Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

IPPUDO BERKELEY in Berkeley

4.2 (199) 2015 Kala Bagai Wy, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

Categories

Ramen restaurant
Asian restaurant
Japanese restaurant
Noodle shop

Location on the map

Berkeley, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 650-963-2508
Site: https://ippudous.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Tuesday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Wednesday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Thursday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Friday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Saturday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Sunday:11:30 AM–9:30 AM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.2

199 Reviews for IPPUDO BERKELEY 2024:

Review №1

2023-11-03 14:20:59

Closes on the early side but exactly the amazing ramen and buns you might expect, with impeccable service. A carafe of sake and a couple bowls of ramen is all we needed. We got both the normal and veggie akamaru with a poached egg. Yum!

Review №2

2023-10-01 20:19:17

The veggie Akamaru the tastiest vegan/vegetarian ramens I’ve ever had, I love the flavor of the broth, 10/10 flavor. The portion is relatively small, meaning it was actually a good portion size but not as big as other places. It’s a bit pricy but so is everywhere in berkeley. The whole restaurant smells very good.

Review №3

2023-06-19 04:52:07

The service was great as soon as we got there with their attentive and friendly staff.Ordered a few different ramens and my miso tonkatsu was the least favorite. Says more that the other were slightly better, not that mine wasnt good. The karagee (sp?) chicken was very good so can see why thats so popular.Although it is a chain, will recommend giving them a try if you havent before.

Review №4

2023-02-06 01:52:18

One of my favorite ramen places! If you get a bun, the chicken bun is a must-have. The crispness, crunch, and the sauce are incredible. The noodles were well-cooked and the broth was delicious. My friend and I shared one bowl and it was the perfect portion for us since we had a late lunch and stopped by a dessert shop before an early dinner. We thought we had to wait for 20-30 minutes for a table for 2 at a busy dinner hour but we didn’t wait long! About 15 minutes. Reasonable prices, and friendly staff. When we come back we’re trying the other buns and getting extras of the chicken bun!

Review №5

2023-12-04 06:35:23

The karaku spicy and shrimp buns were really good. The ramen had a lot of flavor, everything in it was super good.

Review №6

2023-07-14 21:53:03

First time in Ippudo Berkeley. Just as good as the one in NYC Westside. Get the pork buns, pork gyoza and akamaru modern ramen bowl. The pork buns and pork gyoza were so good we had to order a second round because my children were fighting over them.

Review №7

2023-08-09 20:48:56

Ordered the Veggie Akamaru よさいあかまる and it was delightful. I invited co-workers to join me this time, and they were pleased. I raved about this place to them, and Ippudo did not disappoint! I wish the Cupertino location had the same quality though. I received burnt truffle fries there.

Review №8

2023-07-29 02:43:14

We were seated right away, the staff was very friendly & helped us immediately. The food was amazing and it hit the spot after a long day!

Review №9

2023-01-10 07:47:22

We stumbled upon this place while we were in Berkeley and wanted to give it a try. It did not disappoint! They have akamaru veggie ramen - one regular and one spicy. Loved the spicy ramen. My friends loved the ippudo chicken buns too. Nice interiors. Service was quick . Staff was friendly. Will come back again!

Review №10

2023-11-15 21:38:26

Very kind servers accommodated my sesame allergy and dietary restriction of no pork or pork product :) I got the yuzu shoyu with no pork fat on top.

Review №11

2023-08-14 18:37:35

I had the Karaka Spicy ramen that comes with its spicy karaka paste at the core, embraced by aromatic garlic oil and a luscious tonkotsu broth, which made an unforgettable impact.The blend of flavors in the Karaka Spicy ramen was nothing short of captivating. The pastes heat provided a satisfying kick, complemented perfectly by the depth brought in by the garlic oil. The tonkotsu broth, a hallmark of IPPUDOs expertise, added a rich and flavorful dimension to the ensemble.

Review №12

2023-09-24 22:59:31

Came here with a friend for ramen but I wasn’t hungry so didn’t order. The waiter gave us two glasses of water with lip stains on it. I asked him and raised my glass, and only said “can you…” he said “yeah I can change it”. It seems like he knew they were dirty already. Will not come back again.

Review №13

2022-09-30 08:51:21

My friend brought me here after hearing about the ramen. He ordered the Shiromaru Classic and I ordered a steamed pork bun and Karaka Spicy ramen. We shared a side of extra noodles. This was the first time I saw where you have the choice of style and firmness of noodle. We went with what they recommended. I really enjoyed the pork bun. I loved the spicy karaka ramen. Id easily come back here again. The peach sake jelly shot drink was a bit weird but it went down easy!

Review №14

2023-05-23 00:42:18

I had a feeling the corn, seaweed, and poached egg used to come with default price ? Or am I mistaken with the other location? 🤔 Now its just bamboo shoots and green onions.

Review №15

2022-03-19 22:02:46

Chicken buns are delicious - must try. I ordered the spicy ramen with wavy noodles kata and an egg. Highly recommend. Spicy, but the rich flavor still shined through. There is street parking across the street. I came on a Saturday at lunch and parking was not a problem.

Review №16

2021-08-25 23:19:02

I had a very enjoyable dinner here with co-workers. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming. I love the inside decor and wondered if any of the shirts and posters are for sale. We came for the excellent ramen, fried chicken, shishito peppers and beer. All of the dishes were presented well and our orders were delivered quickly. The food was fresh and flavorful and I look forward to returning to try other dishes.

Review №17

2022-04-30 03:51:59

The sauce on the chicken bun was delicious. Atmosphere was bustling and cozy. Waitstaff was quick and friendly. Not really a spot I’d like to linger, but maybe just because I dined alone. I got the Classic Ramen bowl as my main course. I couldn’t finish it. I also appreciated that they take note of how firm you’d like your ramen to come out! Very good price for the amount of food.

Review №18

2022-12-10 01:09:50

I love the ramen here, the broth is just SO good. I typically order an extra side of noodles. Typically I get the akmoru modern but the spicy Karaka is bomb too

Review №19

2023-07-04 05:28:36

Food was tasty as usual, we continue to have good flavors and noodle texture. Service was intrusive with waiter constantly interrupting our conversation and taking away dishes even when we still had food on it. She assumed we didnt want to eat remaining amount. Is it too much to be left alone to enjoy the company of my family once our food is served.

Review №20

2023-08-27 09:44:21

Arguably, one of the greatest Ramen joints in the Bay Area! The broths are amazing with versatile flavor options. Their noodles are on point! If you want a true Ramen experience, look no further. The only downside is the lack of close parking on a busy night, and it can get a little loud inside due to some of the college crowd. The quality vastly outweighs any of the cons. Their is a reason that they are an international noodle chain.

Review №21

2017-11-23 02:53:05

Smooth and rich broth with a bit of sweetness. The noodles “kata” firmness were just right. Only downside pricey at ~$17/bowl if you want an egg (and the egg was still a tad cold in the middle). Overall tasty, would eat again if we are in the area.

Review №22

2021-10-09 20:30:02

Really delicious Food! My first time trying it and I was not disappointed. I tried many ramen places before and Ippudo is by far one of the best. The broth has a lot of flavor. I only wish they had a chicken substitute for the ramen but I understand authentic ramen is pork. I recommend the gyoza and the seasonal ramen.

Review №23

2023-10-14 01:15:03

Their veggie ramen has vegan noodles that are unbelievably great! Best vegan ramen I’ve had. Before I was vegan this was my favorite ramen in the US. So glad I can enjoy it again!

Review №24

2018-10-20 18:49:47

Great food! First time trying Ippudo. The ones in New York is always way too crowded so when I figured that there is no line here I just jumped in!We got chicken karaage and buns (2 chicken 1 pork) for appetizer. We had three different types of noodles, one vegetable two red with pork belly and the chicken noodle. All is good!I like their chicken buns! The chicken was made into perfection, soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. The buns were soft and the sauces right on point! The chicken karaage was less impressive, a little bit bland on the taste.The vegetables noddle was good, slightly sour and flavorful. You can choose the hardness of noddles so I got medium form, and it tasted just right for me.Would love to be back for the good food!

