Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Mensho Tokyo SF – San Francisco
Mensho Tokyo SF - San Francisco
Photo from Mensho Tokyo SF
Mensho Tokyo SF at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 167 of the guests
#942 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
765
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Ramen excellence
- Service efficiency
- Atmosphere charm
Frequently criticized
- Wait times
- Price point
- Neighborhood concern
The ramen restaurant Mensho Tokyo SF invites you to a culinary journey in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon. You’ll discover a trendy and cozy spot perfect for a casual meal.
This popular destination is known for its authentic ramen, offering a memorable dining experience whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner. It’s a place where you can enjoy delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Mensho Tokyo SF
Mensho Tokyo SF is frequently celebrated for its exceptional ramen, with many guests highlighting the rich broth and perfectly crafted noodles as standout features. The overall dining experience often leaves a strong positive impression.
However, potential diners should be aware of possible extended wait times, and while service is generally good, some find the value proposition less compelling, with a few noting the surrounding environment.
Good
7.7
out of 10
765
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
139
negative
84
neutral
542
positive
Mensho Tokyo SF achieves a solid overall score of 7.7, reflecting a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 70.8%, indicating a positive sentiment among diners, drawn from 765 customer remarks, including 542 positive and 139 negative observations.
The Food (8.2) is a clear highlight, consistently praised as a major draw. Service (7.4) also performs well, contributing positively to the experience.
While Ambience (6.7) is considered good, the Value (4.4) score suggests it’s an area where opinions are more mixed, with some finding it on the pricier side.
What people like
- Exceptional ramen quality
- Efficient, friendly service
- Pleasant, intimate atmosphere
What people don't like
- Significant wait times
- Perceived high prices
- Challenging neighborhood environment
With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, Mensho Tokyo SF is certainly worth considering if you prioritize outstanding ramen. Be prepared for a wait, but many find the culinary reward justifies the patience.
If you’re seeking a top-tier ramen experience and don’t mind a bustling environment or a higher price point, this spot delivers. However, those sensitive to wait times or neighborhood surroundings might want to plan accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mensho Tokyo SF
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here is a real highlight, boasting a good score of 8.2 and 78.6% customer satisfaction, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from 361 out of 459 comments. Diners rave about the incredibly flavorful and rich broth, perfectly crafted noodles, and delicious vegan options. Appetizers like enoki chips and wagyu sushi also get high praise, making for a true flavor explosion.
However, not everyone is convinced, with 58 negative comments mentioning issues like artificial-tasting soup, falling-apart noodles, or some vegan options being too sour or bitter. A few found the broth too salty or lacking depth, and some felt the hype was unwarranted, occasionally noting bland or underwhelming ramen.
Food
459
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
58
negative
40
neutral
361
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful, rich broth
- Perfect noodle texture
- Diverse vegan options
What people don't like
- Artificial soup taste
- Noodles fall apart
- Sour/bitter vegan options
Often praised
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The food was a true work of art, easily the best ramen I’ve had in my entire life. The atmosphere and service were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- foodIf you're visiting San Francisco, it's a must to go there! 🍜 The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were equally impressive with scores of 5. The moderate noise level contributed to a pleasant dining experience.
- broth🌏🍜 The creamy veggie ramen here is nothing short of legendary — rich, perfectly balanced, and deeply satisfying. The broth feels like it’s been simmering for centuries (in the best way possible), the noodles have that perfect chew, and every bite makes you wonder why you ever ate ramen anywhere else. Yes, there’s usually a line — but honestly, that’s just the universe’s way of making sure you’re ready to fully appreciate what’s coming.
- FoodThe service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also good, rated 4/5. Food quality was top-notch, receiving a 5/5. It's a walk-in only establishment with a wait time of 10-30 minutes.
- noodles🌏🍜 The creamy veggie ramen here is nothing short of legendary — rich, perfectly balanced, and deeply satisfying. The broth feels like it’s been simmering for centuries (in the best way possible), the noodles have that perfect chew, and every bite makes you wonder why you ever ate ramen anywhere else. Yes, there’s usually a line — but honestly, that’s just the universe’s way of making sure you’re ready to fully appreciate what’s coming.
- Ramenvery good if you love a great Ramen
- signature ramenMy experience at this Japanese ramen restaurant was fantastic. I had their best signature ramen, which was incredibly delicious with a perfect al dente ramen texture. The soup was also very tasty.
