MENSHO
Ramen restaurant · Piedmont Avenue ·

MENSHO

Ramen restaurant · Piedmont Avenue ·

Signature ramen with creamy broth & tender chashu

signature smoked toripaitan ramen
garlic knockout ramen
enoki chips
rich broth
duck matcha ramen
kani tantanmen
spicy lamb miso cumin ramen
a5 wagyu ramen
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MENSHO by Julia Chen
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MENSHO by michelin.com
MENSHO by michelin.com
MENSHO by Julia Chen
MENSHO by michelin.com
MENSHO by michelin.com
MENSHO by michelin.com
MENSHO by michelin.com
MENSHO by michelin.com
MENSHO by Julia Chen
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Information

4258 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611 Get directions

$30–50

See Menu
Usually a wait
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy

Information

Static Map

4258 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611 Get directions

+1 510 393 5229
menshopiedmont.com

$30–50 · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining

Last updated

Jan 3, 2026

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@michelinguide
48,244 Postcards · 8,023 Cities

"This little ramen shop from the chef behind the highly popular Tokyo outposts isn't new, but even after years of operation, lines still form before the doors open to snag one of the 28 communal seats in the small, no-frills room. Only true aficionados can say if the ramen is worth it, but the tori paitan is one undeniably spectacular bowl, packed with springy, chewy noodles and outstanding duck chashu in a luxuriously creamy and umami-rich broth. Just know you’ll be asked to slurp it down quickly: you're allotted one hour and the hungry, huddled masses outside are anxious to take your seat." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/mensho
michelin.com
MENSHO
@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The 25 Best Restaurants In Oakland - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"The intensely creamy chicken-based broth at Mensho sets the bar impossibly high for every other bowl of ramen, ever. The Piedmont Ave. ramen shop is the East Bay outpost of the legendary SF original. Coming here is a great excuse to give your space heater the night off and warm up with the toripaitan bowl instead. The noodles are boiled to a flawless chew, and slices of chashu fall apart with a nudge. And even better, the Oakland location has about three times the space as the one in the city, and much less of a line." - lani conway, julia chen 1

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/the-best-oakland-restaurants-and-bars
Julia Chen
MENSHO
@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Mensho Oakland - Review - Piedmont Avenue - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"For those who’d rather hydrate with chicken broth instead of water, Mensho is your go-to. The ramen spot on Piedmont Avenue pumps out the same phenomenally rich and creamy soups as its legendary SF counterpart. The East Bay outpost has a larger dining room and menu than the Tenderloin location, so waits go by fast. The extended menu includes solid handrolls, if for some reason you’re not in the mood to inhale a bowl of noodles. Get here for casual weeknight dinners, or when the predictably tepid Bay Area weather requires you to warm your body with broth. photo credit: Julia Chen Food Rundown GKO The Garlic Knock Out is always a hit. It’s got three types of fried garlic and black garlic oil, and is worth the triple-mouthwash situation you’ll find yourself in immediately after. Spicy Miso Lamb Ramen This bowl has a mellow spice that won’t make you want to dunk your head in a bucket of ice. The handful of diced red onion helps to cut through the richness. Classic Toripaitan A stunning version of a popular dish. When you want to go back to the basics with chicken-based broth, thinly sliced chashu, and bouncy noodles, this is your order. Always add on one of their smoky eggs. photo credit: Julia Chen Unagi Roll The handrolls are decent and we like the unagi version the most—the three-biter has a generous portion of saucy eel. Enoki Chips These are probably the least-mushroom tasting mushrooms ever, but we’re not mad about it. The mountain of fungi is fried until crispy and served with shichimi pepper for a little kick." - Julia Chen

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/mensho-oakland
Julia Chen
MENSHO
@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The Hit List: New East Bay Restaurants To Try Right Now

"Anyone who chooses to hydrate with tonkotsu broth instead of water, we have excellent news. Mensho, the legendary SF ramen spot, has sent their phenomenally rich and creamy soups across the Bay Bridge to Oakland. It’s a more laidback outpost that’s roughly triple the size of the Tenderloin location. And instead of having to spend an hour waiting for a coveted seat, you can walk right in for a bowl full of velvety broth, chewy noodles, and fall-apart chashu. The GKO (Garlic Knock Out) is a glorious (and breath-ruining) hit with three types of fried garlic and black garlic oil. And the slow-burning spicy miso lamb ramen is umami in a bowl. Get here for casual weeknight dinners, or when the predictably tepid Bay Area weather requires you to warm your body with hot soup. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-new-oakland-berkeley-east-bay-restaurants-hit-list
Julia Chen
MENSHO
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Devil’s Teeth Breakfast Sandwiches Are Coming to Downtown San Francisco | Eater SF

"A Tokyo-based ramen shop, Mensho opened its latest outpost on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland; it's the chain’s fifth Bay Area location and is now open and serving ramen, appetizers, and more." - Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/2023/8/24/23844392/devils-teeth-opening-downtown-san-francisco
MENSHO

chris L.

Google
First time here and I got to try their new Spicy Hotate Ramen! Honestly my favorite one :)! The broth was super flavorful but not too heavy. And the flavors get deeper as you mix all the ground beef and spice together. Would definitely get it again!

