Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Harumama Ramen – San Diego
Harumama Ramen - San Diego
Photo from Harumama Ramen
Harumama Ramen at a glance
San Diego Ocean Beach
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#413 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Ramen Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
616
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Charming ambiance
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Value inconsistency
- Service delays
- Bland ramen
The restaurant Harumama Ramen is a popular Ramen Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Ocean Beach neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming, casual, and trendy atmosphere here, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
They stand out with their excellent healthy and vegan options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate, whether you’re dining in or enjoying the outdoor seating.
Overview: Introducting Harumama Ramen
Harumama Ramen offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delightful culinary creations and inviting atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the charming character buns and the overall beautiful space that makes for an enjoyable visit.
While the attentive service generally receives positive remarks, some guests have noted concerns regarding small portions relative to cost. This spot is known for its appealing presentation and a menu that includes more than just ramen.
It’s a place where the visual appeal of dishes often matches their taste, though some find the overall value a mixed bag.
Good
7.2
out of 10
616
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
147
negative
33
neutral
436
positive
Harumama Ramen earns a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.2 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 616 customer opinions, with 436 positive remarks outweighing 147 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.7) are clear strengths, consistently receiving high marks for their quality and appeal.
While Service (6.2) is considered average, some guests appreciate the friendly staff. The Value (5.9) also falls into the average category, suggesting that while some find prices fair, others feel certain items are a bit steep for their size.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Charming, inviting ambiance
- Generally attentive service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Occasional service delays
- Bland ramen broth
Harumama Ramen presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a visually appealing and generally tasty meal. With a Recommendation Score of 7.7, it leans towards being a place worth trying, especially if you appreciate a good atmosphere and diverse menu items beyond just ramen.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding value and service consistency. While many enjoy their visit, some find certain dishes pricey for their size or experience occasional service hiccups.
If you prioritize a pleasant setting and creative dishes, it could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Harumama Ramen
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75.7%, diners are generally quite happy. Out of 370 comments, a whopping 280 rave about the delicious offerings.
Many highlight the flying pig ramen, character buns, and the variety on the menu, often praising the freshness and flavor of the dishes. However, not every dish hits the mark. About 66 remarks point to some areas for improvement.
Some found certain ramen dishes lacking flavor or noted a dip in food quality. There were also mentions of bland items, occasionally small portion size, or overcooked chashu'. It seems consistency can be a slight issue.
Food
370
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
66
negative
24
neutral
280
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Creative character buns
- Varied ramen options
What people don't like
- Flavor often lacking
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodAs a former server for about a decade, my expectation was that our server either comp something from our bill, perhaps offer us a free dessert bun, or at minimum, acknowledge the wait and apologize. Although the food was certainly good, the service really left us with a negative impression. Mistakes definitely happen of course, but the way it was handled (or in our case ignored) would have made all the difference.
- ramenWe ordered 2 ramens and 2 poke bowls and we arrived before the dinner rush. My partner ordered the namesake ramen, which was super tasty if not a slightly small on the portion size. Our poke arrived about 30 minutes after our ramen.
- FoodFood:5
- character bunsThe cute character buns are impossible to not try to get them all
- RamenMy experience at this Ramen spot was fantastic! They specialize in cute animal buns and delicious Ramen. The service was great, and the food was also delicious.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best sushi on the Peninsula here. We ordered the two most expensive rolls, which were surprisingly affordable, and the Boa Boa buns with duck and pork belly.
- bunsTried their buns, it was pretty good.
- animal bunsThe animal buns are so friggin cute
- appetizersappetizers were decent
- flying pig ramenWe were in a hurry and unfortunately couldn't order the cute character buns, but we plan to eat inside next time. We enjoyed the crab wanton, pork bao bao buns, flying pig ramen, salmon teriyaki, and fried rice. Parking was on the side of the street in front of the entrance.
Frequently criticized
- ramenthe ramen was rather underwhelming (not a ton of flavor in the broth, one was listed as a spicy item and had no heat to it)
- Haru ramenThe Haru ramen was a bit disappointing. I enjoyed the noodles, but the broth was super bland. It was also expensive for what it offered.
- foodThe food came out at different times
- chickenchicken inside was dry
- food qualitythe food this time for our visit was just mediocre
- portion sizeshocked to see the amount of food that was provided
- Flying Pig Ramen bowltonight when I had a flying pig ramen bowl I was sadly surprised
- Me-So HotMe-So Hot was listed as spicy but was about as spicy as water
- Veggie RamenVeggie Ramen - a little salty, average - Less flavor
- authentic RamenIf you're looking for authentic Ramen
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, with many delicious options to explore. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the vast majority of guests leave satisfied. If youre looking for creative and flavorful Asian-inspired cuisine, its definitely worth a visit.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 and customer satisfaction at 55.6%. Many guests have raved about the friendly and attentive staff, highlighting excellent service and quick delivery. With 80 positive remarks, terms like attentive service, staff, and fast and nice service frequently pop up, often praising specific servers for their great energy and knowledge.
