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Berkeley's best

Japanese soup spots

A steaming bowl of ramen or udon provides the warmth needed to settle into a quiet meal.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Azure Hot Pot image 1
Azure Hot Pot image 2
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Restaurant

Bright indoor space features wall murals and cute doodles, creating a cozy and lively atmosphere. Music adds to the welcoming vibe, making it a comfortable spot for groups. The environment stays fresh without lingering steam, enhancing the overall experience.

Soups feature flavorful bases like tom yum, miso, and mala spicy. Options include Japanese Sukiyaki and Yen Tao Foo, all noted for being tasty and well-spiced.

Miso soup stands out with a perfectly balanced and delicious flavor. The sukiyaki broth offers a rich, enjoyable taste that pairs well with the Japanese dishes served.

People are saying

"I found the soup here to be really tasty and flavorful."

"It's a cozy spot with a fun, welcoming vibe."

"The Japanese broths, especially miso and sukiyaki, were delicious."

Good to know

1

The price is $41.99 per person for all-you-can-eat hot pot.

2

Children under 5 eat free with a paying adult.

3

The restaurant allows 90 minutes maximum for unlimited ordering.

02
Tsuruya image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cozy ramen restaurant with a compact interior featuring bar seating and tables. Atmosphere feels friendly and lively, with a family-run vibe and genuine care for food quality. Known for authentic, flavorful ramen that draws steady crowds despite limited seating.

Ramen soup features a rich flavor with special spices that stand out. Clear soup carries a lovely aroma from truffle oil and fried garlic, and noodles stay firm and chewy, clinging well to the broth.

Ramen here features detailed craftsmanship with perfect fixings and rich broth. The black garlic and vegan ramen stand out as especially excellent.

People are saying

"I found the spicy tonkotsu ramen to be phenomenal and deeply savory."

"I found the ramen broth here to be phenomenal and deeply savory."

"The ramen soup here is flavorful and rich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and seating is available in a clean alleyway.

2

Parking can be difficult, so plan to arrive early.

3

Expect long wait times as Tsuruya gets busy quickly.

03
Butterfish Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small dining space with dimmed lighting and light music creates a cozy, buzzy atmosphere. Tables sit close together in a beautifully designed interior featuring thoughtful Japanese aesthetics. The place fills quickly, making reservations advisable for a lively, intimate experience.

Miso soup comes with many dishes and is well made with a heavenly flavor. Staff quickly replace it if spilled and help clean up.

Fresh, vibrant fish shines in every dish with perfectly cut nigiri and sushi rolls. The imported wasabi pickles and real wasabi on top add unique flavors, while the miso cod stands out as a recommended dish.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I'd ever had."

"I found the soup and sushi to be perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Expect high prices for sushi, with some rolls costing around $20.

3

The restaurant emphasizes sustainability by using minimal plastic.

04
Himalayan Bite image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, comfortable space with friendly atmosphere and cool vibe. Open kitchen adds transparency while double-walled dishes keep food hot. Music repeats, creating a slightly loud but inviting environment.

Vegetable soup features a clear, lovely broth with fresh vegetables. Momo soup offers dumplings in curry, while ramen has a thicker, sweet and sour style broth. Noodle soups vary from sweet and savory to a more basic hot and sour flavor.

Chicken bento boxes come with tender chicken, spicy noodles, and fried cauliflower. Ramen features a thick, rich soup with a pleasant spice level. Bentos offer generous portions and include salad.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The ramen here is rich and pleasantly spicy."

"The ramen soup here is so rich and pleasantly spicy."

Good to know

1

Himalayan Bite serves free rice with curry orders.

2

A student BOGO free lunch special is available.

3

They serve halal meat options.

05
Masa Ramen Bistro image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers an open, crisp atmosphere with Hawaiian music creating a calm and sweet vibe. Seating accommodates groups but front seats feel uncomfortable. Broth stands out as rich and flavorful, paired with craft noodles that suit many palates.

Oxtail soup stands out with its rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked meat. Ramen soups feature chewy noodles and a deep, savory taste, though some find the noodle texture varies.

Ramen features chewy noodles and a rich, flavorful soup made by boiling bones for hours. The menu includes the Broke Da Mouth ramen and oxtail ramen, offering authentic Japanese flavors with a spicy twist.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be very tasty and rich with flavors."

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, has a rich and satisfying broth."

