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Ramen spots in Costa Mesa

A bowl of ramen that honors the time-intensive process instead of settling for a quick, salty shortcut.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kashiwa Ramen image 1
Kashiwa Ramen image 2
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Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers authentic, flavorful ramen with options like black garlic and vegan miso. Casual, cozy space fills quickly and features unique decorations creating a laid-back vibe. Beer on tap complements the fast, no-fuss dining experience.

Food features a clean flavor with a hearty chicken base. Preparation shows clear care for authenticity and quality.

Broth stewed for 16 hours creates a creamy texture with rich pork flavor in the tonkotsu ramen. Options include spicy black mushroom, black garlic, soupless dry noodles, dipping noodles, and cold ramen for hot days.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be outstanding and flavorful."

"I thought the gyoza and broth were delicious."

"The food here is delicious and always hits the spot."

Good to know

1

Kashiwa Ramen offers a student discount for OCC students.

2

One bowl costs about $20.

3

The number of tables is limited, so expect a wait on busy nights.

02
Ramen Tatsunoya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious Japanese restaurant with many booth tables and a layout suited for family dining. Atmosphere feels cozy and warm but can get loud when full, making conversations challenging. Known for authentic, rich tonkotsu ramen and a menu offering pork and vegan broths.

Food offers great flavor and is filling. Dishes taste amazing and encourage eating more even when full.

Authentic ramen with high quality broth and a variety of options stands out here. The vegan ramen and gyลza offer delicious alternatives, and all locations maintain consistent flavor.

People are saying

"I found the ramen broth to be rich and authentic."

"I found the vegetarian ramen to be rich and flavorful."

"I found the ramen here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait outside for a table during peak dinner hours.

2

The price for a bowl of ramen is $16.

3

There is a vegan option available for those who do not eat pork.

03
Ramen Nagi image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines traditional and modern vibe with a fun, lively atmosphere. Seating includes long communal tables and a large outdoor patio, creating a somewhat cramped but energetic environment. Popular spot with customizable ramen options and a steady flow of diners.

Food arrives quickly and matches orders precisely. Dishes offer great portion size and flavorful taste in a clean dining environment.

Highly customizable ramen lets you adjust soup richness, noodle firmness, and spice level. The Black King ramen features a rich, flavorful broth that matches ramen quality found in Asia.

People are saying

"The ramen here is delicious, especially the original."

"The fried chicken here is delicious and has a great crunch."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the restaurant is very popular and there may be a wait.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait during peak hours, especially around lunch.

3

There is plenty of free parking available near the restaurant.

04
Tokyo Central Costa Mesa image 1
Japanese grocery store

Spacious Japanese grocery store recreates the feel of Tokyo's bustling markets with authentic products and hand-drawn signs. Bright, clean seating areas with microwaves invite shoppers to enjoy fresh sushi and hot food from a self-serve bar. A large sake selection and fresh fish counters add to the genuine cultural shopping experience.

Fresh and delicious Japanese groceries fill the shelves, including a wide selection of prepared foods like sushi, rolls, and bowls. The market offers fresh produce, meat, fish, and unique snacks at reasonable prices for Japanese food.

Ready-made ramen options include tonkotsu ramen and niki udon that offer good value. The tonkotsu ramen comes in a large size suitable for multiple servings.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge variety of Japanese foods and prepared meals."

"I found a huge selection of fresh Japanese food here."

"I found ready-to-eat tonkotsu ramen that was huge."

Good to know

1

Prepared bento is marked down 20% after 7 PM daily.

2

Tokyo Central Costa Mesa closes at 10 PM every day.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.

05
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant inside a Japanese market food court offers authentic Hokkaido ramen with rich, flavorful broth and tender pork. The atmosphere is busy and crowded, especially during peak hours, making seating a challenge. Quick lunch visits are common, with a casual, bustling vibe.

Food here offers restaurant quality that stands out from typical food court options. Dishes deliver delicious flavors and feel worth the price.

Broth stands out with its rich and flavorful taste, especially in the signature Shio Ramen with Toroniku pork cheek. Noodles are bouncy and the saltiness hits just right, making it a solid choice for authentic Japanese ramen.

People are saying

"The Toroniku pork ramen is unbelievably tender and flavorful."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen is delicious, especially the rich broth and spicy soup."

"The ramen here is delicious, especially the spicy shio."

Good to know

1

The location is very crowded, so seating may not be guaranteed at busy times.

2

During busy hours like dinner, it might be hard to find parking and seating for groups.

3

Despite the lunch rush, the wait was only 10 minutes on Saturday.

06
Eat's Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with authentic decor and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Busy and popular spot, often filled with couples and groups enjoying fresh, high-quality sushi. Outdoor seating with heaters and a nearby ice cream shop add to the relaxed vibe.

