Masa Ramen Bistro

4.5 (320 reviews)

ModerateHawaiian, Ramen, Japanese Curry

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

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

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

Masa Ramen Bistro - Da Kine chicken - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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

Masa Ramen Bistro Popular Dishes

$23.80

Broke Da Mouth - Masa Special

98 Photos101 Reviews

$18.10

Diamond Head - Original

41 Photos38 Reviews

$3.80

Spam Musubi

14 Photos32 Reviews

Masa Ramen Bistro menu photos

Menu photo 1 Masa Ramen Bistro Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 2 Masa Ramen Bistro Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 3 Masa Ramen Bistro Berkeley, CA

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Menu photo 5 Masa Ramen Bistro Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 6 Masa Ramen Bistro Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 7 Masa Ramen Bistro Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 8 Masa Ramen Bistro Berkeley, CA

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MASA RAMEN BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

45 Photos

Outside

37 Photos

Moderate noise

Casual

Good for groups

Dogs allowed

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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.

Mike P.

Great Japanese/Hawaiian spot right on University Ave. it's a busy street so find parking on the side streets. The place seems to accommodate to mostly students, but the food is excellent. Pricing is reasonable and that's always a plus. Only tried a couple things on my first time here. Had to try the oxtail ramen, which was very tasty. Chicken katsu was also good. Will come back and try other dishes!

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.

Aylish T.

Good selection of vegetarian, vegan, and standard ramen dishes. I enjoyed the Timmy Tan Tan ramen - a little bit of spice, fresh crisp from the greens, and nice depth in the broth! I usually only have half a bowl and save the rest for leftovers but I was still a bit hungry halfway through and ended up eating the entire thing. Service is very quick with orders and refills. Very relaxed, casual atmosphere good for catching up with friends. Unfortunately they are now very low/out of eggs due to the current egg stock issues. It does leave the ramen feeling a little naked.

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Reviews are largely positive. People praise the flavorful ramen broths, Japanese-Hawaiian fusion dishes, and friendly and attentive service. The relaxed and clean atmosphere is also well-liked.

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Kenneth R.

Elite 25

1081

1538

443

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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117

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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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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Xylene D.

4 years ago

This Japanese/Hawaiian place got the perfect combination of highly satisfying food. Had the 808 chicken and spam musubi for appetizer and it was delicious. I ordered the Broke Da Mouth Ramen with spice level 3 and it was superb! Had the right level of spice that I was expecting. The broth and thin noodles were great combo - well balanced and perfectly executed. Looking forward to going back there again. Still in their soft opening but the staff were very accommodating, friendly and nice. Highly recommended! read more

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

Masa Ramen Bistro - Broke Da Mouth - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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

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Clyde C.

Mahalo for the kind words and enjoying our food!

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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.

3 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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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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Chanda B.

4 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 - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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.

4 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.

3 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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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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Julia J.

186

4 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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Josephine H.

171

3 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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Raizzabel A.

246

3 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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Ann Y.

1 year ago

I ordered the black garlic ramen and chicken karaage for the table. Both were excellent. Service was prompt and friendly.

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Paul C.

141

3 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

3 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.

4 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

226

511

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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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

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Clyde C.

Aloha Abegail! Mahalo for the review!!!

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Nathaniel R.

2 years ago

Was in the Berkeley area and decided to get something warm for the cold weather. Stumbled upon this restaurant, and immediately felt welcome with their service, especially with the Hawaiian jams keeping the vibes going. I had the Broke Da Mouth ramen. It was so flavorful and unique for having melted cheese with the broth. This is perfect comfort food and some of the best ramen I've had in the Bay Area. Highly recommend! read more

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

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Allie C.

1 year ago

we got there around 7:30pm on a thursday and it was pretty empty, so we were seated almost immediately. service was nice and our waiter kindly answered our questions about a couple menu items. we got the kuni and the kilauea, which are pretty much the same but the kilauea can be spicy. i got it at a level 3, and it had a kick that i enjoyed ! the flavor and texture of the ramen was delicious. the only issue was that the soup was really salty. after a few sips it gets a little extreme. but overall, i really enjoyed ! 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 - No Ka 'Oi - Oxtail Ramen - Hawaiian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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William C.

703

4 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

4 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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Clyde C.

Big mahalo Brittney!!

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Emily L.

138

129

2 years ago

The food was yummy but some of my chicken katsu was pink. the short ribs is also a great choicewith the choice of either a mac salad or potato salad. the ramen were a huge hit with a nice broth that you can't go wrong with! read more

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PJ J.

