Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Ramen Yamadaya – San Francisco
Ramen Yamadaya - San Francisco
Photo from Ramen Yamadaya
Ramen Yamadaya at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 119 of the guests
#2274 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#170 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
746
Reviews
44.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful broth
- Efficient service
- Lively vibe
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent food
- Ambience issues
The restaurant Ramen Yamadaya is a popular Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy spot where you can enjoy a fantastic meal.
It’s known for its great beer selection, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Whether you’re craving authentic ramen or looking for a new favorite spot, this place offers a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Ramen Yamadaya
Ramen Yamadaya offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating its flavorful broth and well-prepared dishes, including options like gluten-free ramen. However, some visits are marred by concerns about the overall quality of the food, with descriptions of subpar ramen and occasional flavor issues.
The service at Ramen Yamadaya often receives praise for its fast service and energetic team, though there are instances of slow or rude server interactions. The atmosphere is generally seen as lively, but some find the value proposition challenging, citing overpriced dishes for the portions received.
Average
5.3
out of 10
746
Reviews
44.2%
Satisfaction
349
negative
67
neutral
330
positive
Ramen Yamadaya holds an overall restaurant score of 5.3, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 44.2%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 746 customer remarks, with 330 positive and 349 negative observations, suggesting a fairly even split in experiences. Diving into specifics, the Food (5.3) is central to the experience, garnering the most discussion but landing in the average range.
Ambience (6.1) fares slightly better, also in the average tier, while Service (5) is similarly perceived as average. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.1), which registers as poor, suggesting that many feel the pricing doesn’t align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Flavorful ramen broth
- Efficient, friendly service
- Lively Japanese vibe
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unpleasant ambience issues
With a recommendation score of 5.3, Ramen Yamadaya presents a middle-of-the-road option for ramen. While some aspects, particularly the ramen broth and service efficiency, are well-regarded, the overall experience is quite varied, suggesting it might not consistently meet expectations.
If you’re in the area and seeking a casual ramen spot with a lively atmosphere, it could be worth a try. However, be mindful of the value proposition and potential inconsistencies in food quality and service.
It’s a place that might satisfy a craving but isn’t likely to become a standout favorite.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ramen Yamadaya
Food (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres definitely a mixed bag of opinions, with a customer satisfaction hovering around 44.2%. Many diners, accounting for 212 positive remarks out of 480 total, raved about the delicious ramen and its rich and hearty broth. Guests also appreciated the flavorful and fresh dishes, especially the availability of gluten-free options, making it a welcoming spot for diverse palates.
However, the food experience isnt consistently stellar, reflected in an average score of 5.3. With 223 negative comments, some found the dishes lacking in flavor or noted poor quality ingredients. Concerns were also raised about small portions and an overly salty broth, suggesting that consistency might be an issue across the menu.
Food
480
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
223
negative
45
neutral
212
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen broth
- Gluten-free options
- Flavorful, fresh dishes
What people don't like
- Lacking in flavor
- Poor food quality
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe ramen had a rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles, while the kara-age was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served over warm rice with great seasoning. The food felt comforting and satisfying without being too heavy. The staff was very attentive and kind, they made sure we had everything we needed and checked in at just the right moments.
- ramenI ordered a bowl of ramen and a kara-age bowl, and both were absolutely delicious. The ramen had a rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles, while the kara-age was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served over warm rice with great seasoning. The food felt comforting and satisfying without being too heavy.
- brothWhen the broth hits your mouth you wonder if life is a bowl of noodles
- noodlesthe noodles were done nicely
- vegan ramenthe tonkotsu broth and vegan ramen were amazing
- Yamadaya ramenI get their Yamadaya ramen and I love the broth
- eggthe egg well done (firm outside and soft inside)
- gluten-free ramenfirst place where we've seen gluten free ramen available
- gyozagyoza which tasted like it came from a frozen box
- RamenI had my Ramen and the the fried bun.