Review №25

2023-07-31 02:57:34

Ramen is great. Highly recommend. It is my Berkeley memory.

Review №26

2023-11-27 04:17:43

Delicious! Quick service. Heartwarming ramen broth and supple noodles both come together for a culinary slurp dream.

Review №27

2019-07-07 02:36:07

Update: since the review below, Ive been there a couple of times, and the quality of their ramen have increased a lot.Giving it a 5 stars now for the food, the quality of service and the improvement!We had karaage (fried chicken), chashuu rice, miso ramen and shoyuu ramen (soy sauce ramen).The karaage was great, crunchy and tasty!The chashuu rice and the miso ramen were also good, while not amazing.The shoyuu ramen on the other hand was simply bad. Way too much katsuobushi (Bonito flake) flavor, it was overpowering and not at all what you would expect from soy sauce ramen.After waiting for almost 45 minutes, I would have hoped for a better blow of Japanese ramen.

Review №28

2023-08-18 03:05:28

We went there for the Ramen on our way from Yosemite National Park back to Bay Area, the ramens were quite authentic and the broth was really tasty! The chain even has its own T-shirt for collection. Cheers!

Review №29

2023-02-19 21:06:22

Ordered Yuzu shoyu Ramen! Good flavor, but it is way too salty! The service is pretty bad, never brought me any water.

Review №30

2019-08-27 03:00:33

Went there yesterday after two days of wilderness first aid training. Before I could drive 75 miles back home, I wanted to try some ramen. First heard of Ippudo from Strictly Dumpling, which you can look him up on YouTube. It was packed when I entered, but it wasnt long before I got a seat. I already knew what I was going to order, which is the Karaka Spicy ramen (officially known as Karaka-men) with a boiled egg. I took a sip of the broth and it was amazing. With the spice, it adds a kick to the flavor. The noodles were firm to perfection. My mouth and nose were slightly sweating bullets, but I embraced it. The servers showed great customer service. I hope Ill come back one day to try out Ippudos other options and its appetizers. I definitely recommend this place!!!

Review №31

2020-12-01 16:36:32

Hit this spot while visiting Cal and would definitely return. The ramen was tasty, noddles were firm, and the pork belly was fresh. Broth had a deep peppery flavor. We also got the wings and you have to give these a try. I was licking my fingers the sauce was so yummy.

Review №32

2017-12-10 13:47:49

OMG!!!! Thats all I could say after my first bite.... Hands down... wonderful noodle and excellent broth... The chicken wings were really tasty too!! Love the sauce that came with it. I put some of my extra noodles in the wing sauce cuz I didnt want it to go to waste.. The chicken karaage was moist and tasty, but I liked the wings more. Plus, I love the attention to detail of this place. Baskets r placed on the floor where purses and jackets can be kept clean. I cant wait to go back again for more!!!

Review №33

2018-10-14 06:21:16

I came in with low expectations and was still disappointed. For appetizer, I had the pork and chicken buns, which were pretty good and packed a lot of flavor. For entrees, I had the Akamaru and Shoyu ramen. The Akamaru did not have much flavor to it, and the Shoyu got a little salty once you ate more of it. Plenty of other good ramen spots in the bay area.

Review №34

2018-07-24 06:58:54

Almost every time I drive by the place, theres always a long line going out the door, so I thought I had to try it!I came on a Saturday at 3PM in hopes to avoid a lin. When I got arrived there wasnt an outdoor line, but I had to wait 10 minutes still for a party of 2 (not bad).I ordered the Shiromaru Tamago since it looked like it was one of their specials. I liked the option to choose how soft/hard the noodles to be. I chose the hard noodles. The ramen took a long time to finally arrive.The broth was lightly flavored, I wished it could be a bit thicker. The noodles were firm (just as Id ordered). The seasoned egg was a little disappointing, it wasnt as yolky or as flavored as Id hope.For a long wait to get into the restaurant and for the food to arrive, I was underwhelmed by the quality of the ramen.

Review №35

2023-09-20 04:49:17

Ippudo will always hold a special place in my heart; the ramen is foundational and still hits on all cylinders. But I think you’re better off getting a bowl of ramen from Mensho especially since they just opened up a location here after their first one in San Francisco. Staff was very friendly and the pork and chicken buns are incredible.

Review №36

2021-05-24 23:27:30

Arrived around 11am on a Monday, so no wait to be seated. Food came out in about 15 minutes. Only one guy in the kitchen. Solid tonkotsu ramen and karaage with greens. The soup is not quite as kotteri, or thick, as the Ippudo in Japan, but it’s still yummy. I’ll be back for my fix.

Review №37

2017-09-17 06:40:28

Yummy ramen in a light, bright, and festive place. The 30-minute wait for 4 on a Friday night wasnt too bad. We sat at the counter with views of the kitchen. Some of the kitchen staff seemed to be under training and needing some tweaking. The chicken karaage should have been dipped in flour. And the broth was a little salty. But, overall, this is a fun place to have good ramen and small dishes.

Review №38

2023-08-03 01:57:42

This is in my opinion the best ramen in an area where the worst ramen is better than the best ramen in most places. If you have the appetite of a child, please stick to Top Ramen and Maruchan. Make sure to get the Kaedama, some appetizers, and tip generously

Review №39

2023-07-31 06:34:34

Consistency is what this place is. Every time my wife, kids, and I come back here, that amazing bowl of ramen, including the appetizers makes this place extra special. The umami from the truffle fries to the miso tonkatsu ramen makes us want to order more.

Review №40

2018-11-28 04:59:58

Ive been here a couple of times, and the ramen is always very satisfying. I dont think its worth the wait during peak hours (which can be 30+ minutes) when there are other just as good ramen places further down shattuck. But if were just talking about the food, then I think this place has the best ramen. I usually get the Akamaru Modern which is great. I love the firmness of the noodles, and the kaedama system is very nice as well. Pictured here is one of their seasonal specials (the Karakacchan) which had ground pork in it and was very good. If you can come during off peak hours like maybe around 2-3, or late at night like around 9, then you cant go wrong.

Review №41

2023-07-19 03:36:20

Oh my goodness, this place is amazing. The amazing servers were quick and considerate. The room feels comfortable even at full capacity. Lastly, the amazing Spicy Karaka gave very different spicy-level of burns.

Review №42

2019-04-03 03:00:28

$21+ (including tax and tips) for an akamaru, kaedama, and a karaage lunch special. Thats like double what youd pay in Tokyo, which would be acceptable if there were no better choices in the Bay Area, but there are plenty (if you want to compare Hakata style, Orenchi tastes better and Ramen Taka is a better value), which makes me sad because when I lived in Tokyo, Ippudo was my go-to.The other reviewers were right - the soup and chashu are not up to par - they also dont have fresh garlic or hot sauce on the table for you to add (compared to Ippudo in Japan). But the noodles are the same (excellent). The karaage was just fried chicken without marinated mirin (or so little, you couldnt taste it).With so many other value choices around Cal, I dont know how long this branch will last (I know I wont be returning). Maybe they would do better in SF, but I havent checked out the ramen scene there recently - perhaps its already as intense.

Review №43

2018-05-06 06:02:28

Fairly decent ramen, but I prefer Orenchi in Santa Clara. I like that you can choose the firmness of the noodles, but that was negated by the fairly bland egg. A tad on the pricey side, but isnt that out of range for the area. I do have to give them credit for how well managed the line was and the service was great.

Review №44

2021-06-14 20:39:50

To be honest, I really dont understand the hype. It was okay, at best. I waited an hour in order to get in, even though I went at 4:30 pm for dinner. Maybe my expectations were too high, but Ippudo doesnt live up to what I thought it would be. The ramen was very average and pretty expensive (~$20). Its an experience to try but there are many other better choices.

