Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego (Kearny Mesa)

A very nice ramen restaurant that has an authentic Japanese taste. Their signature ramen bowl is the Kitakata Ramen which has a light soy sauce and salt broth with slices of chashu (pork) and topped with scallions. This has a light, refreshing taste, that is wonderful for a second meal. They have other ramen broths, so if you prefer something heavier, you have that option. Also, their Karaage (fried chicken) is quite excellent, so try that as well! Overall, I'd come back when in the mood for ramen.

Ever since my friend and I came into Kitakata our first time, it’s been a tradition each time I visit San Diego to go back here together. We’ve been 3 or 4 times now - it’s our favorite! I eat a lot of ramen, and Kitakata is one of a kind. The ramen is super flavorful without being heavy, the recipes are creative, and the noodles are curly and chewy. My favorite flavors have been the mapo tofu, hot and sour soup, and green chili shio ramen. We typically come in for lunch around 12:00/12:30 on weekends, and parking isn’t too bad since the lot is large and shared with Target. Service is always fast, attentive, and friendly. Serving size for a regular bowl is generous, and for 2 people for just ramen/no sides, the total came out to around 40$. I wish I had a Kitakata in my neighborhood - I would be there every day!

Probably the worst ramen spot I’ve had here in San Diego. This is not your typical ramen spot. It tastes so fake and just not authentic. I understand the Kitakata ramen style, but this is not it. The noodles and karaage chicken were good, but that’s about it. The broth was very disappointing…. It was lacking flavor. Service was also slow, and it wasn’t even busy when we came in. We will not be returning, and if you’re looking for traditional ramen, go somewhere else. It was expensive as hell like $16.99 and it doesn’t even come with at least with an egg.

This restaurant was very crowded during lunch. The noodles are kind of special. They are not round and look irregular. I had the tonkotsu Raman and the broth is too salty. Their fired chicken seems to be very popular. I ordered a large bowl and couldn’t finish it.

My wife and I are regulars of KitaKata and noticed they had some new items. Mapo tofu ramen - I loved this! It was so warm and hearty with a kick And a lunch chashu bowl - what a great deal it is to add this on for lunch combo. It’s a decent dice and very soft delicious flavorful pork. Tonkotsu ramen - I loved this too! The broth was rich and delicious. My wife didn’t like any of the items because it was too spicy or fatty for her. I felt bad so I promised her we’ll come back another time. Parking is always easy and plentiful and service is quick and friendly

Update 4/2025: My husband and I have been back here several more times and tried many different items including seasonal dishes (like tonkotsu, mapo tofu, mazemen, tsukemen) and everything is delicious. You can't really go wrong with any menu item. Chashu rice bowl is another favorite. The quality has been consistent, dining is spacious and cleaning, service is prompt and friendly, food comes out fast and hot! My personal favorite is the classic kitakata ramen. Even though it's a shio (salt) ramen, the broth is so tasty and comforting. Because it's shio broth, it doesn't feel heavy or unhealthy. The curly kitakata noodles have a very nice chewy texture. Highly recommend this ramen shop. ————————————- I have been a fan of Kitakata Ramen in Irvine and Buena Park so when I heard that there's a new Kitakata in San Diego opening the next day, I had to cancel my next day plans to try them out! Kitakata has the best clean tasting shoyu and shio ramen that isn't as heavy as the Hakata or tonkotsu ramens. Kitakata noodles also have a nice firmness and chew to them. I anticipate this ramen shop to be a popular busy place. It is located in the Costco business shopping center next Target. Parking is ample and free. Service - very friendly servers, food came out quickly Juicy fried chicken - very moist, flavorful chicken with great crisp. The batter is thin and light so it's not too oily. It came with a sweet mustard-like dipping sauce. Highly recommend! Kitakata ramen - asked for less salt and hard noodles. This was so delicious with a little spicy sesame oil added on the side. Umakara Tan Tan ramen - asked for less salt and hard noodles. My husband & I both thought it was too salty when we had this in the past, so the modification of less salt made it perfect. Tan tan has a nice sesame flavor and a kick from the spicy sesame oil. It's my husband's favorite menu item.

