It's been years since I've had Mensho in SF, and claim it as my favorite in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, location and finding parking discouraged from me going back. I've gotten their a5 wagyu and it was absolutely divine, and I miss it. Sooo I finally got to try the Oakland location, and much to my surprise I was there at 6:30 pm and was able to get a table. Lots of tables were available on this particular Thursday night. Street parking wasn't that bad either. I got the a5 wagyu shoyu and the wagyu melted in my mouth like I remembered. The blend of flavors just harmonized, not taking over the other. We also got the signature ramen which was really meaty. It was really good too and had a hint of smokiness. The meat just wasnt as melt in your mouth as the other. Enoki mushroom chips is a must as well. Service was really fast. We were out within 35 min. They're really friendly too. We were also greeted with salutations by all staff. I can't wait to go back, and more often.
Stephanie K.
They don't take reservations so there definitely might be a wait but it'll be worth it! The service was amazing and everyone is so helpful. I love that they serve ramen and vegan ramen. It's hard to find restaurants that are vegan and delicious at the same time. The food came out quickly and the presentation was AMAZING. This is definitely not authentic but I LOVE HOW CREATIVE they were with the variety of ramen. I had gotten the Kami Tantanmen with a side of duck. The duck was thinly sliced and perfectly cooked. I really liked all the details like adding eggplant and enoki mushrooms. I had also gotten the Hokkaido Uni bowl - I was definitely not a fan, it was pretty but the uni itself did not look appetizing. Will definitely be back to try a vegan ramen!
James Z.
Probably the best Ramen in Eastbay. I've had the Taipan, the spicy lamb, and this crab Tantanmen. All are SUPER good. Wait staff are friendly. Just be prepared for the long wait. Binance you sit, food service is quick. Recommended!!!
Khadijah F.
Took my husband here for his bday . Overall experience was excellent. Service is also a 5 star . You have a main server ,but pretty much everyone is hands on and accommodating . I'm guessing knowone has a set area . Staff seems happy to be there which makes for a great experience when dining in . Food was really great as well . I love soup base dishes in the past I hadn't had a ramen that wow'd me . This place did . I went with the recommended option from our server SIGNATURE SMOKED TORIPAITAN. I definitely recommend especially if you want a variety of meats the flavor was so rich I wasn't expecting it . My husband is vegan and got the VEGAN TANTANMEN. Equally good I love the peanut butter base of soup broth amazing . Also got uni and wagyu roll taste like butter. If you have had grade A5 wagyu you will know ! Definitely will be back with my family . Restaurant is very inviting overall great experience . Can't wait to try something new !
Tria X.
Service was good and quick. Servers were attentive to our finished plates however, they didn't ask if we'd like more water when our cups were empty. The fried calamari was soggy and lukewarm to cold. The nori on top of the calamari was a good combo with the sauce. The chicken karage was also soggy and lightly crunchier than the calamari. Either the food was sitting there for a while or the oil wasn't hot enough when deep fried. Wish they had a sauce with the karage rather than a grilled eggplant and decorated greens. We got the chicken ramen (the first ramen on the list) and the garlic ramen. I thought they were both ok. The broths weren't salty enough, however, the thickness of the broth was not too fatty for my preference. I enjoyed the garlic more because the server said it wasn't that spicy so we got an order of extra spicy paste on the aside. Still not spicy to my preference but better than the original spice. The noodles were made in house and it was over cooked like soft spaghetti. I didn't have much of a chew texture. The eggs were cooked ok with the yolk in a gel-like consistency. The restaurant had a lot of light when waiting to be seated but the dinning room was dark and tables were pretty crowded to one another with a plastic window divider to separate different parties. I personally don't like being blocked especially if the tables and space is already tight. A man sitting back to back to a woman feeding her new born had to move for me to get by, that's how crowded it was. Overall, 3/5 stars.
Suechu T.
I was told this place gets really busy right when they open and that there was always a line. I was fortunate enough to go around 5 PM on Friday with no wait. But I didn't notice that when we were seated, the restaurant was almost completely full. We ordered the Wagyu Ramen, and then the Ramen with the crab in it. They were both extremely good. My favorite part was probably the noodles. They have the perfect texture. For appetizers, we ordered the one with scallops and a second one that was pretty much fried mushrooms. I forgot the names (sorry), but were all really good. I think the service was really attentive as well and I would come here again.
Ashley B.
Matcha Ramen: 8/10. Wasn't dying to eat more but the execution of the dish was well done and you can really taste every single ingredient. I also tried two of their vegan ramens and those were definitely a 10/10. It does get very busy since it's a popular ramen place, but the wait is well worth it. Service was great as well!