345

4 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

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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.

201

4 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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Ruby C.

Elite 26

304

616

4 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 - 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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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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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 R.

246

4 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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Mary N.

3 years ago

Yummy!! Honestly one of the better ramen places I've had! My friend and I ordered the diamond head and the broke mouth mountain ramen bowls and were so satisfied!! I would def come back here if I was craving ramen - hit the spot! Service was also good and nice :) read more

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

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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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Jayden O.

4 years ago

Drove about 2 hours to try this place, and was not disappointed at all. The food was packed of flavor and authentic, each item we ordered was 10/10 on all scales. The service was top notch, super quick, and the wait staff was super friendly and always checked on the status of our table and how we were doing. I will definitely be coming back to try some new things on the menu, and reorder some items from the previous time. It is worth the try if you are in the area, and it is worth the trip to Berkeley if you are not local! read more

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

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Business owner information

Clyde C.

Mahalo Jayden!

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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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Page 4 of 8

1923 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
Downtown Berkeley
Directions
(510) 898-1949
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
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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

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Tsuruya

4.6(182 reviews)

0.2 mi•Gourmet Ghetto, Downtown Berkeley

•$$

WHEN: Sat @6pm…read more PARKING: There is metered parking around, and is free after 6pm. It may be a bit tricky especially around meal time, but keep circling and you'll find a spot near by enough. This cute little ramen shop has such perfect lighting coming through thanks to thier skylight. We weren't actually hungry so we shared the following: TONKOTSU - $16.50 (Regular) Pork Belly Chashu, Bamboo Shoots, Red Onion, Wood Ear Mushrooms, Green Onion, Ajitama Egg. You get a choice of noodles to pick: 1.) Hakata - Thin Straight 2.) Sapporo - Medium Thick Wavy Figured since it's my first time here, I choose the most basic version of their bowl of ramen. I chose Sapparo and for some reason expected it to be thicker/wider, but regardless it was still good! The presentation of this bowl is just gorgeous, served on a small wooden platter. The red onion is chopped, and the pork Belly is quite tender. Regarding the egg, you get just half. Overall this bowl of ramen is creamy, rich, and the right amount of flavor and salt. But still make sure to drink at least a glass of water! CREAMY CHASHU PORK CROQUETTES - $8.50 I have never seen anything like this so I must give it a try! It actually didn't come out piping hot, so I was able to drive in right away! It was definitely creamy (like ramen) and had pieces of the Chau's pork, encased in a crispy and warm batter that was deep fried. It also comes with a katsu sauce and I really enjoyed it. The staff was friendly and didn't make us feel bad for ordering enough of just one, but man I was so full. Had to walk around downtown Berkeley for awhile.

Visually, Tsuruya's Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen is absolutely stunning. The broth with a foamy top, akin…read moreto a latte's milk layer, and adorned with an array of fresh vegetables. Not kidding when I say I've been ogling their Yelp photos for a few days prior to this visit. The broth is exceptional, but the noodles are pedestrian. Chewy sure but doesn't quite rival the bounciness of Mensho's mochi noodles. It's delicious all the same though. The prices are a bit high, given that bowls only come with one chashu slice and half an egg, but excusable given the dire state of our economy. Will I say this is the best ramen I've ever had? Probably not. But it's a very delicious bowl that'll satisfy any ramen hankering.

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Kitchen

Matcha Panna Cotta

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A deliciously crunchy and savoy chashu pork croquettes! Warm and healing vibes on the first bites

Ippudo Berkeley

3.6(1.3k reviews)

0.3 mi•Downtown Berkeley

•$$

Delicious ramen, but takes time for the food to come out…read more We came for lunch on a Sunday, a big group of about 10 people. The interior is spacious so they seated us with no issue. The menu is extensive and has a lot of great options. However, our food took over 30 minutes to come out, with the ramen coming out first, then buns, then sushi rolls. Since we were on a time crunch, a few of us either had to rush eat our dish or take it to-go. This was a bummer, but I would definitely come again to enjoy the food at a more preferable pace. The prices were also reasonable. Parking is as expected around campus - street metered parking. There is a restroom inside for customers.

