San Francisco · Ramen · casual
Nojo Ramen Tavern
RamenRamenIzakayaHayes ValleyChicken PaitanJapanese ChainTori Paitan
Hayes Valley's izakaya-ramen hybrid from Tokyo's AP Company Japan, serving rich chicken paitan broth and sophisticated Japanese small plates steps from the SF Civic Center.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Hayes Valley
- Since
- 2015
- Owner
- AP Company Japan
Plate № 49
About
Opened in 2015 as the sole US location of AP Company Japan — a Tokyo-based hospitality group with over 200 ramen and izakaya restaurants across Japan — Nojo Ramen Tavern stakes out Hayes Valley as San Francisco's most Japanese-pedigreed chicken-broth ramen destination. The menu deliberately departs from the pork-dominant tonkotsu tradition: signature offerings include a soy-sauce-seasoned tori paitan, a tomato paitan, and a spicy tan-tan miso, all served with izakaya-style accompaniments (truffle fries, umami chicken wings, chirashi sushi) developed at AP Company's sister restaurants in Japan. The open kitchen and QR-code ordering create an unmistakably Tokyo-casual atmosphere.
Neighborhood & visiting
Nojo Ramen Tavern sits in Hayes Valley, one of San Francisco'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
- US flagship of AP Company Japan, a Tokyo group operating 200+ ramen restaurants in Japan
- Rare chicken-paitan focus — soy-sauce, tomato, and tan-tan variants distinguishing it from tonkotsu ubiquity
- Sophisticated izakaya menu developed alongside the brand's Japan sister restaurants
- Steps from Davies Symphony Hall and the Civic Center arts corridor
Authenticity: Japanese-owned
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Frequently asked
About Nojo Ramen Tavern
- Is Nojo Ramen Tavern an authentic ramen restaurant in San Francisco?
- Yes — Nojo Ramen Tavern is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for ramen in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused ramen format.
- Where is Nojo Ramen Tavern located?
- Nojo Ramen Tavern is located at 231 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco, USA in the Hayes Valley neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Nojo Ramen Tavern?
- Nojo Ramen Tavern does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular ramen restaurants in San Francisco we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Nojo Ramen Tavern?
- Nojo Ramen Tavern sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for ramen of this format in San Francisco.
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