Sammi

Google
Came in - after multiple recommendations - on a Monday at 6:30pm and got seated immediately. The space is modern and fun with ample seating (mostly shared tables for pairs/individuals). We ordered the spicy garlic chicken karaage, signature smoked toripaitan ramen, and garlic knockout ramen. The broth is by far the most flavorful we've had, and we eat a lot of ramen! The noodles were also exceptional - chewy and bouncy - and the toppings are so good. The karaage was also perfectly crispy with light breading and so much flavor, although next time we might opt for the non-spicy. Service was pretty fast and attentive from the start; took a bit longer for the bill, but we didn't mind sitting and digesting. For two people, the total came out to around 80$ including tip - not the cheapest, but worth it. Acoustics make it a bit hard to hear. Parking was not hard to find on side streets. We're already planning our next visit back to try more of the menu!

Kaustav D.

Google
Excellent food and nice ambience. Ordered Handroll Crab Sushi, Japanese Hoatate, Signature Smoked Toripaitan Ramen and Spicey Lamb Miso Cumin Ramen. Scallops in Hoatate were super fresh and taste was good. We were blown away with the Lamb Ramen: rich savory gravy and perfectly cooked minced lamb was outstanding combination. Definitely we will be back soon.

Lita

Google
We endured a 75-minute wait, but it was an absolute delight. The service was impeccable, and the food was divine. The flavors were intense and perfectly balanced, creating a symphony of taste. The presentation was impeccable, and the service was quick and efficient. The staff was enthusiastic, friendly, and incredibly dynamic. This place is definitely a must-visit, and I’ll be returning for sure!

Lindsey H.

Google
The ramen was oh so delicious! I’d say skip all appetizers and other items and definitely try the signature bowl. It was so cute in there with great ambiance and service — I’d definitely go back! I can see why this is the highest rated out of all their locations because their hospitality and quick service were unbeatable. We got there right when it opened so very little line but filled up quickly we noticed!

L L

Google
The ramen was delicious, we really appreciated the vegan options, a whole menu page of different vegan ramen choices!!! The flavors were complex, interesting, and delicious. Add the spicy yuzu, and we also got the corn wings for the table. We were there on a busy Saturday and the service did not suffer, staff was friendly and professional and our food came quickly. It is very loud when it is busy if that bothers you.

Common

Google
Truly the best ramen I’ve ever had. We ordered the signature ramen with chili oil. It was brilliant. The broth was rich and flavorful and the noodles were incredible, clearly homemade. We had the matcha pudding for dessert. It came with strawberries and a red bean paste. Incredible. Perfect portion sizes. They have most of the menu available to be made vegan or vegetarian. HIGHLY recommend for vegan or vegetarians. Service was super friendly. They take your order efficiently and are very efficient about food coming out without feeling pushy. This place gets very busy especially on weekend. We waited about 35 minutes for a table. They have an online system and you get a text when your table is ready, you have 10 minutes to come back once you get the text. Interior has a mix of high tables and regular. Bathrooms were clean. Entire restaurant and bathroom were wheelchair accessible.

Ian C.

Google
We waited for an hour, so definitely get in line on Yelp before coming. The ramen is exceptional and the soup is very flavourful (salty). The noodles are also sticky and not soft, so be aware if you don't like those kinds of noodles. The staff was welcoming and checked on us regularly. We even got kicked out for finishing early and sitting there 😂😂😂
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Chris T.

Yelp
We originally tried to go to their other location in SF but the line, the parking, and the locals creepers hanging out that night were less than desirable. So next day we opted to go hit Piedmont Ave over the bridge in Oakland, thank goodness we did. First time in the area being from out of town and wanted to give mensho a go! Quick service, small wait mid day but i can see why they've won awards. The ramens were so full of umami flavor, broth consistency was well balanced, not watery, not overly thick. The Beef tartare they had for app that day came in edible bowls and it was so cute. A5 Wagyu can't complain, a very refreshing dish. The lady got the Signature smoked toripaitan -- umami check, bouncy nice chew noods, check, broth slurpable check! I got the garlic knockout because i just love garlic haha my noods were perfect portion, nice chew and bounce and the broth was well balanced not overpowered with garlic, the perfect amount to give that slight garlic spice and umami melding in a bowl. Spicy karage chicken i felt was good, a tad over on the cook but still was a good appetizer, i always order it if it's on any menu to compare so not the best I've personally had but still very good! Vibes was popping, natural sunlight, a lot of people in and out. Glad we made it in on our vacation! Will be back, or better yet open on the east coast too haha
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Amelia D.

Yelp
We can here for a friend group dinner with 8 people, as soon as we got there @4:30 we put our names on the list and got called about an hour later. I was glad they could accommodate us. Our group got a few different ramens, including the signature ramen, the waygu beef ramen (extremely filling and we took half of it to go) and their garlic ramen which was super pungent, delicious but very garlicky. I got the waygu beef and duck chashu, which I thought would be cooked but turned out to be thinly sliced cured duck and beef, almost like a very juicy cold cut. The edamame was also a nice addition to share for the table. We ate along a long table and the waiters came out frequently to fill our water cups as the soups are quite salty. They only really serve ramen, but seem to have perfected it.
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Yari S.

Yelp
Saturday late afternoon, 4pm. Long wait, very busy. Broth is rich and creamy. Loved the eggplant. The smoked egg is a tasty truly smoky, creamy protein addition. Noodles a wonderful al dente texture. Comforting overall. Nice to have a vegan ramen contender. The matcha pudding is a delicious flavor which I wish were more creamy and served with more strawberry and cream. Could be elevated.
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Jacie N.

