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oChef » Waraku – San Francisco
Waraku - San Francisco
Photo from Waraku
Waraku at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#1312 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
529
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Ramen
- Authentic Atmosphere
- Quick Service
Frequently criticized
- Uneven Service
- Unexpected Charges
- Cramped Environment
The restaurant Waraku is a popular ramen restaurant nestled in the vibrant Japantown neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for enjoying authentic Japanese flavors.
Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even just a quick dessert, this establishment offers a comfortable setting with seating available. It’s a fantastic choice for experiencing delicious ramen in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Waraku
Waraku offers a dining experience where many appreciate the authentic atmosphere and the quality of their main dishes. Guests often find the setting pleasant, reminiscent of a local Japanese eatery, and the overall dining experience quite satisfying.
However, some visits have been marred by concerns regarding rude or inattentive staff, with occasional issues around additional charges like a service fee. While the food generally receives praise, there are instances where the preparation falls short of expectations.
Good
7.4
out of 10
529
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
97
negative
30
neutral
402
positive
Waraku generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 76%. These figures indicate a good experience for most patrons.
The Food (7.8) stands out as a particular strength, frequently praised for its quality and flavor, with many positive comments among the 402 positive remarks out of 529 total customer observations. The Ambience (8) also contributes positively to the dining experience, often described as authentic and inviting.
However, the Service (6.3) receives a more average assessment, with some guests noting inconsistencies. Similarly, Value (5.8) is considered average, with a portion of the 97 negative comments touching on pricing concerns, suggesting room for improvement in these areas.
What people like
- Delicious Ramen Broth
- Authentic Ambiance
- Prompt Service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Hidden Fees/Pricing
- Small/Uninviting Space
Waraku presents a compelling option for those seeking a flavorful ramen experience in an authentic setting. With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, it generally delivers on its promise of good food and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and additional charges that some guests have noted. If you prioritize delicious ramen and a genuine ambiance, Waraku is certainly worth considering, but manage expectations regarding overall service and value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Waraku
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.6%, it's clear many diners are happy. Out of 351 total opinions, a whopping 283 praise the delicious ramen, rich broth, and tender chashu, especially the black garlic tonkatsu.
However, not everyone is completely won over. Around 44 comments point to some areas for improvement, such as the gyoza sauce, inconsistent egg texture, or a perceived lack of flavor in some dishes. Gluten-free options also seem to be a point of concern for a few.
Food
351
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
44
negative
24
neutral
283
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen
- Rich flavorful broth
- Tender chashu
What people don't like
- Limited GF options
- Inconsistent egg texture
- Watery broth
Often praised
- ramenThe service was fast, with a wait time of only 10-20 minutes. It's an excellent choice for ramen, as the broth is consistently good and the ramen always hits the spot. While every ramen on the menu is good, I found that mixing the spicy with the black garlic creates the best flavor possible!
- foodTheir ramens are absolutely delicious, from the Tonkotsu to the Chicken Shoyu. The restaurant itself features interesting modern-style decorations, but the food is authentic. Having had ramen in Japan before, I can say Waraku's offerings exceed my expectations for a US ramen shop.
- brothThe service was fast, with a wait time of only 10-20 minutes. It's an excellent choice for ramen, as the broth is consistently good and the ramen always hits the spot. While every ramen on the menu is good, I found that mixing the spicy with the black garlic creates the best flavor possible!
- black garlic ramenThe black garlic ramen was rich and flavorful
- noodlesThe ramen contains cilantro, which might initially seem exotic and not to your taste, but you get used to it as you eat. I think it would be even more delicious if you stir it thoroughly to the bottom while eating the noodles. I also ordered fried chicken and gyoza, and if I revisit, I'd like to try those again.
- RamenI enjoyed the tasty broth and was pleasantly surprised by the beef over rice. The Ramen was 😋 and since broth flavor is 95% of Ramen, the food is worth the wait. It's a nice place for those that like casual experiences.
