Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Ramen 101 in Castro Valley

4.2 (140) 20923 Redwood Rd Unit B, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States

Location on the map

Castro Valley, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-398-8232
Site: https://ramen101.us/

Opening hours

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

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.2

140 Reviews for Ramen 101 2024:

Review №1

2023-12-01 02:32:27

This used to be my go to favorite!! I’d eat here often! After new ownership recently it’s more expensive $20 a bowl, the chicken tastes like it was microwaved, noodles taste old and feels like a plastic texture. I miss the old ramen bowls. Also your employees all look like they hate their lives. Now goes the search to find a new favorite.

Review №2

2021-08-11 17:50:44

Second visit:Even though specifically asked to double boil noodle but still seems the same. We end up reboil both noodles like the last time.But promotional free bowl is a pleasant surprise.They do deep-fried good.

Review №3

2023-09-17 03:50:41

I was just driving by because I have been craving Ramen and I found this place on a limb and let me tell you! I found a gold mine! The lady who assisted me was Gabby and she worked so hard! I truly admire the service here and the commitment to uphold a high standard. This place comes highly recommended.

Review №4

2021-10-04 01:53:43

I got a few items of food, as it being my first time trying this type of food as well as this establishment, I really appreciate the help that the nice waitress have us. She was so full of energy and made the atmosphere brighten up. Over all we ate all we could, didnt finish all the food but then again we all got a plate and side per a person. All of which came out to about less than $20usd per a person including some type of drink.

Review №5

2021-05-21 17:55:27

One thing I love about Ramen 101 is even though they are a chain, they make there own broth! The bowl of Ramen was so large that I took half home.

Review №6

2023-07-10 20:39:49

Great food for a quick bite … highly recommend for ramen !

Review №7

2020-04-22 22:43:48

I would drive by sometimes and there would be a line, so that must mean its good, right? Im typically not a big fan of ramen but my family wanted to eat here so I joined them and Im glad I went. This was definitely one of the better ramen restaurants Ive eaten at. Their chicken karaage was really good too. I want to try their unagi rice bowl next time. I saw someone else order it and it looked amazing!

Review №8

2020-03-03 05:51:43

This is definitely one of the best ramen places in the area; the broth especially is very flavorful. They give a small amount of meat however. There is one single room bathroom open to customers and a lot of parking in the shopping center.

Review №9

2023-10-17 01:03:30

Far too much Corn in their Ramen, an actual disgusting amount of it. Couldnt even finish my 20$ bowl and for the first time in a long time actually just had them throw out my half eaten bowl. (I almost always finish my food or at least take it to go)

Review №10

2020-01-17 21:50:53

Brand new ramen shop opened in the neighborhood, so my mom and I thought to give it a try. Order before you sit, pretty easy menu to follow. I got the tonkatsu ramen with medium spicy with the first fixin. Broth was pretty flavorful, could be a little more spicier for medium and veggies were fresh. The chasiu was good, fatty, tender and tasty. Would recommend! 🙂

Review №11

2023-03-05 14:22:37

I enjoyed my Ramen choice (Black Garlic) and a (seaweed salad). I also ordered the (Chicken Rice) to share with the family that was yummy. Kiddos loved it!! Although the ( chicken Karaage) was super dry, the chicken was hard to eat, and it was overcooked, they didnt add dipping sauce either; My dogs thought they were treats. So nothing went to waste..They take long to fill the order even when you stop in but the staff is super friendly, and the place is clean, so it makes up for the delay.

Review №12

2021-05-28 03:56:24

The noodle is not cooked enough and the oyster aren’t fresh, I can’t even finish one. For my first time visiting here, I feel disappointed

Review №13

2019-12-21 01:39:29

Yum! Decided to try this place out and I’m so glad I did. Love the flavors, the options and will definitely come back here. Nice service and clean eating area. Only reason for 4 stars is that I think it’s a little over priced, but since it’s really good, I’ll still come back!

