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oChef » Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen – San Francisco
Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen - San Francisco
Photo from Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen
Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 124 of the guests
#1179 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
690
Reviews
76.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful ramen
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Parking issues
The restaurant Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen is a delightful Ramen Restaurant located in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere here, perfect for enjoying a comforting bowl of ramen.
This spot offers a casual yet trendy setting, making it an ideal choice whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed meal. You can expect a welcoming environment to savor authentic Japanese flavors.
Overview: Introducting Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen
Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the well-crafted vegan options and the overall vibe of the place, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in the food quality, with occasional issues like overly salty ramen or undercooked items. While the service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, there have been instances where it felt less coordinated or efficient.
Good
7.5
out of 10
690
Reviews
76.1%
Satisfaction
119
negative
46
neutral
525
positive
Looking at the numbers, Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.5 , indicating a good overall performance. Customer Satisfaction stands at 76.1% , which also falls into the good category, suggesting most diners leave content with their visit.
Delving deeper, Service (7.7) and Food (7.6) are clear strengths, frequently highlighted by guests. The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively, creating an inviting setting.
Value (6.2), while not a standout, is considered average. These insights are drawn from a substantial 690 customer observations, with 525 positive remarks against 119 negative ones.
What people like
- Flavorful ramen dishes
- Attentive and friendly service
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Difficult parking situation
- Concerns about value
If you’re seeking a spot with a good atmosphere and a solid ramen offering, especially if you appreciate vegan options , Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 7.7 suggests a positive experience for many, making it a reliable choice for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food preparation and be prepared for possible parking challenges in the area. While the service is generally strong, occasional lapses have been noted.
It’s a place with definite upsides, but managing expectations on certain aspects will ensure a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, diners are generally quite pleased! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 77.5%, its clear theres a lot to love. Many of the 366 positive remarks rave about the delicious ramen, authentic Japanese food, and the impressive variety of vegan/vegetarian options, often praising the flavorful broth and quality ingredients.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as indicated by 73 negative remarks. Some guests have found issues with bland or overly salty ramen broth, tough meat, or inconsistent food preparation. While the menu offers variety, some experiences suggest that not all items maintain the same high standard.
Food
472
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
73
negative
33
neutral
366
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen options
- Varied menu choices
- Excellent vegan options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or salty broth
- Tough or dry meat
Often praised
- foodNot sure what happened here. The only good thing about this restaurant is that the food is still tasty. 😋
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great ramen, and the portion sizes were decent. The appetizers were also good, and the staff was friendly.
- vegan ramenGot the ramen, vegan ramen, chicken, Yakisoba. Everything was very good.
- vegan optionsThe vegan options are sooo good and well-crafted
- noodlesnoodles are cooked to perfection, boasting just the right amount of chewiness
- brothThe service and food are excellent. They offer vegan options, and it's some of the best vegan ramen I've ever tasted, with a flavorful broth, toppings of different textures, and perfectly cooked noodles. The menu is varied, and the prices are quite good (within the average).
- FoodFood:5
- Ramenbest Ramen spot in the city! Authentic Japanese Ramen.
- appetizersThe food was great, and the service was excellent. We enjoyed some really good appetizers. I had the donate ramen, and it was so delicious!
- curryI got the curry this time around which is also delicious
Frequently criticized
- ramenthe ramen I had is the saltiest ramen
- brothThe broth was so bad, its the worst I’ve had in my life, so sour and inedible
- meatThe meat? The kind of tired, freezer-burnt reheats
- chickenthe chicken was raw in one of the pieces
- foodthe food there was not good for their service
- noodlesSince its conversion from Orenchi Beyond, the quality has fallen off significantly. I had the Donabe tonight, and the noodles were rubbery and overcooked, while the kakuni was hard. My wife's shio ramen wasn't much better.
- porkI also appreciated the cool artwork. However, the Shoyu ramen ($17) was just okay; it was too soy-forward, and the pork was too tough to chew. The service was lackadaisical.
- BambuBambu tasted a bit like canned food
- Black Garlic Ramengot rid of the Black garlic Ramen for some reason
- DonabeHad the Donabe tonight - noodles were rubbery and overcooked
If you're looking for a place with a wide array of Japanese dishes, especially ramen with good vegan/vegetarian choices, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious, there might be occasional inconsistencies in flavor or preparation.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 74.3%. Based on 81 positive remarks out of 109 total comments, many diners praised the friendly waiters and attentive staff, often noting how food was served quickly and appreciating the overall customer service. However, not everyone had a seamless experience.
With 22 negative comments, some guests encountered frustrating waiting time and felt the service rhythm was kinda slow. There were also mentions of staff being inattentive, sometimes overlooking basic customer attention like offering water, which can certainly put a damper on the dining experience.
