San Diego · Ramen · casual
Manten Ramen
Tokyo-style ramenHillcrest ramenTokyo-born ownersNishiki Ramen sisterJapanese ramen
Manten Ramen is a Hillcrest ramen restaurant opened in 2018 as the sister concept to Nishiki Ramen, with the same Tokyo-born ownership of Mike Furuichi and head chef Hajime Kitayama delivering authentic Japanese ramen to a new neighborhood.
- Price
- ¥
- Area
- Hillcrest
- Since
- 2018
- Chef
- Hajime Kitayama
- Owner
- Mike Furuichi
Plate № 82
About
Manten Ramen opened in Hillcrest in 2018 as the second restaurant from Tokyo-born duo Mike Furuichi (owner) and Hajime 'Jimmy' Kitayama (head chef), who previously established Nishiki Ramen in Kearny Mesa. The Hillcrest location brings the same deeply crafted Japanese ramen broths to a neighborhood with different character — more residential and eclectic — but equally appreciative of quality Japanese cooking. Operating under the parent company Samurai Chef Inc., Manten shares Nishiki's commitment to authentic Japanese ramen tradition, with broths slow-cooked to develop the layered umami that distinguishes genuine Japanese ramen from its American-style imitators. Manten is closed Sundays but serves extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Neighborhood & visiting
Manten 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
- Sister restaurant of acclaimed Nishiki Ramen — same Tokyo-born ownership and quality standards
- Genuine Japanese ramen tradition brought to San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood
- Slow-cooked broths with layered umami that reflect authentic Japanese technique
- Accessible pricing making top-quality Japanese ramen an affordable regular habit
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Frequently asked
About Manten Ramen
- Is Manten Ramen an authentic tokyo-style ramen restaurant in San Diego?
- Yes — Manten Ramen is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for tokyo-style ramen in San Diego: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused ramen format.
- Where is Manten Ramen located?
- Manten Ramen is located at 1040 University Ave Ste B-111, San Diego, CA 92103, San Diego, USA in the Hillcrest neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Manten Ramen?
- Manten 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 Manten Ramen?
- Manten Ramen sits in the ¥ price range — typical for tokyo-style ramen of this format in San Diego.
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