Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Menya Ultra in San Diego

4.7 (199) 8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd M, San Diego, CA 92111, United States

Categories

Ramen restaurant
Japanese restaurant
Noodle shop

Location on the map

San Diego, San Diego County, California, US

Phone: +1 858-571-2010
Site: http://menya-ultra.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–2 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–2 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–2 PM
Thursday:11 AM–2 PM
Friday:11 AM–2 PM
Saturday:11 AM–2 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.7

199 Reviews for Menya Ultra 2024:

Review №1

2023-11-16 03:21:35

Menya Ultra lives up to the hype, let me tell ya! The noodles, broth, and toppings were so good I felt like a cloud flew in, picked me up and hugged me. The fried chicken was moist, fried to perfection, and so tasty that I became one with it. Don’t you skip on the dessert either now!! We ordered the ice cream and on that first bite my eyes rolled back so far I thought they left me. On top of that, the service was immaculate and quick! It felt like they knew what I wanted and needed before I did. Do yourself an amazing flavor and check them out, you won’t be let down…Seriously that cloud still got a hold on me. And Michelin, they deserve a few stars over here!

Review №2

2023-11-11 06:08:43

Great ramen! I got the Tantan Men, my wife got the Ajitama Tonkatsu, and we shared sparkling sake. Seats are limited so you may have to wait but its definitely tasty and at a good price.

Review №3

2023-08-05 07:45:22

Such good flavors, fresh noods made on the spot, incredible ramen. The gyozas are crispy and tasty too. I wish they make veggie gyozas soon. Service was good, restaurant busy but you get seated fairly quickly. Well be coming back for more soon!

Review №4

2023-08-24 01:46:17

Was looking for a nice spot to eat and came across this Michelin star ramen place. There is a wait list and it took about 15-30min before we were seated.Ordered the Nagoya Style Fried Chicken and two different ramen. Chicken was a tad bit too salty but the ramen was nice.It is recommended to get the yelp app to join the wait list or you’ll have to walk up to the tablet to add your name.Overall, nice little spot to satisfy your ramen craving but the wait times makes it less so.

Review №5

2023-11-30 04:36:56

Fantastic!I can eat a ramen every day!Spicy miso Ramen and Tantan men with paiko are really good.You can add extra chashu for more protein.

Review №6

2023-11-11 22:40:14

Its everything youve heard and more! We enjoyed the both spicy miso and negi miso ramen bowls. Butter + corn on the negi miso was definitely the way to go. Okonomi fries were an interesting take, but super enjoyable. We got lucky and were seated facing the kitchen, dinner and a show!

Review №7

2023-11-26 01:39:38

It’s worth the wait. Spicy miso ramen(hot) was perfect, and the Negi pon fried chicken was also great. Tonkotsu Ajitama ramen was just ok, but not great.

Review №8

2023-10-13 04:09:24

The ramen was good, but the boneless fried chicken was tasty. Long wait to get in. Not sure I would go there again because of the wait time.

Review №9

2023-06-23 00:27:44

The eating area could be larger so you may need to wait a short time to be seated but the food is well worth the wait. Staff are very friendly and quick to help with anything you need. Very much like the way you can fill out your own menu form for food. That way there are no mistakes in your order.

Review №10

2023-06-20 19:38:37

I love the food here! Every time I visit San Diego I go 1-2 a week. Waiting is long but is totally worth it. All Ramen options are awesome but my personal favorite is Tantanmen with topping Paiko. Extra noodles for $1.50 (as of writing) are a must!

189 more comments

Review №11

2023-09-10 02:11:55

Great food. Tasty. Large portions. They seating area is very busy and packed. You can join waistline before you go. Otherwise, there is a wait list. Roughly 40+ min.Food is good. Great flavors. Loved it. And not that pricy.

Review №12

2023-10-17 13:57:57

Amazing ramen restaurant! Closest thing to authentic Japanese ramen noodles. The ramen reminded me like I was back in Japan. I recommend going early as the waitlist tends to be long because of how popular it is. I would definitely eat here again!

Review №13

2023-07-09 15:09:16

Classic Japanese ramen shop with excellent quality food and great service. I got the tantan men with chicken and loved it. Rich, flavorful broth, the seasoned eggs are amazing, and I really enjoyed the slight curry flavor of the coating on the chicken.My husband ordered the karage and we both agreed it was excellent - tender, moist, crispy, flavorful.Definitely plan ahead for when you want to eat here to avoid long waits. We got there right at 5 to put our names on the wait list and only had 8 parties in front of us which ended up being a short 15 mins or so wait.Definitely worth a visit.Arigato gozaimasu Menya!

Review №14

2023-04-04 23:57:45

I love ramen and this place boasts a Michelin Star so there was no way I couldnt pass it up! Got there close to opening but there was still a wait so I knew it had to be good! Its a small hole in the wall restaurant with limited seating, really reminds me of Japans ramen spots! The staff were friendly and efficient!I ordered the tantanmen with paiko and added an egg, seaweed, and chashu to go with my bowl! It was a truly stacked bowl of ramen! The broth was so creamy and had a good amount of vinegar and chili oil to cut thru the richness! The noodles were high quality and the egg was perfectly soft boiled. The paiko remained crispy and the chashu was very tender. My friends ordered different ramen and both said that they loved how creamy the broth was.I also ordered the Nagoya style fried chicken! It was so moist and so full of flavor! Very impressive chicken, its a must have when coming here! The gyoza was good though nothing I hadnt had before. Lastly, the tempura ice cream. It was such an excellent end to a delicious meal! Both warm and cold, crispy and creamy! A true delight!I can see how they earned their Michelin Star and I cant recommend this spot enough!

Review №15

2023-05-25 19:55:55

I always skip breakfast and try to get here right when it opens as I find that even after 30 minutes of opening theres a wait. Im also not too sure why it smelled like cigarettes inside this time around.They have a simple ordering system. Look at the menu choose which kind of ramen you want. They have tonkotsu, miso, tantanmen. From there you can choose toppings. I modify my broth to be low sodium.

Review №16

2023-09-07 15:00:48

A hidden gem in San Diego! We were seated immediately after we signed up on the Yelp waitlist. My boyfriend and I ordered the Tonkotsu Ajitama Ramen with Nagoya Fried Chicken, and we couldn’t have been more happy with the food. The dishes were flavorful yet light. I left this establishment satisfied and I recognize why they are recognized by the Michelin guide. This place is a must if you’re in the area.

Review №17

2023-06-03 21:10:53

Really good ramen! We got there about 10 minutes before they open, and we were seated right after they opened! The chicken was very juicy but too much sauce so it was too salty

Review №18

2023-11-29 14:54:47

My SOUP was AMAZING! I had the Spicy Miso Ramen and it was EVERYTHING I had hope for!

Review №19

2023-01-17 06:19:16

You cant go wrong with any item on the menu at Menya Ultra, Ive tried just about every type of ramen here and it always leaves me absolutely impressed.However,I wish they had a larger location!!! It would definitely help with the waitlist times and getting more people in before close time.I usually get on Yelp right at 5:00pm when they open for dinner, and I still end up 40th on the list. Some days I dont end up getting a table until 7:30pm, even when queueing right at opening, this usually happens on weekends so just a heads up if you want to give them a try.I can tell all the employees work very hard all the time, they are always so kind and efficient! This will forever be my favorite ramen spot in San Diego, just plan ahead!

Review №20

2023-06-29 19:23:19

I used to live in Japan in line 1996 ever since Im always craving a certain taste/and texture and this place nailed it the ONLY issue is the wait time and how busy it is.

Review №21

2023-11-03 00:56:58

For this visit I tried tan tan men Ramen. I joined the waiting list online for 1-10 minutes. I was five minutes away. I got there and sat right away. Food okay this time.

Review №22

2022-12-24 14:43:55

Our son highly recommended this restaurant. We learned our lesson last Wednesday without putting our name on the Yelp waitlist app. We dropped by for dinner and the wait was over 90 minutes. We tried again for lunch and the app was useful. We can now understand why it is so busy. All our orders were delicious. It is one of the best ramen we had. The staff is friendly and efficient. The food came fast.

Review №23

2023-05-28 20:31:53

The ramen place offers low sodium level ramen noodles. It was short of staff for a Sunday lunch, so they didnt have ice cream or fries which we wanted.

Review №24

2023-10-17 01:25:45

Their ramen and ice cream is fantastic. You should put your name on the online waitlist because this place is so popular.

