Underbelly

Day time bartender is awesome ~ night service is sub par but the vibes are good! Food is perfect to heal your soul! Haven’t had a bad bowl of ramen here yet and I’ve had them all sans the vegetarian one. Korean wings Rock as well. Definitely a place worth eating at, if you live in the area and don’t frequent what are you doing?!

Went to this place as a friend recommended it to me and it didn't disappoint at all. The person taking my order was very friendly as well as helpful. I ordered the Pork Belly Bao Cucumber, Hoison, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Scallion Oil, Cilantro where the meat was so tender that it fell apart as you took a nice bite of this. The bao was good as well. Not gummy like one's I have had before. Then I had the Beef Gyoza 5 pieces, beef, cabbage, carrot, and Ponzu sauce, which were so crispy and the flavor of the meat was good. Then I had the Seaweed Salad Cucumbers, Rice Vinegar, Seaweed Salad, which was very good as the Seaweed and the cucumber matched well together. Lastly, for the main course, I had the Belly of the Beast Ramen Tonkotsu Broth, Soft Boiled Egg, Oxtail Dumplings, Hoison Glazed Short Rib, which by far was so delicious. The broth that they used had so much flavor in it. The short rib was so tender and had great flavor, and lastly, the oxtail dumplings were a joyful bite in this ramen. I want to thank my friend for telling me about this place and I would recommend this place to any ramen lover out there to try.

Rafa and team are extremely kind and friendly. Great service, really vibey and cool atmosphere - and the ramen is excellent! Super rich and delicious broth, tasty noodles, and plenty of pork belly. Underbelly was a breath of fresh air after a very negative/unwelcoming/condescending experience at Morning Glory (restaurant down the street, also part of the Consortium Group) with Victor, the host there. I was very surprised by that person’s condescending behavior at Morning Glory given we have had great experiences at other Consortium locations (Quixote included), so we’re lucky that Underbelly made up for it! Rafa and the bartender were so welcoming, had great customer service, and the food was great! We love teams who make customers feel welcome & who seem happy to be there. Their kind and generous attitude really made up for our bad experience at the other restaurant. Highly recommend this spot for yummy ramen. Love the Tokyo underground vibe, and beautiful decor; side dishes were great as well. Thanks so much for your kindness, Rafa & team!

Interesting place. Vibe: 5/5 - It’s like a cyberpunk ramen place. Taste3/5: ok but not great. Soup is closer to Neoguri ramen but chashu needs to be better. Good place if you’re traveling this area and feel hungry at late time.

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, food came out quick and it was by the BEST ramen I’ve found. I even saved some for the next day - still delicious reheated. Can’t wait to go back!

This is really a nice spot in little Italy. They have a small space, but you just order out the counter and get a seat. The tonkostu was really good really enjoyed that. The broth wasn’t too oily and not too salty and the noodles were cooked Perfect.

We got the vegetable ramen. The star of the show is undoubtedly the broth. Unlike some vegetarian broths that can be thin and watery, this one boasts a depth of flavor that comes from hours of simmering vegetables, mushrooms, and perhaps even a hint of seaweed. The first sip is a warm hug, rich and savory with an underlying sweetness. It's a testament to the chef's skill in coaxing out the full potential of the vegetables. The only negatives were the overly loud rock music and the extremely wasteful gas flames outside, purportedly for warning guests, even though it was a nice warm afternoon.

Absolutely loved UnderBelly in Little Italy! The ramen was exceptional, with rich, flavorful broth and fresh ingredients. The atmosphere was amazing, with a vibrant and cozy vibe that made the dining experience even better. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch ramen and a great ambiance!

Day time bartender is awesome ~ night service is sub par but the vibes are good! Food is perfect to heal your soul! Haven’t had a bad bowl of ramen here yet and I’ve had them all sans the vegetarian one. Korean wings Rock as well. Definitely a place worth eating at, if you live in the area and don’t frequent what are you doing?!

