Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Noodle in a Haystack

    4.8 (95 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndRamen, New American

    Noodle in a Haystack Photos

    Business Info

    NOODLE IN A HAYSTACK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Noodle in a Haystack

    Recommended Reviews - Noodle in a Haystack

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos - Noodle in a Haystack

    Yoko's Donut
    Tiffany K.

    For years, I had friends who raved about Clint and Yoko's ramen pop up that was first operated in their home. I heard equally great things about the food and the husband wife duo and honestly, was skeptical because this sounded too good to be true. I had yet to meet chefs that were equally as charming as the food until this very special day. Their technique and meticulous care in curating what is the most memorable bowl of ramen I've ever had (even after visiting Japan), is clearly highlighted throughout all of Clint and Yoko's dishes and their impeccable palate. Their natural talent to orchestrate flavors seamlessly and in tandem with the seasonality of ingredients created an undeniable reputation, with a strong following that manifests with reservations being highly sought after (it took several tries of waiting for the reservations to open up and still not being able to secure them and by the grace of the restaurant gods and my friend's quick reflexes, only got a reservation through the waitlist so have FAITH! You TOO can try their amazingness). I get it. Everything clicked for me. Like how can food taste this good? That was my reaction after every dish. I was floored by each bite. The caviar financier was utterly delightful. You will have a taste of Yoko's gifted baking skills upon the first bite here. I secretly wished I had a financier the size of a bread roll. Their play on the caprese was like an international whirlwind of a trip that took place within a few seconds. The combination of flavors transformed this dish's experience from a place of Chengdu, to Italy and then back to Japan. All within one bite. Wowza. Holy Cow. The Chawanmushi was soooo fun to eat. The mapo complimented the egg so well. But wait! There was also a surprise. It felt like a kinder egg. Nestled in the bottom middle was a scallop surprise. My HEART. The Cauliflower side dish looked unassuming, but the texture and flavors that were carefully integrated into this vegetable made me fall in love with it all over again. The ramen we were served that night happened to be Clint & Yoko's son's favorite ramen. And I understand why it is because it's now my favorite too. Damn. This has to be the tastiest, cleanest bowl of ramen I've ever had. I ate everything down to the last drop of the broth. I was a bit intoxicated by how delicious this was when Clint explained the contents of this bowl, but from what I can recall, the soup was made from a blend of chicken stock with no parts for 10-12 hours along with a medley of different seafood flavorings. Then you have the two protein toppings- Virginia ham + chicken breast. I never was truly fond of ham because honey baked ham during the holidays was always so underwhelming for me (and apologies for even comparing this to your ham C+Y), BUT MY OPINION HAS CHANGED. I only like Noodle in the Haystack ham. Great. The noodles were prepared in small batches so that when you get your bowl, both the broth and noodles were of a nice warm temperature and consistency. I want to cry just thinking about this bowl now. NOW THE DESSERT The yuzu kakigori was chef's kiss. But let me tell you about Yoko's donut. OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS. It was freshly fried and reminded me of a baby donut if beignet and mochi were to procreate. It was rolled in sugar and honestly was so perfect in itself. I believe if Yoko ever pursued a business in a bakery, it would be guaranteed that everything she bakes will be life changing. Because this donut just did that for me. The ambiance was intimate and cozy. I appreciated the minimal, yet personal touches of the decor inside. The bathroom even had a temperature regulated soap dispenser! Will definitely be coming back to what is now officially, my favorite fine dining spot in the city. Thank you Yoko and Clint for truly making this night so memorable and enjoyable.

    Strawberry basque cheesecake
    Ming C.