Came here for lunch with friends. This is busy during lunch so you have the option of either sitting at the bar for quicker service or sitting down at a table but waiting for this. I ordered the seasonal Tonkotsu Ramen (new on their menu) since I’m a lover of the salt and creamy taste. I will say that this definitely tasted different than the Los Angeles Tonkotsu Ramen I’m used to (which is amazingly delicious). The presentation is nice and you get five thinner slices of fatty pork. Now the star of the show were the noodles which were extremely smooth and delicious and very different than other typical Ramen noodles. The broth wasn’t as flavorful as I expected. The Kitakata ramen had a similar presentation with the fatty pork slices at the top and then a lighter soup broth. This was OK. Overall, the food came quite slow because of how busy they were so if you’re hungry, just be prepared that you might have to wait during rush-hour. Restrooms were fairly clean and did not smell – thank you! Parking lot is shared with the rest of the establishments in the area but plenty of spaces. Staff was nice and friendly. I would definitely come back to try the other things they have on their extensive menu and for their noodles!

Food was great. We come to this establishment often; since opening. However, we might not come back here anymore for one particular server and his name is Oscar. Last month, on a saturday night, we came here with a party of 7 and we understood it was busy and were as polite possible because we know what its like to work in hospitalty. Oscar, helped us with an arrogant attitude as if we were beneath him. We didnt mind it (rough night for him maybe) and generously tipped him that night. Then last night, oscar was there again with the same attitude, dropping off ramens on the edge of the table without asking which ramen goes to who and immediately left without a word, just a snooty attitude and look. Mind you, the place was slow that day with 3 tables. He gave us the impression that we were not welcomed at this business anymore. All the female servers we've had are always polite, hustling and still keeping a great attitude. Management needs to retrain Oscar and let him know taking care of and being hospitable is part of the job. We are always polite when we dine out. These were just a couple of examples of this particular server and there have been many occurrences of the same attitude with him.

Delicious refreshing and soothing ramen! Portions are large and they give you lots of noodles and veggies in the ramen. You are also able to customize if you'd like your noodles firm or soft, and stronger or lighter flavored broth. We ate til full and bellies felt warm and nice. Ramen is not too oily. This is a nice feel good ramen spot with lots of seating/decor and great price point, too! Will come again! It can be busy on weekend so do waiting 15-25min depending on the waitlist.

Ever since my friend and I came into Kitakata our first time, it's been a tradition each time I visit San Diego to go back here together. We've been 3 or 4 times now - it's our favorite! I eat a lot of ramen, and Kitakata is one of a kind. The ramen is super flavorful without being heavy, the recipes are creative, and the noodles are curly and chewy. My favorite flavors have been the mapo tofu, hot and sour soup, and green chili shio ramen. We typically come in for lunch around 12:00/12:30 on weekends, and parking isn't too bad since the lot is large and shared with Target. Service is always fast, attentive, and friendly. Serving size is generous for the regular, and the total for 2 people for ramen/no sides came out to around 40$. I wish I had a Kitakata in my neighborhood - I would be there every day!

We ate here today around 1:30PM. We have eaten there probably 50 times since they opened and every time the ramen was great. However, today (8Nov) the noodles were way over cooked and I don't think the water was shaken off. Please do not let your quality go downhill!!! I don't want to back to the Costa Mesa location...GANBATTE!!!!!!!!!

I've been here 3 times so far and really like their ramen! The broth is flavorful and noodles are cooked perfectly. I like that it doesn't feel heavy. We got the kitakata ramen and the spicy miso ramen, as well as a glass of beer. They have a wide variety of toppings. I love adding the yuzu chili paste! I'll need to come back soon, as I'm craving for ramen during this cold weather haha.

The staff were extremely kind & the ramen was also delicious! I tried the Umakara Tan Tan ramen and I enjoyed it! It had cubed toro chasu which was a bit salty to me, but it balanced out with the broth! It is labeled as spicy, but it wasn't too bad. I added more chili oil and togarashi to add a bit more spice. It wasn't too loud or chaotic inside, perfect for families! We'll be returning again!