Went to this place as a friend recommended it to me and it didn't disappoint at all. The person taking my order was very friendly as well as helpful. I ordered the Pork Belly Bao Cucumber, Hoison, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Scallion Oil, Cilantro where the meat was so tender that it fell apart as you took a nice bite of this. The bao was good as well. Not gummy like one's I have had before. Then I had the Beef Gyoza 5 pieces, beef, cabbage, carrot, and Ponzu sauce, which were so crispy and the flavor of the meat was good. Then I had the Seaweed Salad Cucumbers, Rice Vinegar, Seaweed Salad, which was very good as the Seaweed and the cucumber matched well together. Lastly, for the main course, I had the Belly of the Beast Ramen Tonkotsu Broth, Soft Boiled Egg, Oxtail Dumplings, Hoison Glazed Short Rib, which by far was so delicious. The broth that they used had so much flavor in it. The short rib was so tender and had great flavor, and lastly, the oxtail dumplings were a joyful bite in this ramen. I want to thank my friend for telling me about this place and I would recommend this place to any ramen lover out there to try.

Rafa and team are extremely kind and friendly. Great service, really vibey and cool atmosphere - and the ramen is excellent! Super rich and delicious broth, tasty noodles, and plenty of pork belly. Underbelly was a breath of fresh air after a very negative/unwelcoming/condescending experience at Morning Glory (restaurant down the street, also part of the Consortium Group) with Victor, the host there. I was very surprised by that person’s condescending behavior at Morning Glory given we have had great experiences at other Consortium locations (Quixote included), so we’re lucky that Underbelly made up for it! Rafa and the bartender were so welcoming, had great customer service, and the food was great! We love teams who make customers feel welcome & who seem happy to be there. Their kind and generous attitude really made up for our bad experience at the other restaurant. Highly recommend this spot for yummy ramen. Love the Tokyo underground vibe, and beautiful decor; side dishes were great as well. Thanks so much for your kindness, Rafa & team!

Interesting place. Vibe: 5/5 - It’s like a cyberpunk ramen place. Taste3/5: ok but not great. Soup is closer to Neoguri ramen but chashu needs to be better. Good place if you’re traveling this area and feel hungry at late time.

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, food came out quick and it was by the BEST ramen I’ve found. I even saved some for the next day - still delicious reheated. Can’t wait to go back!

This is really a nice spot in little Italy. They have a small space, but you just order out the counter and get a seat. The tonkostu was really good really enjoyed that. The broth wasn’t too oily and not too salty and the noodles were cooked Perfect.

We got the vegetable ramen. The star of the show is undoubtedly the broth. Unlike some vegetarian broths that can be thin and watery, this one boasts a depth of flavor that comes from hours of simmering vegetables, mushrooms, and perhaps even a hint of seaweed. The first sip is a warm hug, rich and savory with an underlying sweetness. It's a testament to the chef's skill in coaxing out the full potential of the vegetables. The only negatives were the overly loud rock music and the extremely wasteful gas flames outside, purportedly for warning guests, even though it was a nice warm afternoon.

Absolutely loved UnderBelly in Little Italy! The ramen was exceptional, with rich, flavorful broth and fresh ingredients. The atmosphere was amazing, with a vibrant and cozy vibe that made the dining experience even better. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch ramen and a great ambiance!

Underbelly is hands down one of the best ramen spots in town! The chicken ramen bowl is my go-to--it's rich, flavorful, and packed with all the right textures. The chicken is perfectly cooked, the broth is comforting and deep, and every bite just hits different. If you're a ramen lover, this place is a must-try. The ambiance is really cool, too. It feels like you've stepped straight into a Japanese anime--bright, bold, and full of quirky, fun details that make you feel like you're in another world. It's got that perfect blend of modern and traditional vibes, which just adds to the whole experience. And the service is top-notch--super fast and efficient, but also friendly. They know how to get you your food quickly without sacrificing quality, and the staff always makes you feel welcome. If you're craving ramen and want a fun, unique spot to eat, Underbelly should be at the top of your list. You'll get great food, awesome vibes, and a dining experience you won't forget.

This ramen spot has an incredible, vibey atmosphere! From the striking neon lighting to the spiral staircase leading to loft seating, and the open-concept layout with partially indoor, partially outdoor tables, every detail adds to the cool, urban nightlife vibe of the space. The setup is super convenient--you order at the register as soon as you walk in, pick where you want to sit, and they bring the food right to your table. The ramen itself was also very tasty! If you are looking for a laid-back spot with great energy and good ramen in Little Italy, Underbelly is your spot!