    Was finally able to snag a reservation after months of trying (and it was thanks to me randomly checking tock, not even a day the reservations opened). Food was delicious, so creative and unique. I've been to a fair amount of fine dining spots and many of them have been excellent but I do believe Noodle in a Haystack gave me some of my most memorable bites. The caviar financier packed a surprising punch. Corn chawamushi is so unique and tasted so fresh and delicious. Mapo ramen while homey, was soooo good, I may have liked it more than the shio chicken which was the main ramen. The shio ramen was great but I think I just prefer more bite to my noodles. Wagyu marsala was absolutely delicious as well, I loved the salt flakes and Clint is genius with how he put it all together. I've had better wagyu but this was my first time trying it in a donut and it definitely left an impact. Basque cheesecake was wow! The strawberriest, cheesiest cake I've ever tasted, the way it melted in your mouth was a delight, would definitely be interested if the team looked into a bakery. It feels a little weird paying so much for "just ramen", but the experience was more than just noodles and many of the standouts to me were not even the noodle dishes. Overall, would highly recommend if you are looking for a unique tasting experience that you can't find anywhere else--just know it will cost a pretty penny. Although we got the sake pairing, I am lightweight so I opted to drinking a non-alcoholic beverage but my partner enjoyed the pairings. The restaurant was cozy and discreet and easy to miss but very clean and I love the open kitchen concept. I appreciated the intimate experience, with 10 seats, it made sense why the reservations are so hard to get!

    Jenny X.

    What a cool experience! Got a reservation here thanks to a friend and we went on a Tuesday night! Good: - The place was so cute! I liked that it was a hole in the wall place - Super nice staff, definitely a labor of love - Liked the mini wine pairing, wasn't too much and it did complement each dish well - Each course was so pretty and made in front of us - my favorites were the Amish chicken and the desert pancake was very tasty. The noodles had good texture! Everything was worth eating, no dish wasn't great. Bad: - Expensive! Overall enjoyed this 3 hour experience and it was worth every moment

    Marlon T.

    The best dining experience in San Francisco right now! Is your internet fast enough to grab a coveted reservation on Tock.com right when it comes out? The food is spectacular, the atmosphere is simple, and the chats with the owners are priceless. Every bite was flavorful. Every sake/wine sip complemented the textures of flavors so well. Clint and Yoko and passionate and good and what they do and it's really the conversations you have with them that make the meal even more special. 1000% recommend!

    Lori R.

    I don't know how I haven't reviewed Noodle in a Haystack yet !! This is my 4th or 5th time dining here and I haven't had a single dish I haven't like. Yoko and Clint have a beautiful restaurant and deliver amazing food that they have put a ton of thought and effort into. For those of you who haven't been dining here is always a preset menu. Usually 5-10 courses depending on which menu you sign up for (they use to have a nonextended dining menu but I think now it's just extended v sake pairing). Reservations are incredibly hard to get. Try to get onto tock a few minutes before 9pm on the second Sunday and if you don't get a spot then just do waitlist and cross your fingers. The menu changes constantly but usually there is always the starting frangipane by yoko, homemade pickled something (this time was daikon and then a kimchi inspired persimmon pickle), some type of wagyu dish - this time featured a wagyu tartar with the most amazing smoked pickles that tasted like bacon. Also there is usually some variation of 2 ramen- this time we had the egg carbonara but it had a shrimp broth oil that elevated this dish to a higher level than it was in the past- and that was already amazing. The broth ramen this time might actually be my favorite so far - it's a take on hainan chicken with a sambal side sauce. The two different noodle dishes featured different noodles that suited the dish perfectly. This is a very intimate dining experience where you get to chat with the owners/chefs/creators and get to eat incredible, thoughtful, innovative, delicious food. I would recommend everyone dine at least once here.

    Pickled vegetables
    Cathy H.

    This omakase was an intimate 10 person experience that was close to 3 hours with the owner explaining each menu item to us before serving it with a wine/sake pairing. Ambiance was cozy and friendly. I really enjoy how small it was and the thought that went into the food. Service was excellent and attentive. Everything was delicious; some standouts for me was the cold ramen with spot prawns and uni sauce; hot hainan chicken ramen noodle soup, and the Crab Chawanmushi. Two of my favorite pairings were the melon sake and world peace sake; both were fragrant and smooth. This exclusive experience is worth the wait, hype and price. Highly recommend trying if you can get a reservation!

