Menya Ultra Mira Mesa

### Introduction / Overview

For ramen enthusiasts and those curious to explore the depths of authentic Japanese noodle soup, Menya Ultra Mira Mesa stands as a beacon in San Diego's bustling culinary scene. This celebrated ramen restaurant has garnered a reputation for its unwavering commitment to quality, particularly its signature fresh, handmade noodles and deeply flavorful broths. Originating from Odate, Akita, Japan, Menya Ultra brought its award-winning recipes to the United States, choosing San Diego as its first U.S. location in 2017. Since then, it has expanded to multiple branches within the city, a testament to its popularity and consistent excellence.

What truly sets Menya Ultra apart is its dedication to crafting its noodles daily, often using special flour imported directly from Japan. This meticulous approach ensures a "nice and chewy" texture that is "exactly how they should be." While the menu boasts a variety of ramen options, their rich Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) is a particular highlight, as is their Tantan ramen, which friends of reviewers have consistently "raved about." Beyond the ramen, the restaurant offers a selection of appetizers that are worth exploring, even for those less inclined towards soups. Despite often experiencing "long wait" times, patrons universally agree that the experience is "worth it," citing the "super friendly, energetic, and cheerful" staff and the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Menya Ultra Mira Mesa consistently delivers a satisfying and authentic Japanese ramen experience that keeps locals coming back.

### Location and Accessibility

Menya Ultra Mira Mesa is conveniently located at 8141 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Mira Mesa, a dynamic and easily accessible neighborhood within San Diego. Mira Mesa Boulevard itself is a major artery, making the restaurant simple to find for both local residents and visitors traversing the city.

One of the key advantages of this location, as highlighted by satisfied customers, is the better parking compared to some other San Diego branches. Located within a larger plaza, Menya Ultra Mira Mesa offers ample parking in the adjacent lot, which significantly enhances the dining experience by reducing the stress of finding a spot in a busy area. Furthermore, Menya Ultra utilizes an online waitlist system (accessible via Yelp App or their website), allowing guests to sign up remotely and reduce their physical waiting time at the restaurant. This thoughtful approach to managing demand, combined with its prime location and convenient parking, makes Menya Ultra Mira Mesa a highly accessible and practical choice for anyone seeking a delicious ramen meal in San Diego. The overall atmosphere, described as enjoyable, complements the ease of access.

### Services Offered

• Dine-in Service: Experience the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of Menya Ultra, perfect for enjoying a hot bowl of ramen.
• Handmade Noodles Daily: A signature feature, all ramen noodles are made fresh in-house every day, a unique characteristic among California ramen restaurants.
• Extensive Ramen Menu: Specializing in Tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen, with various options including:
  • Tonkotsu Ramen: Their signature dish, a rich pork broth with classic toppings.
  • Miso Ramen: A pork broth infused with housemade miso, garlic oil, and often spices.
  • Tantan Ramen: A spicy and savory option, highly praised by customers.
  • Cold Soup Noodle: A seasonal offering available from May 7th onwards, featuring a blend of miso, soy milk, tomato, and seasoned minced pork.
• Vegan Option: A dedicated vegan miso ramen is available, providing a solid plant-based choice for those with dietary restrictions.
• Customizable Toppings: Guests can add extra toppings to their ramen, such as additional chashu slices, seasoned eggs (Ajitama), green onions, and wood ear mushrooms.
• Appetizers (Side Dishes): A selection of popular Japanese appetizers to complement your meal, including:
  • Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings (available in 3pc or 6pc, with pork or veggie filling).
  • Chicken Karaage: House-marinated fried chicken, with variations like Negipon Karaage (with ponzu sauce, mayonnaise, green onion) and Nagoya Karaage (with sweet soy sauce and black pepper).
  • Edamame: Boiled soybeans, a classic Japanese appetizer.
  • Takoyaki: Octopus in a ball-shaped hotcake.
  • French Fries: Regular and Okonomi French Fries.
• Takeout and Delivery: Menya Ultra offers online ordering for pick-up during their open hours and delivery through major platforms like GrubHub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates.
• Online Waitlist System: Utilize Yelp App or their website to sign up for a table remotely, minimizing wait times at the restaurant.

