Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Menya Ultra – San Diego
Menya Ultra - San Diego
Photo from Menya Ultra
Menya Ultra at a glance
San Diego University City
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 98 of the guests
#552 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Ramen Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
455
Reviews
59.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful ramen
- Quick service
- Clean ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Long waits
- Inconsistent food
The ramen restaurant Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla in San Diego’s University City offers you an authentic ramen experience. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying delicious Japanese noodles.
With convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, and even outdoor seating, it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner. You can easily pay with credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments, ensuring a smooth visit for you.
Overview: Introducting Menya Ultra
Menya Ultra offers a notable ramen experience, often praised for its rich and flavorful dishes. Many appreciate the dedication to quality ingredients and preparation, making the meal a satisfying one.
The overall dining environment also contributes positively to the visit. However, some guests find the experience to be overpriced for what’s offered, particularly concerning portion sizes.
While the attentive staff generally provides good service, wait time can sometimes be a point of frustration for diners.
Good
6.5
out of 10
455
Reviews
59.3%
Satisfaction
140
negative
45
neutral
270
positive
Menya Ultra holds a respectable overall score of 6.5, placing it in the good category, though it’s quite close to average. This is supported by a mixed customer satisfaction rating of 59.3%, indicating that while many are pleased, a significant portion has reservations.
This contrast suggests a nuanced experience for visitors. Diving deeper, the Food (6.9) clearly stands out as a strong point, frequently described as rich and flavorful.
Ambience (6.6) also contributes positively. However, Service (6.1) is more of an average aspect, and Value (3.2) is a clear area for improvement, often cited as a concern.
These insights are drawn from 455 customer remarks, with 270 positive observations against 140 negative ones.
What people like
- Flavorful ramen broth
- Attentive, quick service
- Pleasant, clean ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Excessive wait times
- Inconsistent food quality
If you prioritize a well-crafted bowl of ramen and appreciate efficient service, Menya Ultra could be a worthwhile stop. The 6.8 recommendation score suggests a generally positive experience, especially for those who value the core dish and a pleasant setting.
However, be prepared for potential wait time and consider the price point, as some find it less than ideal. It’s a place to consider for its culinary strengths, but perhaps not for those seeking exceptional value or a quick, budget-friendly meal without any potential hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Menya Ultra
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners are quite pleased, with a solid 6.9 score and 65.1% customer satisfaction. Out of 272 opinions, 177 highlight delicious ramen, flavorful broth, and perfectly textured noodles. The karaage also earns high praise for being juicy and well-seasoned, making it a popular choice.
However, some experiences reveal room for improvement, with 67 negative comments. Concerns include ramen that sometimes lacks flavor or has stuck noodles, thin pork slices, and broth that can be overly salty or not rich enough. A few also found portion sizes to be disappointingly small, impacting the overall value.
Food
272
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
67
negative
28
neutral
177
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful ramen broth
- Noodles cooked perfectly
- Karaage is excellent
What people don't like
- Pork slices thin
- Broth flavor inconsistent
- Portions are small
Often praised
- foodThe ramen was rich and flavorful. My experience was great, especially with the food.
- ramenWarm ramen that comes to mind when winter weather is cold
- brothI tried the Tonkotsu ajitima and tantán men, and both were truly amazing! The broth was rich and flavorful, and the noodles had a perfect bouncy texture with a strong wheat scent – I really liked them. The kitchen staff worked incredibly fast, ensuring the ramen looked great and was served within 3 minutes.
- noodlesNoodles:Custom thick-cut, springy texture that clings to every drop of broth!
- fried chickentheir fried chicken is one of our favorites
- FoodFood:5
- eggEgg:Marinated soft-boiled—ooze that molten gold yolk
- flavorflavor seemed slightly less rich... but it still tastes awesome
- porkthe pork was flavored with ginger.