Mario Passanisi
Best Ramen I've ever had. Place is legit ?. The sparkling sake was also excellent. Highly recommend making reservations first as it can get very busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Signature Smoked Toripaitan
Victor C.
First - Service The greeting and getting a table experience is the worst experience I ever had in Piedmont's restaurant. That's why I have to share my bad experience here. Before customer come in, how do we know the seating system? I had a long day work as usual like most of people worked on Friday. I asked the hostess if I could have a number for a party of two. She looked at me like I am from an Alien from the other planet or galaxy. Haha .... She keep teasing me "are you saying lumber or number? " Then I learned they are using a tablet for a waiting list. I should ask her if she could put me on a waiting list for two. Come on !!! She thought I did not understand her saying of lumber and number as she tried to insult her customer. I post my experience here as I look forward this restaurant will take a proper response to this and improve the customer service for their restaurant. I am still working my table and hope to share you all the food experience with a good experience a little later. See ya !
Aka T.
Excellent restaurant. The best ramen out there!! Been visiting this place for several times, every time it was great
Easily the best Ramen I've ever had. Been here twice now and haven't been disappointed yet. I have yet to venture away from the Smoked Signature Toripaitan, it's so rich and flavorful. The eggs are perfectly soft boiled and the depth to the layers of flavors here are incredible for the price point. For starters the Enoki chips, corn ribs, and scallops are all excellent. In addition to all this they have a nice beer and sake selection. Staff are friendly and attentive but get there early to avoid a long line out the door
Elizabeth L.
The ramen was out of this world! Delicious and rich, and perfect for a rainy Wednesday when I went. I got there right at opening and there was ample seating. By the time I left half an hour later, it was more than half full. I went with their signature ramen (couldn't resist the truffle) and it was phenomenal. The server was super great. Would definitely return for more deliciousness!
Amy T.
Literally one of the best ramens I have ever had and there are a lot of vegan options as well! The moment you enter Mensho, you get greeted by all the workers and the customer service was just truly amazing. The staff constantly filled out our water and everyone was super friendly. I tried both the Signature Smoked Toripaitan and Garlic Knockout that was made extra spicy which were both super tasty. The broth is creamy and the noodles were thick along with many other toppings that made it seriously just perfect. I never had ramen like this before and it had such a unique taste of being so flavorful and creamy which I really enjoyed. Also this ramen is a bit on the pricier side so I would say this is a perfect date night or special occasion because of the price and the wait, maybe not a typical everyday restaurant. Our total was $49 for two without any tip. There was a long wait and the seating might be a little cramped but it makes everyone feel so close together. We sat with another party but there was a divider between us. There can be a really long wait and it is a walk in based place so I would say I recommend you to plan if you are in a rush! Either go early or go late and avoid busy hours. The parking is street parking so wasn't too bad and got to walk around the area. Overall, food is high quality and really loved it.
Jim F.
If you're expecting this to taste the same as Mensho in San Francisco, i'm warning you. I am dissatisfied with my Tori-paitan ramen. Perhaps it's a completely different restaurant? The noodles, and the broth are not good and is not worth $19 each. First of all, why did both me and my wife's ramen have foamy soup? First thing we both said, "oh, why is it foamy?" We are both from Japan, I recommend the San Francisco Mensho 100% better. I gave an extra star because the meat is tasty I'll give you that, and the servers and atmosphere is nice. But I won't go back here. P.s. You cannot get rice with your ramen, only sushi rice. This is the first time in my life.
Jordan Smith
As someone who lived in Japan 10 years, eats like a king, and produced a masterclass for streaming television, let me assure you that this place is over-the-top amazing.Chef Shono, founder of the small boutique ramen chain MENSHO, worked with the head chef closely for years to train and set.this place up, and Shono still comes here all the time to make sure everything is perfect.And I mean PERFECT. As in, he got a license to ocean dive for fresh konbu for making soup stock.As in, he had a custom barrel made by experts from Shodoshima island's centuries-old shoyu (soy sauce) brewing community so that that he could brew the finest soy sauce for flavor sauces.As in, the grind fresh wheat for their handmade noodles.As in, ask them what mochi-komugi is --no one in America (as far as I know) uses it and most don't even know it exists.As in, smoked ajitama hardboiled eggs!?!!You can order traditional takes done with the utmost care to produce the utmost depth of flavor, or go for his wilder creations - he's created over 1000 original ramen recipes.Lovely staff who are treated like family and taken care of - so they will in turn be glad to take care of YOU!Also, I'm not vegan, but the vegan ramens are some of the best FOOD I've ever eaten, including at Michelin star restaurants.Can't recommend enough.
