Itani Ramen

itani ramen, itani ramen oakland

For those of us in California, especially in the East Bay, the craving for a warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful bowl of ramen is a familiar one. In Oakland's lively Uptown district, Itani Ramen stands out as a go-to destination for exactly that. More than just a ramen shop, Itani Ramen offers a diverse menu of Japanese comfort food, from perfectly crafted gyoza to refreshing yuzu lemonade, all designed to hit the spot. It’s a place that understands the need for satisfying meals, whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a convenient delivery right to your door. With a reputation for delicious flavors and a commitment to diverse dietary needs, Itani Ramen has firmly established itself as a local favorite in the Bay Area.

Itani Ramen is conveniently located at 1736 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. This puts it squarely in the bustling Uptown neighborhood, a vibrant hub known for its entertainment venues, including the Fox Theater, and a growing array of culinary delights. Its proximity to these attractions makes it an ideal spot for a pre-show meal or a casual dining experience as part of a night out in Oakland.

Accessibility to Itani Ramen is quite favorable for locals. It's just a short walk from the 19th Street Oakland BART station, providing easy public transportation access from various parts of the East Bay and beyond. For those who drive, while street parking can be a bit competitive in this lively area, there are numerous paid parking garages and lots within a comfortable walking distance. Utilizing ride-sharing services is also a popular and convenient option, ensuring a hassle-free arrival. The central location in Uptown positions Itani Ramen as an easily reachable destination for a comforting bowl of ramen in Oakland.

Itani Ramen provides a variety of services to ensure its delicious food is accessible to everyone, catering to both dine-in and off-premise dining preferences.

• Dine-In: The restaurant offers a casual and inviting atmosphere for those who wish to enjoy their ramen and other dishes on-site. It's a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family.

• Pickup: For customers on the go, Itani Ramen offers convenient pick-up services. You can place your order online or by phone and collect it at your convenience, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal at home or the office.

• Delivery: Itani Ramen partners with major delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, making it incredibly easy to enjoy their menu items from the comfort of your home or workplace anywhere in Oakland and surrounding delivery zones.

• Weekend Brunch Pop-Up: Itani Ramen hosts the popular "Hopscotch Brunch Pop-Up" every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM. This offers a unique weekend dining experience with a dedicated brunch menu, a beloved feature from Chef Kyle Itani's original Hopscotch restaurant.

Itani Ramen stands out in Oakland's competitive food scene with several key features that draw in a loyal local following and positive reviews.

• Flavorful Ramen Bowls: The core of Itani Ramen’s appeal lies in its diverse and "flavorful" ramen offerings. While some broths are noted for being "rich" and "creamy," customer experiences can vary, with some wanting "a bit more of a kick to the broth." Options include Miso Pork, Chicken Ramen (shoyu or paitan broth), Veggie Ramen, Spicy Shrimp Ramen, Oxtail Ramen, and Negi Chashu Ramen.

• Excellent Vegan & Vegetarian Options: A significant highlight is Itani Ramen’s commitment to plant-based diners. The "Veggie Ramen" is praised for being "flavorful," and customers appreciate the availability of "vegan veggie vegetarian plant-based" choices, hoping for continued expansion in this area. This makes it an inclusive dining spot for diverse dietary needs.

• Delicious Gyoza: Both the pork and veggie gyoza receive high marks. Reviewers describe them as having "beautifully thin wrapper with delicious juicy filling" and highlight the "yummy" dipping sauce.

• Unique Side Dishes and Donburi: Beyond ramen, Itani offers a variety of satisfying sides and rice bowls. The "Negi Chashu Mini Donburi" (braised minced pork belly over rice) and various other mini donburi options (grilled salmon, chicken katsu, ground chicken soboro) are popular additions. Their "Waffle Fries" with sesame furikake and yuzu mayo are also a guest favorite.

• Refreshing Drinks: The housemade "Yuzu Lemonade" is a particular standout, described as really hitting "the spot" for fans of yuzu.

• "Recovery Meal" Option: This comprehensive meal includes a choice of ramen, gyoza, a mini donburi or small salad, and a non-alcoholic drink, offering a complete and satisfying meal package.

• Chef Kyle Itani's Culinary Vision: Itani Ramen is part of a family of restaurants by Chef Kyle Itani, known for his dedication to Japanese-American cuisine and quality dining experiences in Oakland (including Hopscotch and Yonsei Handrolls).

• Gluten-Free Options: Itani Ramen offers a "Gluten Free Shio Ramen" with GF noodles, catering to another important dietary need, though they note potential for cross-contamination.

Itani Ramen offers several structured deals and experiences that provide value to its customers, particularly locals in Oakland.

• Genki Happy Hour: Itani Ramen features a "Genki Happy Hour" which typically runs from 3 PM to 5 PM and again from 8 PM until closing. This is a great opportunity to enjoy select food and drink items at reduced prices, making it perfect for a late afternoon snack or a relaxed evening meal.

• Weekend Brunch Pop-Up: While not a discount, the Hopscotch Brunch Pop-Up is a special, limited-time offering that brings back a beloved local brunch experience, attracting many regulars from the community for unique weekend specials.

• Recovery Meal: This bundled meal offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a full Itani Ramen experience, combining a ramen bowl with gyoza, a side dish, and a drink at a set price, providing excellent value.

For the most current information on any rotating specials, seasonal menu additions, or specific happy hour details, it is always recommended to check Itani Ramen's official website or their social media channels, or inquire directly when visiting the restaurant.

To experience the diverse and flavorful offerings at Itani Ramen, here is their contact information:

Address: 1736 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

Phone: (510) 788-7489

Itani Ramen is generally open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM, Friday from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM (with the brunch pop-up until 3 PM on weekends). It is always a good idea to confirm their current hours on their website or by calling, especially on holidays.

For Californians, and especially those living or working in the East Bay, Itani Ramen is perfectly suited as a local favorite for a multitude of reasons. Its prime location on Telegraph Avenue in Uptown Oakland makes it incredibly accessible, whether you're walking from a nearby office, catching a show at the Fox Theater, or utilizing BART. This convenience makes it an effortless choice for both planned meals and spontaneous cravings.

What truly resonates with locals is Itani Ramen's commitment to flavorful and satisfying dishes, particularly its range of ramen bowls. The availability of excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a dedicated gluten-free ramen, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to catering to diverse dietary needs within the community. Beyond the ramen, the delicious gyoza, tasty side dishes like the negi chashu mini donburi, and the refreshing yuzu lemonade provide a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience. With its efficient service, comfortable atmosphere, and regular happy hour deals, Itani Ramen delivers consistent quality and value, making it a reliable and beloved spot for locals seeking authentic Japanese comfort food right here in Oakland.

Itani Ramen

1736 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612, USA