Review №45

2019-04-18 15:04:36

Soup broth for the ramen is delicious. Meat topping (thin slices of pork) scant and mostly fat like bacon but not fried...dont count on high protein meal, except for the long cooked pork broth that I presume is nourishing.Vegetarian option available but I cannot rate it as I havent tried it.Service is courteous Japanese, quick and efficient. Presentation clean .Also, they accommodate you with a soft box next to your chair for your knapsack, handbag, etc.Sides available and small dessert selection...all delicious.Parking on Shattuck difficult but pkg garage nearby..best for walkers or get dropped off. Close to downtown Berkeley BARTIppudo, I was told when in Kyushu, Japan, last year, hails from Fukuoka.Though this is considered a fast food in Japan (and about half the price there), theyve groomed it for our generally higher urban American pricing including a snazzy eating environment.

Review №46

2018-01-12 04:45:09

Arriving 5:30pm, not too long waiting line and could be seated after 15 minutes. At the time we left, the line was soooo long, probably more than 45 minutes wait. Consider visiting early if you want to avoid the time. Ramen bowls are true Hakata Tonkotsu, resembles their restaurants in Japan! Highly recommended if you fell in love with ramen in Japan!

Review №47

2018-05-05 23:20:52

Overpriced for average tasting ramen. Price starts at $15 for most of them. If youre looking for good service, come here. If youre here for delicious ramen, forget about it. I was starving when I got my ramen and it didnt taste good. Only finished the bowl because I was so hungry. My sister ate 3 bites and stopped eating. I gave it 3 stars for the service not the food.

Review №48

2018-12-10 20:40:15

Been to the SF shop a few time and the service here needs a bit of work. Not bad service but could be a bit more attentive. Food is a bit pricey for ramen but is delicious.We also ordered the chicken kar-age and one of the 3 pieces came out almost completely raw inside. They gave us a new batch and comped the dish.

Review №49

2019-12-31 00:03:09

This may be the only ramen franchise I know that offers kaedama (noodle refills) options and delicious ramen with slices of butter on top. The dessert I had was also excellent!! Im so glad my boyfriend and I arrived before the dinner rush came and created a line at the door. I highly recommend this ramen place for those who have some time to spare for authentic Japanese food.

Review №50

2018-08-04 02:09:17

Ill be the first to admit Im not a ramen connoisseur but the food here was absolutely delicious. I had the Modern which has significantly more flavor than the classic which my friend had and I had my noodles prepared with the most bite. I could eat that every day!

Review №51

2022-03-13 07:49:14

Great raman restaurant. They have Berkeley exclusive raman. Tofu salad is must try. Lots of people wait in line. Highly recommand.

Review №52

2021-06-16 07:35:22

This is easily the best Ramen Ive ever had. Ive eaten at ramen places all across the state and it doesnt compare. Their broth is on another level.

Review №53

2017-11-26 03:17:00

Ramen is without question, authentic and good. As someone who is Japanese and have eaten at the original restaurant in Fukuoka, I find a bowl of ramen costing $16 to be pretty egregious.

Review №54

2019-02-14 01:53:21

The ramen here is delicious, the service at this location was nice and they didnt took to much to bring our orders. The decoration gives this restaurant a good mood. Though I think it was a little pricy the food complement its value.

Review №55

2021-04-01 11:27:49

Great ramen. Thick broth, perfect cooked noodles and amazing soft boiled eggs

Review №56

2023-05-13 22:54:18

Good ramen in Berkeley. Parking can be a bit challenging in the vicinity, not much available and lots of people coming and going. Ramen portion was modest. I think they rely on customers loading up their ramen bowls with extra add-ons.

Review №57

2018-05-18 04:36:54

After my trip to Japan in search of great ramen, this place is a great substitute after having tasted some of Japans best and worst. Highlights include thinly sliced chasu--a premium cut with the perfect amount of marbling, rich porky broths or smooth umami rich shoyu and miso, elegant noodles cooked to your preference, and an authentic ramen house order up! atmosphere.

Review №58

2018-01-16 20:19:55

Worthy of 5 stars, excellent service. Good price, fancy napkins, you can choose firmness of noodles. I love Ramen and this is now my top choice if Im ever in Berkeley

Review №59

2022-01-17 00:40:05

It’s pretty tasty food, but nothing that special or interesting for me. This is really just about my personal preference rather their food or service.

Review №60

2018-07-30 07:25:11

Compared with Japan local and other countries, broth is too light.. cannot taste pork flavor from broth...noodles and karaage are good.

Review №61

2019-11-24 19:35:07

Im not a ramen expert, but this place is quite tasty. Their noodle firmness is always on point, and the kaedama portions is also generous. Its a bit pricy, but thats expected from Ippudo. They have a good cal special, show your ID and get it for $12, which is comparable to other places around Berkekey. Service is good and friendly. Luckily the hype of this place has gone down s lot, so usually there is no wait during lunch.

Review №62

2018-01-03 22:59:38

Amazing place!I love ramaen, and this place has one of the best, if not the best, of Oakland!I only show pictures of the pork bans and kareague, and not of the ramaen, but thats because I could resist and eat it right away!

Review №63

2019-08-08 02:30:43

Nice facility, courteous and enthusiastic server. Good soup, I think. But my company did not think its as good as our last visit in Osaka last April. I also like the Chasu (pork) but miss the egg. I also wish my company brought Cal ID so we can have the Cal Ramen.

Review №64

2023-07-19 00:23:28

Tasty ramen, busy on a Sunday night. Its expensive for what you get. Loud friendly atmosphere.

Review №65

2023-07-30 00:06:09

AMAZING place for ramen !

Review №66

2023-09-17 05:08:47

Food, drinks, ambience and service all are 10/10. Lots of veggie options, all equally tasty. Decently priced. Definitely recommended!

Review №67

2018-10-13 08:33:27

3 stars for their customer service. The ramen was very plain and the chicken karrage is meh. It wasnt what I expected. The place looks upscale and I heard its good, but I think I prefer Santouka and Ajisen ramen more. Other than their food, this is an actual nice place to dine alone, gather in groups or go on dates. For me, I wont come back again

Review №68

2023-06-24 01:11:56

Delicious food! We had the pan seared gyoza, spicy tonkatsu with chicken, and a fried rice bowl. Will definitely be coming back!

Review №69

2021-09-13 03:53:14

I have to say that the service was pretty good, everyone was friendly and nice. But the ramen broth was mediocre and chashu was thin like paper. Im very disappointed. I dont think Ill visit ippudo again.

Review №70

2018-04-08 03:58:49

Ramen lovers will have to try Ippudo. I had the Shiromaru Classic which is made with pork broth and comes with dashi, thin noodles topped with pork belly chashu, sesame kikurage mushrooms, menma, red pickled ginger and scallions. If you want a little more spice, be sure to try the Karaka Spicy. Also enjoyed the Shishito peppers, too.

Review №71

2023-03-22 05:26:44

I ordered from the hype on DoorDash about this restaurant. I spent $85 for an inedible and actually disgusting meal. The Ramen is a half portion of ramen liquid and tired other ingredients. It taste so processed and odd that i couldn’t eat it, at all. Threw it away. The buns were sugary sweet, cold and C minus. Don’t bother, this restaurant has o relationship to the food they sell. It’s just a marketing site with horrible food.

Review №72

2023-01-09 21:49:30

Im not into ramen but my son is and he took us here. The fries I got looked and tasted like they came from McDonalds and yes McDonald does have awesome fries and the dipping sauce was okay but for $9? Id be better off buying a large fries at McDonalds cus its cheaper and Id get more plus some ketchup. As far as the ramen goes thou the broth I did taste and he got 2 different kinds and they both were great. He said their ramen was excellent. The place is weird as far as service goes. I was expecting to be seated and given a menu and all that but u actually order from a menu that u scan on ur phone via QR code and the waiter took hella long to come over and get our order but the food didnt take too long and they do offer to go if u need it.

