8/10 (this location) | 9/10 overall How can you go wrong with Marugame Udon? Seriously. It's one of those spots that just hits every time. This location gets an 8/10 from me--still solid, still satisfying--but overall, the brand is easily a 9/10 because it's just sooooo good. If you're going for the first time (or even if you're not), do yourself a favor and get the beef or nikutama. The broth is rich, savory, and comforting, and the noodles have that perfect chewy texture that makes every bite worth it. It's simple food done really well. And don't skimp on the tempura. That's where people mess up. Load up your tray--shrimp, sweet potato, whatever catches your eye. It's crispy, fresh, and honestly half the experience. Quick, casual, and consistently delicious. Hard to miss here. read more

Marugame Udon - Togo bc it's good either way - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

I came here from Marin since I felt it was slightly closer than the San Francisco Stonestown location. Man I regret that decision. The location itself is super clean and nice. Street parking which wasn't hard to find is about $4 per hour. I was able to park literally right in front of the restaurant. Came on a Thursday around 2pm. We ordered: 1. Large Nakutama (cold): I've had this dish before a bunch of times and today the broth or meat had an odd taste to it. It almost tasted gamey like they meat was old or something. About 40 mins later I had a pretty bad stomach ache and had to use the restroom. Not sure if it was a coincidence or what. My wife had a small amount and agreed that there was an odd taste but she didn't have any stomach issues after eating it (but she also only had a small bite). 2. Large Shrimp BK: This was alright. The noodles were significantly overcooked and bloated. Not sure how that happened since they looked like they were freshly making it. The shrimp tempura was good though. 3. Tempura Pumpkin, potato Croque, Sweet potato and Crab: Honestly the tempura was the best item on the menu. I really liked the Pumpkin and imitation crab while my wife liked the sweet potato the most. Overall food quality probably 2/5 stars. The only saving grace for this location was the guy running the register who was awesome and super nice and funny. He was running around the restaurant helping out making the dishes and running the register. 5 stars for service. Location is also really nice and clean. Just very disappointed with the food quality. read more

Today I ordered the $5.99 Kake Udon + $1.99 Tamagoyaki as part of the "Eat Under $10 Tempura Promo." The broth temperature was just right, perfect for slurping the soup. However, the tamagoyaki was lukewarm, like it had been sitting on the counter for a while. I wish it had been hot and a little crispy. Yesterday I was at Marugame Udon in San Francisco, so I could compare the Berkeley location versus the San Francisco location. The Berkeley broth tasted much better, and the temperature was just right. The bill came to $8.80 total, which really matches what Marugame advertises with the Eat Under $10 Tempura Promo. I will definitely come back for the Eat Under $10 deal, but next time I'll try a different tempura. read more

See all

Big restaurant with lots of seating and quick service! Marugame Udon is always a solid place to get good and cheap udon, Berkeley branch had no wait on a weekday. Food is great as usual. Will come again. read more

See all

There are over a thousand locations of this familiar chain worldwide, and I remember how the Waikiki restaurant in Honolulu looked like a crowded temple of worship for native noodle lovers. I could see how this particular location would be a big draw for hungry Cal students because the prices don't break the bank. Jamie W and I decided to come here after the gym because we figured we could afford the extra carbs. We're delusional that way. It's quite a huge space in here, and ordering à la carte was quite a coordination effort, especially if you're trying to dodge instant gluttony. After some hemming and hawing, I started with the cold $5.99 BK Udon Bowl with tempura flakes, sliced green onions, minced ginger, and an ample slice of chashu. I had them add the $1.99 Seasoned Soft Boiled Egg Half (Photo 8). I also went for the $2.99 Steamed Vegetables to offset the carbs (Photo 7). The result was probably enough of a meal, but of course, I had to peruse the tempura parade. I went for the $2.29 Shrimp, the $2.29 Potato Croquette, and the $1.99 Zucchini Slice (Photo 9). I thought I may have overdone it until I saw a young skinny Asian girl carry a huge pile of tempura on top of her udon bowl. I guess hungry students know a good deal when they see one. Too bad they don't have Ozempic tempura. Gurrrl, you gonna eat all that? FOOD - 3 stars...fresh udon, the rest is passable AMBIANCE - 4 stars...spacious in here SERVICE - 3 stars...not much on guidance TOTAL - 3 stars...you like tempura? RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's my collection of places l've patronized and reviewed: https://yelp.to/FAuydPsGO4 read more

