Santa Ramen - San Mateo, Bay Area

This small ramen restaurant (with a capacity of 23 people) received a high 9.5 (out of 10) from Jatbar. I had tried several ramen restaurants in the Bay Area, but haven't find one that is impressive. (I used to like the ramen in a SF Japan Town restaurant, but no more)


I had been to Santa for a Saturday lunch before and this time is for dinner. If you go there for lunch, we can only order their ramen and add a chicken karaage bowl (if you prefer), but for dinner, you will get a menu which features some grilled and fried dishes. When you order their ramen you get to choose from three broth flavors: Miso, Pork, and Soy Sauce. I picked the pork broth in both visits because it is not offered in too many places.

During this second visit, we ordered the grilled chicken gizzards, grilled whole squid, fried chicken, and two roasted pork ramen with pork broth. We wanted to order the stewed pork ramen, but they are sold out. I didn't quite enjoy both grilled dishes because some parts of the chicken gizzards and squid was burnt and the taste of burning food took over. The fried chicken is good because the chicken pieces are cut into the right size and the juiced got locked it. How about the ramen? Their noodle can beat most ramen places in the Bay, but still I wouldn't give it an excellence because the noodle texture is not firm enough to reach the al dente stage (彈牙). The pork broth is rich in flavor but not very salty, so I can always finish the soup. The roast pork taste kinda sweet, but it is a little bit tough to bite.

Overall, I think this restaurant is worth a try especially if you like ramen.

Since the restaurant is small and a lot of people like to try their ramen, you should keep these in mind:
- If you are going during the weekend, it is a good idea to show up a bit before they open
- If you can't, bring your portable entertainment device along and don't forgot your jacket if it is cold
- You have to be present when the waitress call your name from the waiting list
- All members of the party have to present when they assign you a table
- They will be closed once their soup base is sold out
- They do not accept to-go order

Address: 805 South B Street, San Mateo, CA
Tel#: (650)344-5918
Business Hour:
Mon, Wed - Sat 11:30AM-2PM 5:30PM-9:30PM
Sun 11:30AM-2PM 5:30PM-9:30PM
Close on Tuesday

Got to order the stew pork on the next visit