BERKELEY, CA — Whether you look east, north or west, there's a ramen spot in the Bay Area with your name on it.
California.com, a digital publication and travel guide, recently posted its recommendations for the "Best Ramen" in the Bay Area, and a Berkeley favorite made the list.
"Whether it's your first ramen bowl or your hundredth, the Bay Area has something worth seeking out," according to the publication.
Away from the crowds or downtown rushes, Tsuruya hides in a Berkeley alley. It offers spicy tonkatsu, vegetarian miso with layers and depth and a Tori paitan described by California.com as "velvety."
"You find Tsuruya by word of mouth or accident," according to the publication. "That's how the best spots operate. The effort to find it makes the bowl taste better."
These are the other Bay Area restaurants California.com deems worthy of being sought out:
The digital publication says Mensho Tokyo is "worth every minute of the wait.
It's located in a tiny locale in the city's Tenderloin area. Customers sit elbow-to-elbow at a communal counter as they slurp down their ramen.
"Duck chashu melts on your tongue," according to the publication. "The vegan tantanmen with seven nut varieties shows this isn't a one-note kitchen. "
Located in Oakland's Temescal, the broth here at Marufuku Ramen is deep, creamy and rich, according to California.com
"Casual counter spot, no lines most days, especially mid-week," according to the publication. "The vibe is pure ramen enthusiasm without the hype."
HiroNori in Fremont masters three styles of ramen: onkotsu, shoyu, and vegan.
It was founded in Southern California in 2017 and has since been recognized in the Michelin Guide.
"Since opening our first location in 2017, we have been pushing to create unmatched ramen while staying true to our mission," Hiro Igarashi and Nori Akasaka say on the restaurant's website.
Taishoken is somewhat historic, with its owner creating tsukemen, cold noodles dipped in hot broth, in 1961.
The San Mateo space offers traditional ramen and tsukemen, but California.com recommends the latter.
Run by "Tokyo ramen master" Chef Satoshi Ikuta, this ramen spot makes ramen exactly how the customers want it.
"You build the ramen. Spice, noodle firmness, garlic, broth strength—all adjustable," the publication said. " The quality doesn't waver no matter what you customize: this is part of what makes it some of the best ramen in the Bay Area."
Hinodeya offers light and clean broths, with a vibe that is "vibe is genuinely welcoming, and staff treats first-timers like regulars," according to the publication.
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