Review №14

2021-12-17 06:50:42

Weve been going to Ramen 101 in CV since it first opened. The food is good, for the most part, except tonight, we got a ramen takeout for dinner and while eating it, I discovered sharp shards (these are presumably clam shells?) in the broth. I am glad I caught these at the last moment cuz if I didnt, I couldve been injured.

Review №15

2019-12-07 07:54:43

Best ramen Ive ever had! They always get the eggs right too😁, not like some other places Ive been where they just throw a regular hard-boiled egg in your noodles😤. The other thing I like about this place is that they dont just serve ramen, they have everything from spam musubi to grilled whole squid! Personally I love takoyaki, but there arent a whole lot of places around where you can get it, I tried theirs and it was really good 👍.

Review №16

2019-12-28 03:56:21

Solid 4. Service was great. Loved the ease of ordering. The egg was incredible. Good amount of meat!! Minor negatives: Broth was slightly bland (tonkotsu + black garlic) and noodles werent ramen noodles (more like spaghetti). Im definitely going back. Super nourishing, and can add spice for more flavor.

Review №17

2023-03-23 13:26:40

Its been twice I get stomach problems after ordering the seafood choices with shoyu broth. The first was from delivery which resulted in full food poisoning thus second time was in store yesterday with stomach discomfort and gas. I have eaten the same thing dish one other time no problem but it might be that the seafood is precooked and not properly reheated.

Review №18

2023-07-11 03:43:33

3 yrs later and a recent new ownership change... Ramen still tasted good but other items on the menu did not taste like they did with previous owner. Rice was dry, chicken overcooked and portions seemed smaller. Maybe they are still figuring out things with ownership change but I wasnt impressed.

Review №19

2022-04-12 02:50:37

Went to a birthday party dinner with family and friends. The owner actually served us and treated us to some delicious appetizers fried won Tons, pot stickers, chicken tenders, out of this world Octopus. The Ramen was so good too. Would definitely go back. Unbelievable service! The food was fresh and full of flavor. A must try. Thank you for a wonderful dinner tonight ❤

Review №20

2022-08-08 04:16:56

Love this place if Im looking for a quick and tasty tofu ramen.

Review №21

2022-12-27 02:45:05

Ordered delivery of ramen, broth container was put sideways, the lid was cracked, ALL the soup was spilled. What am I supposed to eat? The plastic bag?

Review №22

2022-09-20 08:40:30

Staff is friendly, speedy and accurate with orders. Ive ordered here many times and have yet to have a complaint. Food is hot, seasoned well, and not that expensive for what it is. Good place to stop. Only suggestion I have for the owners is to move your location a little closer to my side of town so I dont have to drive.

Review №23

2023-09-09 04:06:33

We just got our ramens, one of them had a FLY in it, we couldn’t finish the food after that

Review №24

2022-08-19 20:07:31

Ive been a customer almost 2 years now on a weekly basis - I went to make an online order, they give me the wrong thing ( I dont eat pork) I call asking them to replace it and I basically get told oh well nothing we can do about it.I spend about $30-$50/wk there, every week! Thats about $1,500/yr (more than some ppls car insurance premium) and thats the level of service I got.Thats fine however,no worries to me at all, plenty of ramen spots out there, but I guarantee theyll never get another dime from me again!

Review №25

2020-01-27 16:31:27

As always, tonkatsu ramen, extra spicy, classic with extra egg, chashu, mushroom and bamboo shoots is the way to go!

Review №26

2023-10-26 03:09:30

I got hot plate tofu bbimbop which was very good!

Review №27

2023-08-10 23:31:52

Ordered the ramen and the new spicy rice cakes. I would recommend.

Review №28

2023-02-19 04:12:01

Castro Valley Ramen 101 has the worse Ramen I ever had. Meat were over cooked and cut top thin. No egg. I highly recommend Ramen 101 in San leandro or dublin.

