Mecha Noodle Bar

When I tried the tsukumen, it tasted like heaven!…read more However, the fried baby octopus was a little spicy and the fried chicken karrage was deep fried. But it was yummy! I like it.

Super duper ramen. It still holds up and the crowded space…read moreaffirms it Had the spicy vegetarian ramen. A meal unto itself, though the menu was deep. And, as a curiosity next door, endless options of eyebrows....

Chicken karage extra crispy with ponzu dipping sauce

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Isshindo Ramen

4.5(253 reviews)

0.7 mi•Allston/Brighton

So , I think I am a Ramen fan, I wasn't sure if it was going to me delicious however I was…read moreintroduced to this dish and love it my go to for something warm during this mixed season where the spring isn't sure it's showing up

Absolutely delicious ramen! So happy we found this place while in the area for a concert. Fast and…read morefriendly service at hole in the wall (or should I say hole in the grocery store). I would drive all the way back to eat the spicy miso ramen again. Only a few small tables but fast turnover.

Small Sukiyaki Beef Don

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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka - Allston

4.1(52 reviews)

0.9 mi•Allston/Brighton

We know this restaurant from living in Japan and had eaten at their Shibuya store as well as the…read moreone in Bellevue, WA so it was an easy decision to try their shop in Allston. Located a short hop from Harvard Business School, we chose this store over the Harvard Square as it has later hours (open until 10 pm.) The shop is a bit down in the mouth; we would suggest a reset on the interior which is brightly lit but showing considerable signs of wear and tear. Our server greeted us with a bright smile and she provided superb service throughout our visit. We started with the karaage which was nicely breaded and well seasoned - ten pieces fried crispy on the outside with moist chicken inside. The star here is ramen, of course and all of the choices feature a tonkotsu base. We both ordered the Tonkotsu Toroniku Ramen - one with a shio broth and the other with shoyu. The shoyu had a shake of hondashi which gave it a more traditional taste profile. Toroniku is particulalry delectable and not easy to find. Tender slices of cheek meat sat atop perfectly al dente noodles. We included side orders of additional toroniku and aji tama. The aji tama was done to perfection - that ideal spot between soft and hard boiled yolk. We highly recommend this shop for the quality of the ramen. We marked it down only because the interior needs a face lift. Not sure if one needs a reservation as we arrived at 9 pm and were seated immediately. For those who embrace the quest for impeccablly prepared ramen we highly recommend the Itami Juzo's classic, Tampopo. If you understand Tampopo then you will grasp the significance of well crafted ramen to the Japanese soul.

This has to be my top 2 ramen shops! The broth was so rich yet not too salty, perfect balance. The…read moreramen noodles are perfectly chewy. I also loved their appetizers! Best of all, they have an app so I can rack up points for perks! Students can even get up to 20% off! The service was excellent and ambiance minimalist and clean.

Bar area

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Takoyaki

Soup Shack - Brookline

4.5(248 reviews)

0.3 mi

Loved the Thai tea and yellow curry with shrimp! It's a sweet coconut curry and just spicy enough…read morefor me! The service was good and fast and the food came out piping hot. The music they were playing also had great energy and I loved it.

Went to Soup Shack with some friends because I was craving ramen and this place did not disappoint…read more Everything was so flavorful, fresh and comforting. Such a good spot for a cozy filling meal. STEAMED CHICKEN GYOZA Soft tender and packed with a juicy chicken filling. The wrapper had the perfect bite and dipping it in the ginger sauce made it even better. A great starter. FRIED PORK GYOZA Crispy outside juicy inside and so flavorful. The pork filling was seasoned well and the crunch made each bite so satisfying. These were gone instantly. DAC BIET A rich beef broth loaded with rare steak brisket tripe tendon and meatballs. So much flavor and such a generous portion. Comforting, savory and the kind of bowl that warms you instantly. MI WONTON Light clean and comforting. The wontons were stuffed generously and the broth was flavorful without feeling heavy. A great balance to the richer bowls we ordered. SPICY MISO BEEF STEW This was incredible. Spicy miso broth with tender slow cooked beef and all the toppings. The spice level actually enhanced the flavor instead of overpowering it. Deep savory and so satisfying. TAN TAN MEN One of my favorites. Spicy creamy broth with ground pork bok choy and bean sprouts layered over chewy noodles. Rich bold and full of flavor in every bite. We also added marinated soft boiled eggs to our ramen and they were perfect. Soft jammy and full of flavor. Highly recommend adding one to any bowl. Overall Soup Shack really hit my craving. Everything tasted fresh portions were generous and the spicy bowls had so much depth. Loved this visit and will definitely be back.