    Josie C.

    The menu is absolutely delicious! We had a splendid meal, and it was well worth the money. There aren't many bar seats, so it's best to book ahead!

    yuzu lemon (zested)
    Wing Y.

    This restaurant is the epitome of the idea that constraint breeds creativity. It's a small Japanese restaurant with no stove and no grill and 12 seats available three nights a week that are nearly impossible to get. But after 4 months of setting a calendar invite and signing onto Tock at the right time, my wife was excited to report that she had scored a reservation for last Tuesday evening. This is a complete dining experience. You get to talk to the chefs (a husband and wife team) and their helpers and watch as they carefully prepare and assemble the food before it is served to you. They are so purposeful and efficient in their actions - whether it's placing a single shred of greenery atop a perfect dollop of caviar, mixing a quick cucumber pickle with a deft stirring motion, or lovingly laying ramen into a bowl of broth. Clint and Yoko put their own spin on things, humbly stating that they are just trying to make things that they themselves would like to eat. The flavors and dishes are familiar but combined in interesting and subtle ways - for example the chawanmushi (egg custard) is combined with the flavors of hot and sour soup with the result being an incredibly warm and comforting dish. The Yakiniku Tartare includes pickled daikon and egg yolk, served on a delicate rice cracker, bringing together lots of exciting textures and flavors. Everything is amazing, and the noodles are the star of the show. The first noodle dish was a creamy, umami-packed take on carbonara, and the ramen of the night was a Shio Butter Clam Ramen, featuring two seafood broths and a clam butter along with sous vide pork and charred corn. Loved the desserts as well - a refreshing shaved ice atop "almond tofu" and a lovely, light dorayaki bursting with flavor and texture. Could not recommend this place more. We were here for nearly three hours and the time flew by! We put our regular date nights on pause a few months ago, so this was a lovely way to get some time together on our own.

    Sherry S.

    This is *the* hardest reservation to score in San Francisco. Located in a nondescript building in the Inner Richmond, Noodle in a Haystack is serving up a $195 ramen tasting menu. Husband and wife duo Clint and Yoko were finalists in the World Ramen Grand Prix in Tokyo, which inspired them to start their business in San Francisco, quickly earning its spot as one of the top new restaurants in the country. They insert ingredients from their ramen to each dish of the 8-course tasting menu. We started with a crispy golden financier topped with caviar and smoked shoyu creme fraiche, followed by a chawanmushi, or savory egg custard, with ingredients like Dungeness crab dashi gravy, Hokkaido Uni & Scallop. The chilled A5 wagyu tan tan men was incredibly refreshing from the cold house-made noodles and dashi, yet rich in flavor from the wagyu butter and mala. Next, a tender black cod and Japanese pickles before the climax of the tasting menu- a piping hot bowl of ramen that they rotate out every couple months. This is a hainanese chicken inspired shio ramen, with perfectly chewy housemade noodles in a translucent salt-seasoned broth. We finished strong with a refreshing Yuzu shaved ice, and Shoyu honey mirin Japanese pancake. You absolutely need to go for a special occasion or a nice night out!

    Mark O.

    Dinner review. Japanese (non-traditional) tasting menu. Winter / Early Spring Extended Menu (Highlight) Financier Tsar Nicoulai Golden Reserve Caviar, Smoked shoyu crème fraîche (Highlight) Chawanmushi Dungeness crab dashi gravy, Hokkaido Uni & Scallop, Garlic Brown butter, Shio tare, Mountain Yam, Mitsuba (Best. Awesome.) Chilled A5 Wagyu Tan Tan Men Japanese sesame tare, A5 Wagyu "butter," Ramp Vinegar, Mala, Dashi, A5 Hokkaido Wagyu Striploin Black Cod Steam roasted Black Cod, Japanese Sea Bream dashi, Blood Orange Olive oil, Chives Tsukemono Pickles of the Day (Highlight) Hainan Chicken Shio 8 hr Whole chicken & Pi water broth, 5 fish dashi, Shio Tare, Ginger scallion schmaltz, "Hainan Chicken" Roulade, 3 day cured jidori egg, Tokyo Negi, Aged onion, Micro cilantro Annin Kakigori Yuzu shaved ice, "Almond tofu", Kiwi preserve Dorayaki Shoyu honey mirin pancake, Burnt caramel, Chantilly, Salted brown butter crumble Overall, "as good as it gets."

