HiroNori Craft Ramen

Ramen restaurant · San Joaquin Marsh

HiroNori Craft Ramen

Ramen restaurant · San Joaquin Marsh

3

2222 Michelson Dr #234, Irvine, CA 92612

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HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by HiroNori Craft Ramen
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null
HiroNori Craft Ramen by null

Highlights

Tucked away in a charmingly modest space, this lively Japanese spot serves up flavorful ramen and hearty toppings that make for a delightful dining experience.  

Featured on Michelin
Featured in Eater

2222 Michelson Dr #234, Irvine, CA 92612 Get directions

hironori.com
@hironoriramen

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

2222 Michelson Dr #234, Irvine, CA 92612 Get directions

+1 949 536 5800
hironori.com
@hironoriramen

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve

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reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"HiroNori may have made its way across California, but this original location is where it all started six years ago. The restaurant’s specialty of tonkotsu ramen comes served with hand-crafted noodles and prepared with pork bone broth simmered for over 24 hours. Notably, this bowl of noodles does not skimp out on the toppings, which include bean sprouts, green onion, spinach, egg, seaweed, wood ear mushrooms, and chashu pork. The vegan ramen is also a hit for its umami sesame miso broth." - Cathy Park

Where to Eat Around the University of California at Irvine (UCI)
View Postcard for HiroNori Craft Ramen (Irvine)
@michelinguide

"This eatery is located in a quiet complex, just steps away from an office park-dense area of Irvine. The diminutive gray interior is accented with wood slats, a vertical garden and plate-glass windows that overlook the gathering crowds waiting for your seat. Everyone is here for the deliciously concise menu, offering rice bowls, and of course, their signature noodles. Those three types of ramen arrive in a choice of shoyu or vegan broth made with sesame and miso. Specialties include the tonkotsu, which showcases a bowl of wonderfully flavorful pork bone broth so rich that it seems almost milky, stocked with thin, flat noodles made by the chefs. This is finished with slabs of char siu and perhaps a dollop of zesty chili-garlic sauce." - Michelin Inspector

Hiro Nori Craft Ramen
View Postcard for HiroNori Craft Ramen (Irvine)
@eater

"HiroNori Craft Ramen arrives in Hillcrest today, adding San Diego to its collection of eateries in Orange County; an outpost recently opened in Santa Clara and there are existing locations in Irvine and Long Beach. Co-founders Hiromichi Igarashi and Tadanori Akasakao channeled their collective experience as ramen chefs at restaurants in Japan and the U.S. into creating HiroNori Craft Ramen. A factory in the Los Angeles area makes its special recipe for noodles, available in thin or thick styles, and most of its ramen bases including a 24-hour simmered pork tonkotsu broth. Besides tonkotsu, the eatery also offers a shoyu ramen made with two-year barrel-aged soy sauce and a vegan sesame miso ramen packed with vegetables, soy meat, and tofu. The menu is rounded out with pork, chicken, or seafood-topped rice bowls and appetizers such as pork belly buns, cucumber crab salad, and garlic-soy fried chicken. The 1,101-square-foot, 30-seat Fifth Avenue shop will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; the eatery also working on adding beer and sake. As is common practice in Japan, a 15% service charged is tacked onto your bill in lieu of tipping." - Candice Woo

Orange County Ramen Shop Opens in Hillcrest Today - Eater San Diego
View Postcard for HiroNori Craft Ramen (Irvine)

Jose Guerrero

Google
Not sure why it took us this look to check this place out but glad we finally got to it. Not a shocker but what we've heard from so many people is absolutely true. Phenomenal ramen here! You can't go wrong with anything you order. Add in that yummy garlic they give you on the side, it takes the ramen to the next level. Get to this location before 5 if you can or parking tends to get a bit tough.

Hakobi

Google
Got the tonkotsu ramen and crispy chicken! It was amazing! The pork was so tender and egg was delicious. The crispy chicken was also really good especially with the dipping sauce! Very happy and would eat here again

Nazan Osmanoglu

Google
We had an amazing dining experience here! Everything we tried was incredibly flavorful and beautifully presented. The appetizers especially blew us away — the crispy rice with spicy tuna and vegan gyoza were absolutely phenomenal. I wasn’t in the mood for meat today, so I opted for the veggie ramen, and I’m so glad I did. Every bite was delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. My husband had the spicy tuna bowl and loved it as well. Hands down one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. Can’t wait to come back!

Yasmeen K

Google
Great service, staff, and the ramen is delicious. I added on the salmon poke, and it was delightful. I may have ordered too much for one person but now I have left overs for dinner!