- black garlic tonkotsu ramenblack garlic tonkotsu ramen and this place hit it perfectly
- gyozaTheir preparation and recipe were different from what I'm used to. You can't go wrong with the Special Lunch Combination Ramen - Black Tonkotsu, gyoza and soda. It's a great choice for a unique meal.
- portionThe auntie was also very kind, refilling our water without being intrusive and checking on our food. If you're debating whether to order the deluxe ramen, one adult male can be full without it; the regular portion is sufficient. The ramen contains cilantro, which might initially seem exotic and not to your taste, but you get used to it as you eat.
- dishesI enjoyed the ramen, which was more than enough food, especially when paired with a small appetizer. Both dishes were very tasty and well made.
Frequently criticized
- brothI ordered ramen because my usual favorite spot is closed on Mondays, but I was disappointed in the quality. The noodles seemed tough, and the broth seemed oily. It didn’t even have a little swirly fish cake.
- foodit was mediocre, no better than instant noodles
- noodlesI ordered ramen because my usual favorite spot is closed on Mondays, but I was disappointed in the quality. The noodles seemed tough, and the broth seemed oily. It didn’t even have a little swirly fish cake.
- ramendisappointed in the quality of the ramen
- Black garlic tonkatsu ramenBlack garlic tonkatsu ramen just tastes like mushroom
- Spicy chicken tantan noodlesSpicy chicken tantan noodles were simultaneously oversauced, bloated and extremely dry
- Tsukementhe Tsukemen, pictured, looked promising but unfortunately failed to deliver
- black garlic tonkatsu ramen deluxePersonally, this ramen isn't for me. I got black garlic tonkatsu ramen deluxe.
- chewy cornMy experience at this restaurant was quite perplexing. I'm still trying to understand how it's possible to be served room temperature ramen broth and stale, chewy corn. I was the only person in the restaurant when they opened at 11: 30 on a Saturday, which made me wonder if I was served last night's leftovers.
- digestional distressgave me digestional distress
If you're looking for a satisfying ramen experience, especially if you enjoy rich broths and tender pork, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies with side dishes or if you have specific dietary needs like gluten-free options.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
Based on 113 comments, the service here often shines, with 69 positive remarks highlighting quick seating and attentive staff. Many appreciate the friendly FOH staff and accommodating servers, making for a pleasant client experience. While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a 61.1% (a mixed bag), the service score of 6.3 suggests it's generally average, with some really good moments.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 41 negative comments pointing to areas needing improvement. Some guests encountered slow service, long waiting times, or felt rushed by staff. There were also instances of rude servers and issues with payment terminals, which can leave a bad taste.
It seems the service can be a bit of a mixed bag, sometimes feeling understaffed or inattentive.
Service
113
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
41
negative
3
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- servicethe food, the service, and the interior design were superb
- staffthese staff was super fun, helpful, and kind
- dishesWe ordered a black garlic ramen and a rice bowl. The dishes arrived remarkably quickly, within two to three minutes, which was another surprise. When we requested an empty bowl for our son, the waiter became impatient and questioned why we hadn't mentioned it initially.
- separate containersthey included everything in separate containers
- waitThe wait was not long at all
- wait listI never have patience to wait in line for Hinodeya, so I love going around the corner to Waraku. Since it's not in the main square, I rarely have to be put on a wait list to be seated, and their tonkotsu broth is just as great. I also love the tsukemen as well as takoyaki, and the service was prompt and friendly.
- accommodatingvery accommodating for our leave group
- auntieThe atmosphere was authentic, like being in a local shop in Japan, with J-pop playing. The auntie was also very kind, refilling our water without being intrusive and checking on our food. If you're debating whether to order the deluxe ramen, one adult male can be full without it; the regular portion is sufficient.
- chefsThank you chefs for delicious food
- client experienceIn addition, they included instructions, which I think is great, and there was a survey on the back. It really seems like they are interested in giving the client a good experience. The ramen was tasty and not too spicy (in case you were worried).
