Ramen Nagi Photos
Business Info
Ramen Nagi Popular Dishes
RAMEN NAGI ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
Recommended Reviews - Ramen Nagi
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
By and far the best ramen I've ever had. This place can get insanely busy, and rightly so. The broth is immensely flavorful, and you're able to customize your ramen with additional options to make it completely catered to your tastebuds. The pork belly is my personal favorite, but I always add a side Chashu and egg for extra protein. Don't skip the chicken karage either. Very fairly priced side that's delicious, insanely crispy, and complements the meal.
I have been to Ramen Nagi in the Bay Area, and liked it, so I knew I was going to like this location as well. My recent favorite has been their Black King (black garlic and calamari ink in a silky broth with chashu, black minced pork ball, black sesame, and Nagi spices). I added a soft-boiled egg and extra mushrooms. Aside from ramen, their chicken karagee is also very good -- crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. Even though I was full from the ramen, I still ended up having stuffing myself with the chicken karagee.
We recently brought friends here who requested a good place to eat and of the list of choices we provided, they picked Ramen Nagi. My husband and I have been here several times before as it is both mine and my husband's favorite ramen eatery in San Diego. This is the best ramen in San Diego. After going on my own little ramen crawl around SD, this is the top of them all, bar none. If you really are craving something close to ramen in Japan, try this place. Everything is fantastic here but my favorite of all the ramen choices is the Red King (the spicy tonkotsu). The Black King is also good (squid ink) and has a nice umami punch to it with a good helping of garlic to seal the deal. The karage (fried chicken) is great as well. The texture is perfect and I think the sauce provided really added to the overall bite. The gyoza is also fantastic as well and they provide a dipping sauce that is not the standard dip but something better. If I recall, it is a lightly sweet pear-esque sauce with the consistency almost like apple sauce. It's very very good, don't knock it till you try it! The service is always quick and top-tier. They always have a jug of water with lemon slices and cups available to use at any time. Seating is both indoors and outdoors. Inside it can be a little cramped if you have a large group but outside has full tables next to the pond which is quite nice. This is not a traditional restaurant so there are a few things to keep in mind: 1) There are no reservations. 2) There is a dedicated queue outside and you need to wait in that to line to be seated. 3) They will not take you to be seated until your entire party is readily available so just be cognizant of that. 4) Everyone in your party will receive a red marker and a paper form to fill out your individual orders while you are in this line. If it is your first time, check the Chef Recommendation box at the top to make it easier. Sides are at the bottom (most ramen do not include an egg so if you want an egg make sure to mark it). 5) Your party may be seated at the same table as another party and share the space. If this is an issue for you, sit outside. 6) You get your receipt from your sever and pay at the register.
Absolutely worth it to come here. Thankfully we did not have to wait, and the server did a great job explaining the menu and how to make our order. Very efficient! We sat outside, which was beautifully shaded. The table was well supplied with a full pitcher of water, a box of tissue, and a host of condiments (bean sprouts, mustard greens, sesame seeds, etc). The ramen was amazing!! Very rich broth, seasoned exactly as I requested. The ramen egg was prepared beautifully. The chashu pork slices were tender and delicious. The noodles were just right. A wonderful ramen experience!
I've been waiting for the hype to die down here but I guess this place is so good that the lines were still long . It's a small restaurant with some tables and counter seating. And they have patio seating too. This experience reminded me of times in Japan eagerly waiting in line to get a table for delicious ramen. Fortunately since we were a party of 2, we only waited about 20 min. Our server sat us at a small counter just for 2 people facing a brick wall. Haha. If we come with a larger group, I think it's best to split up so we can be seated faster and would have to sit in separate tables. While you're in line they hand out a sheet of paper per customer where you check off what type of ramen you want, style of noodle, the levels of oil, saltiness, and spiciness, and sides,etc. They also offer vegetarian options. We ordered the red king and the garlic king with thick firm noodles and the pork belly. We also ordered a karaage side dish. We were told that the broth is cooked for 20 hrs. We really enjoyed our ramen as the broth was rich in flavor. The red king was a little spicy but very good. ( I selected level 1 spiciness.) We really enjoyed the garlic king too. The broth is black color as they infuse squid ink into it which adds an extra umami flavor to the broth. What sets their ramen apart from other ramen places is their pork belly. It's a big chunk of delicious and tender pork belly... it was amazing! And each bowl of ramen also had a ball of minced pork which looked like a meatball but you're supposed to mix it into the broth. So flavorful! The karaage was battered differently from what I'm used to. It was more crunchy and with a bit sweeter taste. Reminded me of Chinese fried chicken drumsticks flavor in SF. IYKYK. I liked it but wish it was juicier. Prices were comparable to other ramen restaurants. Good portions and friendly service . I highly recommend this place!
First time I tried this place I wasn't surprised and was irritated because of the long wait. But this second time around it was no line to get in, and the food was absolutely delicious. Ordered the original king ramen with an egg. Broth was so good, it reminded me of the one I had in Tokyo. The thin noodles are also my favorite. Spicy level at 1 for extra flavor. The gyoza on the other hand are decent and very small. I will definitely be coming back for more ramen.
