Buta Japanese Ramen

Good ramen. Garlic ramen had toasted garlic, didn’t hit me as much as I wanted it to. Still good, just not great. Avocado tempura was excellent

2.5 stars for the ramen Top layer of ramen was nothing but oil The minced pork tasted sweet And the meat smelled funny to say the least Flavor was good, so was the texture of the noodles Service was good Overall, overrated

This place cares and the server is so sweet and happy. Food is delicious. Had the vegan ramen and it was so good.

Love the limited menu that they have. Their broth is so good and flavorful without being too salty. I got the curry and my husband the tahini. Both thin and thick noodles were good. Their appetizers were great as well. Everything came out very fast and hot. Service and atmosphere was excellent as well.

One star for the sweet service. That’s it. We came here because of the good ratings. My rating will be for the foodies, experienced with good ramen. Having gonzo in Carlsbad and ramen nagi at UTC, this is no match and far fetch. The promoted Karaage in the reviews were totally off and we didn’t finish the ramen. Wouldn’t recommend. The curry wasn’t ours too. Overall not a great experience

GREAT ramen. Great broth, perfect noodles, tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork, perfectly soft boiled eggs, 10/10 so solid. Portions are pretty big too! Worth the money.

A good ramen restaurant that's not located in the popular Convoy area. We were in the area on a Friday dinner and decided to try it out and were not disappointed at all. Their ramen broth was creamy and very good. Our kids liked the chicken. We got the Spicy Red Buta and Old School ramen bowls. The staff is very friendly. Overall it was a really great experience.

Unfortunately this was not my jam, I know people will come for me about this comment but the ramen tasted like spaghetti noodles, (to note I have had ramen all over the place). I even had to ask to make sure they were in fact ramen. The service was great, the atmosphere was cool but the ramen was a disappointment, however the broth was good. Because, I’m giving a not so good review I will say something positive. The avocado tempura was really good.

Food was delicious! Tasted fresh, great flavor and excellent consistency on the noodles!

Had the Golden Curry Ramen - it's more like a thai style curry (Think Khao Soi) with ramen noodles - but I really Really liked this one, it's like the best of both worlds. The chicken karaage appetizer with garlic was decent as well! But I think if I were to go again, I would get two orders of the Golden Curry Ramen, it's just that good!

The noodle texture and broth were good, and the calamari was pretty tasty. However, I didn't like their dried garlic... it was stale tasting and didn't have a nice crunch that you would get from a recent fry... it got stuck in my teeth and the flavor was really lacking. A big turn off for their garlic ramen. Their soyu ramen broth is way too sweet IMO, and I would definitely pass on that option. Also, their hot sauce / chili pepper is Chinese and not Japanese....l'm guessing this is a Chinese run ramen shop? Service was friendly and the restaurant is nice and clean. I'm just not sure if I like the "fusion" taste, and I probably prefer something more authentic.

I visited yesterday (Sunday) evening with my son. We wanted to try a new ramen spot and I read a lot of good reviews along with the menu sounding appetizing especially since I was craving something really spicy. Parking can be tight since it's in a shared lot with other businesses in the strip but manageable. I did park in front which does say 20 minutes but although we were not on a time crunch, we were in and out pretty quickly since I got full and couldn't finish my ramen. Service was quick and efficient but nothing special. We ordered the fried calamari for appetizer and then we both got the spicy red buta. It came with the thin noodles but I substituted my noodles for the thick which was $1 up-charge. Honestly it wasn't too far off in texture from the thin. I thought the broth tasted great by itself with no additions and was not salty. I've been to plenty ramen shops where their broth is so salty that it's inedible. I did need a little more kick so I asked for extra chili oil and they brought out 2 small containers which I added both in and it gave it the perfect kick! I also liked how it wasn't plain flavorless chili oil! The chasu pork belly was super tender. The seaweed added a nice umami flavor once dunked inside the broth. The wood ear mushrooms gave it a nice crunch in each bite. There were tons of ground pork inside. The egg yolk was amazing consistency. The portion was filling but could've been more for the price point. Omg the calamari was the first thing we ate and we were taken aback! We've had plenty of fried calamari elsewhere but never that big and juicy and the breading didn't fall off once bitten! It was 6 pieces but they were large hearty pieces. Their dipping sauce was amazing as well. We were a fan of everything we ordered. We really enjoyed our dishes but I would say they are on the pricier side being close to $20/bowl. While we were there we smelled the curry which we want to try next time and also bringing my husband along as well! Also read a lot of good reviews about the crazy garlic I want to try next time!

