Ramen Nagi

Popular Tokyo Chain Ramen Nagi Opens at Westfield UTC | Eater San Diego

"I'm noting that an essential ramen shop that consistently draws crowds in both Los Angeles and the Bay Area has finally made its way to San Diego and is scheduled to open on Tuesday, August 8 at Westfield UTC in the space next to Raised by Wolves. It's the fifth U.S. location of Ramen Nagi, which was founded in Japan in 2004 and operates multiple outposts in Tokyo, including in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai. Master ramen chef Satoshi Ikuta, who trained at several acclaimed hakata-style ramen shops before launching Ramen Nagi as an itinerant pop-up, will be in San Diego for the opening; the brand now has nearly 40 restaurants mostly in Asia. Open daily for lunch and dinner (Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), the menu offers five ramen flavors: the Original King, based on pork tonkotsu broth showcasing the shop’s handmade noodles and pork chashu; the Red King, with miso minced pork and a base spiced with garlic, chili oil, and cayenne pepper; the Black King, enriched with black garlic and squid ink; the Green King, which adds fresh basil, parmesan, and olive oil to the tonkotsu; and the Veggie King, a vegan version made with mushroom and cauliflower soup topped with hashed potato “chashu,” shiitake mushrooms, and spinach. Each bowl can be customized—choose thin or thick noodles and firmness from extra soft to extra firm, and specify salt concentration and broth richness. The UTC store will also feature Limited King specials: for the first week the La Jolla King, created by chef Ikuta, pairs tonkotsu broth with chili con carne and yuzu hot sauce and is garnished with bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Appetizers and sides include gyoza, karaage, edamame, and chashu rice." - Candice Woo