Service- QUICK and friendly! Ambiance- nice, clean, modern and love the hawaiian music! 10% off for Berkeley students! read more

Business owner information

Clyde C.

Much Mahalo EC fo da review!!!

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Abegail D.

141

3 years ago

Checked this place out last Saturday for dinner. Ordered Da Kine Chicken for an app which was lightly crispy and really tender. For my entree I ordered Broke da Mouth ramen level 4/5 spicy. Really pleased to eat at a spot where the spicy # actually reflects the heat. Enjoyed the shredded parm rather than a slice of cheese so it melts down your noodle pull. Broth was creamy and flavorful and the consistency of the marinated egg was legit perfect. I also appreciate the egg served whole, while other spots will give you half of a hard boiled egg. Will definitely come back. read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - BROKE DA MOUTH - Masa Special and Da Kine Chicken - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Business owner information

Clyde C.

Aloha Abegail! Mahalo for the review!!!

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Ruby C.

Elite 26

294

610

3 years ago

This place has some of the best ramen I've ever had! Came here for dinner with my family on a weekday so we were able to be seated right away. The have a good amount of items to choose from both Japanese and Hawaiian dishes. We started off with the 808 chicken which was super crispy and juicy. The beef curry also tasted amazing! The beef was really tender and the curry was flavorful as well. The potato salad was also a nice touch and it was a really hearty dish. The best part of the meal was definitely the signature ramen! I got a spicy level 2 and it wasn't too spicy so next time I'd probably go higher but wow this bowl of ramen was amazing. The cheese was an interesting addition and I really enjoyed the melted cheese with the noodles. The broth was super flavorful and it wasn't loaded with toppings so you can enjoy how simple the dish is. Service was friendly as well and I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - 808 chicken - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - Beef curry - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Business owner information

Clyde C.

Mahalo Ruby!!!

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Rachel S.

3 years ago

Miso Hungry!! Great atmosphere, Great Hospitality, Great Food... What more can ask for? Vegetarian Ramen read more

Masa Ramen Bistro - Miso Hungry, Vegetarian Ramen - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Masa Ramen Bistro - #photo op - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Christian J.

1 year ago

Best in the area by far. Got the broke the mouth ramen. Broke it in half. One side was flavor, the other was the spice (I got level 4). Not only that but the bathroom had the nice towel paper towels so you know they care. 10/10 recommend! read more

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Jessica R.

246

3 years ago

So glad we came!!! My daughter and I were visiting in town. After looking at the reviews and good looking pictures of the Ramen, we decided to try it. We felt welcome at the door and comfortable in the dining area. The server was friendly and attentive. We got the "Broke Da Mouth" Ramen and Pulehu Ribs. First of all, the service was amazing!! Lets start off with the Ramen. A flavor was to die for. What I loved about the ramen was the noodles. I'm not a huge Ramen fan but what I saw in other reviews were the noodles they used which were not the udon thick ones. They were the thinner noodles which was delicious! Didn't taste pasty or doughy. It was perfect! When talking to the owner, he mentioned that they were freshly made. Always a plus! The flavor was just right. In my opinion, the broth especially just right that it's not too bland or salty and the spice was perfect! Their broth has the right pork flavor to it. Third, the broth blended into the noodles well. A lot of times, we get ramen with the noodles without the flavor to it and separated from the broth but it's not the case here. This is a place you have to try. I had also ordered the Pulehu Ribs. The flavor was so juicy and the right portion of rice and potato salad. I also came at the perfect timing! They have their own unique shirts and totes as merchandise! Had to take back a little love from Masa to support the local business to Vegas! I can't wait to come back and try more on their menu! So much flavorful dishes. Thank you Masa for your wonderful hospitality! read more

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Page 4 of 8

1923 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
Downtown Berkeley
Directions
(510) 898-1949
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.masaramenbistro.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Masa Ramen Bistro open?

Masa Ramen Bistro opens at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Masa Ramen Bistro opens at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Masa Ramen Bistro close?

Masa Ramen Bistro is closed on Monday.Masa Ramen Bistro closes at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Masa Ramen Bistro closes at 8:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Masa Ramen Bistro closes at 8:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sat 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PMSun 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Masa Ramen Bistro take Bitcoin?

No, Masa Ramen Bistro does not take Bitcoin.

Does Masa Ramen Bistro take credit cards?

