Ramen in San Francisco

Seven bowls from Japantown to Hayes Valley, judged on broth, noodles and the bill.

Bookmarks

1. Marufuku Ramen

   5/5

   Hakata tonkotsu, milky and exact — the longest line in Japan Center.

   Marufuku Ramen, San Francisco

2. Mensho Tokyo SF

   5/5

   Tokyo ramen brought over intact; the chicken paitan justifies the queue.

   Mensho Tokyo, San Francisco

3. Hinodeya Ramen Bar

   4/5

   Dashi-forward bowls, lighter than tonkotsu and better for it.

   Hinodeya Ramen Bar, San Francisco

4. Ippudo San Francisco

   4/5

   The Hakata chain on best behavior; the choice when you need certainty.

   Ippudo, San Francisco

5. Nojo Ramen Tavern

   4/5

   Hayes Valley chicken ramen timed for the symphony crowd.

   Nojo Ramen Tavern, San Francisco

6. Waraku

   4/5

   Old-guard Japantown bowls on Post Street, no theatrics.

   Waraku, San Francisco

7. Suzu Noodle House

   4/5

   The Japan Center old-timer — homely shoyu from before ramen was a scene.

   Suzu Noodle House, San Francisco