Kuba Bartnik

Google
the best tonkotsu ramen i have ever had. the noodles were a great consistency and the broth flavorful. i understand why there is a waitlist (the food is so good!), though it goes by quickly and is worth the wait. very efficient and friendly service, even when the restaurant was packed and busy!

Robert

Google
The tonkotsu is delicious. Chasu perfect and you can order 3 more pieces for $ 5.00. Amazing garlic and chile condiments. Small place with nice music and friendly professional staff. Loved.

Justin

Google
For an extremely late work lunch, I stopped by HinoNori at 3 p.m. on a Monday. Given the off-peak time, I was seated immediately. In my ravenous state, I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen ($17.90) and upgraded it to a combo (+$6.90), which included a side salad and a mini rice bowl - I chose the chicken. Everything arrived within five minutes of ordering. The side salad didn’t come with a typical dressing. Instead, it featured a light and slightly tangy mix of dressing and shaved white topping - unusual, but refreshing. The mini chicken bowl was teriyaki flavored. It wasn’t drowned in sauce, and the chicken was juicy, tender, and more importantly, not overcooked. The Tonkotsu ramen had a decently flavored broth. It walked the line between rich and well-boiled but lacked the fattiness or viscosity I usually expect from a good tonkotsu. The egg was marinated perfectly; the whites weren’t just stained by soy sauce but actually carried the salty flavor through. Many places get the look right but only halfway deliver on flavor. HinoNori nailed it. The seaweed deserves a mention as well. It had a unique texture - not as thick as kelp, but chewier than nori. Think seaweed salad texture, but served hot. The contrast worked really well. The two pieces of chashu were beautifully torched and melt-in-your-mouth fatty. Beyond the food, the restaurant has a bright, airy vibe. The front wall is all large-paned glass, letting in plenty of natural light, and the decor leans light wood throughout - the serving trays match. I’d rate this 5 stars if not for the annoying 17.2% automatic service charge (removable upon request), which is listed in the menu’s fine print and applied regardless of party size. To their credit, the staff mentions it at payment time, saying something like, “Just to let you know, we have an automatic service charge in lieu of gratuity, if you’re okay with it.” I told my server I’d prefer to write in the tip myself, which proved a low-drama affair. Nonetheless, I don’t like playing these games with tips, service charges, “restaurant appreciation” fees, or whatever other bullshit euphemism is in vogue this week.

A S

Google
I've been here a few times and although I'm not personally a ramen person, it was good. Everyone in my group enjoyed the ramen and we were able to try all of the different types over our visits. I would highly recommend the pork buns and the crispy chicken. On many occasions, I'll just get those items while everyone else gets ramen and I would leave very satisfied.

Imo O.

Yelp
This is the second time I have tried HiroNori and it does not disappoint! They will permanently stay in my top places for ramen! The service was great and the ramen came out quick. The broth for the Tonkotsu ramen was SO rich, tasty, and flavorful. Everything you could possibly want for your ramen. The Shoyu ramen was quite delicious as well and the broth was yummy! If you want possibly some of the best ramen out, look for HiroNori. They have multiple locations in LA as well.

Jamie L.

Yelp
Yum! I ordered the tonkatsu ramen combo with the spicy tuna rice bowl and salad. All of the items were really good. Came out hot & was super flavorful. The meat smell wasn't strong at all which I am sensitive to in pork dishes (iykyk). We also ordered fried chicken which was also really tasty & crispy and soft. The restaurant has a very cozy atmosphere and the staff is really friendly. I would recommend the spot to anyone craving japanese ramen. One thing I noticed tho is that the chair is really uncomfortable. The wood and the gaps in the chair kind of hurt to sit in after a while. But other than that everything tasted great and made the visit worth.

Bethany V.

Yelp
I love coming here! My favorite ramen place by far! So so so good, with quick service too! A must try, the whole menu is so good, always hot n fresh! This location is small but makes you feel nice & cozy

Tony T.

Yelp
Enjoyed the food and quick service! Tried vegan ramen - broth was full of flavor. The eel buns were a mix of crunchy and soft. Could have used a little more bun, but the taste was good. Lots of small tables so not ideal for any large groups.

Michelle G.

Yelp
So good! This place was highly recommended and I can agree. No reservations, but you can call ahead to save some time. There was a wait for a table even on a Monday night. Casual place with decent seating. Excellent vegan ramen bowl. Great flair, huge portion and lots of substance. Good service. Price was on higher side on my opinion, but delicious and good quality food.

Ada Z.