The Hakata style ramen here at Ippudo is pretty solid. In case you are not familiar, hakata style…read moreramen is a thinner noodle than typical ramen. The ramen has a nice chew and the tonkatsu broth is really good without being overly salty which can be the case with many tonkotsu broth. Today I ordered the Akamaru Modern which for $2 includes a few drops of garlic oil and some umami paste. Was it worth the $2? Probably not but decided the splurge a little. The pork loin chashu was a bit bland though and had maybe 3 slices. To me, the biggest disappointment is that the ramen dish did not even come with an egg which is an additional $3 add on. After all the extra costs, ended up paying $22 for a bowl of ramen and that does not include the added tip on top of that. At least you can self serve sides like bean sprouts or pickles to add to your ramen. Definitely recommend the mildly spicy bean sprouts! The interior is modern and large and service is average. Just gave me my glass of water, took my order, and gave me my bill. No water refill.

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Ramen MISO (DD) with extra noodles

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Chicken karaage

Kinda Izakaya

4.2(186 reviews)

0.0 mi•Downtown Berkeley

We discovered this fun little Izakaya (Japanese social eatery) when coming into town for the…read moreLadytron show at the UC Theater on busy Saturday night on University Avenue and we are glad that we decided to give it a try. It was conveniently located across the street from the venue, and the unassuming outside of the restaurant did not hint at the amount of fun, ambiance, good food, and warm hospitality contained inside. First, there is the name. Not sure if it's some sort of play on words, secret joke, or if it's someone's actual name, but it works, kinda. It's kinda a restaurant, kinda a bar, kinda of a hangout, and kinda fun. The tiny entrance and plain facade reveals a bustling world of delicious food, tasty beverage, and lots of decorative eye candy to keep you looking around the space while you are hanging out with friends, on a date, or just relaxing after a long day. The decorations there are very upbeat, eclectic, fun, and distinctly Japanese pop culture. Posters, banners, flags, lanterns, toys, and trinkets can be found all over the restaurant, and made it fun to keep looking around and discover new novel things to look at. I did feel like I was in an authentic Izakaya somewhere in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ebisu in Tokyo. The place had a lot of personality & personal flair in an otherwise, tiny & industrial small warehouse type space. Service was excellent. The host was the cute & personable Mina, who couldn't have been more accommodating, patient, friendly, and engaging. It was very busy, and even though it was our first time there, Mina made us feel welcome into their home and was also very helpful to guide us around their experience. The other staff were less engaging, but still professional, efficient, and polite. Service was quick, attentive, and friendly on all accounts, and they as a team, managed to serve an entire full house of hungry & happy patrons during the entire Saturday night dinner rush. Fun place with a good staff. We opted for Izakaya-type, shared small plates to satisfy our hunger cravings without getting too full and weighed down on big portions of heavy, rich foods. Everything on the long & expansive menu looked great, but we mostly stuck with small appetizers to sample & savor. It was nice that there were plenty of lighter, fresh vegetarian options as neither of us were really in the mood for seafood, fried food, or big heavy entrees. We ordered the Kinda Tofu, Kyuri sliced fresh cucumber salad, and Kinoko butter-grilled mushroom hot platter and washed it down with some green grape Jinro soju. Everything was pretty good! Not overly fried, greasy, salty, or seasoned. Lightly cooked, delicately glazed, with just enough seasoning & oil/sauce to make it taste good, but not end up too complicated or messy. The taste really came through using these minimal cooking & seasoning techniques. The taste of the original vegetables & tofu came through perfectly, and were only complimented by their light hints of adding flavor. Portion sizes were ample for two people, and presentation was appetizing and organized. The bill for 3 apps + 1 bottle of Soju was less than $50, so it was a good value for the fun experience & good food. Wait times during the dinner rush are long, and there isn't really anywhere to sit or stand, so reservations are recommended. You can also enter and go straight to the 10-seat bar if there are openings, but we got a table for two after around a 20-30 minute wait. After that, everything moves pretty quickly, from ordering, getting food & drinks, to wrapping up and getting your check. Perfect system if you're trying to get to a concert, movie, or appointment with a specific start time. I really liked this place, not Kinda, not Sorta, but Definitely, or Absolutely! Kinda Izakaya will always be our destination to eat & hang out next time we come back to Berkeley, it is a true gem of a Japanese Izakaya/light meal fare right in the heart of downtown Berkeley. It's fun, tasty, busy, and friendly. Small & cozy, yet also airy & comfortable.

