San Diego · Ramen · casual
HiroNori Craft Ramen
Craft ramenHillcrest ramenJapan-trained ownerstonkotsuchicken ramen
HiroNori Craft Ramen in Hillcrest is co-owned by two Japanese ramen veterans — Hiromichi 'Hiro' Igarashi and Tadanori 'Nori' Akasako — who work from scratch daily to craft their signature tonkotsu and chicken-shio ramen.
- Price
- ¥
- Area
- Hillcrest
- Since
- 2019
- Chef
- Tadanori Akasako
- Owner
- Hiromichi Igarashi
Plate № 80
About
HiroNori Craft Ramen takes its name from the first names of its two Japanese co-owners — Hiromichi 'Hiro' Igarashi and Tadanori 'Nori' Akasako — who both worked at ramen shops in Japan before establishing their first US location in Irvine and expanding to San Diego's Hillcrest in 2019. The restaurant's focused menu centers on two signature broths: a rich tonkotsu and a delicate chicken-shio, both prepared fresh daily without shortcuts. The Hillcrest location has become a neighborhood staple for quality-conscious ramen seekers who appreciate the founders' hands-on, Japan-trained approach to the craft. HiroNori's commitment to from-scratch production distinguishes it in a market crowded with chain ramen operations.
Neighborhood & visiting
HiroNori Craft Ramen sits in Hillcrest, one of San Diego's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional ramen restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Two Japanese co-owners with Japan-trained ramen expertise working hands-on daily
- From-scratch broths — no shortcuts, no concentrate — the mark of serious Japanese ramen craft
- Two distinct signature styles (tonkotsu and chicken-shio) executed with equal mastery
- A Hillcrest neighborhood staple beloved for consistency and genuine Japanese quality
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Frequently asked
About HiroNori Craft Ramen
- Is HiroNori Craft Ramen an authentic craft ramen restaurant in San Diego?
- Yes — HiroNori Craft Ramen is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for craft ramen in San Diego: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused ramen format.
- Where is HiroNori Craft Ramen located?
- HiroNori Craft Ramen is located at 3803 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, San Diego, USA in the Hillcrest neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at HiroNori Craft Ramen?
- HiroNori Craft Ramen does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular ramen restaurants in San Diego we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at HiroNori Craft Ramen?
- HiroNori Craft Ramen sits in the ¥ price range — typical for craft ramen of this format in San Diego.
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