It's a bit chill today so who is craving for an udon on Thursday like me?? Highlights of the menu: 1. Tonkotsu udon: with tonkotsu, crumps and boiled egg 2. Nikutama udon: topped with savory beef and hot spring egg 3. Tempura: shrimp, sweet potato, crab meat 4. Ginger berry oolong tea Yummy udon located inside South Coast Plaza! The soup base is on point, meat is tendered, tempura is fried and kept warm when served that still keeps the moist inside. I especially love the eggs here, they are cooked at perfect temperature. Such a great location and super yummy udon. I love the long bar area where you can see the fresh tempura and pick them for your meal! For the udons, you can order them from the menu when seated at the table. There was a very long line when it was opened and when I went. But it doesn't keep me away from eating Marugame Ramen!! read more

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We came here for an early lunch on a Tuesday and there was a very short line and plenty of tables open. It did get busier when we left an hour later. Anyway, good selection. We got the regular size Tonkatsu Udon and Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl. Both were well flavored and portioned. We also got a fried zucchini and a potato croquette. The zucchini was good but the croquette was a little bland The self serve tempura sauce helped. We were hungry coming in and well satisfied leaving. I liked this style of serving where it's cafeteria style and casual dining. Fast, efficient, and convenient. For mall food, we were happy with the quality of the food and that for these days, our meal was reasonably priced. I rarely come to this mall but I hope this place is still here the next time I come. read more

Marugame Udon - Chicken Katsu Curry and Potato Croquette - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Came back for a second time because we happened to be passing by and still amazing!! I got the Tan Tan and my boyfriend got the beef. I didn't know the Tan Tan was a vegetarian option, but it was delicious and creamy! Beef was also good and had a smooth taste. He did say he preferred the Nikatuma he got last time. The tempura was so crispy and crunchy and the sweet potato one reminds me of my childhood. We got here around 12pm on a Sunday and waited like 50 minutes. Always worth the wait. I'm always surprised at how there's always seating available with how busy it is. Also! When it gets super busy, please be aware of the waiting line. The line is split into three different areas, so it starts at the front of the restaurant, then to the wall where the escalator is and then to the wall that is near next to Forever 21. It's always so funny seeing people's reactions when they see where the line actually ends, but please keep this in mind so that people don't think you're trying to cut! read more

Marugame Udon - Tonkonsu Udon - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Finally got to try it after all these years. There wasn't a line when we went. The menu is straightforward. It's easy to over order because you can add other items on top of the main dish. I had the Nikutama, it was really delicious, even though the broth was a little salty. The udon was the perfectly cooked. Loved the sweetness of the beef and the poached egg. My friends had the Curry Nikutama and they said the curry was too overpowering. Will ask for the curry on the side next time. Towards the end of our meal, we noticed the line to build up. One of their staff took my tray as soon as I took my last bite. I was literally still chewing my food when he took it away, which caught me by surprise. I understand that they want the tables to be ready for the next customers right away but he could've waited 30 seconds longer until I swallowed the food and wiped my mouth, which would mean that I'm done. read more

Marugame Udon - Menu August 2022 - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I've order to go multiple times and did again last night and it was the worse! I had missing items that was clearly requested on my receipt (no green onions, no spoon, no tempera flakes). Ordered a large BK and the sauce was only enough for a reg order. Ordered 2 big chicken katsu and one was the size of a nugget. How can you even serve that to a customer? Where is the lead or manager checking on the quality of the to go orders? I filled out a survey they sent me and all they could say was sorry, will talk to management...seriously? It was a lot better when they first opened, before management changed. I'm very dissatisfied and disappointed. read more

Marugame Udon - Receipt of order - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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My first time trying Marugame! Went around 3:45pm on a Saturday and there was a already a fairly long line, we got our food and found a place to sit by about 4:10 so the line moved pretty fast. You wait in line and then order your dish and they put it together for you, and then you get to choose from a variety of sides that you can add to your meal. I tried the Nikutama - delicious!! Has beef and a an egg, I do wish it came with more broth but it was really good. I got all 3 toppings and ordered a side of fireball (spicy paste). They have a spicy pepper you can put on yourself which is also pretty spicy so I think you can save yourself 50 cents if you're looking to spice up your dish. I added a shrimp and mushroom tempura, both great! My boyfriend got the big katsu, I definitely recommend this! It was huge! Put katsu sauce and the spicy pepper on it, yumm! They have self serve tempura sauce at the end so don't forgot that. We also tried the tonkatsu, I had a hard time deciding which one I liked best. It had a good little spice kick on its own, but it did come with a hard boiled instead of soft boiled egg. The flavor was bold and tasty though. If you like noodles then this is the place for you! My only warning, make sure you slowly/carefully eat your noodles or they will splash broth back at you like they did to me.. whoops. I will still be coming back though! read more