Review №29

2022-10-17 15:54:18

Food was really good! My wife loves her Ramen . The vegetarian egg rolls were good, but were called Lumpia.... unfortunately I was expecting Filipino Lumpia which has meat... So that was disappointing

Review №30

2022-09-12 19:04:21

Good place for a quick ramen craving in Castro Valley. Their broth is good and they have pre-selected toppings for each ramen bowl to make your ordering convenient. Unlike other ramen places, they provide large servings of their rice bowls. Their chicken karaage is highly recommended. Will have to try their ika and kaki dishes next visit.

Review №31

2023-01-12 05:43:57

The food is simply amazing. The flavors are an explosion in your mouth. I. will definitely be eating there again!

Review №32

2019-11-24 01:19:49

Would have given 5 stars if it werent for MSG.

Review №33

2020-02-09 00:01:51

This was an on the go great little quick bite of your choice of Ramen how you like it. 3 different categories you choose from to please your palate. Order, they give you a number and bring it to your seat when ready...easy peasy. I enjoyed the flavors. I think I will add more vegetables next time though and an extra side of noodles.

Review №34

2021-10-16 22:43:03

Our go to place for tasty ramen every time. Usual order is buttery chicken ramen in veggie soup. They get the taste right always and it’s their predictability that makes you come back again and again. Have also tried their Chicken Karage which is also delicious and has the right balance of crispiness outside and tenderness of the chicken inside. Recommend giving them a try.

Review №35

2020-02-08 03:19:57

Great quality ramen. Broth has improved since opening and the flavors are great. Nice variety to choose from. Appetizers are good, as well. Even with lines, the speed of getting the food is good. No long waits to speak of.

Review №36

2022-12-31 17:57:33

Very yummy build your own Ramen bowl. Fresh ingredients. Very flavorful. Reasonable price. Pleasant service. Perfect comfort food for rainy days!

Review №37

2020-01-07 03:22:35

Ramen is good. The grilled squid is really good. Staff is very nice and friendly. Gyoza is unfortunately deep fried instead of pan fried. I didnt care much for the chicken bowl but my mom (Japanese) liked the unagi bowl. Prices are reasonable. The seating can be a bit problematic during busy times. You have to order before you are seated so may have to get it to go if there isnt a seat after you order.

Review №38

2020-02-06 22:04:47

Honestly, the ramen is pretty sub par, not crazy good but not bad either. However I would not spend the 12 dollars or so that it cost for a bowl. BUT, the staff is very nice and do their jobs well AND the street food items are really good. Had the unagi and rice bowl, fantastic and well worth the money. The chicken one was great as well. Most if not all of the street food items listed are pretty damn good and worth the money.

Review №39

2021-05-23 23:13:57

If you want to go to the best ramen restaurant in the area, you should go to Ramen 101 in Castro Valley.I have never received this kind of awesome service aside from the fact that the food is just amazingly delicious! Special thanks to the manager Danny. He made sure that we have the best experience and his service was excellent!!! You’re the best!

Review №40

2020-12-18 01:51:46

Pretty good ramen. The first I have had since moving back. I paid for the seafood option and thought I would get to select which seafood I wanted. Unbeknownst to me, you get a variety but I only wanted shrimp. I ended up spending $5 extra for three shrimp. Seems fitting for Castro Valley though so 🤷🏿‍♀️.

Review №41

2020-06-06 21:24:38

Ordered several items togo. Everything was delicious and we loved that they vented the box so the tempura didnt get soggy. Oh the cucumber salad was amazing too! Definitely will be coming back.

Review №42

2019-10-28 05:21:30

I really regret not taking a photo but I will next time. Still pretty new place so pretty crowded for the small space. They have the speed of the food real quick. Even though the food comes out quick it doesnt lack on quality. Definitely coming back here when I want some ramen.

Review №43

2019-09-25 06:12:38

They are finally open. I come to the gas station nearby every week because they have the best price around. Today I was there again and saw the now open sign, so needless to say I went in. I was not disappointed!! I ordered the tonkatsu ramen with pork and black garlic. The soup was very flavorful, the noodles had just the right chewiness. I also ordered the karaage and that was also very good. The portion was huge too! Despite I was there during the dinner rush, the service was very good and food came out fast.

