Underbelly North Park — Restaurant in San Diego

I am a practicing Mycologist and Bacteriologist with 10+ years of experience. Since my dear Grandfather had died of a Listeria infection, I have taken to cultural detection by isolation of the bacteria on petri plates. More recently, as PCR tests have become more available as well as being able to obtain a cost-effectice gene sequencer, I have been able to perform rapid detection tests. In my independent studies I test a sample of chicken, salmon, and mushrooms or all three if I am able. On 9/30 I ordered the Chicken Confit Ramen and found Listeria Monocytogenes in the results from the PCR and just today I revisited and sequenced the culture I had been growing for Listeria Monocytogenes and the sample did indeed confirm the presence of the bacteria. The sample was taken from the Enoki mushrooms which is surprising because pasteurization caused by the addition of clean, hot water should destroy all the Bacterium but often beneficial bacteria survive that. However, as my late Grandpa learned at the cost of his mortality, boiling hot water is not the end-all solution. I don't know how they are cooking their food but it must be with lukewarm water if thats even possible as I have never seen a plate so thoroughly contaminated with Listeria; in all the years I've been testing milk, cheese, broccoli, portobello, enoki, and more. I can only hope I've saved some lives by posting this finding in as fast of a manner as I possibly can. I will be in contact with the county health inspector so I can show the pictures and laboratory results. Stay away at all cost, or at least get something bottled....

The service here is amazing, especially considering that this is not a traditional seat down style restaurant. Our food was brought out quickly. The waiter took the time to go over the sauces on the table, which I really appreciated because they weren’t label (which is normal at most Japanese style restaurants, but they never explain what's on the table). There is a self-serve water bar, offering free distilled and sparkling water. Love that for me.

The eat-in location is communal style, so you may end up seating alongside some newly met friends to share a meal. While the eat-in aesthetics were nice to look at, I think there is one functional part missing. It's more of a semi-patio vibe than a building, which would be great if we start to once again experience some San Diego Sunny Days, but on the day that we visited it was fairly cold and with no enclosure or heater. I was more focused on being cold than enjoying my meal.

After living in Japan, I've had my fair share of authentic Ramen, so while this is nowhere near authentic, it is quite unique and beyond flavorful. I definitely plan to revisit and once again order the Belly of the Beast. Which consisted of oxtail dumplings and short ribs, the meat was tender, and the boldness of the broth paired well. The cucumber salad was also tasty. What I didn't enjoy was the Japanese fried chicken. It was kinda of powdery, not crunchy, and dried. I'll skip that on my next visit.

Side note: It's North Park, so parking is limited 😑

Definitely...

Food was good and the waiter who delivered our food was great. But the waitress was awful . We didn't know that if we wanted water it was self service which was fine. But we were already seated and stuck against the railing and 2-3 people on each side of use. And I asked kindly the waitress if we could have some water and with a little snarky response says " the water is over there, it's self service". I look to my left and right and say we're kind of pinned in with random people at the ends of the table. Then she looks just shrugs and walks away. Now keep in mind if I was to ask her to fill up the pitcher and deliver it. Sure, might be a little much. I understand it can be busy. But they had over 10 prefilled pitchers ready to go. I feel like some common courtesy or customer service has really become a rarity. Probably because the tips are already given before your given your food.

So as a visual, once we sit down, we were fully aware that we're there and didnt know about this self service water thing. And we knew we would be stuck until we are done eating or have to inconvenience the other customers to move if we needed to get out, because there was at least 2-3 people on each side blocking our way out.

And the music was a bit to loud to enjoy the food and...