- wagyu sushiWe ordered the signature and classic Toripaitan, a side of chili carrots, fried spicy enoki, and the corn wings. We also tried the wagyu sushi. I hope we get to visit again; it was a super memorable experience.
- best ramenSome of the best ramen I’ve ever had!
- enoki chipsThe toppings were great too, especially the carrots, which added a perfect texture and flavor. I also tried the enoki chips (loved them) but the real surprise were the corn wings, these were unexpectedly delicious.
Frequently criticized
- ramenMy experience here was with average/below average ramen. We came here after reading all the raving reviews of “best ramen in sf, ” lol, these people shouldn’t be writing reviews.
- brothRegarding the food, it was just okay. The spicy lamb ramen had a very small amount of lamb, and the broth was too salty for my taste. The portions felt stingy, and the bill of $95 for two people was overpriced considering the quality and quantity.
- noodlesthe noodles were falling apart and just bad
- GKO ramenGKO is so over powering with garlic flavor
- Signature Tori PaitanThis was honestly the worst meal I’ve ever had. I ordered the Signature Tori Paitan 鶏白湯 (that was a mistake?). The soup tasted artificial, almost like it was trying to be smoky, and the noodles were falling apart and just bad.
- Signature ramenwas still not rich enough
- Vegan G.K.O.Vegan G.K.O. was garlicky as promised yes but it was so sourrr and bitter
- Vegan Garlic Knock OutGarlic Knock Out was difficult to enjoy as it tasted overly bitter
- Vegan TantanmenVegan Tantanmen so sour tasted like drinking Kale juice , extremely bitter
- actual ramenIf you enjoy eating something that is tasty for your local palate, you will like it. But if you want to eat an actual ramen, this isn’t the place. I do not understand the hype.
If you're seeking an exceptional ramen experience with rich broths and fantastic vegan choices, this place is often a flavor explosion and well worth trying. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes or broths might occasionally miss the mark, so choose your bowl carefully.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, scoring a solid 7.4. Many of the 126 positive comments highlight the friendly, attentive staff and prompt, efficient service. Guests frequently mention that the experience is worth the wait, often praising the organized queue management and quick food delivery once seated.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.1%, largely influenced by the 40 negative remarks. These often point to the long wait times, the lack of reservations, and the absence of takeout options. While the service itself is excellent, getting to that point can be a significant hurdle for some.
Service
185
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
40
negative
19
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Prompt, efficient service
- Organized queue management
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- No reservations
- No takeout option
Often praised
- serviceWe experienced moderate noise, which was fine, and the wait time was between 10-30 minutes. The service was also rated a 5/5.
- ServiceWe often run into newbies waiting in line and tell them that it’s worth the wait! Service is also always great.
- waitVisiting from Northern Alberta, Canada, I’ve had Mensho on my must-try list for a while and it did not disappoint. The 45-minute wait was expected, but so worth it. This was hands-down the best ramen I’ve ever had, incredibly flavorful, rich broth, and perfectly crafted noodles.
- wait timeI highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians, as they have a dedicated vegetarian menu or section. The wait time was up to 10 minutes, which is quite reasonable. The meal was lunch, and the price per person was around $20–30.
- lineThere’s always a line at this spot—even on weekdays—but it moves surprisingly fast! I got there around 6: 30pm and watched the line grow, yet the staff kept everything flowing efficiently. First impression?
- staffThere’s always a line at this spot—even on weekdays—but it moves surprisingly fast! I got there around 6: 30pm and watched the line grow, yet the staff kept everything flowing efficiently. First impression?
- serverYuti was an amazing server
- serversWhat's impressive is that there's a 30-40 minute line to get in. When they give you a table, which by the way has very limited space, the servers are super friendly and the food arrives in 10 minutes maximum. The flavor is INCREDIBLE, it's truly 100% worth it, the flavor is unique.
- waiting timeAmbiance is straightforward and all about the history, resources, and art of making ramen. We waited 1 hour 15 minutes to get in the door and it was very, very well worth it. (Ps.
- SueThe (signature) ramen was unlike any ramen either of us have ever had, both the thick wheat noodles and the creamy rich broth. Sue was super kind and brought the menu to us while we were in line outside, to have our food ready when we sat down. The manager/chef also came out and was very friendly and receptive to our sincere compliments.
Frequently criticized
- waitLast time, we had to wait longer because they only allow complete parties. I would definitely recommend this place and go back, but it's not worth waiting an hour.