Yelp
If I had to pick one ramen place that makes me nostalgic of our japan trips, it's definitely hironori. Their ramens are always super flavorful and most similar to the ramen flavors we had back in Japan. Parking for this location was packed on a random weekday in late afternoon, and we did have a 20 minute or so wait too. However, the food didn't disappoint. We got both shoyu and tonkotsu ramens with a pork rice combo, and a side of crunchy chicken. The pork rice was well seasoned and delicious too. My kids loved the chicken, even without the sauce! Service was good and attentive, even though they were pretty busy with a full house. It's definitely one of our favorite ramen places, and the flavors at this location are similar to the ones I originally had before in Pasadena location too.

Aennie K.

Yelp
This place will always have a wait and it's to be expected because this place is REALLY GOOD. This is my go to favorite ramen spot to delight in. Although there's a wait.. check in and go next door to the food hall to grab a drink. I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes. I always order the tonkotsu ramen with the complimentary garlic and spicy sauce on the side. The shoyu is also fantastic if you want something less heavy. Honestly, you can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. Broths are always rich and flavorful. Noodles are never overcooked and has the perfect amount of chew to them. Chashu is tender and seared. You can't go wrong. I've heard the vegan ramen is one of the best items on their menu which is wild to me. I also always order the crispy rice spicy tuna because it's the perfect amount of crunch combined with the soft and spicy of the tuna on top. Flavors and textures. *chefs kiss* As mentioned, although the restaurant is small, it's the perfect place for a casual date night or going out with friends (or by myself which I've done here plenty of times). Servers are friendly, attentive, and fast. Connor is usually my server and he's always given me the best service and recommendations to help me make decisions. I don't think I could ever go anywhere else for ramen now. I love you, Hironori.

Craig Y.

Yelp
Like I've said before, I don't review many chains, but my whole family raved about HiroNori Craft Ramen and while I was at a conference I stopped in to try it. Believe it or not, I didn't even try the ramen but was still impressed by the taste and quality of the food. Ramen as a whole has gotten a whole lot better than it was 10 years ago, but a few do rise above the rest and HiroNori is one of them. FOOD: Delicious. I had the pork rice bowl and the crispy rice with spicy tuna and both were delicious. It's so easy to get any crispy rice dish wrong but there's was just crispy enough without being too hard or tough. And their chashu (marinated pork belly) was delicious. I'd definitely come back and try their ramen, too. SERVICE: Quick and delicious. One knock is how busy they can get, but I don't know if you can really count that against the restaurant. Still, it is something to think about. COST: About right especially compared to comparable places. Definitely worthwhile. Still, with so many good ramen places this stands out but only a little. I'll go back if I'm near one knowing that I'll get good quality food, but if there's a long line? I can go somewhere else.

Kim I.

Yelp
What isn't to love about this place? We came in with our family for an early dinner and that was still a 45 min wait. WORTH. THE. WAIT No seriously, so much hype about the ramen and the noodles and it's real. The intricate details when your ramen arrives is just too pretty to slurp it all up, but you end up doing just that. I wish parking was better because it's jam packed with many other businesses and during peak time (that's what you feel like) The cozy spot makes me feel like I'm eating in SoHo in New York, cheek to cheek with your neighbor but everyone is just too damn happy to mind it. The turn around is fast too, once you are done, BOOM your check appears and on to the next. The momentum leaves you walking away thinking how soon is too soon to eat here again.

Jazzy S.

Yelp
We came in on a weekend for lunch, and had about 30-45 min wait for 7 people. Ambiance is a typical small ramen shop. We had a good experience overall. - Tonkotsu ramen (4/5): I enjoyed the broth and noodles. The pork was tender and fatty. They let you add your own garlic and spicy sauce as well - Crispy chicken (4/5): good portion size, sauce is tasty. Chicken was flavorful

Danielle B.

Yelp
Such great ramen that's packed with flavor! I got the fried chicken as a starter this time and it is now going to be part of every order! This place can definitely get packed but you can join the wait list on Yelp.

Nick H.

Yelp
****Good Hot Ramen!**** I've been here twice now. The first time was at the whim of my 10 year old. I didn't have very high expectations but it was actually really good. The second time was equally as good. Tonkatsu comes with everything you need. It makes it simple to order. The first time the noodles were perfect. The second time they were over cooked. Both times the Ramen was served perfectly hot. I like how they add garlic on the side. I also like that they have a Yelp wait list. Ambiance..gee it's a ramen shop. Parking is terrible and sucks big donkey nuts arrive early so you can find parking or just take an Uber and deal with it. I am a fan.

Czarina D.

Yelp
Good ramen! My husband and I ordered via DoorDash. We had the Shoyu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, and crispy chicken. The broths were good. The soft boiled eggs were cooked to perfection! The crispy chicken had great flavor and was moist, although the chicken lost its crisp on the drive over. Overall, ramen was good! Not the most delicious bowl of ramen I've ever had, but it satisfied the ramen craving.

