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oChef » IPPUDO – San Francisco
IPPUDO - San Francisco
Photo from IPPUDO
IPPUDO at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 137 of the guests
#1980 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
681
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Good ambience
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Poor service
The restaurant IPPUDO is a renowned Ramen Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll immediately feel the trendy, yet cozy and casual atmosphere that makes it a local favorite.
This spot is celebrated for its authentic ramen, offering a full bar experience with hard liquor, happy hour drinks, and a selection of wine and beer. You’ll also find excellent vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone at IPPUDO San Francisco.
Overview: Introducting IPPUDO
IPPUDO offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating the inviting atmosphere and the often quick food delivery. Guests frequently commend the quality of the main dishes, making it a reliable choice for certain cravings.
However, some have noted that the overall value might not always align with expectations, and aspects of the service can be inconsistent. While the restaurant’s interior and vibes often receive praise, there are occasional remarks about the attentiveness of the staff.
It appears IPPUDO shines in its culinary offerings and setting, but potential diners should be mindful of the pricing structure and varying service interactions.
Good
6.5
out of 10
681
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
214
negative
49
neutral
418
positive
IPPUDO holds a Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it squarely in the average range, indicating a generally satisfactory experience for most. Customer feedback further reflects a Customer Satisfaction of 61.4%, which falls into the mixed category, suggesting a blend of positive and negative sentiments among diners.
This balanced view is drawn from 681 customer observations, including 418 positive and 214 negative remarks. The Food (7.2) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and flavor, while the Ambience (7.5) also stands out, contributing positively to the dining experience.
However, Service (4.8) appears to be a weaker point, often described as slow or inattentive. The Value (3) is a significant concern for many, with complaints about pricing and portion sizes being quite common.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Inviting dining atmosphere
- Prompt food delivery
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Inconsistent service quality
- Small portion sizes
IPPUDO presents a compelling option for those prioritizing flavorful ramen and a vibrant setting. While the Recommendation Score of 6.8 suggests it’s worth considering, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a price point that some find steep, especially concerning add-ons.
If you’re seeking a lively atmosphere and don’t mind paying a bit more for quality food, IPPUDO could be a good fit. However, if value and consistently attentive service are your top priorities, you might find the experience a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on IPPUDO
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at a good 71.1%, the culinary experience is largely positive. Based on 285 positive comments out of 401 total, many rave about the delicious ramen, rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and excellent vegetarian options.
Dont miss out on their highly praised pork buns! However, not every dish hits the mark, as indicated by 80 negative opinions. Some diners found certain dishes to be overly salty or noted that portion sizes could be quite small for the price.
There were also occasional remarks about bland or watery broths, and a few mentioned an unpleasant pig smell in some ramen, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Food
401
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
80
negative
36
neutral
285
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent ramen
- Rich flavorful broth
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Overly salty dishes
- Small portion sizes
- Watery bland broth
Often praised
- foodFrom the outside, you wouldn’t guess how spacious and charming the restaurant is, but once you step inside, you’re transported to a cozy, dimly lit ramen shop in Japan. The food is excellent—while a bit pricey for ramen, the taste is absolutely top-notch. The menu is concise but offers a little something for everyone.
- ramenMy experience at Ippudo California was a mixed bowl of pros and cons! The food was on point - the Chicken Bun was delish and the ramen was flavorful, especially with that spicy sauce on the side! However, the service was not so much.
- brothI ordered the Karaka Spicy Ramen, and it was truly excellent. The broth was complex and savory with fantastic flavor, and the spicy sauce was a perfect complement – not overwhelmingly spicy, but it added wonderful complexity and taste. I highly recommend the food!
- noodlesMy experience at the restaurant involved trying the Dragon Tantan Ramen. The broth was rich and delicious, and the noodles were decent. However, the portion of chashu was disappointingly small, with only 4-5 tiny pieces, which felt ridiculous for the $22 price.
- FoodFood:5
- Akamaru ModernThe food was amazing! I got the Akamaru Modern and it was so good that I could have easily eaten another bowl. The staff was very welcoming and nice.
- RamenLa primera vez que pruebo Ramen en mi vida. DELICIOSO.
- Karaka Spicy RamenI was able to dine in without reservations, which was perfect for my plans to watch a movie across the street. The recommended dish, Karaka Spicy Ramen, was a hit.
- Karaka spicy ramenI tried a new flavor of ramen, the yuju shoyu ramen, which I found to be a bit salty for my taste. However, my friend's Karaka spicy ramen was delicious. The interior of the restaurant seemed to be a priority, and I found it to be quite cool, more so than the Palo Alto store.