    Wagyu Abura Soba
    Eric Joseph D.

    I have been in love with Noodle in a Haystack and Clint & Yoko since 2016 and I am so happy I finally got to eat at their new restaurant. To be honest, I was unsure when the restaurant would open, but it was definitely worth the wait! The open faced chef's table-esque kitchen and modern/sleek design is extremely welcoming and the lighting is great for photos. I didn't tell Clint & Yoko this, but this was one of my first meals after recovering from food poisoning so I was unsure if I was going to even enjoy it, but oh boy, was this one of my favorite meals of the year. I can talk about all of the dishes in detail, but here are some of my favorites: +Japanese Avocado Toast - Mashed avocado with smoked trout on top of a deep fried donut hole. Finished with finger limes and a cold pressed African Green Chilli oil. This was magical... +Spanish blue fin toro tar tar tart - Toro on top of a tart? Got to love that ingenuity! Inspired by a sushi roll, they top it off with a regular pickle, smoked pickle, and shishito leaf. +Wagyu Abura Ramen - First of all, can we talk about the noodles they are using? Wagyu, wagyu butter, and those beautiful noodles. Come on! I mean come on! I am drooling just thinking about this. This was the star. I could have eaten a couple bowls of this. Also, Clint & Yoko are some of the nicest people I have ever met and it brings me so much joy to eat their food in such a beautiful space. For $150 a person, you get at least 7-8 courses and an intimate dining experience. They are rotating their menu and experimenting with local and seasonal ingredients so my experience will probably be different from the next person, but it is definitely worth trying out if you can snag a reservation!

    Johnny W.

    Summary: So much more than just fancy ramen Details: For the uninitiated, Noodle in a Haystack has been around for many years now, originally operating as a ramen-focused popup at various venues, with reservations that were largely impossible for most to get. Since those early days, the business has evolved significantly, with Clint and Yoko opening up their own brick and mortar space (after many a bureaucratic roadblock), reservations being marginally easier to get (you have a ~15 minute window now instead of ~30 seconds), and the menu having turned into something more akin to kaiseki (though still built around a star noodle dish, of course). I was lucky to nab a last minute opening during their soft launch month, and got to see and taste the fruits of their labor, as my girlfriend and I were treated to a bevy of courses: some, significantly more stellar than others, but all enjoyable in some form, and each presented with a bit of fanfare and background from the couple themselves. While the main noodle (a wagyu aburasoba the day we went) itself was obviously one of the star dishes, their caviar financier, kakuni karaage, and annin kakigori were also particularly outstanding. Absolutely worth a shot if you can snag a reservation. And while $225 after included tax and tip is certainly a steep price for ramen, it's more palatable if you think of it in terms of a tasting menu at a Michelin star restaurant, with the same expectation of care and quality put into the dishes. Accessibility: The space is a bit smaller and comprised of bar counter seating only, but they specifically designed a wheelchair accessible portion with a lower counter towards the far end!

    avocado toast
    Jenny H.