Luke G.

Yelp
HiroNori Craft Ramen is hands-down one of the best ramen spots around! The flavors here are incredible--rich, deep broths that clearly take time to perfect, and the noodles are cooked just right with that perfect chewy texture. Their tonkotsu ramen is pure comfort in a bowl, creamy and savory with just the right amount of porky goodness, while the shoyu ramen has this amazing depth of flavor. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is laid-back yet stylish, making it a great spot for a casual meal or even a date night. Service is quick and friendly, and the portions are generous. Whether you're a ramen fanatic or just looking for a memorable meal. Can be a little cramped or even pretty busy because i think it is kind of a famous media spot for some reason.

Milani L.

Yelp
I really enjoyed this ramen! Hit the spot for such a cold night! This is for the location right by John Wayne airport, they have a couple of locations in oc though. I like that they have a waitlist that you can join ahead of time. Saves the struggle, especially for this location, the wait was long. But we joined it before we left so we didn't end up waiting more than 15 minutes, so that's the strategy. Parking can either be real good or bad depending on time you go. We were there towards tbe end of the night so parking wasn't too bad. Restaurant itself wasn't the biggest, but still sat a good amount. Clean, simple, not over the top. Service was great. I liked that everyone greeted you as you walked in. I feel bad for forgetting our servers name, but he was super kind and polite. He was also very professional and kept checking up on us. He was great at his job. Food was really yummy. I'm not from here but it was pretty up there with my go to ramen spot in San Diego. The crispy chicken was yummy. Flavorful and not too greasy. The Tempura Eel Buns were really yummy. The flavor was nice and they weren't too heavy. The tonkotsu ramen was delicious. The broth was soooo good and I enjoyed the noodles since they weren't too heavy. Overall I could see myself coming back. They have quite a bit of locations, including one in San Diego so I'd make time to go to that one too. I highly suggest this spot for some good ramen!

Jane C.

Yelp
This is my go-to ramen spot for OC. The broth is so good and rich. The noodles have great texture. AND THE GARLIC SAUCE. This is truly the game changer. A little goes a long way but it's so good that I put a good scoop into the broth. By adding the garlic sauce, it gives it an enhanced flavor, unlike anything I've had. I also ordered a salad cause I wanted some greens, and it was very fresh! Great serving size, you will probably have extra and it can definitely be shared. Big fan of this place!

Macy M.

Yelp
One of the best tonkotsu ramen broth out there! Super creamy and the chasu has that perfect fat to meat ratio. It does get pretty busy here inside and with parking on a weekend. So I suggest reserving on the Yelp waitlist, full party must be present! Overall, I will definitely be coming back to try more ramen or if I'm ever in the area and craving delicious ramen.

Elizabeth H.

Yelp
Amazingly good food and will definitely make another visit for a sumptuous meal! The Cold Spicy Dipping Noodle was so full of flavor you can almost dance. Since I wasn't too hungry that day but knowing I'll be slurping some of that Cold Spicy Dipping Noodle with my husband, the Pork Bowl (small) was so good and satisfying! Service was very friendly and attentive. There are ample seats outside to enjoy your ramen!

Lien D.

Yelp
The parking area is getting repaved so it's a bit of a mess right now as of 10/28/24. Parking was backed up but luckily I got a spot right away. Highly recommend going to their website to get in the waitlist. It was actually pretty fast. By the time I got there (10 mins drive) I received my text to check in. First bite of the Pork Tonkatsu Ramen was heavenly. I like the fact that they put the garlic and chili paste on the side so you can add to your liking. The broth and pork belly never disappoints. The weather is changing and so I find myself craving more soup entrees for lunch. It was crowded as always so you always hear the commotion with people sick of waiting for their party of 4 or more. It's a tiny place, I don't recommend having large groups come eat because you will wait forever. The only weird thing was at the end when I got the check. They said that a 15% service fee was optional and not part of tip. Trying to understand if they were trying to mandate this fee because people weren't getting minimum tips? I declined the optional service fee and tipped them 20%.

Supriya C.

Yelp
Came back after a long time and this place doesn't disappoint- crispy rice with spicy tuna is a hit as is the tonkatsu ramen! Tried the pork belly Bao and they were good but not amazing. Service was reasonably responsive but they messed up our to-go order and gave us a smaller portion of crispy rice with spicy tuna. Thankfully I checked before driving away and they fixed it when we asked but no apology or anything. Place is casual and was busy on a Saturday evening as expected. So bottom line food is still awesome but the service could use a bit of polish.

Olivia S.