Frequently criticized
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible customer service and overpriced dishes with small portions. The ramen was subpar, and the only dish I enjoyed was the gyoza, which tasted like it came from a frozen box. To reiterate, the customer service was terrible.
- noodlesI found the ramen to be the worst ramen I have ever had, both in San Francisco and elsewhere. The noodles were super thin straight wheat noodles, and the soup/broth was also thin and flavorless. My friend and I both left our bowls almost full and didn’t want to take the rest to-go.
- foodUnfortunately, I experienced an upset stomach afterward, which is unusual for me after eating this type of cuisine. Overall, the food was perplexingly flavorless. The service seemed somewhat scrambled, though it was generally fine.
- brothBoth dishes were good, but neither truly blew us away. The gluten-free ramen had an excessive amount of noodles and not enough broth. Additionally, the staff couldn't clearly specify what the pasta was made from, which I believe highlights a need to educate the servers on this.
- meatIt took another 15 minutes before my soup came out. It appeared to be safe to eat, but the broth and meat lacked flavor and the meat was really tough (I'm not sure that it was actually pork belly). After my ramen came out, no one even came to check on us for the next hour until we finally flagged someone down to bring the check.
- flavorThe amount of food was good. However, the flavor was not there. The miso soup was served in a less than authentic bowl, the rice was a bit dry, and the sauce for tempura was tonkatsu sauce with Mayo.
- vegan ramenMy experience at this second-floor ramen restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with their vegan ramen. I found it to be the strangest vegan ramen I've ever had, with the unusual addition of sweet potato fries in the soup. I also had to move the vegetable kakiage to a side dish to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- eggI would absolutely not come back here. The ramen was mediocre; the meat was a bit chewy in some parts, and the egg was overcooked, though the soup was okay.
- qualityI had an impression that the shrimp tempura batter was frozen and thick rather than lighter as it should be. I’ve been at this place in the past and quality has definitely changed.
- FoodFood:2
The food here offers a mixed experience. While some rave about delicious ramen and unique options, others report inconsistent quality and flavor. Its a place to try if youre feeling adventurous, but be prepared for potential variability.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Many guests have praised the service, with 56 positive remarks highlighting the friendly staff and quick, attentive waitstaff. You'll often find servers going above and beyond, offering great recommendations and ensuring a pleasant experience. The overall score for service is 5, indicating an average performance.
However, there are 70 negative comments that point to areas needing improvement, with some experiences citing rude server attitudes, slow service, and issues with customer service. This leads to a customer satisfaction of 40.6%, suggesting a mixed bag where experiences can vary significantly.
Service
138
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
70
negative
12
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, quick service
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude server attitude
- Slow, inattentive service
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was highlighted by great flavorful ramen and great service. The place is conveniently located upstairs, directly across from the Peace Plaza Pagoda.
- staffthe work of the chefs and the rest of the staff there too
- ServiceThis place used to do ramen right, and the Black Garlic was the heavy hitter on the menu. Service is good but can be a bit hectic around the dinner rush, and it is also quite loud in the main dining room. I know this is a chain, but the quality and service were outstanding and easily in the top 5 of ramen spots in the city worth checking out.
- big guy waiterBig guy waiter is so nice and kind man
- customershe really care customers
- fast serviceMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by fast service. The cuisine is basic Japanese, primarily featuring dishes centered around rice or udon noodles.
- food arrivalThey should really prioritize customer service as it wasn't the best. The food arrived in a timely manner, and the ramen was pretty good, but I wish there were more noodles; the portion was less than at other ramen places.
- friendly and energetic teamSuch a friendly and energetic team
- moving to another tablethey were nice enough move us to another table.
- ownerthe owner of the restaurant just gave me a new one
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was mediocre, offering absolutely no surprises. From the moment we sat down, we had to repeatedly ask if we could place our order, indicating slow service. The environment was quite noisy, so I'd advise anyone planning to visit to decide on their order beforehand.
- serverI moved out of the sun and told my server and the busser with the food yelled at us. The server forgot to update the ticket. He cut me off when I tried to explain.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible customer service and overpriced dishes with small portions. The ramen was subpar, and the only dish I enjoyed was the gyoza, which tasted like it came from a frozen box.