Red Ramen

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Spicy miso ramen

Yukiya Ramen

4.0(23 reviews)

0.9 mi•Allston/Brighton

Yukiya Ramen is a new, small Japanese ramen restaurant in Allston, Brighton. It is located on…read moreHarvard Street. There are very few ramen restaurants in Allston, so Yukiya is a welcomed addition. I wasn't expecting to be blown away but I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious the ramen was as well as the curry chicken Don. The takoyaki was delicious, on point. The chicken karaage was lightly battered. I wish it came with a little mayo dipping sauce. For entree, my son had the chicken curry don. The curry was delicious. My husband ordered the spicy tonkotsu ramen and I order the chicken shio ramen. I usually go for the heavy tonkotsu ramens when I dine out at ramen places but was craving a light broth this time. The chicken shio was very tasty and I actually enjoyed it more than my husband's spicy tonkotsu. The noodles were cooked perfectly how I liked it. Overall, very small restaurant. Not recommended for large groups but perfect for small families or group of four or less. I highly recommend giving them a try. See my pictures!

For the price point compared the other ramens in Boston, this really is not a bad option! Quality…read morewise, it's not my favorite ramen spot in town, but for $14.50 to $16, the ramen noodles and broth are tasty, but I really liked the chashu meat the most! Their donburi options are pretty solid too. Our favorite was the chicken don -- our friend got a LOT of kaarage chicken for the price! Service was quick and ambiance is very casual. Decent spot to casually chill at with friends.

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Oppa Sushi

4.3(397 reviews)

0.7 mi•Allston/Brighton

This spot has a cool, underground vibe that makes it feel a little hidden and unique. The service…read moreis impressively quick -- you're in and out without much wait. The food is decent, but compared to other sushi restaurants I've tried, there are definitely higher-quality options. The Bruins Fire Maki (pictured below) was visually striking and definitely brought the heat -- something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to spicy food.

This was one of my single favorite experiences in Boston. Me and my friend came two nights in a row…read moreand ate our weight in sashimi. They were so kind and didn't make fun of us when we struggled to open the door, and he remembered us when we came in the next day and was excited to see us. Truly so sad we could not make it work to go a third night. I would go every night if I lived here. Please give them your business so that they will be thriving when I visit next. I only got the one picture but it was perfect

Inside

Fire Bruins Maki

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Seoul Soulongtang

3.8(683 reviews)

0.7 mi•Allston/Brighton

Came to get naengmyeon on a hot summer day. On a weekday at noon the place was empty, no wait…read more Service was quick and polite but not friendly. The staff even seemed surprised when I said thank you and commented that the food was delicious. The banchan that came with the meal was sadly mediocre. The naengmyeon itself was delicious. Perfectly chewy buckwheat noodles with shredded cucumber and slices of beef/radish. The broth was okay -- not the best I've had for naengmyeon but satisfactory. I paid around $25 with tax and tip, which seemed pricy.

Good! Would go back, wasn't super blown away, authentic but limited. Grill was closed an hour…read morebefore close so we couldn't get a handful of stuff we wanted, but service was delightful and kind. Large space inside, casual dining ambiance. Kind staff!

