Nikka Ramen
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Goleta food diary--Nikka Ramen
ClaireClaire
340
This ramen spot is a must-visit for anyone craving a fast, flavorful, and hassle-free dining experience. The service is top-notch, with attentive staff who are friendly, efficient, and always ready to help. From the moment you’re seated, you’re well taken care of, and any questions about the menu are met with helpful recommendations and a warm attitude. One of the most impressive aspects of this spot is the speed at which the food arrives. Despite the high quality and freshness of each dish, the wait time is surprisingly short. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner without sacrificing taste or experience. The ramen itself is fantastic — hearty, flavorful broths paired with perfectly cooked noodles and fresh toppings. Whether you go for a classic miso, spicy tonkotsu, or a lighter shoyu, each bowl is packed with depth and umami. The tender chashu pork (if offered) and marinated egg are always highlights, but the vegetarian options are equally satisfying. With its attentive service, speedy delivery of food, and rich, delicious ramen, this spot checks all the boxes. It’s a go-to option for anyone looking for a fast yet flavorful meal. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Sohrob HSohrob H
00
Solid ramen place in Goleta. Sat at the bar even though there is plenty of seating. Started off with the gyozas which were excellent. I got the spicy tonkotsu which was really good and perfect for a cold evening. The broth is rich and creamy with a lot of depth in flavor. It did have a nice kick so if you can’t tolerate spice I’d probably go with the original. The pork shoulder was also delicious, it tasted like the non-fatty parts of char siu but you also have the option to do chicken or pork belly. My partner got the black garlic tonkotsu which he said lacked a little flavor. His came with pork belly which was rich and flavorful. All in all a solid place. My biggest critique is probably the pricing but everything is expensive nowadays so this isn’t unique to this place. The ramens start at around $18-19 but some of your typical toppings are not included like corn and soft boiled egg which cost an additional $1-2 so that bumps up the price.
Brent ChamBrent Cham
00
I’m sorry to leave a one star review but this was just plain and simple not good ramen. It was mushy, too many (too soft) noodles, not hot when it came to the table, and the service wasn’t redeeming to the ramen catastrophe. Apologies for the brutal honestly but I only write in hopes for an improvement in the ramen creation. The food came fast and they had a vegan option for ramen but there was too much going on so that it couldn’t be enjoyed as ramen should. Too much corn, flavor was bland, too many toppings overall. Ramen is one of my favorite foods and I’ve tried many types in many cities and I wouldn’t recommend the ramen here. I looked at my friends dishes and they all looked similar to mine just the non-vegan mushy version. Check out the movie Tampopo and maybe you’ll be inspired to create a better ramen. Best wishes, thank you anyways.
Nevada GibsonNevada Gibson
00
My daughter and I were both craving something warm and healthy and decided we would try the Ramen place close to home. SO glad we did. We were greeted with a smile, sat immediately and had a few basic questions answered. She ordered the Kuro (?) with chicken and I had the Curry with pork shoulder. Very large portions with lots of meat (protein). The curry was some of the best I've ever had and the noodles were excellent. The pork shoulder was done to perfection and the soft boiled egg was a great addition. I added the bok choy and was very happy with the overall combination. Had to order more to take home for the rest of the family and added some buns with pork and carmelized onions. SUPER delicious and can't wait to go back. Hands down the best bowl of ramen I've ever had👍👍
Michael EnsignMichael Ensign
00
Updated. In five years of cvd19, the restaurant still keeps consistent standards. The poke bowl isn't shrinkflated and the quality portions are just as good. Compare my old photos to the new ones. The food is authentic and has rare Japanese ingredients like natto, a fermented soybean, that is often forgotten in hipster/fusion trendy places. Since I don't eat pork, I ordered the vegetarian ramen with the added s&b noodles and it was not lacking flavor. It had a great fatness and umami from a traditional ramen without the oink. The best deal on the menu are the small poke bowls $6 each which have like 9oz of fresh tuna or salmon, avocado, and nori. Poke joints charge like $13 for these, and the bowl here actually tastes fresh.
j lj l
00
Nearby Attractions Of Nikka Ramen
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
Santa Cruz Market
Nikka Japanese Market
Metropolitan Fairview Theatre
Santa Barbara Care Center
Twin Lakes Golf Course
Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park
La Chapala Market
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
4.3
(448)Click for details

Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
4.1
(414)Click for details

Santa Cruz Market
4.6
(213)Click for details

Nikka Japanese Market
4.8
(132)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Nikka Ramen
Cajun Kitchen Cafe
Kyle's Kitchen
Noodle City
Old Town Coffee
The Nugget Bar & Grill
Domingo's Cafe
Los Arroyos Goleta Mexican Restaurant & Take Out
El Sitio Restaurant - Fairview
Goleta Sushi House
Sushi Teri

Cajun Kitchen Cafe
4.6
(436)Click for details

Kyle's Kitchen
4.5
(331)Click for details

Noodle City
4.3
(292)Click for details

Old Town Coffee
4.6
(270)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
5701 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117
Map
Phone
(805) 845-7755
Call
Website
nikkaramen.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(374 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Casual noodle house whipping up traditional Japanese fare, plus take-out & outdoor seating.
attractions: Best Western Plus South Coast Inn, Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Santa Cruz Market, Nikka Japanese Market, Metropolitan Fairview Theatre, Santa Barbara Care Center, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, La Chapala Market, The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, restaurants: Cajun Kitchen Cafe, Kyle's Kitchen, Noodle City, Old Town Coffee, The Nugget Bar & Grill, Domingo's Cafe, Los Arroyos Goleta Mexican Restaurant & Take Out, El Sitio Restaurant - Fairview, Goleta Sushi House, Sushi Teri

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