- Servicethey messed it up and he had to wait
- staffI wish they had told us they were closing soon (Google Maps indicates they are open until 10pm), as we might have opted for a takeaway or gone elsewhere. Nobody even apologized; they just gave us takeaway boxes to pack our remains. I would absolutely not come back here.
- server attitudeWhen I wasn't sure if the ramen was mine, she asked, "don't you know what you ordered? " Overall, it's a good place to relax, but the crappy attitude from one particular server was a major downside.
- servingShe was serving with attitude, bounce-passing the head of our table
- waiterthe waiter basically tossed the receipt at us and clearly didn’t know how to handle our complaints.
- apologizedno one ever apologized for it, no one said anything about it
- brusquevery brusque in manner
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter a wonderfully attentive team or a less-than-stellar experience. If you're willing to roll the dice, you could be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here offers a somewhat balanced experience, with a score of 6.1 indicating an average showing, and customer satisfaction sitting at a 59.2% mixed rating. Many of the 58 positive remarks highlight the aesthetic vibe, atmosphere, and music, often describing it as a clean and pleasant place to be, especially the chill decor and quiet environment on the second floor. However, among the 33 negative comments, some guests pointed out concerns with cleanliness, particularly in the bathroom, and found the seating arrangements to be odd or too packed.
Noise levels were also a recurring issue, with some finding the main dining room too loud, suggesting there's room for improvement in maintaining a consistently comfortable setting.
Ambience
98
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
33
negative
7
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant aesthetic vibe
- Good music selection
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Dirty bathrooms
- Noisy environment
- Awkward seating
Often praised
- atmosphereI was particularly impressed with the fast service. The atmosphere is also great. I highly recommend this place, especially for their takoyaki!
- vibethe vibe is like a Japanese bar and I love it
- locationThe location in Japantown is convenient
- musicIt was a busy night, and the food took a super long time to arrive, which was understandable given the crowd. The restaurant had a good atmosphere with good music, but the seating was super packed. What I hated was the super rude middle-aged lady server who would yell the name of the food right at your ear.
- AtmosphereI'd imagine it gets a lot of traffic
- JapantownMust stop if youre in japantown!
- Naruto posterThe Naruto poster was a fun touch as well
- aesthetic vibethe whole aesthetic vibe
- big restaurantbig restaurant lots of booths and seating
- booths and seatinglots of booths and seating
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt's not as good now, but it's hard to find and scratches the itch. It always feels tense here, so we wrap up our meals quickly.
- bathroomEven the bathroom is really dirty.😓
- seatingseating is strange since there’s no table for one or two
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- QR code menussilly qr code menus
- cheesy pop musicThe worst cheesy pop music playing.
- cleaningused super strong detergent/bleach washing the floor
- cleanlinessdoubt about the cleanliness of the water pitcher
- cockroachthere was a cockroach walking around in the table
- cool breezeThere was a window opening, which was blowing a consistent cool breeze in the restaurant
If you're seeking a generally pleasant atmosphere with good music and a chill vibe, this place might hit the spot. Just be aware that seating can be quirky and some areas, like the restrooms, might need a bit more attention.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few folks found some bright spots, noting that the price and portions were reasonable, and some dishes offered good value for the cost. Based on 4 positive remarks, it seems a small number of diners felt they got a decent deal for a mid-tier experience. However, the overall picture for value isnt great, with a score of 3.1 (which is poor) and customer satisfaction at a low 13.3%.
Many customers, across 23 negative comments, felt the restaurant was expensive, pricy, and even a tourist trap, ' often citing issues with gratuity fees and the amount of food for the price. It seems many found the dishes overpriced and underwhelming.
Value
30
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
23
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Hidden fees
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a great mid-tier ramen place. I spent about $40 on an appetizer and a seafood ramen, which I felt was good for the price. The atmosphere is not fancy at all, but the food was good, though not mind-blowing.