It's been years since I've had Mensho in SF, and claim it as my favorite in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, location and finding parking discouraged from me going back. I've gotten their a5 wagyu and it was absolutely divine, and I miss it. Sooo I finally got to try the Oakland location, and much to my surprise I was there at 6:30 pm and was able to get a table. Lots of tables were available on this particular Thursday night. Street parking wasn't that bad either. I got the a5 wagyu shoyu and the wagyu melted in my mouth like I remembered. The blend of flavors just harmonized, not taking over the other. We also got the signature ramen which was really meaty. It was really good too and had a hint of smokiness. The meat just wasnt as melt in your mouth as the other. Enoki mushroom chips is a must as well. Service was really fast. We were out within 35 min. They're really friendly too. We were also greeted with salutations by all staff. I can't wait to go back, and more often.
They don't take reservations so there definitely might be a wait but it'll be worth it! The service was amazing and everyone is so helpful. I love that they serve ramen and vegan ramen. It's hard to find restaurants that are vegan and delicious at the same time. The food came out quickly and the presentation was AMAZING. This is definitely not authentic but I LOVE HOW CREATIVE they were with the variety of ramen. I had gotten the Kami Tantanmen with a side of duck. The duck was thinly sliced and perfectly cooked. I really liked all the details like adding eggplant and enoki mushrooms. I had also gotten the Hokkaido Uni bowl - I was definitely not a fan, it was pretty but the uni itself did not look appetizing. Will definitely be back to try a vegan ramen!
Probably the best Ramen in Eastbay. I've had the Taipan, the spicy lamb, and this crab Tantanmen. All are SUPER good. Wait staff are friendly. Just be prepared for the long wait. Binance you sit, food service is quick. Recommended!!!
Took my husband here for his bday . Overall experience was excellent. Service is also a 5 star . You have a main server ,but pretty much everyone is hands on and accommodating . I'm guessing knowone has a set area . Staff seems happy to be there which makes for a great experience when dining in . Food was really great as well . I love soup base dishes in the past I hadn't had a ramen that wow'd me . This place did . I went with the recommended option from our server SIGNATURE SMOKED TORIPAITAN. I definitely recommend especially if you want a variety of meats the flavor was so rich I wasn't expecting it . My husband is vegan and got the VEGAN TANTANMEN. Equally good I love the peanut butter base of soup broth amazing . Also got uni and wagyu roll taste like butter. If you have had grade A5 wagyu you will know ! Definitely will be back with my family . Restaurant is very inviting overall great experience . Can't wait to try something new !
Service was good and quick. Servers were attentive to our finished plates however, they didn't ask if we'd like more water when our cups were empty. The fried calamari was soggy and lukewarm to cold. The nori on top of the calamari was a good combo with the sauce. The chicken karage was also soggy and lightly crunchier than the calamari. Either the food was sitting there for a while or the oil wasn't hot enough when deep fried. Wish they had a sauce with the karage rather than a grilled eggplant and decorated greens. We got the chicken ramen (the first ramen on the list) and the garlic ramen. I thought they were both ok. The broths weren't salty enough, however, the thickness of the broth was not too fatty for my preference. I enjoyed the garlic more because the server said it wasn't that spicy so we got an order of extra spicy paste on the aside. Still not spicy to my preference but better than the original spice. The noodles were made in house and it was over cooked like soft spaghetti. I didn't have much of a chew texture. The eggs were cooked ok with the yolk in a gel-like consistency. The restaurant had a lot of light when waiting to be seated but the dinning room was dark and tables were pretty crowded to one another with a plastic window divider to separate different parties. I personally don't like being blocked especially if the tables and space is already tight. A man sitting back to back to a woman feeding her new born had to move for me to get by, that's how crowded it was. Overall, 3/5 stars.
I was told this place gets really busy right when they open and that there was always a line. I was fortunate enough to go around 5 PM on Friday with no wait. But I didn't notice that when we were seated, the restaurant was almost completely full. We ordered the Wagyu Ramen, and then the Ramen with the crab in it. They were both extremely good. My favorite part was probably the noodles. They have the perfect texture. For appetizers, we ordered the one with scallops and a second one that was pretty much fried mushrooms. I forgot the names (sorry), but were all really good. I think the service was really attentive as well and I would come here again.
Matcha Ramen: 8/10. Wasn't dying to eat more but the execution of the dish was well done and you can really taste every single ingredient. I also tried two of their vegan ramens and those were definitely a 10/10. It does get very busy since it's a popular ramen place, but the wait is well worth it. Service was great as well!