The change of the seasons is spreading a sickness like a bag in the wind, and unfortunately it found me. Before I went down for the count I knew what my body needed: Ramen. Kitakata was the first place that popped into my head. I got the boiled vegetable Shio ramen, and of course adding an egg is a must! The regular sized bowl was massive and full of amazing noodles, decadent pork broth that I enhanced a bit with some spicy oil, and 5 pieces of tender Toro (pork) chasu. Every bite was better than the last and I could feel the ramens magical powers healing me from the inside! I wasn't able to eat the whole thing so I was glad to have leftover lunch for the next day. Staff was very polite and service was quick! The open air kitchen let's you watch the chefs work their magic and I feel that a visible kitchen tends to be a better place to eat, there's a sense of accountability to maintain cleanliness and proper health department standards. This place is popular so make sure to get here before the dinner rush, but if there's a wait... its worth it!

A solid place to get ramen - the restaurant is smaller, we've been here once before and there was a wait (during peak hours). We were able to get a seat this time with no problem! We started with the takoyaki, which wasn't anything special but still good. I got the Umakara Tan Tan Ramen, which wasn't spicy at all in my opinion, but the broth was super flavorful. It wasn't overly rich and had a nice nutty flavor. My friend got the Green Chili Shio which was very light and pleasant. We also got the melon soda, which is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was fine, but wouldn't get it again. The only complaint I have is pretty minor. I was in deep conversation and was interrupted by our server asking how everything was. Lost my train of thought and derailed the conversation. Wish she would've noticed that it wasn't the time to interrupt, but service was still great overall.

Tried Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai in Kearny Mesa and it was a solid experience. This spot is clean and well-kept. The location isn't huge (it seats around 20-30 people), but it delivers a great ramen experience. Service was excellent -- our server Ryan was amazing! He greeted us with good vibes and happiness, and he was attentive throughout the meal, which made the visit even better. The food was fantastic. If you're looking for shoyu broth ramen, this is the place. The noodles are chewy and the broth is flavorful without being too heavy. I also tried their small rice bowls -- the Aburi Chashu and the Pork Curry -- and both were delicious. The special sauce on the chashu rice bowl had the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Overall, great food, great service, and a cozy ramen spot worth checking out in Kearny Mesa.

Love their green chili ramen!! The service is great and the restaurant is always super clean! They have lunch specials too!

First time, of course, found the place through Yelp . It was hot and I saw they had hiyashi chuka, which is cold noodles. I also ordered gyoza. Gyoza was pretty good and I like the crispy part. The hiyashi chuka was the best I've ever had. The noodles were cooked perfectly with a nice chew. The sauce was perfect as well and they had chashu pork I stead of ham which was a nice change of pace. I may go back tonight to try the ramen cause close to the hotel. Came back. Ordered gyoza again. Hot outside so did the dipping noodles. I added the bean sprouts. Gyoza good again. I really like the texture of their noodles. Has a nice bite. The soup is hot when it comes out but once you start dipping the cold noodles, it cools down pretty fast. The soup flavor is very good. I think it's some type of bone broth base.

looks like everyone had the same idea when the weather turned gloomy in san diego - gloomy weather equals ramen time! This was on our list to try for awhile and decided to do a birthday lunch here. Normally, when we are trying a spot for the first time, we tend to order more than usual to try everything to see if we will come back. The shoyu ramen was good. Not salty and the noodles were cooked well. I decided to go with the tsukemen (cold noodles dipped in hot broth). It was good but i probably should have just gotten regular ramen. Im used to tsukemen being a bit more thicker in the broth. Additionally, if you prefer your broth or noodles to be cooked a certain way, let them Know and they can accommodate. We decided to get the kids meal for the little one and it was way more than enough! Its a choice between shoyu or miso ramen, one big piece of karaage), rice with furikake and edamame. They had no problem in putting the noodles and broth in separate bowls, and they even separated the pork chashu, corn and green onion topping. They little one absolutely loved it all. Also ordered was the kitaramen, small aburi bowl, small curry bowl and a 5 piece karaage. Everything tasted so good. Curry done well, the char on the pork belly was delicious and the karaage, wow, the pieces are huge! The chicken also comes with a good dipping sauce. The place itself isn't that big. They have a counter that seats about 10 and then about 7 tables that could seat 4-5 people. It seemed to be pretty popular because they had a long wait of people outside. Plenty of free parking. The staff are very nice. There is one restroom and it does have baby changing station for those with little ones. All in all, good place in the convoy. Will probably come back if the craving hits.