My wife and I first had Ramen Nagi in the Bay Area and it set the bar for ramen in the US for us. Since they opened this location at UTC, it's been very popular with lines almost every evening and every weekend. It's located next to the speak easy at UTC and the line starts next to the fountain. There is plenty of outdoor seating but limited counter seating with a few tables inside. Decor is clean and service is quick. They give you a paper order sheet and you check what you want. The red ramen is the spicy option and it has a ton of flavor. If you decide to drink all of the broth like I did the first time, be practical to have to run to the bathroom. The karage is also crispy and delicious, but very heavy with the sauce. Chasu in the rice bowl was a bit dry due to its leanness. Overall it's a great place to eat at a reasonable pro
Well I came Here with my bf and I was expecting a normal ramen experience but this place made me change my loyalties from other parlors to here. Ramen Nagi has my alliance, the broth was exquisite, and the experience of customizing everything in a paper sheet without the long line as in Marugame, made everything faster and less cumbersome. Our servers knew where we were seating and were fast and courteous, ambiance was great they had vintage video game background music, and some others that made the moment quirky and fun. I will come back
My husband and I were fans of Ramen Nagi ever since we tried them a few times in the Bay Area before this San Diego location opened. It's nice to find that the taste and quality is still the same as we remember. They no longer offer free mustard greens, but the bean sprouts and sesame seeds are still free. I enjoyed my original king ramen with light salt, no oil, extra heavy garlic, cabbage topping, kakuni, thick noodle firm. The karaage chicken was covered in a tasty honey soy sesame oil sauce, but way too oily for me to eat many. I liked the crisp and egg dipping sauce. Parking is 2 hours free at UTC mall. For lunch on Thursday about 1pm, we walked right in since the lunch rush was done.
Ramen Nagi in the UTC Westfield shopping center always has a long line of people waiting to dine and waiting in line is not my thing, until one morning I saw no line. I walked inside and asked for a table. Some staffer told me to stand in line, I said there's no line and it they don't seat me now I was leaving. I was then seated anywhere I wanted. I sat outside in their patio next to the Koi pond. I already knew what I wanted and ordered the Veggie King Ramen. All week in La Jolla it was cloudy and cold that all I wanted to eat was a hot bowl of soup. I also ordered the chicken Karaage which incudes dipping sauces that minimized the dark meat chicken gamey taste, edamame, side boiled cabbage and ice green tea. The green tea was unsweetened and I preferred honey which they don't have :( Service staff weren't detail oriented, lots of items I ordered were missing and only brought over after I pointed it out. The hot bowl of ramen was presented and it looked good but kind of funny with two potato croquettes on each side, looked like ears lol. Those potato croquettes turned out to be pretty tasty with half of it dunked into the creamy mushroom miso broth. By the way, this soup is not considered vegan because it has dairy, which I was ok with. I asked why the kitchen not prepare this soup vegan by using coconut milk to be dairy free. But as staffers have zero control of the menu, all they can do is agree. The creamy mushroom miso broth is probably among the tastiest ramen broth. Sadly not much of it in the bowl, next time I would order it without noodles, which I didn't even eat, as I only wanted that rich hot broth, so delish! My first bowl of Ramen Nagi was at Century City in the Westfield shopping center and it always had a long line of people waiting. The staff asked me if I dined here before, I said no but dined at the Century City Ramen Nagi and that's why I was familiar with the menu and ordering technique. The outdoor patio dining next to the koi pond with my pup Fendi next to me, as I slurped the rich mushroom miso broth was an amazing ambiance and a pleasant positive experience. If I don't have to stand in line, is when I would return. For those who have more tolerance and patience Ramen Nagi is a Recommend.
I'm from the Bay Area where the OG Ramen Nagi have there first 2 locations My in and I have been going to their Palo Alto location since 2019 Love them , super consistent and super service. Even though this location is in a high end Westfield mall. Altogether a superior experience and value versus the local ramen spots here in San Diego area. We've been to a few here. In a few words , must try even though the location is in a mall and near La Jolla a But in the university city side and traffic is not an issue except for weekends We went after a UCSD campus tour and this is what I needed to get me back into my happy place Bonus: coincidentally ran I to one of their executives of the ownership group and here overheard my son and I mentioning their PA location and he came over and introduced himself to us and we chatted and he was super friendly and modest. He was hands on. I thought he was an employee, he was busing tables, sitting patrons and wearing their uniform. Thanks Hok!! Keep it up Ramen Nagi!!
Customizable ramen with little forms to fill out, add extras. The dinner line can be long so plan accordingly (outdoor wait next to a koi pond, so don't be like Michael Scott.) Clean but small interior, good atmosphere. Service is pretty fast, staff is very attentive. Perfect portions but you can always get extra noodles if you're super hungry.
Definitely a favorite ramen spot for me. The line can sometimes look intimidating, but I feel like it moves pretty quickly. Menu is minimal, but that's perfect because I'm there for ramen. Broth is very flavorful, and I like how it can be customized based on one's preferences. Chasu is always perfect and tender. Their egg is soft boiled, with a slightly runny yolk which I enjoy. When I first came here, the noodles weren't my favorite as I preferred another shop's noodles, but they really grew on me. I hope they open more locations in San Diego, preferably one closer to me! Staff is nice. They do a good job explaining the process, so be sure to let them know if it's your first time. Tables are always clean, too. I'd definitely recommend this spot to all ramen lovers.