Friends took us here as it's their favorite ramen spot in San Diego & it was all so tasty! We got the chicken kaarage, garlic chicken kaarage, agidashi tofu, tonkatsu (pork) curry, and house ramens. The ramen had great flavor to it and the kaarage was nice and crispy. The ambiance was simple and in a smaller strip mall. The service was good and they were helpful and friendly.

This place was conveniently located near the hotel we were staying at. The waitstaff are very friendly and attentive. They were a little short staffed once things got busier but still able to flag down after a little while. The parking is strange since there is a parking lot but almost all the spaces directly in front of the restaurant say 20 minute parking only so we ended up parking further. The food was good, nothing amazing but considering we were craving Asian food it hit the spot. We ordered edamame, chicken karaage, ramen and curry. I ordered extra noodles not realizing how large of an extra portion that would be and basically ended up with another meal to take home. If you're craving a piping hot simple bowl of ramen and are in the area this is worth checking out.

One star for the sweet service. That's it. We came here because of the good ratings. My rating will be for the foodies, experienced with good ramen. Having gonzo in Carlsbad and ramen nagi at UTC, this is no match and far fetch. The promoted Karaage in the reviews were totally off and we didn't finish the ramen. Wouldn't recommend. The curry wasn't ours too. Overall not a great experience

YUM!!! Checked out the place for the first time tonight and so happy I did! It's a cute spot with dark chill vibe. Nice r&b music on the speaker but not too loud. The lights were a little bright for me but I'm sensitive to that stuff so I won't knock them for that. We had the crazy garlic ramen and the tahini old school. As well as gyoza for a starter , the gyoza was so crisp and light. It came with a little sauce on it and chopped green onions. The garlic ramen was delicious creamy broth. I sub ed the vegan duck for my meat and it was quite nice. The consistency was like real meat and it went well with the ramen. Service was great. Kind helpful staff!

Small menu--but delicious food. The beers are also good! The staff is also really receptive and helpful.

Very good little ramen spot Tasty and felt authentic Service was great Went there on a Sunday night and it was pretty busy Be aware the parking lot is a mess and the spots are very tight

Having a ramen shop right down the street from USD seems like a great idea with many nearby students. Business at Buta Japanese Ramen has appeared to be steady even after the pandemic. We came to get a late dinner and did not have to deal with the headache that is normally the parking situation in The Presidio Plaza. The remodeled interior could seat 32 customers in the main dining area with two more seats adjacent to the service counter. The staff was very engaging and pleasant. Our order consisted of the Chicken Karaage, Crazy Garlic Ramen, and the Golden Curry Ramen with chicken. The last item was mine which I asked for an extra portion of noodles to be added for $2.50. The karaage was nice and crispy with about eight fried pieces of chicken in the dish. The Golden Curry Ramen ingredients were a braised chicken drumstick, creamy curry broth, crispy noodles, lime, green onion, and chili oil. The curry flavor was strong, but it made the broth too thick for my palate. What was more disappointing was that the noodles were mushy instead of light and springy. Perhaps I chose the wrong style of house ramen out of the choices that were available on the menu. The prices seemed reasonable, but the quality of my product was subpar. This was one of the rare occasions in which I did not finish all the contents in the bowl, and I also did not take home any leftovers. I rounded the rating of my dining experience at Buta Japanese Ramen down to three stars.

Stopped by here for lunch and it didn't disappoint! Staff were attentive and friendly. Highlights - Garlic Chicken Karage (4.8/5) must get here - Tonkastu ramen with Chashu (4.5/5) the broth is delicious and they are GENEROUS with the meat!! I loved it Inside, the restaurant was bright and well kept. I'll be back to eat some tasty ramen!