A very modern japanese bar vibe. Cute menus and cute decorations. Pretty empty on a weekday…read moreevening, so service was pretty quick and efficient. For food, we got the chicken knees, fried tofu, scallops, grilled squid, chicken thigh and chicken meatball skewers, and the sake butter clams. Everything was pretty yummy. I especially loved the clams. The clams themselves were smaller and tasted pretty fresh. The soup it comes with is savory, buttery, and perfect. Very good soup. Chicken thigh skewers were also very good, though I would've liked a couple more pieces of green onion to balance it out. The chicken meatball was very tender, but the meat itself was extremely flavored.. probably overly seasoned. Other items were solid as well! Scallops were fresh, I liked the sauce it came in. Chicken knees were a perfect snack and the sauce it came with was yummy. Squid and tofu were good, though not anything super special. Overall, a solid spot! I'll probably be thinking about that clam dish for awhile..

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Inside

Black dragon roll

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Kaki Fried

Tane Vegan Izakaya

4.5(457 reviews)

0.2 mi•Downtown Berkeley

•$$

I visited Tane Vegan Izakaya with a mission to try a couple of sushi rolls, but ended up with much…read moremore! In addition to vegan sushi rolls, the menu includes shared plates, starter soup and salad, ramen, grilled plates (yakimono), nigiri, cocktails, mocktails, and dessert. And yes, it's all vegan, and many items are or can be made gluten-free! I tried the: Gyoza Eggplant Nigiri Pacifica Roll Sunset Roll Basil Mojito The Pacifica Roll is deep-fried heaven. Tempura veggies rolled in rice and topped with a garlic aioli and sweet, sticky soy sauce that I am craving as I type. It's crunchy, it's tasty, and you have got to try it to get the hype. I was told it was a fan favorite, and I'm its new #1 fan. Visit my blog post for the full review: Yourneighborhoodvegan.com and follow me on social media @yourneighborhoodvegan for more reviews!

Who would have thought vegan sushi could be so good! It is delicious. We ordered pickup because…read morethis place is way too popular for dining in. If one were to eat gourmet vegan food, Berkeley is the best city. Not only it's healthy, (some even) gluten free, it is very very delicious. Tastes just like real rolls. We were so impressed. We got the Pacifica - tastes like a unagi tempura roll. The tangy sauce is excellent. The California roll is rich and creamy. All the avocado are fresh. The Point Reyes is spicy, looks like a spicy salmon roll. Tastes good. The rolls are nicely packed, do not fall apart easily. It is actually pretty spicy. The grilled mushroom comes with three types of mushrooms, the tangy bbq sauce is delicious. Nice interior, great friendly chef and staff. Always popular. We will be back!

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Photo 4: Interior

Corn ribs (GF)

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Left roll - Point Reyes (GF) Right roll - The Wedge (GF) deep fried

Marufuku Ramen

4.5(2.3k reviews)

2.6 mi•Temescal, North Oakland

•$$

Happy hour specials

Kid friendly

This is my favorite place to get Ramen in Oakland! It's…read morepretty small and snug once you're sat down in there so it's a pretty friendly setting. The service is always rather friendly and on most days very attentive! It can be really busy so it's always good to check the wait times before pulling up, especially if you're really hungry!

I've been wanting to try this place for a while and it was a really good experience. We went on…read moreFriday afternoon around 5pm and waited for maybe 10 minutes. Service was great, very friendly and fast! I love that they have adult ramen bibs, it came in very handy immediately! The tonkatsu ramen was very tasty and I love how many toppings are on the ramen! Everything paired so nicely the creamy savory broth, the salty pork, and sweet corn. It looks beautiful too! Solid ramen place! I also loved that they had vegan options.

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HAKATA TONKOTSU DX

Marufuku Ramen

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Kuriya Japanese Kitchen

4.6(185 reviews)

2.0 mi

•$$

Food was delicious…read more Service was great Would recommend this Japanese restaurant to anyone who wants authentic Japanese cuisine

Really Good Japanese ramen. A must try. Great service…read more Relaxing ambiance. Great for any size party and occasion.

Photos

Indoor seating

Tori Karaage

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Potato Special Tartare (4 pieces) ($15) - Deep fried potato with ground toro and tobiko. It's tasty though quite heavy.