Yelp
I get the hype now! Bowl of ramen was perfect on a cold day. The line was getting quite long soon after they opened at 3pm. The broth is SO rich and decadent. Ingredients are super delicious, meat was tender. The wait staff and hostess were nice even though they were super busy almost immediately after opening. I like the dark walls and lighting. Appreciate the dividers between tables for parties of 2.
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Sammi L.

Yelp
Came in - after multiple recommendations - on a Monday at 6:30pm and got seated immediately. The space is modern and fun with ample seating (mostly shared tables for pairs/individuals). We ordered the spicy garlic chicken karaage, signature smoked toripaitan ramen, and garlic knockout ramen. The broth is by far the most flavorful we've had, and we eat a lot of ramen! The noodles were also exceptional - chewy and bouncy - and the toppings are so good. The karaage was also perfectly crispy with light breading and so much flavor, although next time we might opt for the non-spicy. Service was pretty fast and attentive from the start; took a bit longer for the bill, but we didn't mind sitting and digesting. For two people, the total came out to around 80$ including tip - not the cheapest, but worth it. Acoustics make it a bit hard to hear. Parking was not bad on side streets. We already want to plan our next visit back to try more of the menu!
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Shawneshia H.

Yelp
Mensho has my heart. This place is a 10/10. Their vegan garlic knock out Ramen is so complex, deep and rich in flavors. I haven't yet dipped my toes to try their other options but I am eyeballing their Duck Matcha next Service can be a bit slower but what does one expect when it comes to the best Ramen spot in town ‍. The host are attentive and constantly available for quick questions. Overall the Ambiance is slightly intimate and unsettling. The seating arrangement doesn't allow room for much movement. Be prepared to get real cozy with other diners. They implement privacy screens between tables sets of two but it not as efficient. Overall I will come back for much more. If you bring family or a group of friends everyone will love the experience to say the least. Advice to management consider body conscious accessibility.
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Sally T.

Yelp
I've been to their Oakland location twice, but will always prefer the SF location because I feel like flagship locations always hit harder!!!! This location has a significantly shorter wait time, so if you don't feel like driving to the city, this is a good alternative. I usually order the signature toripan because it's objectively the best (source: me), and think if you're visiting for the first, second, or third time, you should also try this! I added spicy fried gobi this most recent visit, but think I'll stick to regular fried gobi next time so I can focus on the depth of the regular broth. I'm such a hakata noodle girly and would love to one day see Mensho offer thin noodles on their menu, but I'm not going to tell a chef how to run his kitchen, lol. Instead, I will just scream into the abyss and hope that one day, my prayers will be heard by the ramen gods, hahahaha.
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Edison H.

Yelp
Wagyu celebration! RIP wallet. First and last time because I'm sticking with their signature smoked toripaitan. It's still my tried and true.
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Nha D.

Yelp
I always see this place in passing and finally made it out this past Wednesday! It was ~30min wait when arriving at 7:30pm, so we put our names down on the waitlist and walked around the area. We ordered the enoki chips and the signature smoked toripaitan. Enoki chips were such a fun little snack while waiting for our ramen. The ramen itself is so beautifully presented, and each cut of meat was delicious. The signature comes with 3 different cuts, and my favorite was the duck. The broth was super rich, and the noodles were a perfect texture. Service was super kind and attentive, and it definitely added to the experience as well. I'm normally not drawn to ramen for my meals out, but I can see myself craving this again soon! Can't wait to try all their different types.
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Lizzie Y.

Yelp
Mensho-Oakland, I AM A BIG FAN! We originally planned to try the Mensho location in SF but the line was insanely long BUT luckily for us, we were able to find that they had another location just 20ish minutes away, over the bridge in Oakland! There's plenty of street parking available & looked like a much bigger place, compared to the one in Tenderloin area. There was still a slight wait when we arrived but it was only ~5-10ish min for two people. Here is what we ordered: Apps: -A5 Wagyu beef tartare -Spicy garlic karaage fried chicken Ramen: -Signature smoked toripaitan -Garlic knockout Everything was sooo delicious! Beef tartare was very fresh and the bowls used to hold the tartare are edible! I liked the tartare more than the karaage chicken, though it was still good just not the best that I've had. I personally had the signature smoked toripaitan ramen and it was full of umami. Highly recommend! Broth was the perfect thickness; sometimes ramen spots make the broth too thick and not drinkable but this broth was perfect, in flavor and thickness. The noodles were bouncy too, and probably one of the best ramens I've had. The garlic knockout was quite yummy too, nice flavor & not overwhelming. Our server was awesome and attentive for as busy as it was, when we went! I would totally come back again and hope they open a location soon on the East Coast ;))
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Dilys S.

Yelp
Famous ramen chain, I hear the Oakland location is not as busy as SF, but still an hour wait on a Sunday evening. There's no way to book a reservation ahead of time so try to arrive early or on a weekday. Service was attentive, the restaurant was busy but the waiter took our order quickly. Food also arrived fairly fast. Our group got the enoki chips, corn wings, uni rice bowl, Japanese Wagyu shoyu ramen, Kani tantanmen, and a selection of nigiri. - enoki chips- crunchy, not much taste but good texture - Corn wings - buttery and sweet - Uni rice bowl - Uni was soft and sweet, portion was small but good overall - Japanese wagyu ramen - looks amazing, didn't try myself but my friend enjoyed it - Kani tantanmen - good flavor, not spicy at all for me but broth was flavorful and not too salty. There's a good portion of vegetables as well which is nice. Overall enjoyed my experience there, would come back but on a less busy weekday.
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Joe K.