Buta Japanese Restaurant is named as one of the Top 100 Ramen Spots in California by Yelp in 2024. Their motto is "The Only Way to Cook Good Ramen is to Love What We Cook". I ordered their: - Crazy Garlic Ramen - Pork Bone Broth with minced garlic, garlic oil, garlic chips, chashu pork belly, bean sprouts, and seaweed - Calpico Drink My bf's daughter tried their: - Golden Curry - Creamy Curry Broth, chicken, crispy noodles, green onion, and chili oil - Milky Green Tea Food and drinks were delicious. We both loved what we ordered. Service was fast and efficient. Ambiance was casual. ENJOY!

Don't let the 20 minute parking scare you away. You can slurp your ramen slowly with no fear, in the spots out front. The karaage chicken is crunchy and light, and so delicious. Crazy Garlic ramen has an incredible broth, fresh noodles and you'll want to keep eating it long after you're full. Service is fantastic. Water is kept topped off and we were checked on several times. This is a darling little ramen shop with comfortable seating and great vibes.

4.5 stars. My friend and I finished working out around the corner, and of all the options nearby, I decided I had to check out Buta. It was empty during lunch, and the interior design is super cute. Service is friendly. I was debating between spicy broth OR chashu pork belly, but I was bummed to see there wasn't an option for both on the menu. Ended up with the Spicy Red Buta which was tasty and filling. I learned after the fact that it was voted one of Yelp's top 100 ramen spots in California. Would come back again and try both the Tahini Old School and Crazy Garlic ramen. It was a great place to catch up with my friend and savor our lunch before continuing about our day.

First time coming here and it won't be the last!! This is by far the best broth I've had in San Diego and closest to the ramen I've had in Japan. The restaurant is tucked away on a small strip mall. Parking may be a little hard to find but worth the wait. We ordered the Tahini Old School Ramen and Golden Curry Ramen; both with pork belly. I asked for a side of chili oil to add spice to the tahini ramen and let me just say a little goes a long way! We ordered the garlic chicken karaage as well. It was flavorful, but I do wish it had more of a crunch to it. Don't pass this place up! It's for sure a real hidden gem.

I've been wanting to check this place out since I found out that they had vegan ramen. We came on a Thursday afternoon for late lunch and it wasn't busy. Very impressed by the service and cleanliness of the place. We ordered the vegetable gyoza, shishito peppers, the vegan ramen, and the old school. Vegetable gyoza was fried and shishito peppers themselves were cooked how we like (but sauce wasn't hitting for us). They offer thin and thick noodles. The vegan ramen broth felt "buttery"/creamy and wholesome, but the toppings were not my usual choice (lettuce tomato avocado). Overall it was unique in its buttery broth but not much of a stand out. More of a "yo each their own" moment. I'm open to coming back to try the other vegan option (curry) with thin noods since it peaked my curiosity.

Stopped by this cute little ramen spot on a Sunday afternoon, and it wasn't busy at all. The place has a cozy vibe, and we were seated right away. The waitress who greeted and sat us was super nice. We started with the Shishito peppers--easily my favorite! For ramen, we got the Tahini Ramen and the Curry Ramen, and both were so good. I was impressed by how flavorful the broth was. The service was awesome too. Both servers who helped us were super friendly and made the experience even better. I'll definitely be back!

I love this place I eat here once a week. The Soul You and Crazy Garlic are my faves. The staff is so nice! My favorite ramen is SD!

We love this place. The Sapporo on tap is fabulous. Then the tempura avocado, soooo good! Ramen review: I would kill or die for the chili curry ramen (add egg and chashu). Spicy red was very delicious and not too spicy! The tahini old school was omg so good. Place is seriously amazing. We came back, and we don't live close by.

Are here today. Tahini old school ramen. It was astonishingly delicious. Rich, not cloyingly creamy broth, delightful thin but toothsome noodles, melt-in-your mouth chashu. The milky green tea was also above-and-beyond. It's been a long time since I felt the need to post my lunch on social media but dang, this meal was worth sharing!