- portion sizethe portion size was perfect for the price
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. The owners need to shut down this location until they decide they want to actually run a restaurant and staff properly and order enough food. It took 45 minutes to get our food at 3: 20 PM, which is uncalled for.
- ramenHowever, my recent visit to the Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla location was not a 5-star experience. The ramen tasted as if it had been sitting for a while before being served. There was not the usual generous amount of broth, and the noodles were stuck together at the bottom of the bowl, not tasting fresh at all.
- brothI recently visited Menya Ultra at this location and found the tonkotsu ramen to be a bit of a letdown compared to their Convoy location. The broth was overly frothy, suggesting it had been over boiled, and was too white, which might indicate not enough bone marrow. Overall, this resulted in the tonkotsu flavor seeming lighter and almost watery.
- food qualityHowever, my recent visit to the Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla location was not a 5-star experience. The ramen tasted as if it had been sitting for a while before being served. There was not the usual generous amount of broth, and the noodles were stuck together at the bottom of the bowl, not tasting fresh at all.
- TakoyakiTakoyaki didn't taste well cooked inside
- flavorThe Miso Ajitama impressed us with its perfectly cooked eggs and flavorful broth. However, with the Black Sesame Tantan, while I initially really enjoyed it, I found the flavor a bit overpowering towards the end, leaving some in my plate unfinished. Despite arriving close to closing time at around 8: 20, we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of rush.
- meatHonestly, I've found the karaage to be better than the ramen. The ramen itself is okay, but for the standard bowl, I wish it had a bit more meat and more flavor in the broth. The service was quick and the wait staff attentive.
- pork slicesYou only receive 1 of the thinnest slices of pork
- toppingsThe toppings were also sparser
- Karage DonTonkotsu Ramen or Karage Don sure didn't gave me the 5 star flavor
If you're craving classic ramen with rich broth and great karaage, this spot is worth a try, especially given the generally good food score. However, be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent quality, particularly with portion sizes and broth flavor, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Many guests have had a pleasant experience with the service here, with 58 positive remarks out of 108 total. Diners frequently praise the quick service speed, immediate seating, and the generally friendly staff. Specific shout-outs often go to attentive and helpful individuals, noting that food came fast and lines moved quickly, making for a smooth experience.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 42 negative opinions point to some areas needing attention. Common complaints include excessive waiting time and the feeling that the restaurant is short staffed, leading to slow service. Some found the staff rude or policies like order and serve yourself' less appealing, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 53.7% and an average score of 6.1.
Service
108
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
42
negative
8
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast food delivery
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Order-at-counter model
Often praised
- serviceI want to give a special shout out to the blonde girl who took our order. Even though I wasn't eating, she made sure I was taken care of by asking if I wanted water and inquiring about my day. The service was exceptional.
- staffStaff is awesome! Derrick helped us and he was extremely kind.
- ServiceService:5
- employeeCome here if you want your ramen experience to be changed for the better! Btw, Derek…top tier employee! Love that guy!
- linethe line is shorter than ramen nagi
- service speedEverything was served in less than 10 minutes
- workersthe workers seemed nice too
- Seanthel and HopeSeanthel and Hope were lovely servers!
- Server JuniorServer Junior helped me out with a smile at all times
- attentive and helpful staffattentive and helpful staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceService is worse as it’s a food court style order at counter model
- waiting timeI seriously thought I was eating at Dick's Last Resort; I was treated so badly that it's no wonder they have their reputation as one of the worst customer service places for Ramen. Even the food, we could see it takes forever. What is the point of waiting so much in line just to wait another much for the food?
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. The owners need to shut down this location until they decide they want to actually run a restaurant and staff properly and order enough food. It took 45 minutes to get our food at 3: 20 PM, which is uncalled for.
- wait timetook over 30 minutes for us to get just two ramen orders
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. I seriously thought I was eating at Dick's Last Resort; I was treated so badly that it's no wonder they have their reputation as one of the worst customer service places for Ramen. Even the food, we could see it takes forever.