This is now my favorite ramen spot in San Diego! Really nice broth, the sheet of customizable toppings/broth flavor strength/noodle doneness is always appreciated. I highly recommend the tonkotsu with pork belly instead of the usual chasu. The pork belly is so succulent and tender and flavorful. I think the broth here is amazing. Now when I'm craving ramen I think I'll keep going here. read more
4 days ago
Tried Ramen Nagi in San Diego and overall had a really good experience! The ramen looked amazing when it arrived, and I loved the rich broth, tender slices of pork, and all the different toppings. The noodles had a nice texture too, and the portion was definitely satisfying. My only issue was that the ramen was a little too salty for my taste. The flavor itself was good, but the saltiness became pretty strong after a few bites, to the point where I couldn't really finish drinking the broth. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if the seasoning had been slightly lighter. Other than that, everything was great. The restaurant has a fun, energetic atmosphere, service was efficient, and the ramen was beautifully presented. I'd still come back and try a different bowl next time -- just hopefully with a little less salt! Overall, a solid 4-star experience. read more
Ordered the original, red king, and an order of karaage. You're able to customize each bowl to your liking such as toppings, richness of broth, salt level, and noodle preference. We all enjoyed their thin noodles because the server explained it was more traditional versus the thicker noodles that American culture uses. Next time I would opt for the traditional and pass on the red king (it was not spicy and tasted more sweet). Their karaage is crunchy but also had the sweet marinade to it which I didn't enjoy, it was more of a chicken nanban. read more
By and far the best ramen I've ever had. This place can get insanely busy, and rightly so. The broth is immensely flavorful, and you're able to customize your ramen with additional options to make it completely catered to your tastebuds. The pork belly is my personal favorite, but I always add a side Chashu and egg for extra protein. Don't skip the chicken karage either. Very fairly priced side that's delicious, insanely crispy, and complements the meal. read more
I have been to Ramen Nagi in the Bay Area, and liked it, so I knew I was going to like this location as well. My recent favorite has been their Black King (black garlic and calamari ink in a silky broth with chashu, black minced pork ball, black sesame, and Nagi spices). I added a soft-boiled egg and extra mushrooms. Aside from ramen, their chicken karagee is also very good -- crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. Even though I was full from the ramen, I still ended up having stuffing myself with the chicken karagee. read more
We recently brought friends here who requested a good place to eat and of the list of choices we provided, they picked Ramen Nagi. My husband and I have been here several times before as it is both mine and my husband's favorite ramen eatery in San Diego. This is the best ramen in San Diego. After going on my own little ramen crawl around SD, this is the top of them all, bar none. If you really are craving something close to ramen in Japan, try this place. Everything is fantastic here but my favorite of all the ramen choices is the Red King (the spicy tonkotsu). The Black King is also good (squid ink) and has a nice umami punch to it with a good helping of garlic to seal the deal. The karage (fried chicken) is great as well. The texture is perfect and I think the sauce provided really added to the overall bite. The gyoza is also fantastic as well and they provide a dipping sauce that is not the standard dip but something better. If I recall, it is a lightly sweet pear-esque sauce with the consistency almost like apple sauce. It's very very good, don't knock it till you try it! The service is always quick and top-tier. They always have a jug of water with lemon slices and cups available to use at any time. Seating is both indoors and outdoors. Inside it can be a little cramped if you have a large group but outside has full tables next to the pond which is quite nice. This is not a traditional restaurant so there are a few things to keep in mind: 1) There are no reservations. 2) There is a dedicated queue outside and you need to wait in that to line to be seated. 3) They will not take you to be seated until your entire party is readily available so just be cognizant of that. 4) Everyone in your party will receive a red marker and a paper form to fill out your individual orders while you are in this line. If it is your first time, check the Chef Recommendation box at the top to make it easier. Sides are at the bottom (most ramen do not include an egg so if you want an egg make sure to mark it). 5) Your party may be seated at the same table as another party and share the space. If this is an issue for you, sit outside. 6) You get your receipt from your sever and pay at the register. read more
Absolutely worth it to come here. Thankfully we did not have to wait, and the server did a great job explaining the menu and how to make our order. Very efficient! We sat outside, which was beautifully shaded. The table was well supplied with a full pitcher of water, a box of tissue, and a host of condiments (bean sprouts, mustard greens, sesame seeds, etc). The ramen was amazing!! Very rich broth, seasoned exactly as I requested. The ramen egg was prepared beautifully. The chashu pork slices were tender and delicious. The noodles were just right. A wonderful ramen experience! read more
15 days ago
I've been waiting for the hype to die down here but I guess this place is so good that the lines were still long . It's a small restaurant with some tables and counter seating. And they have patio seating too. This experience reminded me of times in Japan eagerly waiting in line to get a table for delicious ramen. Fortunately since we were a party of 2, we only waited about 20 min. Our server sat us at a small counter just for 2 people facing a brick wall. Haha. If we come with a larger group, I think it's best to split up so we can be seated faster and would have to sit in separate tables. While you're in line they hand out a sheet of paper per customer where you check off what type of ramen you want, style of noodle, the levels of oil, saltiness, and spiciness, and sides,etc. They also offer vegetarian options. We ordered the red king and the garlic king with thick firm noodles and the pork belly. We also ordered a karaage side dish. We were told that the broth is cooked for 20 hrs. We really enjoyed our ramen as the broth was rich in flavor. The red king was a little spicy but very good. ( I selected level 1 spiciness.) We really enjoyed the garlic king too. The broth is black color as they infuse squid ink into it which adds an extra umami flavor to the broth. What sets their ramen apart from other ramen places is their pork belly. It's a big chunk of delicious and tender pork belly... it was amazing! And each bowl of ramen also had a ball of minced pork which looked like a meatball but you're supposed to mix it into the broth. So flavorful! The karaage was battered differently from what I'm used to. It was more crunchy and with a bit sweeter taste. Reminded me of Chinese fried chicken drumsticks flavor in SF. IYKYK. I liked it but wish it was juicier. Prices were comparable to other ramen restaurants. Good portions and friendly service . I highly recommend this place! read more