Review №25

2023-03-08 00:02:14

Amazing! The ramen is so flavorful yet light and it’s crazy! The broth grows on you and it’s just so so so good, the noodles are cooked perfectly too! The karage was also so incredible and crunchy and amazing flavors

Review №26

2023-09-26 03:21:34

Hands down the best ramen in San Diego! Everything including Noodle texture, broth richness, topping choices are perfect. Would definitely be back for more.Despite of all the good experiences, inside of the restaurant smell like cigarette. I’m not sure if it was serving staff who decided to go full on smoking cigarette before the shift started or if it’s just the way that the restaurant smell like, but definitely was disappointing that I couldn’t enjoy smelling the perfect broth due to the smell of cigarette.Food is definitely worth Michelin star, but giving 4 star overall due to the cigarette smell.

Review №27

2023-05-24 16:17:27

Favorite bowl of ramen in SD. Make sure to get the extra chashu pork! Tried the nagoya style fried chicken, was also pretty good.

Review №28

2022-08-02 00:41:24

Best ramen I have ever had. The broth is so delicious and rich, everything is really fresh. I have visited this place in 3 occasions. Visited San Diego recently and went here, to my surprise it was awarded a Michelin star in 2021. Last time I visited the wait was barely anything and honestly, its worth the wait anyways. Definitely a place to visit when visiting San Diego.

Review №29

2023-08-04 03:19:07

Menya Ultra has certainly earned its Michelin credentials.The food is top tier in quality and the staff is pleasant and efficient, especially with a high demand for seating.

Review №30

2023-11-25 01:46:23

Came here again after a few years and this time I was blown away. By coincidence I was the 2nd person to be seated and was able to order the braised Chashu which they only have 3-5 servings of every day (per the server). It was SO GOOD!This time I had tonkotsu ramen, fried chicken, gyoza, the braised chashu and a sapporo and everything was very delicious, well made, and served quickly.Service was amazing as well, this place usually has a line, but service is quick, so the wait isnt a big deal.Will definitely come back.First review Posted 4/2018: Overall good ramen. Service is great and since their menu is simple, people are in and out fairly quickly. We came here since we read online that it was the best ramen in San Diego, but we didnt find it to be true. I believe Menya is one of the more traditional Japanese ramen places in San Diego, and for that we would come back.

Review №31

2023-06-07 16:44:00

The fresh noodles it what makes this place good. I ordered low sodium and it was more like no sodium lol so be aware of that, the people were super nice..the wait time wasnt too bad.

Review №32

2022-11-25 21:21:11

Really good ramen. Nice costumer service. The only negative side is the waiting outside. Although is not inconvenient since they have an online waiting list, it’s uncomfortable because they are next door to a cigar bar. So I guess you could walk around or go to Daiso while you wait to be seated.

Review №33

2023-06-07 05:48:33

Yummy tonkotsu ramen, clearly freshly made. And its Japanese owned! But to be honest, I think Ive had better tonkotsu ramen (although not in San Diego - this one is still the best so far for me).The tonkotsu broth was deep but not too oily, which Ive had before. If its too oily I cannot finish a bowl, but I finished this one as it was the perfect amount. I have a small stomach so Id imagine bigger eaters would need to order side dishes in order to feel satisfied, but I didnt need anything extra.The ajitamago was a little too strong for my taste and one egg was almost too much for me. A little less marination time would be better, I think. But the yolk texture was just how I like it!I have had their hot tantanmen which was good as well.

Review №34

2022-08-20 04:57:07

Wait times can get crazy, sign on the waitlist, youll get a notification once its your turn. Ramen is good, ALWAYS get extra pork. Love their chicken also.

Review №35

2023-01-07 05:23:23

We ordered the tonkotsu and miso ramen, Nagoya fried chicken and their gyoza. Everything tasted great, the gyoza was good but not exceptional. The best part of the ramen was not having the dry mouth feel after the meal.

Review №36

2022-06-24 04:33:04

The ramen is really good, and the soup base is the perfect balance of flavor. Most of the ramen are $15 ± 2, and keep in mind that you definitely need to reserve ahead of time. Theres very few seats, and people usually stay 45min-1hr, maybe a bit longer. Even if you do reserve, they will remove you from the list if you arrive >5 minutes late. If youre in a group, make sure everyone arrives on time, because once the group enters, anyone who arrives late may unfortunately be turned around.

Review №37

2023-10-26 23:09:49

Best ramen place ever! Enjoyed it so much, and the service was also great!!!

Review №38

2023-05-28 16:45:47

Great noodles. The ramen is delish!!Expect to wait for the lunch rush. Sign up at the door and they’ll come out and call your party. If you’re not there, they’ll move to the next name on the list.Small dining area, lively music, festive atmosphere, and the food is fabulous.I will definitely return with my whole crew - yar!!

Review №39

2022-06-09 20:11:24

Ive experienced many ramen places in San Diego. Menya Ultra is one of the best so far. I ordered a Negi Miso Ramen and 5 pcs of karage. Both were really good, however, the portion of pork meat wasnt that much in my opinion. So, if you really like meat, youll need to order extra. I paid 26 USD for everything (no drink). If you want to go, make reservation since theres always waiting list, especially at lunch time (noon) Enjoy it!

Review №40

2023-05-25 19:30:28

This is a pretty great spot for ramen but it used to be better. Im not sure what happened after COVID but the broths are not the same I remember them having supply issues and the broth changing but I was under the impression it would be temporary. I dont know it just doesnt have that same smack that he used to have. Still really good ramen and the Nagoya chicken is fantastic.

Review №41

2023-07-23 08:39:08

One of the best ramen in San Diego. Highly recommend Spicy Ramen

Review №42

2023-10-10 21:26:31

Very good, Ramen. I got the Miso Chashu Ramen. Good flavor and good amount of food. Okinomi French Fries is also highly recommended. Very good.

Review №43

2022-06-02 21:37:51

Fantastic ramen spot. I cannot say its better or worse than Ramen Nagi, but its different due to the source of their origin.Menya had a much simple yet flavor broth than Nagis base. Its light, complex, flavorful and makes you want to drink it. Nagis broth on the other hand is very rich and I cannot see people drinking the whole thing.The Karage choices is more diverse with Menya and is excellent.Price wise, both are in the same range.Overall Menya is highly competitive with Ramen Nagi and is an excellent place for ramen dining.

Review №44

2022-08-04 01:48:27

I waited for them to open, but you do need a reservation. They will not wait for you.The tonkotsu ramen was awesome. The broth is complex, savory and gravy like. The fresh noodles have good chew. Meat’s sparse and it’s BS that you have to buy the egg— but the egg is also perfect.

Review №45

2023-11-29 21:44:13

Menya is great. I like their broth. This location kinda smells like smoke though, which is not great. The waits go really long so you have to get on the online yelp waitlist or youll wait forever.

Review №46

2023-01-05 20:19:33

Not surprised that it was nominated by the Michelin. Negi Miso’s always my favorite (I miss that special ramen that has crazy amount of green onion), where the taste of negi perfectly balances the oily chashu and soup.Btw their waitlist usually fills up to >30 mins wait within 10 mins of opening.

Review №47

2021-10-30 23:53:31

Great presentation. Long line/waitlist during dinner hours. Miso soup is not as flavorful as the other vegetarian option and the fried chicken with sesame is delightful. Good ramen not great.

Review №48

2023-10-24 01:08:16

Wow! Hands down. One of the best Ramen places in San Diego!!!

Review №49

2021-10-28 21:24:37

Oooh what a beautiful bowl of ramen! I came in around noon on a Thursday, had around a 25 min wait, which I can’t complain about. I liked the Yelp check in kiosk system, it reduces the ambiguity of reservation status.I ordered a tonkotsu with one egg, extra chashu, negi(Japanese green onion), extra wood ear mushrooms, and extra noodles.The broth was superb, extremely delicious all around- nothing out of place and everything very balanced and super umami filled.The chashu was the most tender I’ve ever had- thinly sliced, not a bit of chewiness.The noodles are made in house every day, and you can tell! The texture is awesome and the color is beautiful.Overall, the textural masterpiece was amazing! I will definitely go back when I can.

Review №50

2023-03-05 19:52:42

Great food, friendly staff! Make sure to get on the wait-list!! My first time ever trying Ramen and very happy with the experience!

Review №51

2023-11-25 21:01:35

I think this ramen is good and the atmosphere inside the store is also pretty good.

Review №52

2023-11-17 04:43:49

Subpar ramen at best/ overly hyped in my opinion. We paid almost 60 dollars for just 3 items.I have tried instant ramen that was better than what i had. The egg was just hard boiled and overcooked, barely any flavor. The server had us sit with strangers due to not having enough tables and i felt like i couldnt have a proper date with my boyfriend because of it and it ruined the entire dining experience. i will not be coming back its not worth the price.

