Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Hokkaido Ramen Santouka – San Diego
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka - San Diego
Photo from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 44 of the guests
#312 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#4 Ramen Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
330
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Ramen
- Good Service
- Great Value
Frequently criticized
- Limited Seating
- Parking Issues
- To-Go Fees
The restaurant Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is a popular Ramen Restaurant located in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood. You will find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you are stopping by for lunch or dinner.
This spot offers a welcoming setting for you to enjoy authentic Japanese ramen.
Overview: Introducting Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka offers a satisfying ramen experience, often praised for its rich, comforting bowls and efficient service. Many appreciate the reasonable combo pricing, making it a solid choice for a quick, filling meal.
The overall atmosphere is generally pleasant, contributing to an enjoyable visit. However, diners should be aware that it can get quite busy during lunch hour, potentially making it challenging to find a seat.
Some have noted concerns regarding specific business practices like a to-go charge, and the parking situation can sometimes be difficult.
Good
7.6
out of 10
330
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
49
negative
33
neutral
248
positive
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka earns a solid restaurant score of 7.6, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 75.2%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 330 customer remarks, with 248 positive observations outweighing 49 negative ones, painting a largely favorable picture. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8) stands out as a primary strength, consistently receiving high marks for its quality.
Service (7.6) also performs well, contributing positively to the overall experience. While Ambience (7) is rated as good, and Value (6.7) is considered fair, these areas present opportunities for slight refinement compared to the strong culinary offerings.
What people like
- Rich, flavorful ramen
- Efficient, friendly service
- Great value for money
What people don't like
- Busy, limited seating
- Parking challenges
- Extra to-go charges
With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is certainly worth considering for a satisfying meal. If you’re seeking a reliable spot for well-prepared ramen and appreciate efficient service, this establishment generally delivers a positive experience.
However, be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak hours, which can impact seating and parking. If you prioritize a quick, flavorful ramen fix and can overlook these minor inconveniences, it’s a solid choice that many patrons enjoy.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Overall, the food here receives a strong endorsement, boasting a 7.8 score and a healthy 78.6% customer satisfaction, indicating a generally good dining experience. Out of 224 customer comments, a significant 176 were positive, frequently praising the delicious ramen, rich broth, tender pork, and perfectly cooked noodles. However, it's not all perfect.
Around 29 comments highlighted areas for improvement, specifically mentioning concerns about inconsistent broth quality, sometimes overcooked eggs, and occasionally smaller portion sizes, suggesting that a few items might not always meet expectations.
Food
224
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
29
negative
19
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen
- Flavorful broth
- Tender pork
What people don't like
- Inconsistent broth
- Overcooked eggs
- Small portions
Often praised
- ramenI've been to this restaurant at least 30 times, and I can confidently say it serves the best ramen in the area. The quality has remained consistently high over the 5+ years I've been visiting.
- foodthe food fresh del día y deliciosa
- brothThe thing that delivered most for this bowl of goodness was the broth.
- noodlesI ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen (medium) with a natto rice bowl combo. The broth was rich, hearty, and flavorful, with tender noodles, black fungus, and bamboo shoots. The cha-siu portions felt a bit small compared to the generous amount of noodles.
- spicy miso ramenI like the spicy miso ramen, good flavor
- chashu porkchashu pork because it just MELTS in your mouth
- mealI found the ramen to be good and relatively cheap. It's a good place to get a quick and decent meal. However, it can get busy during lunch hour, which might make it hard to get a seat.
- porkOur family favorite is the char siu rice bowl (side dish #45). It's simple comfort food featuring warm and plump short-grain rice, topped with tender pork and freshly sliced green onions. The shichimi (seven-flavor chili powder) offered at the counter is a nice complement.
- ramen brothI ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen (medium) with a natto rice bowl combo. The broth was rich, hearty, and flavorful, with tender noodles, black fungus, and bamboo shoots. The cha-siu portions felt a bit small compared to the generous amount of noodles.
