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    Mensho

    4.5 (639 reviews)
    ModerateRamen
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM

    Mensho Photos

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    MENSHO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Mensho

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    Vegan garlic spicy knockout and regular garlic knockout
    Emma G.

    Incredible vegan ramen. I will always come back to Mensho. It's also conveniently located in the best neighborhood. You will probably have to wait a bit for your table, but take a walk around the beautiful shops. It'll be so worth it!!

    Garlic ramen
    Amanjot K.

    Absolutely 10/10 ramen spot in the bay! I've always spoke so highly about Mensho as their first location was in SF. The ramen is so so good and so flavorful. This time we got the spicy chicken and it was delicious . We came about 30 minutes before closing and got seated within 5 minutes and enjoyed every bite on a cold rainy day. The staff was so friendly and often checked in on us. It's such a lively place with friends, family and date nights. The ramen is perfect and big in portion - feels so similar to ramen you'd find in Japan.

    Enoki Chips
    Isaac C.

    Decided to come to Mensho on a Saturday night based on many ramen recommendations. This is definitely one to add to your list if you are a ramen lover on the East Bay! The wait wasn't bad despite it being a Friday night, for a table for two it was about 20 minutes on the waitlist. When we arrived and were seated we were warmly greeted by staff and attended to immediately. The staff was very accommodating and provided their recommendations on the food and also sake. We started with the Enoki Chips and Chicken Kaarage. The Enoki chips remind me of shoestring onion rings (only healthier?) the Chicken Kaarage had a little bit of spice and had a good combination of flavors in the sauce. Though the appetizers were good, the Signature Smoked Toripaitan ramen easily stole the show. I had no clue that you could smoke the egg but they did, there were many combinations of flavors and each bite was savory. We loved the setting that makes you feel like you're in Tokyo, food and everything about this ramen spot. Easily earning a top 5 spot in Bay Area ramen; we will be back!

    Tuna handroll
    Rachel M.

    One of my fave ramen spots in Oakland! Always a line out the door even 15 min before it opened- good thing we were first in line. Interior is chill, intimate with community style tables, very attentive, prompt and friendly service, and delicious handmade mochi wheat noodles in a complex flavorful broth. The signature toripaitan is the best ramen I've had on the menu although I'm sure you can't go wrong with the others. The chashu melts in your mouth and the noodles are a nice chewy texture. Broth is thick, creamy, smoky, truffly, and addicting! They also have a substantial vegan menu that is equally creative and tasty, according to the hubz. We appreciate how well thought out the overall menu is and they also don't do takeout to retain the freshness of the product as it's best eaten fresh from the kitchen. Prices are a little higher - overall low to mid $20s, more for the A5 Wagyu - but worth every penny in quality and taste! There is free street parking in the nearby residential streets and paid street parking and lot close by.

    Ramen
    Angella G.

    Cannot get enough of this place! I've had both their vegan and their meat based ramen, both of them are amazing and I couldn't pick out a favorite if you paid me to! Their appetizers are also delicious, I really enjoyed the corn ribs and the hand rolls, but note that some Ramen do come with corn ribs already. I've never had a long wait here, though it is always popular and I've never seen the place empty! They have larger tables that they can section out to seat two different parties, but it's always very comfortable. I'd say it's the best Ramen we have in the bay!

    sonia c.

    You can tell the chicken soup base is great quality since it's super thicc, as some have mentioned ~ and not in an oily way, but like a thick concentrated stock. We enjoyed the soups we got, but it did feel a little monotonously heavy, and wasn't a soup I'd slurp up. We got their garlic one & the duck matcha one, and I'd say the garlic one felt less heavy, with the garlic helping to balance the flavors. The matcha was very vibrant and seemed to be of high grade. Maybe something zesty would have helped balance the richness. We did enjoy their appetizers - fried enoki, and crab handroll; corn ribs were not bad. We came on a Saturday for an early dinner around 4:45pm and the wait was about 15 min for our party of 2 (I saw on the waitlist that ahead of us there was only 1 party of 2, and maybe 6 parties of 2+). Parking is a little tough, and it worked out that the spouse used 15 min to find residential street parking.

    Lian T.

    Holy moly. How have I slept on this place for so long?! Tried this place last night with some friends who rave about their ramen and it is hands down the BEST in the bay. The depth of flavor in the broth - I am already planning my next visit. We got the enoki chops, daikon salad, and a couple hand rolls. Draft sake was super good. I initially was thinking wow I can't wait to order this in when I'm not feeling up for getting my lazy butt out of the house - but they're so committed to their food experience they don't offer takeout.