Review №53

2023-03-15 04:45:24

Delicious tonkotsu ramen! Also ended up having the tempura ice cream, which felt like a fried ice cream sandwhich but id get it again! Also tried the other two not plain fried chicken as well, crispy outside and juicy inside, highly recommend either one!

Review №54

2020-11-18 22:30:03

This Ramen is so good. Show up 30+ minutes before they open for seating upon opening. Got the braised pork which is only available to the first few patrons. Fresh made ramen reach day. Super polite staff. Next visit I will try out the let sodium option and see if it still tastes as scrumptious as it did today. Absolutely recommend, even with the wait. Expect about 24 USD per person if you get some add-ons and a tea. *Update* still open with pickup and take out. Still oishii!

Review №55

2023-04-21 00:01:28

Homemade noodle was so smooth with great texture and Tonkotsu broth was very tasty & rich.Staffs were super friendly and I really enjoyed this place.

Review №56

2022-11-27 20:43:59

First time ever giving a poor review. Being in the food service industry, we understand mistakes happen and provide grace. However, hopefully the owner will take this feedback to improve his restaurant.Came in just was as restaurant was opening, still half empty inside, and placed a to-go order. Paid and was told about 20 minutes. Went outside and waited. 30 minutes pass, still no text. Went inside to check, girl in front who took initial order said not yet. Go outside, wait. 40 minutes pass and still nothing. Asked for refund. Manager refunded money and tried to make some excuse about how orders are put in.We have been coming to Ultra since the beginning. We first ate here in March if 2017 and watched Mr. Endo make our ramen. Unfortunately, with quick growth, service and quality go down. They definitely arent hurting for business but they might want to button up their product as the hype can only last so long.

Review №57

2019-10-29 23:07:59

The ramen here has great soup stock and chashu, and all three of their main menu ramen are good. I personally feel that their noodles hold them back a bit as they are a bit rubberier than Id like and does not hold soup well. The kaarage is made the moment you order and tastes great.

Review №58

2018-12-02 01:43:04

The hype is completely real for this place and is, hands down, absolutely worth the wait! Food prices are really reasonable. The low sodium broth is not bland at all! There is a slight sweetness to it but you can definitely taste the pork bone and the time went into this dish! Noodles had perfect texture and the eggs had that wonderful goey-ness to it. I absolutely would go here again.

Review №59

2022-01-07 20:18:33

Michelin rated Ramen Shop. Very good indeed. Top 4 Ive been too. Hard to determine which one would be #1. Theyre all so yummy!

Review №60

2022-11-30 02:36:39

Waited about 5 minutes to be seated on a Tuesday at 5pm. Full capacity by 5:15! Fresh ingredients and amazing flavor. Best Ramen and chicken in town!.

Review №61

2021-07-03 23:17:28

Delicious ramen. I love the simplicity of the menu. You dont feel overwhelmed with a bunch of stuff. I had Tonkonsu and its honestly the best broth in SD. I came in just before lunch ended and the service was still fabulous.

Review №62

2023-09-30 00:58:00

I can honestly say the Ramen 🍜 here is some of the best that California has to offer!Add your name to the waitlist online if you can. We got there 20 minutes before opening and were 5th on the list, so it fills up quick.Must haves are Ramen of course but also the kareageThere is a good reason this restaurant is MICHELIN rated

Review №63

2018-02-14 23:02:25

Edit: Ive been back here three times already since last summer 2017 and I still love it.Edit: Feb 2018: I still come back monthlyWhen I went to Tokyo in 2013, I was able to try some of the greatest taken my mouth has able had the pleasure of tasting. Little did I know I would try the winning ramen and thought Id never try anything like that again.Im always on the search for good ramen, one that can match or come close to the mind-blowing experience I had in Japan. Theres only a couple that are close here in SD but when I had ramen ultra tonight... It was all over.After my first soup sip and bite of the ramen I was instantly transported back 4 years ago in Japan. This ramen tasted so familiar. The balance of the broth. Tenderness of the pork. And the consistency of the ramen noodle. I looked through my pictures and turns out Ultra Ramen is the one and only Menya. The ramen that blew my taste buds into new standards. Not only did I get to taste greatness again. But it followed me into a permanent home next to mine here in San Diego. Ill be back.Edit: the new line up system is way better

Review №64

2023-01-03 05:24:14

Waitlist opens at 10:30 online, not 11. And it closed around 11:30, when it around 50 parties in line. Overall, not worth the wait. But I would definitely do takeout.

Review №65

2021-11-06 03:21:29

For ramen it honestly doesn’t get any better. Rich In flavor, perfect quantity, and made with quality and good tasting ingredients. Love this place! They have 3 locations in San Diego and the only place that strings their own noodles

Review №66

2021-05-01 05:54:19

Excellent food, good service!Their broth is super thick & salty, which I personally prefer. Their noodles are thin, they used to have thick noodles but not anymore. I am again personally craving for thin noodle. This is the first time I v’had thin noodle since I came to San Diego. So I am biased. The wait was not long when I came (7PM on Friday). I was invited to go in right away. They allow sit-in now, with plastic barriers between tables and hand-sanitizers. Servers are friendly and quick enough. Definitely visit them again!

Review №67

2018-06-09 16:17:55

For a place that has a line before the venue even opens, offers no comfort outside for the long wait times, isnt very comfortable on the inside, is littered with grammar mistakes on their website and other materials, and is conflicted on whether it should be calling itself Menya Ultra or Ramen Ultra: youd expect that the food would have to speak for itself. They make it very obvious of listing their accolades big and bold on their large window display as well as the entire back page of their menu. Yes, the ramen is excellent, but is it the best place Ive had? Considering that the long wait is the most stressful part of the experience for me, I wont be jumping at the chance to come here again. I dont have much experience with ramen, but there isnt really anything this place has to offer any more than others Ive been too. In fact, when it comes to the menu, it offers far less in the way of appetizers than other places. The quality of the ramen is great, but I cant say its significantly better than what Ive had before. There is a digital sign-up sheet on the outside of the venue that txts your phone your current wait time. It said our wait time was initially 36 minutes but we didnt get seated until 50 minutes. The hostess seemed concerned with moving as quickly as possible. She did not have the most booming voice so when she came out to call the next party, you cant be distracted otherwise you may not hear her; and she seems to only call your name once and if you dont answer, she moves on. Waiting and wondering if we had missed our chance was by far my least enjoyable and stressful part of the whole experience. It seemed that any parties greater than three were subject to discussion with the hostess as to how to accommodate and the looks on the customers faces seemed to indicate that significant sacrifices were to be made. Once we sat down, things moved very quickly and we were back out the door in about 45 minutes though we didnt feel rushed and I even ordered their single dessert. We filled out the order sheet ourselves and the waitress transcribed it very systematically on her own which proved that they have a very quick food prep time as our ramen and appetizer came out at the same time and only a few minutes after we ordered. All of the food was excellent and the staff was very nice. I wish there was more of a selection of appetizers and desserts, but its clear that the ramen is the focus of this place.

Review №68

2023-02-10 21:34:56

Ramen soup flavor was a 5 out of 10. The fried chicken was super salty, and fries were very tasty.

Review №69

2019-06-01 06:27:24

Very good food, ramen was tasty and great. Nice and friendly staff, chefs greet you! #1 and #5 are my favorites. Get some fried chicken to start, nice and hot. Be ready for a wait if youre not there between 5 and opening at 530.

Review №70

2021-06-25 05:48:24

Deliciously authentic Japanese ramen. The service is just as good as the food. It’s a no thrills restaurant where they let the food do the taking and it most certainly does. The broth for the tonkatsu is rich and buttery just like it should be and the noodles are the perfect ratio of thin. Also if you want a perfect treat to top off your belly full of ramen definitely try the tempura ice cream! How do you elevate ice cream? You coat it in tempura and fry it!

Review №71

2019-06-28 03:46:27

Best ramen in San Diego taste exactly like what I had in Japan. Brings back memories of my trip to Japan, thats how authentic it is. Wonderful rich broth that taste like its been cooking for hours if not for days. Everything was delicious and so happy it was msg free too. Hate having ramen because of all the msg the add to the broth at normal places. Definitely will be back when I come back to S.D.

Review №72

2022-09-27 19:38:38

Pretty easy to get in these days. The waitlist you can access on yelp is pretty helpful too. They still do pretty stellar ramen but I feel like I’ve had better lately. Perhaps expanding locally has diminished the quality a bit. In any case expect a small, crowded, no frills dining room where you get your ramen, do your thing then go about your day. Very good but in my opinion no longer the best in town.