- Japanese dessertsingredients and Japanese desserts!
Frequently criticized
- brothbroth is no longer rich and flavorful, but kind of watery
- eggwould not recommend the egg though (hard boiled no gummy center)
- eggsI would have given 5 stars if the charsi pork bowls were larger (though, honestly, they'll never be big enough! 🤤) and if the eggs were truly softboiled.
- Miso RamenToday’s Miso Ramen was a disappointment
- appetizersThis is a carb-heavy meal, so a small-sized ramen might be a more balanced choice. One limitation is the lack of appetizers like karaage or gyoza, likely due to the shared food court kitchen.
- boiled eggsI wish the boiled eggs was softer
- cha-siu portionsthe cha-siu portions felt a bit small
- charsi pork bowlsThe service was consistently excellent. I would have given 5 stars if the charsi pork bowls were larger (though, honestly, they'll never be big enough! 🤤) and if the eggs were truly softboiled.
- egg yolkthe egg yolk was too done for my taste
- extra side of noodlesI will be returning. An update is that they no longer offer an extra side of noodles.
If you're in the mood for a generally satisfying ramen experience with flavorful broth and tender pork, this place is a solid choice. Just be aware that some side items like eggs or certain broth consistencies might occasionally fall short.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 78.4%, it's clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 37 total remarks, 29 praise the friendly employees and fast service, especially appreciating the new Apple Pay/card payment options and even Spanish-speaking staff.
However, not every interaction is perfect. Six remarks point to some hiccups, like issues with cashier tip requests and occasional attention to detail problems. While service is often quick, be mindful that busy lunch hours can sometimes lead to longer waits or difficulty finding a seat.
Service
37
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Accepts card payments
What people don't like
- Cashier asks for tips
- Busy during lunch
- Orders sometimes incomplete
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, located inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, was a solid spot for rich, comforting ramen with efficient service and reasonable combo pricing. It's ideal for a quick, filling meal while exploring Mitsuwa.
- staffWhile the ramen might not be the absolute best in San Diego, considering it's located inside an awesome grocery store, I will definitely be going back for it. I think one thing I would like to see is more charring on the pork belly, but the staff was really nice, which made the experience a lot better!
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I stopped by for the incredible ramen and experienced excellent customer service. The cool setup and family atmosphere made it a truly enjoyable visit.
- Apple PayNow takes Apple Pay!
- busy timeeven they were very busy time
- card paymentsthey take card now!!
- foodIt's a pretty standard ramen spot with an order-at-the-counter and sit-yourself style. The ramen was satisfying, and the food came out pretty quickly. Be prepared with water, as the meal was high in sodium, leaving my mouth dry.
- friendly employeesemployees who are Hispanic. They are friendly and will help
- guy who cleans tablesguy who cleans the tables is always friendly and prompt
- orderingmenu display helped make ordering easier
Frequently criticized
- lunch hourIt's a good place to get a quick and decent meal. However, it can get busy during lunch hour, which might make it hard to get a seat.
- attention to detailattention to detail issues that can be solved easily
- cashierhe said it's per item
- cashier tip requestcashier ask for tips in cash
- ordermissing the rest of the meal
Expect good, efficient service with friendly staff, making it a solid choice for a quick meal. Just be mindful of potential busyness during lunch and the cashier's direct tip request. If speed and pleasant interactions are key for you, this place usually delivers.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here generally gets a good score of 7, with many folks loving the setup. Customers often praise the convenient food court style, the fantastic location inside a grocery store, and the overall cleanliness.
Theres even a nice family atmosphere and often plenty of parking, making shopping more comfortable. With 26 positive remarks out of 43 total, it seems many find it quite pleasant. However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 60.5%, as some experiences temper the enthusiasm.
While there are positives, 7 opinions point out issues like limited parking and how busy it can get, making it hard to find a seat. A few even felt the general atmosphere wasn't particularly appealing, especially during peak times.