    Talia B.

    The service is decent and overall quick. They are busy though so wait times can run long. The ambience, because of how busy they are, is pretty overwhelming and crowded. Food wise I messed up. I saw garlic and didn't even think, but I missed that it was spicy and I don't like spicy so it was already a bit of a disappointment BUT that's on ME and I know that. However, spice aside there were some issues with this ramen vs the places I enjoy. The soup wasn't very creamy, it erred on the oily side, there was way too much chopped onion as a topping that is almost overpowers the garlic. I also wish they didn't put the corn on the cob in the ramen as it makes it terribly unnecessary difficult to eat. The tuna hand roll was mediocre unfortunately, as was the karaage mushroom. I enjoyed the fried enoki but I have had better elsewhere because this too was on the oilier side. Price wise it was okay but the sides were not worth their cost. I would not come here again visit because the not spicy vegan options don't really call me. Also they don't allow take out because they claim it's best fresh but the two people I went with had their left overs about an hour and some later...and liked it more then lol

    Chicken karage
    Emily X.

    Go around 5 PM if you can--you'll beat the rush and have a much more relaxed experience. The noodles are on the thicker side with a nice chew, and the broth is rich without being overwhelming, which I appreciated. That said, toppings are fairly limited and tend to get soggy quickly, so they don't quite hold up through the bowl. Matcha Duck: The duck was very tasty with a subtle smoked flavor. The matcha broth was interesting--slightly bitter but creamy--and surprisingly worked well overall. Garlic Knockout: Not quite a knockout. Definitely garlicky, but more restrained than the name suggests. Signature: The most traditional of the three. I especially enjoyed the egg, and this bowl felt the most balanced and classic. Overall, solid ramen with some creative options, best enjoyed early before the crowds roll in. There's a whole vegan menu too.

    Isabel M.

    Mensho is hands down my go-to date spot with my boyfriend, especially on a cold day. There's nothing better than walking in from the cold, sitting down, and immediately feeling cozy with a hot bowl of ramen in front of you. It just hits every time. The food is always on point. Every bowl is flavorful, comforting, and clearly made with so much care. You never second-guess your order here because everything just works. Between the cozy vibe, the consistently amazing food, and the fact that it never disappoints, Mensho is one of those places we'll always come back to.

    Henry H.

    It's been a while since I last ate at Mensho, and the last time was at their SF location near Union Square. I remembered really liking their ramen, so I was excited to finally check out their Oakland spot. We arrived around 5pm when the restaurant was about a third full, but it filled up quickly within 30 minutes--and by then, people were already waiting outside to be seated. The space has a cool vibe with unique decor that makes you feel like you've stepped into a different world. Service-wise, things felt a little rushed. We were asked if we were ready to order as soon as we sat down, and then again a minute later. It seemed like someone was checking in every minute until we finally ordered, which made the start of the meal feel a bit hurried. As for the food, I really enjoyed the Enoki Chips and Spicy Kara-Age--both were flavorful and perfectly cooked. The cucumber salad, on the other hand, didn't leave much of an impression. For my ramen, I went with the A5 Wagyu Paitan. The toppings were great, especially the beef, but the chicken-based broth was a bit too thick and rich for my taste. Chicken Paitan is often rich but their broth was a bit over the top for me. The smoky flavor of the egg, which the menu mentioned, also wasn't really my thing. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and would come back--though this time, the appetizers stood out more to me than the ramen itself.

    Daikon Salad
    Kendrick N.

    We were here on a rainy Saturday night and it took us 1 hr to get in because it's so popular! The place has a very nice and lively vibe. The two of us ordered a bunch of stuff and everything was really good! The daikon salad and the enoki chips were unique. The handrolls were good. The nigiri was a little too "beefy" but still great. But the highlight has got to be the ramen. Very exotic! I don't think you can find ramen this kind anywhere! The broth looks creamy but it doesn't taste heavy at all! All the meats are very tender, and don't forget to add the roasted tomato! Some of the stuff took a little long to come out. Plus we wanted to order the ramen later so it comes out hot, but the waitress offered that we could order now and she'll hold it for us. The ramen ended up coming out 1 min after the appetizer. Overall, very good experience!

    No takeout
    Sonu N.