One star for good service. And another for the ambiance. No stars for the ramen. The ramen broth isn't great. If this was made in Japan, it'd probably get thrown out. A bit too salty. Pork chasu was alright. Noodles looked microwaved. Only reason I went here was because it's open, close to work, and it was cold. Sad. Ramen was $13. Tasted like 13 Yen.

JUN2024 3.5 I'd say. Swung by since we needed the broth after a good night out. Seating can be a bit rough, and the area up top can get pretty warm. Service was helpful at the counter but nonexistent once the food drops. Water refills non existent. We had gotten the karaage and some orders of the baos for sharing. I had ordered the farmers market since I needed some fiber in my life for the drinking to come. The karaage was decent. Temp was good, crunch not so much. Inconsistent across pieces as well. The baos I liked the veggies in it but it needed more sauce, or something on the side to gel it. The eggplant ones suffered in the same way the karaage did unfortunately. The farmers market had a simple clean broth. I'd want the broth to be hotter and more flavorful to counter balance everything, but it did have a really good amount of veggies which was great. Good for what it was at the time, but would check out other options in a pinch.

Came here on a Thursday evening after flying in and checking into our hotel. Weather was a little chilly so my friend and I wanted something comforting and within walking distance to our hotel. Underbelly was one of the only places that opened late. When we got there, it wasn't too busy. The host/bartender wasn't that welcoming. We placed our order and paid with her before sitting at the counter. We ordered belly of the beast, chicken confit, and pork belly bao. Our order came out fairly quick. The server that brought out our food was friendly and explained to us the sauces since it was our first time. Food was delicious and comforting. Overall, would come back again if I'm in the area. Definitely worth the try. Pictures of food has bad lighting due to the neon signs but the neon signs looked great and gave "Tokyo city" vibes.

Fuck this place. I've been many times and each time It has gotten progressively worse. Service was terrible. From the wait you'd think they were hot shit. News flash, they're not. There are SO MANY awesome ramen joints in San Diego deserving your money. So vote with your wallet and be happier for it.

What the heck just happened? WHATTHEHECKINHECK OF ALL HECKS?! After telling my daughter there was no way I needed to go to Ramen after eating Ramen in Japan, and Los Angeles, Japantown, she brings me here. I'm not even a noodle fan maybe a fresh pasta, but not a noodle, fan but I am now! This is the most delicious Ramen I've had in the US. I am going to fly my son out who is a foodie to try this Ramen. The atmosphere was fun, the music was fun, sitting outside was not as scary as I thought it was going to be in this area. The guys who took our order and brought the Ramen were cool. I've come to appreciate how fast this dish could be brought out , but honestly, I wasn't even that hungry so I didn't need it to come out fast I was thinking, as I was sitting there waiting for the Ramen that I didn't even need to eat at that point in time. But upon first taste of that broth, I was a total convert. My daughter tells me that it's has been her hangover meal this past year as she lived in little Italy, I don't drink that much anymore but I could imagine how it would really hit the spot. I devoured it with a clear mind and I'm glad I did

Great takeout. Everything came packaged so well. The Ramen is delicious, the cuts of pork were so tender. Service was great. About five of us from the office ordered dinner... everything was ready to go as our volunteered "gofer" arrived.

This is such a delicious Ramen spot. This place is beautiful and super unique looking. They have an outdoor/inside seating area, which is kind of cool because you can feel like you're sitting outside but you're still technically inside. The interior is super nice and I love the music that they played. Well definitely come back here when I'm in town next

We have seen this spot passing by quite a few times, LOVING the ambiance & decor and finally decided to give it a try. What a spot!! The staff were all so nice & friendly. I like the self service where you find your own seat, go up to the counter to order, pay, and then get your meal brought to you. I ordered the belly of the beast ramen with spicy miso (extra $1) and it was really yummy. I am pretty picky in terms of wanting a loot of flavor, so I could've used a bit more oomph. It came with oxtail dumplings which were the BEST part... I'd want to get those on their own with the broth I think that they also could've had a little more meat, even one more dumpling in there (only two small) and even some chili oil or something spicier as a condiment/option. All this would've brought it to five stars for me :)

I went to Underbelly for the first time on a date. I was surprised that the location was close to other places I had been before. We went in and read the menu. They ask you to order first then you will be seated. It was a nice day so we sat outside. Be weary of this though as some of the seating is under a tree and the leaves from the tree can fall right into your food. I ordered the Tonkatsu and it was pretty good! I think I would order a different one next time though just to try something new. I would say the only thing that could have been better was the service but not in such a strong way. We needed things throughout the meal and I'm thinking if we sat inside, we probably would have been addressed more frequently. I acknowledge that a lot of places are understaffed in these times so that might have been the case here too.