"I thought the oxtail soup was great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving before 7pm helps avoid long waits.

2

Parking can be challenging, so consider public transport or rideshare options.

3

Expect some menu items to be sold out, especially during peak hours.

06
Mainichi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy and spacious interior with a casual yet luxurious atmosphere suited for groups and casual dates. The menu is huge with many choices, featuring fresh and authentic sushi praised for quality and generous portions. Free miso soup and orange slices accompany meals, adding a simple but thoughtful touch.

Complimentary miso soup comes with every meal, served before ordering. Meals also include a cold orange dessert at the end.

Sushi and sashimi come in generous portions with excellent quality. Meals include free miso soup and often end with cold orange desserts. Bento boxes offer fun and substantial options for dine-in.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The dinner spots here mean waiting forever for your food."

"I enjoyed the complimentary miso soup with my meal."

Good to know

1

Parking is available directly in front of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers free miso soup with each meal.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Wednesday evenings.

07
Nikko Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small local sushi spot offers a quiet atmosphere with pleasant decor and affordable prices. The menu is limited but focused, featuring fresh sashimi and smooth dry sake. Afternoon visits provide comfortable space away from busy surroundings.

Miso soup comes hot and freshly prepared, often served after the appetizer and main course. It pairs with meals like bento boxes and shrimp tempura rolls.

Generous bento boxes come with teriyaki, sashimi, tempura, salad, rice, and soup. Miso soup and shrimp tempura rolls stay fresh and crispy. Service is fast and friendly, with affordable prices.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sashimi, is incredibly fresh."

"The miso soup here is always freshly prepared."

Good to know

1

Prices at Nikko Sushi are affordable for sushi in the area.

2

The portion sizes and quality offer good value for the price.

3

The menu is relatively small, limiting choices for diners.

08
Asaka Sushi & Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with a cozy modern interior and welcoming atmosphere featuring fresh, high-quality seafood. Music plays a bit loud, creating an energetic vibe. Offers environmentally friendly packaging and a broad menu with inventive rolls.

Miso soup arrives as a perfectly prepared starter that sets the tone. It pairs well with a salad dressed in sesame, complementing the meal nicely.

Sushi features exceptionally fresh fish and real wasabi that enhances flavor. Tempura comes out light and not greasy, while inventive rolls and artful chirashi add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The sushi here is exceptionally fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The miso soup was a perfectly prepared starter."

Good to know

1

Asaka uses paper packaging instead of plastic.

2

Prices for sushi are affordable compared to other restaurants in the area.

3

The restaurant is located in a quiet part of town, away from the hustle.

09
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style seating with a self-service condiment island creates a casual, efficient dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, though sometimes loud and spacious. Many enjoy the customizable toppings bar and authentic udon made from imported Japanese wheat.

Soups feature a fragrant broth with a solid base that tastes authentic. Options include curry Nikutama and clear soup versions, both paired with soft noodles and tender meat.

Udon noodles come from wheat flown in from Japan, ensuring freshness and authentic taste. Dishes like curry udon and beef udon stand out for their flavor, with options for vegan and vegetarian diets. Service is fast and prices stay reasonable.

People are saying

"The katsu curry rice was a favorite, with tender meat and crispy coating."

"The Japanese food udon noodles were perfectly chewy and delicious."

"The udon soup noodles were chewy, soft, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Customers need to pay before sitting down, which allows everyone to pay separately.

2

The place has wheelchair access and is easy to maneuver inside for those with mobility difficulties.

3

Parking can be difficult because it's mostly street parking nearby.

10
Aki's Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space with nice decoration sets it apart from nearby spots. Atmosphere suits casual get-togethers and quick lunches with affordable prices. Regulars enjoy hearty bento boxes featuring tempura, yakitori, and miso soup.

Every meal comes with a free miso soup that tastes good. The Taiwanese spicy beef noodle soup offers a rich, flavorful broth. Bento boxes include miso soup alongside tempura, yakitori, and rice.

Bento boxes stand out with tempura, yakitori, miso soup, and rice included. Sashimi bento offers good value, while shrimp udon uses non-traditional noodles and comes with six shrimp. Miso soup is served free with all orders.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty good and authentic."

"I loved that the miso soup was free with every order."

"The miso soup was tasty and included with meals."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers affordable prices for hearty meals.

2

Outdoor tables may not be clean, so consider indoor seating.

3

Vegetarian options are limited; plan accordingly if you need them.

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