Bansho Ramen

4.1(196 reviews)

0.9 mi•Telegraph Ave

•$$

Came here on Valentine's Day and it was super packed! Very busy with a slightly long wait about 20…read moreminutes for a party of 2. After sitting and ordering our food came out pretty quickly. Appetizers came first and were so delicious!! Edamame - 9/10 love the saltiness Yakiniku - 10/10 literally melts in your mouth! Spicy Misu ramen - 10/10 Spicy Tonkotsu - 9/10

Aug 9 2025 3:30pm 3.4 stars…read more After a short struggle to find parking, we walked the half a block to find Bansho tucked away in a corner- almost hidden from the street. The front doors are littered with adds and dirt. It looked a bit sketchy on the outside but we went inside anyway. Inside, the restaurant looks very pleasant. It has a comfortable and cozy look for a small 49 seat place. Mood music plays at a quiet level. There are several conversation starters for sure inside the restaurant like.. "What is that shrine with the green bananas on it for?" "Can you decipher the price of beer written on that chalkboard?" My favorite was "What is that treadmill doing in this restaurant?" We were seated and given menus. The waitress left and then came back after four or five minutes. I felt a little rushed to order as if the order taker assumed we had pre-prepped ourselves on their menu. We had to ask for more of a chance to look at the options. The two of us shared a bowl of Ramen, an order of California Rolls, a coke and later on we ordered Takoyaki-deep fried dough with I believe a piece of squid inside. Before the waitress left to give our first order to the chef, she said "Anything else?" I inferred she was suggesting our order was to small. Later I understood she might be warning me that that might be our last chance to order anything. It was hard for us to place that second order of Takoyaki. Once we were given our food, the waitress disappeared and never checked on us. To place another order, I had to keep the kitchen under surveillance, watching for someone to exit so we could jump up, run to the frond desk area and order. The food we did have was tasteful enough and the $41 seems fare. Negatives for Bansho. 1) The phones used by the front desk and in the kitchen are too loud, they ring for too long and destroy the ambience. Someone will one day invent a device that buzzes in your pocket instead of ringing loudly throughout the entire restaurant. Name it something catchy like "Cell Phone". 2) The Men's restroom was too dusty and the toilet seat was "spotty"- if you know what I mean. 3) Having someone check on you while you are eating and saying "Welcome In" when you get there and "Thank You For Your Business" when you leave would go a long way. I did see a sign that they are hiring so they might have been short staffed.

Photos

Conversation starters. Wright Brothers? And are those sticks on ropes for children to play with?

Karaage

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Takoyaki. Very attractive and piping hot.

Ippuku

3.9(1.5k reviews)

0.3 mi•Downtown Berkeley

•$$$

Ippuku was pretty crowded around 6:15pm on a Tuesday. We stood at the bar to eat dinner; there were…read morealso some low seats along the side of the front area that would have been shared. Total $136.96 for a filling dinner for two. * Okinawa Paloma ($16) - 3.5 stars. Good, solid, nothing spectacular or terrible. * Moro-Kyu (cucumbers, $10) - 2.5 stars, not bad, just seemed like regular cucumbers to me. * Nama-Yuba (tofu skin, $10) - 3.5 stars * Unibonara (creamy uni udon, $20) - 4.5 stars. Super tasty but super heavy! * Negima (thigh with leek, $12) - 3.5 stars * Enoki Bacon ($10) - 4 stars. Yummy but very oily. * Buta Bara (pork belly, $14) - 4 stars. Tasty but also really heavy.

Joe-son made a plan drive up from LA to surprise mom..He was hidden in the back of my car as we…read morepicked up Gio. When we arrived at Ippuku he popped up like a Waks-in-a-box......she "aaaieeeeeeed!" big success! Seated as night was approaching and ordered a 45mil sake carafe @$45. yummy Kokuryu. Will first list foods that won't get again....1. interesting but tiny teeny bowl tofu skins 2. tasteless watery egglant dish(worst thing). 3. and an ok but boring egg omelet. now for the winners: gyoza with a delicious filling encased in a delicate traslucent skin; 1/2 crispy skinned grilled mackeral (my fav!) grilled chik butt (a bit lite on salt..soy fixed it;) then to Joes objection I ordered smelt tempura... objection waived..we all loved it; wagu beef on a stick great (Joes fav); Scallion pancake quite good but which weirdly came toward the end of the meal & had to ask for it numerous times??? why Did it come so late.? anyway we finished with onigiri sesame crusty grilled rice ball and another in a delicious rich chicken broth.....asked our server for the check! wait a minute...something was amiss...missing items? when the bill arrived we were right! 3 grilled different chicken skewers that were missing in action were on the bill ....what? informed the staff ...the manager arrived & asked if we now wanted them...too late baby its too late.....the bill was corrected and almost $40 was deleted.... sooooo again the service here can leave much to be desired similar to missing items on our former visit. still many great dishes as well as its visually stunning interior & plus...ATTENTION! Women...your toilet seat is heated which Gio gushed about & adored! next time I'll have her photo the seat

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Cool shochu dispensers

Sashimi combo: tuna, fatty tuna, sea urchins and ?