Review №73

2019-10-16 03:41:24

Go now! Now that the new udon place is open up the street it was easier to get into Ippudo. Delicious ramen. Love the egg and add corn.

Review №74

2022-04-16 04:03:57

Good, not great miso tonkatsu. Mine did not have an egg in it.Gyoza and dipping sauce were good.Service was very good.

Review №75

2023-09-24 04:15:23

Ramen and shrimp buns are very tasty. Bit expensive for ramen joint but oh well...

Review №76

2023-03-06 00:58:40

Overpriced for mediocre ramen (the egg is extra!). Not sure what happened since the last time we went but the atmosphere seems to have gone downhill. The table was greasy, we asked for a paper menu and they gave us a dirty one. Server was indifferent/ not attentive as well.

Review №77

2023-01-04 22:36:19

Top Ramen spot in Berkeley. Loved the veggie ramen and chicken buns. Not a huge fan of the veggie bun, however.

Review №78

2019-10-12 05:33:10

Exceptional food, great service. The spicey ramen, fried gyozas, and edamame were beyond my expectations.

Review №79

2020-01-06 22:17:59

I dont get what the hype is about. The broth is below ehh but the noodles were pretty good. It has a nice spring to it. I saw a bunch of white people in the back cooking it so I dont know if Im down for that.

Review №80

2017-10-02 04:42:34

Always excellent and solid, weve been to Ippudo all over the world, its truly one of the best and most genuine. Im looking forward to their location opening in Phoenix!

Review №81

2018-11-03 19:23:48

TL;DR Great as a nice lunch spot, or a place to catch up with your friends, but not for impressing a date.Environment:- Classy and yet casual. You wouldnt feel out of place here with a pair of jeans or khakis. Atmosphere is busy and chatty, with a classic ramen house background of chittering customers and chefs calling out orders and greetings.Ramen:- I had the Bonito Tonkotsu, with a side of chicken karaage and hot green tea. Im surprised that the Tonkotsu did not come with shoyu-marinated eggs (as is traditional), but they did mention that in their menu.- Chasu was tasty, but cooked at too high a temperature for too little a time. This resulted in a pork belly that did not melt in your mouth, and did not have a prominent enough shoyu taste. Unusual as well was that the pork belly was not rolled into a traditional round shape, resulting in an uneven balance of belly fat and meat when you bite into it.- Broth had a good silky mouth feel and cloudiness, with a nice mellow sweetness from the pork. I feel that the Bonito was infused with the shoyu sauce that is mixed with the broth later rather than with the broth itself, as the soup had an initial burst of smoky bonito, followed by the mellow broth.- Small nitpicking, but the bamboo shoots in my ramen were not sliced thinly, and were instead cut into 1/2 inch width sticks. This made it very difficult to bite into, though it did make them very crunchy.Sides:- The chicken karaage, as mentioned by other reviewers, was crispy and juicy, but either did not have enough seasonings or was not marinated for long enough to impart the classic karaage flavors. In addition, the karaage got a little soft if you left it sitting too long :(- The hot green tea was little more than a single tea bag in a pot of hot water. For $4, I had expected at least more tea bags than given, and ideally loose leaf tea. The choice of having a cast iron tea pot and cups is cool (see picture), but terrible for good tea as the metal disapates heat too quickly for brewing tea, resulting in a weak lukewarm concoction.Overall 7/10. Pretty good spot if youre craving ramen, but for the same price point, travel a little further for proper ramen and sides

Review №82

2018-11-02 03:21:16

Pretty good ramen and pork buns. Don’t estimate the veggie bun. It’s like a veggie tempura shoved inside the bun. A little on the pricy side

Review №83

2018-06-19 07:34:59

I love the shiromaru ramen here! The soup is full of flavor and super rich. I also got the karaage rice bowl and the japanese style fried chicken was perfectly crispy and sweet and tangy!

Review №84

2023-01-24 04:57:47

On of the best ramen shop in Berkeley. It focuses on ramen but has some other interesting items in the menu like the pork belly buns. The only drawback is the price, a little bit expensive for my taste, so it is not for going every week, at least with my budget.

Review №85

2019-12-29 04:21:31

Not impressive place and I think absolutely over price. What special about that bowl of noodles?! I gave them 3 star just because the server was not bad for fair.

Review №86

2019-10-18 22:21:19

Any ramen is better than Orlando ramen. Ippudo in NY was one of my favorite chains and this one hits the spot just as well. If you are in the area I highly recommend checking it out.

Review №87

2023-02-11 08:18:56

Mediocre and overpriced — the worst value in Berkeley. Some of the sodas are $8 (!), adding corn to ramen is $3 and with a couple toppings ramen can easily top $25. This would be OK if the ramen was outstanding, but it’s average if that. There are far better places for ramen in the local area.

Review №88

2017-11-22 01:59:07

It’s decent ramen, but the majority of the ramen options don’t come with a marinated ramen egg. That should be a standard in the ramen world. Don’t charge me $2 more for one.

Review №89

2021-07-24 18:17:10

My first time here and it was delicious!! I highly recommend. We had our puppy with us and so we couldnt experience the indoor dining but outside the waitress would still come and check on us. Its a little on the pricey side and it would be great if the servings were a bit bigger for the price but I would definitely go again!This is a picture of my best friends plate and they also enjoyed every last noodle and drop of broth. 😄

Review №90

2022-11-02 18:55:44

Ramen was very good, although one of the special ramens had a spicy paste on top even though the menu does *not* state it. After I told our waitress that we were not expecting this, and that my brother had a spice sensitivity (his tongue was chemically burned a few months prior), I asked for some more broth instead of sending it back so as not to waste more food. Our waitress had to ask another waitress if extra broth was even an option. It was, but I was surprised to see that they charged me $8 when the check came! Im not the type of person to make a scene, so I paid it and left, but Im not sure well be back. The ramen is quite good but the portions are small. Get extra noodles if youre hungry.

Review №91

2022-08-06 16:26:45

Love their ramen. The soup base is always so flavorful and thick. It coats the noodle in a thin layer of fat which compliments the umami of the soup. Also likes the fact that you can choose the consistency of the noodle, that is a nice touch. The spicy ramen is my go to

Review №92

2021-09-19 04:20:59

No issues with waiting, Saturday lunch. Very satisfied with noodles, good flavor and had the right thickness. Meat wasn’t as tender as I liked but still tasted good. Servers were kind and checked on you when needed.Outdoor seating is available if you prefer that.

Review №93

2022-05-06 00:59:38

After I ate a bowl of their classic ramen, I also drank all the soup. My blood pressure hiked and I thought I was going to have a heart attack. My experienced friend told me the restaurant used too much MSG, no wonder there was very few customers in the shop. Don’t go there unless you have a strong heart for all the MSG they used.

Review №94

2019-04-15 02:27:25

Very good ramen. Lots of options. Portions are smaller than most other ramen restaurants, but appetisers are tasty.

Review №95

2022-12-21 02:51:33

Great Ramen! We loved the pictures as inexperienced ramen fans. The price is decent, the food comes quickly and staff is super friendly. What else to wish for?

Review №96

2022-12-18 06:04:46

Wow their spicy ramen is full of flavor. Dont forget to get a tap beer to wash it all down. Kinda pricey but thats why you go once in a while

Review №97

2023-02-22 02:00:14

Crowded ramen shop. My ramen was very flavorful, I had the chicken and fish broth one. I has the octopus balls appetizer - it was very hot, but fun.

Review №98

2018-10-10 02:14:57

Food was great just didnt like the fact that host told us to wait outside for our turn while it was cold when there was enough room for two to wait inside.

Review №99

2023-08-24 21:48:22

I had the Karaka Spicy ramen and it was espectacular!!!

Review №100

2022-08-10 19:10:39

For the vegans out there: ALL the noodle options contain eggs.I asked the staff several times if the veggie ramen was vegan & was told yes. it wasnt until I asked specifically about the noodles that I was informed that both options contain eggs.the ramen is fantastic if ur fine with eating eggs, but I gotta give one star cuz I was misled multiple times.

