Menya Ultra

"This Japanese import, whose first shop was opened in Akita Prefecture before spawning numerous offshoots, has been a local hit since day one. Set in a Clairemont strip mall, it attracts a crowd. Inside, one may expect efficient service and a no-frills vibe.On the menu, ramen is the main attraction. Diners are faced with few choices: the house broth is a rich, porky tonkotsu enhanced with miso; while the tantanmen is a unique take on Sichuan dan dan noodles, bolstered with ground pork and a touch of spice. Each item comes with excellent springy noodles and the option of add-ons—the ajitama egg, for instance, was a strong contender." - Michelin Inspector

A San Diego Dining Guide to the Food & Drink Scene | Eater San Diego

"Described as the gold standard for ramen, known for bowls of well-balanced broth and springy noodles; in Kearny Mesa the shop’s Japanese ramen master oversees the daily production of small batches of noodles." - Kelly Bone

Where to Eat in San Diego During a Weekend Away | Eater

"The first U.S. outpost of this popular Japanese chain may be located in a nondescript strip mall, but Menya Ultra has received a lot of attention despite its humble location. Everything in master ramen chef and owner Takashi Endo’s luscious bowls is handmade in-house — from the chewy, springy, hand-pulled noodles head noodle maker Ryosuske Goto produces daily to the deeply umami tonkotsu, miso, and tantanmen broths and accouterments. Popular starters include Nagoya-style and negi pon fried chicken, which you can wash down with a trio of Societe Brewing Co. beers or sake." - Mary Beth Abate

Ramen Restaurant Superstar Menya Ultra Heading to Westfield UTC - Eater San Diego

"Top local ramen restaurant Menya Ultra will soon be one of the marquee dining options at Westfield UTC. The acclaimed ramen-ya is opening at the Collection at UTC, the new development at the former Sears site where Bay Area fish house Pacific Catch recently debuted and Blue Bottle Coffee is opening soon. Other incoming tenants include Convoy’s SomiSomi ice cream and sandwich chain Board & Brew. Arriving by Fall 2022, the 1842-square-foot Japanese establishment will serve a similar menu to Menya Ultra’s existing locations in Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, and Hillcrest. Though its offerings were impacted last year due to worldwide supply issues, Menya Ultra recently added its original tonkotsu shoyu ramen with Hokkaido wheat hand-pulled noodles back to the lineup. Later this year, chef/owner Takashi Endo is planning to move Menya Kobo, his local noodle factory, to the same Clairemont Mesa Boulevard center as its flagship restaurant." - Candice Woo

New Additions: Orange County and San Diego Restaurants

"This Japanese import, first opened in Akita Prefecture, has been a local hit since day one. The first stateside location, is set in a Clairemont strip mall and attracts a crowd. On the menu, ramen is the main attraction. Diners are faced with few choices; the house broth is a rich, porky tonkotsu enhanced with miso." - The MICHELIN Guide