Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Ushi Taro Ramen – San Francisco
Ushi Taro Ramen - San Francisco
Photo from Ushi Taro Ramen
Ushi Taro Ramen at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#1039 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
469
Reviews
74.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Ramen quality
- Great service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Side dish inconsistency
- Small space
The restaurant Ushi Taro Ramen Sunset invites you to experience authentic flavors in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood. As a dedicated Ramen Restaurant, it offers a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
You’ll find a diverse menu with offerings like alcohol, beer, and small plates, alongside vegetarian options and Halal food.
Overview: Introducting Ushi Taro Ramen
Ushi Taro Ramen offers a compelling experience, with many guests praising the rich and flavorful ramen broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The attentive service staff also contributes significantly to a pleasant visit, often going the extra mile for diners.
However, potential visitors should be aware of possible wait times, especially during peak hours, and some find the dining space a bit cramped. While the core ramen shines, opinions on certain side dishes can be mixed.
Good
7.6
out of 10
469
Reviews
74.4%
Satisfaction
87
negative
33
neutral
349
positive
Ushi Taro Ramen achieves a solid overall score of 7.6, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 74.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 469 customer remarks, with 349 positive observations outweighing 87 negative ones. The restaurant truly excels in its Food (7.8) and Service (7.8), both rated highly by diners.
The Ambience (6.8) also contributes positively, offering a cozy setting. While Value (6.2) is considered average, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall positive impression.
What people like
- Flavorful ramen broth
- Attentive, kind service
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Significant wait times
- Inconsistent side dishes
- Cramped seating
With a strong recommendation score of 8, Ushi Taro Ramen is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking quality ramen. The dedication to flavorful broth and attentive service makes for a satisfying meal, despite some minor inconveniences.
If you’re prepared for a potential wait and appreciate a cozy, bustling atmosphere, you’ll likely find the experience rewarding. It’s a solid choice for a focused ramen outing, though perhaps not for an expansive, leisurely meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ushi Taro Ramen
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a solid 76.8% customer satisfaction. Many of the 248 positive comments rave about the spicy ramen with beef marrow and describe it as an Umami flavor paradise. Guests frequently praise the tender beef filet and generous portions, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a hit, with 53 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. A few diners noted a canned soup flavor or soggy batter on fried items. Concerns about broth being too oily and inconsistent noodle quality also popped up, suggesting some dishes might not always live up to expectations.
Food
323
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
53
negative
22
neutral
248
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful beef ramen
- Tender beef filet
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent noodle quality
- Soggy fried batter
- Oily broth
Often praised
- ramenThe ramen was perfect texture and the broth was so flavorful!
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was fast and the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the spicy dish with beef.
- bone marrowParking was somewhat difficult but totally worth it for the amazing ramen! My boyfriend ordered bone marrow on the side, and our server so kindly served him not just one, but two! She said she noticed the marrow was a bit small and wanted to ensure we had enough.
- brothThe unami flavor from the mushrooms is genius. If you like spicy and slightly saucy broth, you must try the spicy ramen here. The location is near Golden Gate Park, parking is fine (for SF), there is sometimes a wait but table turnover is fast.
- FoodThe service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also good, rated 4/5. The food itself received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- noodlesIn both dishes, the noodles where cooked very well, achieving a satisfying degree of chewiness
- spicy ramenThe food was super delicious! We got the spicy and shio ramen, appetizers, and bone marrow. The ramen itself was tasty, with a phenomenal and rich broth that was the perfect compliment to the toppings.
- vegan ramenI had the vegan ramen and my friend had the traditional ramen.
- beefdecent serving of medium-rare beef
- black garlic oilMy experience at the restaurant was exceptional. I had the traditional paitan with black garlic oil, and it was hands down the best ramen I’ve enjoyed in SF. The beef bone broth was delicious, the egg was perfectly cooked, and the beef was soft and buttery.