!!! WORTH THE 2 HOUR DRIVE !!! I live in Orange County and always commute to this ramen place because it's THAT GOOD. The workers are so sweet and attentive. Plus the food always comes out so fast. My go to order: * Curry sub thin noodles w/pork belly & crispy noodles on the side * Agedashi tofu (I know the sauce is traditionally poured on top the tofu but I prefer dipping it) * Green milk tea (not pictured ~ taste exactly like seasides green thai tea from OC iykyk) honestly you won't be disappointed ! :D

We found Buta shortly after it first opened and it's our favorite spot in San Diego.... and beyond. (We've been to Japan a few times for comparison.). My daughter wants to eat here at least once a week. The Old School is so flavorful.... I'm by no means a vegetarian, but decided to try their vegan ramen one night and it ranks right up there with the Old School. Amazing broth! Love that it has a bit of a kick to it. And those seasoned eggs. I always order at least one extra if not more, as do my kids. I love that their menu isn't overdone. They offer enough variety to not compromise the quality. The best ramen around!

Ordered 2 spicy ramen, 1 garlic ramen, and chicken katsu curry with rice. Ramen was decent. Love the pork belly, pretty big slice. The tonkotsu broth may be bit too rich for me. The curry sauce on the katsu was okay. Portion for all decent. Indoor ambience was nice. Only 1 restroom available. Service was 5 stars - Friendly and courteous staff! =)

This spot is so highly ranked on yelp, so when some friends came to SD to visit we decided this looked like a great option to try. Parking is pretty difficult, the spots were small and most had a short time limit and the entire lot was full on a Thursday for lunch. The interior is also small, service was alright. To start, the appetizers were good. The calamari and karaage were both very nice and started the meal on a high. Unfortunately, more than half of us were disappointed with our bowls of ramen. We ordered the Crazy Garlic, expecting it to be similar to a black garlic ramen at other spots, but the salt was so overpowering and there was no other flavor to it, no rich tonkotsu broth, no garlic flavor. The pork belly was very tender and the best part. But this was hard to finish for someone who can eat nearly anything. A friend ordered the shoyu ramen and the broth was a very dark brown, as if it was pure soy sauce. She noted that it was VERY salty and was only able to eat a few bites before it became too much. The Golden Curry was not bad, the thick noodles were nice, chicken was alright, but the spice was too much at the end. Tonkotsu was not notable, it was mentioned to be a little watered down. With such positive reviews we expected more, and unfortunately we're extremely disappointed with a $100+ meal. Especially since 2 out of 4 people couldn't finish their food. There was no wow factor that makes us desire to return.

I believe that flavors have greatly improved since my last visit to this place. The crazy garlic ramen was very garlicky. I think it could use some smokeyness from black garlic oil but it's good. I love mock duck so I had to try the curry ramen. It's was outstanding. I feel like I'm eating Thai food in a Japanese restaurant. The curry I think is slightly sweet. The crunchy fried wontons was a good addition to the dish. And of course the mocha duck was fried to perfection.

I think I'm addicted to the golden curry ramen, there's nothing like it and I don't think I can live without it. It's truly that special, it's creamy, delicious and soooo flavorful. The mock duck, scallions and crispy wontons are a nice touch. The only thing that's missing is the egg.

Consistency. Crispy garlic. Karaage. I've been coming to Buta Ramen since they first opened back in 2019. As a still returning customer five years later I can't recommend this place enough. Everything I've ever ordered from here is delicious. Service, to-go and dining in, has also always been five stars. I recommend the garlic ramen and their karaage is honestly one of the best I've had in the area. Also, their prices are reasonable (no $20 ramen here; looking at you Baikohken..)

pretty good food for the area it's in! parking and traffic is terrible because the streets are so small and the lot is tiny, but if you can get a spot it's worth it. the garlic karaage chicken was ok. it had a different batter than what I'm used to and didn't really have that much garlic. the chicken was a little tough too, like they used pieces without removing tendons. the tonkatsu pork curry was good. the pork was really crispy, even for takeout, but the curry lacked depth. the garlic ramen was very garlicky, which was good. I'd recommend upgrading for the thick noodles. ramen with thin noodles doesn't hit the same.

Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambience 5/5 I came here on Thursday night and had coconut curry ramen. Omg it was sooooo good!!! The broth was very creamy and flavorful! Honestly it was one of the best ramen I've ever had! I'd def come back

This is me and my best friends FAVORITE ramen place in San Diego! It has a short but sweet menu of all the classic types of ramen and some specialties of their own. Also, it has a dark but warm atmosphere which I love during the winter season!