Review №44

2020-11-02 23:32:16

Quality of the food aside, I sincerely hope proper food handling is taught to each team member. Looooong, painted nails at a food establishment is a huge no-no. It makes me wonder if correct hand-washing protocols are being followed. Lost my appetite

Review №45

2021-05-30 01:02:18

Ordered 2 bowls of Ramen- one without onion as my mom is allergic to onion. When I got home both bowls had onion in addition to a 10 inch piece of thread - it looks like dental floss. ICK - Eat at your own risk.

Review №46

2020-11-06 04:07:58

Ramen is just ok. Best part were the noodles. Sides dishes are below average. Too much batter for the tumpura and the gyoza came with sauce packets, even though we dined in. Service was not great either. Had high expectations given the positive reviews but just disappointed.

Review №47

2019-10-24 06:19:04

We loved ramen here. It was our first time trying it and won’t be the last. There are options for you to choose your broth, protein, and toppings, which is pretty cool. I ordered tonkatsu ramen with chicken and with butter.Really enjoyed it. Service is fast and very friendly. Here, you pay first and they bring it to you. I got my order in less then 10 min. It was delicious.They had chillie sauce on side if you want more spicy. Clean and cute decor. Broth was super flavorful and creamy. Ramen noodles were fresh. My boyfriend and my brother liked their ramen too. They were super nice and considerate of us will definitely going back and recommended!

Review №48

2023-01-16 02:16:15

This place is so delicious! Super clean, friendly staff. Good here, you wont regret it.

Review №49

2020-02-08 03:45:17

Their broth has definitely improved and service is fast and courteous. Its always busy as Castro Valley has found a hot new choice for ramen. The shoyu broth is my favorite, and the sides are good as well.

Review №50

2021-09-12 20:33:23

You are better off eating a Cup of Noodles, ramen was cold and flavor wise well it was not good at all. The black garlic was not black. In summary just skip the place.

Review №51

2019-12-18 01:44:15

Closer to a 4 than a 5, but solid nonetheless. Everything was delicious, the soft boiled eggs had fantastic texture and the service was quick.All in all, solid eat for a cold day.

Review №52

2019-10-02 16:00:02

The staff is very friendly and the ramen is delicious! My pet peeve is when the egg isnt cooked right, but they nailed the consistency of the yolk.10/10 would recommend this place.

Review №53

2023-01-05 21:25:18

I had the miso ramen with chicken and it tasted fine but the chicken was cold so that was pretty gross

Review №54

2019-11-19 19:49:59

Happened to be in the area and stopped in for lunch! It was clean and delicious! The ordering was easy and customizable. It was ready pretty quickly and prices were very reasonable. If I’m in the area, I’ll eat there again.

Review №55

2020-02-03 07:53:44

Ramen is phenomenal, but I was disgusted with one of the staff who tried to mop off liquid from the floor. For whatever reason, the cloth was coming off, and she put the mop ON TOP OF THE DINING TABLE to fix it! DIRTY MOP ON A DINING TABLE?!? she did this with customers around, didnt wash her hands, and served a bowl of ramen after! This is why theres a cold virus scare all over the world now! TRAIN YOUR STAFF PLEASE. Play your cameras, 12-1pm, Feb 02, 2020.

Review №56

2022-09-27 13:49:50

I didnt really like their food but place looked clean and costumer service was good

Review №57

2022-10-25 07:57:36

Tried their unagi rice and it was delicious. The experience was great and their staffs were super nice.

Review №58

2022-03-13 01:24:11

One of my Fav neighborhood restaurants. Everythings fresh, great customer service and sure to find an item or two Squid, Tempura, Oysters.ahhh to satisfy!

Review №59

2022-04-11 19:16:00

Got a stomach ache after eating here similar to when they use tons of MSG. Not 100% sure if it was from MSG but symptoms very similar. I never went back again after that.

Review №60

2019-10-23 20:40:54

Very good ramen. I would come here again with my girlfriend and order more of the sides! I havent tried their lumpia or kimchi yet but always looking forward to try something new over there.

