Oodles of noodles: 7 ramen shops near BART
Ramen’s history is a bit cloudy — kind of like a steamy bowl of tonkotsu — and while others debate its origin (China or Japan), I think we can all agree that enjoying those chewy noodles in a bowl of savory and satisfying broth has almost become a rite of passage for Bay Area diners. It’s cold out, so consider heading over to one of our BARTable picks and nourish your stomach — and your soul.
One of the owners of this popular four-year-old ramen spot is an alum of Chez Panisse so it’s a given that ingredients are hyper fresh. Care and detail are also exemplified in the assortment of California-driven toppings. Noodles are made in-house, and appetizers, rice dishes, and desserts are just as creative as the ramen. We’re talking ramen bowls like Yuzu Duck Shoyu Ramen with smoked breast, braised leg, cardoons, shoyu marinated egg, leeks and mizuna. If you don’t like lines, go during off hours.
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Photo from Yelp
The proximity of this new ramen spot to BART makes it super convenient to stop in before heading home from work (or a night out). Soup bases include chicken, creamy chicken, miso, and vegetarian. Deviating a bit from the norm, Ushio ramen aims to appeal to non-traditionalists by adding things like Brussels and eggplant to their vegetarian broth. Lots of wonton options too.
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The ambitious couple behind Shiba Ramen, located steps from Oakland’s City Hall, opened this location in early 2017, not long after it opened its space in the Emeryville Public Market. They’re also the duo behind the popular sake wine bar, The Periodic Table, also in the Emeryville Public Market, which has gotten lots of accolades for its clever chemistry theme, a nod to their prior careers. When they set out to create Shiba, they intentionally designed the logo (after their two dogs) and menu to be more approachable and less traditional Japanese. read more...
Photo from Yelp
Fairly traditional ramen is served at this small, but busy restaurant, near shops and other downtown activities. Look for various width and style noodles in their Tonkotsu and Yuzu Shoyu soup, and lots of toppings like lotus root, mushrooms, and egg. The dining room is small so expect a bit of a wait. Don’t forget to order some spicy chicken wings and takoyaki (fried octopus balls).
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Global ramen brand Ippudo landed in downtown Berkeley a few months ago and the buzz hasn’t died down yet. If you’re curious about what ramen tastes like in Japan, try Ippudo’s version of house-made Hakata noodles and Shiromaru Classic dashi broth. With 60 locations across the globe, and a new restaurant opening up in San Francisco soon, Ippudo sets itself apart by allowing diners to select the chewiness of their noodles and even gives hungry diners the option to order another batch of noodles for any remaining broth.
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Photo by Nojo Ramen Tavern
Chicken-based ramen is Nojo’s specialty, and broth options include soy, tomato and spicy. Additions are unique and include things like truffle oil, Grana Padano cheese, and a braised chicken leg. It’s close proximity to San Francisco’s City Hall means that it gets busy right around opening, but you can put your name down and place your order before you’re seated, which is great for certain dishes that sometimes sell out before the night is done.
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Photo by Mensho Tokyo
Famed Tokyo ramen house, Mensho Tokyo, opened its first ramen restaurant outside of Tokyo in San Francisco in 2016. Their tonkotsu-style broth is one of the richest and creamiest broths around and perfect for a cold winter day. But dress warm when you head out to have a bowl because with only 20 or so seats, there’s sure to be a line no matter the time of night. Besides the popular tori paitan (chicken broth), there’s a vegan option that will happily satisfy your umani needs.
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