Service
109
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
22
negative
6
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick food delivery
- Helpful, kind owner
What people don't like
- Slow service pace
- Inattentive staff
- Rude server attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe tsukune yaki (with Beyond Beef) was an inari skin-covered, marinated Beyond Beef patty that tasted savory yet slightly sweet, with a patty that had something like ginger and radish mixed in – a very unique dish I've never had before. The decor vibe feels creative and urban, with very friendly and attentive service. We came on a Friday night at 7 pm and there was no wait for two people, but the place was buzzing and lively.
- staffMy favorite place for ramen & tempura so far ♥️. The staff was so friendly and helpful in choosing from the menu. I love the place, the food, and the people here!
- ServiceService was excellent.
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was consistently excellent. The ramen is outstanding, prepared by excellent people. I've visited several times, and the quality is always on par.
- waitressmy first experience was so good with the Japanese waitress
- serverI was seated immediately at 1 pm, and the atmosphere was great with plenty of indoor and heated outdoor seating. Our server was very nice, though clearly busy as she was the only one working. The karage sampler looked promising, but unfortunately, one piece of chicken was raw.
- 15% discountgave us a 15% discount which was appreciated
- ServersServers were warm too.
- StaffsStaffs were friendly and attentive
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the Shoyu ramen ($17) was just okay; it was too soy-forward, and the pork was too tough to chew. The service was lackadaisical. The biggest issues were that both restrooms were out of service (!), and there were bugs flying around.
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. I had to wait nearly an hour, and there was only one server handling everything during the busy hour. The ramen was way too salty, so much so that I couldn’t even finish the soup.
- waiterThe waiter is kind of rude young guy
- cook hygienecook with all the jewelry on that was making the food kept picking his nose
- customer attentionse preocupaban mas por los que recién llegaban que por nosotros
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. I had to wait nearly an hour, and there was only one server handling everything during the busy hour. The ramen was way too salty, so much so that I couldn’t even finish the soup.
- service rhythmthe service was out of rhythm, like a band playing two different songs
- stafflook like she’s forced to work here
- waterThey don’t ask for anything not even Water
- water, Ramen spoonswe had to ask for stuff like water, Ramen spoons, and other stuff a few times
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, often friendly and efficient. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or attentiveness, it's usually a good bet for a pleasant meal.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a solid 76.2%. Many folks loved the cozy atmosphere, creative decoration, and clean, vibrant vibe. Out of 84 opinions, 64 were positive, highlighting a cool hangout spot with good vibes and artwork.
However, there are a few bumps in the road. Some found parking difficult, and a few mentioned uncomfortable seating or that it could get chilly inside. Restroom issues also popped up in 16 negative comments, suggesting some areas could use a little TLC.
Ambience
84
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Creative decor
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Uncomfortable seating
- Chilly inside
Often praised
- atmospherecozy and welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease
- placeThe staff was so friendly and helpful in choosing from the menu. I love the place, the food, and the people here! 10/10 recommend!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeit’s got a great vibe
- decorHowever, the vegan ramen ($18) is a bit more expensive than the meat ramen ($16), and that price difference makes it a slightly pricey dish in my opinion. The place is somewhat inconspicuous due to its location and doesn't really stand out from the outside, but it's lovely inside, well-decorated, has clean bathrooms, and an open kitchen. Golden Ramen is a pleasant and delicious restaurant that I would definitely return to 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
- decorationThe decoration is quite striking and typical of the style of Asian food
- AmbianceAmbiance is great
- Japanese street culture dreamJapanese street culture dream.
- RestaurantRestaurant- Super clean & good vibe.
- ambiance and spaceAmbiance and space is so beautiful
Frequently criticized
- ParkingThe only minor surprise was the tip options, which were 18, 25, and 30% 😳. Parking is tough in the area.
- atmosphereStrange atmosphere
- bathroomthe bathroom already told a different story
- bugsBugs flying around
- chairs and tablesa little uncomfortable in terms of chairs and tables
- cold insidecan get quite cold inside
- difficult to find parkingDue to this, I won't be eating here again. Additionally, there is no parking in the area, not even a garage, making it difficult to find parking.
- identitybut I think it need identity
- insideA little chilly inside
- interiorThe interior feels a bit cramped
If you're looking for a place with a generally great vibe and unique decor, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and maybe bring an extra layer if you get cold easily.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 indicating it's average, leaning towards good. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 56%, suggesting opinions are quite divided. Many diners appreciate the inexpensive options and feel they get great value for the money, often praising the good prices and the price to quality and quantity balance.
Out of 25 total comments, 14 positive remarks highlight these aspects, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious foodies. However, 8 negative comments point to some concerns. Issues like an 18% tip being added without asking, an increased bill, and tip options that feel steep have left some feeling short-changed.