Ambience
43
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
7
negative
10
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient grocery location
- Very clean
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Busy, limited seating
- Unappealing atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was great
- dining areaUnlike other ramen places that skimp on the chashu pork, this restaurant surprised me with a secret stash of it at the bottom. The dining area was clean and easy to navigate, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- placelocated at an convienence place
- accessible restroomWhether you eat before you shop or shop then eat, Santouka Ramen hits the Japanese Soul Food spot with its perfect temperature ramen to warm up the tummy and different side selections to cater to your tastebuds! What’s great is that there’s a nearby accessible restroom within Mitsuwa itself so no need to worry about whether your kids can eat with you or not! The restaurant is within the grocery store so there’s constant hustle and bustle which is fine by my ears!
- cafeteria style orderingI like the ease of cafeteria style ordering
- cleanlinessVery clean & organized.
- cool setupCool setup
- diningdinning inside of Mitsuwa supermarket
- family atmosphereFamily atmosphere
- food courtGreat quick simple ramen food court
Frequently criticized
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmospherethe atmosphere is not appealing
- parking lotParking lot is also very busy
- seatIt's a good place to get a quick and decent meal. However, it can get busy during lunch hour, which might make it hard to get a seat.
- seatingThe price to quality ratio completely crushes everyone else. The only drawback is that it's usually busy enough that it's hard to find seating.
- very limited parkingthe very limited parking, which can be hard to find
If you're looking for a quick, convenient meal in a clean spot, especially after grocery shopping, this place is a solid choice. Just be prepared for potential crowds and parking challenges, particularly during peak hours, which might affect your overall comfort.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.7 score, indicating its quite good, and a 65.4% customer satisfaction, which is a bit mixed but leans positive. Many folks (17 out of 26 comments) felt they got their moneys worth, praising the affordable options and finding it to be great value with good prices overall. However, not everyone was thrilled, with 7 comments pointing out some downsides.
Some found it a bit pricey for certain items or felt like the business was counting pennies with extra fees. The cash only policy was a definite pain point for some, along with a noticeable to-go charge that left a few customers feeling nickel-and-dimed.
Value
26
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great overall value
- Affordable pricing
- Good price-quality
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Unexpected to-go fees
- Can feel pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the great ramen, and it was served at a reasonable price. Unlike other ramen places that skimp on the chashu pork, this restaurant surprised me with a secret stash of it at the bottom.
- price to quality ratioprice to quality ratio completely crushes everyone else
- Great valueGreat value.
- affordableaffordable, delicious
- combo pricingMy experience at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, located inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, was a solid spot for rich, comforting ramen with efficient service and reasonable combo pricing. It's ideal for a quick, filling meal while exploring Mitsuwa.
- credit card paymentnow that they take credit card
- good pricesoffering a wide variety of items at good prices
- money's worthyou get your moneys worth
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- reasonably pricedI found the Rawmen to be the absolute best I've ever had. The food is incredibly delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonably priced everything was. I love coming here.
Frequently criticized
- business practiceUpon assembling my food at my destination, I realized they had forgotten the eggs, which were an extra charge as part of the combo meal. I would definitely NOT eat here again; this experience reflects some of the most predatory business practices I've encountered recently.
- cash onlycash only, no cards or digital payment.
- counting penniesI will return for a second try to see if this is consistently true. It felt like they were counting pennies.
- priceywhich I think is kind of pricey
- receiptI see there's a 50 cent charge four times
- signpoint to the sign that says . 50 per order
- to-go chargea +.50 charge for to-go orders
If you're looking for a generally affordable meal with good portions, this place is often a solid choice. Just be aware of potential extra charges and the cash-only situation, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
How are the prices at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka?
On average, you’ll spend around $18 per person – based on 44 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Ramen Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners stick to this $11–$20 sweet spot, though a good number also opt for options in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 44 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a quality Ramen Restaurant in San Diego. It offers good value for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
3
Cashier Tip Request & Small Meat Portion
My experience at the restaurant involved a cashier who audaciously asked for tips in cash. The real shocker, however, was the meat portion, which I suspect was a mistake. I will return for a second try to see if this is consistently true.
