Food & Drink

Slurping San Diego’s Best: 15 Must-Try Ramen Restaurants

San Diego is a city that's known for its beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, and delicious food. However, in recent years, San Diego has also become a destination for ramen lovers.

With so many choices, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the best ramen restaurants in San Diego.

Ramen is a Japanese dish that has become increasingly popular around the world in recent years. It consists of a rich broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings such as pork, egg, and vegetables.

The dish is known for its comforting and satisfying qualities, making it a perfect choice for a cold day or when you're in need of a pick-me-up.

San Diego is home to a diverse range of ramen restaurants, each with their own unique take on the dish. Some restaurants focus on traditional recipes, while others incorporate local ingredients or fusion flavors.

No matter what your preference, there's sure to be a ramen restaurant in San Diego that will satisfy your cravings. So, without further ado, let's dive into our list of the best ramen restaurants in San Diego.

1. HiroNori Craft Ramen

Hironori Craft Ramen
3803 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

HiroNori Craft Ramen is a must-visit spot for ramen lovers. The restaurant serves up authentic Japanese-style ramen with homemade noodles that are cooked to perfection.

The broth is full of flavor and the toppings are fresh and delicious.

The service is quick and friendly, making for a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating and two bars.

Parking is available on the street. If you're in the mood for some delicious ramen, HiroNori Craft Ramen is the place to be.

2. Underbelly North Park

Underbelly North Park
3000 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104 (Google Maps)

Underbelly North Park is a Japanese noodle house that serves up hearty bowls of ramen and Japanese comfort food.

The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a smooth outdoor vibe. The ramen is delicious, with savory broth, large pieces of meat and veggies, and great noodles.

The Belly of the Beast Ramen is a must-try, with rich flavors and a delicious broth. The outdoor patio space is great, with fire tables and longer tables for larger groups.

The staff is super friendly and the service is quick. Underbelly North Park is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a solid ramen spot.

3. Tajima Ramen Convoy

Tajima Ramen Convoy
4681 Convoy St STE H, San Diego, CA 92111 (Google Maps)

Tajima Ramen Convoy is a must-visit restaurant for ramen lovers. The restaurant offers authentic Japanese ramen with a variety of toppings and rice bowls.

The soup base is flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. The chicken karaage is a must-try, and the portion size is generous.

The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is inviting. The restaurant can get quite busy, so it's best to arrive early or be prepared to wait.

If you're looking for delicious and reasonably priced ramen, Tajima Ramen Convoy is the place to be.

4. Buta Japanese Ramen

Buta Japanese Ramen
5201 Linda Vista Rd ste.103, San Diego, CA 92110 (Google Maps)

Buta Japanese Ramen is a small, hidden gem of a restaurant that serves up delicious and well-priced ramen dishes.

The menu is small but offers vegan options as well.

The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick. The broth is flavorful and the pork chashu is a standout.

The atmosphere is casual and the seating is limited, but it's worth the visit for the great food.

5. Karami Ramen

Karami Ramen
3860 Convoy St #118, San Diego, CA 92111 (Google Maps)

Karami Ramen is a small, cozy restaurant that serves up delicious Japanese noodle soups. Their specialty is the Tori Paitan ramen broth made from chicken bones, which is spiced and flavorful.

The thin cut pork belly and toppings like ajitama, carrots, cabbage, and pickled bamboo make for a perfect bowl of ramen on a rainy day.

The restaurant also offers vegan and spicy options, as well as tasty sides like karage and gyoza.

The service is attentive and the atmosphere is inviting. For those looking to expand their ramen world, Karami Ramen is definitely worth a visit.

6. The Yasai

The Yasai
4646 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 (Google Maps)

The Yasai is a must-visit for vegans and ramen lovers alike.

The restaurant's flavorful and delicious vegan ramen dishes are the best in town.

The sushi is a visual masterpiece and tastes amazing. The service is fast and friendly.

The Yasai is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to enjoy a Japanese vegan meal.

7. Weapon Ramen Liberty Public Market

Weapon Ramen Liberty Public Market
2820 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 9, San Diego, CA 92106 (Google Maps)

Weapon Ramen Liberty Public Market is a top-notch ramen restaurant that serves some of the best ramen in town. Their OG Tonkatsu Ramen is a must-try for anyone who loves ramen.

The broth is delicious and the mushrooms are wonderful. The vegan ramen is also light and flavorful, a perfect option for those who prefer plant-based meals.

The staff is incredibly kind and provides excellent service. Although there is no seating arrangement near the food counter, there are plenty of tables available inside and outside the market place.