Marugame Udon - Tonkatsu with big katsu side - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Always good everytime we visit! Me and my hubby's favorite restaurant and also when we shop at South Coast! We're always indecisive between DTF or Marugame, but somehow always gravitate to Marugame because we're always craving it. It's so hard to change my order because I love the nikutama so much The service is great and we're in and out of the restaurant in less than an hour! We love marugame read more

Solid spot for Udon with lots of different flavors and soup bases. This location also has a few rice bowls to order from. The tempura and fried food section is usually spot on - tasty, hot, and delicious! I recommend trying to get here a few minutes before 11AM (when they open) on a weekend to avoid a long line, but the line moves quick nevertheless. I've tried the kitsune (sweet fried tofu) tonkatsu, and curry udon, all of which were really good! Wish they had a traditional soda machine though! read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Always family favorite of authentic Japanese udon for super affordable price. They make fresh noodles and we always get kake and tantan vegetarian choices as well. read more

Been here countless times and it hits every single time. Always seems to be a line, but it moves super quick. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the udon selections. The udon is made right in front of you so you know it's legit. They have a great selection of tempura and my fave is the chicken, croquette or zucchini. Service always great and friendly. Perfect meal to end the day after shopping all day. read more

Marugame Udon - Tonkotsu - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

So delicious! Service was super friendly and the serving portions are generous. Really nice ambiance :)

Best udon I have had in SoCal! I love their curry nikutama and the service was great! I would definitely come back again!

Not the best spot to bring a big group to, but if you can snag a table inside for a smaller group, I think it's well-worth the wait. I always get the curry beef udon, and it's delicious everytime. I like that their curry base isn't super super sweet (given that their beef is on the sweeter side). I love to get some tempura on the side because it's always fresh, hot, and crispy. read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I love marugame with all my heart. On a cold fall day, I want nothing more than their beef kake udon. Thick, soft, and chewy noodles paired with the most aromatic yet subtle broth. Their shrimp tempuras are also always an add on I get because it's freshly fried right in-front of you! The quality has been very consistent, I never had a bad dining experience here ever since this location opened up. FYI I think the Costa Mesa location taste exactly like the one in Honolulu, so if you're in the area, you can save an airplane ticket and a 2 hour wait. read more

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Tonkotsu Udon Overall: 4/5 Broth: 4/5 Tonkotsu: 3/5 Noodle texture: 4/5 Cost: $13.31 This location tastes like every other Marugame location, which is good. The broth was rich in umami flavor and didn't leave an oily mouthfeel. The tonkotsu was slightly dry, but when it's sitting in the broth, it's okay. The noddles were bouncy and chewy, made fresh in store. This was a good bowl of udon and satisfied my soup craving. Quick service, but limited seating. read more

Marugame Udon - Tonkotsu - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Marugame udon has developed a great way to get some delicious udon using a pick and serve style similar to panda express. 1- Marugame is still reflecting and respecting covid safety. They do not require masks but allow customers to use their preferences. Though I'm not a fan of South coast plaza I can say this restaurant had an amazing environment to it. You have this vibe of cultural influence that kinda took you out of the mall so it was pretty awesome 2- the service is pretty quick and to the point. They have a line method of picking your udon and broth type, adding extras, picking up some tempura (be careful with this one lol.. they do not list the pricing of the tempura and it all is delicious lol) the team making and placing the food were all awesome. SIDE NOTE: be sure to place the tongs back in the clamp they were in. Some people were just putting them all over the place and the cooks asked if they could start putting them where they belonged. 3- I got their curry udon... I usually go for tonkatsu but I had never had curry udon... I chose well... it was delicious!! I also got some of the tempura and dipped it in the curry broth and it was delicious. The tempura was great and overall me and my friends were just extremely satisfied. I don't have many reasons to go to South coast plaza but if I ever get a craving for undon.. this will be one of the first places I think about. read more

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I always love this place . After eating, you can go for a walk and shop, This is my fifth times come back . read more

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This is a place that I've experienced over the last 20 years! This is the first time I've been to this location at South Coast Plaza, but I'm very familiar with the location out in Hawaii. Alternately, they are essentially the same but different if you know what I mean. I do still love the fact that the udon is made in house! It still carries that same unique smell that only comes with this place. The service here was what you would expect nothing out of the ordinary. It does seem a little bit cramped without feeling cramped. Maybe because it is inside of South Coast Plaza and it's a very, very busy all the time. I definitely suggest eating here on half hours. But as far as the food, it is always good! read more