Yelp
HiroNori was recommended to me by an Orange County local and WOW!!! I am so impressed. I normally order a miso ramen when I get Ramen so I was stuck between the Shoyu Ramen and Tonkatsu. I watched a YouTube video describing the different ramens and read through past comments to try and decide what I'd like better. The Shoyu uses Soy Sauce and a broth for the base which may be why people have said that one was salty to them. I LOVE salty dishes so I knew that was right up my alley. The Tonkatsu has a creamier base and my server told me that was his favorite. I will try it next time! The Shoyu was perfect. I loved having the garlic sauce and hot sauce on the side to create the exact flavor I wanted. I don't think it was too salty like past people have mentioned BUT I love salty foods so I am biased. I added half an egg and glad I did because it was great. The pork chasu was so tender and high quality. I also got a Cucumber Crab Salad that was super fresh and the Vegan Gyoza. I loved both and would reorder again. Justin was my server and super attentive. My food came out so fast. I went around 5:10pm on a weekday and it wasn't too busy but when I left around 5:45 every table was full. They bust food out quick here so I don't think the wait would be too long. The restaurant had beautiful decor and very clean. I will definitely be back!!

Bobby D.

Yelp
After spending the entire day with my family volunteering with Empathy Is The Remedy honoring and paying respect to America's Armed Forces Veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery and vibing at Disneyland, we were famished and were looking for some sustenance. It was a cool day especially walking around the Happiest Place On Earth, so we were in the mood for grub that would warm us up. We were blessed to find HiroNori Craft Ramen in Irvine through my trustworthy Yelp app and we found a Japanese ramen restaurant that rivals our favorite ramen spot in San Diego, Menya Ultra. Their ramen, chicken karaage, and crispy rice with spicy tuna were stellar! HiroNori appears to be a chain restaurant as there are other locations in the Irvine area as well as a location in San Diego. Not only will we have our fave in North County San Diego, but now we have our new fave in South San Diego. The HiroNori Irvine location is a popular destination located within close proximity to the John Wayne Airport. It can be found within a strip mall that also contains Book Off, Domino's Pizza, and it's next to Chewie & Mellow Desserts, and a Subway. There's another part of the strip mall that looks like an indoor food court. Make sure to place your name on the wait list on their website or on their check in portal at the restaurant because it's a popular dining locale. It's not a big restaurant, but they turn tables quick. Big parties might need to wait if you come during peak hours. The decor is minimalist, bright lighting, light brown walls, hanging gray drapes and Japanese banners, music playing in the background, and a steady hum of noise. Our server provided quality customer service and checked on us consistently despite how packed the restaurant was. You know you're dining at a restaurant that serves quality and much clamored for food when the restaurant is packed on a Saturday at 8pm and there are people waiting outside for their seats. My family knew before we even sat down that we were all ordering ramen. With a high Yelp rating and 1000s of reviews, I couldn't wait to compare HiroNori's ramen to my favorite ramen. They are also known for their chicken karaage, so that was definitely going to be on our order. I ordered their Tonkotsu Ramen, the Crispy Chicken aka Chicken Karaage, and the Crispy Rice W/ Spicy Tuna. The tonkotsu ramen comes with pork chasu, spinach, green onions, seaweed, bean sprouts, half egg, and make sure you get the free garlic and house spicy sauce. The first thing I did was taste the broth of the ramen and it was divine, rich, and flavorful. The pork chasu was tender and tasty; the half egg melted in my mouth, and all of the other accoutrements made for a memorable entree. I added the garlic and spicy sauce to the ramen and it made it tastier. HiroNori's tonkotsu ramen rivaled my fave. Definitely order the Crispy Chicken! The fried chicken thigh was a delicious appetizer made with garlic and soy marinated. It was fried perfectly, crispy, and tender at the same time. The accompanying dipping sauce made it yummy. My kiddo wanted their crispy rice with spicy tuna, which came with spicy tuna, avocado, jalapeño, and eel sauce. It was another notable appetizer that I wish we had more to chow down on. We also ordered the edamame and it was okay. HiroNori Craft Ramen Irvine most definitely warranted their popularity evident on their Yelp profile. Their tonkotsu ramen, crispy chicken, and crispy rice with spicy tuna eradicated our hunger and was just a satisfying and warming meal for the cool Orange County weather.

Melanie G.

Yelp
It's a good idea to go at a time earlier than you are looking at because there's a waitlist! We went on a Sunday around 5 and it wasn't horribly busy. We were around 7th in line initially but didn't have to wait more than 15 mins to be called. I got the vegan ramen. The broth was creamy and flavorful and they gave a fair amount of noodles. The broccolini was really good, it was grilled to a crisp with a nice charred flavor. There were maybe 5-6 soft tofu pieces. I do wish they gave more tofu and less lettuce. The bowl is $18.95 which is on the pricier side but I enjoyed it! I also tried a vegan gyoza, which was tasty and pan fried well! There's an automatic 16% service charge, but you do have the option to change it. Our server was kind and helpful and continually checked on us.