    I had a phenomenal dining experience at Noodle in a Haystack! One glance at the name and you'd immediately think that it's just a ramen shop, but there are SO many layers here. It's an omakase and ramen shop with Asian fusion vibes and a monthly ramen style. They're constantly experimenting with new recipes, so the menu is always changing. The 8 courses ($125/person) were rich with flavor, umami, and creativity. While the star of the show was definitely the beautifully crafted and delicious ramen, the other food elements still lingered in my mind. My taste buds were dancing because I was transported back to my time in Japan. BONUS: Clint and Yoko are super sweet, kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable! They initially ran their pop-up around the Bay Area, but the Kickstarter project helped bring their dream of opening a shop in SF to life. The current seating arrangement allows each guest to easily communicate with them. Clint explained each dish (and fun facts) with immaculate detail. They also have a special Pi-water filter! Note that this restaurant has no defined menu, so the items below might not be the same when you visit. However, there will probably be variations of these items. Either way, you won't be disappointed :) 1. Avocado toast with chili olive oil: Bite-sized bread with avocado. It looks really simple, but the acidity and flavor were very balanced. 2. Rice crackers with uni and mix of fresh fish: The rice crackers brings me back to my childhood. The uni and fish were incredibly fresh and creamy. I need more of this in my life. 3. Kanpachi with ponzu sauce: Great ponzu sauce with a nice crunch from the onions! 4. Chilled tofu: The sauce was inspired by tantanmen and mala, so you'll get a nice kick of umami. It was so smooth. 5. 16-hour braised pork belly: WOW, the best pork belly that I've ever had. It literally MELTED in my mouth. Smooth like butter *cues BTS song* :) This gave me KBBQ vibes because of the meat + salad combo. 6. Radish and pickled vegetables (shared between 2 people): So refreshing and tasty! I'd love to have this on the side at all times. 7. Abura soba ramen: THE best ramen I've ever had and on the same wavelength as the best ramen places in Japan. This gave me Mi Goreng vibes, but amplified x1000. The onions were sweet and mild without the spicy onion flavor. Their wagyu butter and wagyu fat mousse in the sauce were divine. Soak the noodles with the orange egg yolk for some extra creamy flavor. It was SO FREAKING DELICIOUS. 8. Almond jello with kiwi and shaved ice: Great way to end the night with super light dessert!

    Sake

    See all

    Photo of Karen M.
    2
    161
    193

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Marlon T.
    1394
    3876
    10431

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wing Y.
    973
    375
    10297

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark O.
    118
    1118
    5194

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 24
    Thanks 1
    Love this 24
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of John W.
    51
    173
    19

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 6
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Bob K.
    232
    1237
    2120

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Al T.
    4
    37
    30

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Oz H.
    137
    8
    34

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mihnea M.
    404
    32
    4

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 5
    Love this 8
    Oh no 12

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim L.
    350
    28
    16

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Noodle in a Haystack

    Is there a no meat option? For broth, seafood, etc. no problem, but actual meat like chicken/pork/beef is what I am referring to. Thanks!

    It depends on the ramen that is on the menu at the time. If we are doing a meat based ramen then we are unable to make adjustments outside of omitting a meat based topping. However, there may also be other meat based courses as well since we are… Read more

    Hi, can you accommodate gluten free?

    Unfortunately, we are unable to due to the nature of the tasting menu being ramen centric.

    What days are you open?

    We currently do not have set days. Primarily doing advanced bookings which can be made on our Tock site:… Read more

    Are you vegetarian or pescatarian friendly?

    No, special dietary preferences are not offered. My recent meal included beef.

    Are the pop ups still happening while the storefront is on hold?

    No more pop-ups, as we are putting all our energy into trying to get the shop open.

    Are there substitutes for Pescatarians? for broth as well. Thanks!

    Not at the moment. It might be something we can do in the future, but currently we just don’t have the resources / space to prepare a full 5+ course pescatarian menu. Thank you!

    How do we make reservations?

    You can visit our website, noodleinhaystack.com for the schedule and link to Tock where you can purchase a ticket. Tickets are released a month in advance, on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 10pm.

    Can't find this place. Where is it exactly?

    We don’t have a permanent space at the moment so we move around a lot. Majority of our current events are hosted in Daly City

    What are the business hours and how long is this pop up staying?

    We don’t have typical business hours because we don’t have a set venue space yet. Our schedule goes up 1 month in advance and tickets are sold to our communal dining events through Tock. You can check our webpage for the dates & links.