- Menya Ultra pointsslight disappointment was that the Menya Ultra points do not work
- SERVICEbetter food and SERVICE!
- cashierthe cashier who attended us could not resolve our doubts
- crowdedit is not crowded
- orderthey forgot some parts of my order
If youre looking for quick food delivery and a friendly face, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for potential wait times and a less traditional counter-service style, especially if theyre busy.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring an average 6.6 out of 10. While customer satisfaction sits at a rather mixed 64%, many folks really appreciate the overall atmosphere, design, and interior decor, especially the inviting patio seating. Based on 32 positive remarks out of 50 total customer comments, it seems many find the place quite appealing. However, its not all smooth sailing.
Some guests have pointed out issues with "loud music" and "ambient noise" making conversation tough. There have also been mentions of the "main seating" feeling a bit "warm" due to AC problems, and a few found "parking" to be a challenge. These concerns come from 12 negative observations, suggesting theres a bit of room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
50
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, modern design
- Inviting patio seating
- Clean facilities
What people don't like
- Loud music clashes
- Warm main seating
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI understand that California can be expensive, and authentic ramen is a complex dish that takes a lot of time and care to prepare, which they even show in a video. You're paying for the atmosphere, the dedication to the food, and the overall experience. I really enjoyed it, and I think people can be overly harsh critics.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ParkingWe didn't have any problems
- cute artworkThis location has cute artwork on the wall
- decorthe decore was cute and on brand
- designdesign of this place is cute and modern
- dessert spotsThe ramen was delish, though I personally could have taken it a few degrees warmer. It was convenient to have 2 great dessert spots right by, and the restaurant was easy to find from the Eastern parking lot.
- dog-friendly patiowhere we can sit with our dog
- experienceOverall, it was a great experience
- facilitiesThe facilities were clean
Frequently criticized
- musicThe ramens were okay, but I'm unsure if they were worth the extended wait. Additionally, the music in the restaurant was very loud, making it difficult to have a conversation.
- acthey have some issues with the ac
- ambient noiseif you sensitive to ambient noise
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- conversationThe ramens were okay, but I'm unsure if they were worth the extended wait. Additionally, the music in the restaurant was very loud, making it difficult to have a conversation.
- date night destinationMaybe not a date night destination
- hygieneDespite this, I waited 35 minutes for my takeout order. While waiting, I observed that the dishes were just sitting around, which I found not very hygienic. I eventually sat down and noticed an open soup container, with a worker inquiring if it was the vegan order.
- main seatingThe main seating felt pretty warm
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- placethis place is overrated
If youre looking for a place with a modern, inviting design and enjoy outdoor seating, this restaurant could be a great pick. Just be aware that the music might be a bit loud for some, and you might want to check on the AC situation or consider alternative parking if youre sensitive to those things.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Despite a challenging overall perception of value, a few diners found some bright spots. Out of 25 total remarks, 3 positive comments highlighted the price and affordable nature, particularly for a Michelin-starred establishment. Some even felt the cost was really good according to the price, acknowledging it could be a decent deal for the experience.
However, the overwhelming majority, with 19 negative remarks, painted a different picture. The score of 3.2 and a customer satisfaction of 12% clearly indicate significant disappointment. Many felt the experience was overpriced and expensive, with complaints about being nickel and dimed for extras, leading to an expensive fast food experience that didn't meet expectations.
Value
25
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable Michelin experience
- Good price point
What people don't like
- Overpriced portions
- Excessive extra charges
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- priceHowever, the meat portion could be considered small compared to the whole dish. While it wasn't my absolute favorite, it was really good according to the price.
- affordablereally affordable considering it is a Michelin star restaurant
Frequently criticized
- priceSuper overpriced. $20 for just one slim piece of meat is unbelievable
- pricesThe wait time was excessively long, and the portion sizes were disappointingly small. Compounding these issues, the prices were quite high, making the overall experience not worth it. While the ramen itself was decent, the combination of these factors detracted heavily from the meal.