Review №73

2023-07-06 17:03:50

Yes, it was worth driving 3 hours. We joined the wait list while driving and didn’t have to wait much. Thank you for this amazing ramen! One kid kept saying this is incredible! And picky eater actually ate the ramen!Broth was so good! They offer low sodium option, which was honestly more flavorful than regular. Highly recommend. I can’t do too much sodium so I rarely finish my ramen broth. I felt so loved by the universe/ God I could have cried. Chashu was steamed and literally melted in my mouth. Roasted seaweed was perfect. My picky family loved how much you can customize your ramen here. Vegan miso was surprisingly flavorful.Noodle wasn’t chewy enough for me. It was good, but not crazy good. Maybe order undercooked/ Al dente?Karaage/ fried chicken pieces were HUGE. We ordered total of 8 pieces for family of 4, and couldn’t finish them. Nagoya was perfect, and regular was amazing.I couldn’t finish my Paiko that came w my ramen after Karaage. Order either/or. Their servings are huge.Lastly, fried ice cream! What a treat. I can’t find them anywhere now, and I used to love them as a young adult. Again, it’s huge. Batter was great. Next time, we will order 1 and cut it in 4.Sapporo was perfect to go with all the grease. A must IMHO. My kids were thrilled to have calpico and Ramune.Huge parking lot.We will make another special trip for Menya Ultra!

Review №74

2022-09-15 21:52:33

Great ramen!! Definitely worth the hype. The wait was quite long, so definitely plan accordingly and join the waitlist early. You can do it on Yelp before arriving to the location.

Review №75

2019-06-20 00:58:20

Be prepared for the wait!! Now, if your a latE night eater, sign up earlier at least 1.5 hours before they close. Why? You may ask? It’s because there’s so many people on the list they must stop it, so they have enough time to serve until they close at nine.After waiting a few hours here I realize if you have the Yelp app you can add yourself to the list ahead of timeThe broth is excellent!!! It’s flavorful and nutritious. We had miso, spicy Miso, DanDan and Black Dan Dan. The noodles are actually more flavorful as left overs. They still keep their shape and most of their texture after reheating them over the stove.The service towards the end of the day when they’re closing is a little spotty. They were focused on closing up the store. However the server is nice and the kitchen forgot a few things but were able to make it later.

Review №76

2021-10-21 04:03:54

Came here on a Wednesday night. Waited about 10 minute to be seated. I ordered miso ramen and my friend had the tonkatsu ramen. I think the miso broth was ok. I might go back and order something else and change the rating.

Review №77

2019-01-24 23:59:58

Got here 10:30AM on a weekday to put my name down in their computerized for 11AM and was third in line. Managed to get braised chashu which is limited to the first 10 customers - it is delicious and also three generous pieces of meat for $5. The noodles here which are imported from Hokkaido and made in house daily are superior to any other ramen noodle I’ve tasted.

Review №78

2023-07-11 05:54:33

The overall experience : rushed.Arrived at the location at 5:00 to put in a reservation on their kiosk. Literally the first person to reserve a table there for dinner that day, yet they dont seat by order, youre seated by party size. Smaller parties were let in before my party of 9. To make things easier, we were told to break our party up, 5 and 4. Initially, we were seated away from one another, but a nice couple moved to allow our whole family to sit close together.Once our orders were taken food came out rather quickly. Being that it was our first time there, we wanted to try everything. The item that took the longest to come out were the fries.Ramen was delicious. Portions were good.

Review №79

2023-07-01 05:24:29

One of my favorite ramen places in San Diego! I only docked a star off because of the price increases and their mandatory percentage charges that other places dont seem to have. My other favorite ramen place has kept prices affordable for ramen and mind you, I am a very harsh critic when it comes to ramen so dont think affordable means bad.Still though, give this place a try if you dont mind waiting 30+ minutes to be seated ( I dont mind, thats how good it is!)

Review №80

2022-12-21 02:58:54

I was not blown away by any of the ramens or deep fried chicken dish we ordered. I feel this place is more marketing than real differences in food quality. This deep friend pork was clearly fried twice. Super dry and hard. I am quite disappointed as I drove out of our way to eat there

Review №81

2019-04-06 03:28:14

I have been wanting to come here for a while now. This is a really cute and small ramen shop but they are fast and delicious. The ramen taste very homemade and the soft boiled egg didnt disappoint. But beware the wait can be a little long but they will text you when your table is almost ready and Daiso is a cute little shop where you can browse while you wait.

Review №82

2019-02-10 20:39:18

I lived in Japan for 3 years as a teacher. This is the best ramen Ive had outside Japan. Maybe thats because its an award winning family run business. And yes the owner moved here from Japan to get the store up and running. Hes still cooking daily behind the counter (update, now he is at the new Mora Mesa location).Just note you will be waiting at least an hour if you come at peak times. They shut down the wait list so the store can close at a reasonable hour. Dont try to come in last minute.

Review №83

2023-07-04 17:57:46

We spent 5 days in San Diego and gave it a try to find out how good ramen noodles could be. The waiting time at peak time was about 45 minutes. But it worth it. So we came back next day. We’ll definitely come back next time visiting San Diego.

Review №84

2022-12-20 20:17:48

Amazing broth and noodles. Everything else is great too.I like the non spicy options as well as the spicyFast service too

Review №85

2022-02-07 16:29:58

5-star: Great noodle, tasty soup,3-star: for the long wait even we put our name on the Yelp waitlist. The turnaround was faster if one wants to sit at the bar but we preferred a table. Just for some reference, waitlist at 5PM and got seated at 6:15PM.3-star: for the minimal serviceMaybe will do takeout to save time.

Review №86

2018-02-25 16:12:13

Housemade noodles, amazing broth, excellent service (thanks Chris!) all add up to the best ramen in San Diego Ive had so far. The wait and parking can be tough though, so come early or during an off time.

Review №87

2020-03-13 01:41:27

The more I read about the current state of ramen in Japan, the more I have to relinquish the notion that only traditional ramen forms are worth pursuing. I was of the mindset that broth came in one of four main styles, toppings were varied but from a concise list, and the noodles had one ultimate form. What does this have to do with Menya at all?If I were to stick to my ideals, no other shop outside of the land of the rising sun could possibly produce a better bowl. Their tonkotsu broth is cloudy, creamy, rich and oh so satisfying, and the miso option only bolsters this. Toppings have a standard set and a couple of mainstay options, my absolute addiction being their black garlic oil. And as for the noodles? Theirs are of a different order of magnitude in quality; they carry the broth readily but never get mushy (perhaps I dont offer them the time to do so?) so the last noodle bite has the same texture as the first. I guess fresh made here means something different than other places Ive sampled.For this simple menu, great service and pleasant atmosphere there are a couple caveats. Due to the limited size of the restaurant, they encourage a turn and burn attitude to dining to offer their delicious fare to as many loyal and patient patrons as possible. Come prepared with the knowledge that they will serve you, but they will not slow down. Also of mention is the average wait is over an hour. This will compound with larger groups, my personal recommendation is to treat Menya as a date spot, perhaps a double date. More than four quickly becomes a hassle. Is it still worth it?Yes, its that good. People flock to a small strip, battle the always packed parking lot and line up in any weather for a bowl that appears about as traditional as any tonkotsu broth could ever hope to be. There are some rare items and options on the menu that have a tendency to go quickly due to their limited supply but missing them is by no means a deal breaker. I would start with their simple tonkotsu bowl for a first time visitor and expand from there based on preference.Bottom line: this is worth going once, no matter how you feel about ramen. After that, see if you feel like coming back. I havent stopped.

Review №88

2023-05-07 16:35:04

When you’re in San Diego, California, make sure to add this to your itinerary. It is worth the trip. Their menu are priced right and affordable. The ramen are delishhhhhh and short orders like gyoza and ice cream are superbb :) 5stars.

Review №89

2022-12-13 01:41:06

Tough to find a table and definitely book a table through yelp wait-list or by signing up with their front desk. We signed up at 5 and got the table around 6:30. Ordered the hot miso ramen with low sodium which was pretty savory even with the less sodium and very heavy as I had to bring back home some. I would say it was pretty good for San Diego but not the best I have had ( had some in Japan and I had the best there and some in new York). Also ordered a karaage but it was super salty due to them mixing the sauce to it, I would have preferred if they just gave the dipping sauce on the side..this was not a great karaage, so I will skip it next time.

Review №90

2023-07-19 20:53:16

Their tonkatsu ramen is my favorite; so creamy and doesn’t feel heavy. I add an egg, more pork, and corn as additional toppings. So delicious! We signed up for their Yelp waitlist 15mins before they opened and was one of the first tables to get seated.

Review №91

2023-06-14 16:12:16

Menya has the best ramen broth Ive ever tasted. This location can be pretty busy. We turned up 45 minutes before it opened and waited around, so that we were sure to get a table.The only thing I have to say which might be negative is that the pork slices are very thin...but still delicious.