Review №61

2021-07-05 22:06:32

This was the first Ramen 101 Ive been to and its actually my favorite compared to the one Ive since visited in Concord. The selections all around are great here!

Review №62

2019-10-25 23:11:10

Great prices, very big portions and delicious! Happy camper here! I had unagi rice, kaki fry and this delicious melon soda!

Review №63

2020-01-26 03:47:46

Pretty weak. Overpriced. Better off making your own ramen at home. Nothing special here.They messed up my order last time I was here as well. Won’t be coming back.

Review №64

2022-08-19 02:58:13

Very small ramen portions, the teriyaki chicken and rice is frozen vegetables and hardly any chicken first and last time coming here .

Review №65

2019-12-11 02:19:38

This place is amazing I love the noodles the flavors and its just the right level of heat and there is not waiting for the ramen to cool off 100% legit a great place for a bowl of Japanese ramen

Review №66

2020-11-10 08:11:49

Ordering at the restaurant is way cheaper than ordering online if you plan to pickup yourself. It only takes less than 10 minutes for them to prepare your orders.

Review №67

2020-09-16 08:42:48

Got food poisoning... bamboo had a very strong stench, not sure if it usually comes like that, or if it was spoiled. Gyoza was really tasty though.

Review №68

2019-10-20 16:51:50

Delicious ramen! So happy to have found a great ramen place!!! I recommend tonkatsu broth, with chicken, mild spice, classic style. Also the unagi rice bowl is delicious too!

Review №69

2021-10-16 15:45:55

It was pretty good. The service was excellent!

Review №70

2022-01-07 07:37:26

This Ramen shop was not very authentic. It lacked the taste of really good ramen. I dont think I will return.

Review №71

2020-09-20 01:58:49

Great service, considering the pandemic situation!

Review №72

2021-04-11 20:31:55

No vegan options which is confusing because they have a veggie broth +veggie options... tempura is too thick and greasy

Review №73

2020-01-29 20:36:12

Its fast I wish the had a menu with picture of the dish so people ca n understand better because once you order service isd fast and food good too

Review №74

2019-11-16 01:40:33

So far, right now Im not having a migraine and nausea. Most of the ramen place have MSG and salty....I have allergic to those hehehe.

Review №75

2023-01-05 12:47:57

Good Ramen for a chain franchise. Excellent service.

Review №76

2022-02-22 08:19:30

I enjoy their Ramen, great flavorful food, clean and helpful.

Review №77

2021-03-18 12:28:55

Excellent ramen, very attentive service, great value! We will be back often!

Review №78

2021-11-21 05:23:27

Great food loved the broth, went medium heat. It was great.

Review №79

2021-01-13 23:38:13

Not spicy when asking for spicy, packaging containers where broken. Double check your food before leaving.

Review №80

2022-07-16 02:47:44

This is the second time they forget the eggIn my pick up order.. 😤😡

Review №81

2020-09-27 05:47:55

I only doordash here. Fast service. But cant say one way or other if its good or not.

Review №82

2022-07-15 18:49:10

Had food here many times. Always great.

Review №83

2020-08-14 15:33:58

Service is always right on. Food is delicious. Love how they are so organized.

Review №84

2019-11-18 20:26:53

So good!! Wife and me are here one night and came back the next day for lunch!! Super friendly!!

Review №85

2023-04-24 04:59:25

Huge portions and amazing flavor

Review №86

2020-03-16 02:35:13

First time there. Had miso pork black garlic. Omg so good.

Review №87

2020-01-12 23:06:11

The tontaksu broth is delicious and the food comes out pretty quickly. Its a neighborhood go-to

Review №88

2020-01-05 23:06:25

The taste of the ramen was a little lacking, service was good.

Review №89

2020-01-17 00:11:21

Great Ramen, Big portions and Friendly Staff, Perfect place for a date.

Review №90

2020-11-04 01:26:29

Service was great. Food just ok. Too many other options to just settle.

