This place is all show and no core to it. When arriving to this place it has a very fun atmosphere with very nice staff. After taking in the beautiful neon lights and picking up my drinks I was greeted with slack and unawareness. I wanted to sit up by the front to look out on the street and there was dirty dishes and uneaten food just sitting there. Upstairs is not much different as I went up there a single tiny table was available and when sitting down it was barely enough room for myself and my drink. A small table is not terrible since I have had to sit at small tables to eat before but I wanted to move seats but I could not because every other table had bowls of uneaten food from the previous customer, drinks that were gone, sticky residue from sauce on the table and used napkins. These other two customers came up and saw that there were dirty dishes on the table they chose so they moved it aside to another table to make room for themselves. My Fiance and I wanted a bigger table so we had to do the same. Once we moved the other dishes we were greeted with a sticky table that I had to clean. Finally the food has arrived and it was placed in front of us. As the waitress was leaving she saw the pile up and finally got the dirty dishes and took them away. After all of the disappointment I assumed the food would be good and I would leave happy. The ramen was probably the worst ramen I have ever had. The noodles were under cooked, the broth had nothing to it and the meat tasted like you just pulled it out of a freezer and microwaved it. The beer and mixed drinks were the only good thing about this place. If you want actually good ramen I would recommend looking elsewhere else unless you like...
Read moreReview of Underbelly, San Diego, California
Underbelly in San Diego is an absolute gem for anyone who loves a modern twist on traditional ramen. Situated in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, this restaurant boasts a cool, urban atmosphere that perfectly complements its innovative menu.
From the moment you step inside, the industrial-chic decor and lively ambiance make you feel right at home. The open kitchen concept allows you to watch the skilled chefs in action, adding to the overall dining experience.
The star of the show is, of course, the ramen. Each bowl is a masterful blend of rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The menu offers a variety of options, catering to both traditionalists and those looking for something a bit different. The Belly of the Beast, with its tender pork belly and soft-boiled egg, is a standout dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
In addition to the ramen, Underbelly also offers a selection of creative small plates and appetizers. The pork belly buns are a must-try, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The drink menu is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of craft beers and sake that pair perfectly with the food.
The service at Underbelly is top-notch. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to make recommendations based on your preferences. They strike the perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
Overall, Underbelly is a must-visit for anyone in San Diego. Whether you're a local or just passing through, the combination of delicious food, unique atmosphere, and excellent service makes this restaurant a standout in the city's...
Read moreWow, what a fantastic ramen restaurant nestled in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego.
My partner and I were craving ramen on a cold, chilly Friday evening -- yup, you guessed it --during prime time in one of San Diego's busiest neighborhoods on a weekend night. Luckily, we beat the date night rush before a line started to assemble behind us and were seated within minutes.
I ordered the Chicken Confit Ramen, which was crafted with Tonkotsu broth, spicy miso garlic butter, topped with a juicy, well-cooked soft boiled egg, a ton of corn, bamboo shoots, pickled ginger and scallions. Yum. Absolutely delicious. You also don't get a spoon, as you're expected to pick up your bowl to slurp the soup. Definitely a different experience than your usual US ramen restaurants. One con was that my noodles were a bit too cooked, as I'd prefer it a tad bit more al dente. I'm going to ask if I could customize this for a future order.
Pro tip: Order a side of fried garlic, and you absolutely won't regret it.
I had my partner's Underbelly Ramen, and unfortunately, I wasn't a fan. The brother just wasn't on the same caliber as the Chicken Confit Ramen. I would order the Chicken Confit Ramen again in a heart beat.
Service was quick and attentive. We had a great experience with each person we spoke with. Plus, we were blown away by how fast our order came in. The kitchen must have their system on point because our bowls were piping hot. Like wow, we were so impressed.
We were in and out of the restaurant within 20 minutes. Great job, Underbelly! You definitely deserve an A+! I haven't even talked about the new renovations, which transports you to a very hip, cool neon...
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