Yelp
The food was delicious. 5 Stars. But !!! Where I was seated, the air conditioning was way too strong. It made the experience uncomfortable and unenjoyable. They weren't able / willing to move me to another table even though it was near closing and there were empty tables -- perhaps they thought more guests were still arriving. Experience is 1 star.
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Christina M.

Yelp
I'm a regular here and tried the Miso Butter Corn Ramen for the first time. The broth had a lighter taste but still very delicious. The ground beef added the saltiness that was needed. I asked for some truffle oil and I added just a tad and the ramen was perfection after. Mensho really doesn't miss at all on the ramen. The matcha pudding was just on unfortunately. The flavor of the pudding had a good matcha flavor and it was slightly sweet but the texture was too firm and not pleasant to eat at all.
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Wayne H.

Yelp
We stopped in randomly recently and there were several people on the waitlist, however, it seemed to move pretty quickly. We waited about 10 minutes. They use a waitlist system but they're only going to call your name in the waiting area so you should stay nearby - at least 3 parties of 2 were called several times with nobody presenting themselves. I can see how it would be frustrating if you stepped away but check the app frequently and return when you are near the top of the line or you might get skipped. We tried the karaage mushrooms, the smoked toripaitan ramen, and the spicy lamb miso cumin ramen. While the mushrooms were good, I'm not sure if it's something we'd order again - mushrooms just have a ton of moisture and any battered/fried preparation is always destined to turn pretty soggy after a couple of minutes. The ramens here are incredible though. There were no options for specifying the richness of the broth or firmness of the noodles, but thankfully the noodles came out pretty al dente. The soup here is super rich and thick - almost more like a gravy - so it sticks to the noodles making every bite super delicious. The smoked toripaitan is probably most similar to other toripaitan ramen from other shops, but I think the broth is richer while not being overly fatty and greasy. It's got incredible balance that makes every slurp enjoyable. The lamb miso cumin was also really delicious. The ground meat adds a lot of flavor to the broth and while it does have a pronounced cumin flavor, it isn't overpowering. You can still taste the other ingredients. As it came, I wouldn't say it was terribly spicy, perhaps something like 4/10. There were no options for adjusting this, other than adding sides of chili oil or chili sauce. If you like spicy ramen, just be warned that this isn't very spicy so you may be disappointed. Service was very efficient and from the time we ordered, it only took a few minutes before everything arrived at our table. Overall, a great spot for ramen!
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Andrea Z.

Yelp
Visited on a Monday night around 6:30pm with a friend, restaurant was quite busy with a little bit of a wait. Friend arrived before I did and added us to the waitlist which took about 10-15 minutes before we were seated. Food: Enoki fries - good, super thin wispy fried mushrooms with a delicious togorashi seasoning for dipping along with fresh lemon wedge which we juiced on top for brightness, a little messy to eat but fun take on fried mushrooms Scallop nigiri - came with two pieces, fresh creamy sweet scallop on well prepared sushi rice and excellent appetizer if you want a little sushi with your ramen Vegan nori shiso ramen - super clear light broth, served piping hot with chewy thick ramen noodles ( a tad al dente for me wished these were cooked for 30 more seconds), a grilled tomato which added to the umami, mushrooms and a truffle sauce, very impressive for vegan ramen, complex layer of flavor Smoked toripitan - tried a sip of the broth which was super savory, creamy and rich was an elegant smoky flavor undertone Service was good, quick, friendly and attentive, staff refilled water throughout our meal, cleared plates quickly and dishes were well paced. Overall really enjoyed mensho Piedmont location, the more extensive menu makes this worth a visit especially if you enjoy sushi or are looking for more vegan options.
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Toni L.

Yelp
What a sweet surprise for this great neighborhood restaurant. We have not venture to Piedmont Ave in years due to the crime rate in broad daylight down there , but decided to take our chance for food base on what I read on Yelp. It was so crowded even at 8:30PM at night. We had to share our table with another couple but it separated us by a screen, I am not particularly fond of eating that close to strangers so that was a set back. We order quite a bit of food and nothing to complaint. The ramen broth was rich abd the noodle was perfectly cooked . The uni bowl was excellent số was the hand roll. So we will take our chance for safety next time and will come back to try other dishes The service was also prompt and friendly.
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Sapphire D.

Yelp
Mensho might be my new favorite for Bay Area ramen! It was delicious. Everything we tasted was so good, I will most DEFINITELY be back. For starters we had the duck and wagyu chasu, the chicken karaage, and the tartare (which I can't even remember all the components, but I would HIGHLY recommend). Every component of every dish was quality, and delicious in its own, making for a collision of so many delicious flavors. Every bite was amazing. They had so many special ramens to choose from, but we all chose their signature bowl and had no regrets or complaints. The broth was so rich, creamy and delicious. The noodles were thick, chewy bouncy and HOUSE MADE. When I tell you everything was amazing, EVERYTHING was AMAZING. If I could afford to eat here again tomorrow I would
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Tony S.

