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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaSan Francisco CountySan FranciscoLower Nob HillJapanese Restaurant in Geary StreetTonton Restaurant

Tonton Restaurant

Ramen restaurant, Restaurant ★4.0 (206)·$10–20

422 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

4.0
I've been here a few times while staying nearby. My go to is the house ramen tonkatsu. There is plenty of food, the broth is just spicy enough. The meat is tender, and the egg is perfectly jammy. The service is fast and pleasant. They keep the water filled. I had the single serve saki, which was mild and way more than I could consume by myself. - Bonnie D
Tonton Restaurant Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 206 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50

Tonton Restaurant Introduce

For California residents, especially those braving the often-chilly breezes of San Francisco, there’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of authentic ramen. Tonton Restaurant, conveniently located in the bustling Union Square area, has become a go-to destination for many seeking that perfect ramen fix. This establishment has garnered a reputation for its hearty broths, tender meats, and impeccably prepared components, making it a reliable choice for a delicious and filling Japanese meal.

Tonton Restaurant excels at delivering classic ramen experiences that truly hit the spot. Many patrons praise their "House Ramen Tonkatsu" for its depth of flavor and just-right spice level, while the "Tan Tan Ramen" is celebrated for its solid flavor and spice. Beyond the rich broths, the attention to detail is evident in the "tender" meat and "perfectly jammy" eggs – hallmarks of a well-executed ramen bowl. The generous portions ensure that diners leave feeling thoroughly satisfied, making it an excellent value proposition in downtown San Francisco.

While the culinary experience at Tonton is consistently praised, some past concerns have arisen regarding billing practices. However, focusing on the food itself, Tonton remains a strong contender for those craving authentic and flavorful Japanese comfort food in a fast-paced urban environment. The establishment aims to offer a pleasant and efficient service experience, making it ideal for both a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

Location and Accessibility

Tonton Restaurant enjoys a central and highly accessible location in San Francisco's vibrant Union Square district, making it a convenient stop for locals, tourists, and business visitors alike. You can find this popular ramen spot at:

422 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Geary Street is a prominent thoroughfare in downtown San Francisco, putting Tonton Restaurant within easy reach of numerous hotels, theaters, shopping destinations, and corporate offices. The area is exceptionally well-served by public transportation. The Powell Street BART station, a major transit hub, is just a short walk away, providing direct access from across the Bay Area. Additionally, multiple MUNI bus and streetcar lines operate in the immediate vicinity, offering convenient connections from various parts of the city. While street parking can be competitive in this busy urban center, numerous commercial parking garages are available within a few blocks, providing options for those who prefer to drive.

Its strategic position makes Tonton Restaurant an ideal choice for a satisfying meal before catching a show, after a day of shopping, or simply as a reliable spot for a delicious lunch break in the heart of San Francisco.

Services Offered

Tonton Restaurant provides a focused menu centered around authentic Japanese ramen and other popular comfort food items, designed for a satisfying and efficient dining experience:

  • Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a cozy and comfortable setting, suitable for both solo diners and small groups. Reviews suggest a "fast and pleasant" service experience.
  • Signature Ramen Bowls: The core of their menu, featuring rich broths and perfectly cooked ingredients. Popular options include:
    • House Ramen Tonkatsu: A highly recommended go-to, praised for its savory pork bone broth, tender chashu pork, perfectly jammy egg, bean sprouts, wood ear mushrooms, and green onion.
    • Tan Tan Ramen: A spicy ground pork ramen, noted for its solid flavor and spice, served with bok choy, bean sprouts, and green onion.
    • Chashu Ramen: Featuring extra portions of chashu pork with either tonkotsu or chicken broth.
    • Karaage Ramen: Chicken broth ramen topped with Japanese-style fried chicken.
    • Spicy Pork Kimchi Ramen: A flavorful and spicy option with sautéed pork and kimchi.
    • Savory Seafood Ramen: A rich broth with shrimp, squid, mussels, and fishcake.
    • Vegetable and Pork Ramen: A tonkotsu broth ramen with sautéed vegetables and pork.
  • Udon Noodle Soups: Offering thick wheat flour noodles in various broths, including Chicken Udon, Spicy Miso Pork Udon, Miso Tofu Udon (Vegan), Curry Udon, and Shrimp Tempura Udon.
  • Appetizers: A selection of classic Japanese starters like Edamame, Karaage (Japanese-style deep-fried chicken), Shrimp Tempura, Pork Gyoza, Seaweed Salad, Spam Musubi, and Miso Soup.
  • Poke Bowls: Featuring fresh poke bowls with options like Tuna, Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Shrimp, Unagi (BBQ Eel), and Combo Poke Bowls.
  • Sushi Rolls: A limited selection of handroll-style sushi rolls, cut into 4 pieces, including California Roll, Alaska Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Rock'n Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Spicy Salmon Roll.
  • Sando (Sandwiches): Offers unique Japanese sandwiches like Chicken Katsu Sando and Pork Katsu Sando.
  • Beverages: Includes single-serve sake (noted as mild), Japanese sodas, and various other canned drinks.
  • Takeout and Delivery: Tonton Restaurant is available for convenient takeout and delivery through popular platforms such as Postmates, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
Features / Highlights

