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oChef » Taishoken – San Francisco
Taishoken - San Francisco
Photo from Taishoken
Taishoken at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍜 Ramen Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#988 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Ramen Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
556
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Taishoken is a popular Ramen Restaurant located in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying an authentic Japanese culinary experience.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment for all.
Overview: Introducting Taishoken
Good
7.6
out of 10
556
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
90
negative
46
neutral
420
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taishoken
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.6 (thats good!) and customer satisfaction at a strong 75.3%, its clear many diners are happy. Out of 392 remarks, 295 rave about the delicious Tsukemen, flavorful ramen broth, and crispy chicken karaage, praising the quality and variety.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 62 negative comments noted. Some miss the old spicy pork ramen, find portion sizes inconsistent, or occasionally mention issues with broth quality or overly fatty chashu, suggesting theres room for minor tweaks.
Food
392
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
62
negative
35
neutral
295
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Tsukemen
- Flavorful ramen broth
- Crispy chicken karaage
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Menu changes disappointed
- Broth quality issues
Often praised
- ramenMy experience at Taishoken's SF location in the Mission was fantastic, mirroring the quality of its San Mateo counterpart. They consistently serve top-quality, tasty ramen that never disappoints. I particularly enjoyed their Tsukemen, Spicy ramen, and Tuna tartare – all were hits.
- foodTo avoid waiting for a seat, I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Our party of two shared the calamari, chashu bowl, and tsukemen, which was definitely more than enough food. I appreciated seeing tsukemen on the menu, as it's not commonly found in the States.
- noodlesWhile the ramen was tasty, it was not a great ramen overall. There were LOADS of noodles, but only 1 piece of pork. The meal was a dine-in dinner, with the price per person ranging from $30–50.
- brothMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. Everything was done well, especially the tasty broth and the options to make it spicy. The chili oil was also very good.
- FoodFood:5
- tsukemenIt was amazing how the flavors transported me back to Japan. While you will pay a lot, the price for authentic Japanese tsukemen in The Bay Area is worth it. I strongly recommend ordering the tsukemen, as this is what the place is known for.
- TsukemenTsukemen, Spicy ramen, and Tuna tartare—all hits
- eggadded an egg to all the ramen dishes, which made them even better.
- karaageThe karaage and signature tokusei tsukamen were delicious
- spicy miso rameneverything was delicious! We added an egg to all the ramen dishes, which made them even better.
Frequently criticized
- ramenRamen broth was way too salty & had no creaminess of good bone broth.
- appetizersI could’ve spared myself the appetizers.
- brothwhy are you being cheap on the broth?
- mushrooma chewy piece of mushroom that was basically wooden
- pork ramenremoved the best item on the menu. Bring back the pork ramen!
- portion sizeThe portion is small—only half a piece of chicken
- ramen broththe ramen broth tasted like it was made from a bouillon cube
- Spicy Miso Ramen eggThe egg was overcooked — the inside was not runny
- Spicy pork ramennot the Spicy one that was really good
- amount of toppingsThis led to me feeling nauseous for days afterward. Furthermore, the dish felt overpriced for the amount of toppings. Overall, I found this place to be overrated.
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, especially if youre a fan of Tsukemen and well-crafted ramen. While some past favorites are missed and portions can vary, its certainly worth a visit for a satisfying meal.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
Service here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.6%. Based on 71 positive remarks out of 82 total, guests consistently praise the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive servers who ensure food comes out fast and drinks are refilled promptly. Many found the team welcoming and efficient, making for an impeccable experience.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments point to some minor hiccups. While generally quick, some guests experienced occasional wait times, particularly for soup or even after being on a waitlist. There was also a specific mention of a difficult waitress and some difficulty getting water, suggesting slight inconsistencies in an otherwise strong performance.
Service
82
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
6
negative
5
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Occasional wait times
- Waitress issues
- Water service issues
Often praised
- serviceI was able to make a reservation for 15 people, and we were comfortably seated at one very long table without impacting other customers. The service was very solid and fast. The food was all great, from the salads to the sushi to the actual ramen.
- ServiceService was amazing
- staffI'm trying to eat less red meat, so I would love to see a vegetarian or pescatarian version of this dish. Kudos to the staff for being so welcoming and attentive. I'm looking forward to trying everything on the menu!
- reservationThe space is decently large for the area, which was perfect for our group. I was able to make a reservation for 15 people, and we were comfortably seated at one very long table without impacting other customers. The service was very solid and fast.
- waitDue to recent supply shortages, egg was an extra charge, but well worth the $3 addition. There’s a reason Taishoken usually has a wait – this place is GOOD. It’s perfect for a first date, a night out with coworkers, or even just a solo self-care dinner.
- considerateShe is very considerate and passionate
- foodwe got food really quick
- food came out fastthe food came out fast
- friendly stafffriendly staff
- passionateShe is very considerate and passionate
Frequently criticized
- waitbe prepared to wait even if you're on the wait-list
- no changes rulebummed they seemed to have a no changes rule
- wait for soupThe wait was a little long for the soup
- waitressI guess I just won’t be back. The waitress seemed to intentionally try to gaslight me, acting like the spicy pork ramen didn't exist before and wouldn't even check if they could still make it. We ended up leaving.
- waterWas a bit difficult to get water
Overall, the service here is a major plus, making it well worth a visit. You can generally expect a friendly, quick, and attentive experience, though be prepared for a potential wait during busy times. It's a solid choice if efficient and welcoming staff are high on your priority list.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll find the ambience truly shines, earning a good score of 8 and leaving a solid 81.4% of customers feeling satisfied. With 48 positive remarks out of 59 total comments, guests frequently praise the delightful atmosphere, vibe, and interior. Many describe it as inviting, sophisticated, beautiful, modern, and even cozy, making it a great space to hang out.