Fantastic little place in San Diego. I'm not a big ramen fan, so when my husband suggested going here, I wasn't planning on eating too much. But once he ordered and I tried his food, I wished I had ordered my own. He got a chicken ramen bowl and it was AMAZING!!!! So flavorful and a huge portion. We also got their wings on the side, and they may have been the hes wings I ever had. The ambience was also really cool here. You go up to the counter, place your order, then find a spot to sit. There were so many different little nooks and crannies to eat at (indoor/outdoor/bar seating/upstairs/downstairs). It was awesome! Food came out very fast and the service was 10/10.

Amazing ramen!! I ordered the Underbelly Ramen which was delicious! The broth was creamy and flavorful and the meat was tender. It was my first time at this location and I liked the ambiance. There's plenty of seating and the bright red and blue lights give the place a nice vibe. The menu contains about 5 ramen options and an array of appetizers which come out pretty quickly.

Casual ramen spot in downtown San Diego. Parking was super hard as expected since it's right by Little Italy. The decor is really nice inside. The place is small but they do a good job with maximizing the space with bar and table seating. Our food came out in less than 5 mins, but the food didn't come out super hot. In terms of appetizers, I would get the spicy garlic edamame and pot stickers again. Solid appetizers with good flavor. I would skip out on the chicken karaage. The pieces were bigger than expected and it wasn't very crunchy. Unfortunately, the main course was disappointing. The tonkatsu ramen flavor was lacking and I thought the pork was dry. My friend got the underbelly ramen and her noodles were over cooked. The noodles were so soft and starchy. They gave her a new batch of noodles but we were thinking she would just get a new bowl of ramen. My friend had to pour her soup into the new bowl of noodles which did not go smoothly. My friends were saying the other location was better so maybe try that location if you can. Better ramen is around the convoy area in my opinion.

Excellent ramen in a cool environment with gluten free options!! Staff, particularly Cassie, was very knowledgeable about allergies and gluten free options and was able to put together a fully gluten free option for me! I can't wait to go back!

Took the trolley here and got the underbelly ramen. It's a tonkotsu broth with pork adobo and pork belly chashu. While not a traditional ramen, a pretty good bowl. The broth is pretty flavorful and there's plenty of pork on it. Only problem was that my noodles were overcooked, a little soft for my liking. I also got the eggplant bao which was fair. The restaurant is beautiful though with neon lights and an aesthetic setting. It's a little warm in the upper area but the outside dining looks perfect. The service is also incredibly quick. I'd come back for an ube slushie and the underbelly ramen!

The food and service are absolutely amazing! This cute spot offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and their ramen is nothing short of exceptional--rich, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and fresh toppings that bring everything together. Highly recommend for a comforting and delicious meal!

I have been here several times but have not been here in a long time. There thing used to be that the broth was so flavorful that they do not serve it with a spoon because they want you to drink the broth. So back in the old days, the servers brought you the food with gloves on so the broth stays "clean" from fingers. Anyways, fast forward to know, looking at my pictures 8 years ago... and after eating at so many ramen places... the broth was not as flavorful as I expected it to be. Still very good but not as rich of a broth as other places, but it definitely hits the spot. They do have soup spoons now! This is a very casual place. Order your food, pay, sit down and they bring the food to you. We had a large group of 9 and I was very happy to see that they have a lot more seating now! We were able to sit outside on the patio where they could accommodate all of us. Inside, there is bar seating with ambiant lighting. I however, prefer to sit on the outside seating. The prices here are pretty reasonable. The underbelly ramen was $14 and even though the bowl looked smaller, it was super filling. The underbelly ramen was tonkotsu broth, an entire soft boiled egg (not half like many places), chashu belly, and adobo pulled pork. It came out hot and I am so glad they have soup spoons now! They also have veggie ramen or chicken if you are not a fan of pork. Would I come back? I would. The food is nicely priced and I do like the casual atmosphere. We ate here on a Saturday night with our big group and we were able to find parking and seating right away and the food came out fast too! Service here was great! They are also open pretty late so that was perfect for us!