The food is ready in just 15 minutes after ordering, making it a great option for a quick meal. All in all, Weapon Ramen Liberty Public Market is a fantastic restaurant that is definitely worth a visit.

8. Nozaru Ramen Bar

Nozaru Ramen Bar
3375 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (Google Maps)

Nozaru Ramen Bar is a cozy Japanese restaurant that specializes in ramen.

The menu features a variety of ramen bowls, sushi, and appetizers. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are cooked to perfection.

The staff is friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is laid-back and perfect for a casual meal.

The restaurant also has a great selection of beers and sake. Nozaru Ramen Bar is a must-visit for anyone who loves ramen.

9. Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest

Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest
815 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest is a hidden gem that food lovers will enjoy. The restaurant offers a variety of Japanese cuisine, including ramen, sushi, and izakaya dishes.

The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is modern and comfortable.

The ramen is flavorful and satisfying, and the sushi is fresh and delicious. The menu has a good selection of appetizers and desserts, and the beer selection is impressive.

The restaurant is worth a visit and will leave customers wanting to come back for more.

10. Marufuku Ramen

Marufuku Ramen
12841 El Camino Real #204, San Diego, CA 92130 (Google Maps)

Marufuku Ramen offers top-notch ramen with delicious broth and tender meat.

The restaurant has a great atmosphere and friendly service.

They offer a variety of ramen options, including veggie, pork, and chicken. The portions are generous and filling.

Marufuku Ramen is definitely worth a visit for any ramen lover looking for an authentic experience.

11. Tajima Ramen Mercury

Tajima Ramen Mercury
4411 Mercury St #110, San Diego, CA 92111 (Google Maps)

Tajima Ramen Mercury is a charming ramen spot that offers hearty bowls of ramen. The restaurant allows customers to order through their phone via a QR code and the food is served quickly.

The pork is marinated in a unique sauce that adds a slightly sweet taste to the dish. The takoyaki balls are a must-try appetizer that makes for a great Japanese street snack.

The restaurant offers a limited menu that is unique and cool, and the prices are lower than the average spot. The vegan ramen has a wide variety of vegetables that elevates the flavor profile.

The restaurant follows COVID-19 protocols and ensures that the seating is safe. The wait is well worth the dishes here, making it a great spot for ramen lovers.

12. BESHOCK Ramen East Village

Beshock Ramen East Village
1288 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

BESHOCK Ramen East Village is a trendy Japanese restaurant that serves delicious ramen dishes and salads.

The food is fresh and the portions are excellent. The restaurant has a great ambiance and the service is prompt and friendly.

The pepper appetizer is a must-try and the sake selection is impressive. The only drawback is that there are not many vegetarian options for ramen dishes.

Prices are moderate and the restaurant is highly recommended for a date night or a casual dinner with friends.

13. Tajima Ramen East Village

Tajima Ramen East Village
901 E St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Tajima Ramen East Village is an authentic Japanese restaurant that offers delicious ramen and rice bowls. The restaurant has an industrial-chic design and a great atmosphere.

The staff is friendly and efficient, and the service is excellent. The broth is perfectly balanced, not too salty, and the pork is well done.

The restaurant also offers vegan ramen with spinach noodles, which is a great option for vegetarians. The appetizers are fantastic, and the drinks are good too.

The prices are a bit high, but the portions are filling. Tajima Ramen East Village is definitely worth a visit for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine.

14. Silverlake Ramen Fashion Valley

Silverlake Ramen Fashion Valley
7007 Friars Rd #357B, San Diego, CA 92108 (Google Maps)

Silverlake Ramen Fashion Valley is a great spot for ramen lovers. The quality of the ramen is impressive, with flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles.

The pork is a standout, with a delicious taste that is sure to satisfy.

The service is friendly and attentive, and the prices are reasonable. The ambiance is laid-back and welcoming, making it a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal.

Whether you're a fan of spicy or mild, there's something for everyone at Silverlake Ramen Fashion Valley.

15. RAKITORI Japanese Pub&Grill

Rakitori Japanese Pub&Grill
530 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

RAKITORI Japanese Pub&Grill is a must-visit restaurant for ramen lovers. Their ramen is excellent and packed with flavor, and the Yakitori is mostly good.

The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is quick and friendly. They offer combos that allow you to try other items on the menu, and the portions are perfect.

The mango mochi dessert is a must-try. The menu also offers a variety of Japanese bites, such as sushi rolls and small plates.

If you're looking for a chill hangout spot with delicious Japanese food, RAKITORI Japanese Pub&Grill is the place to be.