    View All 11 Questions

    You might also consider

    Marufuku Ramen - San Francisco

    Marufuku Ramen - San Francisco

    4.5
    (6k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Kid friendly

    When we found out San Francisco had a Japantown, we knew we had to find a place to eat. Marufuku is…read morein the heart of Japantown and had great Yelp reviews, and it has earned every one of them. We were lucky to be sat immediately because the restaurant was packed. Our server was prompt and gave us excellent recommendations that we took. Our ramen was amazing. The broth is so flavorful and rich. The noodles are probably the best we've ever had before. The fried chicken was tender and the sauce it comes with for dipping g was delicious. I tried a Japanese wheat beer that was every bit as good as American wheat beers like Blue Moon or Shock Top. This place has excellent service and even better food. We highly recommend it.

    I had such a great experience here! From the moment I walked in, everyone was welcoming and…read morefriendly. The atmosphere was clean, comfortable, and made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. You can tell the kitchen puts care into every dish. Portions were satisfying, and the quality definitely stood out. The service was just as impressive. Our server was attentive, checked in at the right times, and made us feel genuinely welcome without being overbearing. Overall, this is the kind of place I'd happily recommend to friends and family. Looking forward to coming back soon and trying more of the menu!

    Photos
    Marufuku Ramen - San Francisco
    "HAKATA TONKOTSU DX" Hakata Style Ramen with Rich Pork Broth
 Regular toppings (chashu pork (simmered pork belly), seasoned soft boiled eg
    "HAKATA TONKOTSU DX" Hakata Style Ramen with Rich Pork Broth Regular toppings (chashu pork (simmered pork belly), seasoned soft boiled eg
    Marufuku Ramen - San Francisco

    See all

    Taishoken San Francisco

    Taishoken San Francisco

    4.5
    (620 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Vegetarian friendly

    Tasty food and great service! All food came out nice and hot. Tonkotsu and Chicken ramen were…read moreperfect portion sizes, with chewy ramen noodle. So good. Chicken karaage is large! We're used to seeing bite-sized karaage, so we were surprised at the size of theirs (see pic). It came with a mayo sauce and a lemon. The TSK fries were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. The soft drinks were not too sweet. Our water never went empty! The servers were extremely attentive and friendly. Overall great experience. Plenty of parallel street parking in the surrounding area, even if you have to walk a block or two. Very easy to find a spot. All street parking has parking meter with an option for mobile payment, card, or coins. We love all the surrounding shops to explore before/after eating too.

    I've gone with 3 different friends at this point (with one of them coming twice because how of much…read morewe loved our experience) and tried more of the menu. We've had the cauliflower, the stone mill pie, both the lychee & yuzu wines, and the lemonade. Everything is incredible, but the pie is especially incredible after a great meal. I love this place. I think it'll forever serve as a good to for an affordable, higher end dining experience. The waitstaff are quick and warm. I bet you could try anything on the menu and be pleased. I've had a ton of great dinners here and will continue to support this restaurant!

    Photos
    Noodle
    Noodle
    Fried Cauliflower   Saikyo miso glaze with mala chili sauce.
    Fried Cauliflower Saikyo miso glaze with mala chili sauce.
    Sake Flights

    See all

    Sake Flights
    HINODEYA Ramen Japantown

    HINODEYA Ramen Japantown

    4.2
    (2.3k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    We are writing to express our strong appreciation for the exceptional Umami Creamy Tan-Tan-Men soup…read moreand to respectfully request its permanent return to the menu. This dish stands out as one of the most memorable and flavorful offerings we have experienced. The rich, creamy broth delivers a perfectly balanced umami depth, harmoniously combined with subtle heat and aromatic spices that create an indulgent yet refined dining experience. Both my partner and I were thoroughly impressed by its complexity and comforting warmth, and we have continued to crave it long after the winter season. The Umami Creamy Tan-Tan-Men soup represents a true highlight of your culinary repertoire. We believe it deserves a lasting place on the regular menu, where it can be enjoyed year-round by loyal patrons and new guests alike. Its removal has left a noticeable gap, and we are confident that reinstating it as a signature item would be met with great enthusiasm. Thank you for creating such an outstanding dish. We eagerly await its return and look forward to ordering it on our next visit.