Frequently criticized
- serviceExtremely rude, inattentive service
- staffThe staff was unhappy when we did not order ramen
- waiting timeHaving to queue half an hour before a place even opens
- serverThere was 1 server only when we came in
- chased me outchased me out of restaurant to tell me not come here
- chiliThe broth was too salty, and the eggs were overcooked. To make matters worse, the restaurant failed to include any utensils, like spoons or chopsticks, and the chili we paid extra for was missing. If you want to eat ramen with your hands, this is the place to order from!
- customer service experiencesone of the worse customer service experiences in a long time
- delivery orderno delivery driver ever came to the restaurant to pick it up
- delivery timevery late delivery
- dish was whichinquire which dish was which, to confirm he got it right
If youre looking for quick and friendly service, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. While many have great experiences, theres a chance of encountering slower service or feeling rushed. It's worth a try, but manage your expectations regarding wait times and staff attentiveness.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
The ambience here really shines, scoring a solid 8, with customer satisfaction hitting an impressive 88.4%. Guests consistently praise the atmosphere, interior design, and lighting, creating a bright and cozy restaurant with a clean, modern aesthetic. With 38 positive remarks out of 43, its clear the "vibe" is a major draw, making it a pleasant spot for dining.
However, not everyone is completely won over. A couple of comments, representing 2 negative mentions, point out that the "space" can feel "small, " and one found the "environment" not particularly "inviting. " While these are minor concerns given the overall positive feedback, theyre worth noting if you prefer very spacious settings.
Ambience
43
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, pleasant atmosphere
- Clean, modern aesthetic
- Wonderful lighting
What people don't like
- Small space
Often praised
- atmosphereI visited a ramen shop slightly off the main Japantown area because the reviews for the places within Japantown weren't great, and I was extremely satisfied. The atmosphere was authentic, like being in a local shop in Japan, with J-pop playing. The auntie was also very kind, refilling our water without being intrusive and checking on our food.
- ambiancethe service and ambiance were great
- placeThe sukiyaki bowl was awesome as well. The gyoza were nice, and it's a cool place to eat.
- Jtown plazaa bit off the main Jtown plaza so it's not as packed
- Masks and proof of vaccinationMasks and proof of vaccination are required here, which makes this spot for ramen feel safer for everyone.
- addressa good address very discreet
- ambienceI can confidently say it was the best Ramen I've ever had. The environment was wonderful, featuring nice lighting and a great ambience, making it suitable for families and one-on-one meetings. Additionally, it was not very expensive.
- areaTons to do in the immediate area
- authentic restaurantIt is an authentic restaurant.
- big ramen bowlsliked their big ramen bowls
Frequently criticized
- environmentIt simply doesn’t feel like an inviting environment
- spaceMy experience at the restaurant was actually incredible. I haven't been there since COVID, and I noticed the space is small. This likely means there will be a long wait once it reopens with less seating.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a genuinely pleasant and inviting atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. The cozy, modern vibe and good lighting make for a great dining experience, though be aware the space might feel a bit snug to some.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.8 with 54.5% customer satisfaction. Based on 22 customer remarks, there's a definite split in how people feel about their wallets here. Many guests found the experience to offer great value , praising the affordable and reasonable prices that were often described as easy on the wallet .
With 12 positive comments, folks felt they were getting a good deal, especially for the quality of food received. However, the other side of the coin reveals some frustrations. 10 negative remarks point to issues like paying the bill and unexpected costs. Customers were particularly annoyed by automatic service charges , SF Mandate additions, and a 5% service fee , which made some feel the food was pricey overall.
Value
22
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Easy on wallet
What people don't like
- Hidden service fees
- Automatic charges
- Pricey food/drinks
Often praised
- priceI enjoyed some of the best ramen in town, and thankfully, there was no long wait. The expanded dinner menu is both delicious and inexpensive. The ambiance is fantastic, and the staff were incredibly attentive.
- pricesthe prices were very reasonable
- valueespecially for the value
- affordableMy experience at the restaurant was positive. The ramen was decent and affordable. The takoyaki was also decent.
- value for the priceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I loved the ramen, and it felt like great value for the price due to the ton of additional toppings that came with the noodles. The service was also fast.
- walletI was definitely not disappointed! It's also easy on the wallet 😄.
