MENSHO, located at 4258 Piedmont Ave in Oakland, CA, is a standout Japanese ramen restaurant that masterfully blends tradition with innovative flavors. Renowned for its rich and deeply satisfying broths, MENSHO beckons ramen aficionados and casual diners alike to indulge in an extraordinary culinary journey.
The cornerstone of MENSHO’s menu is undoubtedly their ramen selection, featuring highlights like the Signature Smoked Toripaitan and Classic Toripaitan, crafted with velvety, slow-simmered chicken broth that bursts with smoky depth. For adventurous palates, the Spicy Lamb Miso Cumin Ramen offers a bold, savory punch—rich minced lamb married perfectly with a complex miso gravy. The A5 Wagyu Shoyu Ramen elevates the experience further, combining premium, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef with perfectly cooked noodles that boast a satisfying, homemade chew.
Beyond ramen, the menu dazzles with creative side dishes and toppings that inject texture and intrigue. The Enoki Chips provide a delightful crunch, while Corn Wings bring a sweet and savory pop that quickly won over diners. The Vegan Garlic Knock Out and Vegan Tantanmen offer plant-based patrons exciting and delicious options, lauded by customers for their nuanced, layered flavors that do not compromise on authenticity or satisfaction.
Atmospherically, MENSHO strikes a wonderful balance between vibrant energy and cozy intimacy. The space buzzes with life, especially on weekends, but expert staff maintain exemplary service—friendly, prompt, and professional despite the liveliness. The ambiance is enhanced by thoughtful touches and a clean, inviting setting that makes each visit feel special and well cared for.
Customers consistently praise MENSHO not only for the commanding flavors but also for the impeccable hospitality. Comments reflect a genuine appreciation for the quick service even during busy times, the quality and freshness of each dish, and the restaurant’s welcoming vibe. Whether savoring the fresh scallops in the Hotate Hand Roll or finishing with a subtly sweet matcha pudding adorned with strawberries and red bean paste, diners leave with a sense of having discovered a ramen haven that exceeds expectations.
For those who value innovation, diversity, and heartfelt dedication to the craft of ramen, MENSHO in Oakland is an essential culinary destination. Every bite is an immersive experience—complex, comforting, and utterly unforgettable.
The ramen was delicious, we really appreciated the vegan options, a whole menu page of different vegan ramen choices!!! The flavors were complex, interesting, and delicious. Add the spicy yuzu, and we also got the corn wings for the table. We were there on a busy Saturday and the service did not suffer, staff was friendly and professional and our food came quickly. It is very loud when it is busy if that bothers you.
Excellent food and nice ambience. Ordered Handroll Crab Sushi, Japanese Hoatate, Signature Smoked Toripaitan Ramen and Spicey Lamb Miso Cumin Ramen. Scallops in Hoatate were super fresh and taste was good. We were blown away with the Lamb Ramen: rich savory gravy and perfectly cooked minced lamb was outstanding combination. Definitely we will be back soon.
The ramen was oh so delicious! I’d say skip all appetizers and other items and definitely try the signature bowl. It was so cute in there with great ambiance and service — I’d definitely go back! I can see why this is the highest rated out of all their locations because their hospitality and quick service were unbeatable. We got there right when it opened so very little line but filled up quickly we noticed!
Truly the best ramen I’ve ever had. We ordered the signature ramen with chili oil. It was brilliant. The broth was rich and flavorful and the noodles were incredible, clearly homemade. We had the matcha pudding for dessert. It came with strawberries and a red bean paste. Incredible. Perfect portion sizes. They have most of the menu available to be made vegan or vegetarian. HIGHLY recommend for vegan or vegetarians. Service was super friendly. They take your order efficiently and are very efficient about food coming out without feeling pushy. This place gets very busy especially on weekend. We waited about 35 minutes for a table. They have an online system and you get a text when your table is ready, you have 10 minutes to come back once you get the text. Interior has a mix of high tables and regular. Bathrooms were clean. Entire restaurant and bathroom were wheelchair accessible.
We endured a 75-minute wait, but it was an absolute delight. The service was impeccable, and the food was divine. The flavors were intense and perfectly balanced, creating a symphony of taste. The presentation was impeccable, and the service was quick and efficient. The staff was enthusiastic, friendly, and incredibly dynamic. This place is definitely a must-visit, and I’ll be returning for sure!
We waited for an hour, so definitely get in line on Yelp before coming. The ramen is exceptional and the soup is very flavourful (salty). The noodles are also sticky and not soft, so be aware if you don't like those kinds of noodles. The staff was welcoming and checked on us regularly. We even got kicked out for finishing early and sitting there
Came in - after multiple recommendations - on a Monday at 6:30pm and got seated immediately. The space is modern and fun with ample seating (mostly shared tables for pairs/individuals). We ordered the spicy garlic chicken karaage, signature smoked toripaitan ramen, and garlic knockout ramen. The broth is by far the most flavorful we've had, and we eat a lot of ramen! The noodles were also exceptional - chewy and bouncy - and the toppings are so good. The karaage was also perfectly crispy with light breading and so much flavor, although next time we might opt for the non-spicy. Service was pretty fast and attentive from the start; took a bit longer for the bill, but we didn't mind sitting and digesting. For two people, the total came out to around 80$ including tip - not the cheapest, but worth it. Acoustics make it a bit hard to hear. Parking was not hard to find on side streets. We're already planning our next visit back to try more of the menu!
First time here and I got to try their new Spicy Hotate Ramen! Honestly my favorite one :)! The broth was super flavorful but not too heavy. And the flavors get deeper as you mix all the ground beef and spice together. Would definitely get it again!