Nojo Ramen Tavern

"Soy sauce paitan is the signature style at this Hayes Valley ramen restaurant, whose parent company owns more than 200 ramen shops in Japan. The paitan base can come supplemented with corn, spicy miso, and other add-ons, and includes a whole slow-braised chicken leg." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff

"Dinner at Nojo is a casual-yet-cozy way to spend a night with someone you might like. The Hayes Valley spot is where to find some of the best ramen in town. Chicken-based broth is rich and creamy, and the noodles are always perfectly bouncy. Slurp down a bowl from a booth in the tightly packed in space while calculating whether or not you should suggest going for a drink after. " - julia chen 1, lani conway

"Unlike most of San Francisco’s ramen restaurants, which focus on pork broth, Nojo Ramen uses rich chicken paitan broth as the base for its noodles. The small plates are also a signature for this restaurant, which has more than 200 locations in Japan though the Hayes Valley restaurant is its first in the U.S. Be sure to start with some toripan (curry seasoned ground chicken on baguette), corn on the cob, and teriyaki chicken buns." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff

"Ramen is the ideal situation for nights when you’d rather drive a U-Haul down Lombard St. than figure out the most strategic way to order and share with a group. One steamy bowl of noodles can be all yours at Nojo. This Hayes Valley spot specializes in creamy chicken-based broth and thick noodles with the right amount of chewiness. Slurp down soup and know that you made a peaceful decision. " - julia chen 1

"Tonkotsu ramen reigns supreme in this town. But Nojo Ramen Tavern in Hayes Valley and their menu of entirely chicken-based broth is a refreshing change-up. Prepare to get fired up about fowl. The soy sauce ramen is the main attraction and arrives with an entire chicken leg glistening on top. It will turn heads, but don’t lose focus on the rest of the menu. We love the tan-tan spicy miso with ground chicken, and the onion-packed chicken meatballs should absolutely be added to every bowl. " - julia chen 1, lani conway