- wait timeThe soup tasted artificial, almost like it was trying to be smoky, and the noodles were falling apart and just bad. I waited in line for over an hour and had high expectations because of all the positive reviews, but I was really disappointed. I’m Japanese, and I don’t think most Japanese people could eat this.
- long lineI went because it was close to my accommodation, and it seems to be a popular local restaurant, always with a long line. I'd say it's like a fusion Japanese ramen.
- serviceThe service was not good either
- linesThe presentation of the food was also great. The space is small and intimate, which means lines get long, but it's definitely worth the wait. It's conveniently located close enough to the theater district.
- waiting timeWe waited 20 minutes and really disliked the experience. We regretted deciding to eat there.
- linethere was a long line
- 20-minute wait20-minute wait I had
- dine in ruletold us that both of us had to either order one ramen each or one ramen plus five appetizers, or we couldn't dine in.
- hour-long waitWe stood in line for about an hour
If youre willing to brave a potential wait, youll likely be rewarded with excellent, friendly, and efficient service. Just be prepared for the queue, as reservations aren't an option, and plan to dine in for the full experience.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot lands a 6.7 score, which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 52%. Many diners, based on 51 positive remarks out of 98 total, loved the cozy atmosphere, quiet noise level, and the fun of watching the kitchen through the window. Thoughtful touches like plastic dividers and places for your bag also earned praise.
However, the experience isn't without its snags, with 28 negative comments highlighting a cramped space and crowded atmosphere. Some found the neighborhood a bit sketchy, and parking difficulties were a common complaint. While the score is good, the mixed satisfaction suggests these issues can definitely impact your overall visit.
Ambience
98
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
28
negative
19
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate vibe
- Quiet noise level
- Kitchen viewing window
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Parking challenges
Often praised
- atmosphereIf you're visiting San Francisco, it's a must to go there! 🍜 The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were equally impressive with scores of 5. The moderate noise level contributed to a pleasant dining experience.
- AtmosphereThe Spicy Enoki chips were just okay, not outstanding. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also good, rated 4/5. Food quality was top-notch, receiving a 5/5.
- noise levelNoise level: Quiet, easy to talk.
- spaceSmall and intimate space
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambienceambience of a classic and tiny ramen shop
- bar seatingHad one of the bar seatinga
- basket where i could place my coatand a basket where i could place my coat
- environmentgood environment.
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was awesome! I've eaten ramen all across the world, including Japan, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Frequently criticized
- environmentThe wagyu also looked very tasty 😋. On the other hand, it’s a bit of a pity that the environment next to the place can be discouraging as there are some zombie-like looking people walking around.
- neighborhoodThe negatives were: 1. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy. 2.
- AtmosphereAmbiente etwas ungemütlich/laut/eng/wuselig
- Parking optionsParking options:Parking is unavailable
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- Tenderloin locationthe experience of just waiting to get in completely ruined the meal for us
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:No
- air qualitythe air smelled like a mix of urine and weed
- ambientI went alone and they can easily support your solo dining for sure. About the ambient, it’s crowded and loud. Unfortunately, not everything is perfect but I was okay because I expected it.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
If youre looking for a cozy, intimate ramen experience and dont mind a potentially cramped space or a challenging neighborhood, this place could be a soul-satisfying treat. However, if spaciousness, easy parking, or a pristine environment are high on your list, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience to be worth the money, praising fair prices and noting it wasnt "too expensive. " Based on 4 positive opinions out of 23 total, theres a glimmer of appreciation for what you get, often mentioning money and prices. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a 4.4 score indicating an average perception, and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 17.4%.
Many felt it was definitely on the pricier side, with sky high prices and premium prices being common complaints. The 13 negative comments often highlighted charging extra for items and an overpriced bill.
Value
23
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Pricier side
- Overpriced bill
- Extra charges
Often praised
- priceWell worth the price.
- moneyThe only downsides to consider are the wait and the cramped seats/crowded atmosphere. Otherwise, it's worth trying out and definitely worth the money!
- pricesFair prices
Frequently criticized
- priceFinally, it was our turn, and then we were told that both of us had to order one ramen each or one ramen plus five appetizers, or we couldn't dine in. We didn’t want to spend $60 just for dinner, so we chose to order one ramen and take it to-go. Then the waitress said we should wait outside as we couldn't sit inside the restaurant.
