Tajima Ramen College Heights — Restaurant in San Diego

Had a craving for Ramen and wanted a nice date night with my girl. Because of what can only be explained as Karma to be the cause, I decide to do this during graduation week of presumably every college, high and middle school in the area so the place is packed. And because of such was fairly loud and including at least 1 small child squeeling a bit. Waiter comes over - nice, friendly, patient. After coming back to give us time, I order a Stone IPA - he tells me they don't have any...fine, blood orange then. It fell apart for me at the ordering - we had a memory of A Tajima that had GF (this matters as my gf has to eat GF) noodles, we KNEW we had never been to this location, but couldn't remember where it was, either way we asked the waiter if they had them OR if they ever had them. He said they did at one point but for whatever reason took them off the menu but that was a long time ago. Long story - but she ended up ordering a Poke bowl which in general is a fine dish and was fine on this evening as well...but IS however her "I guess I'll just have this" dish and that sucks b/c Ramen was the goal, the craving and it couldn't happen. So I only ended up only getting the Karrage chicken not wanting to enjoy Ramen in front of someone who couldn't. AND lastly - I get 1/2 into (this is a strange complaint I KNOW) my oversized fried chicken bits that were more like fingers (chicken) not the typical dumpling sized bites...and I taste something off in the middle of my bite. It was unpleasant and didn't taste right - and for once in my life this was right when our waiter comes back over to ask how the food is...so I told him. Sorry but actually there is something in this and it does not taste good nor do I know what it is. Wasn't mad, just honest. Didn't ask for anything either, just answered his question. He comes back a few minutes later and tells us the manager has taken it off the bill. To which of course we thank them, he apologizes more, we go back n forth yada yada yada. Pay the bill and leave.

So yea, bad night to go, that's on me. Bad food experience...happens. GF noodles, not a...

I had the most incredible experience at Tajima Ramen College Heights!!! Every dish we tried was absolutely amazing, and both my wife and I couldn't get enough of the delightful pineapple cider/ale, whichever ever one it is it’s DELICIOUS... While savoring the flavors, we had the pleasure of engaging in a wonderful conversation with a lovely young woman and her handsome son seated next to us. It was a perfect blend of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and heartwarming connections.

We indulged in a variety of mouthwatering delights, including the pork gyoza, chicken karrage, cream cheese wontons, and Babe got their signature ramen. However, I must not forget to mention the highlight of our meal—the pork fried rice. Let me tell you, it was the best I've ever had! The piece of pork included in the dish was so tender that you could easily cut it with your spoon. Each bite was a burst of savory perfection that left us craving for more.

But that's not all! As we enjoyed our exceptional meal, we couldn't help but think of the amazing positivity waiting for us on the Positivity Our Way YouTube page. I highly recommend hopping on and watching some inspiring videos while savoring the incredible flavors of Tajima Ramen College Heights. Picture yourself immersed in a sea of uplifting content, amplifying the joy of your dining experience. It's the perfect combination of flavors for your taste buds and positivity for your soul.

So, gather your loved ones, head to Tajima Ramen College Heights, and let the delectable dishes, including the unforgettable pork fried rice, and the friendly atmosphere embrace you. And don't forget to bring the spirit of Team Positivity Our Way with you, spreading joy and encouragement along the way. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience filled with incredible food, heartwarming connections, and a dose of positivity that will leave you inspired and uplifted. LETS GROW Team Positivity, our way doe!!!...

So, getting this restaurant used to be one of our favorites, but the branch on Mercury. We decided since we were in the neighborhood, we would try the one here.

We were seated promptly and drinks came in a timely manner. Then, we noticed how the customer service was. When the food started getting brought to the table, the guy bringing it literally just placed it on the table, said what it was, and left. They were not that busy to at least ask how it looked or if we needed anything. That was how each plate was brought to the table for a total of 5 times.

The karrage is my favorite and we brought my son with us. He loves chicken and had never had Japanese karrage. When it was delivered to the table, you could tell it was overcooked, a LOT. We tried it and my son said it was extra crispy. We told him that is not the way it should be and had, who I guess was the manager come to the table, and told her it was not good. Here is the story she gave us:

Tajima is trying a new recipe because this location does a lot of take outs and the karrage slows down the kitchen to much.

She said she would remake the chicken for us and we agreed. When the new order showed up, she was the one who brought it to us and asked us to see if it was any better. I took one bite and told her it was not very good. Still looked overcooked also.

Again, her story this time was that nothing in the restaurant is authentic Japanese food. So, I'm lost for words. If you are not trying to serve authentic Japanese food, why serve it at all?

I have lived in Japan and know what it is like. I know better to expect it to taste just like in Japan, but give it your best people.

For now, would not recommend this place to anyone, especially if you are looking for karrage. I believe it was a waste of time and money. I feel so bad for my son as his first time having karrage...