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oChef » Ramen Ryoma – San Diego
Ramen Ryoma - San Diego
Photo from Ramen Ryoma
Ramen Ryoma at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#575 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#11 Ramen Restaurant out of 11 in San Diego
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
450
Reviews
60.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Ramen
- Good Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Hidden Costs
The restaurant, a popular Ramen Restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood, invites you to experience authentic Japanese flavors. Step into the cozy atmosphere of Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest, where every bowl tells a story.
You’ll find a perfect spot for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even late-night cravings. This spot is known for its delicious ramen and welcoming vibe, making it a local favorite.
Overview: Introducting Ramen Ryoma
Ramen Ryoma offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its rich flavor and inviting atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the overall quality of the dishes, finding the food fresh and satisfying.
It’s a spot where the culinary offerings often hit the mark, making for an enjoyable meal. However, the experience can be a mixed bag, with some guests encountering issues with service attentiveness and unexpected charges on their bill.
While the setting is generally well-received, aspects like the music volume or parking can sometimes detract from the visit, suggesting room for refinement.
Good
6.3
out of 10
450
Reviews
60.9%
Satisfaction
153
negative
23
neutral
274
positive
Ramen Ryoma holds an overall score of 6.3, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 60.9%. This assessment is drawn from 450 customer opinions, comprising 274 positive and 153 negative remarks.
The Food (7) stands out as a strong point, consistently earning good marks for its quality and taste, while the Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively to the dining experience. On the other hand, Value (5.1) and Service (4.8) hover in the average range, indicating areas where experiences can vary.
While some find the pricing reasonable, others report issues with unexpected costs. Similarly, service can be attentive for some, but others note significant delays or inattentiveness from staff, impacting their overall visit.
What people like
- Flavorful ramen dishes
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Good affordability
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attentiveness
- Unexpected charges on bill
- Loud music/parking issues
If you’re primarily seeking well-prepared ramen and a generally pleasant setting, Ramen Ryoma is worth considering. The culinary offerings, particularly the ramen, are often highlighted as a strong suit, making it a good choice for a flavorful meal.
Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service. With a recommendation score of 6.3, it suggests a decent, albeit not outstanding, option.
It’s a place that delivers on its core food promise, but you might want to manage expectations regarding service efficiency and double-check your bill for any unexpected additions.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ramen Ryoma
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7, which is a good score! Many guests rave about the delicious flavor profiles, especially the ramen and sushi, with the fried chicken also getting shout-outs. Based on 156 positive remarks out of 232 total, it seems there's a lot to love on the menu.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 67.2%, indicating a mixed experience for some. A notable 56 negative comments point to issues like food being too salty, overcooked ingredients, or a lack of flavor in certain dishes. Some also found items like takoyaki or tempura to be soft or stale.
Food
232
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
56
negative
20
neutral
156
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen broth
- Fresh sushi options
- Amazing fried chicken
What people don't like
- Food often salty
- Overcooked ingredients
- Lacks flavor
Often praised
- foodWe initially came for ramen but ended up sampling many dishes, all of which exceeded expectations. From the moment we walked in and were greeted by the entire staff, to the fresh and beyond tasty food, and the numerous "thank yous" as we departed, the entire experience was remarkable. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be returning!
- ramenthe ramen put me to sleep! I felt like it was a warm blanket made with love and so much damn flavor!
- FoodThe Miso ramen and the mini chashu bowl hits every time! The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is great, making it a consistently enjoyable experience.
- Rameneverything was delicious ! Ramen
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything I tried was delicious, including the ramen, sushi 🍣 😋, pork, and steak. The customer service was also very good.
- flavorIt did have a decent flavor profile. The takoyaki was pretty good, but a little soft for my preference; however, the flavor was very nice. My main complaint was the music, which was a little too loud for a casual dining spot, making it feel more like a club at 1: 30 am on a Friday night.
- noodlesthe noodles are perfect, right level of chew
- Deluxe RamenI had a Deluxe Ramen with Miso soup
- beer selectionthe beer selection is on point
- dishesThe food was fresh and exceptional. I ordered 6 dishes to share with two other friends, and exactly everything was wonderful, from appetizers to dessert. The servers and staff were friendly and fast.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food wasn’t worth putting up with that kind of treatment
- takoyakiThe takoyaki however seemed like it was probably frozen and deep fried
- Alaskan SummerHowever, the Alaskan Summer fell very short of our expectations. It tasted overly fishy, mushy, and just not good. I’ve had baked salmon rolls before and loved them, so I was excited for this dish.
- brothexpected more flavor on the broth
- flavorcould use more flavor
- meatI got the Ramen and it gave me horrible food poisoning. The meat was probably spoiled. I will never go back.
