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Katana-Ya

(Now Closed)

Ramen Restaurant$$$$

Lower Nob Hill, San Francisco

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Katana-Ya

350 Tips and reviews

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Alex RainertOctober 4, 2013
If Stefon we're here he'd tell you that he Katanaya Ramen has everything - an egg, roast pork, dumplings, fried chicken (!!!) and a whole lot more. Get it spicy and rich when they ask you.
PureWowJune 21, 2017
For soup to warms the soul, head to this hole-in-the-wall, where they dish out huge, piping-hot bowls of ramen. We dare you to finish the Katana-ya with fried chicken, pot stickers and pork. Read more
Jack OsborneNovember 19, 2014
The Katana ya ramen has everything but the kitchen sink and it's delicious; pork, fried chicken, dumplings an egg and more. I went miso and rich. Nice.
Alice MApril 22, 2016
Delicious ramen but don't come here for the ambiance. The katanaya miso ramen (essentially everything in one bowl) is killer, perfect for those of us who have trouble with decisions.
Justin ScottJuly 18, 2015
Katana ramen includes karage and gyoza in the broth - which is good because there isn't much pork besides. The miso flavor is amazing and the corn is a great addition. Among the best in the game
Sahar AJuly 13, 2015
Ask for vegetarian ramen with miso and specify non-meat (pork) based broth. Add the fried chicken (karaage). The sho-chu is strong! If you prefer sweet, the plum wine is like liquid candy.
Josh BerkowitzNovember 11, 2014
The katanaya ramen is delicious. Great for someone who wants to try everything and can't decide what to get - it has a little of everything!
FrancesSeptember 4, 2014
Got #14 katanaya ramen with miso, medium spicy. Came with goodies like 2 fried pot stickers, 2 karaages, corn, mema, seaweed and 2 slices of meat. It was good+, but def not the best ramen ive had
Marce CaldeiraDecember 21, 2013
Don't be afraid to try the chicken fry ramen in miso broth. Is perfect. If you want you can ask for the chicken on side and them you can dip it on the bowl. Remember: tell how spicy you want
Lindsi GishApril 4, 2015
Holy buttery salmon nigiri. Get your ramen with a miso base, rich, and medium spicy (unless you want to blow your nose every five minutes). Sapporo on tap was the perfect cleanser/finish.
Kendal CockrelJuly 30, 2017
Come hungry! Ramen is mayor here but don't be afraid to get some sushi too! Get the ramen combination if you wanna try more than one item.
Candace VillanuevaOctober 11, 2016
Ramen is great. But when they asked if we wanted spicy and we said Yes!, they looked at us strangely & scared us away from it But it wasn't spicy enough! If you like spicy, go all the way!
Harriet RuffNovember 13, 2015
Incredible kimchi. Wonderful wakame and spot on ramen. They keep the noodles separate for take out. Good value but takes around 25-30 mins...
Arjun SundararajanJune 17, 2016
The veggie miso ramen. Make it spicy with their spicy powder. There's just couple of veggie dishes, but they're so yum.
Nipun SachdevDecember 19, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Excellent and popular ramen spot! Keep it simple and try the regular ramen with soy broth. You won't be disappointed.
Jason C.May 30, 2013
Best in the off hours but worth the wait in my opinion. Everything I've had has been good but this is a ramen joint. Always miso rich, sometimes fried chicken, sometimes spicy.
Zack SheppardNovember 16, 2014
Here is the difference between normal and extra spicy in a photo.
Sabina B.October 19, 2014
The Katanaya Ramen is the heartiest, most satisfying meal you'll ever eat. If you're slightly less hungry, the deep fried chicken ramen is really really good too.
Jon PascarellaAugust 10, 2014
Chasu ramen is the BBQ pork. It is real tasty, as is the Katana Ya ramen. Honestly, if you like this place, try Genki Ramen out on Geary and 4th ave
MANOFebruary 7, 2015
If you like your dumplings and fried chicken crispy you can ask for it on the side otherwise they will dump it in your Katana-Ya Soup.
Rewan PartiJuly 9, 2015
They usually having a wait outside during lunch. The katana ya ramen is awesome. Do try their fried chicken. They also have decent sushi rolls.
Francis MuellerMarch 14, 2014
Overall a cute, small restaurant with a nice atmosphere and great service, though I honestly don't understand the hype. I had the Katana Ya Ramen which was merely OK and far from being the best.
Nikola NinkovicAugust 27, 2017
Huge bowls of really good ramen. Atmosphere is a bit dark, but staff is really nice! Noodles cooked to perfection.