Kitakata ban nai has seasonal specials. This time I got the Mazemen, a dry ramen with shoyu based sauce. It came topped with chives, green onions, garlic, minced chachu, sesame, fish powder, nori, and a poached egg. You just mix it all up when it arrives. I got the noodles firm as always. Kitakata noodles have a high moisture content almost like thin udon noodles so I always order them firm. It was very tasty, the minced cha shu, green onion and chive flavors were the most prominent it sort of reminded me of a mapo tofu flavor. It was my first time trying mazemen and the only place I know that offers it. It's a seasonal item only April and may. They also have tonkotsu broth now which I didn't notice before. It's not my favorite tonkotsu broth, my favorite here is the green chili ramen. It's has Thai chilis which has a nice heat to it. I like that the cha shu is grilled or torched it gives it better texture and more intense saltiness. Ive also tired the Tan tan ramen, spicy sesame with minced cha shu. The flavor is outstanding and its very meaty but I feel like it's too thick for the delicate noodles. They also have hiyashi chuka which is offered during the summer. June-August. It's a cold ramen, it has crisp veggies and a cold sauce. So it's almost like a ramen salad. It's very refreshing and cool during the hot summer months. The Karaage (juicy chicken) is very crisp and has a slight sweetness from the coating of rice flour. The gyoza are pan fried which gives it a crispy side and then a steamed chewy side. I like that much better than the deep fried type. Service is always prompt and friendly, I like that there's a huge parking lot which is my major complaint with most other ramen shops. These are my favorite noodles because they are very curley and hold the broth better but they have a high moisture content so I always order them firm. If you want them more like your traditional ramen noodles I suggest you order them firm. Seasonal specials April-May Mazemen June -August. Hiyashi Chuka

Friend of mine recommended Kitakata for ramen based on the quality of their noodles and I was not disappointed. I ordered the cucumber salad and spicy miso ramen. The cucumber salad was OK, I was expecting a bit more umami, but it was average. The ramen however was outstanding. The first time that I have eaten every single noodle in the bowl. The noodles were cooked perfectly and had a chewy mouth feel. The soup was also perfectly spicy and the pork slices were meaty but not fatty. This is definitely my favorite ramen shop in San Diego now and I have tried most all of them.

My cousin recommended Kitakata, in Costco Business lot off Convoy, and it was a good call. The service was friendly and quick. Prices were on par with current ramen pricing in SD. Our table ordered: a small Juicy Fried Chicken bowl, came with 3 decent sized pieces of chicken with a side of sweet sauce and rice, Green Chili Shio Ramen (nice flavor, not that spicy with a thinner broth) and Umakara Tan Tan Ramen (My sister asked for the spices on the side which the server said was not a problem. She ended up using it all since it was flavorful and just a crazy burn). I liked the open space and plenty of parking ! Would definitely come again. No happy hour

Ramen done right! The signature Regular Kitakata Ramen (pork broth, shoyu base, toro chashu (5), bamboo shoot, green onion) was divine in its simplicity - cleanly flavored broth, melt-in-your-mouth chashu, and perfectly cooked springy noodles. I couldn't resist the lunch special deal to add a Mini Cubed Chashu Bowl (half the size of a Small) plus a Seasoned Egg for minimal surcharges, and ended up bringing leftovers home. Excellent bang for the buck! Definitely a popular lunch spot, but the gracious wait staff never rushed my girlfriend and me as we gabbed away and lingered all the way to mid-afternoon close. Pro tip: they're on break between 3 to 5 pm on weekdays, so time your visit accordingly!

My husband and I have been back here several more times and tried many different items including seasonal dishes (like tonkotsu, mapo tofu, mazemen, tsukemen) and everything is delicious. You can't really go wrong with any menu item. Chashu rice bowl is another favorite. The quality has been consistent, dining is spacious and cleaning, service is prompt and friendly, food comes out fast and hot! My personal favorite is the classic kitakata ramen. Even though it's a shio (salt) ramen, the broth is so tasty and comforting. Because it's shio broth, it doesn't feel heavy or unhealthy. The curly kitakata noodles have a very nice chewy texture. Highly recommend this ramen shop.