Seoul Soulongtang 11/2025

Army stew - before ramen

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Soulongtang

Yume Ga Arukara

4.6(864 reviews)

3.1 mi•Porter Square

Four words: spicy cold niku udon. The signature is also good!…read more I've been a fan of Yume ever since I found out about it when I went to Tufts for college. It was the Asian-American community's go-to spot for dine-in, take-out, or both! This was back when they had their location in the Lesley University food court too - people would be lining up for 30+ minutes to get a coveted seat at one of their humble seats. I look fondly on when they would yell "perfect" whenever I finished my bowl, praising how I slurped every freshly cut udon noodle and devoured every ounce of broth or crispy tempura bit they put in there. The new location is just a few stores down, still in/out of the Lesley University mall area. It has a nice ambiance and feels less cramped. While I miss the "perfect" yelling, the flavor still tastes just as good even if it's gotten an insane amount of hype since then. Would highly recommend ordering takeout if you're in a rush - they do it very efficiently, both at the original Cambridge location and the new Seaport location too. I'm so happy for all of their success!

Finally got to try the famous cold niku udon at Yume Ga Arukara! I've heard so much about this…read moreplace, so I was really excited to finally check it out. We came around 4pm and luckily it wasn't too crowded, so we were able to get seated right away. I ordered the cold niku udon and overall it was really good! The noodles had a great chewy texture, the beef was flavorful, and everything tasted really fresh. We also tried the hot udon, which was really good too and definitely worth trying if you prefer something warm. Service was also super quick, which I appreciated. I will say I had pretty high expectations because of how hyped this place is, and personally I don't think it completely lived up to the hype for me. It was still a really good bowl of udon though, and I'm definitely glad I finally tried it. Would still recommend checking it out at least once!

Interior seating

Spicy Hot Niku Udon

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Spicy Cold Niku Udon (to go)

Hanmaru

3.7(240 reviews)

0.8 mi•Allston/Brighton

One of the few spots in Boston that has korean potato salad!! The kimchi was sweet and not spicy at…read moreall, despite the peppers. Small space and menu and it takes some time to get seated. Initially the spicy squid and pork wasn't spicy to me because the sauce was settling at the bottom so mix that up well for a medium kick! The pork has inconsistent sizes but all fatty cuts like pork belly. I'd like to try other dishes and take some more slightly chunky potato salad home again

Hearty and comforting food! We came on a Tuesday night and service was quick and attentive…read more Portions are great for sharing and I enjoyed everything we ate. - Gamjatang was very good. The meat was fall off the bone, soup wasn't spicy, and the portion is perfect! We couldn't finish it between three people (keep in mind we did order other dishes) - Spicy Cheese Jokbal: wow I've never had stir fried trotters and I'm so glad we got it! If you're a fan of the gelatinous Jokbal and want more flavor, this is the dish to order. I couldn't stop eating it lol. - Mul Naeng Myun was so refreshing and balanced out our meal perfectly. Only good things to say! Would definitely come back and eat again.

Interior

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Japchae

Miraku Boston

4.4(70 reviews)

0.1 mi•Coolidge Corner

Miraku Boston is a ramen-focused Japanese restaurant in Brookline that centers its menu around rich…read morebroths, carefully prepared noodles, and a small selection of appetizers and sides. We walked into a cozy, understated space that often filled up quickly, giving it a lively but still relatively calm dining atmosphere once we were seated. The room was warm and functional, with a layout that kept the focus on the food rather than the décor, and the steady hum of conversation added to the comfortable energy. The main draw here is the ramen itself, especially the broth-forward bowls like shoyu and miso variations. We ordered a few different styles and found the Yaki Shoyu and spicy miso standing out the most, with deep umami flavors and a layered richness that built as we ate. The sesame ramen was also a popular option for its nutty, aromatic profile. When everything was hitting well, the broth was the clear highlight and felt like the reason to come. The noodles were a bit more divisive depending on preference. Some bowls landed perfectly, while others felt more standard or less fresh compared to the broth, which could slightly affect the overall balance of the dish. Because of that, the experience tended to be strongest when we stuck to the core ramen offerings rather than branching out too far into appetizers or rice dishes. Service was generally friendly and efficient, but the restaurant could get busy during peak hours, which might lead to a short wait before seating. Once inside, the pacing of the meal was smooth, and the atmosphere stayed comfortable enough for a relaxed lunch or dinner, even when the dining room was full. The staff moved through the room with ease, and the food came out without much delay. Overall, Miraku Boston is a solid ramen spot in the Brookline area that does best when focusing on its strengths: rich, flavorful broth-based ramen bowls. It is not overly experimental, but when the kitchen is on point, it delivers a satisfying and comforting ramen experience worth returning for.