However, with 59 negative comments out of 144 total, there's also a noticeable pattern of frustration. Customers have reported slow service, long waiting times, and inconvenient situations, including forgotten appetizers and issues with order accuracy. Some experiences point to inattentive staff and a lack of flexibility, leaving a less-than-stellar impression.
Service
144
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
59
negative
5
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, fast service
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Long waiting times
- Order errors, inflexibility
Often praised
- serviceThe baked red dragon roll had a finely chopped salmon topping, similar to imitation crab, which I personally didn't enjoy. Overall, the dishes are beautifully presented, making for great photos, and the service is great. However, the food quality was mediocre during our visit.
- ServiceThe place itself is cute, and the atmosphere was great, as was the food. Service was also excellent.
- staffThe staff is always willing to share
- serverOur server, Dylan was so friendly and with a great attitude.
- Lindsayshout out Lindsay. She’s the one who answered my phone call
- serversVery friendly and informative servers
- AlexAlex took care of us and he was all smiles!
- MarianoMariano was absolutely perfect.
- Server AlexServer Alex was incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable
- attentive and niceOur server was super attentive and nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceAs a former server for about a decade, my expectation was that our server either comp something from our bill, perhaps offer us a free dessert bun, or at minimum, acknowledge the wait and apologize. Although the food was certainly good, the service really left us with a negative impression. Mistakes definitely happen of course, but the way it was handled (or in our case ignored) would have made all the difference.
- staffI literally just picked up my food and went through the bag before I left. I asked if one item was the correct item, and the staff told me it was. I was pleasantly surprised the order was correct for once.
- waiting timesignificant frustration with the waiting time
- alcohol on a separate checkThey wouldn't let me get alcohol on a separate check for some reason
- automated answering machineyou get redirected to an automated answering machine
- customer serviceDoesn't understand good customer service
- forgotten appetizerforgot one of our appetizers
- incompetent individualLida is an incompetent individual.
- inconvenientEven though we knew exactly what we wanted to order, we were turned away, despite what their website said. This was really inconvenient, especially since we had planned around that time and were ready to order immediately. The host simply said, “Bummer.
- kitchenthey told us the kitchen had just closed
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly, efficient service. But be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as some guests have faced slow service and order mix-ups. Its a bit of a gamble, but the positives are strong enough to make it worth a try if you're patient.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid 80% customer satisfaction! Many guests, accounting for 64 out of 80 comments, rave about this sweet new spot and its great atmosphere. Youll find a cute place with a beautiful space, often featuring outdoor seating and even a pet friendly patio for a delightful experience.
However, not all aspects are perfect, with 13 comments noting some drawbacks. A few guests found the tables and chairs uncomfortable, and parking was a recurring concern, often described as limited or hard to find. Some also mentioned dirty tables, ' which can detract from the overall feel.
Ambience
80
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful space
- Great atmosphere
- Pet-friendly patio
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Uncomfortable tables
- Dirty tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThis restaurant also had a good selection of beer and sake. This restaurant also had a good selection of beer and sake.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeWe ordered takeout from this restaurant and found the food so delicious. The place itself is described as clean and beautiful. We were in a hurry and unfortunately couldn't order the cute character buns, but we plan to eat inside next time.
- parkingThe adorable character buns are also amazing (the pork one was my favorite). The service is always excellent, and parking was very easy to find on all my visits. The prices are also extremely reasonable.
- patioThis location does have a patio that is pet friendly
- airyairy and elegantly contemporary
- ambienceambient was chill
- bathroomsThe bathrooms were clean and private
- beautiful spaceThe staff were AMAZING, contributing to a truly wonderful dining experience. The food was absolutely delicious, and the beautiful space created a lovely atmosphere. It's quite possibly my new favorite spot in San Diego!
- beautiful viewBeautiful view
Frequently criticized
- parkingwas really hard to find parking
- ParkingParking was a little difficult
- TablesTables were dirty.
- atmospheresomething off in there and a bit unwelcoming
- chairbalance in a chair (even grabbed a different one with the same results)
- countenancesbordering on scowling countenances of the staff
- eye contacteye contact being awkward
- limited parkinglimited parking in the back
- smilessmiles unreturned
- street parkingStreet parking was somewhat hard to find
If you're seeking a restaurant with a genuinely pleasant and often beautiful setting, especially with outdoor options, this spot is worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and check your table upon arrival. The good vibe generally outweighs these minor hiccups.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot offers some real bright spots! Many diners rave about the prices being extremely reasonable, with fantastic happy hour deals and a solid lunch deal making it an awesome price point for many. Based on 12 positive remarks, guests often feel they get good bang for their buck, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 54.5%.
However, it's not all sunshine and savings. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.9, reflecting some concerns. Several guests (9 negative opinions) noted issues like additional charges for customization and unexpected gratuity being added.
Plus, some found certain dishes to be quite expensive for what it was, especially when considering the cost of eating out.
Value
22
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Great happy hour
- Good lunch deals
What people don't like
- Extra charges
- Some dishes pricey
- Takeout value poor
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are super good
- happy hourThe happy hour is really good too.