Review №101

2023-07-02 02:25:36

Very very good food here! Enjoyed every moment we ate at this restaurant.

Review №102

2019-10-04 08:05:21

Fast service and great ramen. Nice atmosphere!

Review №103

2017-11-13 00:05:18

Pretty good. You can order the firmness of your ramen. Good service, beautiful decor, a bit expensive for ramen.

Review №104

2019-02-05 13:20:13

Definitely this is one of the most legit reman places ( and there are only few) but price is a bit unreasonable. It is too expensive for its quality I think.

Review №105

2023-05-22 18:01:23

If you like amazing ramen, this place is for you. Also the buns are terrific!

Review №106

2023-02-15 18:50:31

A decent ramen place in downtown Berkeley. One share of ramen might not be enough for an adult male though. Recommend Karaka spicy.

Review №107

2017-12-25 16:40:00

I’m at the Ippido in Kumamoto, japan and it’s the best!!! But I only pay ¥720 for a bowl of ramen.

Review №108

2023-11-11 04:39:13

Food is very good. Price is a bit high.

Review №109

2021-08-25 04:16:38

It gets the job done. My first time having Ippudo was in NYC and have seen been fortunate to try their locations in Australia and Japan. For whatever the reason, this location just doesnt meet the bar of those other locations which is why the -1 star.Outside of that the ramen bowls are hearty and taste similar. If you get their original ramen, the noodles are the thin ramen noodle. They do have a couple bowls with the more traditional thicker ramen noodles. The appetizers are good as well.We came here on a Saturday night -- I tried to use Yelp Waitlist which said to arrive around 9pm HOWEVER when I looked at their Yelp hours it said they close at 8/8:30pm... weird. So I called and the person who answered the phone said if I can get there by 8:30pm, theyd serve us. So we headed over there and they say us outside (which I knew and requested) but then a table opened up and they let us sit inside so -1 for weird Yelp hours but +1 for accommodating us.The service was pretty friendly and accommodating too.

Review №110

2022-12-30 00:30:00

My son brought me here and he loves it. I just wasnt into it so I had the fries, which if ur guna get them save ur money and get em at McDonalds down the street instead.

Review №111

2022-02-24 03:43:08

Veggie Akamaru is my favorite ramen in the bay area! 🤤❤ There is always a spot open at the counter. Weekends get a little busy, but the line moves quickly. Happy hour specials, rice buns, and agood selection of sake!

Review №112

2022-03-23 06:45:24

The ramen is okay coz thats the only choice in Berkeley, the appetizers are BIG No-No.The wings and buns are heavily flavored by the sweet chili/spicy mayo sauce. You can only taste the sauce but the seasoning of the meat, what a shame.

Review №113

2019-03-24 20:57:41

Food is ok, ramen is luke warm. Its not worth the hype.

Review №114

2022-01-04 02:11:11

Visited on Jan 1st. The restaurant is cold inside and people had to wear jackets while sitting inside. Broth is too diluted and not as flavorful as the one in Tokyo. We purposely ordered additional noodle early but it didn’t come until our broth are cold. Disappointed! Would not recommend this place.

Review №115

2018-02-23 05:34:57

Best ramen I have ever had. From the east coast visiting here. Heard this was the place to be.

Review №116

2019-02-14 01:23:36

Love this place. It has really high energy. Always crowded, the servers are always barking out orders and when you leave everybody in the restaurant yells goodbye. Very cute. Aside from that the ramen is excellent, not as good as Marufuku but still awfully good .They offer many different options including an option as to how well done you want the noodles. I always get them medium. They also have lots of small plates which are all excellent in my experience. Nice selection of sake as well.

Review №117

2019-10-12 16:49:24

If you have to stay in line to get in you know the food is good.

Review №118

2019-08-10 05:57:04

I am a fan of ramen and had been looking forward to trying this restaurant out. I happened to be in Downtown Berkeley today and thought this would be a good time to visit. Unfortunately, it was not to be. When I arrived it was during the lunch rush so the place was packed, but I could see there were still seats available. In fact there was an empty two seat table just five feet away from the entrance area. When I entered the door one of the wait staff was delivering menus to the small table where the menu’s were stationed so her back was to me. There was no acknowledgement that someone had entered. Respecting the ‘please wait to be seated’ sign I sat down to wait for a chance to be seated. Except, I was left waiting for over ten minutes before I got up and left. I understand it was lunch rush and the wait staff was busy delivering noodles to the seated customers. Still, it would have taken only a few seconds to glance towards the door and indicate that someone would be with them momentarily. So there was absolutely no excuse for a potential paying customer to be ignored for over ten minutes. At the point I had given up and decided to take my business elsewhere, a women came in with a group of kids. I hope they were given better customer service then I received.

Review №119

2017-12-09 16:13:45

Pork buns are fantastic. Kata noodles just right

Review №120

2023-03-11 14:17:11

Excellent udon, nice clean place, huge clean bathrooms. Very busy and popular and perhaps because of that a bit slow. Definitely recommended!

Review №121

2018-06-05 20:30:45

Its great authentic taste is what ive been looking for!!!!

Review №122

2022-03-02 03:00:39

Great ramen place, stands up to the likes of marufuku in Northern Oakland. When you put the first bite of ramen into your mouth, you cant stop until youve cleaned the bowl.

Review №123

2018-12-16 23:16:35

So tasty. The broth of the karakacchan ramen was rich and with just the right amount of spicy kick!

Review №124

2023-07-29 22:23:45

Great ramen and pork buns. Try the occasional seasonal specials like tsukemen or tantanmen. Pricey.

Review №125

2019-01-24 00:43:41

The broth was tasty and I could tell the noodles were good quality. However, the place was super crowded, especially the line by the door. I also didnt like the food or atmosphere enough to warrant the price. The boiled egg was served whole and hard boiled, which was a disappointment bc I always love the soft middle.

Review №126

2017-09-19 01:01:51

The broth is velvety smooth, full of rich flavor, and just a beautiful presentation. The place hums with energy and the service was attentive and respectful. Had a great lunch. Keep in mind they will not seat you without your whole party there (and parking is difficult in that area), but we had no problem getting a table.

Review №127

2019-01-21 22:32:41

A bit overpriced noodles for the quantity of the food, but the quality was really good. Would recommend this place if 1) eating alone and 2) the price of everything was ~$2 cheaper. Service was neither slow nor fast.They have a waitline set up outside their door. (Mind that the line do not have complementary tea like the Tokyo branch.)First time I came in a group of 5 and had to wait outside in the rain for 15+ minutes while they admitted smaller groups who arrived after us. It was around 2 p.m. on Saturday so it was quite busy.--- if you like this review, give it a like and thumbs up! Check out my account for more detailed reviews! ;) --- (put this down at the request of a friend; dont hate me)

Review №128

2023-07-22 22:30:16

Food is great, service is amazing and would definitely reccomend.

Review №129

2021-06-27 06:16:35

This is basically a perfect bowl of tonkotsu ramen. Consistently excellent. Portions are on the smaller side so you might want extra noodles. Is it over-priced? Yes.... But its the best ramen in the east bay, imo.

Review №130

2021-06-13 21:49:59

If you are looking for authentic Hakata ramen, this is the place. It was very good, though I personally prefer my tonkotsu a bit richer and my noodles thicker and curlier. It was kind of noisy inside.

Review №131

2022-01-07 04:26:23

While I enjoyed my meal.. the experience left me slightly disappointed. My broth was good.. but the noodles were meh and I only got two pieces of meat. Won’t be back here again.

Review №132

2019-10-05 19:24:05

Ramen is pretty good, I like how you can order different noodle softness. This place is really busy during peak times so its better to go during the off time if you can. The chasu is great and the broth is pretty decent. Tomango is also a favorite topping of mine and this place does it well, though Id prefer it come halved instead of whole.

Review №133

2017-10-22 22:46:15

The chicken wings were amazing, and the ramen was just as good. The restaurant has a nice aesthetic - you can easily see the thought they put into creating the environment. Be prepared to wait though, I was in line for half an hour for a table for two. Worth it though!