Buffet-style tempura with self-serve sauce! The line can get long, so I would come before or after the lunch rush. I am not a big udon person and prefer thin noodles. But the broth and other components of the soup have always been good, and the service is efficient. The vibe is casual but can also be a little loud and noisy. But that's expected for a place in the mall. read more

Always hits the spot! I got the Chicken Teriyaki with Udon and it was phenomenal The zucchini tempura in my personal favorite!! I also tried the calamansi soda for the first time and it paired super well with the udon!! read more

Marugame Udon - Chicken Teriyaki Udon Tempura Matcha Latte Calamansi Soda - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Why wouldn't I give 5 stars to this place? I even changed my Yelp profile picture of me eating here! Fresh udon made in front of your eyes while you stand in line. Yes, I know the line seems aggressively long when it wraps all the way around the wall by Forever 21, but honestly it moves fast and it's relatively organized. The great part is that you get your food immediate when you get to the front and you're eating! I get the curry nikutama udon...hearty Japanese curry with delicious and tender beef married with carnalized onion with a perfectly cooked running yolk egg. The udon is freshly rolled, cut, boiled and served. As for the sides, I usually get a couple shrimp tempura or sweet potatoes, but to be perfectly honest this would be the only thing I would knock on this place. The tempura here is mediocre at best. However, the udon here is so good, it's still a 5 star in my mind! Yes, come here and wait in line. It's worth it. Or not, because you'll make the line longer for me... read more

The food was amazing I will Dude it'll come back!. The service is amazing ass well eveyone is nice and I love how they told cheers in Japanese ‍ read more

My husband and I went here and I ordered the Curry Nikutama and he ordered the Nikutama. We both agreed that we like the Nikutama flavor more, but hey, to each their own. We also made the mistake of ordering the large size and it was way too much food, for both of us. Next time, we'll definitely order the regular size. The egg was unfortunately a little too underdone. I like soft boiled but this was just plain raw. The tempura sides were amazing. So light and delicious. We went at 7pm on a Wednesday and the wait wasn't too long. It moved fast. I think it took us about 10-15 minutes before we got our food. I will definitely be back. The restaurant is located inside the mall, near the Carousel; across from Uniqlo and Bath and Body Works. Pro tip: If you over-ordered like we did, fear not! They have to go containers. The udon actually reheats pretty well the next day. read more

Marugame Udon - Curry Nikutama + shrimp tempura + squid tempura - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

So yummy and filling! Haven't been back to this location since their early days. Happy to see that the long lines have shortened significantly! We were able to get in line, get our food, and get seated ready to eat in around 10 minutes. Super efficient system they have going on. Their udon is simply scrumptious! My go-to is the Nikutama. Everything is super flavorful and their portions feel like they've gotten more generous. Only thing is that I wish they gave us more broth... read more

Marugame Udon - Nikutama - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Udon was on point. I think the curry udon is a must. Also had gyoza which was alright but nothing special. The cafeteria style restaurant is fast and convenient. Giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because one of the employees squirted the cleaning spray on the table next to us and the mist went into our water. Smh. read more

Marugame Udon - Tan tan ramen - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Came on a Tuesday for lunch. FOOD We got the (6) nikutama and (7) curry udon. The curry was drowned in pepper because I like it spicy. We got some tempura too! The sweet potato and shrimp are my favorite, but the potato croquette wasn't too great because it was cold. It tasted better when we paired it with the curry udon. LOCATION This is located inside South Coast Plaza by Forever 21 and Uniqlo. It is quite small inside and has limited seating, but it's not a huge issue. SERVICE This is served cafeteria style. You order it at the window and go down the line with your tray adding tempura and side dishes. You pay at the end before finding a seat. What's great about this location is that a worker helps you find a seat so that you're not left walking around waiting for a table. I have been here while it's busy before, and I don't believe it's worth it if you have to wait longer than 30 minutes to get to the window. This place is also not great for large parties because it is so small. They have several locations (including one in Sawtelle if you're deep in LA) read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Every single part of this place was downright atrocious. Every question I asked was met with some pathetic "uhhhhh" or "hmmmmmmm" like no one had the slightest clue what they were doing. The staff looked completely lost. The atmosphere? Horrendous. Crowded, chaotic, zero organization--just a mess from the moment you walk in. Then comes the food. I paid $66 for two bowls of straight-up slop. And I'm not exaggerating--neither of us could even force ourselves to finish it. It wasn't remotely close to what we expected. We walked in thinking we'd get a normal udon dish, but instead we were served something wildly salty, borderline inedible, and absolutely unappetizing in every way. This place is a joke. I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy, and I'm definitely never stepping foot in there again. read more

This was my first time coming here. The tan tan udon was good for me and I was hoping it would have a little more kick to it. The shrimp tempura was delicious. The potato croquettes were alright. The chicken katsu was good along with their sauce. The service was good, but there was a long line for a wait. The restaurant is nice, clean, and spacious. The table was too wobbly. I would come back here again to give it another try. read more