Kitakata Ramen is one of my go-to ramen spots in San Diego. Their chewy noodles are seriously some of the best, perfect texture and super satisfying. I've tried most of the menu by now, and everything's been solid. During my last visit I had one of their seasonal mizore ramen, and it was really tasty, light, flavorful, and not too heavy, and just a little bit of kick to it. The karaage is also worth trying, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and super flavorful. Service is always friendly and quick, and the location's super convenient with lots of parking (right next to Costco and Target). Easy place to stop by when you're craving good ramen without the fuss.

The first time I came, I thought it was too salty. Went again at 5 pm on a Monday night. No wait and the green chili shio ramen with low sodium and a seasoned egg was chef's kiss. Just as good as the Buena Park location. The noodles and spice level were great. The server was super friendly and service was prompt. Also ordered the Mazemen and with the vinegar and instructions for how to eat it, I thought it was really tasty. The place seemed clean and spacious and located with ample parking. Much faster wait than the Buena Park location.

I really love this place even though I seldomly stop by to eat here. The broth is very comforting, the noodles have a satisfying springy bite, and the portion sizes, both regular and large, are always filling that I had to take it to go. I recommend this place all year round. (TBH if it's a rainy day, this is the ideal spot) I'm glad I had my most recent visit because I was eager to try their limited edition wonton soup and melon cream soda. For my regular orders, I'd go for their Tsukumen dipping noodles, the tonkotsu, and the matcha latte.

First time trying Ban Nai styled noodles (chewier from higher water content) and loved it. It definitely sets this place apart from other ramen shops in the area in my books. We ordered the tan tan spicy (not very spicy just chili oil) ramen and the tonkotsu ramen both of which had deliciously rich broths. Service on a Tuesday night was quick and chill. It's also worth noting that they have a whole parking lot out front which forgoes the whole frustrating convoy parking situation.

Came here on a Sunday evening for dinner and was seated immediately for a party of 3. We ordered the cucumber salad which came drizzled in a light soy garlic sauce. I wished it had more marinated garlic pieces though, those were packed with flavor. This was the first time I've had tsukumen with such thin dipping sauce, which was a new experience. It was more like a shoyu (soy sauce) base, filled with bean sprouts. Overall decent meal, and the flavors were more subtle than your typical thick, salty ramen soup base (which is why I wanted to try this place out). I don't typically enjoy ramen since the soups are usually incredibly salty, so I appreciated this thin shoyu dipping sauce! Would be interested in coming back again to try out their other dishes too!

Great little spot, friendly and attentive staff and easy parking (convoy area is tough on parking) Nice noodles, imported from japan, good selection and very accommodating on toppings and special requirements Go and enjoy

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego was a decent place to have ramen, not the best but good enough. We ordered the fried chicken, and then my friend and I both had the spicy miso ramen; mine included fried onions. The chicken was cooked well and had a nice crispy crunch to it. The presentation of the ramen was boring and lacked flair; it didn't look anything like the pictures. The taste was spicy, and the flavor was good, but we both thought that there wasn't enough toro chashu. The noodles were good but lacked something.

From the moment you walk in you feel so welcomed. We were in the area and were craving ramen, and there it was Kitakata! There place is bright and there are several tables and you can sit at the "bar". Here you can see the chefs preparing the food! We started with the the garlic edamame...so good! We also ordered the fried chicken from the appetizer menu and we each got different ramen. Mine was spicy and hers was the original broth! The broth was flavorful and every bite was a delight! We will be coming back to try more items on the menu, our eyes were bigger than our stomach that day!

I never stray away from my regular order but I HAD to for hot and sour soup! My fav, and they execute it so well. The hot and sour flavor is not too strong and pairs well with their signature broth. It comes with chashu cubes, mushrooms, egg, and bamboo. Don't be afraid to try something new, this is only around for a limited time.

Amazing ramen, very flavorful and plenty of options for toppings. The service was a little fast, like they want you to eat and leave. Was trying to catch up with a friend and felt rushed to order our food and pay, even though the restaurant was mostly empty while we dined. Would definitely come back for the food, but won't come here to have a casual dinner

Was looking for a good Miso Ramen ...found it here. The noodles are soecial too ..more water content allows for smoother chewy feel...AMAIZING And not crowded like most Ramen shops...iam looking forward to th other items like their Curry Rice

The ramen here was so good! The noodles had the perfect chewy texture and the broth was super flavorful. The melon soda with ice cream was also amazing, sweet, creamy, and so refreshing. The service was great too; we were seated quickly and the staff were really friendly. My only wish is that they offer more chicken options or allow you to swap the pork for their crispy chicken, that would make it absolutely perfect!