Review №134

2023-04-18 21:18:17

Very bad for the cost. All of the ingredients taste low quality and artificial. Notice that there is rarely a line to get in anymore, people are catching up

Review №135

2018-06-13 05:53:52

This restaurant was awesome, for my first ramen experience. Not only were the employees very welcoming (even though it was late at night) but they were also very attentive to their customers. I really enjoyed my ramen the noodles had great chew and paired great with the broth and the chatsu was also great and had nice fat to it too! The soup and karage chicken came in piping hot but it looked so good that I couldn’t resist to start chowing down! Overall this place has great service and great food! 10/10 best experience for first time ramen eating. P.S the shishito chills are not to be messed with, unless you are an experienced chill eater.

Review №136

2019-11-16 18:22:46

My favorite ramen place in Manhattan, was so excited to find a location when I moved to Berkeley. The original broth is so rich & has almost a creamy texture. I love the pork buns & come to Ippudo every chance I get

Review №137

2019-01-28 17:34:08

Amazing how fast a good thing can go downhill. I’ve eaten here a half dozen times, watching the service slowly fray from the endless lines. Watching the food quality and temperature lessen.But this last visit?—When you have to ask for your beverages after 15min and your friend already has half of her meal.—The beverages show up five minutes later, after the other half of her meal is dropped on the table.—Then your ramen doesn’t arrive until after your friend is done eating and is ready to leave. The soup is barely warm and the toppings are soggy or undercooked. But the noodles are still perfect.—Yet the host has no issues dropping the check before you’re done eating because they need to turn the seats and it’s somehow your fault that you’re still here?And then you both get stomach cramps an hour later.SMDH Enter at your own risk.

Review №138

2017-11-02 22:51:53

Ippudo really has great ramen, maybe the best in the town even, but they definitely have the priciest ramen of all times. It might be worth it, but not as an everyday lunchy or dinner - just too pricey. The soup is really great and is excellent in general, with thin noodles. The thinnest you will ever see probably. The staff is exceptionally well trained and they will be there to greet you in Japanese style - they are very assertive and welcoming, contributing to the overall atmosphere. The prices of overall menu are ok, although it might be pricier than other similar places. You won’t be disappointed in taste, that is for sure.

Review №139

2017-11-19 04:43:14

Been wanting to try this place for awhile since it opened. We finally got the chance to, however the quality/service was not quite up to what we experienced in Japan. Once seated it took longer than expected to get our orders taken. Then another 20 mins before the food showed up. Ramen is SUPPOSED TO BE FAST. The food itself was average but dont come here expecting to get your socks blown off. In the end did not feel the price matched the quality of food and service.

Review №140

2019-10-05 23:26:28

It was busy during Saturday lunchtime, but we got seated almost right away as a group of 2. We got the chicken ippudo bun (pretty good), Akamura and the Karaku Spicy ramen. The portion sizes werent very big, but was just right for me. The spicy ramen broth was tasty and not as spicy as I thought it would be. Im also used to more salty/flavourful broth from other ramen places, so I found the Akamura broth a little bland. Still good though!

Review №141

2020-08-03 02:17:39

This place is but a shadow of what it could be. There is absolutely no love in the food, service, ambiance, and experience.There are way too many other places that offer excellent ramen to try this spot. Although their shoyu brotha was tasty, the rest just was average/below average.Marketing and a great location near tons of foot traffic is the only reasons why it is busy.A prime example of when a talent chef experiences fame for creating something unique and how investors driven for profits destroy something beautiful.

Review №142

2021-09-08 04:52:54

Nice spot, with great service, pushed all the up selling. The buns were amazing! The Raman broth was mediocre Id say, and the cashu was very thin, just not what Im used to with Raman.

Review №143

2017-12-31 23:55:20

Great ramen, you can choose the firmness of the noodles (I love it on the firm side, called kata). I like both the modern style and the spicy one. The pork buns are also delicious! Soft, squishy bun with a generous slab of pork belly. The rice bowls are a good option for those on a budget and also not wanting to eat a lot. I also tried the karaage, but that is my least favorite of all their dishes, It’s not as tender and flavorful as others I’ve tried. Overall, worth the wait! I will be back.

Review №144

2017-09-26 01:16:45

Ultra high quality ramen in a very discreet location. The taste is not quite up to par compared to Ippudo Westside in NY but its still worth checking out if youre in the area and its by far the best ramen place in town. I highly recommend their modern take on the broth and I do appreciate that you can choose the firmness of the noodles. Almost no line if you come when the restaurant opens too!

Review №145

2018-07-21 07:01:07

Amazing! Not cheap, but worth it. Rich, savory broth served at the optimum temperature, with perfectly cooked noodles and just enough accompaniments to flavor each bite without overpowering the dish. Ill be back!

Review №146

2022-01-16 01:52:46

Some of the best Ramen around. Best Ive had in the east bay for sure. Quick service. The location sucks if you are in a car. Walking is easy as it is right downtown.

Review №147

2019-05-07 04:40:10

A ramen chain. I would have rated this place 5 stars a couple years ago when they opened up in Berkeley, but the quality has been declining ever since.PROS:1. Food is tasty, and menu is simple. Served fairly quickly.2. You can choose the firmness of your noodles, which is nice.CONS:1. Such a long line. You should go during non-peak hours so you dont have to wait an hour in line.2. Prices keep rising and quality is lowered. A meal after tax & tip will run you $25 without appetizers or drinks! They now switched to half of a tea egg instead of whole soft-boiled eggs in their ramen, so I dont go anymore. Im petty, I know.3. Interior is super noisy.4. No take-out (which is common in Japan). I have a small stomach but I also dont like food waste :(Ippudo is all right, but if youve been to Japan, the ramen here does NOT measure up.

Review №148

2018-03-12 02:36:18

It was okay. Over priced for what it was... 2 pieces of THIN meat for 13$ and some noodles. Paid 40$ for 2 bowls of ramen and fatty pork buns. The line was also super long. The broth was good but there are better places to eat in Berkeley.

Review №149

2022-12-01 19:37:34

Fantastic ramon youll enjoy it. The classic is the way to go.The small sandwiches are great we had the pork and the shrimp.

Review №150

2017-10-23 16:24:31

I loved my spicy ramen with soft egg. Only bummer is they not only dont do to go, which means they dont have containers to take leftovers home. I unwisely ate the entire thing and promptly passed out for two hours. Worth it.

Review №151

2017-11-04 09:45:32

Maybe when youre drunk enough this will be a good bowl of ramen - I think the Panda has ruined it.

Review №152

2018-02-16 23:43:08

To be honest I wasn’t really in the mood for ramen on the day I visited Ippudo. I felt that I had my fair share of Asian food over the last couple of weeks. But since I’m never in Downtown Berkeley at lunch time and I had still not been to this very hyped place, I felt I just had to go ... and I’m so glad that I did.As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a server who shouted what I later learned was “welcome” in Japanese to the entire restaurant. The rest of the staff proceeded to echo her sentiments. I found it a really nice way to start my meal.For a total of about $25 including taxes and tip, I enjoyed a really nice bowl of spicy ramen along with a side of some of the most juicy and delicious karaage I’ve ever had. While ai’ll admit that I would have enjoyed a few more veggies in my bowl, it was really flavorful and definitely didn’t leave you hanging.I’m glad I didn’t get caught up in the long lines when they first opened. But then again considering that I found the baskets placed at your feet to place your things one of the best features, maybe I’m just too old for waiting in lines anyway.

Review №153

2018-10-28 05:37:45

I liked everything except the ramen. I ordered shoyu ramen as I always do at any ramen restaurant. Ive never had or even heard of shoyu ramen soup made with bonito broth! Interesting but changes EVERYTHING about ramen, in my opinion. And the noodles were rather thin. They actually ask you how you want your noodles cooked, soft, medium or firm. I asked for medium which Im glad I did.Other dishes we ordered were delicious. Karaage, perfect, potato salad which had saffron or something sprinkled on top made it kind of unusual, but pretty good and the beer on tap came in super frosty glass that was fantastic.And I also liked their interior design, furniture & the open kitchen. And I liked that the employees use the authentic Japanese restaurant lingo to communicate with each other.