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Beer and sake

Toss Noodle Bar

4.0(1.4k reviews)

0.4 mi•Downtown Berkeley

•$$

always a great spot to end a skate filming session at with the boys. the server gave an excellent…read morerecommendation with the peanut sauce!

I love their hokkein noodles! I've been here twice this month, and I'd probably go more often if I…read morelived closer. I love the build your own bowl- and the serving is big enough for me to have a box of leftovers. The first time I got a mix of the Thai and Malay sauces with chicken- and that was great. The second time I got just the Malay sauce. I think next time I'd mix it with the Thai again for the extra layer of spice on top of peanut. For balance.

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Inside

New Chef special Menu! TomYum Cheese Fried Rice.

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Panang Curry with tofu and white rice

Marugame Udon

3.7(934 reviews)

0.3 mi•Gourmet Ghetto, Downtown Berkeley

•$$

Locally owned & operated

Vegan friendly

Great spot for a quick, cheap, and delicious meal. You order a bowl of noodles, and then customize…read moreit with additional toppings. There's a self-serve tempura station where each piece is individually priced, so you have control over how little or much you want to spend. My first time here I ordered the size regular #10 and two vegetable tempura pieces, and the total was slightly under under or around $10. The next time I decided to splurge and added a third tempura, and the total was $13 something. Really good deal! I have a decent appetite and found the regular size bowl to be filling but not too filling. The noodles are perfectly chewy and the broth is flavorful. This place is definitely on par with other udon places in terms of taste. My second time here I came alone and I noticed quite a few people were also eating alone. For some reason this is a nice spot to have a meal by yourself. Maybe the quick service and the lowkey atmosphere helps. They have a lot of indoor seating, as well as outdoor seating that is elevated and sectioned away from the sidewalk. My source of anxiety here is having to carry the tray with your bowl to your table. I'm not the most coordinated, but it's been fine so far.

Been to a few Marugame locations and it's pretty straight-forward. The food was tasty and what I…read moreexpected, but this location leaves a lot to be desired. The workers didn't know which # paired with the item from the menu above. The cashier also didn't seem to know specific items on the menu either. No napkins was readily available and a few of the tables were dirty. Disappointing given this location is so close to downtown and walkable.

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16 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Christina M.

Elite 23

116

703

859

4 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.

4 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.

4 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.

4 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.

4 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.

4 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.

4 years ago

Broke da mouth for sure, gotta try it! You'll forget your name when you try it! Excellent food and service! Island ambiance is awesome!

Marques M.

4 years ago

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Owners are amazing! Food is authentic! Location is in a great area! Came with my family and i highly recommend ! read more

Shifty L.

4 years ago

Top quality Ramen. I ordered "Broke Da Mouth" spice level 3 and Musubi, all I can say is that it was amazing. 10/10 recommend.

Dustin S.

4 years ago

I've tried plenty of ramen. This is 10 fold better than any ramen I've ever tried. If I could give this 20 stars I would

Joseph S.

3 years ago

Went here on a whim and I was not disappointed. Ordered Ramen and found it flavorful and delicious. I will be back!

Paul L.

680

3 years ago

I kinda like it. It's good. Looking forward to trying their loco moco though since it's a Hawaiian restaurant too.

Daniel D.

4 years ago

Best Ramen in Berkeley!! As well as friendly owners (Spam Musubi and Brak Da Minh Masa specials to die for!!).

Matt C.

Elite 26

2 years ago

Nomnomnomnomnomnomnomnoknomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomn

Caierrah Z.

4 years ago

Definitely my new favorite ramen place. Service was phenomenal.

Masa Ramen Bistro - hawaiian - Updated November 2026

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Food was delicious…read more Service was great Would recommend this Japanese restaurant to anyone who wants authentic Japanese cuisine

Really Good Japanese ramen. A must try. Great service…read more Relaxing ambiance. Great for any size party and occasion.

AKEMI Japanese Restaurant

3.8

(430 reviews)

•$$

Our party of four dined and ordered way too much food. The Maguro and Hamachi sashimi were fresh…read moreand enjoyed tempura sashimi the most. After a bottle of sauv blanc, 3 orders of sashimi, and amaebi... oh wait we had the black cod, beef combo and tonkatsu, we spent about $100 per person with tip. The service was good and didn't have any complaints. I thought the entire dining room was a little dim for me. I would have liked it to be a little less romantic especially with some kids screaming in the background . Overall I would go back to try the hamachi Kama next time.

