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oChef » Saiwaii Ramen – San Francisco
Saiwaii Ramen - San Francisco
Photo from Saiwaii Ramen
Saiwaii Ramen at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#741 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
376
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Ramen
- Great Service
Frequently criticized
- Extra Charges
- Parking Difficulty
The ramen restaurant Saiwaii Ramen in San Francisco’s Sunset District invites you to experience a cozy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. You’ll find a welcoming spot where you can enjoy delicious ramen, alongside healthy options and small plates.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a trendy dinner spot, this place offers a comfortable setting to savor authentic flavors. It’s a great choice for a satisfying meal in the neighborhood.
Overview: Introducting Saiwaii Ramen
Saiwaii Ramen generally offers a positive dining experience, highlighted by its consistently flavorful food and notably attentive service. Many guests appreciate the overall value, finding it a comfortable spot for a satisfying meal, though some specific pricing aspects have drawn attention.
The friendly staff at Saiwaii Ramen often receives praise for their helpfulness, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, a few diners have noted concerns regarding certain specific charges or perceived inconsistencies in pricing, which can occasionally temper an otherwise positive impression.
Good
7.9
out of 10
376
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
46
negative
24
neutral
306
positive
Saiwaii Ramen generally earns solid marks, with an overall score of 7.9 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 81.4%. This positive sentiment is built on 306 positive remarks against 46 negative ones, out of 376 total comments.
Diners frequently praise the Food (8), noting its quality and flavor, and the Service (8.2), which stands out for its attentiveness. The restaurant’s Ambience (7.7) also contributes positively to the experience, often described as comfortable and welcoming.
While the Value (7) is generally considered good, some specific pricing practices have drawn criticism. Overall, the feedback indicates a consistently enjoyable dining experience for most patrons.
What people like
- Flavorful ramen dishes
- Attentive, friendly service
- Fair lunch deals
What people don't like
- Questionable extra charges
- Disorganized wait times
- Challenging parking situation
Saiwaii Ramen presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a satisfying meal with reliable service. With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, it’s clear that many diners find it a worthwhile visit, especially if you appreciate well-prepared dishes and a welcoming staff.
However, be mindful of potential extra charges and the occasional wait, particularly during busy times. If you’re looking for a comfortable spot with good food and don’t mind navigating parking, Saiwaii Ramen is certainly worth considering for a casual dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Saiwaii Ramen
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, earning a good 8 out of 10, and customers are clearly happy, with satisfaction at a good 81.7%. With 201 positive remarks out of 246 total, many rave about the Chicken Ramen, flavorful broth, and generous portions, often describing the food as melted in the mouth and the best ramen they've had. However, not every dish is a winner, with 26 negative comments noted.
Some found the Extra Spicy level to be a mistake, while others were disappointed by bland broth, overcooked noodles, or rubbery pork slices, suggesting some inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
246
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
26
negative
19
neutral
201
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent ramen
- Flavorful broth
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland broth
- Overcooked noodles
- Rubbery pork
Often praised
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best ramen spot in the city. I highly recommend trying the spicy mala ramen if you enjoy a bit of heat; it was absolutely delicious.
- foodIt turned out to be a great decision! The service was wonderful, and the food was very good. For about 20 euros per person, you can eat very well.
- RamenThe restaurant itself is cozy and comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed the great Ramen and the awesome people. It was a 10 out of 10 experience, a solid 5 stars all the way!
- brothThe ramen itself is divine; I particularly enjoy the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and hearty, and the noodles are super fresh. They generously load the bowl with huge Kara Age and plenty of fixings, so extra sides are usually unnecessary unless you have a specific craving.
- noodlespaired well with the semi firm noodles
- toppingsIt has the right amount of spice, and so much umami flavor! The toppings go well with the meal and has always been a comfort dish for me and my family :)
- FoodFood:5
- spicy garlic miso ramenspicy garlic miso ramen, and it was impossibly tasty
- Spicy Garlic TonkotsuI tried the Spicy Garlic Tonkotsu and I loved it!
- appetizersThe appetizers were really good
Frequently criticized
- foodcannot recommend the food here
- brothFor $15, I enjoyed a tonkotsu ramen lunch with a choice of sides, including gyoza and chicken karaage. The ramen itself was very good, with excellent noodles, though the broth was a bit salty. The gyoza were good and crunchy, and the boneless chicken karaage had a perfect crunch – a definite winner!
- Extra SpicyI did a big mistake by ordering Extra Spicy.
- Gyoza fillingI’m not the biggest fan of the filling though. A bit mushy
- Japanese foodIf you have had authentic Japanese food before, you would be deeply disappointed.
- RamenThe service was friendly and fast. Both our Ramens were spicy as ordered, and the taste was good, though a little overpowering. We were already full halfway through.
- baked musselsWe were already full halfway through. The baked mussels had a weird creamy taste and are something I would totally skip. Overall, a decent experience with some standout dishes and some misses.
