Ippudo's hero dish — the broth simmers for 18 hours to yield a silky, creamy consistency. Thin Hakata noodles have a springy bite. Standard toppings include tender pork belly, a perfectly soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and mushroom.
Tips from diners
Customize noodle firmness from soft to firm — most first-timers prefer firm for the springy texture.
The broth is rich but balanced — don't skip finishing it. It's the soul of the dish.
Crispy-bottomed, steamed-top gyoza with savory pork filling. A classic opener to pair with ramen.
Tips from diners
Order gyoza as an appetizer while ramen cooks. Finish them while you wait for your bowl.
A lighter alternative to tonkotsu, built on delicate chicken broth with shoyu and yuzu. The citrus brightens the savory notes.
Tips from diners
Perfect if you want something lighter than tonkotsu but still deeply flavorful.
A newer ramen that builds on the Shiromaru with added depth from miso-based umami paste. The paste infuses the broth with richer, more complex savory layers.
Tips from diners
If you find Shiromaru too mild, Akamaru hits more robust flavor notes without being spicy.
A spicy ramen built on tonkotsu but with chili kick and umami depth. Reviewers note the heat builds gradually and doesn't overwhelm the broth.
Tips from diners
Start with medium spice — Ippudo's heat is cumulative, not immediate.
Ippudo launched in Fukuoka in 1985, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. The Yerba Buena location (18 Yerba Buena Lane) opened as the chain's anchor in California, and it's the only Ippudo location in the state with a full liquor license and bar. The Shiromaru Classic — 18-hour tonkotsu with thin noodles — remains the house signature.
This is the only Ippudo in California with a full bar — order sake or cocktails paired with your ramen for a more relaxed vibe.
Lunch (11 am - 2 pm) is quieter than dinner. Evening waits can stretch 20-30 minutes, especially weekends.
Walk-in friendly, but you can call ahead for large groups (6+). Single diners and couples always have counter seating available.
Similar picks in San Francisco
Page last updated: