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oChef » Isshido – San Diego
Isshido - San Diego
Photo from Isshido
Isshido at a glance
San Diego Mira Mesa
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 91 of the guests
#129 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Ramen Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
525
Reviews
86.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious ramen
- Attentive service
- Good parking
Frequently criticized
- Cold food
- Small portions
- Slow service
The ramen restaurant Isshido Ramen in San Diego’s Mira Mesa neighborhood offers you an authentic taste of Japan. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Whether you’re craving late-night food or healthy options, this spot has you covered. It’s a welcoming place where you can enjoy delicious ramen and more.
Overview: Introducting Isshido
Isshido generally offers a positive dining experience, particularly noted for its flavorful dishes. Many appreciate the delicious ramen, with its savory broth and tender chashu.
The service often stands out, described as attentive and personable and polite, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Guests also find the affordability appealing, especially with happy hour options.
However, some experiences at Isshido have been less consistent. Concerns occasionally arise regarding prices being a bit high for the portion size, and the atmosphere can sometimes feel weak or noisy.
There are also mentions of slow service and issues with food temperature, like barely warm ramen or insufficient broth.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
525
Reviews
86.5%
Satisfaction
45
negative
26
neutral
454
positive
Overall, Isshido garners a strong Restaurant Score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a high Customer Satisfaction of 86.5%, indicating most diners leave content.
Out of 525 customer comments, 454 were positive against 45 negative, painting a clear picture. The Food (8.4) is a standout, frequently praised for its quality and flavor, while Ambience (8.3) also contributes significantly to the dining experience.
The Service (8.2) also receives good marks, with many appreciating the attentive staff. Value (6.8), while still considered good, sits a bit lower than other aspects.
This suggests that while the quality is appreciated, some guests find the pricing a point of discussion. The consistent scores across key areas show a well-rounded offering, with food and service leading the positive feedback.
What people like
- Delicious ramen dishes
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant atmosphere, parking
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food temperature
- Small broth portions
- Occasional slow service
Isshido presents a solid option for Japanese cuisine, particularly if you’re seeking well-crafted ramen and attentive service. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6, it’s clear many diners have a positive experience.
If you prioritize flavorful food and a welcoming environment, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food temperature or portion sizes, and occasional service delays.
While these are not universal, they are worth noting. For a generally good dining experience with highlights in taste and hospitality, Isshido largely delivers, but manage expectations for absolute perfection.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Isshido
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.4 and an impressive 88.1% customer satisfaction. Out of 362 comments, a whopping 319 were positive, highlighting delicious ramen, thick creamy broth, and melt-in-your-mouth chashu. Guests rave about the rich flavors, perfect noodles, and the excellent variety, including standout vegan and vegetarian options.
However, not every bite was perfect, with 25 negative remarks noted. Some diners occasionally found their ramen wasn't hot enough, and a few felt the portion of broth was a bit stingy. There were also mentions of sparse default toppings and a dislike for corn in some dishes, suggesting minor inconsistencies in execution.
Food
362
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
25
negative
18
neutral
319
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rich, flavorful broths
- Tender chashu
- Excellent vegan options
What people don't like
- Ramen not hot
- Small broth portions
- Sparse default toppings
Often praised
- ramenEven though the only other elements were corn and scallion, I did not feel that the bowl lacked toppings. I found the prices a smidge expensive, but the ramen felt very substantial, tasted very savory, and hit the spot.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a friendly and clean establishment with tasty food. They offer great options for kids, and I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and lighting.
- brothI ordered the spicy miso ramen, and it was full of flavor. The broth was so delicious, and the pork chashu was super tender. Chef Andrew was so kind and clearly took the time to create a beautiful presentation.
- chashuThe chashu was perfectly prepared – thin, charred slices of pork belly that were delicious
- vegan ramenone of the best vegan ramen i have had
- FoodFood:5
- Ultimate Chashu RamenUltimate Chashu Ramen - delicious. Broth was excellent, the 8 pieces of chashu were delicious, ramen noodles were yummy.
- eggthe "soft boiled" egg was a good size and texture
- flavorThey really keep their flavor top notch
- noodlesEnough without ordering extra noodles
Frequently criticized
- cornIt was simple but tasty. I felt it could have used a bit more onions or something and a little less corn. But I would definitely recommend it 👌.
- porkthe pork-- it was really fatty and too broiled
- ramenmy ramen that I ordered each time came out barely warm
- toppingsI highly recommend it! The only minor downside was that each bowl came with very few toppings by default, requiring payment for additional ones. However, for me, the extra toppings were worth it.
- bento boxesDon't recommend the bento boxes
- brothWhile the ramen itself was tasty, I found the portion of broth to be disappointingly small. A good broth is the heart of any ramen, and there simply wasn’t enough to fully enjoy the dish. When I asked if I could have a bit more broth for my leftover noodles, I was surprised to be told that I’d need to purchase a broth-to-go option for $7.