- bug in brothThere was a bug in my broth
- chausuChausu was a little tough
- deep fried dishesThumbs down for the deep fried dishes--all were over fried.
If you're looking for a satisfying ramen experience with plenty of flavor and generous servings, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of the spice levels and know that a few dishes might not always hit the mark.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction hitting 86.1%, its clear guests are generally thrilled. Many of the 62 positive comments out of 72 total praise the friendly staff, quick service, and how accommodating they are, often highlighting the great hospitality from owners and servers alike.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A smaller number of 9 negative comments point to some bumps in the road. Issues like a long wait, disorganized wait list, and occasionally rude staff have been noted.
There were also some specific frustrations with the online app and a waiter's unaccommodating behavior.
Service
72
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service speed
- Accommodating to parties
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized wait list
- Occasional rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe server was very attentive, quick, and genuinely polite. While it's not a luxurious establishment, the quality of food, preparation, and service at these prices will keep us coming back.
- staffThe service was very good from the moment we walked in and were greeted until the moment we left and were wished a good day. The atmosphere was good, and the staff was very friendly and explained the items on the menu at length for those who don't know what they are. I highly recommend you visit this place.
- ServiceService:5
- Jennifer the ProprietorJennifer the Proprietor is charming and pleasing
- ServerServer was very attentive, quick, and genuinely polite
- accommodating for our large partygraciously accommodating for our large party of 8
- considerate and attentive staffStaff was considerate and attentive.
- customer serviceexcellent customer service
- dine-inI’ll be sure to dine-in the next time
- familyThe family who runs saiwaii are great
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food came out fast…almost too fast
- hoststhe hosts almost skipped over my party multiple times
- long waitexpect a long wait if there is an event
- online appDont use the online app to order ahead
- serviceVery bad service
- staffThese ppl are extremely rude.
- waitThe wait is substantial and cold
- wait listThe wait list was disorganized
- waiterthe waiter did not even allowed me to use the restroom
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, with most guests raving about the friendly and efficient team. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or specific staff interactions, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great experience. Its certainly worth a visit if good service is high on your list!
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll find the ambience generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75%, its clear most folks enjoy the vibe. Many describe it as having a great atmosphere and energy, offering a cozy and comfortable experience, and even being kid-friendly.
Based on 24 positive remarks out of 32 total, it's often seen as a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a true hidden gem. However, not everything is perfect. A few customers, 5 to be exact, mentioned some minor snags.
The main points of contention revolve around the tables, with some noting sticky surfaces or finding them a bit too small. The biggest hurdle, though, seems to be parking, which many found challenging to locate, sometimes taking up to 30 minutes to find a spot.
Ambience
32
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly vibe
- Kid-friendly
What people don't like
- Parking challenge
- Sticky tables
- Small tables
Often praised
- atmosphereVery good atmosphere as well! Super comfy
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Kid-friendlinessKids love the ramen here!
- conveniently locatedMy first time here was a great experience! The restaurant is conveniently located and offers quick service, even when I arrived just minutes before closing. I enjoyed the Spicy garlic Tonkotsu, which had nicely springy noodles, a flavorful broth, and thick-cut chashu.
- dining areamedium-sized, simple dining area - nothing fancy - but certainly comfortable
- energyLove the energy
- experienceabsolutely enjoyed the whole experience
- friendly atmosphereRelaxed, friendly atmosphere
- great placeGreat place on a cold San Francisco day
- hidden gemI love this hidden gem
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is a challenge
- little tablesvery little tables
- parkingHowever, parking is scarce.
- parking spaceSometimes it takes 30mins just to find a parking space.
- tableTable was sticky
If you're looking for a cozy, friendly spot with a good vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potential scavenger hunt for parking, and you might want to check your table for stickiness upon arrival.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction at 73.1%, most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Many appreciate the fair prices, value for money, and lunch specials, noting that you can eat very well without breaking the bank, often finding reasonable prices for good ramen, as highlighted in 19 positive sentiments.
However, a few experiences, accounting for 6 out of 26 total opinions, suggest some areas for improvement. Concerns arose around extra bucks, a vegan tax, and feeling nickel and diming' for things like extra protein or plain rice noodles. Some found prices a bit steep compared to similar places, urging diners to check their bill carefully for unexpected charges.
Value
26
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Good lunch deals
- Value for money
What people don't like
- Vegan tax
- Extra charges
- Feeling overcharged
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a solid neighborhood ramen joint that doesn’t break the bank. The owners and staff were also very friendly.
- pricesThe server was very attentive, quick, and genuinely polite. While it's not a luxurious establishment, the quality of food, preparation, and service at these prices will keep us coming back.
