Menya Ultra Mira Mesa — Restaurant in San Diego

(Updated review)

I am so disappointed to say that Ramen Menya Ultra is no longer what it used to be. It is just okay.

I've eaten here 4-5 times since they've remodeled and reopened with their new dine in contactless ordering system and the ramen broth no longer gives me joy and admiration as it once did.

The braised chashu (limited) that used to be thick even pieces are now thin & unevenly sliced.

They no longer offer the garlic paste which I loved about Menya.

The service is barely there with all new staff (and less staff) because you order on your own and all they do is drop it off at your table and leave.

I'm heartbroken because I was a major fan before and recommended Menya to everyone, even bringing out of towners here, but now I have to find another restaurant for tonkotsu ramen.

(Old review)

My husband and I are regulars of Menya Ultra and still agree it is the best ramen in San Diego. Their quality has not been affected by the pandemic. We also love that they offer complimentary chili oil and garlic--something other shops tend to upcharge for.

We've been to the original location in Kearny Mesa, the newest in Hillcrest, and here. Mira Mesa one is the least hassle to dine at if you're near the area. Smaller crowds than Kearny Mesa and parking is so easy!

The staff here are also awesome and attentive. Food quality is on par with OG location.

We always come at opening to get the limited braised chashu which is such a great deal. Lately there is a fatty chashu shortage so they are serving a leaner type of pork. We actually love this lean pork cut and hope they keep it on as an option.

Pro-tip: opt for low sodium broth (still plenty flavorful) and ask for hard noodles. The extra firmness adds great texture and holds well over the time it takes you to enjoy your hot...

How is this place rated 4 1/2 stars? The 4 and 5 star reviewers must not have taste buds or are accustomed to eating mediocre ramen. I have tried many ramen shops throughout Japan and SoCal, this ranks among the bottom. It's not terrible but not that great either. Ramen shops like Ikkousha, Kitikata and even Shin Sen Gumi are miles ahead in flavor and authenticity, which this place raves about. Wake up people, don't fall for their marketing tricks, just because the chef is from Japan doesn't automatically make the food good. My advice for the chef is to go back to Japan and learn a thing or two about infusing some flavor in the broth and creating noodles with more texture and bite, which is how fresh noodles should taste.

There are just too many things wrong with the food. We ordered the negi miso ramen and fried chicken. Here's a quick breakdown of our experience.

1.Broth - Lacks flavor and depth. The broth has a weak flavor profile and typically needs a strong flavorful punch in order to carry the noodles and the rest of condiments.

2.Noodles - Doesn't taste like fresh noodles. Texture was soft and soggy without any bite or bounce typically associated with fresh handmade noodles

Chashu - Thinly sliced and fatty, no flavor, very gamey due to the lack of seasoning

4.Fried Chicken - Tasted ok, missing some spice and seasoning

4.Price - $14 Negi Miso Ramen, $4 Xtra Chashu, $1.50 Seasoned Egg. Way overpriced, 20 bux for a bowl of average noodles is definitely not worth the time or money

5.Wait - Arrived at 550P with a 2HR ETA. Food better be amazing for a 2 hour wait time,...

Second time visiting this place and it really blows me away! But it does happen! It was weird! The two of us went to dinner in a happy mood, were seated in the middle, and ordered fried chicken and two bowls of noodles. The noodle soup has no taste, and the fried chicken tastes mediocre. We finished the fried chicken, and the seat itself is very small. The waiter passed by the finished plate and ignored it. The waiter didn't come over to say hello and saw that there was no extra space on our table. I was surprised to find that the waitress wearing glasses warmly greeted the customer on my left, is everything okay? Then just ignore me here. Then the waitress asked the customer on my right with a smile that made me sick. Is everything ok? Do you need to refill water? Then she ignored us, and finally she happily asked me if I wanted to pay? From the beginning to the end, she treats the space between us as air? What a ridiculous place! Even so, I gave her a tip in the end, after all, the most loyal friend of man needs to be rewarded. She uses colored glasses to distinguish people and distinguish between those who can serve and those who can't. It's outrageous! The next day I received an even more outrageous comment from the owner, who said they were not open yesterday! Could it be that what I eat on Monday is also air? Your turnover just disappeared yesterday? God, I can't believe such a popular local owner and staff would do...