- broth temperaturehasn't as hot when it came out. So the broth and noodle didn't maintain
- chopstickI got fungus/rotten chopstick in the seal bag
- everything elseMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The miso tonkotsu broth was pretty good, but unfortunately, everything else was uninspiring. I would not recommend the bento boxes.
- foodI cannot support this restaurant due to their poor values. They offer mediocre food in exchange for your money.
If you're seeking a truly flavorful ramen experience with rich broths and tender chashu, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few guests have noted issues with broth temperature or portion sizes, so you might want to ask for extra hot or be prepared to add on toppings.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
It looks like the service here is generally a hit, scoring a good 8.2 and boasting a good 83.2% customer satisfaction! Many guests, in 79 positive remarks out of 95 total, raved about the great service and friendly staff, often singling out specific servers like YILEI for their attentiveness and speed. However, its not all sunshine, as 13 negative comments pointed to occasional slow service, with some even mentioning grumpy staff or issues with certain policies.
While these instances are fewer, they suggest theres still room for improvement in consistency.
Service
95
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Personalized customer care
What people don't like
- Slow service times
- Grumpy staff attitude
- Unreasonable policies
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a treasure with amazing food and wonderful service. I highly recommend the chicken paitan ramen.
- staffIt's even tastier than some ramen shops in Japan. The service was a bit slow, but the staff were super nice. I take responsibility for that as I visited during rush hour.
- ServiceIt came a long way from first open, great place now, highly recommend the spicy miso ramen and karaage. Service is still excellent.
- customer serviceexcellent customer service from our waitress
- great serviceprovided great service
- serverThe restaurant offers a variety of table sizes and a bar area. Despite having only one server, she was incredibly quick and attentive to all incoming guests and existing tables, proving to be a friendly and hard worker. We started with appetizers to share: squid karaage, chicken gyoza, and pork gyoza, giving us time to decide on our main meals.
- waitressour waitress. She is usually the only one taking everyone's order, but still manages to be so personable and polite.
- Chef AndrewThe chef Andrew was so kind
- SamanthaChef Andrew was so kind and clearly took the time to create a beautiful presentation. Samantha was thoughtful and attended to all my needs promptly! I highly recommend this place!
- ServerServer was super fun and friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service. I would recommend saving your time and going anywhere else in the area.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the grumpy agitated staff. Even if the ramen were the best in the world, which it is not, it would be best to avoid this place.
- W2 tax formThe staff is short, and the owners seem to have anger issues. I was fired for no reason, and to add to the negative experience, I received my W2 tax form over 30 days late. I cannot support this restaurant due to their poor values.
- closing timewas reminded that they close at 9:45
- kitchen and servicekitchen and service... is simply too slow
- ownersthe owners have anger issues
- policy50. This policy felt a bit unreasonable, especially considering I wasn’t asking for a full serving, just enough to finish the meal. While the flavors of the ramen were good, the overall experience left me with mixed feelings.
- waitMy normal ramen place had an extra long wait, and we were starving so we figured we would try a place we've never been before, and ended up here. It did not disappoint!
Overall, you can expect a largely positive experience with friendly and attentive service. While there might be occasional slowdowns, the staff generally goes above and beyond, making it a place worth trying for good customer care.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here really shines, earning a 8.3 score, which is quite good. With 87.8% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks are loving it.
Based on 43 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the casual atmosphere, plenty of parking, and the overall cleanliness and modern atmosphere that makes the space feel welcoming. However, no place is without its quirks. Among the 49 total opinions, 3 did point out some areas for improvement.
A few found the seating to be limited and some felt the atmosphere was a bit weak. There was also a specific mention of a constant beeping noise from the kitchen, which could be a minor distraction for some.
Ambience
49
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Casual atmosphere
- Plenty of parking
- Clean and cozy
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Kitchen beeping noise
Often praised
- atmospheregood to come with a friend, you feel like you can take your time eatting and conversing here
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- seatingthere's plenty of seating
- Casual atmosphereCasual atmosphere
- Lots of parkingLots of parking
- ParkingPlenty of parking
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- Saturday morningit's not very busy on a Saturday morning
- ambiancethe ambiance was pleasant
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is weak
- beeping noiseconstant beeping noise from the kitchen
- seatingthe seating is limited
If youre seeking a comfortable, clean, and family-friendly spot with hassle-free parking, this place is a solid bet. Just be mindful that seating can be limited, and there might be a bit of kitchen noise. Its a great choice for a generally pleasant dining experience.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place generally hits the mark! Many customers rave about the reasonably priced options and overall affordability, especially highlighting the fantastic weekday lunch specials and happy hour deals. The restaurant scores a respectable 6.8 for value, with 13 positive remarks out of 19 total, suggesting many find the portions fair for the cost.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 68.4%, indicating a bit of a mixed bag. Some patrons feel the prices can be a smidge high, suggesting the overall value isn't always there for what you get. A few comments mention it can be too pricey for certain items, with specific concerns about a broth-to-go option.