5 months ago
First time I tried this place I wasn't surprised and was irritated because of the long wait. But this second time around it was no line to get in, and the food was absolutely delicious. Ordered the original king ramen with an egg. Broth was so good, it reminded me of the one I had in Tokyo. The thin noodles are also my favorite. Spicy level at 1 for extra flavor. The gyoza on the other hand are decent and very small. I will definitely be coming back for more ramen. read more
My wife and I first had Ramen Nagi in the Bay Area and it set the bar for ramen in the US for us. Since they opened this location at UTC, it's been very popular with lines almost every evening and every weekend. It's located next to the speak easy at UTC and the line starts next to the fountain. There is plenty of outdoor seating but limited counter seating with a few tables inside. Decor is clean and service is quick. They give you a paper order sheet and you check what you want. The red ramen is the spicy option and it has a ton of flavor. If you decide to drink all of the broth like I did the first time, be practical to have to run to the bathroom. The karage is also crispy and delicious, but very heavy with the sauce. Chasu in the rice bowl was a bit dry due to its leanness. Overall it's a great place to eat at a reasonable pro read more
2 months ago
Well I came Here with my bf and I was expecting a normal ramen experience but this place made me change my loyalties from other parlors to here. Ramen Nagi has my alliance, the broth was exquisite, and the experience of customizing everything in a paper sheet without the long line as in Marugame, made everything faster and less cumbersome. Our servers knew where we were seating and were fast and courteous, ambiance was great they had vintage video game background music, and some others that made the moment quirky and fun. I will come back read more
My husband and I were fans of Ramen Nagi ever since we tried them a few times in the Bay Area before this San Diego location opened. It's nice to find that the taste and quality is still the same as we remember. They no longer offer free mustard greens, but the bean sprouts and sesame seeds are still free. I enjoyed my original king ramen with light salt, no oil, extra heavy garlic, cabbage topping, kakuni, thick noodle firm. The karaage chicken was covered in a tasty honey soy sesame oil sauce, but way too oily for me to eat many. I liked the crisp and egg dipping sauce. Parking is 2 hours free at UTC mall. For lunch on Thursday about 1pm, we walked right in since the lunch rush was done. read more
Ramen Nagi in the UTC Westfield shopping center always has a long line of people waiting to dine and waiting in line is not my thing, until one morning I saw no line. I walked inside and asked for a table. Some staffer told me to stand in line, I said there's no line and it they don't seat me now I was leaving. I was then seated anywhere I wanted. I sat outside in their patio next to the Koi pond. I already knew what I wanted and ordered the Veggie King Ramen. All week in La Jolla it was cloudy and cold that all I wanted to eat was a hot bowl of soup. I also ordered the chicken Karaage which incudes dipping sauces that minimized the dark meat chicken gamey taste, edamame, side boiled cabbage and ice green tea. The green tea was unsweetened and I preferred honey which they don't have :( Service staff weren't detail oriented, lots of items I ordered were missing and only brought over after I pointed it out. The hot bowl of ramen was presented and it looked good but kind of funny with two potato croquettes on each side, looked like ears lol. Those potato croquettes turned out to be pretty tasty with half of it dunked into the creamy mushroom miso broth. By the way, this soup is not considered vegan because it has dairy, which I was ok with. I asked why the kitchen not prepare this soup vegan by using coconut milk to be dairy free. But as staffers have zero control of the menu, all they can do is agree. The creamy mushroom miso broth is probably among the tastiest ramen broth. Sadly not much of it in the bowl, next time I would order it without noodles, which I didn't even eat, as I only wanted that rich hot broth, so delish! My first bowl of Ramen Nagi was at Century City in the Westfield shopping center and it always had a long line of people waiting. The staff asked me if I dined here before, I said no but dined at the Century City Ramen Nagi and that's why I was familiar with the menu and ordering technique. The outdoor patio dining next to the koi pond with my pup Fendi next to me, as I slurped the rich mushroom miso broth was an amazing ambiance and a pleasant positive experience. If I don't have to stand in line, is when I would return. For those who have more tolerance and patience Ramen Nagi is a Recommend. read more
18 days ago
I'm from the Bay Area where the OG Ramen Nagi have there first 2 locations My in and I have been going to their Palo Alto location since 2019 Love them , super consistent and super service. Even though this location is in a high end Westfield mall. Altogether a superior experience and value versus the local ramen spots here in San Diego area. We've been to a few here. In a few words , must try even though the location is in a mall and near La Jolla a But in the university city side and traffic is not an issue except for weekends We went after a UCSD campus tour and this is what I needed to get me back into my happy place Bonus: coincidentally ran I to one of their executives of the ownership group and here overheard my son and I mentioning their PA location and he came over and introduced himself to us and we chatted and he was super friendly and modest. He was hands on. I thought he was an employee, he was busing tables, sitting patrons and wearing their uniform. Thanks Hok!! Keep it up Ramen Nagi!! read more
Customizable ramen with little forms to fill out, add extras. The dinner line can be long so plan accordingly (outdoor wait next to a koi pond, so don't be like Michael Scott.) Clean but small interior, good atmosphere. Service is pretty fast, staff is very attentive. Perfect portions but you can always get extra noodles if you're super hungry. read more