Yelp
This place is legit. We just got back from a vacation that included Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and whilst we had delicious ramen there, it all stood scrutiny against Mensho. The two standout dishes for me are the signature smoked Tori Paitan and the Wagyu ramens. There's often a wait but it is absolutely worth it. I wouldn't sleep on the apps either, the corn and enoki mushroom ones are excellent. Oh they also have draft Sapporo which is a must for me when ramening.
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Don L.

Yelp
Amazing ramen. Every single ramen we ordered was a flavor bomb. $24-40 a bowl is a lot, but it's worth it for a delicious, high quality bowl. The $5 green tea was perfect with the ramens. A5 wagyu broth and meat was absolutely amazing. Spicy veggie garlic broth was flavorful, noodles were bouncy, and veggies soaked up the broth and had a nice soft texture. Signature ramen was balanced and 10/10 as well. Friends got an a5 Wagyu and Japanese uni roll. Such a unique flavor and texture. It was delicious!
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Oheono B.

Yelp
A5 Wagyu Tartar -- 9/10 Absolutely incredible. The wagyu was buttery, tender, and full of flavor. The perfect appetizer to start the meal. Spicy Lamb Miso Cumin with Egg ($26) - 4/10 This dish leaned more toward a Chinese-style flavor profile than Japanese. The soup was very thick, and the noodles, though likely cooked through but had a slightly hard, powdery texture. The egg, however, was perfect. Not worth the high price tag. Garlic Knock Out with Egg ($26) 6/10 I really liked the garlicky richness of this broth, but it was on the saltier side and again quite thick. The noodles had the same hard, powdery feel as the lamb ramen. The egg was excellent. Not worth the high price tag. Enoki Chips ($7) - 2/10 Seasoning was overly salty and didn't quite justify the $7 price tag. Overall: The A5 Wagyu Tartar stood out as a highlight and one of the best appetizers I've had, but the ramen dishes could use better noodle texture and lighter seasoning.
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Joyce L.

Yelp
Was here on a Friday night and the wait was over an hour even at 8pm. The funny thing was that it only took me 20 mins to finish my meal. Wished every patron would be as considerate. Lol. When I left, there was still a line. Their ramen was thicker than most places. It had a great bite/chew texture and was al dente. I ordered the matcha duck and the original flavors. For $24 & $25 a bowl, it was on a steeper side considering their portion size relatively smaller than the others. However, I didn't mind paying for the cost if it was delicious and made with great ingredients which they were. The original flavor came with an egg whereas the matcha didn't. My feedback would be to also include an egg with that ramen. Without that, it seemed incomplete. The enoki mushroom ($9) was delicious but a tad oily. But hey, it was deep fried after all. I would come back again, only without the wait.
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Philip H.

Yelp
One of the best ramen in SF bay area The broth is so good with all the ingredients in it, every bite it will make your taste buds dance in euphoria. Staff is super polite, but there is always a line.
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Jean C.

Yelp
So, I'm gonna keep it simple. Go. Just go. Amazing. The food, the service and the ambiance. Great. Trust me.
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Taylor Z.

Yelp
Super rich and tasty broth. The garlic was a bomb of just garlic. The signature was my favorite. Meat super tasty and the noodles nice al dente. The enoki app was also solid.

Jennifer L.

Yelp
Signature Smoked Toripaitan: broth was very rich, smokey, and more flavorful compared to the classic Toripaitan. The enoki chips added a nice crunchy touch to every bite. The egg was perfect! The menu is pricey for ramen but their style is different from other ramen restaurants so I was excited to give it a try. Overall, I prefer lighter and traditional ramen. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here again considering the cost but glad I got to try it. My group and I came around 8:30PM on a Friday night and it was about a 40-45 minute wait. Once we get seated, the wait for the food is not bad at all. There is street parking on the premises.
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Michael Z.

Yelp
Some say Mensho is the best ramen in the bay or #2 the rivalry between this spot and its competitor which is my favorite spot is like two heavyweight champions going at it! Let's highlight the positives Mensho has way more options they have hand rolls, more apps and even more different types of ramen! The Ramen I got was the garlic knockout it was a really thick heavy broth wnd was packed with flavor I don't think I would get it again though although it was good it just was so thick. My wife got the seafood one with crab and enjoyed it but wasn't her favorite either. It was way lighter than mine , it was supposed to be spicy but their spice levels here are super mild wish they had some chili powder or something at the tables. I also got a hand roll unagi which is my favorite it was a little small for the price but it was so flavorful would 100% get more of them or even just come for that. Chicken karaage was very flavorful I liked the sauce and radish with it! Not my favorite ramen but love the variety
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Melissa W.

Yelp
Be prepared to wait on a Friday night at dinner time. Came here with my boyfriend, and we waited about 50 minutes for a table. They have a lot of shared table spaces here, many high tops, some low. They use a little separator on the table top to break up tables for 6 to be used for a group of 2 and 4. I've only been to Mensho in SF and it was many years ago, pre pandemic. I remember liking the clear broth (shoyu) which came with duck. This location (or maybe the menu just changed since years ago) didn't have that option. The shoyu option here came with A5 Japanese Wagyu. I ordered that, and my boyfriend got the signature smoked toripaitan. His was good, smoky and creamy. Mine was good but eventually became too oily for me to finish in one sitting. The quality of the ingredients was all fresh and tasty, but the oiliness in broth mixed with the fattiness of the Wagyu became overwhelming to me. I took half home and finished it a different day. If I go back, I might try the vegan version and add a different type of meat for protein. The prices are more expensive than I remember (not surprising) and also may vary by location. My ramen was $39, and then I added an egg, bringing it over $40! Service was friendly, but you had to flag someone down for a to go container and the check. Also, it does get very loud inside. I wouldn't bring people who are hard of hearing here.
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Karyn E.