Quality food comes at reasonable prices with options like limited sea urchin priced at 8.75 each. The menu offers delicious Japanese dishes that balance cost and taste well.

Ramen features perfectly cooked noodles and plenty of chashu pork. The Tonkotsu broth is rich and warm, simmered long for deep flavor.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is thick, super fresh, tender, and delicious."

"The sushi and sashimi here are so fresh and delicious."

"I found the ramen here to be fresh, high quality, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.

2

There was a large parking lot available for guests.

3

Expect an hour wait on the weekend.

07
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Indoor space mimics authentic Japanese market with modern layout and large food court featuring unique Japanese products and a beer garden. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, resembling a slice of Japan with open dining and specialty shops. Crowds gather for standout dishes like beef tongue and ramen, creating a bustling vibe.

Food court offers a wide selection of Japanese dishes including Ramen at affordable prices. Seating has expanded, cutting down wait times during busy hours.

Food court offers a variety of ramen styles including spicy miso and toroniku soy sauce. Sankakou and Santouka ramen stand out for their rich flavors and are popular choices here.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has a huge selection of authentic items."

"The food court here is awesome with a great assortment."

"I loved trying all the different ramen stalls in the food court."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.

2

The food court opens at 11am, offering a variety of dining options.

3

Unique Japanese products are available that are hard to find elsewhere.

08
WADAYA - Costa Mesa image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with a cozy, laid-back vibe and limited seating creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cool, attracting a mix of young people and families. Known for excellent vegan options and a unique touch of serving rice to soak up leftover sauce after noodles.

Food arrives quickly, often within minutes of ordering. Portions offer good value, with well-balanced spiciness and some standout items like fried squid. Many dishes cater well to vegan preferences.

Ramen offers complex flavors with great chewy noodles. Options include a clean pork tonkotsu, vegan ramen, and mazemen, each with unique tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here might be the best I've ever had."

"You'll want to arrive by 5:30 PM for dinner to avoid the wait."

"The food here is amazing, especially the chewy noodles."

Good to know

1

The place is small, so arrive early to avoid a wait.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours; a clipboard is available for the waiting list.

3

Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best chance of no wait.

09
Birrieria Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with clean, comfortable interior and a calm atmosphere. It draws people who enjoy authentic birria tacos and offers plenty of indoor seating and parking. The space feels fresh and organized, making it a straightforward spot for focused dining.

Food features great quality and fresh ingredients with delicious handmade tortillas. Service is consistently fast and attentive.

Birria ramen stands out with its rich broth and generous portions. The menu also features quesabirria and birria plates, offering hearty options that appeal to all ages.

People are saying

"Leo gave great food recommendations and was super friendly."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're incredible."

"I found the birria ramen here to be awesome."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available, including off-street parking.

2

The consomรฉ needs to be purchased separately.

3

The restaurant was always clean.

10
Aoki No Chuuka image 1
Ramen restaurant

Japanese-Chinese style restaurant offers enormous portions and a wide variety of dishes beyond ramen. Atmosphere centers on affordable pricing paired with excellent quality food. Signature items include chanpon ramen and mentaiko fried rice.

Offers authentic Japanese style Chinese cuisine with quick prep and hot, tasty servings. Food comes in good portions and includes a wide variety beyond ramen.

Ramen features tasty broth and pork chashu considered among the best. Chanpon ramen and chashu bowl stand out as popular choices.

People are saying

"The curry fried rice was delicious and tasty."

"I enjoyed the authentic Japanese-Chinese style food."

"The ramen here is amazing, especially the chashu."

Good to know

1

Aoki No Chuuka offers a wide variety of food besides ramen.

2

The portions are enormous, making it a good value for the price.

3

Aoki No Chuuka is an affordable Japanese-style Chinese restaurant.

11
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar (South Coast Plaza) image 1

Small noodle shop offers intimate, cozy atmosphere with warm lighting and visible kitchen action. Energy is lively but sometimes loud due to nearby busy spots. Known for shrimp broth-based ramen, it attracts those seeking flavorful, quick meals in a modern, casual setting.

Seafood dishes offer great flavors and texture. Staff provide genuine hospitality and accommodate allergies thoughtfully.

Shrimp ramen features a flavorful broth with delicate noodles that taste homemade. Options include shrimp balls, shrimp dumplings, and a Signature Trio, plus a vegan ramen and tofu ramen for variety.

People are saying

"The shrimp noodle soup has a really tasty, deep shrimp flavor."

"The shrimp ramen broth is so flavorful and creamy."

"I found the food here to be very good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a 30% discount from Monday to Friday, 2:30 to 5 pm.

2

The restaurant automatically adds a 20% tip if no custom tip is selected.

3

Ordering is done via a QR code system, which is efficient but may require good internet.

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Costa Mesa, California

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