The vegan ramen price also came up as a point of contention for being pricier than its meat counterpart, making some dishes feel less like a bargain.
Value
25
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Inexpensive options available
- Fair, transparent pricing
What people don't like
- Mandatory tip added
- Increased bill unexpectedly
- Vegan ramen pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was great, and the food had excellent flavor, all at a great price. I particularly love ordering takeout because they provide all the necessary ramen supplies and even include instructions for assembling it at home.
- pricesThey offer vegan options, and it's some of the best vegan ramen I've ever tasted, with a flavorful broth, toppings of different textures, and perfectly cooked noodles. The menu is varied, and the prices are quite good (within the average). However, the vegan ramen ($18) is a bit more expensive than the meat ramen ($16), and that price difference makes it a slightly pricey dish in my opinion.
- pricingFair, transparent pricing (no mandatory tips or fake surcharges)
- inexpensiveit's also inexpensive
- not too expensiveand not too expensive
- price to quality and quantityThe price to quality and quantity is well maintained
- value for the moneyGreat value for the money
Frequently criticized
- billthe bill punched in at a cool $100, tip included
- 18% tipadded an 18% tip without asking
- comped dishthey did not comp it which would been nice
- cost for 2 peopleit was definitely not that cheap for 2 people
- pricepaid 18$ before tax and tip for ramen that would be considered mediocre
- tip optionstip options were 18, 25, and 30% 😳
- vegan ramen priceThe menu is varied, and the prices are quite good (within the average). However, the vegan ramen ($18) is a bit more expensive than the meat ramen ($16), and that price difference makes it a slightly pricey dish in my opinion. The place is somewhat inconspicuous due to its location and doesn't really stand out from the outside, but it's lovely inside, well-decorated, has clean bathrooms, and an open kitchen.
If you're looking for generally good prices and solid value, especially for takeout, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful of potential automatic gratuities and check the bill carefully. Some specific dishes, like the vegan ramen, might feel a bit pricey.
How are the prices at Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 124 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 range, though a good number also opt for dishes in the $11–$20 bracket, showing a nice clustering around these accessible price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 124 reviews.
How this Ramen Restaurant in San Francisco stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Ramen Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially given the city’s usual prices.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Hair in ramen, won't return
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The service was variable; on my first visit, it took a very long time to get the waiter's attention. The second visit was better in terms of service.
However, I found a hair in my ramen at the bottom of the bowl during my second visit, which was a significant issue. Due to this, I won't be eating here again. Additionally, there is no parking in the area, not even a garage, making it difficult to find parking.
- service5
- hair in ramen1
- no parking2
- difficult to find parking2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Changes to Bento Boxes
I'm really disappointed to see the changes to their bento boxes. They used to come with 6 side dishes such as fried tofu, edamame, and honey-glazed sweet potatoes. Now it's been reduced to just a green salad and mashed potatoes.
Even worse, the salad dressing and gravy on the potatoes were so salty they were inedible. I've been a long-time customer since before they were called Menya, but with these changes, I don't see myself returning.
- long-time customer6
- bento boxes2
- side dishes2
- salad dressing1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Ramen Lunch with a Friend
I was visiting San Francisco and my high school classmate and best friend took me to this Ramen restaurant for lunch. It was quite authentic Japanese food. After lunch, we went to a nearby coffee shop for a chat; it was a very relaxing day!
- authentic Japanese food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Vegan Miso Ramen
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the spicy vegan miso ramen, which had so much depth of flavor. The noodles were firm and the soy meat was yummy.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- spicy vegan miso ramen10
- noodles8
- soy meat8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Disgusted by Cook's Hygiene
My experience at this restaurant was extremely unpleasant. I had to get up from my table and leave because the cook, who was wearing a lot of jewelry, was picking his nose while preparing food. It was pretty sick.
- cook hygiene1
- food preparation1
What Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and dietary options are available at Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen?
You can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert at Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen, with options for table service, takeout, or catering. They thoughtfully provide vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a selection of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.
What kind of atmosphere and service options can you expect at Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating. Reservations are also accepted, making it easy to plan your visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen?
Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen generally receives good feedback, with a Customer Satisfaction of 76.1% and a Restaurant Score of 7.5 . Most patrons have a positive experience, appreciating various aspects of their visit.
What are the strongest aspects of Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen?
The strongest aspects are consistently the Service (7.7) and Food (7.6), which are frequently praised by guests. The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively to the dining experience.
Are there any common complaints about Menya Kanemaru Golden Ramen?
Some common complaints include occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as overly salty ramen or undercooked items. Guests also frequently mention difficulties with parking in the area and some concerns regarding the overall value, particularly with tip options.