We had Chasu Ramen add egg Umakara Tan Tan Ramen add egg & seaweed Juicy Fried Chicken Great ambiance, modern design, very clean--no greasy texture on the tables or chairs. No sticky floors. Disabled parking spaces at the front and regular parking spots. No stairs or steps, very accessible for wheelchairs and knee scooters. Staff is very attentive and quick in providing services. Ramen and chicken came piping hot. Really hot. The Tan Tan was very creamy and flavorful. The chicken was crispy. The Chasu was a bit bland. The noodles were al dente and had a good chewy texture. We only wish the eggs were marinated.

Kitakata Ramen was an authentic Japanese ramen shop experience not afraid of trying unorthodox combinations for their staple dish. Our group ordered the Kitakata Ramen, Mapo Tofu Ramen, and two of the Kitakata Miso Ramen. The miso ramen broth was very light, not oily or overbearing, or too salty. I wish there was a little more depth or umami to the miso broth, but I do think they did their miso ramen well. The Mapo Tofu Ramen was a unique combination that worked well with the savory beef and mapo sauce. This restaurant had great food, fast and courteous staff, and ample seating. We look forward to visit again.

Came in for a quick dinner/snack Ordered a miso ramen, side of boiled cabbage, small fried chicken rice, and takoyaki. The ramen is always good. The small was enough for me. I love how affordable the side of cabbage was ($1), an easy way to add more veggies into my meal. Hubby wasn't too hungry so he had the small fried chicken rice bowl. It was pretty skimpy on the chicken, just 2 pieces and a whole bowl of rice. Not very good value. Takoyaki was enjoyable. Plenty of seating at 5pm. By the time we left at 5:45, almost fullhouse. Service was average. Of note, this place is now cashless Bill came out to be about $40

One of my new go-to ramen spots in SD! If you're a huge lover of tan tan noodles like me, then I highly recommend you try the Umakara Tan Tan Ramen here. My gf also got the Chashu Ramen and you won't be disappointed by the amount of meat they put in it. They also have a great weekday lunch special (check pictures). They also use the tall water cups here which I love AND ice in the water. The service the two times we've come has been great and quick! No complaints at all so shoutout to the staff. Inside is pretty spacious with a lot of tables and a long bar area as well if you like that vibe. Love this new ramen spot and will for sure be coming here many times from now on!

My fiance and I came here for our Wednesdate! We got seated immediately for a Wednesday night. We ordered the kitakata ramen and the miso ramen. The noodles are super bouncy! I love the texture. The broths however are different from the broths we were expecting. We were expecting more savory, however both broths are very sweet. It's similar to a sweet vegetable broth instead of a savory one. The ramens are a little pricey as well. You had to add on the eggs as the ramens do not come with it. The seasoned eggs were also quite sweet. If you are into the sweeter broths, then this is the place to go for you! If not, I wouldn't come! It's important to note that this restaurant only accepts card. They are a cashless business.

Not a bad ramen spot! I got the tonkatsu ramen and my boyfriend got the kitakata ramen. I thought the noodles were great, but the broth itself was pretty bland and the chashu was overly salty. I did like that I didn't feel too heavy after eating the ramen though! However, the flavors didn't do it for me. I really liked the service and the atmosphere of the restaurant. It's a solid 3/5 for me!

In 2018 I was fortunate enough to travel to Japan, and fortunate to have eaten at a Kitakata location in Tokyo! Despite having been a few years since, I do believe the ramen tastes identical. The anniversary special with dumplings and pork slices was great in their traditional savory pork broth brought me straight back to Japan. On my 2nd visit I got the Tonkatsu broth and just stock with pork and ramen...so good! The extra richness and density intensified the broth to perfection. Note that there are a lot of noodles in these bowls, so you can probably skip the $4 extra noodles, or just order them later if you're still hungry. The hot crunchy fried chicken is tasty too, and with a good portion! Service is efficient, prompt and friendly once you get seated. Ambience has enough Japanese vibes to make you feel like you're in Japan.

