Two-Level Hub for Sushi and Ramen Lands in Hillcrest

Portland-area transplant Ramen Ryoma, which arrived in San Diego in 2017 and operates noodle shops in Kearny Mesa and Pacific Beach, has opened a two-story spot that combines ramen and sushi, finally occupying a long-dormant site next to Better Buzz Coffee Roasters on University Avenue. The new Hillcrest restaurant is a mix between Ramen Ryoma and owner Yoshinari Ichise’s other Japanese eateries in Las Vegas, offering Ryoma’s signature Sapporo-style ramen with a miso broth base, along with shio and shoyu varieties, as well as a variety of small plates that can be found in a Japanese izakaya, including takoyaki, gyoza, and chicken karaage. The menu also features sashimi, nigiri sushi, specialty sushi rolls, and fusion dishes like truffle scallop and uni and seared tuna with red onion and garlic chips.

The first floor of the 2,800-square-foot glassed-in space holds the ramen bar while an upper level loft area houses the sushi and beer bar, with 20 craft beers on tap. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Ramen Ryoma operates until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.