Yelp
This place was hopping on a Sunday night. Good thing we arrived for an early dinner (5pm) Although there were many in the que outside, the wait seemed to be about 20min. Service was prompt and attentive. Multiple wait staff would ask if we needed anything and they were quick to clear used dishes. The ramen was delicious! My personal favorite was the Kani Tantan. I have eaten at a variety of ramen places throughout the bay as well as east coast. I have never come across a ramen like this. I enjoyed the tantán (peanut sauce) broth with the veggies and crab. They complemented each other well. I will definitely come back again for it. We also ordered Garlic Knockout and the Classic Toripaitan. All very delicious. We tried the matcha pudding. It was light and refreshing, not too sweet. It's another recommended try. The ambiance was hip and lots of different groups. We were a party of four. Some of the tables were bar high seating. Tables could be a shared space but with a frosted glass partition between the other group.
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Rowan W.

Yelp
Never getting over how delicious this place is! Hands down the best ramen in the bay. I love the signature ramen, but I want to try the matcha duck ramen next!! It gets busy, so be sure to arrive early. You can also put your name on the list and grab a quick drink nearby while you wait! Highly, highly recommend!
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Chef_mike510 C.

Yelp
The main event at Mensho is undoubtedly the Signature Smoked Toripaitan. While many ramen shops rely on traditional tonkotsu (pork-based broth), Mensho showcases a sublime, creamy toripaitan (chicken-based broth) that is rich, velvety, and intensely flavorful. The unique brilliance here is the smoke. The subtle, savory hint of smoke woven into the broth, along with the exquisitely tender duck chashu, creates a complex, unforgettable profile. The noodles themselves are perfectly springy and hold up beautifully to the thickness of the soup--a testament to Mensho's commitment to quality at every step. The Enoki Mushroom Chips are delightfully crispy and addictive, serving as a perfect textural counterpoint to the creamy ramen. If you are looking for a definitive example of how fried calamari should be executed, look no further. This calamari is a textural marvel. The breading is impossibly light--thin, crispy, and perfectly seasoned with a subtle hint of spice that awakens the palate without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the squid. Crucially, it was fried to golden perfection and lacked any hint of greasiness. Every ring and tentacle was tender inside, proving that high-quality ingredients and expert technique are at play. It's the ideal starter to share (or not share!) before diving into the main courses. The Eel Hand Roll (Unagi Temaki) was the second item that truly impressed me. What sets this hand roll apart is the temperature and preparation of the eel. The unagi itself was warm, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, glazed perfectly with a deeply savory and slightly sweet tare sauce. The execution of the hand roll was flawless: the rice was loose, expertly seasoned, and minimal enough to let the eel shine. Wrapped in crisp, fresh nori (seaweed) that maintained its slight crunch until the very last bite, it offered a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and oceanic flavors. This is not just a hand roll; it's a testament to the skill of their sushi preparation. If you find yourself at Mensho in Oakland, make sure to look beyond the ramen menu and indulge in these two appetizers. They are proof that every section of their menu is crafted with care and culinary precision.
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Erica Y.

Yelp
One of my favorite ramen places! It's a little pricey, but the ramen is jam packed with flavor!! Lots of people are usually waiting in line, so definitely get on the wait list! One con is that it's super packed in there but that's also a vibe if you like that!
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Calvin T.

Yelp
I have longed to try Mensho since their opening of the Japantown location, the hype of the grand opening and difficulty getting seating did not appeal to me coming from the east bay. At last when the Oakland location opened I was overjoyed, which was short lived when I've made plans to go with different friend groups deciding to change the venue. Finally had another chance recently to suggest going to Mensho with a friend to catch up, this time it stuck. Going on a weekday helped getting us seated quickly. The staff was amazing, offering to explain the menu. I went with the signature ramen while my friend ordered the A5 wagyu ramen. had contemplated getting the A5 wagyu; I was glad I didn't, the broth was already very rich, I would definitely not be able to finish if I went with the A5.
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K T.

Yelp
We came here around 6 pm on a Saturday and waited about 45-50 minutes. Unfortunately, we had to wait an additional unnecessary 8 minutes because our table for four was given to a party of five that arrived after us. Since they have a kiosk system where you can check your place in line via Yelp, it was frustrating and felt like it defeated the purpose of having a waitlist system when the "server" disregards the process! Minus one star for that. What we ordered: Nori Calamari - Quite delish, though I've had better elsewhere. Beef Tongue - The edges were burnt, which took away from the flavor. Chicken Karaage - The exterior coating was mediocre. While the eggplant was a nice addition, it lacked flavor. When I order chicken karaage, I expect a plate full of crispy, lightly fried chicken front and center. Ikura Mini Rice Bowl - Simple but good; you really can't go wrong with this dish. 4 Mix Premium Nigiri- We ordered two rounds since it was the most enjoyable item of the night. Ramen (Signature Smoked Toripaitan, Classic Toripaitan with Egg, Garlic Knock Out with Egg) - The broth portions were off on some and the style of ramen didn't feel or taste authentic. If you're someone who eats with your eyes and loves a beautifully presented dish (no judgment at all!), then this spot is worth a visit. But for those of us who value both presentation, service, and substance especially at these not-so-cheap prices, I  wouldn't say it's a place we'd return to. The overall service and some dishes missed the mark for us! That said, if you're in the neighborhood, don't mind the unnecessary additional wait time, it may still be worth checking out for yourself.
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Thomas S.