See all

The best thing about Berkeley that all the foodie spots in downtown walking distance from any point staying in downtown. Over weekend cousin wedding we all meet lunch at Marugame Udon. It was the first time for me. My cousins all been before reason picked it. They are known for fresh Udon noodles made daily. Definitely can tell fresh not pre made. It open kitchen almost cafeteria style. Once pick menu item. She puts flavor broth choose in bowl then choice noodles nice hot, and proteins also toppings. It built right in front of u. Cool. U get bowl (also serve rice style bowls) also fried sides tempura more individual add on if u want as side or app. Next assortment of bottle drinks iced down if want or fountain machine as option. U pay cashier at the end of the line. I got curry based Udon. It was really good. I loved the curry and noodles were very legit. I got the big bowl. Surprise but that was lot of food. I like the interior very much Japanese vibe. It open seating u find spot sit. The staff friendly and awesome. Great spot for tasty bowl of Udon noodles! read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

First time at this location and it's just as tasty as my usual haunt. The Bk just hits the spot, it's so flavorful and they perfect amount of food. This was the first time I was ever asked if I wanted it hot or cold, I've only ever had it hot. They even offered to remake it if I wanted to try it cold instead but I wanted a hot soup. Will have to come back to try it cold! Got my usual pumpkin and sweet potato tempura. Don't sleep on the tempura sauce, those little containers aren't big enough so I just grab one of the big paper cups. I could drink that sauce. Street parking only but both my friend and I got spots right next to the entrance without issue. read more

Marugame Udon - Regular BK, sweet potato and pumpkin tempura with tempura sauce - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

If you want a simple but comforting bowl of Udon, this is the place. I would rate 3.5 stars if I could; the food is yummy, but the prices have steadily increased. Still a very decent spot for udon. I recently tried the new tomato curry udon, and it was quite delicious; I would recommend it. 8/10 - tomatoey slightly spicy Japanese curry, bouncy noodles, with some melted cheese; the katsu is a bit dry tho read more

Marugame Udon - Cheese Katsu Tomatama Curry Rice - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Not the same I remembered it to be. I prefer the new Alameda location to this one. The curry nikutama didn't quite hit the same here. However, I would say Marugame is still a good option in the area. The dining area is spacious and great for small groups. read more

See all

The atmosphere is very lively! Great place to eat solo or with friends. Like a huge cafeteria. I ordered the number 2, creamy broth. The broth, egg and udon tasted great!! However, I was disappointed by the charsiu, it was too sweet. The fireball chili paste was an extra $0.75 (which I did not know) and it added some fun heat but I would not get it again. The shrimp tempura was crispy and tasted fresh but the yam tempura was sooooo dry. It was hard to swallow even after dipping it in the broth. Felt like I was eating a boiled egg yolk. Also, the tempura sauce was so sweet, I did not enjoy it. There was also lots of small flies near the tempura sauce station. I believe they're attracted to the sugary taste of the tempura sauce. Very off putting watching all those flies. When I was paying, the cashier inputted my order then he started chatting with another worker and took a while to get the payment screen up. I was surprised he was still chatting with a worker even though I was standing there waiting to pay. read more

Marugame Udon - #2. Creamy broth - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Marugame is a popular udon chain in the US with fast service and serving delicious udon bowls! Marugame Udon operates through a cafeteria-like format where you pick your udon flavor of choice, get asked if you want green onions and/or tempura flakes in your bowl, and then slide your bowl down the metal railings to pick up any additional tempura sides. After that, you pay at the counter with your completed bowl and you pick where you want to sit in the restaurant. They have a series of different udon types to choose from. My favorite is their Cold Nikutama which is a bowl with udon, simmered onion beef, savory sauce, and a silky soft boiled egg on top. I like to get my bowl Sakuna Style (meaning I ask them to add both green onions and tempura flakes when offered). The tempura/sides bar includes a large variety options including shrimp, sweet potato, and an assortment of other vegetables. They're all kept under heat lamps to guarantee warmth, and the prices for each side is clearly listed. Since it's cafeteria style, the service is always fast and efficient. Ambiance-wise, the restaurant has nice decor and plenty of space. I'd say it has become pricier over the years, but it remains a good fast bowl of noodles and soup. Great spot I'd recommend anyone to check out! read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Good experience, fresh food! Would definitely come here again, especially on a cold day.

