Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori — Restaurant in Santa Ana

The best chicken meat balls and tonkotsu ramen I've ever had in Orange County. A great new place to drink and have some amazing food. And my new go-to place for yakitori. If nothing else, it's worth visiting just to try their tonkotsu ramen.

They use super high quality (Jidori) chicken, and you can taste it. The beers were ice cold, just the way I like it.

Yakitori (Skewers): They were all good. The beef tongue and chicken meat balls stood out as my favorites, but the chicken skin, chicken gizzard, chicken thigh, chicken thigh and green onion, chicken heart, asparagus, mushroom, and green mussels were all absolutely perfect. I like that you can pick between salt and sauce (tastes like a sweet soy sauce). I also like that they paced the skewer delivery so I could eat them each when they were hot.

Appetizers: The gyoza were juicy and flavorful in all the right ways. The tako wasabi was my favorite appetizer, with the beautiful sweetness of the octopus and the real wasabi. The grilled shishamo (smelt) were smoky and absolutely delicious; I love little fishes that I get to eat whole without worrying about bones.

Tonkotsu Ramen: I don't think I've had tonkotsu ramen this rich since Ichiran in Japan. I absolutely loved it. If you aren't a fan of rich foods, you'll probably want to stick with the other options, but this ramen really is an experience worth visiting this restaurant for.

Cons: I personally didn't like the vegetable croquettes as much. The parking lot was a little small; I didn't have any issues finding parking but maybe I'll have to park across the street next time when this place gets crowded? I'm a little sad that the bar has glass so I can't talk to the chefs behind the counter, but there was a lot of smoke coming off of their grills so my clothing definitely...

We recently visited Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori in Santa Ana and had an outstanding experience. We tried three different kinds of ramen, each one absolutely delicious, with its own distinct and well-balanced flavor. The broth was rich and deeply flavorful, clearly made with care, and every ingredient tasted fresh and high-quality. Each bowl was perfectly composed, with the right ratio of noodles, meat, and toppings — generous portions that leave you fully satisfied.

The restaurant is small but cozy, very clean, and beautifully maintained. The open kitchen allows you to see the chefs at work, which adds to the authentic atmosphere and shows how much attention and passion they put into every dish. The staff is friendly, efficient, and attentive, making you feel genuinely welcome from the moment you step in.

They also have a great selection of yakitori, which we didn’t try this time but will definitely be our choice on our next visit. Overall, Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori is a true gem — a place where you eat well, feel at home, and can’t wait to return. Highly...

🍜 A Hidden Gem for Ramen and Yakitori Lovers

Tucked into a cozy space that’s been cleverly and efficiently used, this ramen and yakitori spot punches well above its weight. From the moment you step inside, the welcoming layout and warm ambiance make it clear this is a place designed with care both in environment and what hits your plate.

The tonkotsu ramen was a standout. It's broth silky and rich with deep flavor, perfectly balanced by a subtle kick of spice.

The yakitori offerings were equally impressive, with a wide variety that let every diner tailor their experience. But if I had to name a winner, the karaage spicy chicken stole the show. Crispy, juicy, bold, it delivered on every level.

You can see the kitchen staff’s attention to detail in every dish. Preparation is clearly a priority here, and the result is food that’s not only fresh and well cooked but also thoughtful and deeply satisfying. I would definitely...