Menya Ultra Ramen Sets Arrival Date in Hillcrest

A standout on the local ramen scene since it debuted in Kearny Mesa in 2017 and won Eater’s Restaurant of the Year Award, which was followed by the launch of an equally popular branch in Mira Mesa, Menya Ultra Ramen is set to open its third location in Hillcrest on Friday, March 19. But starting Wednesday, March 17 through March 19, the restaurant will have special soft opening hours and offer a $10 gift card to the first 100 customers at lunch and dinner. Owner and master ramen chef Takashi Endo also runs a successful group of ramen restaurants in Japan and Taiwan in addition to his stateside eateries. This newest outpost lands in University Avenue’s Hillcrest Center, which also houses Five Guys and Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.

At the advent of the pandemic, the eatery developed DIY ramen kits featuring its popular ramen varieties, including tonkotsu, miso, and tantan men, which are geared specifically towards takeout and delivery with the long-simmered broth packed separately from the toppings and bundles of its fresh homemade noodles all ready to warm up at home.

The Hillcrest location will open in takeout and delivery mode, with on-site dining coming at a later date. The restaurant tells Eater that has a bunch of new menu items in the works, starting with a shio tonkotsu ajitama ramen and Nagoya karaage, the famous Japanese-style fried chicken. And vegan versions of its shio and miso ramen will be exclusively served here.

For the first two weeks of April, grand opening specials will include 30 percent off all ramen, free Hammond’s ice cream with ramen purchases, discounts on delivery, and half-off select draft beer.

Courtesy photo

• All Openings Coverage [ESD]