Tonton Restaurant distinguishes itself with several key features that contribute to its popularity among San Francisco diners, particularly those seeking authentic Japanese ramen:

  • Consistently Delicious Ramen Broth: A major highlight is their flavorful ramen broth, with the tonkatsu (pork bone) broth and Tan Tan Ramen being particularly praised for their richness, spice balance, and overall depth of flavor.
  • Perfectly Cooked Ingredients: Patrons consistently note the "tender" meat (chashu pork) and "perfectly jammy" eggs, indicating careful preparation and attention to detail in their ramen bowls.
  • Generous Portions: Customers often mention that there is "plenty of food," ensuring a satisfying and filling meal that provides good value.
  • Fast and Pleasant Service: The service is described as "fast and pleasant," with staff being attentive, including keeping water glasses filled, which enhances the dining experience, especially for those on a time crunch.
  • Variety Beyond Ramen: While ramen is their specialty, the menu offers a good range of other Japanese comfort foods, including udon noodles, poke bowls, appetizers like Karaage and Gyoza, and even unique Katsu Sando sandwiches, catering to diverse preferences.
  • Convenient Union Square Location: Its placement on Geary Street makes it highly accessible for locals working or living downtown, as well as visitors exploring the bustling Union Square area.
Promotions or Special Offers

Tonton Restaurant, as a popular ramen spot in a busy urban area, utilizes various channels to offer deals and promotions. While specific offers can be dynamic, here are common types of promotions that California locals might find:

  • Online Delivery Platform Discounts: Tonton Restaurant frequently features discounts on third-party delivery apps such as Fantuan, Postmates, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. These can include:
    • Percentage-off deals (e.g., "10% off pickup," "20% off," "31% Off," "46% off," "50% off").
    • Free delivery offers, especially for orders above a certain amount.
    • First-time user discounts for new customers on these platforms.
    It is highly recommended to check these apps directly for the most current and active promotions.
  • Pickup Discounts: As noted on some platforms, they often offer a percentage off for pickup orders, encouraging direct engagement and potentially saving on delivery fees.
  • Restaurant.com Deals: Tonton Restaurant has been listed on Restaurant.com, which offers discounted certificates that customers can purchase and redeem for a lower value at the restaurant. These deals are known for not expiring.

Given the nature of these promotions, checking the relevant online platforms (Fantuan, Postmates, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Restaurant.com) or calling the restaurant directly at (415) 874-9664 for any in-house specials is the best way to stay informed about current offers.

Contact Information

To experience the authentic ramen and Japanese comfort food at Tonton Restaurant, here is their contact information:

Address: 422 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Phone: (415) 874-9664

Tonton Restaurant is generally open for both lunch and dinner. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on their current operating hours, specific menu details, or to inquire about takeout orders, calling them directly is recommended. You can also find their menu and order online through various food delivery platforms like Postmates, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For California residents, particularly those navigating the diverse and fast-paced culinary landscape of San Francisco, Tonton Restaurant stands as a highly suitable and appealing choice for authentic Japanese comfort food. Its core strength lies in its consistently delicious and satisfying ramen bowls, featuring rich broths, tender meats, and perfectly cooked components like the "jammy egg." This focus on quality and traditional preparation ensures a deeply comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for any weather or mood.

The generous portion sizes and the overall sense of value make Tonton a practical and rewarding option for locals. In a city where dining costs can add up, getting "plenty of food" at a reasonable price point is a significant draw. Furthermore, the "fast and pleasant" service enhances the dining experience, making it suitable for quick lunch breaks or more relaxed dinners.

While a past customer review highlighted a serious concern regarding a billing discrepancy, it is crucial for patrons to exercise vigilance and check their receipts thoroughly. However, the overwhelming positive feedback regarding the food quality, especially the ramen itself, indicates that the culinary experience remains a strong draw. Located conveniently in Union Square, Tonton offers easy accessibility for those working, living, or exploring downtown. For locals seeking a reliable, flavorful, and hearty Japanese meal, particularly a well-executed bowl of ramen, Tonton Restaurant continues to be a recommended spot.