Frequently criticized
- noodlesHowever, the ramen was solidly middle-of-the-road. I noticed hints of canned soup flavor, and the noodles felt a little scant.
- beef karaagebeef karaage. Karaage was salty, not flavorful, nor crispy
- bone marrowthey sold out. (We did see one guy who came after us that got a bone marrow, so I don't know why we were denied it.)
- mushroomsmushrooms, which were a little overpowering in terms of flavor
- ramenThe ramen had no resistance and was the most disappointing
- Beef KaraageBeef Karaage - 2 Stars - Enjoyed the spiciness; batter seemed soggy; beef was squishy and chewy
- Crispy MushroomCrispy Mushroom - 2 Stars - Not as crispy as anticipated; batter seemed to have absorbed much oil
- Original Shio Ramentasted like water and noodles with a ton of bad tasting mushrooms
- Paitan Ramenterrible again with tons of mushrooms and the egg wasn’t even flavorful
- absorbed much oilbatter seemed to have absorbed much oil
If you're craving flavorful beef-based ramen with generous portions and unique additions like bone marrow, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some fried appetizers or noodle textures might occasionally miss the mark, so stick to their ramen specialties for the best experience.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
Overall, the service here shines with a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 77.9%. Out of 77 customer remarks, 60 praise the staff for being friendly and accommodating, often providing great service. Many appreciate the quick service and how efficiently orders are handled, even accommodating allergies.
However, not all experiences are perfect. The 13 negative comments often point to concerns about wait times, with some feeling rushed or experiencing delays in being seated. There are also a few instances of perceived rude service or inattentive staff, such as issues with water refills.
Service
77
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Allergy accommodation
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Occasional rude staff
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe service was even kind enough to move my daughter and I to a counter
- ServiceIt's worth noting that no beer or liquor is served here. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also good, rated 4/5. The food itself received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- staffAlso, the bone marrow was delicious, and they’re very generous with it. The bone marrow piece I got was small, so the staff brought out another complimentary one for me without asking. I’m excited to come again and try the spice ramen!
- waiting timeI would wait an hour to 2 hours for this place and it’s definitely well worth the wait.
- StaffStaff is friendly and knowledgeable.
- accommodatingthey were very accommodating
- allergies accommodationable to accommodate my allergies
- attended toWe were attended to quickly
- customer serviceexcellent customer service
- expedientpretty expedient
Frequently criticized
- serviceUshitaro Ramen is a small, somewhat cramped spot, but the food was excellent and worth the visit. Service started off good, but once the place got busy, it became harder to get attention—we even had to flag down our server for the bill. A little disappointing given the size of the restaurant.
- ServiceService was meh
- billUshitaro Ramen is a small, somewhat cramped spot, but the food was excellent and worth the visit. Service started off good, but once the place got busy, it became harder to get attention—we even had to flag down our server for the bill. A little disappointing given the size of the restaurant.
- discriminatory treatmentwe believe the Waitress did this to us purposely for some reason (discrimination?)
- wait for a tableHad to wait for a table
- wait timesThe wait times and prices are both a bit high.
- wait to sitNeed to wait to sit
- waitingwe ended up waiting for another 20 min or so outside
- waiting timeAfter ~20 min of waiting, there was only a two-people group before us
- waitressthe Waitress pretended to not have any impression of us
If you're looking for generally friendly and efficient service, this place is a solid bet. Just be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours, and know that while rare, some experiences with staff attentiveness could be better.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot lands a solid 6.8, which is pretty good! While customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 60%, many guests (36 positive opinions out of 60 total) really appreciate the cozy atmosphere, nice ambiance, and great vibe. Reviewers often describe it as a clean restaurant with a quiet noise level, making it a pleasant and welcoming spot.
However, there are some areas where the atmosphere could improve, as noted by 18 negative opinions. Some find the space cramped with limited seating, and a few mention it can be drafty. The lack of a bathroom and observations of dust on the wall are also points of concern, suggesting that while the vibe is often good, the practicalities of the space can sometimes disappoint.