However, not every aspect is perfect. A few of the 7 negative comments point out that the noise level can get pretty loud when busy. Finding parking might also be a challenge, and some guests were disappointed by the use of AI for promotional signs.
' These are minor points, but worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
59
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delightful atmosphere
- Sophisticated vibe
- Beautiful interior
What people don't like
- Loud when busy
- Hard to park
- AI signs disappointing
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were also top notch
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- San FranciscoMy experience at Taishoken was difficult to overstate how great this place is. It is a special part of San Francisco. Bravo, Taishoken!
- design of the restaurantThe design of the restaurant itself felt very comforting and classy
- establishmentWhile the shaken beef was chewy, the Pho was very good, as was the five spice pork. The establishment itself is kind of small but well kept. The service was very fast and efficient.
- interiorThe staff were also super friendly. Overall, it was very affordable considering the nice interior and food quality.
- interior atmosphereOur first visit's service was very attentive, almost overbearing, but the second visit was better. The interior atmosphere is beautiful, though it gets quite loud when busy. Finally, we were disappointed to see that all their new promotional signs are made with AI.
- locationLocated in mission a lot of nice store to wonder around
- modern ambiencefantastic modern ambience
- open feelingopen feeling in the restaurant
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThis restaurant should be in Japantown. Not amongst the hipster dbags of The Mission.
- ParkingParking options:Paid street parking
- noise levelit gets pretty loud when busy
- promotional signsdisappointed to see that all of their new promotional signs are made with AI
- street parkingcan be hard to find parking if it’s really busy
- viewable kitchenspace that I think they imaged to be a viewable kitchen but now is just a storage room
Overall, if you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere and a sophisticated vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential noise during peak hours and plan your parking ahead of time.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some bright spots! Many folks found the price for authentic Japanese tsukemen to be worth it, especially with appealing happy hour deals and generally affordable options. With 6 positive remarks out of 23 total, some customers appreciated the reasonable price for the quality and interior, even though the overall score is an average 4.4 and customer satisfaction sits at a poor 26.1%.
However, the value proposition isnt always clear, with 15 negative comments highlighting concerns about the price being too high for the portions. Many were frustrated by junk fees, an extra 4% charge (often due to an SF mandate), and generally increasing prices. Customers felt it wasnt a good value, with some finding it overpriced and not worth the final bill after these added fees.
Value
23
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- High prices
Often praised
- affordableThe staff were also super friendly. Overall, it was very affordable considering the nice interior and food quality.
- happy hourThey also offer a happy hour!
- happy hour dealsHappy hour deals look worth it
- pricethe price for authentic Japanese tsukemen in The Bay Area is worth it
- pricesThe prices are also reasonable
- reasonable pricefor a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceA bit pricey too at 21$ per bowl before taxes
- $40$40 very disappointed.
- SF mandateAlso they charge a 4% SF mandate
- extra 4% chargeI was too distracted and tired to complain, so maybe that’s on me. They also charge junk fees, so expect an extra 4% charge on top of the menu price. There is much better ramen for lower or equal prices in SF, even in the same neighborhood.
- feeIf you're hungry and planning to have another round of noodles, it's advisable to order the kaedama at the same time as your first bowl, rather than waiting until you're done. Be aware that there will be a 4% fee added to the bill.
- increasing pricesincreased prices (by $2 or $3 per entree)
- junk feescharge junk fees
- pricesthe prices are higher than most places
- spent $80Spent $80 (2 peopl) with no beverages besides water and one app.
If you're looking for a deal, definitely check out their happy hour, as many found it to be a good value. However, be prepared for potentially higher regular prices and keep an eye out for additional fees that can quickly add up, making it feel less affordable.
How are the prices at Taishoken?
On average, you’ll spend around 33 per person – from 106 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Ramen Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix. While many diners keep it in the $21–$30 range, a significant number also opt for a slightly higher spend, landing in the $41–$50 bracket. So, you can find options that are a bit more budget-friendly or go for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels fair for a Ramen Restaurant, especially considering its in San Francisco. Youre getting a good experience for that mid-range price.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taishoken
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Ramen in the Bay Area!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had one of the best Ramen 🍜 I've ever tried. It's truly the best RAMEN in the Bay Area.
I definitely recommend it and I will definitely be coming back. 👌🏻🙌🏻
- Ramen10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Cute spot with filling food
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. Although the food portion looked small, it was surprisingly supper filling. They offer many drink options, including a happy hour.
The atmosphere is cute, making it a good place to hang out with friends.
- food portion8
- drink options9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Food, Decent Service
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the service was decent and the atmosphere was rated positively, the food itself was not great. I tried both the tsukemen and ramen, and neither impressed me.
Additionally, the restaurant is a bit pricey, with each bowl costing $21 before taxes.
- service7
- food2
- tsukemen2
- ramen2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Food and Service, Awkward Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great service and great food. However, the atmosphere was a bit of a letdown. The space intended to be a viewable kitchen is now used for storage, which detracts from the ambiance.
I suggest considering mirrors or wallpaper for the interior of the glass to improve the visual appeal.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere3
- viewable kitchen3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The grilled eggplant was the best I've ever had, and the Agadashi tofu was delicious as usual. The sashimi platter melted in my mouth, and the ramen broth was tasty, with the soft-boiled egg cooked to perfection.
The service was amazing, and I highly recommend this place.
- grilled eggplant10
- Agadashi tofu9
- sashimi platter10
What Taishoken offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dinner
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Taishoken San Francisco?
At Taishoken San Francisco, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They offer lunch and dinner, as well as brunch and dessert. Table service is also available for your convenience.
What service options and accessibility features does Taishoken San Francisco provide?
Taishoken San Francisco offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services to suit your needs. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for all guests.