For those who enjoy a lighter but still flavorful broth, Kitakata ramen has it. Their house ramen is a light and not fully opaque pork broth perfect for those who find some tonkotsu's to be too rich. The accompanying five chashu pieces are very tender, salted, better than your usual. They also have a meat lover's chashu ramen, a miso ramen, just good menu options. You don't want to miss the chicken karaage here. The best. Super light batter, tender chicken, with a good sauce and lemon on the side. We had a group of 7 for lunch and they quickly accommodated us with booth and tables and our server was very attentive, great attitude and made some recommendations too. I appreciate the menu selection, price point, quality and overall easy to dine casual atmosphere. Note: broth can be a little salty. Noodles are the squiggly kind and a little softer than my personal preference. I was otherwise very satisfied with everything here and hope to return again with more friends.

The food/ramen has been always amazing since the beginning but the service started to go downhill for the last couple of months especially peak hours.

The food is okay for a not great price. They've upped their prices a lot in the past year alone, and I'd rather go elsewhere for better quality ramen for cheaper. Their takoyaki was mostly the batter, and was not fully cooked all the way. It was drenched in sauce, which seemed like an attempt to mask the fact that there were super small pieces of octopus in it. Additionally, the sauce was just overwhelming with the amount that's on it. The pork bowl was fine and a pretty cost effective option there. I've had the ramen on previous occasions (not pictured), but it's not that great, and the broth is pretty salty.

Came here for lunch with friends. This is busy during lunch so you have the option of either sitting at the bar for quicker service or sitting down at a table but waiting for this. I ordered the seasonal Tonkotsu Ramen (new on their menu) since I'm a lover of the salt and creamy taste. I will say that this definitely tasted different than the Los Angeles Tonkotsu Ramen I'm used to (which is amazingly delicious). The presentation is nice and you get five thinner slices of fatty pork. Now the star of the show were the noodles which were extremely smooth and delicious and very different than other typical Ramen noodles. The broth wasn't as flavorful as I expected. The Kitakata ramen had a similar presentation with the fatty pork slices at the top and then a lighter soup broth. This was OK. Overall, the food came quite slow because of how busy they were so if you're hungry, just be prepared that you might have to wait during rush-hour. Restrooms were fairly clean and did not smell - thank you! Parking lot is shared with the rest of the establishments in the area but plenty of spaces. Staff was nice and friendly. I would definitely come back to try the other things they have on their extensive menu and for their noodles!

I happen to be in the SD area and had to get the Mapo Tofu special. I'm so glad it's back! I usually dine at the CM or FV location but if I'm nearby a KitaKata it's a guaranteed meal.

My wife and I are regulars of KitaKata and noticed they had some new items. Mapo tofu ramen - I loved this! It was so warm and hearty with a kick And a lunch chashu bowl - what a great deal it is to add this on for lunch combo. It's a decent dice and very soft delicious flavorful pork. Tonkotsu ramen - I loved this too! The broth was rich and delicious. My wife didn't like any of the items and which she got her usual shio ramen. I felt bad so I promised her we'll come back another time. Parking is always easy and plentiful and service is quick and friendly

Food: Tried the chicken karaage, the tsukemen, and one of the seasonal ramen, the mizore with yuzu chili paste and daikon. The karaage, made with chicken thigh and well battered in rice flour, was juicy, crispy, and authentic! A little too oily though and would've been better if dabbed up with a paper towel prior to serving. The tsukemen was a super unique style opting for a lighter dipping broth than I am accustomed to but still very good. The cold noodles coming with the steamy broth is always a treat. And I appreciate how much pork char siu they pile on! The mizore's tangy but delicate yuzu forward palate is perfect for a hot summers day. In both of the dishes, I loved the thickness and chewiness of the noodles. Service: Excellent! The wait staff is prompt and made sure we were enjoying ourselves. It never took too long to get our orders in, water topped off, and check finalized. Ambience: Really love the atmosphere. From the wooden bar style seating to the menus, made me feel nostalgic for Japan.

