Hinodeya Ramen & Bar 680 Clay Downtown — Restaurant in San Francisco

Desiring some classic Japanese Ramen, I found Hinodeya on Google with great reviews but unfortunately had a lackluster experience. The ingredients, taste, and textures led me to the conclusion that this was more of a Japanese fusion versus authentic spot for belly warming and satisfying classic Japanese cuisine.

Service: I was seated quickly (which was good), and when I told them it was just myself, they only gave me the option to sit at the bar when I preferred a table. Curiously I saw another person sitting independently by the window eating food, but I went with there flow anyhow. Next, the hostess said I can use the QR code for the menu and ordering, which is fine, but I found interesting because the people at the bar next to me had a full in-hand menu. I gave them 2 stars because this was literally the only engagement I had with service throughout my hour experience. The bartender didn't even glance in my direction the entire time after that to ask how everything was or if I needed a drink. What's the point at being at the bar if I am ignored by the bartender? I will say on a positive note that the food did come out quickly after using their app to order.

Food: I am surprised after seeing so many 5 star reviews that my food was no where near as impressive as others described. My order was simple with only 2 items: the spicy edamame and a regular Hinodeya House Ramen. The spicy edamame was not what I expected, it was coated in a thick and spicy peanut sauce with dried garlic bits. While the flavor was decent the texture was odd since the sauce was pasty while biting into chewy garlic granuals threw me off. Why not use fresh garlic instead? I still ate it though as this was the best tasting option from my order.

The Hinodeya House Ramen was extremely disappointing. The broth was the most basic broth I had every tasted not just in ramen, but in soup altogether. It nearly had zero flavor. Nor were there any nori seasoning, spices, salts, or oils to add to my ramen to customize it in hopes for enhancing the flavor. The Chashu pork was cold and the broth was barely warm enough to integrate all the ingredients. I thought it an odd choice to have just spinach included while the other veggies were just as raw. At least they were fresh, I suppose? The noodles were undercooked and tough, I assume because of the temperature of the broth.

Ultimately it tasted like a salad doused in water. Least to say, I ate a little more than half to really give it the "good ol' college try" but I couldn't get through how bland and independent each of the items were. I finished most of the edamame to just eat what I paid for and when leaving, again no one said goodbye, thank you, or checked in on my experience. Yes, I could have called someone over and complained, but I was already over it mid way through my whole time there and just wanted to leave.

One thing I did like was the price for both the appetizer and ramen were relatively cheap (around $25) for being in San Francisco. However, if I am going out to eat, of course I want a tasty meal, and for me, Hinodeya was not the move after a long day at work surrounded by cold and windy temperatures.

Atmosphere: Not much to say, small-medium size space. Had some Japanese decorations, nothing bad or nothing that stood out worth mentioning. Wasn't too busy by 5:30PM on a Wednesday.

I won't...

During my trip to San Francisco, I was determined to find some good ramen. There were two other places that were also highly recommended but the wait time & prices were so high that I began leaning towards Hinodeya. Then I realized it was right around the corner from my hotel and boom, decision made. Best. Decision. Ever!! This place was absolutely phenomenal!

We strolled in Thursday night around 9pm, checked in on the waiting list but then were immediately seated for our party of 3. There is a QR code at your table that you can scan to view the menu and then you utilize the website to place your order. That was a new experience for me but surprisingly pleasant. The place was decently busy and this gave us ample time to view the menu and order when we were ready. This also allowed us to add things whenever we wanted such as appetizers & drinks. Then you are good to go whenever you're done eating since you have already paid for your meal & left the tip.

Now onto the food.. We started with an order of gyoza (pork & chicken dumplings) and we were not disappointed. These were delicious and we almost ordered more. The only thing that stopped us was saving space for what would turn out to be the most delicious ramen any of us have ever eaten. I ordered the creamy ramen (I am not vegan, this was just highly recommended in other reviews), my sister ordered the spicy miso ramen & my boyfriend ordered the hinodeya/house ramen. OH BOY. Each bowl was so different but absolutely delicious in its own way. Now understand we were visiting from Texas where August is actually a hot month, not a mild winter, and let me tell you these bowls offered warmth and comfort better than your momma in a wool jacket. With vacation as an excuse, we guiltlessly indulged and ate more than we should have and still did not manage to finish our bowls completely because the portions were just that generous. Their ramen is delicious and if you have not tried it then please stop reading my review and go grab some!

We also tried their Kirin beer which is a press beer and completely new to us. We typically drink Blue Moon, Modelo, Stella and so on and we were delighted with how tasty this beer was. It was light & crisp and good enough that I'd make it my go-to beer if it were an option.

Hinodeya is a gem and I am so glad we tried this place out. If I ever find myself back in San Francisco, I will go out of my way to stop in for a bowl of ramen and a cold beer. You won't be...

Hinodeya Ramen is a hidden culinary treasure nestled in the heart of San Francisco, offering an exceptional dining experience that surpassed all expectations. As a visitor to the city, I stumbled upon this gem by chance, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.

The star of the show was undoubtedly the sukiyaki beef ramen. This masterpiece harmoniously blended rich, savory broth with tender, flavorful beef, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on the palate. The noodles were cooked to perfection, maintaining just the right amount of chewiness to complement the luscious broth.

While the sukiyaki beef ramen stole the spotlight, the other dishes were far from overshadowed. The spicy miso ramen delivered a delightful kick that warmed the soul without overwhelming the senses. Its complex flavor profile showcased the chef's expertise in balancing heat with depth.

The gyoza, often an afterthought in many ramen establishments, proved to be a standout appetizer. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these dumplings were the ideal prelude to the main course. What truly sets Hinodeya apart is not just the quality of its food, but the attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between modern and traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere that enhanced the enjoyment of the meal.

The staff's knowledge and passion for their craft were evident in their attentive service and willingness to guide diners through the menu. Their recommendations were spot-on, demonstrating a genuine desire to ensure each customer had the best possible experience.

For ramen enthusiasts and casual diners alike, Hinodeya Ramen is a must-visit destination in San Francisco. It's not just a meal; it's a journey through the art of ramen-making that leaves you craving more long after you've left the city. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to carve out time for this exceptional culinary adventure – your taste buds...