- $15For $15, you get a tonkatsu ramen and a choice of sides
- cheap sakeit is insanely cheap
- fair pricesat fair prices
- lunch dealMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a really good ramen and a killer lunch deal. For $15, I got a bowl of ramen and a side.
- lunch specialsLunch specials are a great deal
- price per personThe service was wonderful, and the food was very good. For about 20 euros per person, you can eat very well. It seems to be a place for locals, so not many tourists, very authentic.
- priced fairlyWhile the beverage menu was limited to soft drinks, beer, and sake, it was perfectly fine for us. The food was delicious and priced fairly. The atmosphere is low-key and a bit cramped, but we still had a great time for our impromptu reunion, especially considering the bridge closure caused traffic to standstill.
- reasonable priceincredibly reasonable price.
Frequently criticized
- billcheck your bill: you will wind up paying through the nose
- extra bucksfor which you have to pay extra bucks
- extra proteinthey were going to charge me for the extra protein
- nickel and dimingCompared to similar restaurants in the city, the prices felt a bit steep. What was particularly frustrating was the "vegan tax" – an additional charge for plain rice noodles instead of egg noodles, which made little sense and felt like blatant nickel and diming. While they do offer a couple of good vegetarian and vegan ramen options and are accommodating with substitutions, it's crucial to check the menu and your bill carefully, as you might end up paying a premium for changes that don't significantly impact their food costs.
- pricesMy experience at this ramen spot was marked by a feeling of being overcharged. Compared to similar restaurants in the city, the prices felt a bit steep. What was particularly frustrating was the "vegan tax" – an additional charge for plain rice noodles instead of egg noodles, which made little sense and felt like blatant nickel and diming.
- vegan taxvegan “tax” / up-charge if you want plain rice noodles
If youre looking for a place with generally fair prices and great lunch deals, youll likely find good value here. Just be mindful of potential extra charges, especially if you have specific dietary requests, to ensure your bill aligns with your expectations.
How are the prices at Saiwaii Ramen?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 69 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Ramen Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in this $11–$20 range, with a good number also opting for the $21–$30 options, showing a clear focus on accessible, quality ramen.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 69 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Ramen Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Saiwaii Ramen
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Disappointing Ramen Experience
I stopped by for dinner when the restaurant had just opened on a Friday night. We each ordered a bowl of ramen, specifically the Tonkotsu and Miso, along with a few side dishes for my toddler. The food arrived very quickly, almost too fast.
Unfortunately, the ramen broth for both bowls tasted watered down and the noodles were overcooked. It felt as if they diluted a large pot of broth with water to serve it. The overall taste was bland, and the pork slices were also overcooked.
It was a terrible experience with the ramen bowls. I would not return.
- ramen broth2
- noodles2
- pork slices2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Extremely Rude Service, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the extremely rude staff. Given the abundance of other Ramen places in the city, I would strongly advise others to avoid this one.
- Ramen places6
- staff1
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Terrible service, denied restroom access
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I was there to pick up food and wanted to use the restroom, but the waiter did not even allow me to use it. This was very bad service.
- waiter1
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Spicy Garlic Tonkotsu Delight
My first time here was a great experience! The restaurant is conveniently located and offers quick service, even when I arrived just minutes before closing. I enjoyed the Spicy garlic Tonkotsu, which had nicely springy noodles, a flavorful broth, and thick-cut chashu.
The service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.
- Spicy garlic Tonkotsu9
- springy noodles8
- flavorful broth9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Ramen, Reasonable Prices!
My experience at this ramen spot in the Sunset was truly great. The portions were sizeable and the prices were incredibly reasonable. The staff was considerate and attentive.
They offer a lot of vegetarian options, with substitutions available to make them vegan. I highly recommend the spicy garlic miso ramen and the chicken karage.
- sizeable portions9
- reasonable price9
- considerate and attentive staff10
What Saiwaii Ramen 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
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
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 dining and service options does Saiwaii Ramen offer?
At Saiwaii Ramen, you can enjoy a full dine-in experience for both lunch and dinner, complete with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, takeout and delivery options are also readily available, allowing you to enjoy their delicious ramen wherever you prefer.
Is Saiwaii Ramen suitable for families and accessible to everyone?
Yes, Saiwaii Ramen is a great spot for families, offering high chairs and a kid-friendly environment. Additionally, the restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How is Saiwaii Ramen rated overall?
Saiwaii Ramen holds an overall score of **7.9**, with **Food** (8) and **Service** (8.2) being particularly strong. The **Ambience** (7.7) is also well-regarded, while **Value** (7) is considered good.
What do customers appreciate most about Saiwaii Ramen?
Diners frequently praise the flavorful ramen, the attentive and friendly staff, and the good lunch deals offered. The comfortable atmosphere also contributes to a positive experience.
Are there any common concerns at Saiwaii Ramen?
Some customers have noted concerns about perceived extra charges, particularly a ‘vegan tax,’ and occasional issues with disorganized wait times or challenging parking.