- pricesPrices are reasonable
- prices and portionsprices and portions were reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible customer service and overpriced dishes with small portions. The ramen was subpar, and the only dish I enjoyed was the gyoza, which tasted like it came from a frozen box.
- $23how could they charge $23 for that bowl of soup
- amount chargedthe amount i was charged went from $40 to $55
- beerA beer is $9…the restaurant downstairs is advertising the same beer for $1.
- downsizingtrying to save money downsizing
- expensiverather expensive for what it is
- extra feecharged an extra fee for having 6 or more people
- gratuity feecharged the gratuity fee ... for all three of the tables
- higher pricehigher price than other spots nearby
- large party gratuitythey charge us a 18% large party gratuity along with tips separately
If you're looking for great value, this might not be your spot, as many found it quite expensive for what you get. Be prepared for potentially higher prices and keep an eye out for extra fees, especially with larger groups.
How are the prices at Ramen Yamadaya?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 119 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.
Most guests spend right around this average. However, the data also shows a good number of diners opting for more premium experiences, indicating a nice range of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 119 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more indulgent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ramen Yamadaya
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Fantastic Birthday Dinner with Great Food and Service
I visit this restaurant every year for my birthday, traveling from out of town. The Kara-age chicken was fantastic, and my family all loved their meals. The staff has been fantastic every year.
The atmosphere is pleasant with a nice breeze through the windows and a nice view, though construction can sometimes obstruct it. Overall, it's a great place.
- Kara-age chicken10
- family meals9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Ramen to Cure a Hangover!
I arrived right when the restaurant opened. The ramen I had here was fantastic and truly cured my hangover. It was the best ramen I've had in quite a while!
- ramen10
- hangover9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Salty Broth Mistake and Gaslighting
I had high hopes for the ramen, but my experience was disappointing. I ordered the spicy broth wantan, but was given the salty broth instead. When I inquired about the broth, the waiter initially confirmed it was salty.
However, when I explained I had ordered spicy, she insisted it was the spicy broth, despite her earlier statement. The restaurant should have corrected their mistake instead of making me feel gaslighted.
- spicy broth wantan2
- salty broth2
- waiter1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Food and Service
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The food was bland, and the ramen was just not good at all. The service was odd, and it seemed like there were only two workers there the whole time.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place.
- food2
- ramen1
- service2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Food and High Price
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. The BBQ pork bun was served cold and lacked flavor, which I found generally unappetizing. The ramen was mediocre and not particularly memorable.
I also felt like I developed a headache from MSG afterward. Considering the higher price compared to other nearby establishments, I suggest they work on improving the overall quality of their food.
- ramen4
- BBQ pork bun2
- MSG3
- higher price3
What Ramen Yamadaya offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Salad bar
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Ramen Yamadaya?
At Ramen Yamadaya, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer comfortable seating and table service, ensuring a pleasant dine-in experience. You can also opt for takeout or no-contact delivery if you prefer to enjoy your meal elsewhere.
What payment and parking options are available when you visit Ramen Yamadaya?
Ramen Yamadaya accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, checks, and NFC mobile payments for your convenience. When it comes to parking, you have options like free street parking, paid street parking, and a paid parking garage nearby, making your visit hassle-free.
What is the overall verdict on Ramen Yamadaya?
Ramen Yamadaya has an overall score of 5.3, with customer satisfaction at 44.2%, indicating a mixed experience. While Ambience (6.1), Food (5.3), and Service (5) are considered average, Value (3.1) is notably poor.
How is the food quality at Ramen Yamadaya?
The food quality at Ramen Yamadaya is quite varied. Many appreciate the flavorful broth and options like vegan and gluten-free ramen. However, some find the ramen to be subpar or flavorless, with occasional issues like tough meat or overcooked eggs.
What can I expect from the service and value at Ramen Yamadaya?
Service is often described as fast and friendly, though some encounters involve slow or rude staff. Value is a significant concern, with many customers finding dishes overpriced and portions small, leading to a poor score in this area.