Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Buena Park — Restaurant in Buena Park

My partner and I are from the Northern San Diego area and we visited this place after investigating a bit, since it was about 10 minutes from our hotel. We saw the high ratings of it so we had high hopes, and we arrived seeing people waiting so that gave us a good sign. Unfortunately, that was about the only good sign we had gotten with our experience.

First thing, the tablet out in front stated whether we wanted first available or if we preferred a table, or counter. My assumption was the counter was the booth seats in front of where they made the sushi (as many ramen and sushi places have). Being so, I put first available just so we can get a seat fast enough. When we got the text saying that our table was ready, I was shocked to see that they wanted to place us in the same table as two random strangers, in two seats that weren’t being occupied by them (so it was a table for 4). I’m not sure if this is just a location based thing or if this has been popularly done everywhere, but in all my years of dining in a restaurant, I have never had a place try to sit us in the same table with total strangers rather than our own separate little table or mini booth. However, the hostess was very sweet and understood that we wanted a separate table.

Second, when we got to our table, we started looking through the menus and within a matter of three minutes or so, our server Brandon came to introduce himself very quickly. And by quickly, I mean it sounded like he was in a rush. He then proceeds to ask us if we’re ready to order, as if we had plenty of time to look through the menu. His attitude basically gave us the implication that we had upset him somehow because he wasn’t sounding like he wanted to give us a chance to look through the menu. I also was a bit bothered by the fact that we asked if there was a different protein substitute instead of pork for the Ramen and apparently, this restaurant doesn’t even offer chicken as a substitute for pork. I can understand if the restaurant is stated to have a set specific protein as its main theme, but not everyone would want pork or tofu. At least two other proteins as a substitute would be nice.

Last, we placed our order and got our food and while the food was okay, it wasn’t enough to make up for what our experience had been so far. And from ear shot distance, I heard our server himself tell another table “Don’t worry, take your time! I know it’s a big menu!” He sounded very positive and enthusiastic with another table. Yet, I could reassure you he never gave us that same type of energy. Now this just made me assume that the reason why he was probably giving us attitude, was because since we didn’t go along with the original seating plan for us, that we have been placed in his section and it seems as if he was taking it out on us slightly. At this point, I was very upset, but since our appetites had been ruined and we already had gotten our food, we decided to just pay for our tab and leave. Also worth noting, my partner had ordered a Matcha latte and never got it. This is probably the only thing I will give our server some grace on, since I understand having a busy section means you’re bound to forget a few things, but it doesn’t make up for the attitude.

Overall, for a place that’s highly reviewed, we were expecting better. I come from the same food and beverage background as our server does. I myself have been a server in a private dining room of a retirement home for five years, which means I’ve worked with customers of many kinds, especially elderly residents that can definitely be on the harder end to please. But I have never once shown any type of negative energy towards any of my customers, even when I’ve been placed in the exact same, if not worse situations than Brandon. So I really hope this place doesn’t do the same to all of their guests. The hostess was very sweet, however, that’s about as good as it’s gonna get from...

I've never been so embarrassed in my whole life until now. I never had an issue with coming here. But tonight will be the last night I come here because of the employee Lisa. I paid for my food with a card. I never leave a tip on my card. I always leave a tip in cash. Apparently now this restaurant uses a self serve card payment. But if you pay with your card and don't tip they know when you receipt is printed. I went to walk up and get change for a cash tip with Lisa makes a loud comment "That table didn't tip." Another employee asked who ((later I found out this was the manager)). Then Lisa pointed at me and my friend. The tables next to us turned and looked at us. I made a comment saying I was gonna leave a tip in cash. I went to go talk to Lisa and asked her why did she embarrass me in front of the whole restaurant because I leave my tips in cash. She denied everything and kept repeating "What tables heard me. I want to know what tables."

So with Lisa poor behavior I asked for a manager which Lisa referred to me as a Karen. ((Because I have pale skin....jokes on her I'm Hispanic))

I told the manager what happened. But the manager handled the situation poorly. I told her your employee embarrassed me for yelling out in the middle of the restaurant that I didn't tip on my card. You're employees should never assume. I also mentioned that you were standing right there next to her when she made the comment. They denied the whole thing and accused me of being rude because I didn't tip. Lisa kept demanding that I tell her what tables. Because she wanted to talk to them.

Please don't ever assume you didn't get tipped because someone didn't put it on the card.

I don't think I will ever be back now. I've been coming here for over two years. I'm sad to say goodbye...

I've dined here more than a few times, and every time has been enjoyable. With so many flavors and styles of ramen out there, it's only fair to say that opinions will rise. As for my tastes, I like tonkotsu and shoyu-style ramen in general. The Kita Kata style mainly has pork broth, with shio, miso, and shoyu bases, which are all light and flavorful. It's not a heavy, creamy broth like tonkotsu. The noodles were wavey, thicker, and had a nice, slurpable chew. They also have vegan and veggie ramen options.

My favorites ramens are Kita Kata, Tsukemen, and Green Chili, as well as monthly specials like the Mizore ramen with yuzu chili paste, which gives it a refreshing citrus note. I usually add seasoned eggs and customize with other toppings depending on my mood. The lunch combos are great for adding a little appetizer to your ramen choice. The fried chicken (karaage) and pan-fried gyoza are tasty additions.

The menu also includes kids’ ramens, rice bowls, curry dishes, and alcoholic drinks (beers and sake)!

The atmosphere is chill, and the service is kind and attentive. It gets busy during peak hours, so prepare to wait if you come during those times. There's also plenty of parking around the plaza. Can’t wait to come...