Ambience
60
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
18
negative
6
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Clean restaurant
- Quiet noise level
What people don't like
- Limited, cramped seating
- No customer bathroom
- Dust on walls
Often praised
- AtmosphereIt's worth noting that no beer or liquor is served here. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also good, rated 4/5. The food itself received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- atmosphereThis is my go-to spot. The restaurant is small, and the atmosphere is so warm and comforting. Most importantly, the Shio Ramen is to die for!
- restaurantThis was a cute and cozy place, a nice getaway from the GGP foot traffic. It was pleasant to sit in a quieter restaurant. The restroom is located in a funky spot, but otherwise, there were no complaints.
- Clean restaurantClean restaurant
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambianceSmall cozy ramen restaurant vibes.
- cozy atmosphereCozy atmosphere.
- cozy placeThe place is cozy
- customersThe restroom is located in a funky spot, but otherwise, there were no complaints. I was happy to be in the mix of many customers, contributing to Ushi Taro being jam-packed! It's a good spot, and I'm appreciative of a friend's recommendation.
- great atmosphereI had the Ox tail stew rice bowl, which was served with hot broth on the side. The restaurant itself is clean, with great service and a great atmosphere.
Frequently criticized
- bathroomthe only negative is that they don't seem to have a bathroom
- crowdedCrowded so expect to wait a bit.
- atmosphereUshitaro Ramen is a small, somewhat cramped spot, but the food was excellent and worth the visit. Service started off good, but once the place got busy, it became harder to get attention—we even had to flag down our server for the bill.
- cleanliness of the restaurantcleanliness of the restaurant. I notice there’s a lot of dust on the wall
- counter seatingUncomfortable counter seating
- dining areathe dining area is on the small side
- dining experiencenor the dining experience
- draftkeep the draft out 🥶
- draftysome seats are drafty
- dust on the walla lot of dust on the wall. It really should be cleaned
If youre looking for a cozy, intimate spot with a generally good vibe and dont mind potentially limited seating or a few quirks, this place is worth a visit. However, if spaciousness, guaranteed comfort, and pristine facilities are top priorities, you might find it a bit tight.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive! Based on 9 customer comments, with 5 positive remarks, many found the prices surprisingly affordable and felt the price per person offered amazing value, often describing it as appropriately priced. This contributes to an average score of 6.2.
However, the experience isn't universally praised, with 3 negative comments raising concerns. Some felt the price was too high for certain items, even describing a high price for specific dishes. This leads to a mixed customer satisfaction of 55.6%, suggesting that while many find it a good deal, others feel some offerings are a bit steep.
Value
9
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Good quality for price
What people don't like
- High prices
- Some dishes overpriced
Often praised
- priceThe restaurant itself is cute and simple, though it's small with limited seating, so it's best to come early or reserve. Overall, it's a really good price for the quality of food.
- appropriately pricedAppropriately priced
- price per personIt's only $2 for extra ramen
- pricesPrices are surprisingly affordable
Frequently criticized
- high pricedespite the high price
- priceshould not be charging $18 for a bowl of noodles in water
- pricesThe wait times and prices are both a bit high.
So, is it worth it? If youre looking for generally affordable options and good quality for the price, youll likely be pleased. However, be mindful that some specific items might feel a bit expensive, so choose wisely to get the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Ushi Taro Ramen?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 80 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests are enjoying meals in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, right around that average. There are a few folks splurging on higher-end options, but the core experience is right in that sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a quality ramen spot. It offers a good balance for those looking for a solid meal without breaking the bank, with options for a little extra indulgence.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ushi Taro Ramen
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Unique Broth, Cozy Space, Service Lacking
My experience at this small and cozy ramen spot was a mix of unique flavors and some service shortcomings. They offer a beef broth, which I found to be a unique twist. I tried the tomato ox tail ramen, and my friend ordered the special shoyu spicy ramen.