Definitely a favorite ramen spot for me. The line can sometimes look intimidating, but I feel like it moves pretty quickly. Menu is minimal, but that's perfect because I'm there for ramen. Broth is very flavorful, and I like how it can be customized based on one's preferences. Chasu is always perfect and tender. Their egg is soft boiled, with a slightly runny yolk which I enjoy. When I first came here, the noodles weren't my favorite as I preferred another shop's noodles, but they really grew on me. I hope they open more locations in San Diego, preferably one closer to me! Staff is nice. They do a good job explaining the process, so be sure to let them know if it's your first time. Tables are always clean, too. I'd definitely recommend this spot to all ramen lovers. read more
Second Review It's been a year since our last visit here. Six customers ahead of us right after 11AM opening on a Saturday. No wait time for our seats. We were offered / ordered their limited Wagyu slice beef as the main toppings so why not try it. Satisfied with our Ramen. Creamy and hot broth the way we like it. Perfect cooked eggs! - Original King - with Kakuni - Limited Wagyu Beef Slices. I think instead of potatoes, should have been with something else since you already have the noodles as starch. It's just my personal opinion. I cannot stop eating their seasoned bean sprouts even though it's peppery, it taste so good! Line gets long and busy so be prepared. Courteous and attentive staff!! Highly recommended if craving for Ramem while shopping at UTC La Jolla mall. Line gets long and busy so be prepared. Courteous and attentive staff!! read more
I've heard lots of hype surrounding Ramen Nagi and I've been putting it off because of the line, but I finally decided to visit today and it absolutely lived up to all of my expectations. I arrived at 5 pm (when they open) and the line was pretty long at that point but moved fast as they began seating people. I probably waited 15-20 minutes for patio seating, right next to the koi pond. Once seated, we ordered the Karaage to start which was so flavorful and tender. It was tossed in a subtly sweet sauce and served with lemon and a side sauce. For the ramen, I went with the red king, but swapped the chashu for pork belly. I find that pork belly can sometimes be chewy, but this was cooked to perfection. I am not exaggerating at all when I say it melts in your mouth. The broth was my favorite part, it was super rich and the perfect level of spicy. All the food we tried was truly 10/10. The only downside was it started raining towards the end of our meal and our table wasn't fully covered by umbrellas so we got a little damp, but the staff offered to move our table more under the covering which was very nice. And honestly if I'm being rained on, it doesn't hurt to have hot soup to keep me warm LOL. I will definitely be coming back rain or shine! read more
3 months ago
Not a big ramen person but this place definitely up there for me! This is our second time coming and the wait can get pretty long but luckily we made it before the rush on Saturday. The interior is a little small but the staff are sweet and pretty attentive. As for the food, we really like their noodles! Not too soggy or firm and we loved how it wasn't too thick. The chashu wasn't my favorite but the pieces are big. I got the standard tonkotsu ramen with chef recommendations and we also got the bonito fish king special which we liked but it was a bit salty. The portions are on the smaller side but it was enough for us to feel content. Karaage was also great. Would come again! read more
A perfect rainy day meal! The ramen and chicken karaage is so good! Came during lunch on a Saturday rainy day and probably waited about 15 minutes before getting seated. The space inside is pretty small! There is outdoor seating, but with the rain this wasn't a possibility. Service is very quick and efficient! You'll select what you want in your ramen ahead of time while you're in line which helps with the quick service! The food here is so good and it's some of the best ramen I've had! read more
Located in the Westfield UTC shopping center behind Din Tai Fung, this spot is a very small space with some additional outdoor seating. We did have to stand in line, but it moved quickly--less than 10 minutes--and they handed out paper menus to fill out while we waited. We were seated inside, and it was busy, with servers constantly on the move. We ordered the spicy tonkatsu at spice level 1. It was good, though still a bit too spicy for me. I did appreciate that they serve a whole egg rather than just half a boiled egg. I usually order black garlic tonkatsu, but unfortunately it wasn't available. The menu is limited, but we also enjoyed the gyoza and chicken karaage, and the table condiments were a nice touch. Overall, it was a satisfying meal and a great place to enjoy on a cold night. read more
2 months ago
This was my fifth visit to Ramen Nagi at UTC, and it continues to be amongst the ramen spots in San Diego. Consistency is often what separates a good restaurant from a great one, and Ramen Nagi has delivered a fantastic experience every time I've visited. On this visit, I ordered the tonkotsu ramen with a seasoned egg and braised pork belly, along with a side of karaage. The broth was rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful, with the kind of pork-forward depth that tonkotsu lovers crave. Despite its richness, it remained balanced and drinkable from the first spoonful to the last. The noodles had an excellent texture, and the toppings were spot-on. The pork belly was tender and succulent, while the ajitama egg was beautifully marinated with a perfectly jammy yolk. The karaage was equally impressive - crispy, juicy, and seasoned just right. Served with shredded cabbage, a lemon wedge, and a creamy tartar-style sauce, it was the perfect accompaniment to the ramen. One of the small details that keeps me coming back is the jar of seasoned bean sprouts on every table. Tossed with sesame oil and black pepper, they provide a refreshing crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich broth. I find myself adding them throughout the meal, and they elevate an already excellent bowl. The only disappointment is that Ramen Nagi appears to have discontinued its pickled mustard greens. Longtime customers will likely understand why that's unfortunate. Their tangy, salty bite provided the perfect contrast to the richness of the tonkotsu broth and added another layer of complexity to the meal. The ramen is still outstanding, but I definitely miss having them as an option. What I appreciate most about Ramen Nagi is the balance of flavors and textures in every bowl. Fresh green onions, wood ear mushrooms, tender pork, springy noodles, and that signature creamy broth all come together beautifully. The ability to customize noodle firmness, broth richness, garlic, and spice level makes it easy to tailor the experience exactly to your liking. If you're looking for authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen in San Diego, Ramen Nagi remains one of the best choices in town. Even after five visits, I'm still finding reasons to come back. The quality has been consistently excellent, the karaage is a must-order, and the ramen continues to justify the wait during busy hours. Bottom line: Five visits in, Ramen Nagi still delivers one of the most satisfying bowls of ramen in San Diego. I only wish they'd bring back the pickled mustard greens. read more