    We came just before 6 PM on a Sunday night, party of five, added ourselves to the yelp waitlist and were seated in an hour. This place is very popular so definitely expect to wait. Takeout is not available. The area is cute so you can kill time by walking around and browsing the stores, although most were closed at this time on a Sunday. The place is committed to its farm to bowl and house made Ramen. The philosophies are explained all over on the walls. My vegetarian friends, there are six vegan options for Ramen!!! This is unheard of. The waitress explained that she can make anything non-spicy if needed. She recommended two of the creamy options, vegan garlic knockout and vegan tantan. I went with vegan tantan, non spicy version. I was surprised by the hearty meaty mouthfeel created by the variety of mushrooms, minced soy protein and eggplant-- and appreciated the wealth of fresh herbs. One of the most unique vegan ramen I've ever had. It was definitely worth the wait and I will return. There is street parking.

    Garlic vegan ramen (spicy)

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    Mensho Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mensho

    Do any of the broths contain seafood? My partner has a seafood allergy (fish and shellfish).

    They also offer vegan options!

    What items "do not " have sesame or tree nut (e.g.,cashew, almond, macadamia)? Jbtw peanuts are legumes and not considered tree nuts-thnx in advance

    Water

    Does the broth used in all the items except for those specifically identified as vegan contain pork? I eat poultry and fish, but not pork or beef, so a broth made only from chicken and/or fish would be fine.

    I think most of their broths are pork based, but please call them ahead of time to confirm. Best to go with vegan options to be sure.

    Is there a way to find out current wait times? The phone when straight to voicemail.

    Walking in to check in is your best bet

    Does mensho do takeout?

    No, they do not when I checked with them in November.

    Is this business kid friendly? Do they provide highchairs?

    the staff there is really friendly. it can get loud and cramped so it depends on whether or not they'd be ok in that sort of environment. the have tall tables and i believe they have lower tables too. they also tend to split the tables with a… Read more

    Is this place first come first serve or reservations? I don't see anywhere on the website for reservations.?

    First come first serve. And totally worth the wait.

    Are you open on Presidents' Day (2/19/24)?

    Yes we are open

    Are you dine in only? Can i order a take out?

    We are dine in only and do not offer take-out

    Are there gluten free options besides ramen without noodles?

    Gluten free noodles maybe available but I'm not sure. Better to call Mensho for answer.

    Are there gluten free options?

    We do not have gluten options! Thank you very much

    Do you serve vegetarian ramen that is cooked with vegetarian broth?

    Yes. Half of the menu is completely vegan.

    Will you be open on Christmas Day?

    We will be closed on Christmas Day, otherwise regular hours on the 24th and 26th

    Do they take reservations?

    Sorry, no reservations

    What is the business hour?

    M-W 5:00-9:30pm Thursday 4:00-9:30pm Friday 4:00-10pm… Read more

    What are the hours?

    M-W 5:00-9:30pm Thursday 4:00-9:30pm Friday 4:00-10pm… Read more

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    NōKA Ramen & Bar

    NōKA Ramen & Bar

    4.3(610 reviews)
    2.7 miJack London Square
    $$

    Literally my favorite meal in awhile. I was so surprised by this little spot in Jack London that…read moreI've had in my list for awhile. Decor is stunning first of all. Like tropical, anime, paradise? The service was so quick! I had barely gone to the bathroom after ordering and my food was out. Our server was so kind and attentive too. I love that they're all in power ranger cosplay too. Drinks and menu were unique and fun! I loved my highball which came with a Pokémon card. The gyoza was handmade on my ramen and the broth was so flavorful and comforting. Best of all, they could accommodate my kids! They have a mini kids ramen that was perfect for them. They both ate so much! Needless to say, I will be back. This is a must try if you're in Jack London.

    Came on an early Saturday evening with a party of four and got seated right away. The first thing…read morethat stands out is how friendly the staff is here with their communal greeting as soon as you arrive. You are literally waited on with excellent service, our server today was N and they were phenomenal at what they do. We loved the anime themed "uniforms " and matching decor that instantly transported us back into classic 90s anime nostalgia. The cocktails and food are colorful and delightful to peruse but honestly don't think too hard about it. Everything on here looks great and taste even better. Highlights for us during this trip, where the Pikachu burger and the steak Ramen, which features spicy yet flavorful broth and generous portion sizes for everything. We tried the passionfruit highball that came with an exclusive Pokémon card, which is a great garnish that tickled my inner child. Would not hesitate in coming back and trying more of their offerings.

