With the weather slightly cooling off, we couldn’t think of a better time to round up our favorite ramen spots around town! These eateries range from traditional Japanese restaurants to fast and casual eateries and beyond. We’re sure you’ll find a spot to enjoy your next bowl of ramen here!
1. Menya Ultra Ramen Mira Mesa
Menya Ultra serves amazing authentic Japanese ramen, and in 2021 it was included in the Michelin California Guide. They have 3 locations throughout San Diego and are always busy! The talented staff serves all the customers as fast as possible while providing fantastic service. Everything in your ramen is made from scratch so expect a mouthwatering experience!
Location: 8141, San Diego, CA 92126
2. Yakitori Yakyudori
This Kerny Mesa eatery is primarily known for its delicous yakitori cooked with authentic white charcoal and amazing ramen. Our favorites include their Tonkotsu and Nagoya Ramen. This has long been a local favorite; however, their prices have also increased, though the quality and flavors are still top-notch!
Location: 4898 Convoy St #101, San Diego, CA 92111
3. Tajima Convoy
Tajima is a ramen institution. They have multiple locations throughout the city, but the original on Convoy is still dear and near to longtime patrons. You have to try their Tajima Ramen. The broth is creamy and flavorful, and the pork is incredibly tender.
Location: 4681 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
4. Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen
This popular spot is perfect for a delicious and cozy lunch or dinner. The food will definitely be worth the wait, especially if you get the Kimchi Ramen! The spicy miso soup is delicious, and the smoky is so tender it will fall off the bone. They have four San Diego locations in Little Italy, Liberty Station, Mira Mesa, and the original, on Convoy.
Location: 4646 Convoy St #102-A, San Diego, CA 92111
5. Nishiki Ramen
Nishiki opened its Kearny Mesa location in 2015 and has since been serving delicous “Tokyo Style” ramen to locals! Their ramen noodles and soups are made in-house every day, and you can even watch the staff make the noodles inside the restaurant! They opened a second location in Hillcrest.
Location: 8055 Armour St #201a, San Diego, CA 92111
6. Weapon Ramen
This Liberty Market eatery is the ideal spot for those looking for anime flair along with their noodles! You can choose between a pork-based tonkotsu with chashu slices or a veggie soy-mushroom option.
Location: 2820 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 9, San Diego, CA 92106
7. BESHOCK Ramen
BESHOCK is a Japanese eatery in East Village in Downtown San Diego. They serve traditional Japanese and global cuisine and give their food a unique San Diego twist by using local and fresh ingredients. They have a wide range of delicous ramen, including traditional favorites, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. BESHOCK is excellent for both lunch and dinner and has full bar service.
Location: 1288 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
8. Underbelly
Underbelly is a popular and hip eatery serving up Japanese cuisine among inventive and funky cocktails. We recommend their Belly of the Beast ramen and whiskey passion fruit cocktail.
Location: 3000 Upas St Ste 104 San Diego, CA 92104
9. Santouka Ramen
Located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace, this casual eatery serves standard and tasty ramen. Order at the counter and sit yourself down to enjoy a cozy and quick meal.
Location: 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
10. Wa Dining Okan
Wa Dining Okan is a traditional Japanese eatery serving homestyle dishes sourced from its own farm. And though they may not be known for their ramen, that doesn’t mean it’s not amazing. You’ll find the selection under the noodle section of the menu, and prices start at $10 a bowl.
Location: 3860 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
11. Santouka
Head to Japanese supermarket Mitsuwa Marketplace and after doing a little shopping, make your way to Santouka Ramen, where they have a small food court if you can nab a seat. The ramen is good for the price but they do charge for an egg which is often included in other ramen prices.
Location: 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd.
12. Hironori Craft Ramen
Labeled as one of the best ramen spots in San Diego by the locals. They have a small selection of ramen that are all delicious, from shoyu to tonkotsu to even vegan. What makes them special is their attention to detail and dedication to their high quality ingredients, from handmade noodles everyday, barrel-aged soy sauce, tonkotsu broth boiled for 24 hours and high quality pork. It’s also listed in the Michelin guide if you needed any more convincing.
Location: 3803 Fifth Ave, San Diego
13. Izakaya Masa
Some say this is one of the best bowls of ramen they’ve had outside of Japan but for those who have been lucky enough to enjoy ramen in both cities have great things to say about Izayaka Masa. Tuck into a bowl of Shoyu Ramen or Hakata Ramen with fried garlic, green onion, red ginger, and dried seaweed.
Location: 928 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego
featured image: Shutterstock