- pricesscheinen sich die Preise monatlich zu erhöhen, die Karten von Juli (geschweigedenn die eigens angegebenen Preise) waren im August nicht mehr aktuell
- pricier sideIt’s definitely on the pricier side
- PricesThe restaurant space is small, with mostly high seating and cubicle-style dividers between tables. Prices are on the higher side across the menu. If you're looking for creative, Instagram-worthy ramen and don't mind paying premium prices, it's worth a visit.
- billthe bill came out to about $95 for two people — overpriced
- charging extracharging 8-10$ extra for each ramen is just ridiculous
- chilli oilcharging money for chilli oil is diabolical
- premium pricesPrices are on the higher side across the menu. If you're looking for creative, Instagram-worthy ramen and don't mind paying premium prices, it's worth a visit. Just manage expectations, especially on the price, if you prefer traditional ramen flavors.
- price to qualitybetter price to quality wise
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your spot, as many find it quite expensive. However, if you dont mind paying a premium for the experience and aren't focused on strict value for money, you might still enjoy it. Just be prepared for the bill.
How are the prices at Mensho Tokyo SF?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 167 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Ramen Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 36, it’s interesting to see that a large number of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a good mix of options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 167 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar ones in San Francisco.
For a Ramen Restaurant in San Francisco, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a quick, affordable bowl and those wanting to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mensho Tokyo SF
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Worth the Wait for Amazing Ramen!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing. We waited outside for about an hour on a Saturday around 6pm, but it was absolutely worth it and I would have waited even longer! I had the signature ramen and the enoki, and my partner had the wagyu – both were delish!
I'm already planning another trip back! Highly recommend!
- food10
- wait time9
- signature ramen10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Consistently Incredible Ramen Experience
My experience at this restaurant has been a mandatory ramen stop on every San Francisco trip. I have yet to be disappointed or underwhelmed. The broth and noodles have been incredible every single time.
I've never regretted getting there early and queuing up! This is a walk-in only establishment with a wait time of 10-30 minutes. The price per person ranges from $30-$50.
For vegetarians, the offerings are clearly labeled and highly recommended. The atmosphere, service, and food all received a perfect score of 5. The noise level is quiet, making it easy to talk.
- broth and noodles10
- ramen stop9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Chicken Broth Highlight, Flavor Lacking
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The only highlight was the chicken broth. I ordered the spicy variant and unfortunately, I had to pay extra to get spicy sauce to actually add some flavor to it.
The overall food quality was rated a 2, and the service was also rated a low 1. The atmosphere received a rating of 2, with a moderate noise level. For a group of 3-4 people, the price per person was $30–50, and the wait time was 10-30 minutes.
- chicken broth9
- noise level5
- price per person5
- spicy variant3
- spicy sauce3
- food quality2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Excellent Ramen, Fast Service!
My experience at the restaurant was great. I really enjoyed the ramen, which was of good quality. The service was also very fast.
The place is small, so normally you have to wait outside. I highly recommend it!
- ramen9
- good quality8
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Favorite Ramen Spot!
Mensho Tokyo SF has become my absolute favorite ramen restaurant since my first visit in 2022. I consistently bring friends and family here, and they all love it too! My top choices are the Spicy Garlic Knockout with Ajitama and the Spicy Toripaitan with Ajitama.
Every component of the ramen is incredibly delicious, from the broth and egg to the noodle texture and toppings. I also highly recommend the Enoki Chips appetizer. The service is outstanding, with extremely kind and attentive servers.
Thank you, Mensho, for providing such a fantastic ramen experience!
- Spicy Garlic Knockout with Ajitama10
- Spicy Toripaitan with Ajitama10
- broth10
What Mensho Tokyo SF 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
- Vegan options
- Late-night food
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Mensho Tokyo SF accessible for all guests?
Yes, Mensho Tokyo SF is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for every visitor.
What kind of dining options and food choices can you expect at Mensho Tokyo SF?
At Mensho Tokyo SF, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner with comfortable seating and table service. They offer a diverse menu including vegan and vegetarian options, along with late-night food, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.
How does Mensho Tokyo SF generally score with diners?
Mensho Tokyo SF receives a good overall score of 7.7. Its Food (8.2) is highly rated, with Service (7.4) and Ambience (6.7) also performing well, though Value (4.4) is more average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Mensho Tokyo SF?
Diners consistently praise the exceptional quality of the ramen, highlighting the rich broth and perfectly crafted noodles as key strengths of the menu.
Should I expect a wait when visiting Mensho Tokyo SF?
Yes, many customers report significant wait times, often up to an hour, especially during peak hours, due to its popularity and walk-in only policy.