This place looks really cool, but I was unimpressed by the food. The interior is decorated with colorful neon lights and a big display of sake bottles. It makes for a fun atmosphere and pretty photos. There's plenty of seating on the patio outside too. They provide soy sauce, sesame oil, togarashi, and a habanero sauce on the tables. The guys who served us were friendly and helpful. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the food. I'd been recommended this place by a couple of friends so maybe my expectations were too high. I got the vegetarian Farmers Market ramen and it just wasn't good. The broth was hearty but lacking in seasoning. The noodles were overcooked and the veggies were bland. My friend's tonkotsu broth was tastier but still unimpressive. The bao and salad were also lacking in flavor. Overall a cool place to visit but there are better ramen options in SD.

Overall a cute spot and amazing ramen. Only reason for 4 stars is because the host has a terrible uninviting attitude. Maybe it's just part of their vibe. Good ramen though!

Underbelly Ramen is located in Little Italy, San Diego off of Kettner and Fir serving up ramen and many other Japanese Fushion dishes. They recently did a makeover, making the ambiance and vibe more vibrant with neon lights throughout out the restaurant, making it more appealing from the outside where you can't miss it by passing by. The ordering process is simple as to where you place your order with the cashier at front and pay ahead. I went ahead and ordered the Standard Underbelly Ramen, which had a pork bone broth soup, also known as tonkotsu, a soft boiled egg, chasu belly, and Adobo pulled pork. It was well garnished with finely sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. I also had a Japanese lager to wash it down as well. As for the broth, it wasn't much of a bone broth in my eyes but more of a standard soup base with noodles and toppings. The chasu was definitely tender and flavorful, and the soft boiled egg was cooked to perfection, releasing a nice ooze of egg yolk. As for the noodles, they were cooked al dente and had a nice snap back when biting into them. The dish was served hot, and the customer service was average. There's plenty of sitting arrangements from inside, outdoors, or even upstairs. Overall, Underbelly Ramen serves good ramen in their own twist and way, and there are many different variations of ramen you can choose from, such as oxtail dumplings or hoison glazed short ribs. They have a nice draft beer selection, and the location is prime for a nice date night in Little Italy for people watching and slurping noodles.

Underbelly has always been our go-to for late-night ramen due to its flavorful broths, unique ambiance, and quick service. However, this location specifically really disappointed us and will make us stray away from it. We had a party of four, and the server tried to seat us along the bar where the seats were spaced far apart. We wanted to face each other and have two sit on the outside, but the seats all along the outside were taken by a group of six at a small table. When we tried to move the extra chairs from the inside to outside, the server scolded us, saying, "You can't move the chairs around." When we pointed out that the group outside took the designated chairs, she responded, "Yeah, that's not allowed... but you can wait until they're done and I can look for chairs for you." She never did look for chairs for us. When we received one ramen, we asked if we could get some spoons. Her response was, "Oh, let me go check if we have some." Now you have to check if you have spoons?? We asked another server after realizing she wasn't going to help us, and this different server promptly brought us four spoons. Our experience was very much ruined by the poor customer service at this location.

I was recommended underbelly by a friend since I was staying in little Italy during my visit to San Diego. This location is perfect for a night out with surrounding bars and walking through little Italy. This is a very small location so keep in mind of having large parties. Also, the decor is pretty awesome. Neon signs making you feel like you're in Japan. I tried a few things: Belly of the Beast Ramen - this ramen was great! The broth was nice and hearty. The oxtail dumplings were sooooo tender inside and maybe the best dumplings I've ever had. Eggplant Bao - I decided to order something most people wouldn't typically order and I was not let down. The soft Bao bun paired with the crunchy eggplant was the perfect pairing. Don't be afraid to order because this bite was full of flavor. Beef Gyoza - As simple as it may sound, the gyoza were still amazing. A nice true beef flavor with every bit stuffed full with a crispy dumping skin. This is a counter style order location where you order at the bar and given a number to take your seat where you'd like.

Went to the Little Italy location on a Friday night with friends, and really dig this ramen place! The space itself is pretty small, but it doesn't feel small. They really optimize the seating for sure, there are a few tables outside, there's bar seating, and also an area upstairs for seating for two. The decor is very industrial and modern. Feels pretty hip and I dig the neon lighting. The have a good selection of food, different ramen options and small plates, and also a bunch of drinks and cocktails. The food is a bit of Asian fusion with some Filipino and Viet influences. I thought the food was really tasty and really liked the chashu! Their small dishes were also good, I like the wings which were pretty crispy Overall would recommend for sure! Overall, would recommend!