Michael MuseJanuary 29, 2015
Not typical/authentic ramen but their namesake bowl is a kind of chicken sink option (love the fried veggie dumplings it came with) that was great since I was super hungry.
Sofia FigueroaJune 18, 2014
The famous "chansu" ramen mentioned in the other tips is actually the BBQ pork ramen. Definitely order it extra spicy (totally tolerable) and miso flavored.
DensFebruary 21, 2015
Eh. This place was so-so. The fried chicken in your ramen is interesting but not "blow your mind" interesting.
Diana ArzFebruary 24, 2017
The best part of the ramen were noodles. Great texture. The flavor of soup was too salty. It tasted better than it looked 😉. Shrimp tempura wasn't crispy. Overall not bad for place that is open late.
Kendal CockrelAugust 10, 2018
The spicy tofu ramen is where it’s at. Come before 9 to avoid the weeknight rush!
Imogen DiksAugust 2, 2013
Lunch special. $14 for noodle dish (raman,udon and soba) PLUS a rice dish. Had the Katsu don. So good and best value! Easily enough for two.
.:. sAugust 13, 2015
There is a waiting list, and if you have to stand on the sidewalk for about 15-20 minutes, do it! Japanese nationals go here, and that's another good sign.
makeupbyjanineMay 24, 2011
First time? Walk up to left of the door, grab the clipboard & write your name on the wait list. To order: choose noodles (ramen, soba, udon), flavor (salt, soy, or miso), & broth (lt, reg, rich).
Mike SingletonSeptember 19, 2013
Best ramen in the city (get it spicy). If you're staying in a nearby hotel, phone it in for pickup and give it 10 minutes.
Paul T.November 25, 2014
Waiting list is stationed outside at the door. The Katana-Ya bowl has the best of everything and will leave you satisfied.
Ashleigh TrippNovember 9, 2013
So good! Spicy green onion is the best! Skip the Goyza - the skins are really thick & doughy. But everything else is excellent!
Escott HayashidiazJanuary 17, 2016
Made a lot of late night runs here for ramen when I lived in SF. Nice combo options, good portions, well priced.
Charles BSeptember 4, 2012
really good ramen and they do take out until 1:15am. I got the Chasu and asked for it spicy based on other tips and was not disappointed.
The FeastJune 13, 2011
Feel transported to a tiny ramen joint in Tokyo at Katana-ya with endless menu options to be eaten under a neon pink glow. Try the signature ramen with fried chicken and fried potatoes. Read more
Kenny LiaoDecember 26, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Be prepared for a wait, especially during lunch time. All the ramen is great, but my personal favorite is the Katana-Ya Ramen (the fried chicken is the best part!)
M MackMay 15, 2013
Constant line out the door but absolutely worth the wait. Bring your appetite - these ramen bowls are large and you'll want to eat every bite!
Apurva MehtaJanuary 5, 2014
The deep fried crab based appetizer us pretty good. The ramen us really good ... I just find it a little too much for 1 person
Ryo YSeptember 20, 2013
Def look for their combo specials. You get to try different dishes for the price of one. Don't worry, the portions are very reasonable.
Arijit DasguptaOctober 18, 2014
Medium spicy Katanaya Ramen with Miso sauce is great. A must try. It's their speciality... Good place for lunch...
Emily LJuly 30, 2016
Ramen is pretty good! Went with the katanaya in miso soup, was not disappointed. Fried dumplings were a bit much, but still tasty.
JennyMarch 15, 2015
The house Ramen is solid. Maybe get the gyoza and chicken on the side if you don't want them to get soggy. Also, beware long lines, even at 3pm
Evan Kracoff 👌👍🏂August 28, 2016
Wifey advised me to go with the vegetarian spicy soy ramen - was excellent. Also had a tasty tuna poke salad.
Elaine CourtneyAugust 18, 2011
Delectable ramen and an extremely convenient joint if you're already zipping around in the city. <3 the salt based pork broth option and their mixed fish salad is great value.
Steven WalkerDecember 4, 2014
I'm a fan of thinner noodles, traditionally, but the flavor and vibe was what's up. The ramen is spaghetti thickness and quite filling.
Kristina LeeFebruary 23, 2015
The vegetarian ramen with the miso broth is out of this world!
CamillaApril 20, 2016
Had the fried chicken ramen/miso and really enjoyed it! Don't be fooled by the outside, it's really nice food.
Albert WengerOctober 16, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Come early or late for lunch. Otherwise you will wait. Opens at 11.30am.

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