Tonton Restaurant Menu

  • Curry & Bento Box Menu - Curry

    (Served with rice)

  • Pork Katsu Curry US$14.95

    (Pork cutlet, curry, and rice)

  • Chicken Katsu Curry US$14.95

    (Chicken cutlet, curry and rice)

  • Karaage Curry US$14.95

    (Japanese style fried chicken, curry and rice)

  • Seafood Curry US$14.95

    (Shrimp, squid, mussels, curry and rice)

  • Curry & Bento Box Menu - Bento Box

    Sides in bento box may vary by season

  • Pork Katsu Bento US$14.95

    (Pork cutlet, seaweed salad, potato salad, sautéed veggies, pickles, rice)

  • Chicken Katsu Bento US$14.95

    (Chicken cutlet, seaweed salad, potato salad, sautéed veggies, pickles, rice) .... $14.95

  • Karaage Bento US$14.95

    (Japanese style fried chickens, seaweed salad, potato salad, sautéed veggies, pickles, rice)

  • Teriyaki Chicken Bento US$14.95

    (Grilled chicken thigh with teriyaki sauce, seaweed salad, potato salad, sautéed veggies, pickles, rice)

  • Beef Bento US$14.95

    (Thin sliced beef in savory & sweet soy sauce, seaweed salad, potato salad, sautéed veggies, pickles, rice)

  • Small Dishes

  • Edamame US$4.00
  • Pork Gyoza US$8.00
  • Takoyaki US$7.00

    (Fried wheat batter balls filled with octopus pieces)

  • Karaage US$8.00

    (Japanese style fried chicken)

  • Chashu Pork US$8.00

    (Roasted pork shoulder)

  • Pork Kimchi US$7.00
  • Sho-Chu

    Japanese distilled liquor

  • On The Rocks US$5.00
  • Mizu Wari US$5.00

    (Mix with water)

  • Oyu Wari US$5.00

    (Mix with hot water)

  • "Chu-Hi"

    (Shochu highball)

  • Lemon Sour US$6.00
  • Yuzu Sour US$6.00
  • Peach Sour US$6.00
  • Sake

  • Ozeki Hot Sake US$5.00
  • Karatanba US$10.00

    (Dry, crisp, clean) 15%

  • Dassai US$15.00

    (Junmai daiginjo, creamy, semi-dry, aromatic) 16%

  • Kinokuniya Bunzaemon US$14.00

    (Junmai ginjo. smooth, fragrant) 16%

  • Hakushika Yoshino Taru Sake US$12.00

    (Aged in wooden casks made from japanese cedar "yoshino sugi". Fresh & slight cedar scent) 13.5%

  • Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori US$13.00

    (Unfiltered. sweet & smooth) 15.5%

  • Ozeki Hana Awake Sparkling Peach US$8.00

    (Fizzy, sweet & light) 7%

  • "One-Cup" Sake Series

  • Ozeki Nigori US$5.00

    (Junmai, unfiltered. rich & sweet) 15%

  • Hakushika Tanuki US$5.00

    (Junmai. dry & slightly sweet) 14.5%

  • Lucky Cup US$6.00

    (Clean, light & smooth) 13.5%

  • Soft Drinks

  • Coke US$2.50
  • Diet Coke US$2.50
  • Sprite US$2.50
  • Lemonade US$2.50
  • Bottled Water US$2.50
  • Sparkling Water US$2.50
  • House Green Tea US$2.50
  • Udon&Soba

    Japanese fish dashi broth kamaboko fish cake. Seaweed & green onions

  • Udon US$6.00
  • Beef Udon US$9.00

    Served with beef

  • Udon With Vegetable Tempura US$9.50

    Served with battered & deep-fried mixed vegetables

  • Udon With Shrimp Tempura US$9.90

    Served with battered & deep-fried shrimp

  • Nabeyaki Udon

  • Original US$9.90

    Shrimp & vegetable tempura tofu. Egg kamaboko fish cake wakeme seaweed. Green onions, carrots

  • Kimchi US$9.90

    Kimchi vegetable tempura tofu. Egg. Kamaboko fish cake. Wakeme seaweed green onions. Carrots

  • Beef US$9.90

    Beef, tofu egg kamaboko fish cake wakeme seaweed green onions carrots

  • Ramen

  • House US$9.90

    House-made braised pork belly

  • Chasu US$12.90

    Four pieces of chasu

  • Tan Tan Men US$12.90

    Spicy ground pork

  • Vegetables US$12.90

    Vegetable broth ramen with tofu & assorted vegetables

  • Mabo US$12.90

    Spicy ground pork & tofu

  • Small Plates

    Add to any noodle dish

  • Mabo Don US$4.50

    Spicy ground pork & tofu

  • Chicken Curry US$4.50
  • Vegetable Tempura Don US$4.50

    Battered & deep-fried mixed vegetables with rice

  • Tan Tan Don US$4.00

    Spicy ground pork

  • Vegetable Curry Don US$4.50
  • Beff Curry US$4.50
  • Shrimp Tempura Don US$5.00

    Battered & deep-fried shrimp with rice

Tonton Restaurant Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Comfort food
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Toilet
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Parking

  • Paid multi-storey car park
  • Paid parking lot

Tonton Restaurant Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Tonton Restaurant Location

Tonton Restaurant

422 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

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