This is a high-quality Ramen place in San Diego! The food and the drinks are very yummy. We had The Belly of the Beast ramen and the Underbelly ramen. Both of them were so good, and we would get them again. We went on a Friday night, so it was swamped, and it took a while to order. Be prepared to wait if you go on the weekend. However, the line was long because the food/drinks are great, and after ordering, everything came out really fast. The ambiance is very dark, and it is not up to the quality of a tier 1 restaurant, but I personally like the aesthetic for a quick dinner place. The servers and everyone working were really nice and I will be going again!

I am obsessed with the aesthetic here especially at night! The meat in the ramen was very rich & the egg was a beautiful golden yellow. I got the belly of the beast ramen (tonkotsu broth, soft boiled egg, oxtail dumplings, hoison glazed short rib) and the underbelly ramen (tonkotsu broth, soft boiled egg, chashu belly, adobo pulled pork). I personally enjoyed the belly of the beast more because of the oxtail dumplings. My favorite item though was the ube colada and it was SOO good!! It's not too sweet & it was just the perfect frozen drink for the summer!

This restaurant has a veryyyy open layout. Sitting at the indoor/outdoor bar top, we were all (a party of 9) feeling BLESSED on the first day of the new year to experience that beautiful breezy San Diego weather. The ambience alone kept my spirits up after a long night of dancing and drinking. 10/10 What my bf and I ordered: -2 belly of the beast -sweet and spicy chicken wings -gyoza -2 fujisan Belly of the Beast ramen has beef short rib instead of the traditional chashu pork that I usually order and man oh man that short rib was tender and perfectly cooked. The ox tail dumplings had an amazing flavor, however, I wasn't expecting the texture of the meat inside to have almost a mushy consistency. Nonetheless, quite enjoyed it. The egg was also perfectly cooked, nice and jammy inside. The broth was perrrrrrfect; rich in flavor but not heavy where I felt overly stuffed. The sweet and spicy chicken wings were great in flavor; it was both sweet and spicy as stated in the name. However, a part of me wished that the wings were a little more crispy/crunchy. Nonetheless, still enjoyed it very much. Gyoza was delicious, but I felt it wasn't hot and crispy upon arriving to us. Still, enjoyed. The cocktail Fujisan was soooooo dang refreshing. You can 100% taste the apple and ginger and it sincerely was the perfect cocktail after a night of drinking. The bartender, Cassandra explained that the ginger syrup is made from scratch, from ginger that they juice themselves. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. Service was great. Cassandra was bartending AND working cashier so although we waited a few for our cocktails, her personality and personal touch working her magic on those drinks really made the wait worth it. I wouldn't mind waiting again just to have to those drinks again. Everyone was hustling and it showed and brought a nice welcoming feel to the restaurant. Overall, this was probably my most favorite ramen experience that I've had thus far in my life. The ambience, the service, the food, the drinks.........10/10. I recommend and will definitely be returning.

Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Great ramen and cocktails! A friend and I came in on a Thursday afternoon for lunch and there was no wait. You order at the counter and sit down wherever you want. The interior and decor is so cool and love the open windows - outdoor seating as well. Both of us ordered the Tonkatsu ramen and shared the chicken karage. Broth of ramen was delicious and noodles were thicker. Chicken was juicy and perfectly crispy on the outside. We shared the "Fine Wind, Clear Day" cocktail - super delicious and refreshing! Would definitely return!

The vibes inside here are amazing. The coolest lighting and decor and neon lights I've ever seen in a ramen restaurant for sure! The food sadly wasn't as memorable as the vibe though. I went with my family while we were visiting San Diego. This location is located in Little Italy and the parking in the area is pretty sparse and tricky to find so keep that in mind if you're planning to drive. They have a lower level and upper level for seating. The upper level is a lot smaller and quieter and feels very tucked away from the rest of the restaurant. I think the servers forgot about us to be honest. I got the belly of the beast ramen because I really wanted to try the oxtail dumplings. They tasted good but wasn't anything special unfortunately. The ramen & broth were fine, not bad but tasted pretty standard to me. We also ordered the karage/Japanese fried chicken to share and it was very dry, so wouldn't recommend that. I will say the portions were very generous, even for the meat in the ramen. It's definitely enough for at least two meals! We left very full. Prices very reasonable for ramen!