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    NōKA Ramen & Bar - Sailor Moon Flight

    Sailor Moon Flight

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    Shishito Peppers

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    Sobo Ramen - Curry Chicken Katsu Ramen

    Sobo Ramen

    3.8(1.1k reviews)
    2.2 miOakland Chinatown
    $$

    The worst yakitori I have ever had. All round no one liked their ramen as well (6 ppl). I normally…read morereserve one stars for food health hazards but this was terrible. Ordered the chicken thigh, chicken skin, and tofu scallion yakitori. Chicken thigh yakitori- cold meat that was clearly old frozen meat. Biting into this was like biting into a spongy mush slab tasting only strange water excretions and the overwhelming teriyaki sauce drenching it. 0/10 Chicken skin yakitori - expected a fried skin lightly seasoned item. Received regular mushy chicken skin with no flavor or pan searing, baking, frying nothing. Again drowned in teriyaki sauce. 0/10 Tofu scallion yakitori - tough, old, and dry tofu on a stick drenched in teriyaki sauce again. 0/10 I have never received such horrible food. All other ramen orders at the table also mentioned bland broths.

    Sobo. So good! I got one of the signature ramens, Black Garlic Mayu. The combination of pork bone…read morebroth with roasted black garlic oil is layered in its complexity and oh so satisfying. The Chashu pork, Ajitama egg, bamboo shoots, bok choy, and garlic cloves are delicious and nutritious! Well worth $19.50. It's a huge bonus that they have my favorite sake, the Demon Slayer. The service is polite, the food comes out quickly and there are plenty of tables. Nothing fancy, but a nice place to have noodles with friends.

    Photos
    Sobo Ramen
    Sobo Ramen - Garl Spicy Black Tonkotsu

    Garl Spicy Black Tonkotsu

    Sobo Ramen - Agedashi Tofu

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    Tada Ramen & Yakitori - Tonkotsu Ramen

    Tada Ramen & Yakitori

    4.4(135 reviews)
    1.0 miGrand Lake, Lower Hills

    Food was so good! I just moved from SF and have been to spots like Marufuku Ramen and Hinodeya…read moreRamen Bar, and this place definitely compares. I got the Tonkotsu and the grilled pork was delicious, super flavorful with a nice char on the edges. Had that nice grilled flavor. I got the spicy on the side since I wasn't sure about the heat level, and ended up using about 3/4 of it. It paired really well with the broth, which was rich and full of flavor. The yakitori was also really good. I tried the king oyster and the chicken thigh, and everything was cooked perfectly. I finished everything. The atmosphere is great, the art and menu are really fun, and the service was super friendly. Really excited to have this as my go-to ramen spot. Definitely bringing friends and family here when they visit.

    Tada Ramen & Yakitori in Oakland was a bit of a rainy day pivot for us. I'll start by saying I'm…read morehella biased, I love Marufuku over in Temescal, but we wanted to dine in for lunch and found out they were only doing pickup. So we ended up here instead. For starters, we got the enoki chips, and they were such a fun, unique treat. Super crispy with a great texture, I'd absolutely order them again. We also tried the Tada bun. It was good, but it felt like it was missing something to really make it pop. I really appreciated the variety on the menu, especially the starters and curries. There are so many options that I'd definitely come back to try something different next time. If you're vegan, this is actually a great spot. They have three vegan ramen options, which felt special since most places only offer one. My partner ordered the spicy vegan ramen and thought it was terrific, though we both agreed the broth wasn't as rich as we're used to. I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen, but unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The broth felt a bit underwhelming, and the pork flavor came across stronger than I expected. That said, I'd definitely come back, especially because of the thoughtful vegan options. Next time, I'll probably try the Chashu Bowl, which looked really good when it came out at another table. The space isn't very big, so it's probably not ideal for groups larger than 4-6, but it would be great for a casual date night or cozy lunch.

