Menya Ultra (Ramen)
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Address: 4646 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
Restaurant description: Menya Ultra is one of the top ramen spots in San Diego, known for its rich tonkotsu broth and hand-pulled noodles. Located in the Convoy District, the restaurant serves authentic, flavorful ramen with a focus on quality ingredients. The broth is simmered for hours to create a deep, savory taste, and the noodles are made fresh to order.
Must-try dishes: The Tonkotsu Ramen and the Tsukemen (dipping noodles) are highly recommended, along with the crispy gyoza.
Ramen Milk
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: University Heights
Address: 4236 Bonita Rd, San Diego, CA 92110
Restaurant description: Ramen Milk offers a unique and innovative twist on traditional ramen, with an emphasis on creamy broths and creative toppings. The cozy spot in University Heights serves ramen with rich, savory flavors that are both comforting and adventurous. The restaurant has quickly become a favorite for those seeking something different in the ramen scene.
Must-try dishes: The signature Milk Ramen and the Spicy Miso Ramen stand out, along with their delicious soft-boiled eggs.
Nishiki Ramen
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Convoy
Address: 4681 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
Restaurant description: Nishiki Ramen is a staple in the Convoy area, offering a variety of ramen dishes with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. The ramen is hearty, with a perfect balance of broth, noodles, and toppings. The casual setting is perfect for enjoying a bowl of flavorful ramen at any time of day.
Must-try dishes: The Tonkotsu Ramen and the Yuzu Shio Ramen are favorites, and the crispy karaage adds a nice touch.
HiroNori Craft Ramen
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Address: 4516 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
Restaurant description: HiroNori Craft Ramen brings authentic, craft-style ramen to San Diego with a focus on tonkotsu-based broths and premium ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on using traditional Japanese techniques to create rich and complex flavors. The menu features a variety of ramen bowls, all made with a passion for perfecting the craft of ramen.
Must-try dishes: The Tonkotsu Ramen and the Spicy Miso Ramen are standout bowls, and the Tsukemen is a delicious option for dipping noodles.
Ramen Yamadaya
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Address: 4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117
Restaurant description: Ramen Yamadaya is a well-known spot in San Diego that offers a rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen, which is slow-simmered for hours to create a hearty broth. The restaurant is perfect for those who love their ramen with a depth of flavor and a touch of indulgence. Located in the Convoy District, it’s a go-to for ramen lovers in San Diego.
Must-try dishes: The Tonkotsu Ramen and the Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, along with the gyoza, are fan favorites.
Tajima Ramen
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Address: 3954 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Restaurant description: Tajima Ramen has been serving delicious bowls of ramen in San Diego for years, earning a loyal following. Known for its variety of ramen options, including their signature tonkotsu and spicy miso ramen, Tajima is a cozy spot perfect for casual dining. Their rich broths and customizable toppings make it a popular destination for ramen fans.
Must-try dishes: The Miso Ramen and the Spicy Ramen are popular choices, along with their pork belly buns.
Menya Sho
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Address: 3795 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
Restaurant description: Menya Sho is an upscale ramen restaurant known for its rich, tonkotsu-based broth and a range of ramen varieties. This spot is perfect for those seeking a premium ramen experience, with expertly crafted noodles and flavorful toppings. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place for both solo diners and groups alike.
Must-try dishes: The Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen and the Chicken Karaage are popular choices.
Raijin Ramen
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
Address: 8210 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126
Restaurant description: Raijin Ramen offers a variety of traditional ramen dishes, with a focus on flavorful broths and fresh ingredients. Located in Mira Mesa, the restaurant’s modern ambiance complements its high-quality ramen. Their menu features a mix of classic and innovative ramen bowls, with an emphasis on simplicity and taste.
Must-try dishes: The Tonkotsu Ramen and the Raijin Ramen, featuring rich broth and melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, are highly recommended.
Hakata Ippudo
Price Range: $$-$$$ | Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Address: 710 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Restaurant description: Hakata Ippudo is an international ramen chain known for its rich tonkotsu ramen, with perfectly tender pork and a savory broth. The Gaslamp Quarter location offers the same high-quality ramen that the brand is famous for, along with a selection of side dishes like buns and salads. It’s a great place for ramen lovers who enjoy a bit of culinary flair in their bowl.
Must-try dishes: The Akamaru Shinaji and the classic Tonkotsu Ramen are fan favorites.
Kaito Sushi
Price Range: $$ | Neighborhood: Encinitas
Address: 937 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Restaurant description: Kaito Sushi in Encinitas is a gem for sushi lovers, but it also offers delicious ramen with a unique touch. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and brings a mix of traditional Japanese flavors with local San Diego influences. The cozy, intimate ambiance adds to the overall dining experience.
Must-try dishes: The Ramen with Chashu Pork and the Unagi Don (grilled eel) are both top picks, and their sushi is excellent as well.
Are you a foodie like me who wants to be told where exactly to go?
Check out my Ultimate San Diego Foodie Checklist. It’s your go-to resource for unforgettable meals that showcase the heart of San Diego’s food scene.
