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oChef » Kio Ramen – San Francisco
Kio Ramen - San Francisco
Photo from Kio Ramen
Kio Ramen at a glance
San Francisco Outer Richmond
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#1743 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#141 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
257
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Ramen broth
- Friendly service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Food inconsistency
- Loud environment
The restaurant Kio Ramen, a Japanese Restaurant located in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy and casual atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment.
You’ll find a menu featuring healthy options alongside a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
Overview: Introducting Kio Ramen
Kio Ramen offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its warm and genuine service and a cozy ambience. Many find the food satisfying, with particular appreciation for the ramen’s rich broth.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in food preparation. While the overall atmosphere is inviting, be prepared for potential delays in service during busy times.
The restaurant aims to provide good value, though opinions on specific dishes can vary. It’s a spot that balances its strengths with a few areas for improvement.
Good
6.9
out of 10
257
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
68
negative
14
neutral
175
positive
Kio Ramen garners an overall Restaurant Score of 6.9, placing it in the average range. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 68.1%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception among diners.
With 175 positive remarks against 68 negative ones out of 257 total comments, there’s a clear lean towards favorable experiences. Digging deeper, the Ambience (7.7) and Service (7.4) stand out as strong points, often contributing positively to the dining experience.
The Food (6.7) and Value (6.8) scores hover in the average territory, suggesting that while many enjoy their meals and find the pricing fair, there’s room for more consistent excellence across the menu.
What people like
- Delicious ramen broth
- Warm, genuine service
- Cozy, clean ambiance
What people don't like
- Long service wait times
- Inconsistent food preparation
- Disruptive noise levels
Kio Ramen holds a Recommendation Score of 7.2, suggesting it’s a place worth considering. If you appreciate a welcoming atmosphere and don’t mind a potential wait for a satisfying bowl of ramen, this spot could be a good fit for you.
However, be mindful of possible inconsistencies in dish quality and occasional noise. It’s a neighborhood spot with heart, but managing expectations regarding service speed and overall food execution will lead to a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kio Ramen
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here gets a solid 6.7, indicating a generally good culinary experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.9%. With 112 positive remarks out of 178 total comments, many rave about the delicious ramen, often highlighting large portions, good flavor, and excellent vegan options. Specialties like the black garlic ramen and Kio Special Ramen frequently earn high praise.
However, 52 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. Several diners found the ramen to be overly salty or noted a weak broth flavor. Issues like overcooked pork, soft noodles, or other ingredients being under-seasoned also cropped up, leading to a somewhat inconsistent dining experience.
Food
178
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
52
negative
14
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen options
- Generous portion sizes
- Good flavor variety
What people don't like
- Ramen can be salty
- Broth flavor inconsistent
- Overcooked ingredients common
Often praised
- foodIt’s a small family-run spot, so service can take a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait. The food and service are warm, genuine, and never disappoint.
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with incredibly delicious ramen. I highly recommend the black garlic ramen, though all the ramen options are great.
- brothMy experience at Kio Ramen on Balboa Street was absolutely fantastic! The Pork House Ramen was perfection, featuring a rich, savory broth and tender, flavorful pork. I also enjoyed pairing it with their house red wine, which was a surprisingly great choice that enhanced the meal.
- black garlic ramenMy go-to is the black garlic ramen since it has a very good and intense flavor
- FoodFood:5
- RamenBest Ramen in San Francisco. Truly Delicious!
- flavorthe flavor & energy was what mattered most to me
- Beef Udonand Beef Udon
- Big bowlsBig bowls so if you're a person who doesn't eat lots prepare for left overs!
- Japanese drinksgreat selection of Japanese drinks
Frequently criticized
- ramenThe ramen noodles tasted like packaged noodles, and the broth flavor was weak. I've had a lot of ramen, and this is by far the worst I've ever had. Our service was also problematic.
- brothI ordered the lobster tonkotsu. The broth was a bit thin and lacked the rich, collagenous feel of a long-boiled pork broth. The egg was overcooked, showing a sulfury grey ring around the yolk.