The location of this restaurant is nice, right on the corner of the street; however, parking is a struggle. The ramen was mediocre. It has good flavor but doesn't have the japanese ramen authentic flavors.

My best friends and I came here on a weekday for dinner. I've been to the other location in north park and absolutely love eating there and enjoying the night. This is my first time at this location and the first time I opted for the bento box. The amount of kimchi they give you is so much it's comical. I still finished it though - it was delicious. The pork belly and the cucumber salad paired so well together. The service was so great, offering to get us a heater set up and getting us to go boxes when we were finished, even though this is more of a restaurant where you order your food, sit yourself and they bring it to your table. I expected to get my own to go boxes but they offered kindly. I think I'll continue to go to Underbelly but the north park location as I don't want to deal with parking here again, but I still loved coming here!

Vibes are on point! Really cool spot in Little Italy. Great music, good Service, chicken wings were fire!! Just hanging out for a date night and we decided to stop by Under Belly for quick drink. Turned out to be one of the best spots of the night! If you have never been here it's definitely worth checking out! There can be a long line at times but we just happened to make it when it was clear! Enjoy! :)

Great place! The woman who took our order was also the server and she was amazing! Great vibes and chill music. Cute little space with open air seating. Good was delicious. We both got the farmers market bowls and the sweet and spicy wings. Will def return.

There was only one other table dining when my family walked in on a Thursday around 5 pm. After placing our orders (2 Underbellies, 1 Belly of the Beast and 1 Chicken Confit, Sweet our Spicy Wings, Spicy Garlic Edamame) we chose to sit at one of three tables upstairs. Our server was awesome. Helpful for explaining our options and checking on us a couple times throughout our meal. It has a chill atmosphere and good music and I'm sure it would have been such a vibe if we came late at night. I don't have a ton of experience eating ramen (my kids always want it so I finally caved), but I enjoyed it along side an ice cold Sapporo. The broth was perfect for me. The wings were super crispy which was great but more sweet than spicy. The edamame had a good balance of garlic to spice.

Food was very good! We got the tonsuku ramen and the Japanese chicken. The guy cashier was very nice and friendly but on the other hand the waitress was very rude. She had curly dark hair and colorful tattoos. She was slamming stuff on her tray when cleaning up after the people next to us pissed off that they even asked her to clean the table nicely. I thanked her for my food twice very clearly even though she kind slammed it on our table and she looked at me and walked away. She probably was just having a bad night but don't take it out on us if you hate ur job lmao. Won't be back unfortunately

First time visitor. It was 10pm and was looking for a ramen place around the area. A small yet two story restaurant. Not yout typical ramen spot as it looks and feels like a club/restaurant with loud music, neon lights and alcohol. Was not really familiar with best food spots after 10pm but Yelp came thru and here we are: Service: Our party of 4 was greeted and seated promptly on the 2nd floor as the seats on the first floor were taken. They do have outside seating if wish to sit just outside the restaurant. You will need to pay first. Staff was friendly and the service was good. Order turnaround time was fast, around 15 mins or so. 5/5 stars Food: Our party ordered the Underbelly, Belly of the Beast ramen and Chicken Wings. The ramen was really good based off the feedback from my party. Pricing was very reasonable too. Chicken wings is chicken wings. I wasn't expecting much from this place but was honestly surprised that the ramen turned out well. 5/5 Overall: As I mentioned above, this is not your typical ramen place. I'm not sure though if it's different earlier in the day compared to late night, I assume so. With the lights and sounds, it's like a pseudo club which I don't think is bad at all. I just prefer going to quieter ramen spots. Tip: If you're drunk and want a ramen fix, stay on the first floor or outside seating. That narrow, spiral staircase leading to the second floor is an accident just waiting to happen. I'm not surprised if people have fallen in the past. No wonder no one sat upstairs during my visit =) And if you're wearing a short skirt, it's a peep show for those seated at the bottom.

My favorite ramen spot in San Diego! Service is fast and friendly. I always get the belly of the beast because it has oxtail dumplings. The beef gyoza are also delicious !