- priceit was priced well too
- awesome price pointOur waitress, Aliya, was exceptional; her attentive service and friendly demeanor truly enhanced our dining experience. The menu offered a fantastic variety of options at an awesome price point, making it accessible for everyone. And let's talk about the food—every dish was a masterpiece!
- happy hour dealsreally good happy hour deals! 5$ bites and 8$ cocktails!!
- lunch dealThe lunch deal was great
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- price-performancePreisleistung top
Frequently criticized
- Haru ramenThe chicken karaage was good, but it was a really small and expensive dish, especially when compared to other Japanese restaurants. The spam musubi was also quite expensive for what it was, with just two spam slices and not much flavor; the lettuce in it was odd. The geisha roll was good.
- checkgratuity into the check
- chicken karaage5 stars if possible, but 4 stars feels like a stretch. The chicken karaage was good, but it was a really small and expensive dish, especially when compared to other Japanese restaurants. The spam musubi was also quite expensive for what it was, with just two spam slices and not much flavor; the lettuce in it was odd.
- cost of eating outHowever, I had a huge disappointment with a takeout order of two chicken teriyaki dishes. My friend and I opted to not even finish our meals, which is annoying given the cost of eating out these days. The chicken teriyaki had almost no flavor and seemed like a very mediocre effort for a dish that's easily made at home.
- customizationcharge an additional 4 dollars for the customization
- expected gratuityadditional expected gratuity at the bottom
- gratuitygratuity being included
- happy hour dealmissing the happy hour deal waiting for so long
- spam musubireally expensive for what it was
If youre looking for great happy hour specials or a solid lunch deal, youll likely find good value here. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for customization or gratuity. Stick to the well-priced items to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Harumama Ramen?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 103 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.
While the average is 31, its interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, with the majority of prices falling in the $21–$30 range. Theres also a scattering of higher-end experiences, showing a good mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
How this Ramen spot in San Diego stacks up against similar restaurants in terms of value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Ramen Restaurant in San Diego. It seems to offer a good balance, catering to those looking for a solid mid-range meal and also providing options for a slightly more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Harumama Ramen
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Ramen Ever, Fast Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly fast, and the food was so fresh tasting. I was also impressed with the serving portions, which were great.
This was hands down the best tasting Ramen I've ever had.
- service10
- food10
- serving portions9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food and Kind Staff for Graduation
Had a great time here to celebrate our friends graduation. The food was great and tasty. I had the slightly spicy ramen which was very tasty👌.
The staff was super kind as well, bringing complementary side and ice cream for our friend who got graduated.
- food9
- ramen9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Wonderful Harumama Sunday Experience!
My family and I had a mellow and wonderful Harumama Sunday experience. We felt like VIPs thanks to the excellent service, patience, and communication from Shan, Chris, and the Chef. The food was also great, as indicated by the perfect score.
We are definitely coming back and have already told our friends to check your place out.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Good Food, Mixed Ramen, Great Service
My experience at Harumama was largely positive, with good food and amazing service. The atmosphere was also enjoyable. I found the ramen to be good overall, though there were some interesting taste choices.
The tonkotsu ramen (Flying Pig) had a hint of jalapeño paste that added a pleasant warmth, which I liked. However, my wife's ramen (Haru) contained Yuzu oil, resulting in a sharp, lemony flavor that neither of us enjoyed. The character buns were a hit – they were good and adorable!
A minor point of feedback is the rectangular chopsticks, which were less comfortable to use than circular ones, making eating the ramen a bit more challenging than I would have preferred. Despite this, I believe Harumama is a strong 4/5, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys ramen, sushi, or bao buns.
- food8
- atmosphere8
- service10
- Haru ramen3
- chop sticks4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Food was fire, definitely coming back!
Despite hearing mixed reviews from friends, I'm definitely coming back. The food was fire! I suspect they have a new owner, and if so, props for the improvements.
The poke bowl was fresh and big, and the sushi roll was solid. The ramen was fire, and the fried rice was super good too.
- food10
- poke bowl9
- sushi roll8
What Harumama Ramen offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Harumama Ramen by Blue Ocean Sushi accessible and pet-friendly?
Yes, Harumama Ramen by Blue Ocean Sushi in San Diego is designed for accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed in their outdoor seating area.
What dining options and amenities can you expect at Harumama Ramen by Blue Ocean Sushi?
You can enjoy lunch or dinner with table service, offering healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, alongside small plates and happy hour drinks. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and high chairs for kids, making it a great spot for families.
How is Harumama Ramen generally rated by customers?
Harumama Ramen receives a good overall **Restaurant Score** of **7.2** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **70.8%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (7.7) and **Food** (7.6), while **Service** (6.2) and **Value** (5.9) are rated as average.
What are the standout food items at Harumama Ramen?
Customers frequently praise the delicious ramen, sushi, and especially the charming character buns. Many find the food beautifully presented and enjoyable.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting Harumama Ramen?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding inconsistent value, with certain dishes perceived as expensive for their portion size. There are also occasional mentions of service delays and some finding the ramen broth bland.