- $40 for two peopleHopefully it gets better. But for $40 for two people it’s hard to want to ever come back to this location.
- bill and tipsyou have to pay the bill and tips before you having the meal
- chicken substitutioncharged an additional $7 just for the substitution
- expensivethe food was so expensive
- expensive fast food experienceWhile I understand this is a new location, there must be a minimal quality check. It felt like an expensive fast food experience. I am NOT COMING BACK!
- nickel and dimeNickel and dime you for everything
- overpricedThe prices are overpriced
- pay betterpay better
If youre seeking a Michelin-starred experience and are prepared for potentially smaller portions and extra charges, you might find some value here. However, if you prioritize generous portions and clear pricing, youll likely find the overall cost disappointing and not worth it.
How are the prices at Menya Ultra?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 98 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 spend in this $21–$30 sweet spot, but there are also plenty of delicious options in the $11–$20 range, offering a nice mix for different budgets.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 98 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Ramen spot in San Diego. It offers a good balance, catering to those looking for a solid mid-range meal and also providing some more budget-friendly choices.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Menya Ultra
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Decent Food, Terrible Service Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was decent, earning a 4 out of 5. However, the service was terrible.
We waited 30 minutes for our food to arrive, and the staff acted as if they were doing us a favor by serving us at that point. This significantly detracted from the overall dining experience.
- food8
- service2
- waiting time2
- staffs2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Long waits, good food, dog-friendly patio
We visited this restaurant twice, and both times experienced long wait times. The first visit, we waited 30 minutes, and the second time, it was 45 minutes for just one ramen bowl. The food itself is good, but the extended wait significantly diminishes the enjoyment.
We had to actively ask for our order on the second visit, as it seemed it might not have arrived otherwise. The only positive aspect is the patio seating, which is dog-friendly. Otherwise, I'd suggest trying another ramen place in the mall.
- ramen bowl7
- patio seating8
- dog-friendly patio8
- wait times2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
4
Ramen Experience: Not Great, But Not Painful
My experience at this ramen spot was honestly not great. As someone particular about ramen, having lived in Japan, the bright side was that the broth wasn't too salty to the point of causing pain, unlike some other places I've visited. In fact, the sodium content seemed rather low compared to others.
The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a 3 out of 5.
- sodium content5
- food6
- service6
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Delicious Ramen and Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The staff were very nice, and the ramen was tasty. My kids and I really enjoyed sharing the ramen and fried chicken (Karage).
- staff9
- ramen8
- fried chicken8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Surprisingly Delicious Vegan Miso Ramen
My first visit to Menya Ultra at this location was a pleasant surprise. I ordered the vegan miso ramen, and it exceeded my expectations! The dish was generously filled with vegetables, and the soup had a wonderfully creamy texture, making it easy to enjoy.
My only minor disappointment was encountering a few tough pieces of onion skin. Despite this small issue, the atmosphere and the staff were great.
- vegan miso ramen9
- vegetables8
- creamy texture9
- onion skin3
What Menya Ultra offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options does Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla offer?
At Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla, you can enjoy various service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. They also provide no-contact delivery for your convenience. If you prefer dining outside, outdoor seating is available for you to enjoy your meal.
Is Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla is fully wheelchair accessible. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What is the overall dining experience like at Menya Ultra?
Menya Ultra generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 6.5. While the Food (6.9) and Ambience (6.6) are often praised, the Service (6.1) is considered average, and Value (3.2) is a notable concern for many guests.
Is Menya Ultra considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the ramen good for the price, many customers describe Menya Ultra as overpriced , citing small meat portions and high costs, especially for substitutions. The Value topic scores poorly at 3.2.
How is the service and wait time at Menya Ultra?
Service at Menya Ultra often receives positive remarks for its attentive staff and service speed , with some orders served in under 10 minutes. However, wait time can be a significant issue, with some customers reporting excessively long waits of 30-45 minutes.