This is the best ramen spot in San Diego. The noodles are perfectly thin and a little firm and absorb the flavor of the spicy broth perfectly. The grounded meat meshes well with the broth and the wood ear provides a nice contrast of texture. The egg was perfectly runny and the chasu were also delicious. The thin noodles grab the flavor of the broth well. All of the flavors and textures in this ramen meshed together perfectly. Also gave a pretty good portion size. Compared to other ramen spots, this place is just slightly better in all aspects. The karaage was decent too, just wished they provided more in portion size.

Very simple Ramen menu with a great variety of sake and Japanese drinks and beer outstanding staff, ambience, and the food was amazing. Ordered gyoza and calamari along with this golden curry bowl.

I will trade this place at three out of five 'cause it was pretty decent. I like the food they had vegetarian options as well. The beer was good. Everything was nice. It's just that it kind of missed the spot here and there, but if you're in a rush, you need something you're in Linda Vista and you need Japanese food This is a good place.

Service 10/10, good ambiance. We ordered two bowls of ramen, the tonkatsu and the garlic. I like spicy so asked them if I could get chili on the side. The broth was so good! I was surprised. The noodles were a bit on the softer side. Good poI would definitely come here again. We got our food quick. Everything was about $50.

SERVICE: 5 out of 5 stars Waitress was sweet and attentive our entire visit. I appreciated her keeping our water glasses full and making sure we were enjoying our dining experience. FOOD: 4 out of 5 stars This is purely based on the chicken Katsu dish only. I'll start off by saying how yummy the curry is. Wow. Maybe one of the best Japanese curries I've tasted in San Diego hands down. What docked a star off for me was the chicken. It was somewhat chewy in some parts, as if it was over cooked, but I don't think it was. Maybe it was the kind of chicken they used? If I got this dish again, I'd give the shrimp tempura a try or ramen. Ambiance: 5 out of 5 stars The restaurant is very clean and quiet. I'll be back to try some of their other dishes.

Amazing!!! I came with my family to Seaworld and we came here after and I'll tell you that you won't be disappointed!! As a vegan, there's so many vegan options! The ramen is so flavorful and the mock duck is so goooooddd!! Definitely recommend!! I got the Vegan Ramen which has a lot of veggies, tofu and thick noodles, but there are other vegan ramen options. For appetizers I got the veggie gyozas and potato croquettes and let me tell you that the potato croquettes are amazing, crunchy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. If you're from the area or visiting seaworld or just visiting the area, I recommend stopping there!

I LOVE this ramen. It's been my go to and it has been for years, I've tried new places and I just know this will ALWAYS hit the spot! Everyone I take to this place and gets my order always loves it. The broth is spicy but not so much painful, more like flavor. Also our waiter was so attentive, her name was Fai and She was very sweet, filled me and my friends water literally every time it got to half full. Exceptional service and the environment was so calm and welcoming. LOVE LOVE LOVE

The ramen was great, and the ladies working were so nice! We got it to go since it was Valentine's day, and they gave us everything we needed!

I came here when it opened, that was several years ago. Back then, this place didn't impress me. The soup felt like it lacked something, I think I gave 4 stars. Today, I revisited this place and it was fulfilling. I would definitely come back here for the soup again. Only problem was the chashu. I prefer it melt in my mouth. I just don't care for the crispy thing they do.

YUMMY YUMMY! Came here with my husband on Easter morning and loved it! As you walk in, you feel welcome by their homey yet modern dining area. The service was spectacular and kind, the type you get in japan. The drinks were served COLD on chilled glasses and were super refreshing. The pink jelly sake was definitely something to try! All the appetizers were good and although i'd never had fried avocado before, it was still a scrumptious surprise almost like vegetarian takoyaki. The spicy red buta ramen was SOOOO spicy, hot and fresh! The star was definitely that chasu pork so thick and smoky melts in your mouth goodness! Mmm Mmm!! Thank you for the food!!