We love to come eat to Kitikata ramen, we enjoy the service. This is by far my fav ramen restaurant

Came here on a rainy day and the place was packed. The service was quick. I enjoyed the flavor of the Tan Tan ramen. I feel like it's hard to find places that do that successfully. Also got the Green Shio Ramen. That broth was light with a hint of the green pepper flavor. The noodles have a nice texture and are chewy and thick. We also ordered the fried chicken (not pictured) but that would be the favorite thing we ordered 5/5.

what i ordered | tonkatsu ramen | curry | corn + seaweed on the side taste | ramen was solid, broth flavor was good. curry was also good which had beef and potatoes. service | servers were nice and quick parking | lot notes | this is next to Bopomofo

There are many places around here that serve Hakata ramen with the rich and creamy tonkatsu broth, but you don't see too many that offer the Kitakata style. If you haven't had Kitakata ramen before, expect more of a lighter broth with softer, bouncy noodles. The chashu ramen is essentially the same as the Kitakata but with more meat. Since the broth is clear, it doesn't give you that heavy feeling after eating. With the green chili shio one, the peppery notes and pile of fresh green onions on top covers the pork bone taste but adds more layers of flavor. It really depends on what you're going for, but I recommend just trying out the classic broth the first time. We got seated pretty quickly for both times of being here. The staff are usually nice and are open to answer questions on the menu. The ambiance is a standard ramen shop. There are tables of fours mostly or chairs at the ramen bar facing the open kitchen. I've seen a lot of people getting to-go, but I feel like the portions are significantly smaller. I was kind of surprised how little broth/noodles there were when we got home after ordering the Chashu ramen. If you want to try this place, just eat in.

Ramen Japanese food Soups Vegan option One restroom inside Indoor seating Air conditioning Friendly and fast service Clear broths Many variations Ramen specials off menu Lot of parking Between Target and Costco Open for lunch Bar area to watch them prepare Amex accepted

Ramen from Japan's Kitakata in San Diego? Count me in! For the uninitiated, Kitakata is city in Japan that is super famous for, well, ramen. And Ban Nai just happens to be a famous Japanese chain serving their famous Kitakata style ramen. There are numerous outposts not only in Japan but in California as well. While I have frequented 2 locations in Orange County, this review's for the lovely outpost here in Kearny Mesa. Came in for lunch on a not so busy Tuesday, and I was promptly seated. Compared to the other 2 locations in Orange County, this one is fairly large with plenty of seating. You are right away greeted with the open kitchen and the noise of boiling water, fantastic plumes of fast-rising steam, and the smells of a typically tasty ramenya. Love at first sight and smell. As far as ramenya go, this place has marks for cozy to me in every store I visit, being warm with inviting light-neutral wood tones that is just perfect on a cold winter's day. And who doesn't like hot ramen with a side do gyoza on a cold winter's day? Green Chili Shio Ramen. Salt broth with pork base, the spiciness with chili and black pepper is just enough: the perfect blend of salty and umami and spice. Super tasty broth that hooks you with its nice and clean finish with just a little kick. You are tempted to drink it all the broth because it's not too thick but thin. My new fan favorite order. Full of green onions for a little snap with every bite; and chock full of cabbage for more. Several good pieces of fatty pork slices, too; but not fatty. Signature Kitakata wavy noodles for that signature bouncy texture -- which is only because of its unique shape but due to its extra water content. A satisfyingly bright dish that clings to the soul and asks for seconds. A definite must order besides the regular Kitakata Ramen! (Side note: These noodles are NOT soggy. Please try more ramen styles before saying that. You can also overcook instant ramen to really know what soggy ramen feels like. Different ramen styles have different firmness, but soggy is not this. These are CHEWY.) Gyoza. By far my favorite pan fried rendition among the ramen chains. Smaller than normal but flavorful and juicy pork flavors combine with crispy skin. Can mix your own soy sauce and chili sauce combo for dipping, too. Must order. Every time. Overall, perhaps my favorite go to longstanding ramen chain. Always recommend if you can get a chance to try this unusual variety of ramen. But don't take my word for it, folks. Dive in and try for yourself. Service is relaxed and friendly. Pull up a seat at the really long wraparound bar and enjoy these delicious noodles, and judge for yourself. I guarantee you will come back for more. And did I mention the music on free flow continuous tap is Studio Ghibli?

I came with a bit of a larger group a few weeks ago to celebrate a birthday and we all had an amazing time. My party had a lot of allergies and many requests and the staff were super patient and accommodating. Many of them hadn't been there before and they really enjoyed it! Yum!