The tomato ox tail broth was incredibly rich and thick, and the ox tail was tender, though I did encounter some unexpected bone bits in my soup. The special shoyu spicy ramen wasn't very spicy, mainly featuring added jalapenos. The noodles were springy, and the portions were satisfying for both of us.
The atmosphere is intimate due to the small space, leading to close seating arrangements without partitions, which can feel a bit awkward. A significant drawback was that our water was never refilled during the meal, and there is no bathroom available.
- beef broth8
- tomato ox tail ramen8
- noodles7
- special shoyu spicy ramen4
- bone bits3
- space4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Oxtail Ramen Disappointing, Stick to Beef Filet
I went for dinner last night and decided to try the oxtail ramen for a change of pace. While there was plenty of meat, it was just not tender. My experience suggests it's better to stay with the beef filet ramen.
- meat5
- beef filet ramen8
- oxtail ramen3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Flavorful Ramen Experience
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their excellent beef ramen. I ordered the traditional paitan ramen and the tomato ox tail ramen. Both dishes were incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
The paitan ramen featured a soup that was not overly salty, with a pleasant aroma that perfectly complemented the truffle topping. The truffle was used in just the right amount, enhancing the creamy and peppery broth and the perfectly cooked and seasoned roasted beef slices. The tomato ox tail ramen had a saltier broth, reminiscent of tomato soup, with incredibly tender ox tail packed with tomato flavor.
The noodles in both dishes were cooked very well, achieving a satisfying chewiness. The soft-boiled eggs were also spot on, making for a very nice bowl of ramen. While the tomato ox tail ramen felt more like Taiwanese style beef noodle soup than ramen, it was still very tasty.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service a 4, with a quiet noise level that made conversation easy. The food itself received a perfect 5.
- beef ramen9
- paitan ramen9
- tomato ox tail ramen8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Excellent Ramen, Service Lacked When Busy
Ushitaro Ramen is a small, somewhat cramped spot, but the food was excellent and worth the visit. Service started off good, but once the place got busy, it became harder to get attention—we even had to flag down our server for the bill. A little disappointing given the size of the restaurant.
That said, the ramen itself was outstanding, and I would definitely come back for the food alone.
- food9
- ramen10
- service4
- bill4
- atmosphere3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Shio Ramen and Gyoza Experience
My experience at the restaurant was a pleasant one, especially seeing shio ramen on the menu, which always makes my day 🥰. The ramen itself was pretty good. However, the gyoza’s wings weren’t very crispy.
- shio ramen8
- ramen7
- gyoza’s wings3
What Ushi Taro Ramen offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Ushi Taro Ramen Sunset?
At Ushi Taro Ramen Sunset, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer convenient table service, and you can choose between dine-in, takeout, or delivery options. It’s also a great spot for kids, ensuring a pleasant experience for the whole family.
Does Ushi Taro Ramen Sunset cater to specific dietary needs or offer convenient parking?
Yes, Ushi Taro Ramen Sunset provides excellent vegetarian options and Halal food, ensuring a diverse menu for you. When it comes to parking, you’ll find free and paid street parking available, though finding a spot can sometimes be a bit challenging in the Inner Sunset area.
How does Ushi Taro Ramen generally perform according to customer feedback?
Ushi Taro Ramen generally receives a good overall score of 7.6. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.8) and Service (7.8), while the Ambience (6.8) is seen as good, and Value (6.2) is considered average.
What are the standout dishes at Ushi Taro Ramen?
Many customers highlight the delicious and flavorful ramen, especially the rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The spicy ramen and the generous bone marrow also receive frequent positive remarks.
What are some potential drawbacks to consider before visiting Ushi Taro Ramen?
Be prepared for potential wait times, as the restaurant can get crowded. Some customers also note that the dining area can feel a bit cramped, and there are occasional comments about the inconsistency of certain side dishes like karaage or mushrooms.