Usually I can't handle my spice that well, but for the Coconut Curry Ramen, I will persevere through. It was not too spicy to the point of pain, but there was a kick big enough that I had to take water breaks once in a while. The soup was so delicious and you could really taste the coconut in the curry broth. For a vegan based ramen it was delicious! I got it with the mock duck and my boyfriend the drumstick. Next time, I will order with the drum. The meat was so tender and juicy. The wonton strips that came with the ramen complemented the noodles really well and helped me with the spice. We also ordered the garlic karaage. If you love garlic and chicken this is perfect for you! They added so much garlic on top and mmm! I will definitely come back again!

Great food, great prices, nice people, and that's how a restaurant is successful! They have pretty nice vegetarian and vegan options and we ordered avocado tempura, curry veggie ramen and vegan ramen. The avocado was delicious! Crispy on the outside and buttery inside. Loved it! The ramens were pretty delicious! My curry broth had an amazing coconut flavor and it really came through with that amazing hot sauce. The mock duck was cherry on top. The vegan ramen had a lovely tang to it that was as quite unique. It had pretty generous veggie toppings with tofu. The prices were really good compared to our other regular spots. We definitely will be back!

On a rainy San Diego night years ago, I found BUTA ramen. I am a repeat customer and have always enjoyed the freshness of my food whether I dine in or take out. Enjoy a hot tea and some good music while you wait for your meal. °My personal appetizer favorites: Chicken karaage & Agedashi tofu °Ramen: I started out with the classic Soul-You, then Spicy Buta with a substitute protein (I like mock duck or fried tofu), But my all time favorite here is the Golden Curry ramen. I've tried it with chicken, mock duck, and tofu. It's delicious every time!! The flavor of the broth is something that should be experienced by everyone, the noodles are perfect in texture and taste, the chili oil and crispy noodles top it all off (don't forget to squeeze that lemon over your bowl before digging in)... I mean, what else can you ask for, am I right? You can stop reading and place an order or treat yourself to a night out at Buta *They also sell beer/wine/sake if that's where you're vibe is at

How did I just discovered Buta Japanese Ramen? Wow. This place was such a solid find tonight. Out of all the ramen restaurants in San Diego, Buta definitely deserves a spot as one of the city's top ramen shops. This place definitely has a neighborhood and relaxed vibe. Spacious and modern. You could feel that this place gets a ton of repeat patrons and/or locals. I got the Crazy Garlic Ramen and I was a big fan. It had a ton of flavor, was absolutely delicious and arrived piping hot. The trifecta. The best part of my bowl was definitely the chashu, which is probably the best in all of San Diego, and yes, that's a huge statement. It was well seasoned and smoked to perfection. There was a tad bit more fat than I'd like, but the flavor more than made up for it. The soft boiled egg, noodles and other toppings were okay - nothing to write home about, but they weren't bad. My partner got the Tahini Old School, which he preferred more than my bowl. I begged to differ, lol, and preferred mines more. Overall, I would definitely add Buta Japanese Ramen to your rotation, if you're in the nearby area and are looking to try out a new place. The staff was also more than helpful at all times - super attentive and thorough - constantly checking on us and keeping our drinks filled. They even allowed me to customize the firmness of my noodles, which was greatly appreciated. We were in and out in a very reasonable time. Great job, Buta! Y'all are crushing it.

My first time here and if I'm in the area, I'll be back. It's a small restaurant off the main road in a strip mall. The service was excellent. Food was excellent. Restaurant was nicely clean. I was able to substitute the pork meat in my Ramen for chicken without any hassle or extra charge. The Ramen was fantastic with a great flavor and nice spice.

Awesome little neighborhood ramen spot. Food is on point and the service was great! Stop in for a delicious ramen bowl!

I have been going to this restaurant the past three times trying three different bowls and I was never not disappointed. This restaurant is so underrated and hardly busy during lunch hours! Their ramen soup bases were amazingly good with exemplary flavor balances. I've tried the garlic, old school and soyu ramen, and my personal favorite would be the garlic bowl. Oh and you HAVE to try the mock duck. It is made out of soybeans and it really tastes like duck. The restaurant environment is very pleasant, and honestly I'm going to be a regular here now since it's close to work anyway :)

One of our favorite restaurants in SD! They have the best ramen, great service, and a cute/cozy space.