Mensho Tokyo

★★★★★Tenderloin, San FranciscoJapanese
|by Cook Foodie

Quick Take

Rating
5/5
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Price
$$
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Ideal For
Ramen purists seeking the city's best bowl
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Must Order
Tori Paitan Ramen
Reservations
No reservations; expect 30-60 minute waits on weekends
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Best For
lunch, dinner

"This is the best ramen in town—rich, creamy broth, and it's just perfectly cooked."

— Take of Cook Foodie

📝 The Full Story

This is the best ramen in town—rich, creamy broth, and it's just perfectly cooked. You will have to make a line, and of course, it's in the Tenderloin, so some people get a little bit worried about it, but trust me, totally worth it. And they have also a branch in Tokyo. I think the one in San Francisco was even first, not sure about that, but good to consider it. The tori paitan (chicken-based) ramen draws hour-long lines for good reason. The broth is simmered for hours to achieve that rich, creamy consistency that coats every noodle perfectly. The noodles are cooked to perfection, and the whole bowl comes together in harmony. Their lamb ramen and vegan options are equally impressive, showing versatility beyond the classic. Despite the location, the quality of the ramen makes the visit completely worthwhile.

🍴 What to Order

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Tori Paitan Ramen

Rich, creamy chicken broth simmered for hours until silky and opaque

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Rich Creamy Broth

The paitan-style broth that defines the Mensho experience

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Lamb Ramen

Unique lamb-based broth for those seeking something different

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Vegan Ramen Options

Plant-based versions that don't compromise on depth of flavor

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Common Questions

Is the Tenderloin location safe for Mensho Tokyo?
The Tenderloin is a neighborhood in transition, but Mensho Tokyo is on a busy block and the quality of ramen makes the visit worthwhile. Go during daylight hours if you're concerned, and you'll be fine.
What is tori paitan ramen?
Tori paitan is a chicken-based ramen with a rich, creamy white broth (paitan means 'white soup'). The broth is achieved by simmering chicken bones for many hours until the collagen emulsifies, creating a silky, opaque consistency.
Is there a Mensho in Tokyo?
Yes! Mensho has locations in Tokyo as well. The SF location was actually one of their first international outposts, and it maintains the same quality and techniques as the Japanese original.

📍 Visit Info

Address
672 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Get Directions →
Cuisine
Japanese
Style
counter service

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