    Photos
    Tada Ramen & Yakitori - Inside

    Inside

    Tada Ramen & Yakitori - Mochi Bacon Skewers

    Mochi Bacon Skewers

    Tada Ramen & Yakitori - Unagi Skewer

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    Ramen Station - Black Garlic Ramen

    Ramen Station

    4.1(173 reviews)
    2.8 miEast Oakland
    $$

    Ramen Station is hands down one of the best ramen spots in the Bay Area. What really sets it apart…read moreis the fully contactless experience, which is both efficient and fun. Walking in feels like stepping into a Japanese train station--bright colors, bold art on the walls, and TVs playing scenic views from a Japanese train ride. Below the screens are self-ordering kiosks where you customize everything yourself. My go-to order every time: Spicy Tan Tan Ramen -- 10/10. The broth is rich, creamy, and perfectly spicy with a sesame-infused base. It comes with ground pork, seaweed, green scallions, corn, and woodear mushrooms. I usually substitute the woodear mushrooms for shiitake mushrooms, add pickled pink ginger, ask for light salt, and choose skinny noodles. I love that you can customize toppings and noodle thickness exactly how you want. Once you pay, a receipt prints with your number. You wait until your number is called over the radio--when it happens, a train bell rings, and your number flashes above the serving window like you're boarding a train. Such a cool touch. Portions are generous, flavors are always bold, and the ramen is consistently packed and satisfying. If you're taking it to go, they offer solid packaging options so you can reheat everything properly at home. Tip: skip the paper bags--they don't hold up well. Get the box and handle with care. I come here often, and even after trying other ramen spots, nothing compares. Ramen Station is a true 5-star, contactless ramen experience. Highly recommend.

    I came by to get a snack at this place. I originally saw this place from the 880 highway near the…read morewater in Oakland. I was pretty confused when I walked in because I had to order at a machine and you don't see any workers! Reminded me of Japan. The food options included things like ramen and masubis. I got a masubi to try the place out. It was a double masubi with spam on both sides. The masubi was good, nothing crazy but it was definitely hot and fresh. The wait time was kind of long considering there was no one there. At all. There is a dining area outside by the water that's nice as well. Parking lot is small and could appear to get busy during weekdays. Overall it's a cool experience especially if you're the type to dine alone. It's like dining alone in Japan if you've ever been.

    Photos
    Ramen Station - Original Tonkotsu Ramen & Deluxe Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

    Original Tonkotsu Ramen & Deluxe Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

    Ramen Station - Touchscreen ordering

    Touchscreen ordering

    Ramen Station - Outside

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    Outside

    Tsuruya - Black garlic Tonkotsu with Hokkaido noodles. I added spinach and spicy paste. Yum!

    Tsuruya

    4.7(171 reviews)
    3.3 miGourmet Ghetto, Downtown Berkeley
    $$

    Black garlic tonkas- order the chili paste on the side and adjust rhe spice to yiur liking…read more The calamari was fried in a very good batter it was light and flavorful the Inside is very cozy and gives a traditional Raman house vibe service was prompt No complaints

    I went here with my friends around 6:30pm for dinner. There was fortunately no wait and we were…read moreseated immediately. We were given the option of sitting at a table or at the bar, but we chose to sit at a table. I ordered the Deluxe Spicy Tori Paitan which is their chicken option. They also serve each ramen base with tonkotsu/pork as well. You can choose between having Hakata (thin, straight) or Sapporo (medium thick, wavy) noodles. I chose to get the Sapporo noodles. The spice level was good, however besides the name, there was no other spice indicator for this menu item. The only item that had spice indicators was their spiciest option which had 3 flame symbols next to it. The spice was good and didn't mask the flavor of the ramen. The waitress came around a lot to refill water as needed. The restaurant is small, but the food is really good. I'd love to try their tonkotsu options next time. Parking is a bit difficult to get, especially in downtown Berkeley. You may have to find street parking a block or two down depending on the time you come to eat.

    Photos
    Tsuruya - Interior

    Interior

    Tsuruya - Matcha Panna Cotta

    Matcha Panna Cotta

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

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

    Ramen Shop - Yeee

    Ramen Shop

    3.5(1.8k reviews)
    1.3 miRockridge, North Oakland
    $$

    The Ramen shop never seems to disappoint in Rockridge Oakland. My husband and I often like to go in…read moreand grab a cocktail at the bar. The drinks are very flavorful and strong. For New Year's Eve we went to the special event at the Ramen shop for the first time and really enjoyed ourselves with Japanese appetizers a DJ and great drink. On normal days, we like to catch the appetizers with a bowl of Ramen or my husband's favorite is the fried rice!!! It's a little smaller inside, but it's intimate and very cozy. Staff is often very helpful and quick.