This is like the fast food of udon/noodles, and it does a very good job of that. The broths are consistently good and cheap. The kitsune is $10 regular, and there are frequently plain/special soups for around 6-8$. The tempura and add-ons are alright but nothing special. I'd only recommend adding an egg or getting a flavorful broth such as curry. I will say one downside is that other locations of this chain have free teas included with the meal, and this one does not. The workers are very nice here though and occasionally apply discounts to your meal. read more

Good spot for a quick and casual meal in Berkeley. I dropped by for lunch on a Saturday around 2 pm and it wasn't crowded at all. This location is massive and has a ton of both outdoor and indoor seating. It was a hot day outside, so they had AC on full blast. I've been to the Marugame in SF, so I knew what to expect. They make your bowl in front of you super quickly as everything is already cooked. I got the creamy broth (tonkotsu) udon for $13.55 and added one piece of shrimp tempura for $2.29. I was tempted to get some more fried items, since everything looked so good, but ultimately limited myself to just the shrimp as I wasn't super hungry. I really enjoyed my bowl of udon noodles. The tonkotsu broth was creamy, the chashu tender, and I loved the crunchy fried bits you can add for free. Marugame is great for a casual meal whether you're dining alone or with a group! Perhaps half the customers were eating on their own here, so it's very friendly for all group sizes. read more

See all

We didn't realize that, but this place is more a fast food set up instead of a full sit down restaurant. Once you enter, you get to the serving line and order your noodles. You can order it plain with no topping if you prefer to get the tempura, or one of their offerings with flavored broth and toppings. I tried the tonkotsu udon, which has the char-siu and egg in a rich creamy broth just like your regular bowl of ramen, and doesn't pale in comparison either. My husband got the curry beef udon and totally enjoyed his. We love thick chewy noodles and this really hit the spot on a slightly cool day. We also tried a few of the tempura veggies, which were somewhat mediocre. The batter was really meh, not lacey and light like the better places, and the sweet potato itself was dense and hard. They have bottled drinks before check out, but there's a water fountain if you prefer to skip some plastic. Also, a minor thing but I wish they don't put the shichimi tougarashi in a big industrial ketchup bottle. One squeeze and I got five times what I need. Feel bad about all the waste but using a spice bottle with holes on lid would have made a lot more sense. read more

See all

Came here with my brother on the 4th of July and it was pretty quiet inside with only a couple of other customers. The two staff members working were friendly and welcoming, and the place looked clean and well kept. They have a gender neutral bathroom and the usual self serve setup for water, sauces, and utensils. You can also use the kiosk near the entrance if you want to order takeout, which is a nice option. I usually go to the Marugame at Stonestown Galleria since it has been my go to for something quick, easy, and consistent. This time I ordered my usual large Nikutama. It looked the way it normally does, but the taste was off. The BK sauce they were using that day had a strange flavor that made me feel nauseous after just a few bites. The noodles were also not great. They were soggy and broke apart too easily when I tried to pick them up with chopsticks. I also grabbed a tamagoyaki which tasted like it had been sitting out too long. It was dry and chewy and clearly not fresh. I ended up leaving most of the food. The one thing that stood out in a good way was the Big Chicken. It was freshly made, crispy, and definitely lived up to the name in size. That was the only thing that felt like the Marugame quality I am used to. Overall, this visit was a bit of a letdown. The food just was not as good as what I normally get at the Stonestown location. Next time I am craving udon, I will probably just stick with that one instead. read more

Marugame Udon - Large Nikutama - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

I used to love this Marugame location when they first opened a few years back, but I was very disappointed by my latest visit. The noodles tasted both undercooked and overcooked at the same time. The broth and toppings were lukewarm. The dining space is generally messy due to the quick turnaround rate, which is not very pleasant. I would much rather travel further to get good udon than to dine here again. read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Marugame never disappoints! Came on a Sunday evening and it wasn't crowded and lots of seating. Food was prepared quickly and was fresh and delicious! Great to come with a group of friends or colleagues. read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

