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This place is okay.... I love the concept but I think there could be things done that can make this place better. I like the whole choose your own bowl with your own customization, like Ichiran ramen in Japan, that was pretty cool. The ramen was overall pretty good, but having egg as an add on was pretty ridiculous. I feel like every other ramen place I've been to always included at least half an egg with the ramen. Also, I feel like they needed bamboo also as an add on. The broth was really flavorful, the noodles were pretty nice and fresh. The portion size however, was pretty small (seems consistent with other restaurants in the south OC areas). If you're a big back dude, you def need 2 bowls. We also ordered the chicken karrage and I have to say, it did not hit. It comes DRENCHED with sesame oil to the point you can't even taste the chicken. The staff were really nice and very attentive. They came by a few times to check up on us. Overall, this place was okay. I'll come back if I happen to be hungry walking around the SC plaza, but definitely would not wait more than 10 min to eat here.
I've always wanted to try this place ever since I saw their LA location at Century City Mall, but never got the chance until recently and I gotta say, it was totally worth the wait. The ambiance was really nice. Small and cozy, but surprisingly spacious with plenty of seating whether you're coming with a group or just dining solo. We got lucky and came when it wasn't super busy, so we were seated pretty quickly. The service was amazing too. Everyone was super polite, and since it was our first time, they took the time to walk us through the menu before we sat down. I honestly loved the whole customization concept because sometimes at ramen spots you forget exactly how you like your ramen, but here it made everything so easy. Now onto the food... the ramen was SO good. I loved the thin noodles, and getting them firm made them perfect and easy to eat. The broth had so much flavor without being overpowering.. just the right balance and richness. Everything we ordered, from the ramen to the karaage, was delicious. The portions were super filling too, definitely satisfying. Overall, such a great first experience. Thank you Ramen Nagi for the yummy food and great service. I already know I'll be back again soon
The spot is located inside the mall with a clean, modern Japanese-style interior. Staff were generally friendly, and it's designed as a fast-paced, in-and-out kind of place. I tried the ramen and thought the broth was mediocre at best--it didn't really stand out. It felt more like a trendy spot, the wait itself wasn't bad (about 5-10 minutes) on a Friday around 6-ish. Honestly, parking was more of a hassle than the actual dining experience. Overall, I'm not against the place, but the food was small in portion and didn't feel like quality authentic Japanese ramen to me.
Ramen Nagi really does limited specials right. I went in for their one-week Genki Curry Ramen, and honestly I'm not even a big curry person, but this completely won me over. The broth was rich, savory, and layered with spice, but not in a way that overwhelmed everything else. You still got depth, balance, and that signature Ramen Nagi consistency. What made it stand out were all the textures and flavors working together. The curry ground pork ball was insanely flavorful, the sautéed bell peppers added a subtle sweetness, and the grilled, slightly blackened onions brought this smoky, almost crunchy element that tied everything together. That little drizzle of yogurt on top was unexpected, but it cut through the richness perfectly. Add in the pork chashu and green onion, and every bite felt intentional. Also, I really respect that they don't do to-go orders. It says a lot about how much they care about preserving the quality of the experience, and it shows. Every bowl feels like it's made to be enjoyed exactly how it's meant to be. On top of that, the staff is always kind, helpful, and on it. You can tell they take pride in what they're serving. Ramen Nagi continues to be one of the most consistent ramen spots out there, and this limited run just proved they can get creative without missing.
Came on a normal, not rainy day and it was pretty empty. We were seated immediately even though we were waiting on one more person to arrive. Service was impeccable. RED KING: 5/5. I kept drinking the broth after my partner had finished the noodles and toppings. SO rich and savory. CHICKEN KARAAGE: 5/5. I might just come for this, honestly. Smoky fry, sweet sauce, savory dip. Not sure what else I need in life.
Excellent ramen with a lot of customizable options. I got the Black King because I love squid ink, and I asked for it to be light on the salt and richness, and this was just perfect. I like my ramen not too heavy, and this was it. My fiancé got the Original King with normal salt and richness and his was noticeably more salty, which was too much for me personally. I got the thick noodle and asked for it to be firm, and this was also perfect. It was nicely al dente and had a nice chew. The pork shoulder was nicely tender and they gave a generous amount compared to most ramen restaurants I've been to where the standard amount is 2 or 3 thin slices. I was afraid the squid ink would leave stains on my teeth like when I've had squid ink pasta, but this didn't happen, which I'm really glad about! The service was super speedy. We got our ramen less than 5 minutes after we sat down. Definitely would make a return at this location or another one. This one doesn't have an alcohol license, and since my fiancé must always have beer with ramen, we'd probably go to the one in Arcadia over this location until they finally get one.
