While I was doing ramen posts on my three favorite ramen shops in San Diego and then a revisit to Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai, folks started asking me “what about Menya”? Well, what about Menya? I recalled not enjoying my last bowl from Menya….which in fact drove Calvin and I to head to Nagi in spite of the lines at that time. Though, taking a look at that post…well, it was on the Mira Mesa location of Menya. So, I headed to the Big List to see when I last visited the Clairemont location. Now this was interesting, my last five posts on that location of Menya was for takeout! Menya was a part of our takeout rotation during the pandemic. The last time I actually ate in the restaurant was back in August of 2017 and the last time I had the Ajitama Ramen was in May of 2017….like almost 9 years ago! Sheesh!
So, I made up my mind to revisit. I arrived on a Wednesday for lunch at around 1110.
This turned out to be good timing, since it does seem that there’s still a line during opening hours as the place was over half full when I entered.
I just got the Ajitama Ramen ($17.95).
My bowl arrived in what seemed to be the blink of an eye!
This was interesting as the broth was not very hot, thus the soup had a fairly greasy mouthfeel. Nice savory tones, not overly salty. Would have been pretty good if it was nice and hot.
The Chashu was somewhat tough and chewy, but still nice and porky.
And you know my pet peeve…..well, since the broth was basically just past lukewarm….of course the ajitama was ice cold. Sigh…..
The noodles were decently firm and slippery.
Well, this could have been quite good….but there’s a reason Menya is no longer in my top 4. There seems to be a lack of quality control here. Like many other restaurants, Homestyle Hawaiian comes to mind. Expansion seems to dilute quality. Too bad, because Menya was such a hit when they first opened in 2017. I remember being like the one of the first ten people in line on their grand opening day. To me, Menya changed the ramen game in San Diego. And blew up even further after making the Michelin Guide and being named Eater’s Restaurant of the year in 2017. It’s just not on my regular ramen rotation anymore.
Menya Ultra
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm
So “FOYs”…what’s on your ramen rotation these days?
The first time I visited Menya Ultra on CMB — soon after it opened — it was a revelation. Far above anything else in San Diego at the time. Visited several times and the quality was always top notch. Fast forward to my visit to the UTC Menya with my wife a year ago or so. Quality was not nearly as good as I remembered. Nagi is our go-to now.
Yes, it’s Nagi for me as well Peter! I’m thinking that maybe they expanded too quickly.
I actually just ate there a few weeks ago at this location and I feel like they’re getting back on the right track. Like you previous times I’d eaten there it just wasn’t good, especially compared to places like Nagi. But recently just feels like they have their act mostly back together though what happened to you I can appreciate it’s a struggle.
Honestly my rotation is mostly Rakiraki/Yasai, Nagi and Menya, and the first one wins because I love their curry ramen.
I’ll try to return in the next couple of months Loren! I’m looking for a bit more than just tonkotsu ramen these days…..
cold egg 🙁
I know…it seems I’m just not able to escape that Kat!
Interesting you mention expansion since HiroNori just opened a shop in Sorrento Valley, hopefully they can keep the quality high while expanding locations.
I hope so too Jason! I did hear that the parking situation is a lot better!
Yeah, since it’s in a corporate complex there’s plenty of parking nearby, I’m going to have to give it a try soon. It’s right near California English which has a pretty good fish and chips.
Nice! Well, I gotta go check them out soon Jason! Thanks for the info!
And on a side note, just got back from Osaka/Tokyo, had a terrific 22 course omakase dinner at Sushi Suntos on our final night. If you’re in the area, recommend making a reservation and trying it, and at 14k yen (88 bucks) it was priced very reasonably: https://sushi-suntos.com/course/
I agree Menya is not as good as when they first opened
Yes, I agree ST!
We like Nagi, Santouka and Kitakata best but also visit Nishiki and Menya sometimes. The egg thing never really bugged me until you kept pointing it out! 😄. Recently in LA we’ve really liked Tsujita and another place on Sawtelle for mazemen. Happy eating adventures!
Sorry to plant that “seed” RD! I know HiroNori opened a location closer to you…so perhaps you’ll give them a try?