Came here with some friends as this was their favorite ramen spot and they were having a popup…read morewhere a Japanese chef came here to make some limited bowls of seabream and shellfish white soy sauce ramen. As this was limited pop up, we did wait about 1-1.5 hours to be able to get inside and order the food, but it was a relatively organized experience. We got sat at the bar at the side where the waiters/waitresses entered/exited which was mildly annoying and flagging them to get more water was a little hard as well. I didn't order the limited bowl as that's not usually my choice of flavor for ramen broths but I got to try it. It was very mild and had a nice taste but still wouldn't be my go to order. For myself, I got the spicy miso which was nice and flavorful. My friends also ordered the Takoyaki and the Zangi Fried Chicken which were both good. For dessert we also ordered the Monako Ice Cream and Hojicha Chiffon Cake. The Hojicha Chiffon cake didn't have as much flavor as I would've liked and the ice cream that came with it, kind of just overpowered it, should get hojicha ice cream with this one to taste more hojicha.

Bar seating

Matcha cheesecake

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Hojicha ice cream

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Alexis R.

4 years ago

Mecha in Brookline is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience. This trendy eatery specializes in Japanese-inspired cuisine and serves up some of the area's most creative and flavorful dishes. The atmosphere at Mecha is modern and sleek, with a minimalist design that creates a stylish and relaxed vibe. The spacious dining room is comfortable and inviting, and the large windows provide plenty of natural light. The menu at Mecha is a true standout, offering a range of traditional and contemporary dishes. Whether you're in the mood for pho, ramen, or something a little more unconventional, there's something for everyone. The quality of the ingredients is outstanding, and the flavors are bold and authentic. I strongly recommend the Pho Ga for a nourishing dish and the kale salad with a delicious miso dressing. The drink menu at Mecha is impressive, with a range of sake, beer, and cocktails to choose from. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or something a little stronger, they have something to suit your taste. Overall, the creative menu, stylish atmosphere, and prompt service make this one of the best restaurants in the area. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique and delicious taste of Japan. read more

Nick S.

1787

6993

2 years ago

Mecha Noodle Bar is a ramen and pho shop located in Coolidge Corner, also featuring a spot in the Seaport District of Boston. The restaurant has a modern interior with an open kitchen and plenty of seating, though it can get quite crowded. We were seated almost instantly, but I wouldn't recommend coming with a group larger than four due to limited large-group seating. The service was exceptional. The staff was attentive, quickly clearing finished dishes and refilling our water almost immediately. Despite the busy atmosphere, they maintained a high level of customer care. We tried the Soft-Shelled Crab Bao, which was lightly fried and served with pickles and a tasty sauce drizzle. It wasn't oily at all, making it a delightful appetizer. For the main, we had the Shoyu Ramen. While I found the noodles a bit stringy and reminiscent of buckwheat or soba rather than traditional ramen, the broth had a nice flavor and wasn't overly salty. Overall, it was a great first experience, and I'd highly recommend checking out Mecha Noodle Bar! read more

Serena A.