Review №92

2023-08-08 14:31:29

The name says it all, this is the ultra best ramen you’ll ever eat. Save time and use the waitlist option to save your place in line even before you leave your house. Katsu chicken, spicy broth packed with flavor, delicate homemade noodles, everything is delicious. Top it off with an ice cold Sapporo! Prices are great for the portions and take out travels well to heat and eat later. Check the schedule before you go so you aren’t left crying in the parking lot when you get there craving ramen and they are closed.

Review №93

2023-11-10 03:41:20

Place is packed usually. We were lucky and only waited approximately 20 mins. Tantan ramen,: rivals the best Ive ever eaten. Ill go back.

Review №94

2017-10-02 05:03:35

The quick review is just okay, the broth was amazing. Everything else was down hill, the wait was as my friend put it blue balls. The service was just okay, I expected excellent service from a company that has been around for as long as they have. The chashu was without flavor and the noodles were bland and chewy. The Fried chicken (chicken Katsu) was undercooked and without any sauce (until I asked) or flavor. I would recommend coming back in a few months while they get their quirks worked out.

Review №95

2021-03-26 03:55:46

I do not really want to review this place as its the absolute best ramen tonkatsu, miso and noodle place in San Diego. I want to keep this place all to myself and have it never ever change.However, I am committed to telling the truth regardless and you all NEED to experience the amazingness that is Menya Ultra.Spicy miso tonkatsu is off the charts. I havent done spicy level 3 (max) but 1 is perfect for normal dining. 2 is great to kick it up a good notch. You must must try the spicy miso. I recommend this 27 out of 5 stars.Add the egg of course. Corn and additional toppings are optional I choose the standard with egg.There are no words to describe how unbelievable the flavors, textures and satisfaction are eating here. Its like Im in Japan or another world.Do yourself a favor and try this place. It makes Tajima taste like taco bell.This is one of the places Im too interested in eating and enjoying the experience that I only took pictures on a take out order.

Review №96

2022-12-11 03:41:32

Omg delicious! Had ramen with pork, filling, tasty, comforting, would order it again. The fried chicken with sweet soy was made with crack !! Addictive. And the staff were constantly cleaning, wiping down chairs and their legs too.

Review №97

2020-03-16 06:46:22

Warning! Super busy, so be prepared to wait around an hour. With that said, they seem to try. They have signs encouraging guests to be considerate and bounce when their done. Take that however you want, but I appreciate it.With that, the Tonkotsu Ramen is so good. Its clean. Its rich. Those are normally two things that arent normally together. Not too much more to say. Worth the wait though.

Review №98

2022-03-21 07:46:39

I mean, what can I say about Menya Ultra that hasnt been said already. By far one of the best ramen joints in SD. If youre able to score the broiled chashu you scored big! The one thing Ill say thats unique is the many options you can have on your ramen. Swing on by and try it out, youll most likely have to wait BUT itll be worth it. 🤙

Review №99

2023-08-13 00:10:24

Amazing taste and services. This place really deserves Michelin-guide title, for sure.

Review №100

2019-11-03 03:41:43

There are many many ramen places in San Diego with high rating but not are all Japanese authentic one as they claim or most of them dont make their own noodle. MENYA ULTRA is my favorite by far of all ramen places! The broth truly has no MSG and not as salty as others. Also, the noodle are handmade which makes it much better than the rest. The chewy level of the noodle is unbeatable. The half boiled egg is cooked to perfection. The fried chicken as an add on is a must! I love the crispy level and it is very flavorful. Highly recommended to all ramen fans!!!

Review №101

2017-09-16 15:16:50

Best ramen ever in my life!Their fried chicken is a great appetizer!!Although the line is usually long, this restaurant wont ruin your expectation

Review №102

2023-03-30 05:26:52

This took my top ramen spot. Lives up to the Michelin rating. Go early or the wait-list will cut off! Worth it tho.

Review №103

2023-06-25 19:55:29

I absolutely love this place. This is the best ramen I have tasted in the States. It is a very popular place so definitely add yourself to the waitlist. The staff was super friendly and the service was quick. I would definitely come back here next time I visit San Diego.

Review №104

2019-11-30 21:16:39

We used Waitlist from Yelp app and checkin was pretty quick. I got the Miso Ramen bowl. Its good and creamy but only 1 piece of meat. Other Ramen places give you more. Service is fast and friendly. 1 hr parking in front. They only open from 11-2 and 5:30-9pm, close on Monday

Review №105

2023-10-03 18:17:51

Best Japanese Ramen in San Diego. Michelin 2021

Review №106

2022-03-23 04:18:09

One of my top ramen spots.. makes sure u get there early and not too late they get packed since its so good

Review №107

2020-02-11 20:20:46

Super-good Japanese ramen. Get there early, you have to sign in on the iPad outside, then get called in. I got the #1, broth was buttery and bacon-y. Staff is welcoming and helpful. Only slight downside is the odor of the cigar shop next door.

Review №108

2022-04-19 13:33:15

Quite busy so you may have to wait but we arrived at 5pm on a weeknight so there was no line at this time. Worth the wait though as the spicy ramen and karaage chicken was really good!

Review №109

2019-01-19 08:47:54

We came to this restaurant for lunch on a Saturday, at about 12:30. We were seated right away which was good, since the reviews say that wait time could be 1-2 hours. We ordered tonkatsu Ajitama ramen, miso chashu ramen, fried chicken, and tempura ice cream. The ramen were both good, with rich broth and full flavor. I ordered extra woodear mushroom in my chashu ramen. The chicken was for my son, who seemed to like it. I took a bite and it was not dry, but not very flavorful either. The restaurant is a little small and seating was packed pretty tightly. The decor is nice and ambience was lively, and service was quick. We were seated at a table close to the entrance so it felt a bit more crowded since the people waiting were all crowded by the door, and every time the door opened we smelled cigarette smoke from outside, which was unpleasant. Overall good ramen, and we may come back to try other items.

Review №110

2023-03-08 02:17:15

One of the best ramen I have had. Low salt option was great idea, I chose it! Even better when I chucked in the pieces of fried chicken my partner could not finish. However, everything (almost) is pork broth, so does pretty much eliminate all options if you don’t eat pork. Only non-ramen items are fried chicken, fries, edame and some unexciting dim sum/gyoza

Review №111

2018-08-25 20:41:18

Takes Ramen to the next level.Always a wait (and for good reason) sign up on the iPad by the front door. Easy updates via your cell number. Potstickers excellent. Very high quality ingredients. Food comes fast. Really friendly service.Give this place a try in complete confidence. Awards abound!

Review №112

2023-07-27 23:23:53

Best tonkatsu ramen I have ever had! So rich and creamy. I hold all other ramen to this standard and as a result I have become a ramen snob.Expect to wait, there will be a line. Grab a beer couple doors down at the sports bar to kill time.

Review №113

2023-06-12 20:20:38

Really easy to use the wait list system on Yelp, I put the two of us on a list right as they opened it and still had an hour long wait to get a bar table, but thats not uncommon for popular places like this. So, really was pleased with the ease of using and check-in.Now onto the food: our new favorite ramen place. We started with Nagoya fried chicken since theyre boneless and the seasoning and flavor was the highlight of the meal. I had Miso Ramen and my husband had Chashu To jitsu. Broth was very good and just the right richness. They talk about the homemade noodles in other reviews and they are good. The speed and service were very complementary to the food but the food is the star. Well be coming back and will have to try the Sake next time.

Review №114

2021-11-17 18:09:18

Tasty and delicious ramen. I feel like I’m back in Japan. The interior is so Japanese especially the bar. Not a fan of the gyoza. It is fried probably for American pallet. I still prefer the authentic way of cooking it. It looks like deep fried here.

Review №115

2017-07-31 05:04:35

Awesome, fresh Ramen! There is usually always a wait, so its much easier with smaller parties. Broth and noodles have great flavor and the pork just melts in your mouth!

Review №116

2018-09-07 14:00:58

Everything about Menya Ultra from the service to the food is excellent! If youre looking for some of the best ramen in San Diego, go here! The line to get in is... crazy! Be ready to wait a while. Oh and the parking is also brutal.

Review №117

2020-01-09 07:29:39

First off, I love the quick turn over. We were the last ones to sign the waitlist before they pulled it inside. And ya know what? We were done eating by the time they closed. *Snaps* in and out!I got the Black Tantanmen and my friend got the regular Tantanmen. Even the noodles were different! So chewy and flavorful!Gyoza was good, came out immediately and not greasy at all.And the fried chicken with the mayo. Nom nom. Theres like a vinaigrette. So its piping hot, crispy, creamy and tangy all at once.Next time, Im going to try checking in online. Although the 40 min wait did give us time to wait for a non 15 minute parking spot to open up 😅

Review №118

2018-05-30 21:21:44

So good! Wow I was impressed! Amazing amazing ramen!! This place lives up to the hype! So happy I made it down and was seated by the 9pm closing time!! If you want the best Ramen in town get down here asap!! Amazing!!