We had such a great experience at Ramen Nagi! Our family tried a few different bowls -- my son and husband ordered the Black King, and I went for the Red King, all with pork chashu. We also shared the karaage chicken, which was crispy and flavorful -- a perfect start. All three ramen options were delicious, but my favorite was definitely the Red King -- rich, bold, and not shy on the spice (just how I like it!). I tasted the Black King, and it was quite forward with black pepper. I also really appreciated how customizable everything was -- we could adjust the oil, salt, noodle firmness and thickness to our liking. There was a bit of a line and the indoor seating is pretty limited, but since we were fine with the outdoor tables, our wait was only about 20 minutes. Totally worth it. I'm already looking forward to coming back -- I've got my eye on the Green King, which sounds unique (though I'm still on the fence about the cheese!). Overall, a fantastic ramen spot -- flavorful food, friendly service, and great energy. Highly recommend! read more
9 months ago
I'm not a ramen person, but I'd TOTALLY wait an hour for ramen at Ramen Nagi. I went on a casual shopping stroll at UTC and was like, hm... Why is there a line at Nagi's so early? It was a Tuesday afternoon and there was already a queue at 11AM open. Strange ain't it? And so I thought, today's the day to be spontaneous! And my husband was sooo glad I was. (he loves his ramen) I got the Original Hino. I thought that trying out the most basic menu item would be the best option. SO AMAZING. It was sooo flippin' flavorful and the ramen noodles were cooked to perfection! Each slurp had the right amount of fat and the pork belly was SUCCULENT. Melted in my mouth and it was such a huge serving size! The karaage was good but holy heck, I loved the ramen much more. EsPECIALLY with the pork belly. I'd definitely return and I /might/ be a ramen girly now, haha! read more
located in UTC! Waited about 30 minutes in line. Was passed out a slip of paper and pencil and was told to fill out the slip with kind of noodles: thin, normal, thick richness of broth toppings/additions meat/veggie choice egg I got the spicy tonkatsu and thin noodles. Broth is great! Very flavorful 7.5/10. good richness and creaminess. I just wished they gave the default veggies... I only had 2 thin pieces of pork. as you can tell by the picture theres more noodles than soup or toppings. Inside seating is limited! about 30 ppl sat inside?? and about 15-20 ppl for outside seating. read more
Rarely in the area and noticed a line at Ramen Nagi. That usually means good food. So the wifey and I decided to check them out. Simple menu and a tiny dining area. This did not deter us from checking them out. The service was top notch. Very attentive staff and service. The ramen was delicious. Nice broth and noodle texture was on point. My only complaint was they messed up on our order. We ordered kaarage chicken and tea. We did not receive that. Instead we received a gyoza that we did not order. They did adjust the receipt but I did kinda want to try the chicken. I love how they have condiments on the table. Nice touch. Overall, a nice experience. Just don't expect to have a lot of personal space. It is kind of cramped in there, unless you opt for the outside patio area. read more
We met with friends from out of town here one evening. We were seated on the long table with other guests. It was the normal conversation loudness that was generally acceptable. They also have outdoor seating with ample heaters to keep diners comfortable. I ordered the classic Ramen with extra pork belly and a side of Kara age. I also ordered the cold tea to drink. My wife got the green ramen. I was satisfied with my order and my wife loved the green king ramen that she ordered. I guess pesto has a place in ramen. We will return to try their other offerings. read more
Perfect spot for dinner on a rainy night! There was a bit of a wait since people probably had the same idea but not too bad. We sat outdoors on the patio which was covered and had heat lamps. The ramen was pretty good! Meat was delicious, noodles were solid and the broth was good. I would have liked a bit more flavor on the broth which would have made the ramen really stand out. The chicken karaage on the other hand was really good! Big pieces, really crispy, and had a nice flavor to it as well. Service was also very helpful. A good spot to eat in the SD area. One thing to note is that UTC only gives you two hours of parking, and parking itself is a bit of a mess. If you don't mind that, this is a great ramen place! read more
9 months ago
This location is in a gorgeous mall, UTC La Jolla. Ramen Nagi has been on my wish list for a while since seeing them in nor Cal a few months ago. Great service-quick, fast, courteous. I tried the black ramen, edamame and karage chivken. I have to say the broth was a little disappointing because it was too spicy, it overwhelmed the broth. Presentation-very good Service -very good Cleanliness-excellent Maybe not worth the long lines i usually see outside. read more
10 months ago
Came for the King's Crab (soft shelled crab) I was immediately disappointed because they ran out. We went Wednesday at 11 AM and they said they ran out Tuesday. The day before I went on their website and Instagram and it said limited through October 12. I'm pretty sure I was also looking at the UTC location. But there's no way to call ahead of time to find out if they were still serving the soft-shell crab. I did send an email and received an apology for their late response later that day. Anyway, my friends who came with me have never been here so we decided to stay and have ramen. Upon my disappointment, I asked if they were serving their Gyoza and was told no. However, they did come back to let me know Gyoza was available if I wanted to order it. I was glad to add it to my order I also ordered the Black King with normal salt, but it was a tad salty. I think maybe because of the pork belly. It was still delicious and I would get it again except go light on the salt. My friends enjoyed their selection of ramen and the Karaage Chicken . The service was excellent, I just wish they had a means to contact them directly. read more