    o.m.g. the vegan creamy ramen was absolutely one of the top 5 most delicious things i've ever ate…read more sooooooo good!!! 10/10 would recommend trying this ramen! even if you aren't vegan. i'm vegetarian and my bf is a meat eater and he kept eating out of my bowl. the noodles were the most perfect texture ever and the broth is so creamy and delicious. the sweet tofu skin and the little bit of saltiness from the veggies was soooo perfect. i brought home a lot of leftovers. the portions are very generous! the next day i was so excited to eat my ramen that i ate it cold no microwaving needed and it was soo good the restaurant is clean and pretty and the service was great!!

    Photos
    Inside restaurant
    Inside restaurant
    Spicy Miso Ramen
    Spicy Miso Ramen
    Chicken Karaage and Green Gyoza

    See all

    Chicken Karaage and Green Gyoza
    Ushi Taro Ramen

    Ushi Taro Ramen

    4.4
    (146 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    LGBTQ friendly

    This place is in our greater neighborhood and we went here on a whim based of proximity and rating…read more Additionally, We just got back from Japan and were craving ramen again. On the outside, it can be easily missed and parking is a bit troublesome. However, it's all worth it once you get in this place. Inside is modern chic and I like they have a focus on beef (ushi) and it's very targted menu. Although it's a small menu, it is a mighty one and we had ramen, curry and a mushroom appetizer and it was all very good and hit the spot. We will definitely come here again and I'll consier as a takeout spot.

    Me and my bf found this spot when we were doing a day trip to SF from LA. It was pretty cold gloomy…read moreday so we decided to have lunch here with something warm and our favorite which is Ramen. It was our first time and we definitely chose the right spot for lunch. The inside is very cozy and warm. We were seated by the corner facing the street which kind of adds to the vibe and seeing the cloudy weather was a perfect day to eat ramen. Their ramen is so good, I believe they put truffles on it, and I love me some truffles. Even my bf who loves ramen and usually has high standards for it loved it. We both rated this spot a 9/10 from our opinion. Oh and their mushroom appetizer was good. I forgot the name but we were picking on that and finished it within minutes.

    Photos
    Ushi Taro Ramen
    Ushi Taro Ramen
    Ushi Taro Ramen

    See all

    Ippudo San Francisco

    Ippudo San Francisco

    3.8
    (1.6k reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    Windy and cold in SF tonight, so we decided on Ippudo ramen before watching Supergirl at the…read moreMetreon. The host asked if we and another party of 4 wouldn't mind sharing a long table, so both parties agreed. The place was extremely busy!! Our orders were taken pretty fast, and the steaming bowls of ramen came out shortly after. The tonkotsu broth brought back memories of Japan where Ippudo ramen shops were everywhere, in the malls or train stations....yes, Ippudo is a very popular chain. And here it tastes as good!! The menu has expanded over the years, but we just wanted a quick dinner before the movie so we all ordered the same thing. Sharing a table must be confusing for the waiters, they kept asking which party had what ....