Review №119

2023-06-30 20:25:52

If you are reading this for the food: ramen is good and enjoyable.But!!! The attitude! I have never felt so much unwelcomed in any Japanese restaurant. Probably will never come again.

Review №120

2021-04-17 23:09:53

Wow! No other words can describe the experience here with the tonkotsu ramen with extra pork chashu. The ramen broth was thick and maybe a tad on the saltier side but that is how I like it. The generous portions of pork belly was incredibly delicious and filling. The chicken karaage was perfectly fried. I only wish that they had some kind of sauce to serve with it.

Review №121

2021-12-06 20:57:35

Absolutely delicious! Great service and huge servings! The ramen is pretty salty though, so might recommend trying the low sodium version. The negi pon karaage is amazing!

Review №122

2019-06-30 19:31:18

Really liked the miso base. The chasu was really good, thin not thick, really tender. Egg was perfect. The noodle was thicker than I prefer, closer to a fettuccine style. Did not see bamboo as an option but could have just missed it.

Review №123

2022-03-28 01:48:37

Easily the best ramen restaurants in San Diego. The staff is friendly and helpful. There is a wait to get in. We waited about a half hour on Sunday night, but it was well worth it. Plan on getting there early to get on the waiting list.

Review №124

2019-06-09 02:10:26

It takes an enormous amount of skill, hard work, and creative genius to make a meal that is this divine. Even on approach to the restaurant I knew that I was in for something special. Menya Ultra uses a waitlist system due to their popularity. There were dozens of people outside, biding their time until the store opened at 5:30. The noodles here are hand-made fresh every day, meaning they close in between lunch and dinner hours to make more.The smells upon entering can only be described as delicious. If my nose could eat Im pretty sure it would be a regular customer here. With the small storefront and the abundance of customers there is an atmosphere of intimacy that accentuates the whole experience. Service was friendly and we promptly received our food, which is very good as the smells surrounding me definitely increased my hunger.The options are robust and it was easy to customize our ramen. We had simple yet sublime fried chicken, delicious and perfectly crisp fried gyoza, and what was quite simply a flawless bowl of ramen. Topping it off was a scrumptious fried ice cream. Honestly, I came expecting greatness and it was delivered. It was delivered in spades.

Review №125

2018-10-11 18:16:51

Best ramen in the US period. I hype up a lot of things, but this place is legit the best ramen place in the US. It will ruin ramen anywhere else in the US for you lmao. Small location, so always super busy. Try to get there at least half an hour before they open so youre in the 1st batch of people served. Even though the wait can be long, there are plenty of shops nearby to walk around & kill time. Love love love Menya Ultra, so cant wait for the Mira Mesa location!!!

Review №126

2017-09-23 05:38:10

Best ramen I have ever had period!!!!! I absolutely love going to ramen shops around the world and this place nails every aspect of the dish. The broth is lovely and rich without tasting overly fatty and the fish dashi taste at the end is stunning. The thick noodles are cooked to perfection with a lovely bite without being too chewy. The chashu pork is amazing and the seasoned egg is cooked to perfection. Overall, it was well worth the 1 hour wait.

Review №127

2020-06-13 23:51:26

I can see what the hype is about! Really good ramen!! We got Uber eats and ordered at 4:55 so that the restaurant would take the order as soon as the opened. Based on previous reviews of long lines, and current pandemic, we thought this was the best. Food got deliveredin about 40 mins, so yay!I got the paiku tan tan men and the bf got the ajitama tonkotsu ramen. Both were very very good.The paiku tan tan men came with fried chicken strips (omg so good!!), minced garlic flavored pork (yum!) with the usual suspects (spring onions, beans, etc.) I also got the ajitama to go because I wanted to see what a spiced egg is all about.The ajitama tonkotsu is one their special tonkotsu sauces with the egg, mushrooms, a slice of pork chashu and the usual suspects. Bf also got seaweed to go with the whole thing.Paiku was excellent. Spicy enough, could be made more with the chilli powder provided. It wasnt very salty on the day of, but got quite salty the next day when we had it for left overs. I had a few chicken strips with ramen but then ate the rest by themselves because they are so so good!! This was a great choice.The tonkotsu was very much like the original the bf has had during his travels. He loved the saltiness. I loved the saltiness which was surprising considering I dont like salty broths. Would def recommend getting this as it is their house special broth and if bf says its like the original, it is.Great meal and glad we finally decided to check this place out!

Review №128

2019-05-22 20:39:29

Awesome ramen! Come early to beat the wait, it has long lines. Reasonable prices and made fresh to order. Will definitely be back for more!

Review №129

2023-07-18 05:28:23

Great ramen, great workers. The best combination. My wife prefers another ramen place. However, I would come here even alone when she goes to another place.

Review №130

2020-06-18 21:06:17

It’s pretty corny that the braised Chashu is limited to 4 customers. BUT it’s almost worth it. Big pieces and a lot more flavor than regular. Look at how pretty my $27 (not exaggerating) bowl of ramen is. This place is worth the hype and price every now and then

Review №131

2023-11-01 23:34:48

Always very consistent food taste. Fast service. Now its not as busy as it once was. No crazy waits. I go at least once a month or so.

Review №132

2023-05-17 17:36:59

Absolutely delicious ramen! Creamy and flavorful tonkotsu broth, slightly chewy noodles with good thickness, perfect toppings.Ordered their limited per-day braised chashu and got the *last* three slices only a half hour after they opened and I can understand why it sells out, it was the best chashu Ive ever eaten. Thick sliced, smoky sweet taste, fat literally melted in my mouth.Nagoya karaage was also great, tender dark meat with a light breading added a satisfying crispness. Slightly sweet soy flavor. Got vacuumed up in under a minute.Got there early in the dinner shift and had no problems getting on the wait-list and onto a barstool just a few minutes later, your mileage may vary later in the day. I see people complain about the smoke smell from the next door cigar shop, and theyre right about the smell, but I kind-of loved it as it reminded me of izakayas in Japan that allow smoking, nostalgic. Servers are courteous and the service was well-paced. I left painfully stuffed but I guarantee I will be back soon.Two draft beers, 5pc karaage, braised chashu, two bowls of ramen w/ extra toppings -- $70

Review №133

2019-07-19 21:05:57

If you get there earlier the morning, you will have a better chance to get the table without waiting for long time. I enjoy the food and service. Its easy to park as well.

Review №134

2018-05-20 05:48:31

This is the best ramen in San Diego. The menu is not huge, with three different ramens; Tonkotsu, Miso, and Tantan Men. I typically order the Tonkotsu, but will also order the Tantan Men. I have had the miso ramen twice and it’s good, but the other two are fantastic. You should expect a good amount of wait time if you show up when they open for lunch or dinner. The karaage is worth getting too.

Review №135

2023-06-09 01:32:44

I’m not going to lie the location was horrible. Sitting in the middle of a smoke shop, a tattoo shop, and a stripe club, waiting for the food in that atmosphere made me want to get get my covid mask back out. I have to say though, the food was amazing!! The ramen was a little small in proportion but was the best id had in a while.

Review №136

2017-03-10 01:02:59

I thought the food wasnt anything special. Standard ramen more on the balanced and bland side. I didnt think the flavors didnt really mesh that well together either. Will try again maybe 2 or 3 months later when the restaurant is more established.

Review №137

2021-05-26 05:47:33

The food here is amazing! I tried the #10 spicy miso ramen (extra hot) and the ice cream tempura, and both were delicious. The service was great, and the servers were friendly and helpful. Will definitely visit again!

Review №138

2018-09-24 03:05:34

Delicious. Not a place you meet up with friends. You seriously have to Car pool or else you’re going to have a hard time finding parking. But the ramen, oh boy. In a ramen packed city this place stands out.

Review №139

2020-09-10 02:38:54

After reading so much praise about Menya, I had to give it a try. Pre-Covid, I probably would have had to wait an eternity. But during my visit, I had no wait at all on a Monday night.For this first visit, I stuck with the basics: tonkotsu ramen with added braised chashu. It was phenomenal and exceeded all expectations. I hadn’t had a bowl of ramen this good in a while. Thinking about it makes me cry. I’m actually upset with myself for having tried Raki Raki before Menya.