It's a beautiful Monday and I am off from work.... So I thought to myself, "what would really make this a terrific day?" And my response to myself was, "Veggie King Ramen from Ramen Nagi." Of course! So i drove to UTC, dealt with a bit of traffic, and then happily got on line at about 11:44 am, and by 12:20. I'd enjoyed my delicious Ramen at a nice little table outside by the Koi Pond. The paper ordering system continues to be efficient and the service was friendly and efficient. My bowl with added egg came to $22.09 with tax. Note: Nagi is a cashless restaurant. I also love the refreshing lemon water that is on every table! There are many great ramen spots in San Diego but this is my go to place for my favorite ramen. I don't eat pork or beef, so the fact that they have the delicious veggie king on offer all the time makes me feel seen & appreciated as a diner. read more
9 months ago
The restaurant is quite small but homey! You wait in a line outside & place your ramen order on a piece of paper that walks you through all the steps. This way, the ramen comes out quickly after getting seated. Their menu is small, but they have mastered their ramen well. Red King - 9.2/10 (one of the best bowls of ramen i have ever had. the soup is perfectly creamy & has a kick of spice. i would opt for less oil & salt so that the soup is lighter to slurp up. the mince meat under the ball of spice adds loads of flavor & a hint of sweetness. the pork loin is tender & tasty. i chose the cabbage option which was crunchy & quite refreshing. we added a soft boiled egg for a bit extra, which was cooked perfectly & quite melted in your mouth. i think it would have been perfect if they egg was cut in half & seasoned. i would definitely come back to try the other ramen options!) * Chicken Karaage - 8.4/10 (i love the crunch from chicken, which was fried nicely. the chicken was juicy & steaming hot. i do wish it was seasoned a bit more however. the mayo dipping sauce was nothing too special, a bit lacking in my opinion. nonetheless, yummy appetizer, but i have had better) read more
11 months ago
Ramen Nagi is serving ramen and delicious protein packed sides. AMBIANCE Clean, modern, Japanese accented interior. Umbrella covered exterior seating by the koi pond. SERVICE Staff are friendly, helpful, welcoming. Patrons line up to be seated, and pay inside. FOOD 5/5 PORK BELLY: Braised flavorfully - it's rich, savory, sweet, umami packed, and a bit tangy. 5/5 CHICKEN KARAAGE: crisp exterior with a sweet soy glaze served with a dollop of egg mayo and cabbage 5/5 CHASHU RICE: tender pork chashu slices with smaller chunks served over a bed of white rice flavored w soy sauce, and sprinkled w red ginger PARKING First two hours are free in the lot read more
5 months ago
Ramen Nagi is the newest ramen addition to UTC mall and definitely the best i've had at the mall! It always has a line for good reason. The menu is quite small but that usually means the focus and quality on those items is better. I came here for a birthday and they gave us some veggie gyoza on the house! The veggie ramen was really good - noodles cooked well, creamy broth, fresh ingredients. though, it would be nice to have some tofu or other nutrient rich veggies in the ramen. read more
One of the top ramen place in San Diego. This is located within the UTC mall just across from the La Colombe coffee shop. I recommend getting the "wide" noodle, as it not really wide like Chinese noodles, it's more like a regular ramen noodle thickness. They have a lot customizing options that you can take, however I'm sure it'll take a few times eating here to figure out your exact set up. There's always a line around the pond, but from experience it always moves pretty quickly. The service is fast and friendly, pretty much what you expect from a traditional Japanese ramen spot. Which is come, eat, enjoy and leave, so others can eat there as well. There are a few communal tables, so there might be a possibility that you will be sitting next to strangers. Make sure you keep that in mind. I would recommend coming here! Parking at the mall is free for 2 hours, so you should be able to get in and out within that time frame. read more
We came on a Friday at 12:30pm expecting a long wait but when we got here there was no line at all. Crazy right??? We were seated right away. Placed our orders and received our ramen wn 10 minutes. The staff was friendly and service was really fast. The ramen shop is located at the UTC mall right next to Raised by Wolves. Free 2 hr parking so come get your ramen. read more
One of my go-to ramen spots in SD. No reservations/online waitlist so there is usually a line outside during peak dinner hours. I recommend trying to come during weekdays or lunch or right at opening if trying to avoid a line. They hand you an order sheet that makes it really easy to place your order with whatever customizations you want. I personally prefer their thicker noodles and love the green king base, which has basil and fun parmesan bits in it. Service is usually pretty fast, only deducting one star because I've had times when they completely forgot the meat in my ramen, and it's usually too late by the time I realize to do anything about it. They also have crushed sesame seeds you can add to your ramen and seasoned bean sprouts as a side dish you can enjoy too. Indoors and covered outdoors seating is available. read more
The broth here is not really hot, I've been here a few times before and it's always just slightly warm. I do like how we can personalize and adjust our ramen. I love spicy and level 7 was perfect for me! The servers are attentive and they explain the menu well and the interior of the restaurant is really nice. I appreciate that all the outdoor seats are right next to the heater too. read more
6 months ago
I've heard a lot of great things about this place and there's always a line. We stopped by and I'd say this place is solid. There were about 8 people in front of us when we got there but the line moved quickly. You also fill out what you want in line which helps. I think the ramen was good, solid is the best word I can use but I will say I've had better. I really liked the gyoza here though. The crisp they had on it was unique to me and delicious! Tbh I'd go back for the gyoza. Staff was friendly though there wasn't much interaction besides collecting our order and dropping off food. read more
Page 1 of 19
More info about Ramen Nagi
Ramen Nagi Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Ramen Nagi
Do they have takeout?