    Came here after a long day at the Super Bowl experience. We…read moredid a walk-in for four. The wait for a table was 20 mins or we can share a large table with random people and be seated immediately. We were hungry. We went with the large shared table. Pleasantly, there was more than enough room. There were at least 1-2 seats in between the three groups on each side that were there- a solo diner, a small family of 3, and my group of 4. I ordered the Karaka Spicy, my bf ordered Akamaru Modern, his sister ordered Miso, and I don't remember what her friend got- I think it was also Karaka spicy. My bf and I ordered the Treasure plate on the side to share and a side of spicy paste because I know Japanese spicy is barely spicy (from someone who grew up eating SEA spicy). Karaka Spicy had a nicely balance tonkotsu mouth feel and pork flavor. Broth was a little salty. I was correct to assume that it wasn't spicy because I used half of the side of spicy paste and I still didn't think it was spicy enough. Chashu was cooked fine. Notes: - I wished I would've asked if they could swap the thin noodles for the thick ones. I love the chew thicker noodles provide. - Noodles were cooked al dente. Akamaru Modern tasted very similar to Karaka spicy without the spicy. My bf used the other half of the spicy paste as dip for his toppings. He enjoyed it. Miso was a lighter broth (obvi) with a good umami flavor and was not watered down. Solid. She loved it. I have never seen her finish a whole bowl of ramen before. There was a server in training that took our order with the help of the trainer- he did great. Staff was attentive with our waters. Bussers were also quick to notice and remove empty plates and bowls regularly making for an easy clean up after we leave and kept the shared table clutter free. Interior was modern, but casual. They had an expansive menu with vegetarian choices, sushi, buns, karage, etc. and a surprisingly large array of alcohol. I would def like to be back to try some drinks.

    Photos
    Inside. Dining room. Busy on a Sunday early afternoon.
    Inside. Dining room. Busy on a Sunday early afternoon.
    NIRVANA KARAKA (DD)
    NIRVANA KARAKA (DD)
    French fries

    See all

    French fries
    Taniku Izakaya

    Taniku Izakaya

    4.7
    (344 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    We've been here maybe a handful of times at this point - the food is really good, cute cozy spot…read more However now that there is a soy allergy to account for - I can't easily neccessarily revisit my favorite spots. I've been to plenty of Japanese/Ramen spots and I've been running into the issue where I say I have a soy allegry and there is an assumption that I have a gluten issue (I do not have a gluten issue). I noticed yelp said they have soy-free options and thus called on Friday thinking it might be a bad idea as they're usually busy.. It was defintely hard for the person to hear a bit when they picked up. The staff did relay something about gluten free noodles.. Anyways, they said they could swap out any of the soy soups for salt (but soy can encompass a lot of things so I still wasn't feeling super confident but we're going to give it a go). We go and I asked which 4 of the soups I was eyeballing don't have soy - the staff said they can accomodate and replace any of the soy soups with a salt broth. After we ordered, the staff came back and checked in to make sure that my partner also didn't have an allergy. And my dish came out, they told me there was no egg as its marinated in soy - perfect to me. I'm glad that was caught as not every establishments can account for everything. - Now I have a spot to (more safely) eat ramen! - I advise that if you do have an food allergy, do talk to the staff, and address your concerns such as cross contamination etc. I had a great experience, but I do find that because its not so regulated or understood and there is lack of education amongst the food/resturant industry - you always need to advocate for yourself and there is always a risk. I'm very apperciative of the staff here.

    Came here at around 6 PM on a Tuesday and got seated immediately! It got busier about 10 mins…read moreafter. Super cute & decorated inside, and staff was so nice! Okonomoyaki tater tots - 8.5/10 from a potato lover!! This does have some sort of cheese on it so beware if you don't eat it Hamachi Hand Roll - 9/10 SO GOOD. I think the rice is mixed in with soy sauce. It was super flavorful which I wasn't expecting Scallop Hand Roll - 8/10, the yuzu on top was absolutely delicious & scallop was very soft. Kobe Skewer - 7/10, it was good but nothing extraordinary. It'll hit the spot if you like meat skewers Yuzu Tori Skewer - 7/10, same as the kobe skewer, but the yuzu on top was delicious Niku Ramen - 8/10, good portion & very very flavorful. I'm glad that they gave a lot of meat in this. I shared this & they provided an extra bowl without me asking :) It's also not super spicy. Hokkaido Milk Pudding - 8/10, the pudding itself was so good but the sauce was a little too sweet for me. However, my partner has a sweet tooth and loved it :) Will totally come again, everything was so yummy and so glad to have tried it!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Scallop corn chowder - FIRE !
    Scallop corn chowder - FIRE !
    Calamari

    See all

    Calamari

    Noodle in a Haystack - ramen - Updated July 2026

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