Kanon I.

Yelp
This is the place to go for the ramen! There are several spots in SoCal but Irvine one is always busy so make sure you view the waitlist before you leave and join when the time is right! I think it is worth the wait! I personally like the shoyu ramen better than tonkotsu but give it a try for both!

Lee K.

Yelp
I really appreciate the wait list feature which makes it so convenient to time a visit. From a few times using it, we found that people move through the wait list faster than expected. The ramen dishes are good but for those of us who don't eat pork, they are limited. I usually opt for the vegan ramen in miso broth and really like it. My wife likes the cold spicy dipping ramen. They also offer a decent selection of sides and appetizers. Service is ALWAYS super friendly and attentive.

vidia c.

Yelp
Date of visit: multiple times with the last one being yesterday 9/7/2024 I can't believe I never left a review here... Well, HiroNori is one of the ramen places I love very much. I only order Tonkotsu here and never shoyu. That plus Karaage. Highly recommended!

Marcus A.

Yelp
This has been on my list for a while and finally got a chance to eat here with a friend. They have a small menu with 3 ramens bases that include pork ramen, chicken, and vegan. I got the chicken ramen and it used a soy sauce base that was very flavorful. I think it was a good day to go since it wasn't busy. Usually there's a long line and I have to wait for a bit. Overall very friendly and fast service when it comes to getting the food in a timely manner. It felt like a small ramen shop in Japan.

Kim N.

Yelp
Hands down my favorite ramen in OC! Always a great spot for ramen, one of my go to restaurants. Despite the wait time it's always worth it for me! There is an online waitlist you can always join ahead of time as well. Service was super fast and super friendly, very attentive as well. Inside is quite small, but food gets out so quickly. Whenever I crave ramen, I will always think of hiro

Allen H.

Yelp
Umami and oiishi is my experience. Arrived before the lunch crowd and ordered the items shown in the photos.

Sha M.

Yelp
The ordering process here is different here than from monterey park. Gratuity and prices are higher here. Dont forget to choose thick or thin noodles. Had got the vegan. Good stuff of course.

Michael T.

Yelp
Went here on a Sunday evening around 5! We put our names in on the waitlist and there were a few people ahead of us but we only had to wait maybe 20 min so it wasn't bad. Once we got called, we were seated right away! The staff were friendly and very helpful too! I ordered the Vegan Ramen and the Vegan Gyoza! Both dishes were very flavorful! I usually prefer my Gyoza steamed but these Gyozas had just the right amount of crispiness to them! The Vegan Ramen was also really good! It was flavorful and portion sizes were pretty good too! I also liked the sesame miso broth that was in it. However, I did think there was a little too much kale in my ramen but overall the food was great!

Brian F.

Yelp
HiroNori has multiple locations across California with its name coming from the two owners of the restaurant chain: Hiro Igarashi and Nori Akasaka. This location is in a small plaza in Irvine near John Wayne Airport. We ordered the tonkotsu ramen ($17.90) and the shoyu ramen ($16.45). I thought the tonkotsu broth was creamier and the shoyu broth was saltier. They provided garlic and house spicy sauce on the side to spruce us the soup which were nice additions. I liked both broths and I also really liked the pork chashu. We also ordered the crispy rice with spicy tuna ($8.40) which was really good and I thought the tuna was actually spicy enough compared to others I've had in other restaurants. Overall the food was good and the service was good too.

Justin Y.

Yelp
It's just So so. The wait wasn't too bad but I was super hyped about this place. The ramen tasted decent but i wasn't super blown away. This place gets super packed btw.

Phg T.

Yelp
When the weather gets cooler and your belly is empty, there's only one food that warm your soul. What to choose? Ramen is always a sure bet for me. But when there's a heat wave coming what do I eat ? Ramen of course but only if they have AC ! Love their no-fuss simple menu. All time favorite is their tonkatsu ramen. Perfect portion with just enough of ramen noodles and two slices of pork chashu that warms my heart with just the first slurp. Bean sprouts and spinach happen to be my favorite veggies ...so I fulfill my daily greens requirement. No guilt at all. Service is fast and smooth without any hiccups.

Jessie Z.

Yelp
Parking a butt. Gotta waitlist in person. The key is to come with 2 person parties, still busy on weekday nights but our wait was only like 15 min. Quality still remains the same which is good ramen. The noodles were the perfect texture. I got the tonkatsu ramen and I think the key note of this place is the rich and creamy broth. It definitely fills u up and adding a combo makes it shareable. I also love their spicy sauce which they place on the side (free) it's a very fragrant chili garlic sauce. Service wise it is small so they are attentive, but water may take a while to get filled. Still would recommend this place, nice to know quality remains despite super expansion/ years

Anna L.