These points come from 4 negative comments.
Value
19
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch specials
- Excellent happy hour
- Fairly priced food
What people don't like
- Prices can be high
- Value can disappoint
Often praised
- Price per personchicken karrage (only 3 bucks from lunch combo)
- pricefor the price ($16) I can't complain
- Fairly pricedFairly priced for Japanese food as well
- Happy hour specialcomplete with the Happy hour special
- additional toppingspay for additional toppings but it was worth it
- affordabilityit's also more affordable
- happy hourHappy hour is a good deal too
- price rangebest Japanese food anywhere near this price range
- pricesPrices are very fair
- reasonably pricedReasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- broth-to-go optionpurchase a broth-to-go option for $7.50
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it's too pricey for what you get. I'm not saying the food is bad, but it just isn't that great to warrant $15+ per bowl of rice or ramen.
- pricesI found the prices a smidge expensive
- valuestheir values are poor
If you're hunting for a good deal, especially during lunch or happy hour, this spot offers solid value. However, be mindful that some regular menu items might feel a bit pricey for what you receive, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at Isshido?
You’re looking at roughly $22 per person – reported by 91 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.
Interestingly, while the average is $22, the majority of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a good mix, with options for both budget-friendly and slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 91 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Ramen Restaurant, especially given the variety of spending options available. It seems like you can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank, or splurge a little if you wish!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Isshido
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Ramen and Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the most delicious ramen I've ever tasted in San Diego. What was particularly great was that there was no wait time, so we were served immediately.
The staff member, YILEI, was incredibly nice, sweet, and very attentive, providing excellent service throughout our meal.
- ramen10
- wait time10
- YILEI10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Consistently Excellent Food and Service
My husband and I have been dining at Isshido for over three years, and each visit is a delight. The staff are incredibly friendly and sociable, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere. The food is consistently above and beyond, with clear love and care put into every dish.
We will definitely continue to return for more.
- staff10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Nice place, but watch out for chopsticks!
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food quality was average overall, though the ramen was good. The place itself is very nice, with a clean and neat bar and counter area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
However, there was a significant issue with the one-time chopsticks provided; they couldn't control the quality, and I received a fungus/rotten chopstick in a sealed bag. This was a major drawback.
- food quality5
- ramen7
- place8
- one-time chopstick2
- chopstick1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Service and Delicious Food!
My wife loves coming here for their curry, and it never disappoints. My daughter always orders their tonkatsu ramen with yellow chewy noodles. I normally get the black mayo ramen, but this time around I decided to get the squid karage curry, and that was delicious as well.
The one thing that always brings us back is the excellent customer service from our waitress. She is usually the only one taking everyone's order, but still manages to be so personable and polite. This time around she kept refilling our tea with hot water just so it didn't get cold from the AC.
One thing especially I like here is that she doesn't allow you to pack your leftovers, but she does it herself, just so it's perfectly placed in your To-Go container. That extra added touch of customer service is why we are regulars here. When you do the small stuff to take care of your customers, it goes a long way with us.
- curry9
- tonkatsu ramen8
- yellow chewy noodles8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Solid Bento and Ramen Experience
My experience at the restaurant was solid! I had the Teriyaki Salmon Bento and three different ramen bowls. All of them were solid, and the black garlic ramen, described as 'ying yang, ' was a super nice touch.
The presentation was also solid.
- Teriyaki Salmon Bento8
- ramen bowls8
- black garlic ramen9
What Isshido offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Isshido?
At Isshido, you can enjoy a variety of service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. For dining, you’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner available with comfortable seating and table service. They also offer catering and delicious desserts.
Does Isshido offer accessibility features and convenient parking?
Yes, Isshido is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You’ll also appreciate the free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. Inside, you can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi and a clean restroom.
How does Isshido generally perform?
Isshido scores 8.3 overall, with Food (8.4), Ambience (8.3), and Service (8.2) receiving good marks. Value (6.8) is also considered good, though it’s a point of discussion for some.
What do customers enjoy most about Isshido?
Diners frequently praise the delicious and savory ramen, especially the broth and chashu. The attentive and personable service, along with a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of parking, are also highly regarded.
Are there any common concerns at Isshido?
Some customers have noted issues with ramen being barely warm or having small broth portions. There are also occasional mentions of slow service and the atmosphere feeling weak or noisy.