- chicken karaageI really enjoyed the happy hour and the buns trio. The trio included chicken karaage, pork belly, and shrimp tempura, all of which were delicious. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score of 5, making for a truly memorable visit.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe service was not good, and the staff had issues with payment. The food was not good either, and they showed no good intent of fulfilling customer requests. I will not recommend this place.
- ramenThe $21 ramen was a disappointment, featuring a tiny portion
- chashuMy experience at the restaurant involved trying the classic tonkatsu ramen. While the broth was good, the noodles were a little disappointing, and the chashu was also too salty. However, the chicken karaage was excellent – perfectly fried!
- food qualityfood quality was a letdown
- portiona tiny portion (significantly smaller than usual)
- ramen bowlParking is limited, there’s no proper waiting area, and the portion sizes are on the smaller side. For instance, the cheesecake was barely four inches long, and the ramen bowl, though it looks large with its V-shape, is deceptively small. Also, not all ramen dishes come with an egg (it’s an extra charge), so be sure to add one if you want the full experience!
- Akamaru veggie ramenIt had a strange, unpleasant flavor and a more watery consistency. I asked the waiter what happened, and he explained that the Akamaru veggie ramen had never been vegan until recently, which was upsetting as I had confirmed its vegan status on several occasions. He also mentioned they had permanently changed to a “new and improved” recipe.
- Bun MedleyBun Medley supposed to include four buns but only three served
- ChasuChasu is also too salty
- Daizu No ChikaraThe Daizu No Chikara had a pretty salty broth
If you're seeking a generally good ramen experience with flavorful broths and great vegetarian choices, this spot is worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit salty or come in smaller portions, so choose wisely.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a mixed bag of experiences, with a score of 4.8 indicating its pretty average. Many of the 56 positive opinions highlighted friendly staff and quick service, often noting how accommodating the team was and how fast their food came out, making for a smooth dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 38.9%, largely due to 81 negative comments.
Common complaints revolved around long waiting times, rude staff, and issues with payment or customer requests. Some felt the overall customer service was lacking, leading to frustrating visits.
Service
144
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
81
negative
7
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick food delivery
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceWe were a party of 9 and ordered a variety of vegetarian options, including the eggplant bao buns, ramen, sushi, and fries. Everything was very tasty, and the service from all the staff was excellent. We hope to be back again soon!
- ServiceThe food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was perfect, rated 5/5. Service was also good, rated 3/5, and the overall food quality was a perfect 5/5. The price per person was between $50–100.
- staffthe staff were professional
- serversMy friend and I had the Karaka Spicy Bonnie Bonito Takoyaki with Honey Mustard. The atmosphere was great, and the servers were nice. However, there was a noticeable wait to get their attention to request things, though we might have felt it more because we were in a hurry.
- waitCame here after a movie at the AMC Metreon and had no wait and got seated immediately! The food arrived so fast, we got our stuff 10 minutes later.
- baskets for backpackslittle baskets for backpacks which is a nice touch
- dine inable to dine in without reservations
- explained me everythingexplained me everything
- food came out fastthe food came out really fast
- helping me with choosinghelping me with choosing what I could eat
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe bbq corn appetizer was tasty but served at room temperature, which we didn’t care for. More problematic was the service; our waitress was insistent we order immediately despite having 30 minutes before the kitchen closed. She came up to us twice within 5 minutes of sitting down and lingered nearby until we ordered.
- waitressone of the waitress ( older women) was extremely rude and impatient
- customer servicecustomer service is not up to par
- menuWe were hurried to decide on our menu
- serversHowever, the service was not so much. I felt like I was invisible, servers were in a rush and didn’t check in if I was enjoying the food or choking on it! The ambiance was quirky, with communal seating for singles that can be awkward, especially if you're sitting alone at that huge table.
- staffstaff will pester you about how much you tip
- tipwhether or not i will give them a tip its kinda rude
- waiterHabía solamente un mesero para todo el restaurante
- waiting timeI was waiting for a host to seat me for over 5 minutes
- waterThe food was very good, earning a perfect score. However, the service was not very attentive; we had to wave our hands a lot when we needed something like water. Additionally, there were limited gluten-free options, with only three rice choices and no non-alcoholic beer offered, forcing a choice between water or soda.