Marugame Udon - Tan tan, Potato Croquette, Shrimp Tempura, mushroom, and chicken katsu - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Staff: Very nice with most of the staff wearing masks and gloves. Even had a person walk around and ask how everything was. Impressive! Quality/Quantity: We got the tonkotsu udon. It was spicy, flavorful, fresh, and "Oishii ". Also, got beef udon which was tasty. The beef was very thinly sliced like the meat at Yoshinoya but way better tasting. However, the beef as tasty as it was somewhat overpowered the Udon broth, which made the dish a bit heavy and greasy. I think I will try the traditional Kitsune udon next time. Lastly we had korokke which was good but the shrimp tempura which was on point. Very traditional Japanese taste. But wait there's more. Tried the tamago tempura which was not our favorite. It was a nice attempt but not as good as I thought it would be. Value: It was a tad high but with fresh noodles it was really worth it. Overall: Definitely worth the hype. The udon is very fresh and tastes homemade. Popular place for a good reason. read more

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I've always wanted to try this place but my husband is not much of a noodle person. So I came with the next best person .... My daughter. They make their noodles fresh and you can actually watch them make it as you stand in line to order your food. My daughter ordered the tonkotsu udon with cha siu pork and I ordered the chicken katsu with white rice. I know.... Ordering rice at a noodle house, what was I thinking ??? But it was equally delicious just the same!!! You can also order from their tempura bar by the piece and it definitely topped off the main entree perfectly! Atmosphere is casual and is meant for a quick bite and not a place to have a 2-3 hour catch up session with friends, but if you are looking for a quick bite while shopping at the mall this is a great place! read more

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Good service. Consisting quality. Can't go wrong. Love marugame udon. Had one in south coast plaza and in Waikiki and both are quick, delicious and satisfying read more

The food and service is all amazing! Steady flow of people always coming in and out because of how good it is. If you're looking for a quick but filling bite, this is your place :) read more

I was so happy when I found they had this place in Costa Mesa because I was only familiar with the one in Los Angeles. It is normal to have the line out the door but it usually goes by fast. We also got lucky to quickly get a table for 4. They have a lot of options for food and sides and everything was really good. They also have workers who come to your table to pick up your tray when you are done eating which is nice. Complementary water, sauces, spices and to-go boxes can be found on a counter by the side so you don't have to ask. read more

Marugame Udon - Menu - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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A family favorite! We come here often and love the quality, price, and even though there's a line the wait isn't too bad. We usually go right before opening (maybe 15 mins before) and are first in line. The sweet beef udon is chefs kiss! We get a large to feed two kids and a large for me and the hubby and that is usually enough! read more

My curry udon was delicious! The chicken was consistently crunchy, even after many minutes of sitting in the sauce. I would definitely recommend it! read more

Marugame Udon is a franchise I've been a fan of for a few years now. I was witness to the openings of both Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco as well as the opening for South Coast Plaza. I work at South Coast Plaza directly across from the restaurant. I come in from time to time, ordering Gyudon with a side of curry sauce as I like to mix them together. I've always had a wonderful experience every time I've eaten there and am proud to give the restaurant my business. Highly recommend for Udon and Rice Bowl lovers alike! read more

Just as great as it's original Hawaiian location. Only thing similar to this in Orange County is Sanuki at Mitsuwa Marketplace. But you can sense the elevated quality here at Marugame. I get the #6 Nikutama. It's Udon noodles in a broth with beef and egg. The Udon noodles are made from scratch. The Kake sauce is robust. The sweet beef is tender and flavorful. They also have a variety of tempura you can add to your dish. The shrimp and the sweet potato are great. The mushrooms and the chicken are alright. There's often a long line and a wait. But if you go around 3pm or 4pm, it's not too busy. read more

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I love udon noodles! Looking for a quick bite. Marugame has a cafeteria style system. We ordered the beef udon (#8). After grabbing our bowl, we can choose a variety of tempura. We stuck with a shrimp and pumpkin tempura. Sauces and utensils are on the side. The udon soup was warm and comforting. I feel like their udon noodles are a bit dense to what i have eaten before. Although, they do make their noodles in house. (you can see them at the front window). I was soooo full after half my bowl. The meat is seasoned on the sweater side of my liking but still very tender. Super good for an indoor mall shop! read more

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Food: ***** Price: ***** Location: ***** Get the Kake Udon with Squid tempura and Chicken tempura read more

Marugame Udon - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Food and service is always great my favorite is the tempura. I also love the fact that it's always super clean with awesome Ambiance kool music and for the most part a great place for a quick bite read more