    We dined at Ramen Shop on a weeknight for dinner and it was an alright experience. The restaurant…read moreis a cozy and dimly lit ramen shop in Rockridge with a bar area close to the front entrance and a good amount of seating. The front entry way is a bit narrow, so it may be slightly awkward if there are others waiting in the same area. The restaurant was quite busy when I went, and most tables were occupied, which seemed surprising for a Tuesday night. I arrived a few minutes before our reservation time and was seated right away. The menu features a special along with a handful of appetizers and ramen dishes. There were also two fried rice options. One thing to note, I did not notice any ramen dishes with tonkatsu broth, it was either shoyu or miso broth. However, each ramen option appears to have a good amount of toppings. Both my friend and I opted to order the Meyer Lemon Shoyu Veggie ramen without egg. The dish took longer than expected and while I liked the addition of the baby carrots and broccolini, the broth was lacking flavor (I didn't notice much of the Meyer lemon flavor) and the noodles were mediocre. Considering the price of the dish ($28.50), I expected the ramen to be more palatable and impressive or loaded up with veggies. It would've been nice to have more toppings in the dish, maybe some sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant, without having to request/pay for add ons. The broth was bland and I was hoping for a noticeable, citrusy flavor, which didn't come through. My friend and I opted to order and share both dessert options. We both liked the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which was warm and comforting and paired well with vanilla ice cream. I thought the black sesame ice cream sandwich was good too. Although, the brown butter cookies had more of a crunchy, cracker-like texture and not the type of cookie I was expecting. Customer service was kind and attentive, and I had no issues there. I think the main drawback is the price for each dish and the lackluster flavor of the ramen. For 2 bowls of veggie ramen and two desserts, the total was $91+ before tip. We didn't order any appetizers or drinks, and the cost seemed too steep for what we ordered to be honest. While it was worth checking out, I am not fully sure if a return trip is worthwhile. It may be best to visit a different ramen shop for a truly flavorful dish and a better meal.

    Photos
    Ramen Shop
    Ramen Shop - Roasted Sweet Potato - mushroom daikon bagoong, jalapeño, crispy garlic, and lime

    Roasted Sweet Potato - mushroom daikon bagoong, jalapeño, crispy garlic, and lime

    Ramen Shop - Necronomicon  yuzu gold rush, brown wolf

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    Necronomicon yuzu gold rush, brown wolf

    Itani Ramen - Spicy Shrimp Ramen

    Itani Ramen

    3.5(655 reviews)
    1.8 miUptown
    $$

    Nice spot in the afternoon! Haven't been for dinner…read more A friend and I came in late afternoon and had a few beers and sakes with a happy hour deal and ordered a ramen bowl each. The chashu buns were really good, but the ramen could've had more flavor. I would say this isn't a specialty ramen place (despite its name) but a nice, casual ramen spot to satisfy the craving.

    I hit up Itani Ramen on a random Tuesday evening with some friends. The spot itself is solid. It's…read morethat medium-sized, industrial-chic aesthetic that Oakland loves. I liked the layout; the seating kind of wraps around the open kitchen, like we're all spectators in a delicious production. It's a nice design that allows you to feel the energy without being jammed up. Good space for a group dinner. I took the plunge and ordered the Oxtail Ramen (sweet potato, garlic chives, sesame, shio chicken broth). Now, I love oxtail, and I love ramen. This should've been the culinary equivalent of watching an undefeated season. The Verdict? It was... fine. You ever eat something that's technically correct--the spices are there, the texture is fine--but it just doesn't hit that emotional frequency? That was this bowl. The oxtail was tender, and the sweet potato was an interesting, earthy addition. The shio chicken broth was savory, but it frankly lacked that deep, soulful complexity, that umami punch that makes you stop mid-slurp and appreciate the moment. It wasn't bad, just not inspired. If this bowl was a term paper, it would get a competent 'C'--meets the requirements, but nowhere near the Dean's List. If you're in the area and need a decent, perfectly acceptable bowl of hot soup and a chill environment, Itani will do the job. But if you're looking for that transcendent, life-affirming ramen experience, you might want to adjust your GPS. I'm giving it a 3 out of 5 stars--it passed, but I'm not running back for seconds.

    Photos
    Itani Ramen - Interior

    Interior

    Itani Ramen - Housemade Gyoza - option of pork or veggie

    Housemade Gyoza - option of pork or veggie

    Itani Ramen - Full cocktail menu at fair prices

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    Full cocktail menu at fair prices

    Mensho - ramen - Updated May 2026

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