We arrived for dinner at 6:15pm on Friday and the restaurant was quite busy. Fortunately, we got a street parking nearby the restaurant. The service was good and prompt. My only complaint was that they need to clean the table as it was very sticky. - Nikutama udon: the udon was perfectly cooked and chewy. The beef slices were the best! They were tender, sweet, and in good portion. The poached egg was good too to be mixed with the dish. The tempura crumble gave a crunchy texture to the dish - Chicken katsu curry: the portion was quite generous. The chicken katsu had crispy coating and tender meat. The curry sauce was just okay & nothing special. - Sides: tamago tempura & shrimp tempura were crispy and good. read more

See all

Marugame just hits the spot in cold weather. The other day I tried the beef tomatama curry udon, which has tomatoes! I thought it was a flavorful dish, not overly salty. I usually don't really finish the broth/soup when eating udon or ramen but my bowl ended up completely clean at the end of the meal. read more

Marugame Udon - Tomatama Curry - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Food 10/10 loved the udon they were so fresh! You order at the counter and the menu is a little hard to understand so take your time and ask questions! Ambiance- tons of places to seat and it's cute! read more

Marugame Udon - Chicken Katsu Curry and vegan soy one - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

My friend and I came here on a weekday between lunch & dinner time and there was barely anybody there. I got the creamy broth with zucchini tempura. It was good. read more

Marugame Udon - creamy broth & zucchini - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

If you had Marugame in any of their other locations and enjoyed the food. This location will not disappoint. Lots of seating and close to the University. read more

Amazing, creamy broth is so soothing on a cold rainy day! Absolutely loved. Calamari-ade is soooo sooo good read more

Marugame Udon - Chicken Katsu Curry, Creamy Broth with Shrimp Tempura - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

First time at Marugame Udon in Berkeley and I'm seriously impressed. We are visiting from out of town and decided to stop by, so glad we did. The udon was fresh, perfectly chewy, and full of flavor, and the tempura was crispy without being heavy. The ordering process was quick and the staff were friendly and efficient. Everything felt high quality and comforting. I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm in town. Highly recommend! read more

Very impressed with the service here. The worker at the station made a mistake with my friend's order and the guy at the cash station took his word for it. I've had the two Marugame locations in Honolulu, only trying the nikutama, and I think they taste the exact same. Only difference is that this place gives a bit less beef and some noodles aren't the right shape. It wasn't too busy at 7:30 on a Tuesday, the cafeteria style allows for a lot of seating and quick eats. read more

See all

Had the creamy broth udon (around $15) for dinner, which came with a whole soft boiled egg and chashu (and optional tempura flakes and green onions). Broth was flavorful and comforting on a cool night. The chashu didn't look like the picture on the menu and was very fatty, which was a little disappointing. Staff were very friendly and answered questions about the menu. You order your entree, which is given on a tray. You slide it down metal railings like a cafeteria. You can pick up sides under heat lamps (like tempura) and drinks before reaching the cashier. Everything after that--utensils, water, disposal--is self-serve. Lots of tables inside (and outside), so don't stress about waiting for or looking for a seat. read more

Marugame Udon - Creamy broth udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

the deal for the $10 under bowl of udon is such a steal. hungry hungry college student here! i had marugame too many times and i know when it's good and when it's not. this place lands on good, so yay! they had tempura of all kinds readily available so im glad they're on top of it. i had a large kake udon and the simplicity will always comfort me. the noodles had a good shape and was not too flimsy. for a quick and dependable noodle spot, im glad to have tried marugame in the bay :D read more

Marugame Udon is located on Shattuck near the Berk campus and is a perfect spot for college students. Great value for ample portions. I've been to this location before and always thought it was pretty good, but my last visit left room for improvement. I love to watch fresh udon noodles being made and appreciate that Marugame lets their patrons view the noodle making process. I ordered the Nikutama in BK Sauce (served with the Sweet Beef and Soft Boiled Egg). Unfortunately this bowl didn't feel like the same quality I've had before from here. I felt the dish was a bit too overly sweet - unfortunately didn't provide the same comfort I was looking for with a bowl of broth/udon to satisfy those cozy feels on a rainy day. While I like the spontaneity of the tempura being grab & pay, some veggies were both soggy and dry, which I felt was also a miss. Service is quick and efficient though and this spot has plenty of room for gatherings and a stroller :) All in all, there are a few other spots in the area I will have my next bowl of udon, but hoping this was just an off day. I will prob also switch my order around for the next go-around to try something that might hit home better. read more