Review №140

2019-03-21 22:53:44

Expect to wait around 30 minutes to get in here. My friend and I arrived at 8 and were inside around 830. Remember to sign in to the iPad hung outside to wait list yourself. You might get in earlier than the estimated time because apparently people just sign up and never come back.The staff is friendly and service is prompt. The ramen is definitely good and I would recommend adding the seasoned egg and butter toppings. I had the default ramen option, the Tonkotsu ramen, which has a pork based broth and is served with noodles and sliced pork. Loved the salty buttery flavor my broth had. The fried chicken and gyoza I loved even more. Gyoza is a kind of dumpling stuffed with chicken and pork, and was actually my favorite takeaway from this place.

Review №141

2022-02-01 06:51:41

One of the best ramen spots in San Diego! Their regular broth was too salty for me though, so I would recommend getting the low sodium option.

Review №142

2018-06-20 20:02:53

Had lunch on a Wednesday. Wait time for 2 people via the text system was less than 5 mins. Sat at the bar. Served fast for drinks. Goyza was very crisp and perfect. Tonkotsu with ajitama was ordered with extra noodles. Arrived in less than 10 minutes. Perfect temp (hot) and the noodles, broth, and egg was perfect. Wait staff was bustling but very helpful and never made us feel rushed. Top 5 ramen in the states.

Review №143

2019-12-19 07:47:18

My sister and I arrived right when Menya Ultra opened at 5:30pm on a Wednesday, and there were already 18 groups ahead of us. By the time we were seated, which actually wasn’t too long, the line had 39 groups waiting. I’d heard rumours about the lines but it was still impressive. Definitely go early!I ordered the #7 Negi Miso Ramen with corn. Flavours, presentation, and noodles were excellent. The chashu slices were thinner than other ramen places and not particularly special. My sister absolutely loved her #2 Tonkotsu Ajitama Ramen. She judges ramen houses by their eggs and this one was perfect. The hot green tea was good. Staff was very friendly. We felt quite rushed, and I wish I hadn’t felt pressured to eat so fast, but we also thought it was important to be conscientious of everyone who was waiting outside in the cold. It probably won’t be my first choice simply because of that, but I would come back here again.

Review №144

2020-10-20 05:44:54

I found this Ramen restaurant while on vacation a few years ago. It had so many glowing reviews that I decided I had to try it. People waited outside forever just to get in so I figured it must be good...I was not disappointed! Now (whenever I’m in town) I make time to visit this Ramen restaurant. The Miso broth is delicious and creamy, not salty (as many I’ve had), I love the seasoned egg, the extra pork and the noodles are great too- of course. It’s my favorite Ramen establishment and I wish there was a location near me. Although the wait may be long at least there’s a Daiso and Boba tea shop to keep you occupied while you wait for your table. I’ll keep coming back!

Review №145

2020-01-02 23:50:51

Checked in early to get their limited braised pork, definitely worth getting there early. Broth and noodles are perfect, best ramen I had in San Diego.

Review №146

2019-08-26 02:50:08

Hands down the best tonkotsu ramen that you can find. It is well worth the wait, especially since you can arrive early and use the digital pad out front to put your group on the waiting list or use Yelp once theyre open. Definitely get the boiled egg (Ajitama). We added chicken paiko this time around and it was absolutely delicious. Cant recommend enough and cant wait to go back!

Review №147

2019-07-28 15:46:01

The line is definitely worth the wait for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting bowl of ramen that fills your soul with yummy-goodness feelings of satisfaction, especially when youve had a challenging day, week, etc. The crispy fried chicken was a great complement to the ramen, too! I cant wait to go back and try more of their menu!

Review №148

2019-04-21 05:10:06

Best ramen in San Diego. The soup, noodles and chashu are the best. I also love their egg. Fast and friendly service. Reasonable price. Update: They now have an iPad outside the restaurant to get in the waiting list then check out the nearby Daiso store. Check restaurant hours. They close after lunch.

Review №149

2022-12-13 23:19:40

Had the vegan ramen with the extra special hot powder and really enjoyed it. It’s definitely a Michelin star restaurant for a reason.

Review №150

2020-03-17 17:31:58

I have been to a lot of ramen places in SD, and this will always be my favorite. I think it’s the simplicity of the ramen they make is what makes it so good. Other places try to overdo it by adding too many things in their ramen just to make it unique, but for me, what makes a good ramen is its simple yet delicious taste.This is the original pork tonkotsu ramen. I ordered mine to be less in sodium and it’s still delicious. Look at the oh so goodness broth. Not on picture is chicken karaage. Their chicken is well seasoned and doesn’t need sauce or anything to eat.

Review №151

2019-03-30 23:05:29

Food - The tonkotsu Ramen is good, milky broth ✔ The Paiko taste sour once its been soaked in the broth for long.Service - Best customer service, everybody is very accommodating ✔

Review №152

2020-10-06 19:16:25

Not a bad ramen chain. When I went at 1, there wasnt a line but did see a small line for later on. Miso ramen was good. Got the braised pork as well.

Review №153

2023-07-05 20:02:50

Delicious ramen. I had the Tantanmen Ramen with Paiko. Thick creamy broth and the noodles were delicious. The Paiko Chicken was delicious. Im coming back here again.

Review №154

2019-11-23 17:41:03

Is it worth the wait....answer Yes! Absolutely delicious ramen only found outside Japan and Taiwan. A must eat in the San Diego area.

Review №155

2018-06-15 08:13:23

Wow, their tonkatsu is really good!Definitely better than the ramen shops Ive tried in San Jose.Food comes in quickly and service is attentive.Tried their tan tan and miso which was okay. 5 stars because Im in love with their tonkatsu broth. Seriously, it is not too heavy, but you can finish your whole bowl. I was hesitant on ordering less sodium because I was afraid of it being too salty (I find Santouka and Orenchi in San Jose to be salty), but I made the right decision on ordering the regular! Their egg is delicious; its marinated well. Broth was outstanding.Prices are decent for ramen and the wait isnt too long.

Review №156

2017-03-04 20:37:47

Karage is a must try. Fried, moist, and sightly oily!Broth was different (slight bacon taste)Definitely worth trying. Would come again

Review №157

2019-01-03 02:14:30

The braised pork (only available to the first 10 people per opening) elevates the tonkotsu ramen to god-tier. Its a shame that its not offered as a regular menu item since few will be able to enjoy this absolute treat.

Review №158

2019-07-05 22:02:30

The traditional tonkatsu broth is Rich and creamy but not too heavy. The portion seemed smaller but it was very satisfying.The negi ramen was very bold and flavorful but it was also kind if heavy after a while.

Review №159

2020-06-29 13:46:25

We ordered one of each ramen available...and all were equally delicious. This picture though...yum. The fried chicken appetizer was full of flavor and crunch with every bite.

Review №160

2020-10-07 17:58:16

The miso/tonkotsu ramen tastes more like Japanese style, at least in San Diego area it can be listed as one of the best. The noodles is quite too soft though, which I would expect to be harder and more chewy.

Review №161

2018-12-05 07:54:20

This is my go-to after work stop. Be prepared to wait, but its not so bad if youre going solo. Its nice and basic. When you ask for corn, they basically give you the equivalent of a whole can of corn. They arent stingy with the eggs. And everything tastes amazing. Whenever Im having a bad day at work I stop here and always feel better afterwards. Its worth the hype, thats for sure.

Review №162

2021-04-02 15:20:17

We tried the paiko tantan men with the chicken and one without. As an appetizer we tried the fried chicken as well. Both the soup and fried chicken were very good I would happily return.

Review №163

2022-06-27 10:47:31

Michelin star restaurant. Easily the best ramen in all of San Diego with near authentic Japan quality.

Review №164

2023-11-16 00:51:45

Pretty good. LONG lines. They forgot part of my order while dining in which was annoying. Still not as good as Nishiki

Review №165

2021-10-06 02:19:41

Best Ramen I have ever had. No MSG in broth which is amazing. Michelin rated(no stars) which is not surprising.

Review №166

2020-09-06 03:14:40

Authentic and delicious ramen. If you stop by San Diego make a trip here and you wont regret it.

Review №167

2020-02-29 13:43:26

Outstanding ramen. Simply the best. Even though wait was an hour it was comfort food at best. Happy staff. Do yourself a favor and go.

Review №168

2017-07-23 01:22:42

Authentic, dope ramen.🍲🍥Noodle: good koshi (bite), medium thickness, freshmade dailyChashu: thin sliced melts in your mouthAjitama (flavored egg): flavored well (touch of sweet acidity, which I like). Yolk is creamy. Perfect ajitama.Soup: 10/10 real tonkotsu, no need for additional condiments.Secret to beat the wait: show up 30min before they open, they will take your name 15min before they open. If you show up at 6pm, the line will already be a mile long...