Yelp
If you're looking for a go-to ramen spot, look no further than HiroNori. It's been my favorite for the past five years, and for good reason. The broths are always rich and flavorful, and even when I request a lower sodium option, there's no compromise on taste. The karaage is absolutely to die for--crispy chicken with the perfect amount of lemon juice. The service is always quick and excellent, even though you'll likely wait upwards of an hour for a table. The ambiance is chill and casual, perfect for a laid-back outing. Pros: - Delicious, flavorful broths with customizable options, incredible karaage, quick and excellent service, relaxed, casual ambiance Cons: - long wait times (up to an hour) for a table

Dan C.

Yelp
A small, inviting ramen restaurant with some very friendly and accommodating staff. We came just after lunch fully expecting an hour-ish wait but were seated surprisingly quickly. Once you're in, a server comes with a tablet to take your order and the food comes out *fast.* We started with two unagi tempura buns. Eel tempura is something I've never tried but I'm glad I did, and for the price it's surprising how much eel you get. The unagi itself is flaky and fatty but clean, and the eel sauce is flavorful but not in-your-face. And honestly I enjoy being flavor blasted with BBQ eel flavor. The ramen definitely felt lovingly crafted. I got the tonkotsu ramen, which was opaque, creamy, and filling, with pleasantly bouncy noodles and some of the most tender chashu I've had. It somehow felt creamy but not super rich. My partner got the shoyu ramen, whose soy sauce had a funky, ferment-y character we enjoyed. And the egg was creamy and well-seasoned. We had a pleasant experience and again the ramen felt well-crafted. But everything was missing something. The buns fell just short of the flavor I crave in unagi. The ramen itself didn't have any detectable dashi/ fishiness to it, which is what we look for in all Japanese broths. If a milder taste is what they're going for, they do it to perfection and with obvious care. But it's not for us.

Ketana C.

Yelp
Best ramen you will ever have in your entire life. I've been coming here for the last 7 years and it never misses. I introduced my best friend who had been living in Japan and she said it's better than any ramen she's had there. I'm vegetarian so I get the vegan ramen and I always feel satiated with the soy meat and tofu. The broth is amazing and veggies are crispy to perfection! Veggie gyoza is also amazing here. The service is always quick and great as well. Can't recommend Hiro Nori enough!

Shawn S.

Yelp
We started with the spicy tuna rice cake as an appetizer, which had the perfect portion of rice and tuna. The rice was crispy, making the dish very tasty! The tonkotsu ramen was light and flavorful, not too rich at all. The shoyu ramen had a light broth, and the noodles were pleasantly chewy. The hot paste served with the dish was spicy and packed with flavor. Additionally, the dishes were served quickly, and the service was good.

Mayco L.

Yelp
I've seen this place for years! And for years there were always lines out the door. I forgotten about this place until today. Parking: sucks! Unless you get there before 5:30PM on a Wednesday (me - today). Brick & mortar: (At 5:30PM) My table was sticky. The floor was dirty and sticky, too. The stool was also sticky and uncomfortable. I didn't dare to go to their restroom. Hosts: I like a subtle friendly treatment. The minute I opened their door I got a scream by 4 people. I prefer not. Server: Then when we were sat down, a server, who claimed to be a mom, too - told me that she wasn't comfortable seeing how my daughter was seating. She continued to say that the way she was seating could be dangerous and that their chair (it's a stool) were not stabile. I don't know what to do with that information. 7 years we ate out everywhere, even at a ramen bar, with a high bar stool, I've never been approached like that. But it's their place. So I asked my daughter to sit the way she (the server) asked her to, which made it harder for her to eat cause she's not that tall. The food runner and the other server that actually took care of us were amazing! They were super tentative and on point! Kudos to these 2. Food: Pork Buns. Menu stated: Steamed bun, marinated pork belly, pickled onions, and hoisin sauce. What I experienced: +pork belly was amazing. +the buns were super soft and fluffy. +love the sweet red onion pickles. - the overly poured hoisin sauce killed this potentially amazing app. It was inedible. My daughter ate the bun, scraped the sauce off. I took them home, rinsed it with hot water and added the pork belly into my pet's dinner. Very disappointed. Tonkatsu Ramen: Perfection. Egg, pork belly, noodles and especially the broth were a Devine combo! They even put a perfect amount of veggies in the bowl. Overall: it's okay. I went here due to convenience cause it was near the dance studio. If there was a wait line, I'll pass.