Marugame Udon - Nikutama, Gyoza, Tempura - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Udon is fresh, literally watching the noodles being made. The day we were there, service was very slow, seemed short staffed. We enjoyed the food. Dining room was very clean. read more

See all

Very clean, spacious! Plenty of tables/seats to eat at. Very flavorful broth/sauce, you really cannot go wrong with any of the dishes they served. Tempura is self-served. It was okay... it was a little too oily for my liking. read more

Loved the place, was there for the first time. I really liked the noodles, they are handmade. Will be visiting this place again read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Lunch on my own without dining companions. Downtown Berkeley version of a Japanese cafeteria. They assembled my teriyaki chicken katsu from premade ingredients kept hot. The tempura bar is serve yourself with per piece prices clearly listed. The best part is getting to enjoy a beautiful day on their patio out front. Device at the counter was prompt and courteous. Not a bad choice for a leisurely meal. read more

Marugame Udon - Teriyaki chicken katsu - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

It's been two years since I've had Marugame Udon. Last time was at the Hawaii location. I was excited to come here again. Came here on a Thursday afternoon and it wasn't too crowded. Ordering was a bit like cafeteria style. I wanted to switch it up and try one of their rice bowls. I ordered the Chicken Katsu one. They topped it off graciously with a lot of tempura flakes and green onion. I thought the chicken was underwhelmind, and it was just a lot of sauce blended with the rice. read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Food was good standard marugame udon. On a Saturday it was pretty empty and there was a lot of seating and you order and in line and pick up food right away and pay. You can watch as they make the udon and broth fresh. read more

Surprised to see this low rating, perhaps we're spoiled in the Bay with good Japanese food options. Udon noodles are made to order and consistently cooked to perfection, never overcooked, always wonderfully chewy. I always get the number one and say yes to green onions and tempura flakes on top. I love the shrimp tempura. Cafeteria style means that it's always easy to get a table as people finish up quickly. Used to have to fly to Hawaii for this! So great to have this local option and also one in Alameda. read more

Server gave me a free sticker!! And the tomatama udon was really good! Would totally recommend! read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Berkeley, California

I ordered the BK udon with a side of the sweet beef, charsui, bean sprouts, shrimp tempura, chicken katsu, and croquette. I found the broth not flavorful at all. Unfortunately I felt that a packaged udon broth tasted better. Maybe I need to try another broth. The udon noodles was thick and good in texture. The fried items were also good since it was still crispy and hot when I got it. These were the only good I had from my meal. read more

At long last a place, a place I can actually rave about! Marugame Udon is the place for one's craving for udon noodle soup. They also have Gyudon, a beef and onion rice bowl. Now there is a dish that brings me back for more to Marugame Udon. Beef and onions cooked in broth topped with scallions aka green onions over rice. I have had the udon soup bowls when the place opened pre-pandemic. There is the Creamy Broth, creamy chicken broth, top with juicy pork chashu, and a flavored seasoned egg. It was the first bowl I tried and won me over. Another one I like is the Nikutama, savory, simmered, beef, sweet onions, and a silky soft boiled egg. I would call this one the fraternal twin of the gyudon bowl. Oh, there is a triplet beef bowl! It is the Beef bowl. The beef and onions are cooked in their freshly simmered broth, it is crafted daily in their kitchen. They have an assortment of tempura dishes. Shrimp, sweet potato, zucchini, and other assorted tempura vegetables. Along with shrimp tempura. I think Marugame Udon has something for everyone, especially for udon soup lovers. It is located near UC Berkeley and close to beautiful Downtown Berkeley. I see UC Berkeley students and staff, amongst other clientele. Highly recommend Marugame Udon! And since Marugame Idon is located in a UC Berkeley campus building, there is free visitor wi-fi access. Domo! read more

The broth is so good! I like their beef udon, I usually ask for corn on mine and they give a lot of corn. The drinks are tasty as well! There is usually a line but if you come before the lunch rush, it'll be quick! There is a lot of seating and the staff are so patient and kind. You clean up yourself and put the tray back to its respectful area. read more