- eggThe egg was over boiled hard
- grilled squidgrilled squid that was frozen and tasted like rubber
- noodlesThe noodles were a bit soft
- porkMy pork was extremely DRY like it had been sitting out all day dry and it was very over done
- tonkatsutonkatsu was very fatty
- Japanese cuisine100% NOT Japanese cuisine
- Kio Specialit was to salty for me
- bambooThe bamboo was overseasoned, yet still too firm
If youre craving delicious ramen with generous portions and dont mind a bit of inconsistency, this spot could be worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lean salty or have less flavorful broth, so manage your expectations.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a good score of 7.4 and a solid 76.1% customer satisfaction. Many guests praise the friendly and nice staff, often noting that food came out quickly. With 35 positive remarks out of 46 total, it's clear that the servers frequently deliver a great experience.
However, there are occasional bumps. A few guests reported delays and long waiting times for food, sometimes due to slow food preparation. With 11 negative remarks, it seems that while the staff is generally good, some experiences with the waiter or timing can lead to frustration.
Service
46
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick food delivery
- Kid-friendly service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow food prep
- Missed orders
Often praised
- serviceIt’s a small family-run spot, so service can take a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait. The food and service are warm, genuine, and never disappoint.
- staffAlthough there was a slight delay with my friend's sandwich, all the entrees were great. The staff was super nice. I highly recommend coming here for an overall good experience!
- ServiceService:5
- serversthe servers are very efficient
- foodthe food comes out pretty quickly
- food came outFood came out relatively quick.
- kid-friendlinessWas kids friendly, we asked for just soup with noodles for the kids since they don't eat the vegetables and meat and they were nice to accommodate that no problem
- peopleThe people were lovely
- table providedthey delivered the spicy pork ramen outside to us to eat at a table they provided
- takeout sushiThe spicy tuna is a favorite. We experienced quick and nice service for dine-in, and it's also convenient for takeout sushi.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food quality is always the same and always great. It’s a small family-run spot, so service can take a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait. The food and service are warm, genuine, and never disappoint.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was regrettable due to the ridiculous wait. It took 33 minutes to get a single bowl of ramen.
- appetizersThey didn't bring out one of our appetizers until after our we reminded them twice
- bowls of ramenOut of the four of us they brought out two bowls of ramen and the other two didn't get their ramen until about 10 minutes later
- delaya bit delayed getting out my friend's sandwich
- slow food preparationslow food preparation
- specialty drinksI didn't receive mine until the ramen came out and I politely asked twice
- wait for foodthe wait for the food was a bit long
- waiterThe waiter didn't communicate any issues the kitchen was having or our orders or anything
Overall, you can expect good service with a friendly staff, making it a pleasant dining experience. Just be prepared for the possibility of a longer wait during busy times, but the food and genuine warmth often make it worth it.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the atmosphere! The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and leaving a solid 86.2% of customers feeling satisfied. With 25 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the atmosphere for being cozy, welcoming, and often having modern vibes.
Many also appreciate the cleanliness and surprisingly accessible parking, making it a pleasant neighborhood spot. However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 4 negative comments highlight some potential downsides. A few found the ambiance horrible, specifically mentioning a cook blasting 90s pop music or children screamed throughout their meal.
So, while mostly positive, be aware of potential noise or music preferences that might not suit everyone.
Ambience
29
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Clean and decorated
- Accessible parking
What people don't like
- Loud 90s pop
- Screaming children
Often praised
- atmosphereI was amazed by the ramen, which offered a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The service was incredibly friendly, contributing to an unpretentious and authentic atmosphere. It's definitely a hidden gem and absolutely worth a visit.
- parkingThe restaurant offers a lot of flavor and good prices. What makes it even better is the location; it’s a good distance from the busy areas so you don’t have to struggle to look for parking.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationthe location, it’s a good distance
- ambienceambience is super cozy
- cleanlinessThe place is clean
- cozyThe area is small but cozy
- modern vibesI want to emphasize how really, really good it was. The restaurant itself has a quaint feel with somewhat modern vibes. A pleasant surprise was how quick the food came out.
- neighborhood restaurantGreat neighborhood restaurant!
- nicely decoratednicely decorated neighborhood place
Frequently criticized
- 90s popcook blasted 90s pop
- ambiancethe ambiance was horrible as well
- children screamedchildren screamed throughout our meal
- trash placeWhat a trash place.