3 years ago

On my second visit to Mecha, I knew to expect delicious food, elevated service, and a lively atmosphere. To say these expectations were exceeded would be a serious understatement. The manager, Natalie, made us feel right at home -- frequently checking in and even bringing over an extra appetizer to top off our experience. We were blown away by the diverse, aromatic flavor profiles of every dish; from the freshness and spice of the herbed edamame, to the sweet and fiery tang of the Korean fried chicken bao, to the hearty earthiness of the vegetarian ramen -- each dish was captivating to the senses. Our experience was only elevated by the the warm, bubbly welcome of the hostess, Sheila, and Natalie's unwavering care and attention to detail. It truly felt like being served in an old friend's home. If it were possible to add an extra star, I would do it in a heartbeat! read more

Jayjay S.

166

2 years ago

"I had an amazing experience at Mecha Noodle Bar in Brookline! The food was incredible-every dish was packed with flavor, and the crispy wings were to die for. They were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of crunch. The bubble tea was also fantastic, with a great variety of flavors that were both refreshing and tasty. What really stood out, though, was the customer service. The staff were super friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. On top of that, the restaurant played great music, which really added to the fun and vibrant atmosphere. I can't wait to come back for another visit!" read more

Rez H.

115

3 years ago

I recently visited Mecha Noodle Bar for takeout over the weekend, and it was quite an energetic spot. The staff was extremely helpful, and the takeout packaging was well done. I must say, the Herbed Edamame was absolutely delightful, bursting with flavor. However, I found the Spicy Moso Ramen to be just average. Nevertheless, it's great to have a place like Mecha Noodle Bar in Coolidge Corner. read more

Jean C.

3 years ago

The food is just delicious! the service is always with a smile and knowledge of menu. great vibe. consistent from food from CT area restaurants. Missed Natalie the manager but everyone deserves a morning off. read more

Phong T.

4 years ago

Love it. Food and drinks are delicious. Staff is very friendly as well. Can't wait to go back!

Max S.

4 years ago

was so good ima go here all the time shi was actually so bussin

Mecha Noodle Bar - ramen - Updated September 2026

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(58 reviews)

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Cozy place with window seating, I can't wait to eat here more often! I got the brisket noodle soup…read moreand, while it wasn't piping hot as I'd liked, the brisket was tender, there was soybean curd, and the perfect combination of 5 spice, crispy garlic, and peppers. Very worth the promised 15 minute wait - they should add another crew member because that phone was RINGING so you know people love this place!! Chewy boba - it was a divine eating experience

This little restaurant packs a punch! I've really been enjoying their large portion sizes and…read morefreshly cooked dishes, especially the chicken teriyaki with noodles!! Their teriyaki is sweet and savory, and slathered in sauce. This is perfect for if you like saucy noodles/rice to go along with your chicken. I also think their "bento box" meal was very worth it, as it was essentially the same dish but with added dumplings and rolls! I always have leftovers after eating here, and keep finding myself returning. I love the staff who are always friendly and prompt, highly recommend if you want an easy meal in fenway!!

Dolphin Bay

(616 reviews)

So happy I finally got to come back here after all these years! I grew up eating here when they…read morewere still in Rowland Heights, so coming back brought back so much nostalgia. The best part is that the food still tastes exactly how I remember it -- some things really never change! I got the ground pork rice and chicken cutlet rice, and both were just as delicious as I remembered. Of course, I also had to get the milk tea, and it seriously still tastes the same as it did 10+ years ago. That first sip instantly brought me back to my childhood. The service was friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere was clean, comfortable, and had a really nice vibe. It made the whole experience even better, especially being back at a place that has so much sentimental value for me. It's always special when a place you grew up eating at can maintain the same taste and quality after all these years. Definitely a nostalgic favorite for me and somewhere I'll keep coming back to!

Small place but serves a decent amount of food. Customer service was great. The staff were…read moreattentive and even bagged my leftovers for to-go. I was kind of disappointed with the spicy wonton noodles, hence why I rate it 3/5 stars. The spicy wonton noodles wasn't spicy enough, or even at all. I don't have a high spice tolerance and even then I barely felt a kick. The lack of spiciness made the dish a bit bland overall. The popcorn chicken was good. Crispy. Tasty. I should've just gotten this with rice.