If youre looking for a quick meal and dont mind potentially inconsistent service, you might find it acceptable. However, be prepared for possible long waits or less-than-attentive staff, which could impact your overall experience.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a solid 81.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 74 positive remarks out of 91 total, guests frequently praise the stylish decoration, inviting atmosphere, and overall vibe. Many found the interior charming, making it a pleasant place to dine.
However, its not without its quirks, with 15 negative comments pointing to some potential downsides. Some found the noisy atmosphere a bit much, describing it as loud, which could impact conversations. Additionally, communal seating for singles was occasionally mentioned as awkward, suggesting it might not suit everyones preference.
Ambience
91
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stylish decor
- Inviting atmosphere
- Cozy vibe
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Awkward communal seating
Often praised
- atmosphereTo enhance the meal, I also ordered extra noodles (KAEDAMA $3), extra PORK BELLY ($7 for 4 pieces), TRUFFLE FRENCH FRIES ($12), and steamed white rice ($3). The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was perfect, rated 5/5. Service was also good, rated 3/5, and the overall food quality was a perfect 5/5.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- decorGreat decor and they announce you when they start you like other ippudos.
- interiorI think the sauce for this was even better than the dipping noodles. The vibes are cool, it's a sleek modern interior and very clean. It was pretty packed inside, but overall I liked the place for a date night vibe, and the noodles are sooo good.
- vibesThe vibes are cool, it's a sleek modern interior
- ambienceGreat ambience and interior decoration
- dining arealarge dining area tucked behind curtains that was super lively and spacious
- locationThe location is kind of hidden but really cute inside
- restaurantThis place is a hidden gem! From the outside, you wouldn’t guess how spacious and charming the restaurant is, but once you step inside, you’re transported to a cozy, dimly lit ramen shop in Japan. The food is excellent—while a bit pricey for ramen, the taste is absolutely top-notch.
- vibeAlso, not all ramen dishes come with an egg (it’s an extra charge), so be sure to add one if you want the full experience! Despite these minor issues, this spot is well worth a visit, especially for the incredible flavors and authentic vibe.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- areathe area isn't very good, don't walk by yourself.
- baby friendlyThis place is not baby friendly!
- communal seatingcommunal seating for singles can be awkward
- dining experienceIt completely ruined the dining experience
- dirty dishesdirty dishes were left in front of me
- good tablehard time to get a good table
- loudquite loud when we visited
- noiseit can get really loud - I was catching up with a friend and could barely hear her!
If you're looking for a place with a generally stylish and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit loud, and communal seating might not be for everyone, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter, more private experience.
Value (3 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a few bright spots, with 3 positive remarks out of 45 total comments. Guests particularly appreciate the happy hour and happy-hour pricing, finding it genuinely worth it for the experience. It seems catching them at the right time can make all the difference for your wallet.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with 38 negative remarks. The score of 3 indicates a poor value perception, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 6.7. Many found the restaurant to be pricey and expensive, often feeling they had to spend a lot due to high cost and unexpected add-ons or service charge, leading to an overpriced experience.
Value
45
Reviews
6%
Satisfaction
38
negative
4
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour pricing
What people don't like
- High prices
- Extra charges
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- happy hourmake sure you get there before 18:00 to join the happy hour
- happy-hour pricinghappy-hour pricing felt very fair for SF
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe service was polite, but unfortunately, it was very slow. On the positive side, the food was good, though I found it to be way overpriced. It didn't stand out from an average ramen spot, yet it was 10-20% more expensive.
- billThe waitress was rude and hostile, responding to all our requests with contempt. When we politely asked to split the bill, she abruptly snatched the payment terminal from us and began to argue. This kind of treatment of customers is unacceptable and outrageous.
- eggFor instance, the cheesecake was barely four inches long, and the ramen bowl, though it looks large with its V-shape, is deceptively small. Also, not all ramen dishes come with an egg (it’s an extra charge), so be sure to add one if you want the full experience! Despite these minor issues, this spot is well worth a visit, especially for the incredible flavors and authentic vibe.
- Akamaru ModernMy $21 Akamaru Modern became even more overpriced ($25)
- Tamago (egg)$4 for Tamago (“egg”)... leaves bad taste in mouth
- add an eggcharge an extra $4 just to add an egg
- add onspaying for add ons that are usually standard
- advertisementWasn’t that fake advertisement?
- charge a premiumsurely charge a premium for salt
- costPortion not worth the cost
If youre looking for good value, aim for happy hour deals, as regular pricing often feels steep. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially pricey' bill, especially with extra charges for common items.
