Tsuruya — Restaurant in Berkeley

Better than many ramen places in Japan. Been here many times now and they offer friendly service and consistent quality at a reasonable price.

Indoor seating has a mix of bar seating, high chairs, and tables for larger parties.

Broths: Both the tonkotsu ramen and the tori paitan ramen are solid. The broths have much more flavor than those from other restaurants and it really feels like the restaurant put in the time and effort to make a truly good soup. Another thing that I like is that the broth isn’t too salty so you can actually drink it.

Egg: Egg is important. For some reason, lots of restaurants have inconsistent ramen eggs that are overcooked or cured for too long. But the ramen eggs here are consistently done properly - jellied/cured yolk and not overcooked.

Noodles: You can choose to have thick noodles or thin noodles. Both are good and done to a slightly firmer consistency which is nice.

Chashu: Both the chicken chashu and the pork belly chashu are good. The meat is tender and not tough. The chicken chashu is rolled around some yuzu which is a really nice touch.

Toppings: Toppings go well with the broths.

Chicken karaage: Batter is light and the chicken is juicy. The chicken-shaped plate is...

I’ve tried over 100 ramen shops in the US, and so far, Tsuruya Ramen is the closest thing I’ve found to authentic, Tonkotsu ramen in the US. This is REAL delicious, proper ramen. The few people who gave this place a low rating don’t know WTF they’re talking about.

The tonkotsu soup is thick, viscous, delicious and served piping hot, with a tiny hint of ginger lurking and leaving a thin layer of collagen on my lips.

The noodles were über thin, Hakata-style, cooked katame, or slightly firm, with just the right amount of bounce and bite.

The finely chopped fresh red onions are sweet and complement the crunch of the wood ear mushrooms and menma. I do wish that the portion was just slightly larger, but since the quality was spot-on, I cannot complain. No other ramen shop in the Bay Area can compare. Not Nagi, nor even the large Japanese chain shop two blocks away.

This is my new #1 favorite ramen spot...

Found this place serendipitously and was delightfully surprised by the delicious food! One of the best ramen places that I have tried personally!

Recommendations Limited Vegetarian Ramen - the restaurant has only one vegetarian option however, it is one of the best vegetarian ramens I have had! Flavorful and light broth, with perfect textured noodles, and lots of vegetables with tofu. Absolutely must try for vegetarians!

Spicy Tonkatsu Ramen - Exquisite broth, thin straight noodles with wood ear mushrooms and egg. My friend who had this reported that it is the best ramen they have ever had!

Fried Calamari - Very crispy, perfect amount of batter, wonderful taste!

Panna Cotta - Creamy, coffee flavored dessert. Nice way to end a meal!

The atmosphere is lovely with efficient and fast service. We did not have to wait long to get a table and there is parking nearby.

Highly recommend...