No they don't. I wouldn't recommend take out either. Ramen quality degrades quickly, as in minutes. This is the kind of food you should eat hot and fresh. I've seen complaints about ramen shops, yet the diner got take out. Of course it wasn't good.…
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
26 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
18 days ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
Ramen Nagi - ramen - Updated August 2026
Best of San Diego
People found Ramen Nagi by searching for…
Trending Searches in San Diego, CA
Conveyor Belt Sushi near Ramen Nagi
Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna near Ramen Nagi
Farmers Market near Ramen Nagi
Gluten Free Sushi near Ramen Nagi
Hand Pulled Noodles near Ramen Nagi
Japanese Curry near Ramen Nagi
Late Night Sushi near Ramen Nagi
Sushi Happy Hour near Ramen Nagi
Sushi Lunch Special near Ramen Nagi
Browse Articles
Browse Nearby
BEST of San Diego, California Coffee near Ramen Nagi
BEST of San Diego, California Restaurants near Ramen Nagi
BEST of San Diego, California Sushi near Ramen Nagi
BEST of San Diego, California Desserts near Ramen Nagi
BEST of San Diego, California Things to Do near Ramen Nagi
BEST of San Diego, California Parking near Ramen Nagi
BEST of San Diego, California Pho near Ramen Nagi
BEST of San Diego, California Shopping near Ramen Nagi
Browse Brands
Related Searches in San Diego, CA
Authentic Izakaya Dining Experiences in San Diego, California
Best Dim Sum Places to Try in San Diego, California
Best Korean BBQ All You Can Eat Deals in San Diego, California
Best Korean Fried Chicken Spots Around San Diego, California
Best Places for Brunch in San Diego, California
Best Places for Poke in San Diego, California
Best Places to Enjoy Curry in San Diego, California
Best Shabu Dining Options in San Diego, California
Best Vegan Restaurants to Try in San Diego, California
Delicious Dumplings Available in San Diego, California
Delicious Onigiri Options to Try in San Diego, California
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in San Diego, California
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in San Diego, California
Discover Authentic Indian Food in San Diego, California
Discover Delicious Noodle Soup Options in San Diego, California
Discover Top Asian Food Options in San Diego, California
Discover Top Mediterranean Food in San Diego, California
Discover Top-Rated Kimbap Places in San Diego, California
Discover the Best Boba Drinks in San Diego, California
Discover the Best Sushi Spots in San Diego, California
Enjoy Authentic Peking Duck Specialties in San Diego, California
Enjoy Authentic Tempura Dishes in San Diego, California
Experience Authentic Omakase Dining in San Diego, California
Explore Delicious Vegetarian Food in San Diego, California
Explore Popular Fried Rice Recipes in San Diego, California
Explore Top Taiwanese Food Choices Around San Diego, California
Explore Vietnamese Food and Culture in San Diego, California
Find Bento Boxes Available in San Diego, California
Find Delicious Rice Bowl Options in San Diego, California
Find the Best Teriyaki Dishes in San Diego, California
Find the Best Tonkatsu Dishes in San Diego, California
Fresh Oysters Served in San Diego, California
Fresh Sashimi Options in San Diego, California
Get Authentic Miso Soup in San Diego, California
Highly Rated Japanese Restaurant Locations in San Diego, California
Order Delicious Korean Soup in San Diego, California
Order Fresh and Tasty Salad Options in San Diego, California
Refreshing Milk Tea Options in San Diego, California
Savor Authentic Yakitori in San Diego, California
Savor Delicious Udon in San Diego, California
Savor Japanese Curry Dishes in San Diego, California
Taste Delicious Hawaiian Food in San Diego, California
Taste Delicious Korean Food Options in San Diego, California
Taste Delicious Popcorn Chicken in San Diego, California
Top Gluten Free Restaurants in San Diego, California
Top Pho Restaurants to Try in San Diego, California
Top Rated Seafood Dishes in San Diego, California
Top-Rated Soup Dumplings in San Diego, California to Try