How are the prices at IPPUDO?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 137 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Ramen Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, a good number of folks actually spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, suggesting some great value options. But don’t be surprised if others go a bit higher, into the $41–$50 bracket, perhaps for a fuller experience!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 137 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Ramen Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy a quick, affordable bowl or indulge a bit more. Wed say it hits a sweet spot for value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about IPPUDO
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Ippudo Yerba Buena: Overpriced and Salty Ramen
My experience at Ippudo Yerba Buena in San Francisco was disappointing, especially considering the price. While Ippudo in Japan is comparable to a casual diner like Denny's and not overly expensive, even with recent price increases due to raw material costs and inflation, the San Francisco location felt like a different story. The tonkotsu or miso ramen dashi quality was unremarkable and too salty for my taste, which is a shame given the effort it should take to prepare.
The ramen noodles were average, and the Chasu was also excessively salty. On a positive note, the other ingredients like fried onion chips, ginger, bamboo shoots, spinach, and corn were decent and as advertised. However, being charged an extra $4 for a Tamago (egg), which is typically included in the $23 ramen price at other ramen shops in the city, left a bad taste in my mouth.
The service was a bit slow, and the seating was typical diner style, lacking privacy or a romantic atmosphere. I'm giving a generous three stars for food quality and service satisfaction, but the overcharging price brings it down to 2 1/2 stars. Spending around $70 for two ramens including tips is not typical for an average diner.
- ramen noodles5
- other ingredients7
- seating4
- tonkotsu or miso ramen dashi quality2
- Chasu2
- Tamago (egg)1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Rolls and Broth!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding, particularly with their signature dishes. The Spicy Tuna Roll was a standout, feeling like a unique creation rather than a standard sushi item. It was fresh, perfectly balanced, and bursting with flavor.
The Brussels Sprouts were also a delightful surprise, cooked to a perfect crisp with a light char and just the right seasoning, showcasing excellent technique. The Akamura Modern Broth was a true highlight, a rich, comforting, and beautifully layered soup that perfectly complemented the meal. It was a culinary exclamation point that tied everything together.
An easy five stars!
- Spicy Tuna Roll10
- Brussels Sprouts9
- Akamura Modern Broth10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Buns and Ramen!
My experience at the restaurant was great! I really enjoyed the medley buns and the karaage. For ramen, we tried both the Karaka Spicy Ramen and the Tantan ramen, and they were both delicious.
The food received a rating of 4, service was also rated 4, and the atmosphere was rated 4.
- medley buns9
- karaage9
- Karaka Spicy Ramen8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Salty, Overpriced, and Disappointing Egg
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food was salty and felt overpriced. To make matters worse, an egg was added to my meal without my consent.
This egg was not even sliced in half and had a hard-boiled center, which was not what I expected. Overall, the food quality was a letdown.
- salty food2
- overpriced2
- hard-boiled egg2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Ramen and Great Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was very good. The ramen was very tasty, with a broth that was delicious. The pork chashu was juicy and delicious.
I also enjoyed the chashu rice bowl, which was fire 🔥. The service and ambience were very nice and made for a feel-good experience.
- ramen9
- broth9
- pork chashu9
What IPPUDO offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking and accessibility options at IPPUDO San Francisco?
Finding parking near IPPUDO San Francisco can sometimes be difficult, though paid parking garages are available. The restaurant is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure a comfortable dining experience for all guests.
Does IPPUDO San Francisco offer a variety of dining options and drinks?
Yes, IPPUDO San Francisco provides table service for lunch and dinner, including delicious desserts. You can enjoy a wide range of beverages, from hard liquor and cocktails to happy hour drinks, wine, and beer. Vegetarian options are also readily available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for IPPUDO?
IPPUDO receives a **Restaurant Score** of **6.5** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **61.4%**, indicating a generally average to mixed experience. **Food** (7.2) and **Ambience** (7.5) are well-regarded, but **Service** (4.8) and **Value** (3) often fall short.
What do customers appreciate most about dining at IPPUDO?
Customers frequently praise IPPUDO’s excellent **food**, particularly the rich broth and flavorful ramen. The restaurant’s cool **vibes** and sleek interior also contribute to a positive dining **atmosphere**, making it a pleasant place to eat.
Are there any common complaints about IPPUDO?
Some diners have expressed concerns about the **service**, noting it can be slow or inattentive. Additionally, the **value** is a recurring point of contention, with opinions suggesting that portions can be small and prices high, especially for add-ons like an **egg**.