- RamenGot the Ramen. The meat was probably spoiled
- appetizersthe ramen or appetizers were all below average quality
- basic bowlAlthough they had a few large tables to deal with, I observed multiple parties seated, served, and finished their meals, all of whom ordered after me. The miso broth is good, but it doesn't compensate for waiting 45 minutes for a basic bowl of broth and noodles. It would have been better if they had been honest about the delay, but they offered no reason for the long wait.
- burnt dishone of them was served burnt
If you're craving authentic ramen or fresh sushi, this place is definitely worth a try, as many find the food delicious. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning or texture, so manage your expectations for every item on the menu.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Many guests have found things to praise about the service, with 59 positive remarks highlighting great service, friendly staff, and fast service. Youll often hear about attentive servers and quick turnaround times, making for a pleasant dining experience, even though the overall score for service sits at an average 4.8. However, the service isnt always smooth sailing.
With 76 negative comments out of 137 total, issues like horrible service, long wait times, and inattentive staff frequently pop up. Some have even reported rude behavior or poor customer service, which contributes to the mixed 43.1% customer satisfaction.
Service
137
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
76
negative
2
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive staff
- Rude service
Often praised
- serviceWe were craving some late night ramen and this hit the spot. The experience was authentic and delicious, and the service was great. I highly recommend the garlic edamame and the butter corn ramen.
- staffstaff delivered at least one food for all of us at the same time
- ServiceService:5
- serverour server was available whenever we needed him
- waitressThe waitress was very nice to us
- Johnjohn was amazing and took very good care of us
- conveniencepleasantly surprised by the convenience
- customer serviceVery good customer service too
- employeesthe employees are always kind
- friendlinesspleasantly surprised by the friendliness
Frequently criticized
- serviceit is no excuse for such disgusting service to paying costumers.
- customer serviceThe customer service was terrible
- staffstaff informed me that this was how the dish is typically prepared
- waiting timeA significant inconvenience was that you can't order a miso soup alone; it requires ordering a ramen noodle soup. The waiting time was also an issue, as I had to wait outside for 20-30 minutes despite seeing empty tables. Additionally, there was no real parking availability.
- managerThe manager didn't care.
- serverOur server never once checked on us
- waitwaited 15 minutes, since no one would come over to assist me
- wait timeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by the most indifferent and careless service I have ever encountered. The waitstaff acted as if they were being forced to work there, and we had to wait forever just to place an order. They actively avoided making eye contact, making it clear that customer satisfaction is not a priority.
- waiterEven said something to the waiter and he never came back
- Bad serviceBad service !
If you're looking for quick and friendly interactions, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less attentive service, especially given the higher number of negative experiences reported. It seems to be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.3 and a strong 79.7% customer satisfaction. Many guests praise the clean, hip atmosphere and warm cozy vibe, making it excellent for a night out or a cute spot for a date. The cool location and awesome atmosphere indoors are frequently highlighted among the 51 positive remarks.
However, its not without its quirks, as 12 comments point out some drawbacks. The music can sometimes be terribly loud, with some noting how the building echoes can be distracting. Parking is also a recurring concern, with guests mentioning no real parking availability' and difficulty finding a spot.
Ambience
64
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere and vibe
- Good for dates
- Clean, spacious setting
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Difficult parking
- Building echoes
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were both top-notch
- AtmosphereThe Miso ramen and the mini chashu bowl hits every time! The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is great, making it a consistently enjoyable experience.
- locationVery nice location facilities wise
- musicMusic is very gay, like it is supposed to be
- placeReally good place in Hillcrest on University.
- spaceThe space was spacious and clean
- ambianceThe ramen was flavorful, and the pork curry was great with its pulled pork. The ambiance of the place is pretty cool. However, the Alaskan Summer fell very short of our expectations.
- ambientI especially enjoyed the sushi and appreciated the fresh sliced ginger. The atmosphere was also wonderful, with good music and a nice ambient setting. The service was excellent, and the food was top-notch.
- authentic experienceadds to the authentic experience
- awesome atmosphere indoorsawesome atmosphere indoors
Frequently criticized
- musicThe takoyaki, however, seemed like it was likely frozen and deep-fried rather than made with fresh batter on the pan. In terms of atmosphere, the volume of the music was a few notches too high, especially given how much the building echoes, which was a bit distracting from the dining experience. The service received a score of 2, atmosphere a 3, and food a 3.
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereatmosphere and food were not experienced
- building echoeshow much the building echoes; was a bit distracting
- leftover decorationsThere are leftover decorations from last Christmas
- outside seatingthe outside seating, because of the smell
- parking availabilityNo real parking availability
If you're looking for a place with a great vibe and a lively atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially loud music and plan your parking strategy ahead of time, especially if you prefer a quieter dining experience.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Many guests were pleasantly surprised by the affordability and felt they got real value for their money, often highlighting the reasonable prices, especially for cheap ramen and alcohol. This positive sentiment, based on 8 observations, suggests that some find the overall pricing quite good, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 47.1%. However, the value proposition isn't universally praised, with the topic scoring an average 5.1.