Review №154

2018-02-20 00:54:24

Great aka miso ramen, especially the soup, yum yum!! I finished the whole bowl!! The reason it gets 3 stars is that the portion is small for the price you paid and usually there is a long line. In addition, the waiter/waiteress are rushing you to pay the bill as soon as you finish the meal.

Review №155

2017-12-25 15:45:15

Actually ippudo in the US is overpriced. Its Much more expensive than Japan.

Review №156

2017-11-21 07:08:44

Tasty, basic ramen thats way too expensive. The broth here is good, but for $18 you get a very bare bowl of ramen. Youll still need to add all the goodies like corn, garlic, bamboo and each item costs extra. There used to be an hour long wait when the place first opened, but now you can walk right in during lunch.

Review №157

2018-07-30 11:17:03

Absolutely in love with this ramen place. We often have to drive 1.5hrs to Berkeley just to get our ramen fix because everywhere else is nowhere as good. Tried a variety of their ramen from garlicly to spicy to their newest Dan Dan noodle which is spicy and numbing, and they never failed to satisfy. With that said, the price tag is pretty hefty compared to your normal ramen shops around the bay but i think its worth it considering how delicious and satisfying their ramen are!

Review №158

2019-04-13 09:13:57

The ramen was of decent quality. The chashu above average, but theres reasons why I wouldnt pick this place as my go-to ramen place.1. The portions are small. You get 2 smaller than average sized pieces of chashu with each bowl. Doubles if you get the chashu add on of $5. They use sharply tapered bowls which may appear to be large from the top, but really holds very little content. Besides the inefficient use of ceramic material, its just a poor decision to skimp on such things because customers notice. And for a food such as ramen, which is supposed to be comfort, not gourmet, its irksome.2. They forget order parts. I did get the chashu soecial add on when I was here. There was supposed to be chashu and boiled egg added, no egg was added. Also asked for sesame. None arrived.Could be 5 stars if more care was given to customer service. Would be 1 star if it were not for the fact that the broth and meat was good.

Review №159

2019-02-20 00:34:59

Ill break down this review into two parts: Food and Service.1. Food: If you ever walk down Shattuck, you usually see a line (more during dinner) for this joint and let me tell you, its not worth it. The Ramen itself is good, but does not match up to the hype. And definitely doesnt justify the cost. Living in the Bay Area for a while, I can list many other Ramen spots that are much better. Off the top of my head, Marufuku and Shinmai are much better options in the East Bay. And if you are looking for something near Berkeley, Noodle Theory and the Ramen Shop are better options. (And all of these cost the same, if not more. Also have better overall experience). I used to frequent this place often, but the menu never changes, and there are hardly any new specials as compared to other places where it changes every couple of weeks. I would have given the place 3 - 3.5 stars if I were to judge it only on food, but that brings me to the next part, which is the service.2. Service: Like I said before, I would frequent this spot quite often. For months at a stretch, it was Saturday brunch spot for me and my fiance every week. But on my last visit (and it has been last and will be), I had the following experience. My fiance and I were joined by a friend, and after waiting for a bit, we managed to get a table for 4. It was already 3 pm and most of the tables were empty. The minute we sat down, another of my friend who was 5 minutes away, said he would like to join us. Naturally, since we hadnt even opened our menus and had a spot empty on our table, I asked him to come over. When the server came around to take our orders, I ordered 4 ramen, to which the server said that if it is for another person, she wont take the order till they arrive. I explained that the person will be joining us in 5 mins, even before the food arrives, but this time, the hostess who was passing by, stopped and quite rudely refused because it wasnt restaurant policy. Since I couldnt do much, I agreed. 5 minutes later, my friend arrived and the hostess started showing him a table, but when he said he was with us, all of a sudden she became very irritated and rudely started refusing him a place. After a couple of minutes she agreed to let him sit. Mind you, the food hasnt arrived yet. My friend goes ahead and orders food now, since they didnt take the order before. The waitress did take the order but made plenty of faces. When finally all the food arrives, the hostess came around while we were eating and started rudely lecturing us about how we were inconsiderate and holding up the table for longer and that she wouldnt allow this the next time. We just didnt reply back to be polite. But most of the tables were empty. And all of this could have been avoided if they had allowed us to order for 4 in the first place. We would not have held up anyone more than it needed to be. Me and my fiance have been regulars here and we always tip generously. And after that if the business fails to respect its regular customers, I would rather go some place else where they treat customers better.

Review №160

2018-11-25 22:45:22

Average ramen at best, spicy isn’t spicy, broth not very salty with odd ramen options. 2$ for corn and 1.50$ for an egg really?. Not bad but too much $ for what you are getting.

Review №161

2018-08-04 00:37:43

Was there for 1 year anniversary and got a free t-shirt with $15 order. It was cool. We were there with a big group and although it seemed a little confusing with all the different servers it all worked out. They just help each other. I would go there again just check on Google for wait times before you go. It makes a difference if you have a lot of people or even are very hungry.

Review №162

2017-09-19 22:48:48

I dont know why people on yelp are so sour on this place. Probably a lot of ramen snobs?Anyway, the ramen here is really good. I get the noodles kata (slightly firm). You can request extra noodles for only 2 bucks.So far the appetizers Ive had have been a little underwhelming and overpriced. Stick to the noodles and you cant go wrong.

Review №163

2021-08-27 03:39:52

Its been a while since Ive been here and the place is just as good as I remember.For context, I came here by myself and ate in 30 minutes before the place closed for the night and ate the Chicken Kaarage and the Miso Tonkotsu bowl of ramen. Good stuff and it came out lightning fast!

Review №164

2018-09-27 03:14:06

I like Ippudo... after all, whats not to like about a huge bowl of ramen? But they could do a couple things better: the pork belly is a bit flavorless and textureless, and their poached egg topping is so loose that it quickly dissolves into the broth. Fortunately, their broth keeps me coming back. Its really dang good. Now if only they could do something about that line out the door...

Review №165

2019-07-03 05:09:03

My experience at the nyc location blows this place away. The foods not bad but the egg is definitely overcooked. The service is very unpredictable and at the same time feels overstaffed. More than once the food has come out in an odd order or theyve forgotten something. I really want to like it but it seems poorly ran.

Review №166

2019-01-12 02:33:50

At first when I went here when they first open I didnt think the ramen was that great. Decided to come back with a friend recently and their ramen has improved greatly! Still a pricey bowl of ramen but the taste is satisfactory. I would go back.

Review №167

2019-08-15 05:41:43

The food here was super tasty and the people were really friendly! There is a decent amount of variety including a few vegetarian options which is very accommodating. The only complaint I have is food took a really long time to come out so we were waiting for a while.

Review №168

2018-11-27 04:22:30

Tried it for the first time.Had the Akamaru Ramen, which is the tonkatsu base, with a dollop of roasted garlic. This really kicks the dish up another level.Service was excellent and friendly, and fast.Great atmosphere, definitely will return.

Review №169

2019-08-24 17:08:58

When my sons trendy girlfriend suggested the place for dinner last night, I was naturally a bit skeptical. I tried the Akamaru Modern and it was excellent. I would definitely come back again. The atmosphere was sparse and fun. Maybe my sons girlfriend will wear her new Michael Kors sneakers.

Review №170

2021-07-22 07:36:25

OH my LAWWD. the second I walked in the chefs yelled WELCOME IN!! I think in Japanese. but we sat down. ordered some starters that were beyond good. THEN the ramen came. and oh. my. god. did I slork that beautiful gorgeous bowl of delicious ramen down. oh my god would reccomend.