Review №91

2022-09-15 05:55:05

Lots of carbs but totally tasty

Review №92

2022-02-19 06:06:58

Quick, simple, delicious ramen. Perfect for a quick bite for dinner.

Review №93

2022-02-21 18:44:13

Dine in. Service was good and friendly. The place looked very clean 👌

Review №94

2021-04-21 23:46:49

Super fast and super good! I like the black garlic with chasu.

Review №95

2022-01-03 23:15:14

Amazing Ramen. Amazing staff and service. Highly recommend

Review №96

2020-02-27 04:06:45

Amazing! Really fast service and a quality ramen.

Review №97

2021-11-27 19:29:19

I only go inside to fill my bottle with water before and after my workout.

Review №98

2022-04-21 06:57:14

Great customer service. Food was delicious 😋

Review №99

2019-10-12 01:38:13

Great food, service is very nice friendly and fast.

Review №100

2020-01-04 03:01:17

Delicious ramen with fantastic variety of options. Really glad to have this close by.

Review №101

2019-10-31 19:38:08

Make your own mix soup?!! Its Ramon at its best

Review №102

2019-11-21 22:30:18

Good food nice staff very clean will be back

Review №103

2020-08-18 21:00:22

Omg, the best Ramen Ive ever had!

Review №104

2021-11-16 18:34:55

I enjoyed !Nice staffGive them a try !

Review №105

2019-11-14 23:44:36

I like that you can create your own type of ramen soup👍🏻

Review №106

2019-12-23 17:08:47

Excellent tonkatsu broth and tasty toppings make this place a winner

Review №107

2020-03-11 06:15:43

Fancy top ramen for 15 times the price... IMO

Review №108

2022-02-23 03:46:52

Not as good as the other Ramen 101 in San Leonardo

Review №109

2020-02-03 03:23:29

Good noodles, friendly staff and fast service.

Review №110

2020-08-18 17:19:47

Really good Ramen and the chicken karage is delicious

Review №111

2020-03-11 08:22:31

I eat this a few times a week

Review №112

2020-02-15 03:50:58

Good ramen. My vegetarian kids like it too!

Review №113

2019-10-22 01:25:44

Very good Ramen and great selections!

Review №114

2021-05-12 01:07:34

Awesome ramin😋 loved the karaage and gyoza

Review №115

2019-11-03 02:37:22

Good food. Limited seating at peak times.

Review №116

2021-09-19 02:51:58

Best place to eat ramen! 🍜

Review №117

2020-01-03 00:23:47

So glad we have ramen in Castro Valley

Review №118

2019-12-16 03:28:32

Best ramen in town. People are best

Review №119

2023-02-06 14:13:08

Food was good

Review №120

2023-03-02 22:03:45

Great

Review №121

2022-05-20 04:28:39

Well worth the money

Review №122

2022-09-23 03:56:41

Great food

Review №123

2020-06-26 01:48:45

Is a really kool place.

Review №124

2022-09-04 21:27:41

Really good ramen.

Review №125

2021-08-09 06:08:12

Great Seafood Ramon

Review №126

2020-12-24 01:37:43

Really great ramen!

Review №127

2022-10-07 19:01:56

Love the ramen

Review №128

2019-11-11 00:23:54

Try the whole grilled squid

Review №129

2019-11-20 00:27:39

Good fast food

Review №130

2021-01-17 17:53:15

Best in the east bay

Review №131

2021-06-06 21:31:24

Love it

Review №132

2019-09-27 00:33:12

10/10 Would come again!

Review №133

2021-08-27 14:39:25

Overrated

Review №134

2019-11-25 04:16:39

Fast

Review №135

2019-12-09 23:37:27

Yum!!

Review №136

2020-03-14 14:31:17

Very good!

Review №137

2020-02-24 07:22:45

Very good.

Review №138

2021-06-26 02:23:12

The noodles are a bit hard and need to be improved, but I still give it five stars. It’s not easy for a mom-and-pop shop.

Review №139

2022-02-27 03:09:24

Good store

Review №140

2020-02-01 18:17:11

Delicious