If youre seeking a generally cozy, clean, and welcoming spot with convenient parking, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. Just be mindful that on some occasions, the music choice or noise levels might not be to everyone's taste.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 6.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75%, its clear many folks feel theyre getting a good deal. Out of 4 remarks, 3 highlight the appealing price and prices, with some even saying its worth the time for what you get.
However, not everyone agrees, as one out of 4 comments points out a potential downside. While most find the value good, theres a strong sentiment from one diner that it was a waste of money and time for certain items, suggesting consistency might be an issue.
Value
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Worth the time
What people don't like
- Waste of money
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great ramen which was also offered at a great price. The restaurant itself was also very clean.
- pricesThis was my first time here and I’m impressed. The restaurant offers a lot of flavor and good prices. What makes it even better is the location; it’s a good distance from the busy areas so you don’t have to struggle to look for parking.
- worth the timeDefinitely worth the time!!
Frequently criticized
- money and timeThe gyoza was also TRASH. This was a BIG WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME. Anyone who thinks this place is good clearly does not know what good food is!
If youre looking for a place where your money generally goes far, this restaurant is a solid bet. Most diners praise the appealing prices and feel its worth the visit, though be mindful that some specific items might not live up to expectations.
How are the prices at Kio Ramen?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 23 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are clustering in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets, showing a clear focus on that sweet spot of mid-range pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Its a good spot if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kio Ramen
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Consistently Excellent Ramen, Worth the Wait
My experience at Kio Ramen was consistently excellent. The food quality is always the same and always great. It’s a small family-run spot, so service can take a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait.
The food and service are warm, genuine, and never disappoint.
- food quality10
- wait8
- food9
- service4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Perfect Early Evening Dinner Spot
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The food was delicious, and it's never busy, making it the perfect spot for an early evening dinner. The staff was very nice.
- food10
- staff9
- dinner8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Ramen Experience
My experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. I ordered the vegan miso "Black garlic Ramen" and found it to be too salty. My husband's Kio ramen was also problematic, as he felt the chicken was poorly cooked.
- vegan miso "Black garlic Ramen"2
- chicken in Kio ramen3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hidden Gem with Delicious Ramen
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with incredibly delicious ramen. I highly recommend the black garlic ramen, though all the ramen options are great.
They are very accommodating for families; we brought our 3-year-old and ordered him a side of noodles with an egg, which was a perfect kids size option. The service was excellent (rated 5/5), and the atmosphere was also top-notch (rated 5/5). We found plenty of parking, and reservations were not required.
- ramen10
- black garlic ramen10
- kids size option9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Kio Ramen: A Gem in the Outer Richmond!
My experience at Kio Ramen on Balboa Street was absolutely fantastic! The Pork House Ramen was perfection, featuring a rich, savory broth and tender, flavorful pork. I also enjoyed pairing it with their house red wine, which was a surprisingly great choice that enhanced the meal.
Finding parking was surprisingly accessible for San Francisco, a definite plus. The staff was incredibly friendly, creating a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect cozy spot for a homey, comforting meal before exploring the area's breathtaking views.
A fun note: my chopsticks had a bit of an adventure with how good the ramen was! I'd give it five stars without a doubt.
- Pork House Ramen10
- broth9
- pork9
What Kio Ramen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Table service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Kio Ramen accessible for everyone?
Yes, Kio Ramen is designed to be inclusive. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all guests.
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Kio Ramen?
At Kio Ramen, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They also offer catering services and are a good choice if you’re dining with kids.
What is the overall verdict for Kio Ramen, and how do its key aspects score?
Kio Ramen receives an overall Restaurant Score of 6.9. Its Ambience (7.7) and Service (7.4) are generally well-regarded, while Food (6.7) and Value (6.8) are considered average, indicating a mixed but often pleasant experience.
Can I expect quick service at Kio Ramen?
While many appreciate the warm and genuine staff, some diners have experienced longer wait times and delays in food preparation, so service speed can be inconsistent.
Is the ramen at Kio Ramen consistently good?
Many praise the delicious ramen, especially the rich broth and specific options like black garlic ramen. However, some opinions mention inconsistent dish quality, including issues with noodles, broth flavor, or meat preparation.