Frequently criticized
- sakeI got ripped off with with the sake I ordered
- 5% service feeThere's also a 5% service fee that I was surprised by
- Price per person$80 for a mediocre ramen
- SF Mandateit's calculated with the SF Mandate included
- automatic service chargeincredibly annoyed the pay platform even tries to force an automatic service charge
- foodThe food is pricey
- paying the billOnly thing I didn't like was paying the bill
- taxWhat a lovely lunch! Too bad SF puts such a tax on eating in the city.
- tipping optionlowest tipping option is 18%
If youre looking for generally affordable options, youll likely find good value here. However, be prepared for potential automatic service charges and taxes when the bill arrives, which can make the final cost feel less budget-friendly than expected.
How are the prices at Waraku?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Ramen Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in this $21–$30 bracket, showing prices cluster nicely around the average. However, there are also plenty of options in the $11–$20 range, giving you some flexibility.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Ramen Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, making it accessible for a nice meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Waraku
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Ramen, Worth the Visit!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's my favorite spot for ramen in SF. While I usually go for the black garlic tonkotsu ramen, I recently tried the spicy tantanmen and it was equally delicious.
A great bonus is that all ramen dishes come with an egg. We often found there was no wait, which is a pleasant surprise. I'd recommend skipping the line at Hinodeya and giving this place a try!
- black garlic tonkotsu ramen9
- spicy tantanmen9
- egg8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Incredible Black Garlic Ramen!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with the black garlic tonkotsu ramen. They cook the pork bone broth for longer than half a day, resulting in a broth so creamy I initially thought it contained dairy! The pork was also incredibly flavorful.
I'd rank this ramen among the best I've had in San Francisco. While the shishito peppers weren't worth it, the matcha mont blanc dessert was a perfect ending to the meal. The atmosphere and service both received a 4/5, and the food itself was a perfect 5/5.
- black garlic tonkotsu ramen10
- pork bone broth9
- broth9
- shishito peppers2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Delicious Ramen, Quiet Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their tasty ramen. While we arrived slightly early for dinner, the restaurant remained quite empty throughout our meal, even on a weekend. The server was efficient, likely due to the lack of other patrons, though not particularly chatty or welcoming, which was fine by me.
The ramen itself was very filling and delicious—I would definitely come back. My only wish is that it was a bit more crowded.
- ramen9
- server6
- atmosphere7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Waraku: A Great Alternative to Hinodeya
I never have patience to wait in line for Hinodeya, so I love going around the corner to Waraku. Since it's not in the main square, I rarely have to be put on a wait list to be seated, and their tonkotsu broth is just as great. I also love the tsukemen as well as takoyaki, and the service was prompt and friendly.
- tonkotsu broth9
- tsukemen9
- takoyaki9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Black Garlic Ramen, Plenty of Food!
My experience at the restaurant was very enjoyable, particularly the black garlic ramen with pork belly. Although the bowl might appear small in photos, the size was plenty. I was very satisfied with the overall experience, rating the food, service, and atmosphere a perfect 5 out of 5.
- black garlic ramen9
- pork belly9
- size8
What Waraku offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What dining options and reservation policies does Waraku offer?
At Waraku, you can enjoy a full dining experience with options for lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating. For your convenience, Waraku accepts reservations, and it is noted that reservations are required to secure your spot.
What service options and accessibility features are available at Waraku?
Waraku provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, catering to your preference. Additionally, the restaurant ensures accessibility for all guests with a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it welcoming for everyone.
What is the overall dining experience like at Waraku?
Waraku generally offers a good dining experience, with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 and Customer Satisfaction at 76%. The Food (7.8) and Ambience (8) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (6.3) and Value (5.8) receive average assessments.
What do customers appreciate most about Waraku's atmosphere?
Many customers enjoy Waraku’s authentic atmosphere, describing it as feeling like a local shop in Japan with nice lighting, making it suitable for various occasions and often less crowded than other spots.
Are there any common concerns regarding service or pricing at Waraku?
Some guests have reported instances of inconsistent or inattentive service, and there have been mentions of unexpected charges like a 5% service fee, which can impact the perceived value.