AKEMI is a comfortable and reliable Japanese restaurant on Solano Avenue, with a nice modern dining…read moreroom and a broad menu covering sushi, rolls, tempura, grilled dishes and other Japanese standards. We tried several different items, and overall everything was well prepared. The sushi was fresh and nicely presented, with generous pieces of fish. The steak was properly grilled and paired surprisingly well with the tempura. The tempura itself came out light and crisp, without feeling excessively oily. The agedashi tofu was another simple but satisfying dish -- crisp outside, soft inside, with bonito flakes, green onion and the familiar savory broth. Even the miso soup deserves a mention. Nothing complicated, just a warm, properly balanced bowl of miso soup that did exactly what it was supposed to do. That probably describes AKEMI pretty well. There was no single dish that completely changed my understanding of Japanese cuisine, but there also wasn't anything on the table I regretted ordering. Everything was fresh, competent and enjoyable. Berkeley can sometimes be surprisingly difficult when you're simply looking for a dependable meal, and AKEMI fills that role nicely. I probably wouldn't make a special trip across the Bay just for dinner here, but if I'm in Berkeley and want good sushi, tempura or Japanese food around Solano Avenue, I would have no problem coming back. Four stars. Solid, comfortable, and reliably good. -- Dr. C Independent Culinary Quality Control Raw Material Inspection: PASS Thermal Processing: PASS Tempura Integrity: PASS Miso Soup Performance: ABOVE EXPECTATION Overall System Status: STABLE & WITHIN SPECIFICATION

Sushinista

4.3

(199 reviews)

•$

Brief Summary: - Affordable prices for sushi and it also…read morefills you up - Located near the library and post office area in Berkeley - Wasabi mayo amount versus tolerance: depends on the person - Enjoyed the sweet potato fries too This is one of the places I wanted to visit for the longest time; however I struggled with the timing because I tend to visit Berkeley on weekends, and this restaurant is closed. Finally, the time arrived when I left work early and decided to stop by Berkeley to see the sakura blossoms that bloomed in the university campus this year. What good way to observe the sakura blossoms with the traditional hanami experience, so we decided to take sushinista sushi rolls and eat at the long sakura alley way near University Ave. There are different types of fillings in each sushi, and I chose the saku saku shrimp. Various vegetables are packed inside, with the optional spread of wasabi mayo. I chose to have the mayo in all of the rolls; the staff mentioned 3 levels if I recall: regular, a little, and no wasabi mayo. For the wasabi tolerance, I was pretty alright, it didn't sting my nose. However, this depends on the person because the same amount made a relative of mine sniffle through the eating experience. I wouldn't have tried the sweet potato fries, but my relative is a fan of them. Glad we did because I enjoyed this snack. When it is served fresh from the fryer, the exterior is light and crisp! This paired very well with the match salt that came with it. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so I would love to visit after work hours and have this again

Super fast nice service. No real seating it's more a grab and go and with how fast the service was…read moreI don't mind it. Average size sushi burrito but good for the price and definitely tasty. I would recommend as I will definitely be coming back. I'm just sad they have such small hours.

Nagoya Sushi

4.4

(27 reviews)

Amazing!! Highly recommend. The food was incredible with huge portions. Our waitress was so…read morefriendly and very attentive.

We came here for a big lunch (4 course meal) today. Husband and I both ordered their sushi and…read moresashimi plate for $25 each. You get six pieces of sushi and four pieces of sashimi on each plate. It was good variety and I enjoyed it but the fish could have been fresher and higher quality. We also ordered a salmon skin roll for 6.50 and a spider roll which has soft shell crab for 11.95. The salmon skin roll had very little salmon skin in it but mostly cucumber which is disappointing because a salmon skin roll should have mostly salmon skin. I noticed that my wood chopsticks had a lot of wood dust when I separated them. Some of that wood dust got on my salmon skin roll. I wish that they would use metal chopsticks or regular chopsticks because these disposable wood chopsticks bled a lot of wood dust. When I asked to see the menu again to add another roll, the waitress placed the menu right on top of my dish which is very unhygienic. We really enjoyed the miso soup but I felt the rolls had too much unagi sauce on it. Unagi sauce has a lot of frutose in it. This is not something I want to taste when I'm eating Japanese food. My husband is Japanese and I eat a lot of Japanese food so I know that this is not normal. This is a good restaurant if you want casual Japanese American food but I will be seeking out a more authentic Japanese culinary experience in the future.