I've been to this location a few times before, a pretty convenient location in Little Italy with a cool vibe inside and added outdoor seating. This was my first time coming for lunch and it was not very crowded which gave us an option on where to sit. Note that you cannot make reservations here and Dinner time can get crowded and be prepared to wait. I ordered the underbelly ramen since I particularly like the adobo pork that is included. Overall this is pretty good ramen and they have a good selection of cocktails and sake. On this visit, my friend ordered a Japanese whiskey cocktail for me and while I cannot remember the name, it was tasty and perfect for the summer-like weather. Overall, a good place and is one of my go-to spots downtown when I'm craving ramen.

I never would have guessed that putting pulled pork in ramen would be such a revelation, but it's definitely one of the best meats I've ever had in a ramen. It gave the bowl a layer of flavor that was so completely...American, but in the best way possible! If I lived in this city, I'd be ordering it regularly. Plus, service was EXTREMELY fast. We got our food less than 5 min after ordering at the counter. Both the outdoor and indoor seating areas are creatively designed and have such a fun ambiance.

I have not dined in here for a while but I like their remodel ambience. I loveeeee their oxtail Potstickers!! It melts in your mouth. I'm usually not a big fan, but I can't stop getting their Ramen with oxtail potstickers. Belly of the beast or add on to any of the Ramens (3 for on $5). Unfortunately, no delivery option, but worth the walk or drive for take out. Of note, I am not impressed with their Japanese fried Chicken so get another appetizer.

The food at this downtown location (and the North Park location) is always fantastic. The pork belly broth (Tonkatsu) in the Underbelly Ramen is flavorful with just enough salt. I also love that they have sparkling water on tap (available without an additional charge). The wait staff are patient and fun! The bar at this location is very fun and picturesque. It's an excellent photo spot. I also like that they have seating upstairs.

This place was nice. Try the Belly of the Beast Ramen. We also had a Benton box Meat Eaters (hardly any meat but good). The Pork belly with white rice, and a cucumber salad fills and the 3 beef goyza was winner.

The employees were friendly and welcoming. The food was tasty and satisfying. We like the open air setting. Would most likely go again if we are in Downtown San Diego.

Perfect Sunday meal. Belly of the beast was perfeccttt, the short rib was everything and the ambiance was a vibe. We love this place! Awesome service.

My family and I saw this place as we were walking over to the farmers market. The host and waitress were friendly and kind. We ordered the Belly of the Beast Ramen and Karage chicken. The food came out pretty quick and both were tasty.

On a cold spring night, Underbelly came in clutch with decent food and being open late, the staff was nice because of the limited seating and line forming, but the ambiance felt like you were about to enter a nightclub with neon everywhere I got the Underbelly ramen that had char siu and adobo pulled pork in a tonkotsu broth, and the fried chicken bao. The broth could've used more flavor so I added in the togarashi spice and a little more salt, the char siu was good and tender, the pulled pork tasted dry and didn't really mix well with the rest of the ingredients The fried chicken bao was good, soft bun, crunchy and juicy chicken, creamy sauce made for an excellent bite Maybe the oxtail versions are better if this fusion spot, but not my favorite ramen spot, but I guess so far the best I've tried in SD

Really regular Asian food as it's a fusion and not that authentic. I got the beast ramen with pork and 2 oxtail dumplings. But the dumpling is like kind of bad as it's so mushy inside without much flavor. I couldn't eat it. The cucumber salad was refreshing!

While in San Diego my friends and I were looking for somewhere to eat before we went out for the night and i'm so glad we found this spot! The concept is super cool with the gorgeous ambiance of neon lighting and 2000's music in the background. We were a bit confused as to how it worked when we got there but we figured it out eventually. We ordered and paid with the host at the front by the bar then we were able to choose our own seats. the food was delicious and did not take long to come out. i ordered the meat eater's bento box and i didn't expect to like it was much as i did! the only change i would make is having a little more protein rather than three sides that felt larger than the main part of the meal. Overall all of us enjoyed our meal and next time we are in town we are excited to come back!

The Ramen here is easily some of the best I ever had. The broth and meat is so flavorful and didn't lack anything. They even offered extra seasonings for personal preference, which was a nice touch. The service here was amazing and paired really nicely with all of the decor. The music was very fitting and made the experience even better. 10/10 would recommend