Yes, Masa Ramen Bistro takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Masa Ramen Bistro have catering options?

No, Masa Ramen Bistro does not have catering options.

Does Masa Ramen Bistro have a drive thru?

No, Masa Ramen Bistro does not have a drive thru.

Does Masa Ramen Bistro serve alcohol?

No, Masa Ramen Bistro does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Masa Ramen Bistro allow dogs?

Yes, Masa Ramen Bistro allows dogs.

Does Masa Ramen Bistro have TVs?

Yes, Masa Ramen Bistro has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Masa Ramen Bistro have bike parking?

Yes, Masa Ramen Bistro has bike parking.

Does Masa Ramen Bistro have outdoor seating?

No, Masa Ramen Bistro does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Masa Ramen Bistro have parking?

Yes, Masa Ramen Bistro has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Masa Ramen Bistro wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Masa Ramen Bistro is wheelchair accessible.

Does Masa Ramen Bistro have free WiFi?

No, Masa Ramen Bistro does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Craft ramen and Hawaii comfort food

Masa Ramen Bistro Reviews in Other Languages

Japanese
1 Review
Chinese
1 Review
French
1 Review
Spanish
1 Review

Ask the Community - Masa Ramen Bistro

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3.7(922 reviews)

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16 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Christina M.

Elite 23

116

703

859

3 years ago

Wowsa!! I'm so happy that I finally got to cross this place off my Ramen lists to try because this place has got to be one of my all time favorite Ramen places in the Bay Area (and trust me I've tried A LOT!). If you live in the Hercules/Rodeo/Pinole area then you know that there is not a lot of good ramen choices in our area to eat so I have to drive to Berkeley and further to get a decent ramen bowl. If you love ramen like I do then this place is a MUST TRY! It's worth the drive to Berkeley and your tummy will be satisfied. I got the Broke Da Mouth Ramen with a spicy level of 1 and it was the most delicious bowl of Ramen I've had. At first I was a bit iffy about the parmesan cheese in my ramen but the parmesan cheese adds that extra flavor to the ramen. I know it looks weird but looks can be deceiving!!! Also ordered the chicken appetizer and it was also really good and cooked to perfection. The chicken was nice and juicy and so flavorful. The service was attentive and food come out at a very decent time where we weren't waiting long. If you're in the Berkeley area and want ramen then this is the place! I can't wait to try other things on the menu or maybe just go back for the Broke Da Mouth Ramen :) read more

M M.

2 years ago

I recently had the opportunity to visit Masa ramen on the way to the Bay area. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, and they have such an attentive staff. I also really enjoyed the music playing in the background. The menu here is extensive, featuring a variety of ramen dishes to suit every palate. I opted for the Broke Da Mouth, and it did not disappoint. The broth was rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of seasoning. The noodles were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of chewiness. The cheese was amazingly good, which I was hesitant to try. In addition to their delicious ramen, they also offers a variety of side dishes and appetizers. I tried the spam musubi, and it was the perfect accompaniment to my ramen. I will definitely be coming back again! read more

Nerissa V.

3 years ago

This is my second time at Masa Rame Bistro and many more to come. When walking in your are welcomed and I love the decor. Chef Tim makes ono food. I can't pick which is my favorite dish cause they are all so good. I ordered the kahuku style scrimp plate for take out and I loved the garlic sauce. Jackie, Clyde, Caeleigh and Melody provide excellence service are so nice they treat you like family. #Iwillbeback read more

Arcyl M.

3 years ago

Ramen was so good and the noodles were perfect. Added some heat and it was good enough to appreciate the broth. Loved the 808 and dakine chicken. I had the chicken curry and it was delicious. My son had the oxtail ramen and he loved it. Tried their version of lemonades and it was refreshing. Will definitely come back even though we live across the bridge. read more

Adrian Jules S.

3 years ago

I got the chicken curry-- very savory curry and crispy chicken katsu. Great, personable customer service, the owner came to check in several times. Very convenient location-- right next to the bus stop! Would recommend, will come again! read more

Rubi S.

3 years ago

This is a great spot! It has all the Hawaii vibes; island style music, laid back, with the aloha service. I tried the Broke Da Mouth ramen and it was onolicious!!! read more

Vicky B.

3 years ago

What a fun atmosphere! So welcoming and family oriented! Gotta love this place Food is AMAZING!!! Chicken Katsu and Broke Da Mouth highly recommend! read more

Dustin S.