Review 43/365 Day Challenge Brought my hubs n baby girl here for lunch. 1st timer for them 2.21.26 Got here right at noon on a Saturday and luckily there was only one couple n a mom w her daughter in line. After us came a rush of people. While waiting to be seated, we were given an ordering sheet and the associate was telling us a little bit of recommendation especially if it's your 1st time there. We were seated pretty fast considering it to be on a weekend. ~ Red King Ramen bowl isn't too spicy at all. You'll be able to handle. Not much of a heat for myself. Suggest for my spicy lovers. Recommendation" just added Tamago (apanese style eggs) The broth is perfectly spiced to perfection & really flavorful. Had a kick of spice and associate stated if we want it more spicy. Just let them know. The spice level i would say is like a 5 from a 10. The noodles were good & the meat slices were well thinly sliced. Tamago Egg is a must and perfectly cooked like the Japanese style yolk. ~ Original King is what my husband and daughter got. The broth was really good. Practically same as Red King Randn except it isn't spicy, Definitely recommend this one for non spicy eaters. Bean sprouts and condiments including sesame seed available on table w cold ice water pitcher too. Associate was really friendly and receive the ramen bowl within 10 mins. The restaurant is a good size with lots of tables seatings inside & bar like tables. Has a big outdoor Patio with lots of seatings. Restaurant is simple nice like Ramen shop in Japan. Chefs making the Ramen in kitchen, is visible for us to see. Right next to William Sonoma At the Crystal Court side of South coast plaza. 1st floor near entrance. Looks like they are closed mid day for a break. Lots of parking in the Structure.
Service is much better now days. The staff really cares and checks to make sure all the condiments are there before they seat you. The person in front even tells you what to expect about the ramen you're about to order(apparently the bonito king is more salty than most ramen so he recommends light instead of normal) which made the bonito king taste perfect. Definitely what I was looking for! Great job Nagi Costa Mesa! Be ready to see me often especially if there is limited edition ramen!
Even with the tare level reduced, the squid king was still a little salty for me. Great bowl of ramen...even more so since I had partied much of last night. A solid bowl of ramen will cure all your ills. Love the fact that the bowls come with bibs...I definitely would have gotten my inky black soup all over my clothes. If you select kukuni, that braised pork belly will remind you a lot of Vietnamese thit kho. Line starts outside where they go over the ramen and how to order. You order by filling out the slips and you head on in when there's space for your party. You hand your server your order slip and then things just appear. Service is great! Extra condiments and water are stationed at your table.
Stopped by Ramen Nagi at South Coast Plaza on a Sunday around 2PM and was pleasantly surprised that we were seated almost immediately. Weekend waits can get rough in this area, so that was a great start. There is also plenty of covered parking in the structure, which makes visiting pretty convenient. One of the things I really appreciate about Ramen Nagi is the level of customization. You can control how strong the flavors are, how rich the broth is, and even the firmness of the noodles. It makes it easy to dial in exactly what you want in a bowl of ramen. I almost always order the Red King since I love spicy food. The broth is rich, savory, and has a nice kick. Highly recommend adding some vinegar to the bowl. It helps cut through the richness of the pork fat and balances the flavors really nicely. The pork belly is super flavorful but can be a bit fatty. The char siu is leaner but still really tasty, so I like getting a mix of both. The bean sprout side dish is surprisingly addicting and the bite-size gyozas are great for sharing. Our ramen also came out really fast, which was a nice bonus. I did try a little of my friend's Green King. The flavor reminded me a bit of basil pesto pasta, which personally was not my favorite, but it was still interesting to try. I will happily stick with the Red King. Overall, a solid ramen spot with bold flavors and lots of customization. Definitely worth a stop if you are at South Coast Plaza and craving ramen.