Cafe Mami

(624 reviews)

What a great hole-in-the-wall Japanese food spot in the Shops at Porter food area. We came here for…read morelunch on a weekend, and were seated with no wait. We got the veggie don and the saba miso set to share. Both came with a bowl of miso soup and were filling-but-not-stuffed portion sizes. They both had delicious flavors, which were the perfect balance of sweet and savory, but not too much so. The service was friendly and fast, with our food being made and served fresh very quickly after we placed our orders. I would definitely come back to try more of their menu items!

Cafe Mami is a Japanese comfort food spot that focuses on simple, hearty dishes like curry rice,…read morekatsu, hamburg steak, and donburi-style meals. We walked into a fairly small space tucked away in Porter Square, with more of a functional, casual feel rather than a polished dining room. The seating was tight and the room filled up quickly, making it clear that this was the kind of place people go for a quick, filling meal rather than a long sit-down experience. The standout here is definitely the Japanese curry and katsu combinations. We ordered the pork tonkatsu curry, a go-to for many, and found it came with a thick, crispy cutlet served over rich curry sauce and rice. The curry itself leaned comforting and slightly sweet-savory in a way that felt very classic and approachable. The portions were generous for the price, and the hamburg steak and oyakodon were also solid options if you wanted something different from fried cutlet dishes. The food came out hot and well assembled, and the flavors were consistent with what we were hoping for. Service was fast and handled by a very small staff, so things moved quickly once we ordered. Because of how busy it can get during peak hours and how limited the seating is, there was a bit of a rush feel to the experience. It worked well as a quick lunch or casual dinner, but it was not really a place to linger for long. The seating situation is probably the biggest drawback. It fills up quickly, and the space feels tight, especially when there is a line forming. That said, the turnover is fast enough that you usually do not have to wait too long, even when it looks crowded from outside. Overall, Cafe Mami is a reliable spot for Japanese comfort food in the Porter Square area. The value is strong, the portions are generous, and the curry dishes are consistently satisfying. It is not fancy, but it does exactly what it is meant to do well, which is serve quick, filling, and comforting Japanese meals.

Futago Udon

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I'm allergic to gluten, so my stomach was hurting and I felt like vomiting, but this was SO worth…read morethe reaction. Specifically ordered the sukiyaki udon -- best I've ever had. The broth was perfect -- not too sweet. The meat was tender, and they were surprisingly generous about it. The udon was perfectly thick and cooked. Came down to $30 after tip, so it's on the steeper end for udon, but def worth it.

One of the best udon places I've had - coming from someone who doesn't like udon. They're known for…read morethe sukiyaki udon but I don't think you can go wrong with any. I loved the sukiyaki meat (egg was a little too raw for me); the cold udons were well portioned and tasty too There was ample seating, mostly smaller tables, and restuarant was clean!

Thai Dish

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Amazing food, super authentic and really yummy at an affordable price. Also in a convenient…read morelocation!

Food is incredibly disgusting and disgusting and disgusting... Everything is sweet asf and hard to…read moreswallow... There was no one in the restaurant and it was way too hot in it... the Thai tea was straight up sugar. Wait and see i get diabetes just by taking one sip

Laughing Monk Cafe

4.4

(499 reviews)

Well, the moo Ping draws me back . Excellent flavors and all…read moredishes throw some heat with flavors . I enjoy the dishes and eat when here when in Allston area . Parking is difficult. They do alot of delivery service take out orders .

Came with a friend for a Saturday dinner, got the pad kee mao without bamboo and peas, with half…read moretofu, half veggies. Good flavor, got it spicy so they gave me a bit of pepper flakes. Noodles were chewy, quite enjoyed the meal. My friend got the pad kee mao with chicken. They didn't give me a bit more veggies, and the amount of veggies I had looked less than my friend's plate. I think they're not having very good portion control? $18.50 post-tax, decent portions.

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