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About
Masa Ramen Bistro
Welcome to Masa Ramen Bistro, a delightful culinary gem nestled at 1923 University Ave, Berkeley, CA. This vibrant bistro seamlessly marries the rich flavors of Japanese ramen with a touch of Hawaiian flair, creating a unique dining experience that is sure to impress all food lovers.
Masa Ramen Bistro is not just any ramen spot; it is a haven for both food enthusiasts and those seeking a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bistro is women-owned and veteran-owned, adding an inspiring personal touch to your meal. With a range of utilities including delivery, takeout, and reservations, Masa offers flexibility for both busy locals and casual diners looking to unwind.
- Accessibility: The bistro is wheelchair accessible and accommodates dogs, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
- Dining Options: Enjoy a mix of pescatarian, vegan, and limited vegetarian choices tailored to various dietary preferences.
- Facilities: Amenities include outdoor seating, heated options for chilly evenings, and private dining spaces for special occasions.
- Payment Options: Masa Ramen Bistro accepts both credit cards and cryptocurrency, catering to modern consumers.
- Atmosphere: With a casual vibe, moderate noise levels, and the soothing sounds of Hawaiian music, you'll feel right at home.
The menu is a true highlight, featuring must-try dishes like the Broke Da Mouth Ramen and Diamond Head Ramen. The Broke Da Mouth Masa Special is particularly notable, boasting a rich pork broth infused with black garlic oil and garlic butter, topped with succulent pork belly char siu. Diners have raved about its intense flavor profile and the delightful kick of spice available at your choice.
The Diamond Head Ramen also receives abundant praise, especially for its comforting broth and tender pork belly. Customers have compared its taste to authentic ramen experiences in Japan, a testament to Masa's dedication to quality and flavor.
While ramen takes center stage, don’t miss the diverse lineup of Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Pupus, the delightful small plates, offer a chance to explore flavors beyond the noodle bowl. From assorted appetizers to hearty entrees, the thoughtful selection captures the essence of Hawaiian comfort food.
As you step into Masa Ramen Bistro, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're joining a community. Reviewers consistently highlight the warm service and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for casual dinners with friends or family gatherings.
In summary, Masa Ramen Bistro is more than just a dining destination. It embodies a blend of culture, flavor, and community spirit that makes every visit special. Whether you're a ramen aficionado or a casual diner, this bistro promises a satisfying culinary journey that you won’t soon forget.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I went to Masa for the second time this weekend. Both times, service was quick and friendly. You can tell that there's a high value on quality, both in their food and overall vibe of the restaurant. I got the Diamond Head ramen bowl, it was the exact meal I needed on a cold day :) If you're looking for a place to eat that feels like home, Masa is the place for you! ”
“ We came with a friend for dinner on a Friday evening since she was in the mood for Japanese/Hawaiian food. Located on University, parking was a little challenging and we found parking about a block and a half away. Though it has Ramen Bistro in its name, the menu has more of an emphasis on Hawaiian dishes than Japanese. The menu consisted of six ramen options (1 was sold out) and seven Hawaiina options (2 were sold out) and nine Pupus of Japanese and Hawaiian options. We decided to order several pupus and two entrees. Da Kine Chicken - 10 good-sized pieces of moist chicken thigh pieces. Served with a calamansi ponzu dipping sauce. Manini Fries with curry furikake - had a light curry flavor. Nothing special. Shrimp Pops - panko crusted shrimp patties on a stick served with a sweet Thai chili sauce. This was tasty Diamond Head Ramen - good pork broth with two slices of pork belly char siu. A good tasty satisfying bowl of ramen, but I've had better. Lolo Loco Moco with potato salad - ordered with over easy egg. It was a good loco moco with a tasty brown gravy. Service was friendly in a nice bright restaurant with tables and a bar counter in the middle and by the window. Good ramen and Hawaiian options for the area. ”
“ I had the broke da mouth ramen and I give it a solid 8.5/10 it was super garlicky- which I LOVED and the broth was so flavorful- it was great as leftovers too! my friend had the beef curry which was a huge platter and she gave it to men 8/10! overall great vibes and great tasting food- def the best ramen spot in the area! ”
“ I've been here several times now. Went to japan during the summer and this place has the closest flavor to the ramen I had in Japan. I love the simple decor that they have. They also play Hawaiian music which I think is great. Service here has always been great. Sometimes it gets kind of busy and being in the industry I give them a lot of credit for the hard work they do. Food comes out pretty quick considering how busy it can get. My two favorite things to eat is the Diamond Head with a spice level 2. Noodles are nice and chewey. Char siu is on point. Or the Chicken Katsu. It's so delicious, moist, crunch crispy breading unlike other places I've been to. They even make their own katsu sauce which tasted even better than the Chicken Katsu plate lunches I had when I went to Hawaii. I also like their Broke the Mouth Ramen with the cheese! So delicious, but I reserve that for special days as it's so filling that I want to sleep afterwards. Go check this place out if you're in the area. Great ramen and Hawaiian style foods. ”
“ ===TL;DR=== - Diamond head ramen, spicy level 4 - Kuni ramen, spicy level 3 ===TMI=== Just when I thought Tsuruya made it to my top 5 ramen list recently, now Masa also made it (under Tsuruya tho hehe)! Laid back with a bit of an industrial interior vibe... almost like a touch of Hawaii feel. They had a great food selection for a one page menu but I'm here for the ramen! Really enjoyed my bowl of Kuni ramen, the black garlic oil alway just hugs you so well along with the hearty base of the tonkotsu broth. I'm content at a level 3 spiciness and level 4 was still manageable. Their pork belly char siu was cooked to perfection. Team thin ramen noodles all the wayyyyy. If I didn't remember wrong, the server said Kilauea was just the spicy version of the Diamond ramen FYI. So instead of ordering Diamond head and add a spiciness level, you can just order the Kilauea. ”
“ Bottom line: TRY THIS PLACE! My family and I were in the mood for some ramen, and this place seemed like it had great reviews on Yelp. I recently moved to the area and had an excellent ramen place in my last neighborhood, so my standards were high! Masa Ramen Bistro exceeded my expectations. The interior is extremely casual and comfortable. We ordered 2 "Broke Da Mouth" bowls and 2 Kuni bowls. Everything was great, but the Broke Da Mouth was insanely good. The menu said it was the most popular item on the menu, and it did not disappoint! The cheese was such a great touch, and the garlic butter really shone through. The Kuni is also a great option, if you're looking for something a little lighter than the Broke Da Mouth. I'm genuinely so happy to have found this place and expect that it will become a staple in my routine. There is street parking available, and it is close to the BART. You cannot miss this spot the next time you're in Berkeley! ”