Nippon Curry Berkeley

4.4

(61 reviews)

•$$

Restaurant across Berkeley with about ten barstool seats. They were empty on the Sunday evening I…read morewent. Japanese curry is cheap, but for a business, prices are fair. The food was more fresh than I thought, but I might have found it yummy due to being so hungry. Overall a chxll casual spot would maybe go again :p

Peppery, crispy, satisfying curry…read more My rice was shy of the correct quantity of water by a little-- which kept the rice from being super plump, sticky, and delicious. The tonkatsu I ordered, the breading didn't have that nice traditional air space and fluffiness that typical Japanese technique--- O well-- it's across from campus and it's super convenient and quick! Runs like $17-18

Kyoto

4.1

(269 reviews)

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Kyoto has a great selection of very, very nice sushi and a lot of other Japanese stuff which looks…read morehella tasty. And the prices are right. I've been there many times and love it.

I went to the Peace vegan restaurant for lunch when I noticed this small sushi shop next door…read more The Futomaki roll had a good amount of mushrooms, spinach, Japanese omelette and carrots. It tasted authentic and good. And it was only 5.99 and the perfect amount for a meal. The veggie roll here is a much better deal than comparable veggie Korean rolls which cost twice as much. Kyoto also carries a good amount of different kinds of sushi. Prices are very reasonable. The food was fresh and I would definitely come back to try different things. This seems like a very popular shop for cheap sushi. They make a lot of sales throughout the day.

Sushi Secrets

3.8

(391 reviews)

•$$

9/6/26- Small restaurant near Downtown Berkeley BART station. Usually quiet in the evenings which…read moreis when I drop in before catching BART to head home. Always clean tables and facility. Bathroom available. Every food item is made to 9rder so its fresh. There are pre-fix food items as well as make your own from ingredients available. They will bring your food to your table after ordering. A variety of drinks in bottles and cans as well as lemon water in a dispenser on a table. I have tried the sushi burritos and rolls and all qre good sized for the price.

I love sushi burritos! I always get it to go…read more They are very fast making the food. They go a little light on the cucumber and heavy on the crab.

Sun Sun Sushi Shop

4.7

(49 reviews)

So far, the fish has tasted rather freshly made on the 2 occasions I stepped in (around 12 to 1)…read more Fresh enough to pass for restaurant quality. Obviously, if the to go packs sit around long enough, that's no longer the case. Drop by a little early maybe and get them fresh fresh. Easy to recommend.

If you are a student or someone who lives near downtown Berkeley, this place is a must visit! Sun…read moreSun Sushi Shop is the perfectly place to grab fresh Sushi for a great price! They restock the sushi throughout the day so it's always fresh! It's a small shop that allows you to grab whatever sushi you want from the fridge before paying at the counter. There are plenty of options to choose from, they even had inari and gyozas. I went with the salmon aburi, salmon avocado, and chefs nigiri. Everything was delicious! The fish to rice ratio was good and you can tell that the fish was fresh! I loved the smokiness of the salmon aburi. It was cooked perfectly, but not to the point where it was cooked completely. The owner rang up my order and bagged it up for me. He even threw in some fortune cookies, soysauce, and wasabi!

Ramen Hiroshi

3.9

(31 reviews)

Excellent flavor, reasonable price & *very generous* amount of noodles! I would eat here again for…read moresure (also thanks for substituting my pork meat for extra drug eggs ;) Chill ambiance -- definitely 5 star service!

Was surprised this ramen was pretty good for a food court. Prices were reasonable and the service…read morewas great! Ordered the Hitoshi Tonkatsu Ramen and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of noodles and "condiments" in it. The broth was flavorful and I was slurping it up after I finished the noodles. Wished the noodles were a bit more chewy but actually what super impressed me was the service. I ordered the ramen but was sitting out by the super duper. Apparently the pager doesn't go that far and the guy came and found me! How nice! It's hard to find people who go above and beyond. The ambiance of the food court can be noisy but I do like that there are plenty of seats to choose from. They have the soccer game on the screens so peeps were enjoying that and hanging out.

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16 Masa Ramen Bistro reviews that are not currently recommended

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16 reviews that are not currently recommended

Masa Ramen Bistro - hawaiian - Updated November 2026

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