Yelp
Mensho is our go-to when we crave authentic Japanese style ramen and sushi. We've been there about 7-8 times over the last 2-3 years. The food is very good, and authentic Japanese down to the vibe at the restaurant. We especially like the A5 Wagyu sushi with Uni and Ikura. Food: A Service: B (little rushed, seats are not that comfortable) Price: B (pricey but worth it) The only thing I don't like is the wait you often need to get through, but good things come to those who wait.
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Christine N.

Yelp
YUM! Came on Tuesday night at 7p. Seated in 30mins. Aesthetically pleasing inside, various types of seating. Friendly staff. They've got ramen, nigiri, hand rolls, regular appetizers, seafood appetizers. Alcohol. -Ramen: noodles were thick & chewy with a bite. Broth was flavorful & rich. Definitely more than a simple shio broth. Egg good, meat good. -Handroll was sooooo good, fresh. Decent portion size. With fresh wasabi on the side. -Corn wings: as expected. Also a good portion. The seasoning on the side has a good spice to it. I actually dipped the corn in my broth & it absorbed all the flavor.
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Christine M.

Yelp
WOW WOW! Piedmont used to be our stomping grounds when we had a restaurant here. LE SIGH. so many turnovers and so many new places to explore. haha We wanted to take a pitstop before our final destination and decided to eat around here! Vaguely remembered the name Mensho, there's one in SF but we've never tried it. Crossed our fingers and hoped it wasn't too busy. We got lucky with street parking, and we were the first on the waitlist but parties of 2 were seated much quicker and easier. When we were finally seated, it took a bit to get our orders taken and we were skipped a few times, but food came out fairly fast so all is well. We ordered: karaage - it came out last but still tasty from what I remember. yuzu cucumber - refreshing. grilled hotate butter soyu - YUM. I saw many mention this in reviews, so we got it as well. MMMM can't go wrong with butter but the hotate was nice and chewy but soft. Classic Toripaitan - for the kids, added an egg. the kids gobbled it up! I had a taste and it was solid, but glad I chose my own dish. smoked toripaitan - my husband enjoyed it, rich and lots of flavor. I don't think he realized there were 3 types of chashu in there though LOL until I read the description. kani tantanmen - YO. this was DELICIOUS. I neverrrrrrr go for tantanmen. it's usually too spicy...too rich...too much for me. but this one was PERFECT! I loved it! Just mild spicy, lots of crab meat, lots of veggies. The broth was flavorful without being too much. Love the noodle texture as well! Extremely satisfied with our meal. Good service, great location. Would definitely come back. If this location is bigger than the SF one....CRIES. But I would make the trek out here, Piedmont is a cute area :)
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Maria C.

Yelp
We ordered: + Garlic knock-out ramen + Signature smoked toripaitan + Spicy chicken karaage + Sequoia sake (draft sparkling sake with water from Yosemite) -- it was excellent I should have suspected I wouldn't like the smoked flavor of the signature ramen... Note to self: try the original next time. The karaage came with eggplant slivers that had a nice little crisp outside with softness inside. The chicken was too saucy for me though, since I usually prefer dry rubs. The garlic ramen is really for a garlic lover. I thought I could be a fanatic, but it turns out I'm just more of a mild enthusiast. After the meal we did combine the leftover broths for a more balanced flavor and it was pretty good. The restroom smells like...coconut? And the hot water in the faucet is really hot so be careful...!
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Dominic V.

Yelp
This is in a busy area with street parking around, but you can't miss it because there's always a group of people waiting outside for their table. The restaurant itself is pretty small, so when you head inside, put your name on the waitlist and hope for the best. There's a lot of things to go see while you wait. Or if you're feeling like dessert first, grab an ice cream from fentons across the street. Our server was incredibly nice with a huge smile on her face, she gets a 10/10. Actually, all the servers provided excellent service here. The food was also 10/10. We started with enoki chips (my gf loves enoki mushrooms), calamari, and their corn wings. The appetizers were as advertised, appetizers; enough to give you a taste of what the restaurant had to offer and get your metabolism running, but not nearly enough to get you full. The moment I saw A5 Wagyu ramen, I stopped looking at the rest of the menu. It's easily the most expensive thing on the menu but worth at least trying. The flavor of the meat, broth and ramen coming together was amazing. The broth wasn't creamy or heavy like most other ramen broths are, so it's actually perfect for a rainy day without feeling like a nap after. Hands down one of the best ramen's I've had, especially so close to home. The Wagyu melted in your mouth and just added that extra buttery flavor to the soup without actual butter. The line in front of the restaurant should tell you all you need to know. Worth the wait if you're into soup.
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Peggy W.