Review №169

2017-05-19 18:58:51

Best ramen in San Diego. The noodles are properly made and the broth is tasty. Can be a long wait outside just to get in, be sure to step inside and put your partys name down on the list.

Review №170

2023-04-12 21:07:22

Hands down the best ramen I’ve ever had. The broth was creamy and delicious.The noddle consistency was al dente but softish and light. The eggs were cooked to perfection! 100000/10 recommend this place! And the atmosphere is awesome!!

Review №171

2019-01-28 01:42:54

Best ramen Ive had. Totally worth the hour+ wait. If you need time to kill theres a brewery called Societie across the streetEdit: Went back after a year, the lines are still long but dont think its worth the above average price for the bowl of ramen and the hype its received. Still a solid bowl of ramen.

Review №172

2023-05-03 02:21:24

Everyone seems to love this place but I have to say, either my husband and mys tastebuds are dead or this just wasnt good.the ajitama and spicy miso both tasted like water, there was barely any flavor there. the noodles had no starch to even soak in the broth, the pork was sliced so thin there was barely any there, and the vegetables were mostly wilted. the customer service was pretty rude to us, too. for a place that boasts about their Michelin honors, this was absolutely disappointing.

Review №173

2017-06-29 07:28:21

Maybe the best ramen place in San Diego, better than Rakiraki, Tajima and many, this is as good as Hokkaido Ramen Santuoka in Mitsuwa market.

Review №174

2022-03-06 05:33:22

So good and of course healthy choices...I can say its not that salty compared to other popular Ramen house

Review №175

2023-07-31 21:25:47

I love the ramen here, very delicious. Long queue but worth the wait

Review №176

2023-09-05 18:55:59

This has always been one of my favorite restaurants until today, when the manager told me I couldnt sit where I usually sit. I do not intend on going back there.

Review №177

2023-08-19 18:22:58

Menya has great food. However, their waitlist policy needs revamping, if you have open seats and people arent here then seat the people that are already here and waiting and remove or push back the others from the waitlist. Just pretty ridiculous to wait 20-30min only to be passed by someone who just showed up.

Review №178

2018-02-11 18:43:45

Best Ramen is San Diego and so many details are the same as experiencing a warm bowl ramen in Japan. Usually a long wait, but there is an iPad outside next to the door you can sign in with your phone number to see how long the wait will be. They will text you a link that you can check and update (# in your party or cancel) while you wait from anywhere.

Review №179

2018-11-14 20:12:49

The best ramen hole-in-the-wall joint Ive been to in America. Personable, friendly staff with top-quality food and drink.

Review №180

2023-02-12 00:37:10

Probably the best ramen place in San Diego, I go here every other weekend and Im in heaven every time. The food here is truly unmatched, the broth is super rich and flavorful, everything is always fresh, and the flavor and service is always consistent and phenomenal each time. Ive been to many ramen restaurants, but this one is the undefeated #1 spot for me.

Review №181

2018-09-02 20:41:02

Place is ridiculous. I have gone to a few ramen places in my day and this by far is the best Ive had. Get the additional braised pork. Youll be glad you did. The manager, I forget her name, was so sweet and attentive.

Review №182

2022-11-25 05:43:50

One of the best Ramen in San Diego. Period. Fried chicken appraiser tasted amazing. Order my Ramen with pork cutlet and it is now my favorite dish of all time. Friendly and welcoming service. The only downside is that there is always a long wait time (40 minutes), other than that, the food is totally worth it.

Review №183

2021-05-28 04:38:44

Who doesn’t love Ramen Post COVID?? Great food and their service is remarkable. Highly recommend to eat here if you are craving some ramen!!

Review №184

2023-04-05 13:46:20

My favorite Ramen and service is always top notch 🤌

Review №185

2023-02-21 00:46:27

Delicious! I had, by far, the best tasting edamame Ive had in a long time. I ordered the regular ramen. The wait was about an hour and a half. I would definitely go more often if the wait wasnt so long.

Review №186

2023-05-02 01:40:47

Always worth the wait. Tonkotsu ramen is the best. Service is good and efficient. The broth is just so much tastier than any other ramen shop in San Diego.

Review №187

2023-09-13 19:49:03

So many great Ramen options, one of my favorites in SD to go to when Im craving it.

Review №188

2023-07-25 22:39:51

Great ramen...even the low sodium broth is flavorful. The veggie ramen was filling. More then 5 visits with choosing a different menu option reach time, and I have nothing negative to say.The sites special Black Tantanmen is top notch!

Review №189

2023-01-18 19:13:30

Honest opinion from a guy from Japan here.I got the Tonkotsu ramen and the Nagoya and Negi ponzu fried chicken.This place was just ok for Ramens…main complaints were the noodles which were over cooked. Yes I did feel that the noodles were fresh and all but that doesn’t mean a thing when it’s over cooked….You can’t screw up the noodles if you claim to be the best Ramen shop in town. I even ordered it to be undercooked (as they called it hard noodle) but still came out over done.Broth was ok. Had a nice salty taste and was fresh but just lacked that final kick to satisfy my taste. Grated garlic would be a nice thing to have on the table.Maybe my expectations were too high but I would say this place will be considered as just mediocre in Japan.Best Tonkotsu ramen in the US for me would still be Monta Ramen in Vegas.On the other hand, fried chickens or as I would call them Kara-Age’s were great! Very juicy and nicely seasoned. The Nagoya flavor had an excellent Tebasaki flavor to it.So, +1 star thanks to the chickens from my original 3star review. I would go again to try out their Miso ramen.

Review №190

2019-08-26 00:46:43

Really good ramen place! Tonkatsu ramen is super rich! Definitely one of top spots for ramen in SD!

Review №191

2023-04-06 20:22:22

The only reason for this 1 star review is the ambient music. The service and food is 5 stars. The best Ramen you’ll ever try in San Diego (nothing to envy real Japanese ones) but please change the music. Last 2 times I had lunch at the rhythm of Shakira - Hips don’t lie and Britney Spears - Hit me baby one more time. Nothing agains Britney nor Shakira, also not expecting Vivaldi, but there’s so much better ambiance music to have their delicious ramen to.I’ll update the review next time I come, hoping music changes.

Review №192

2017-06-10 13:49:22

Wow, I mean, wow. The broth was rich and deep, with every touch of the flavor palette present and forward. I had the spicy miso ramen, with the fried pork; it was fabulous to the point that I was sad I had to stop eating.

Review №193

2022-12-30 18:04:26

The wait is super long. Went on a Thursday night and I started heading over there at 4:30pm to be there at 5pm (when they open) I used the yelp app to put myself on the waitlist at 5pm ON THE DOT and I was already 30th in line. It was our first time and I thought I was being proactive by arriving as soon as they open and adding myself on the waitlist as soon as it opened up but that didn’t prevent me waiting 1.5 hrs to be seated. I still waited because I had heard the ramen was delicious here.Ratings on food: I haven’t eaten a lot of ramen before so I was a bit worried about whether or not I would like it. I ordered the spicy miso soup and I loved it! The soup was not too salty but it was a bit too greasy for me (most likely due to the pork) the flavor was so good. I highly recommend the spicy miso ramen. I also ordered the fried gyoza and I liked it too (it wasn’t amazing but the fried gyoza was good) the ramen was amazing though.Because of the wait times, I’m probably not going to come here that often (plus I don’t eaten ramen that often) but when I do crave ramen, this will be my spot.

Review №194

2022-12-12 03:14:11

Call ahead to get on seating list. Killer ramen. They use perfectly roasted pork loin instead of pork belly! Egg, scallions, sprouts & tree ears add complexity. Appetizers, Beer and sake available. Excellent service. Plenty of free parking. Located next to a cigar / scotch bar.

Review №195

2022-10-30 04:40:57

It’s good but it’s not like wait 2 hours good. Ramen is basic and pretty expensive for just one thin slice of pork. $20 if you want more meat and an egg in it. Fried chicken dishes were fatty and chewy. Gyoza was fine as usual. Only has Sapporo for beer

Review №196

2018-11-27 18:54:45

The food here is ALWAYS BOMB!! The long wait is always worth it (get here before it opens to log your wait time) then go next door for a drink or quick errand. The special pork that they have early in the morning is to freaking die for!

Review №197

2021-03-16 04:06:54

Best Ramen Ive ever had. Worth the wait and having to sit outside on a cold, windy day...

Review №198

2019-05-11 02:04:25

The best ramen in San Diego!, my opinion of course. Theres always a long wait time.

Review №199

2019-12-12 01:32:27

I had the Tonkotsu chashu ramen and it was delicious but the soup was lukewarm and the noodles were too soft for my taste. Their service was excellent.