# Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego > Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai in San Diego brings over 60 years of ramen-making tradition to Kearny Mesa, rooted in the Kitakata style of Fukushima, Japan. Their signature hand-crinkled noodles have a thick, curly texture that sets them apart from other ramen shops in the city. The broth is lighter yet deeply flavorful, and the melt-in-your-mouth chashu is a recurring favorite among regulars. Beyond ramen, the menu includes crispy chicken karaage, tantan noodles, rice bowls, and steamed chashu buns. The space is cozy and welcoming, with warm service that keeps guests coming back. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/kitakata-ramen-ban-nai-san-diego-50278 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: American - **Location**: San Diego, CA - **Address**: 7951 Othello Ave suite 103, San Diego, CA 92111, San Diego, CA 92111, US - **Phone**: 18584928588 - **Website**: https://www.ramenbannai.com/ - **Coordinates**: 32.81658, -117.15214 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Casual, Cultural, Modern, Cozy ## About Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai in San Diego brings over 60 years of ramen-making tradition to Kearny Mesa, rooted in the Kitakata style of Fukushima, Japan. Their signature hand-crinkled noodles have a thick, curly texture that sets them apart from other ramen shops in the city. The broth is lighter yet deeply flavorful, and the melt-in-your-mouth chashu is a recurring favorite among regulars. Beyond ramen, the menu includes crispy chicken karaage, tantan noodles, rice bowls, and steamed chashu buns. The space is cozy and welcoming, with warm service that keeps guests coming back. ## Highlights - **Hand-crinkled noodles** — Thick, curly, and hand-crumpled noodles rooted in Kitakata tradition. - **Melt-in-your-mouth chashu** — Slow-prepared pork chashu is a guest favorite in every bowl. - **Vegan-friendly options** — The vegan ramen earns consistent praise from plant-based diners. - **Cozy, cultural setting** — The warm, modern interior reflects the care and tradition behind every dish. ## FAQ ### Where is Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai located in San Diego? Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is located at 7951 Othello Ave, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92111, in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood. ### What type of ramen does Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai serve? Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai specializes in authentic Kitakata-style ramen, a regional style from the Tohoku area of Japan with a distinct flavor profile. The broth is lighter than many other ramen shops yet still rich and deeply savory. The noodles are hand-crinkled with a thick, curly texture that sets them apart from typical ramen noodles. ### What is the history behind Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai? The original Ban Nai Shokudo was opened in Kitakata city by Shingo and Hisa Ban Nai, a married couple and Kitakata locals. The San Diego location carries forward over 60 years of ramen-making tradition rooted in Fukushima, Japan. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### What are popular dishes at Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai? Guests frequently rave about the Kitakata ramen, the tantan noodles, and the chicken karaage. The pork chashu is a standout ingredient praised across many reviews, and the Hiyashi cold ramen salad is a popular choice on warmer days. The steamed chashu buns and rice bowls round out the menu with plenty of comfort-focused options. ### Does Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai have options for vegetarians or vegans? Yes, Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai offers a vegan ramen option that has received positive feedback from guests who prefer plant-based meals. ### Is Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai good for groups or family outings? Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai works well for a range of occasions, from casual family dinners and group hangouts to date nights and quick solo lunches. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere suits both small gatherings and larger tables. ### Can I order online from Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai? Yes, the full menu is available for online ordering through their website at ramenbannai.com, so you can place your order ahead of time whether you are dining in or eating at home. ### How can I contact Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai? You can reach Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai by phone at (858) 492-8588 or explore the menu and learn more at ramenbannai.com. ## Reviews ### sanfoodiego — 5.0/5 · Nov 7, 2023 big fan of the kitakata ramen and the vegan ramen is good too! ### johnnywu — 5.0/5 · Jul 24, 2025 The Roman is pretty good. The soup is really salty though so it really depends on what you ### chriseatsitall — 5.0/5 · Aug 26, 2025 Hot day calls for cold food. Hiyashi cold ramen salad was cold and refreshing, not as heavy since it wasn’t a fatty broth. ### sdgoodfood — 5.0/5 · Aug 22, 2025 One of our favorite Ramen in San Diego! You gotta try this place! ### miat — 5.0/5 · Jan 13, 2026 Ramen ### pipers_bbfa8f — 5.0/5 · Oct 24, 2025 Must try ramen!! in San Diego ### foodwillhunting — 5.0/5 · Oct 28, 2023 a new discovery in Convoy, and it was amazing! ### sanfoodiego — 5.0/5 · Oct 28, 2023 back at my favorite ramen spot in sd at the moment ### chef.chelle — 4.3/5 · Oct 11, 2024 Kitakata Ramen has the most fun ramen noodles I’ve had in a while! Their squiggly, textured noodles are so fun to eat, and we love their pork chasiu! ### enigmatic — 5.0/5 · Jun 2, 2025 This Ramen is different because it’s from the Tohoku region of Japan. Different type of noodle and different flavor profile of broth. 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