It felt like they were counting pennies.
- cashier tip request2
- meat portion3
- counting pennies3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Predatory Practices and Missing Food
I ordered my combo meals to go and noticed a sign for a +. 50 charge for to-go orders. I paid, but upon reviewing my receipt, I saw a 50-cent charge applied four times.
When I inquired, the cashier explained it was per item, as each combo meal contains multiple items. I pointed to the sign indicating the charge was "per order, " not per item. The cashier then returned $1, leaving me still short $1.
Later, my buzzer rang, and I collected my order, which felt surprisingly light. Upon opening the bag, I discovered it only contained the sides of rice. I was informed they were "getting the rest ready, " despite my buzzer having already activated.
Had I not checked, I would have left without the majority of my meal. They eventually provided the rest of the order about 5 minutes later. Upon assembling my food at my destination, I realized they had forgotten the eggs, which were an extra charge as part of the combo meal.
I would definitely NOT eat here again; this experience reflects some of the most predatory business practices I've encountered recently.
- to-go charge1
- receipt2
- cashier2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good Ramen, Lacking Toppings
This ramen is as good as the Japanese ones I've tried. I visit Japan 2-3 times a year and while I'm not a ramen connoisseur, I know this is good ramen. I ordered mine without bamboo.
I do wish they would serve some toppings, for example, a boiled egg and nori. (Big Shoyu Ramen $16. 11)
- ramen8
- boiled egg6
- nori6
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Char Siu Ramen & Salmon Roe Bowl Delight
After two years, I finally had their Char Siu Salt Ramen again and was reminded of this great ramen spot. The #26 Char-siu Pork (Large) featured a delicate, creamy, and delicious broth. The pork was tender, and who doesn't love the fatty portion?
The noodles were perfect. My only wish is that the boiled eggs were softer. I also ordered the #42 Sake and Ikura Rice Bowl, which was rich, salty, and buttery with salmon roe over rice and salmon.
It's definitely worth coming back again and again. The service was fast and great!
- Char Siu Salt Ramen9
- broth10
- Pork9
- boiled eggs3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Family Favorite for Comforting Japanese Bowls
This fast-casual Japanese eatery, specializing in ramen and small rice bowls, is a go-to for my family for both takeout and dining in the common food court area within the Mitsuwa grocery store. Our family favorite is the char siu rice bowl (side dish #45). It's simple comfort food featuring warm and plump short-grain rice, topped with tender pork and freshly sliced green onions.
The shichimi (seven-flavor chili powder) offered at the counter is a nice complement. For a summer special, we tried the Hiyashi ramen, a cold noodle dish with two slices of tender pork, green onions, red pickled ginger, thinly sliced cucumber, and other goodies. Santouka offers three types of sauce; we tried the spicy sauce, but felt the mala overpowered the dish a bit.
We would recommend the shoyu or sesame sauces and then adding shichimi for more heat.
- char siu rice bowl9
- rice8
- pork8
- mala sauce3
What Hokkaido Ramen Santouka offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Hokkaido Ramen Santouka offer?
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in San Diego provides comprehensive accessibility. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining times and options are available at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka?
At Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, you can enjoy a delicious meal for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers comfortable seating for dine-in experiences, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
What is the overall verdict for Hokkaido Ramen Santouka?
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has a good overall restaurant score of 7.6. Its Food (7.8) is highly rated, followed by good Service (7.6) and Ambience (7), with Value (6.7) being fair.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Hokkaido Ramen Santouka's food?
Customers frequently praise the rich, hearty, and flavorful broth, along with tender noodles and chashu pork that “melts in your mouth.” Many find the ramen to be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Are there any common challenges when visiting Hokkaido Ramen Santouka?
Patrons often mention that the restaurant can get very busy, especially during lunch hour, making it difficult to find seating. Parking can also be a challenge, and some have noted extra charges for to-go orders.