Review №171

2023-04-28 22:44:50

Crazy prices and they now charge $3 extra for eggs! Inflation is crazy and server attitudes are worse than ever

Review №172

2020-12-19 07:13:38

Extremely overpriced here, and they skimp on noodles. I get Ippudo is pretty well known, but ramen places in SF Japantown taste better, have more, and somehow is cheaper despite being in SF

Review №173

2022-07-02 17:02:06

Best Ramen in Berkeley!

Review №174

2018-02-08 19:54:26

What a disappointment. After watching lines out the door for weeks, and the lines finally subsiding, I decided to try them out.We enjoyed their pork belly bun appetizers, which also come with chicken or vegetarian. Overall those were rather deicious and Id happily eat more, but Chairman Bao makes better.Their broth is okay, nothing to write home about and not the lip-sticky broth that usually pushes a good broth into greatness. The offer their noodles served at different doneness - and recommend an al dente version (cant remember the word in Japanese) that was not my favorite, I discovered. The egg costs EXTRA! Who has ever heard of such a thing? And when you get the egg, its just a normal soft boiled egg, not a seasoned egg. Meh.I wasnt ultra impressed by the ramen overall, and for the prices they charge, it should be far superior to what I got.The capper is that they do not allow you to take your left-overs. Seriously, I paid for my food, and I own my food. But I coudlnt take my food home because, well, it compromises the quality. Yeah, screw that! In a town filled with homeless and hungry people, and I bought that damned food -- I WANT TO TAKE MY LEFTOVERS, THANK YOU.No, I will not return. The bright glaring lights, the 70s pop music, the way too precious attitude... Far better choices in the area, and Ippudu is not on the list.

Review №175

2017-12-23 06:17:26

Mediocre ramen, for a much too high price and long wait. And the ice cream specials were delicious, but small in portion size. All the staff were nice and attentive, however. At leastI can say I’ve tried Ippudo ramen before.

Review №176

2018-03-15 04:00:18

This was my 1st visit, I ordered a few appetizers to try. 1 order of the veggie bun which was delicious but felt really salty in terms of taste. 1 order of the shishito peppers which was pretty yummy. Its a gamble though because there are a few spicy ones in there. The sauce for their chicken I had the Aku Veggie? The broth was nice. I also tried the broth for Akamaru Modern and Karaka Spicy. Overall I think it was decent but definitely doesnt beat Ichiran in Japan. If you ever get a chance to travel to Japan do visit both spots and see for yourself.

Review №177

2018-06-30 04:55:05

The constant screaming “ramen de mas”, the massively overpriced food for minimal portions, and Ford style preparation of food is sad.They also refuse to give to-go boxes on ramen.Don’t come here unless you wish to be a trendy hipster who thinks they understand food.Trust me, the only thing you’ll understand is how bad you screwed yourself by paying 25 dollars for an overall terrible experience.

Review №178

2021-10-22 15:36:09

Less selection, but the Shiromaru Classic is always my go to dish during rainy season. And Japanese cheesecake was creamy and clean lemony flavor was amazing.

Review №179

2019-07-29 18:42:33

Envolving ramen from casual streetfood to fancy dining place. Dont order chicken karage or fried wings though, they come with a wierd herbal flavor that I wouldnt say is likeable by much of the people here.

Review №180

2021-08-14 19:38:30

Me and my wife have been frequenting IPPUDO for years and up until the last visit it has been nothing short of exceptional all around. We were left waiting for one and a half hours without any follow up or notification of what the situation was, we were left unacknowledged until we inquired about our order. We felt discriminated against because we were not dressed up, guests that had arrived well after us received and finished their meals while we waited, as a result of these offenses we will likely not eat at IPPUDO again.

Review №181

2018-06-24 01:34:56

What is the point of speaking Japanese and mocking an authentic atmosphere when you are unable to provide equivalently good service? We were a group of 5 and 3 of us arrived early, told nearly every waitress and waiter that 2 more were still coming (as they kept asking us whether we were ready to order), and they did have 2 empty seats next to us on the big table. But when my friends came the waitress at the door would not let them in, no matter how many times we explained she insisted that we told her we were 3. I honestly don’t see why we would lie.

Review №182

2018-01-23 18:09:48

Pretty good ramen. The thin noodles were spot on the way you would get them in Tokyo. However the chau shu pork was pretty small and bland. I wouldnt go out of my way for this but certainly if i was in the area and wanting ramen it would be my go-to

Review №183

2017-11-21 04:56:09

Highly recommend the Akamaru ramen. Not as good as Ippudo in Japan, but since opening it’s easily become my favorite spot in the bay to get ramen. If you arrive before 6 you’ll be lucky enough to not have to wait too long!

Review №184

2018-06-02 02:48:02

Really not worth the wait or the fuss. The 16 dollar bowl of ramen tasted pretty bland and had very minimal toppings... go to marufuku in Oakland for a much better experience and deal!

Review №185

2018-07-13 02:09:46

The staff are incredibly attentive and nice without being pushy or intrusive at all. They elevate the experience which is based on savory food. They have honed the art and presentation of the bowl 🍲. Lovely’s day delicious.

Review №186

2019-10-13 07:53:46

Amazing food and great service. Very clean establishment as well as the bathroom. Ive only been there once but i must return soon. Best ramen in the east bay in my opinion.

Review №187

2022-10-07 02:54:22

No notes. Karage is legit; ramen: my favorite classic bowl in New York, and now, here.

Review №188

2018-01-23 21:51:29

Pretty good, a little on the expensive side. Probably not worth paying a 50% premium for over comparable quality ramen at less popular places. The line/queue system they have is shameful though. You go up to the door and expect them to take your name down like every other restaurant I have been to. Sir, please get in line. Oh okay well go get in line behind this rope barrier. Then 5 minutes later they call from the door to get our name/party size. Okay so why are we having this conversation from 25 feet away instead of at the door when I walked up? Then later they come out again and just point and say two. Oh okay so I assume they are talking to us. Then we have to squeeze by the other people in this line to get out of the line because we are being called from the middle of the line because the group ahead of us was bigger. Listen. Just stop. Its a bad implementation of a bad idea. Just do what every other restaurant does and take peoples names down instead of this pseudo-line. There is literally no point to the line unless you like being corralled like an animal. It is not hard to get a piece of paper and just write parties down. It is the same thing but with about 3 fewer steps and you dont have to physically stand in a confined space while you wait. Come on.

Review №189

2019-09-29 07:52:12

Good ramen and service. Though i had better ramen at some other restaurants.

Review №190

2021-07-04 00:47:57

Lunch special, karaka ramen with chicken karage and salad.

Review №191

2019-03-16 22:49:36

Great food! Doesnt give boxes so make sure you come in hungry. The line to go in can get kind of long but their ramen is worth the wait!

Review №192

2018-03-08 23:56:49

Too long wait time. The boiled egg in ramen was nasty and not authentic Japanese style onsen tamago. The ramen was toooo salty that I guessed the chief put half a bottle of salt.

Review №193

2017-11-12 03:45:16

Probably some of the best ramen Ive had. I like being able to choose the noodle firmness. The wait can be really bad, but wasnt when I went.

Review №194

2018-12-17 01:54:34

Used to be good but they recently changed their menu. Now its more expensive and smaller servings. My boyfriend and I dropped $32 and were still hungry. Going to get a second dinner elsewhere.

Review №195

2018-08-31 10:43:51

Ramen is good, but unspecial. Ive had ramen in tokyo and this isnt it. Good for american ramen though, Not too expensive. They are really weird about taking food home, not sure why...

Review №196

2019-02-24 03:02:33

Best Ramen place Ive ever been too! They have a very friendly and attentive staff. Also kaedama might be my favorite tradition of all time.

Review №197

2019-07-21 19:57:35

Very nice noodle restaurant with reasonable prices. The food, especially the broth, tastes really good. Only the place is a little too noisy.

Review №198

2018-06-09 04:55:34

Best authentic ramen in Berkeley!

Review №199

2018-08-24 06:17:51

One of the best ramens ive had