Marilyn P.

Yelp
Tonkatsu ramen was 5/5. Best ramen spot I've had so far. Along with that, we got the yuzu jelly shot and didn't realize the shot was a whole can. Definitely worth it and was really tasty as well. Servers were nice and accommodating as we had a large party.

Erick G.

Yelp
Let me start with the 1 hour wait is well worth it! When we were finally seated service was immediate and great throughout our dining. Friendly staff who are always checking on us. Started with sides and the crispy chicken was probably the best chicken karaage we've ever had! We also loved the crispy rice with spicy tuna which we almost ordered another round. The tonkotsu and shoyu ramen were tasty and not too salty which we prefer. Please doesn't sleep on getting garlic and house spicy sauces which we're game changers!

Samantha C.

Yelp
We came around 2 on a Saturday and surprisingly there was no wait! There's also Yelp waitlist once you arrive at the restaurant. We ordered the tonkotsu ramen and the vegan ramen. The vegan ramen reminded me of a dan dan mien and it was SOO good. Super peanut-y, and I love the soy meat added! You really can't tastes that its vegan. My friend also really loved his tonkotsu ramen, so you can't go wrong with both. One of my fave ramen spots now and it's vegan!!! I'm sold!

Cheok Meng L.

Yelp
Visited HiroNori at around 9PM - a short 5 minute wait to get a 2 person table. Service was quick. overall food is consistently good every time I visit. A solid spot for ramen in Irvine Tonkotsu Ramen - a rich, savory broth that coats the ramen and makes the noodles a delight to not just chew but also taste. The Cha Siu was fatty and soft but left me wanting more. There's garlic you can get on the side to add to your ramen for more garlic-y goodness. Crispy Chicken (Karage) - the breading mostly had a good crisp and chicken was cooked well. However, quite a few pieces of the karage had the breading fall off or still feel soggy. The flavor was there though and with the sauce and a spritz of lemon, it was still great. The sauce felt like it had a ponzu base but couldn't really figure out why it tasted so familiar

Jim S.

Yelp
I had lunch here recently and had a great dining experience. I had wanted to try this restaurant since the reviews have been excellent. The restaurant is small and very popular. I got their house special the Tonkotsu ramen and it was fantastic. Their service and pricing is excellent too. I look forward to visiting again.

Kia D.

Yelp
HiroNori was the first ramen spot that took my liking of ramen to a love of ramen. I could tell that this place was a cut above other restaurants. The egg is perfectly cooked every time, their house spicy sauce is delicious, and the broth is rich and nuanced. I always go with their tonkatsu ramen. It's rich, fatty, and filling. Their restaurant is small, so expect a line on weekends and after work, but it's worth the wait. You'll be served quickly and leave happy. I have to say, after visiting Japan, this place still holds up. It's a testament to the authenticity of the flavors and techniques used by the chefs. I highly recommend eating here. The Irvine location on Michelson is still the best among the various other locations I've been to. Be sure to get the house spicy sauce and black garlic sesame!

Diya S.

Yelp
This is for a takeout order -- food was packaged really neatly with broth and sauces packed separately. I ordered the vegetarian ramen and really enjoyed the flavors. Noodles were perfectly cooked and tender

Emily T.

Yelp
There is always a wait no matter which location I go to, but the wait was not very long and the staff is very efficient and attentive! The broth is quite flavorful but it's just a little too creamy for my taste. Their chili paste is really good and adds another depth of flavor to the broth, so I highly recommend adding that in if you are amenable to spicy foods. Overall, I had a great experience here!

Nicole L.

Yelp
My tastebuds loved me so much after trying out this 4x Michelin Star guide ramen spot. We came right around dinner time and waited a good 40 minutes -- worth every minute. You can check in on their iPad in the restaurant & check your status on their website. We ordered two tonkatsu ramens and a crispy chicken appetizer. When I tell you this is the best ramen I've ever had.... my gawd I'm still thinking about the rich and creamy broth and the crispy yet juicy crispy chicken (the karage). I tried the ramen without toppings... but adding the minced garlic with flavored black oil & the house spicy sauce was truly the cherry on top. The noodles in the ramen were juicy & chewy, cooked just perfect. This is something that would hit on a rainy day -- something saur comforting about the broth and bouncy noodles. The crispy chicken (karage) also exceeded my expectations -- chicken being crispy and meat being super juicy. The sauce HiroNori paired with the chicken was SO goood too I cannot. I'm not a huge fan of ramen but I would 10000% come back for HiroNori. I also loved how the water they serve are fruit infused -- small details that matter. Keep in mind there are 16% service charge & there's usually a wait but I promise she's so worth :)