Some diners found the food too expensive for its quality, reporting issues like being charged extra for items such as ponzu or garlic sauces, or even for tempura additions. Concerning reports also mention being asked to pay twice and warnings to watch the bill for potential overcharging, based on 9 negative comments.
Value
17
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap ramen options
- Reasonable drink prices
- Good overall affordability
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Watch out for overcharging
- Forced to pay twice
Often praised
- pricesVery good prices
- affordabilitypleasantly surprised by the affordability
- cheap ramenIt is cheap ramen
- pricePrice is reasonable
- pricing on the alcohol and ramengreat pricing on the alcohol and ramen
- valuewasnt expecting the value i got
- value for moneyprovides real value for your money
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was too expensive for the lack of quality, especially considering the area. I barely saw the waiter, only once to order and once to pay.
- areafor the area
- billWatch your bill, they will overcharge
- extra for fishMy friend finished his ramen, and his raw food still hadn't come out. Additionally, they charged me extra for the same amount of fish simply by swapping scallop for salmon. The food was only okay, and I would not recommend going here.
- garlic saucescharged for 3 extra garlic sauces that I didn’t know were an extra charge
- pay twiceAfter paying with a card, the transaction was left in a pending state. The restaurant insisted I pay twice, using two different cards, because their faulty and cheap system wouldn't accept the first one. I use these cards everywhere without issue, and this was the only place that caused such a hassle.
- ponzu saucecharged us for ponzu sauce when I’ve never been charged
- tempura additioncharged extra for tempura addition, which is fine, but it was a whole $3.50 for one shrimp
This place offers a mixed bag on value. While some find the prices reasonable for ramen and drinks, others feel its overpriced and warn about unexpected extra charges. If youre looking for cheap ramen, you might find a good deal, but be sure to scrutinize your bill carefully.
How are the prices at Ramen Ryoma?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 84 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.
Most guests tend to spend between $11–$30, showing prices cluster nicely around this average, with only a handful opting for much higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
A peek at how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a quality ramen spot. It hits that sweet spot where you’re getting good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ramen Ryoma
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
3
Ramen Okay, Service Nice, But Not Our Go-To
We visited this restaurant because Nishiki Ramen was closed. The Ramen was just okay, and we found it too salty for our liking. The meat was so tender it essentially turned into a meat soup by the end.
We ordered a shrimp tempura roll, but were initially only brought shrimp. We had to specifically request the roll, which was then made without any vegetables, unlike what we'd expect elsewhere. On a positive note, the staff was very nice.
We'll be sticking with Nishiki Ramen a few blocks away.
- Ramen5
- meat5
- staff8
- salty3
- shrimp tempura roll3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Value and Delicious Ramen!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was truly impressed by the value I received. For two people, ordering multiple items, the total was less than $40, which is a huge draw for me to return.
The ramen was particularly amazing and sat wonderfully in my stomach. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- value10
- ramen10
- service10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
5
Great Service, Disappointing Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The staff was incredibly attentive and helpful, and the location and vibe were fantastic. However, the food was tragically disappointing, which ultimately overshadowed the positive aspects of the service and atmosphere.
- staff10
- location9
- vibe9
- food1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Welcoming Staff, Great Food & Beer!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the food was of good quality. I particularly enjoyed their beer selections.
I highly recommend this place!
- staff10
- food9
- beer selections9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Burnt Dish and Unacceptable Service
I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with my recent dining experience. I ordered three identical dishes, but one arrived burnt. When I brought this to the staff's attention, they claimed this was the typical preparation, implying no responsibility.
This explanation was disappointing and did not meet my expectations for service. As a regular customer who often dines with friends, I paid the full price for an inedible dish. While I am willing to pay, I believe the establishment should acknowledge and take responsibility for such issues.
I hope this concern is addressed to prevent future occurrences.
- burnt dish1
- staff2
- service2
What Ramen Ryoma offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest?
At Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer comfortable seating and table service, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. You can also opt for convenient takeout or delivery services.
Does Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest offer options for different dietary needs and preferences?
Yes, Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest caters to various preferences with healthy options and vegetarian options available on their menu. You can also pair your meal with a selection of beer, wine, or cocktails, as hard liquor is served.
What are the main strengths of Ramen Ryoma?
Customers frequently praise Ramen Ryoma for its flavorful food, especially the ramen, and its pleasant atmosphere. Many also find the prices to be quite reasonable, offering good value.
What are the common complaints about Ramen Ryoma?
Common complaints at Ramen Ryoma include inconsistent service, with some guests experiencing long waits or inattentive staff. There are also mentions of unexpected charges on bills and issues with loud music or parking availability.
How does Ramen Ryoma score overall and in specific areas?
Ramen Ryoma has an overall score of 6.3. Its strongest areas are Food (7) and Ambience (7.3), both rated as good. However, Service (4.8) and Value (5.1) are rated as average, indicating areas for improvement.