### Features / Highlights

• Fresh, Handmade Noodles: A defining characteristic and major draw, Menya Ultra is renowned for making its noodles fresh daily on-site using special flour imported from Japan. This results in a superior, "chewy" texture that ramen aficionados love.
• Authentic & Flavorful Broths: The restaurant specializes in rich and complex Tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, which is a staple, and their Tantan ramen is consistently praised for its unique and delicious flavor profile.
• Highly Praised Chashu: The pork chashu is a standout feature, with many patrons "hyping up the chashu like it was a concert headliner," noting its tender and flavorful qualities. You can get bowls with 5 slices of chashu.
• Accommodating Vegan Option: While currently limited to one, the vegan miso ramen is described as "decent" and a "solid enough" option to "scratch the ramen itch," offering a valuable choice for plant-based diners.
• Friendly, Energetic, and Helpful Staff: Customers consistently commend the staff for their "super friendly, energetic, and cheerful" demeanor. Their willingness to assist in choosing orders and polite service significantly enhance the dining experience.
• Popular Appetizers: Beyond ramen, the appetizers receive positive remarks, particularly the gyoza and various chicken karaage options, making it a great spot for those who enjoy side dishes or prefer non-soup items.
• Efficient Waitlist System: The use of an online waitlist helps manage the often "long wait" times, allowing customers to join the queue remotely and arrive closer to their seating time.
• Consistent Quality Across Branches: For a chain with multiple San Diego locations, reviews suggest "not much difference between the branches," indicating a strong commitment to maintaining quality standards across all sites.
• Enjoyable Atmosphere: Despite potential busyness, the overall ambiance is described as enjoyable, contributing to a pleasant and satisfying meal.

### Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, publicly advertised ongoing promotions are not detailed in the provided customer reviews, Menya Ultra, like many popular ramen establishments, may offer various deals. Based on common practices and online mentions, locals in San Diego might look out for:

• Lunch Specials: Many ramen restaurants offer special pricing or set menus during weekday lunch hours. Menya Ultra's Mira Mesa location is open for lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Online Order Discounts: Menya Ultra's online ordering platforms (Grubhub, Uber Eats) sometimes feature temporary promotions. For instance, past promotions have included "$4 off qualifying orders of $15 or more" or "Spend $50, Get One Gyoza 6pc Free." These are typically short-term and platform-specific.
• Seasonal or Limited-Time Menu Items: The introduction of seasonal items like the "Cold Soup Noodle" indicates a dynamic menu that might occasionally feature limited-time special ramen or appetizers.
• Loyalty Programs: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, some popular restaurants offer loyalty programs for frequent diners.

For the most current and accurate information on any promotions or special offers, it is highly recommended that locals contact Menya Ultra Mira Mesa directly via phone or check their official website and their respective delivery platform pages (GrubHub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates) for the latest deals before placing an order or visiting.

### Contact Information

For reservations (via waitlist), takeout orders, or any inquiries about their menu and services, you can reach Menya Ultra Mira Mesa through the following contact details:

Address: 8141 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, USA

Phone: (858) 397-2247

Mobile Phone: +1 858-397-2247

The restaurant operates 7 days a week with specific lunch and dinner hours: Lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and Dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Given its popularity and the potential for long waits, utilizing their online waitlist system is highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure a smoother dining experience.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the vibrant community of San Diego, particularly those in Mira Mesa and surrounding areas, Menya Ultra Mira Mesa offers a compelling and highly suitable dining experience for several key reasons. Its reputation for authentic Japanese ramen, highlighted by fresh, handmade noodles and rich, flavorful broths like their signature Tonkotsu and popular Tantan, means locals don't have to travel far for a truly legitimate ramen fix. The commitment to crafting noodles daily on-site is a significant differentiator, ensuring a superior texture that is a hallmark of excellent ramen.

Beyond the noodles, the widely acclaimed chashu adds another layer of appeal for meat-eaters, while the presence of a "solid enough" vegan miso ramen demonstrates a commendable effort to accommodate diverse dietary needs within the community. The "super friendly, energetic, and cheerful" staff contribute significantly to an enjoyable atmosphere, making every visit a pleasant one, even if there's a wait. The convenience of ample parking and an efficient online waitlist system further enhances the experience, making it a practical choice for busy San Diegans. Whether you're a ramen connoisseur seeking the best chewy noodles and rich broth or simply looking for a satisfying, authentic Japanese meal with excellent service, Menya Ultra Mira Mesa consistently delivers, cementing its status as a beloved local gem in San Diego's culinary landscape.

Menya Ultra Mira Mesa

8141 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126, USA