Yelp
Decided to have an early meal before going to a comedy show, so arrived on a Saturday evening at 5pm. Our party of 3 was lucky to snag a shared table in the corner as already, all the other tables were filled! Service was prompt and friendly and food came out pretty quickly after we ordered. We had the enoki chips and corn wings as appetizers, and we each ordered a bowl of ramen. I had the Garlic Knockout and my husband had the Special smoked Toripaitan and our friend had the Spicy Lamb. We enjoyed everything and will have to come back to try some of their other items! By the time we left the restaurant at 6, there were some people waiting to be seated, but not too many.
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Stephanie S.

Yelp
We were in the area and needed food. I was curious to eat here after seeing the good reviews on Yelp and Google maps. I ordered the enoki mushroom chips, Signature smoked toripaitan ramen, Garlic knockout ramen, chicken karaage. The Signature ramen was my favorite. I liked the variety of meats, the egg was perfectly cooked, the broth had a great flavor. The Garlic knockout was good, it had some spice to it. Like the karaage, I'm glad I tried it but I wouldn't order it again. The enoki chips were interesting, crispy and not too oily. I would order these again. We waited about 10 minutes to get seated after putting our name on the waitlist. Overall a tasty meal, I'd come back again for the Signature ramen and try some different things on the menu.
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El Z.

Yelp
It really is the best Raman I've ever had. The fried chicken is mind blowingly delicious too.
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Inga T.

Yelp
Our party of 4 waited for over an hour but the wait was worth it! All of us had ramen. The broth was so rich and flavorful. The place is small and tight but the staff were nice and friendly. We would definitely come back again.

Amy Y.

Yelp
We will come back for sure! We get there a little over 6 o'clock and we are the 23rd on the waitlist. Took us about one hour to get our seat and I have to say it worth the wait! The noodle is chewy but with flavor, the Breton and chicken kara with eggplant also a good choice! Of course we didn't miss the Enoki chips!
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Ethan N.

Yelp
*4.5* Had a wonderful birthday dinner with my family on a chilly Sunday evening at Mensho. Parking is abhorrent, which is no surprise considering its location along the bustling Piedmont Avenue, but even the elation of finding a street parking spot was almost not enough to keep my dad from storming off to a nearby sushi restaurant when faced with the projected 45-75 minute wait. We were the 26th or so party in line and ended up waiting for around 55 minutes, which we spent poring through their menu. Their dining area is more of a long hall highlighted with various murals and large framed photographs that provide a modern but personable environment for eating - an ambience our host and server also carried well. Slight delay between dishes but nothing egregious (just had to nibble at crumbs a little longer). Pickled Yuzu Cucumber w/Ikura: you're mostly paying for the ikura. Surprisingly not super sour considering the citrus and vinegar that go into it. Enoki Chips: worthy of being bagged and sold en masse - crispy at first but they become satisfyingly chewy in your mouth, with a great kick from the togarashi. I don't know if it's because they don't feel heavy like typical fried food but we almost ordered a second one. 2 Crab A5 Wagyu: fun splurge courtesy of my dad. Crab was sweet and wagyu was delicious. Kani Tantanmen: mom enjoyed it! Unfortunately couldn't try this one. Duck Matcha Ramen: pretty much what you'd expect from the idea of turning matcha into a creamy, semi-savory soup. Duck was the slightest bit rubbery but flavor was there. Signature Smoked Toripaitan: really loved the assortment of proteins with this bowl. Broth was very creamy and savory and just about every ingredient had distinctly charred taste, which actually worked well with the truffle. Hojicha Pudding: silky and roasty tea-flavored pudding. What's not to like? Will return! Hit with the family and with me.
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Sun L.

Yelp
Clean and tidy Quick service Nice friendly respectful Good environment Prob tried half the menu by now Fair price for new taste and experiences Will still be a repeated customer Great date meal
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Denzel T.

Yelp
Had a an excellent experience during my first visit to Mensho recently. We ended up starting out with the vegan karaage which was excellent. The mushrooms were fried perfectly and the batter tasted very similar to your standard chicken karaage. I ended up going with the duck matcha ramen for my main. Wow what a fun, creative flavor profile. There's definitely a matcha flavor, but I found that it was balanced out by the poultry flavors in the broth. The noodle consistency was great and all of the toppings added to the flavor profile. It was a great bowl of ramen, but I think what I appreciate most about Mensho is the level of creativity they show in their menu options. I definitely want to come back and try the different bowls. The service was excellent and our waiter was prompt and courteous. The vibe of Mensho is a traditional Japanese restaurant. I will say that you should be prepared for a lengthy wait, so make sure you have a friend show up early to put you on the wait list!
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Ching W.

Yelp
Love this place! I think it's better than the SF location; too bad it's across the bridge. The quality of the ramen is a notch higher here, imo, but what sets it hugely apart is the vibe. It's a lot trendier and warmer - all around, a much more enjoyable dining experience compared to the SF place.
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Wendy F.

Yelp
Wanted to try this place out of state but found out we had a few close to home! Came on a Sunday in which they opened at 3pm. There was already a line forming so you know it was good. Ordered the garlic knockout and the Toripaitan Ramen and woooo was it rich, creamy and full of flavor and goodness. Lots of different ingredients inside for different texture. Service was great, they kept coming around to refill our waters. Inside was clean and there were plenty of tables. Would recommend!
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Megan L.

Yelp
Broth was incredible. Personally, I like thin noodles and wish they had the option to choose thin noodles, but everyone else in my party liked the mochi/thick/chewy noodles.