Best Ramen I've ever had. Place is legit ?. The sparkling sake was also excellent. Highly recommend making reservations first as it can get very busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Signature Smoked Toripaitan
First - Service The greeting and getting a table experience is the worst experience I ever had in Piedmont's restaurant. That's why I have to share my bad experience here. Before customer come in, how do we know the seating system? I had a long day work as usual like most of people worked on Friday. I asked the hostess if I could have a number for a party of two. She looked at me like I am from an Alien from the other planet or galaxy. Haha .... She keep teasing me "are you saying lumber or number? " Then I learned they are using a tablet for a waiting list. I should ask her if she could put me on a waiting list for two. Come on !!! She thought I did not understand her saying of lumber and number as she tried to insult her customer. I post my experience here as I look forward this restaurant will take a proper response to this and improve the customer service for their restaurant. I am still working my table and hope to share you all the food experience with a good experience a little later. See ya !
Excellent restaurant. The best ramen out there!! Been visiting this place for several times, every time it was great
Restaurantji Recommends
Easily the best Ramen I've ever had. Been here twice now and haven't been disappointed yet. I have yet to venture away from the Smoked Signature Toripaitan, it's so rich and flavorful. The eggs are perfectly soft boiled and the depth to the layers of flavors here are incredible for the price point. For starters the Enoki chips, corn ribs, and scallops are all excellent. In addition to all this they have a nice beer and sake selection. Staff are friendly and attentive but get there early to avoid a long line out the door
The ramen was out of this world! Delicious and rich, and perfect for a rainy Wednesday when I went. I got there right at opening and there was ample seating. By the time I left half an hour later, it was more than half full. I went with their signature ramen (couldn't resist the truffle) and it was phenomenal. The server was super great. Would definitely return for more deliciousness!
Literally one of the best ramens I have ever had and there are a lot of vegan options as well! The moment you enter Mensho, you get greeted by all the workers and the customer service was just truly amazing. The staff constantly filled out our water and everyone was super friendly. I tried both the Signature Smoked Toripaitan and Garlic Knockout that was made extra spicy which were both super tasty. The broth is creamy and the noodles were thick along with many other toppings that made it seriously just perfect. I never had ramen like this before and it had such a unique taste of being so flavorful and creamy which I really enjoyed. Also this ramen is a bit on the pricier side so I would say this is a perfect date night or special occasion because of the price and the wait, maybe not a typical everyday restaurant. Our total was $49 for two without any tip. There was a long wait and the seating might be a little cramped but it makes everyone feel so close together. We sat with another party but there was a divider between us. There can be a really long wait and it is a walk in based place so I would say I recommend you to plan if you are in a rush! Either go early or go late and avoid busy hours. The parking is street parking so wasn't too bad and got to walk around the area. Overall, food is high quality and really loved it.
If you're expecting this to taste the same as Mensho in San Francisco, i'm warning you. I am dissatisfied with my Tori-paitan ramen. Perhaps it's a completely different restaurant? The noodles, and the broth are not good and is not worth $19 each. First of all, why did both me and my wife's ramen have foamy soup? First thing we both said, "oh, why is it foamy?" We are both from Japan, I recommend the San Francisco Mensho 100% better. I gave an extra star because the meat is tasty I'll give you that, and the servers and atmosphere is nice. But I won't go back here. P.s. You cannot get rice with your ramen, only sushi rice. This is the first time in my life.
As someone who lived in Japan 10 years, eats like a king, and produced a masterclass for streaming television, let me assure you that this place is over-the-top amazing.Chef Shono, founder of the small boutique ramen chain MENSHO, worked with the head chef closely for years to train and set.this place up, and Shono still comes here all the time to make sure everything is perfect.And I mean PERFECT. As in, he got a license to ocean dive for fresh konbu for making soup stock.As in, he had a custom barrel made by experts from Shodoshima island's centuries-old shoyu (soy sauce) brewing community so that that he could brew the finest soy sauce for flavor sauces.As in, the grind fresh wheat for their handmade noodles.As in, ask them what mochi-komugi is --no one in America (as far as I know) uses it and most don't even know it exists.As in, smoked ajitama hardboiled eggs!?!!You can order traditional takes done with the utmost care to produce the utmost depth of flavor, or go for his wilder creations - he's created over 1000 original ramen recipes.Lovely staff who are treated like family and taken care of - so they will in turn be glad to take care of YOU!Also, I'm not vegan, but the vegan ramens are some of the best FOOD I've ever eaten, including at Michelin star restaurants.Can't recommend enough.