SO BUSSIN! I've heard great things about this spot and been dying to try it! The line which I assume is usually long was fairly short for a weekend lunch! We were served very quickly and service was very friendly. The ramen is so delicious and tasted like something very different to anything I've ever had. I'd recommend getting everything chefs recommendation with light oil and light sodium. Make sure to add the beansprouts that are on the table as they add a new flavor to the ramen! The pork is some of the best I've had in a ramen, it melts in your mouth and doesnt get tiring to chew and eat. The broth has just the right spice and flavor to it and the noodles are the perfect texture and chewiness.
ramen nagi is my bf's allllll time favorite ramen spot (and we've tried a solid amount of places!) orders are made on a sheet of paper and handed off to the waiter. the ramen can really be customized to your liking. we always get a side of karaage; very yummy and smoky ~ each dish is flavorful and comes out QUICK. we always get seated right away when we come to visit, this location is def emptier than the century city one. the interior is casual and perfect for lunch or dinner. ramen nagi is super consistent with their menu--both of the locations we've gone to are equally as yummy! i would say the main difference is that this location has outdoor seating and the servers are much more mellow (but still super friendly). read more
Came here on a Sunday and we got sat fairly quickly. While waiting in line to get a seat there was someone coming by to give us the menu and marker so we can start crafting their ramen selections to our lining. The menu is pretty small, containing 5 different ramens in total along with some sides. We were sat at one of their community tables but it didn't feel uncomfortable sitting with strangers. Each seat had their own set of condiments, water refill, tissues and utensils. Our order came back quickly as well. Service was great. We ordered the red and original king ramen. Both were delicious. The broth was rich and flavorful. We ordered their thin noodles and it complimented the broths so well. read more
I've been to the San Diego and Los Angeles Ramen Nagi locations, so I was so excited when they finally opened in the OC. I ordered the Red King and it was amazing. The spice level was bold but not too much, and the broth had such rich, deep flavor. I love that you can customize the ramen to your own taste, from spice level to oil and noodle texture. We also got the karaage as an appetizer and it's a must try. The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, really well seasoned and fresh. The service was friendly and fast, and the place had great energy. There might be a line outside, but it moves quickly. I'm so happy to have a Ramen Nagi nearby now, and I'll definitely be back soon to try their other ramen. read more
2 months ago
This place has quickly become one of my go to spots at South Coast Plaza ever since they've opened! They offer four different tonkotsu ramen bases, with further customization available from like oil richness, veggies, salt, and more, to tailor your ramen to your desired flavor!! Even with the unlimited customization options, they also offer limited-time ramen bases as well , like a pumpkin ramen, crab ramen, or even a curry ramen just recently. These limited-time ramen flavors are always so creative AND tasty, so the announcement of a new limited-ramen always gets me rushing over to try it!! The ambiance is excellent as well, and the addition of the patio provides a nice and private scenic breeze, with extra bonus points in practicality for providing a nice space for pet owners like myself when I have my dog with me! Not only is the food and ambiance great, but the service is spectacular as well. The servers are attentive friendly and quick, so I'm never waiting long! Extra special shout out to servers Bao and Kenny!!! Both Bao and Kenny have been my server time and time again, and both of them provide beyond exceptional service at lightning speed!! The managers too have been so wonderful to me as well, with Nike, Brandon, Britt and Chuong facilitating such wonderful dining experiences every time I visit!! I can't recommend this place enough to all of my friends. With their continuous dedication to quality, quickness, and care, I've found myself coming back again and again read more
Located at South Coast plaza West Elm, with the storefront conveniently located just right next to mall entrance a few steps from the parking structure so don't let the mall location deter you. Straight up, I'm reminded of just how much better authentic Japanese ramen differs from some of the others like Silverlake and Hironori. The broth is just so much more flavorful. I recommend the original and the green king and also hear the veggie king is a top seller. Oh ,and don't miss out on the karaage, a crunchy and juicy chicken side to pair with ramen. The servers are prompt, helpful, and have always been pleasant. Overall, an awesome spot that's currently taking number one spot on my ramen shop list and one that we'll continue to frequent. read more
26 days ago
Been back twice in a month because honestly this is the best ramen we've had in a while! I definitely believe this is on the top tier of all the ramen places in OC. The noodles is perfect, soup is rich and the menu ordering is just like Japan. I got to try the bonito pork limited time special and it was pretty good, but I still prefer the red king. I ALWAYS get extra noodle because I can't get enough. The only con that I've experienced so far is that I feel the chicken had too strong of a sesame oil flavor. Though the chicken was tender & juicy and perfectly crisp, I feel that if they put less sesame oil, it'll work better with the dish as it takes away from the chicken taste. Can't wait to come back to try other offerings! read more
4 months ago
There was no line on Saturday at 4:30pm and I got the Red King with thick noodles and Chashu pork. Everyone loved their ramen and the price was really good! read more
Amazing new to me ramen place in Crystal Court area of South Coast Plaza. It's located on the outer perimeter back side of Crystal Court and very easy to find. And actually, they are fairly new in the area, this location being open only about 8 months. The first step is to line up and they give you instructions on how to order the ramen. You select from their different ramen soup bases, choose level of spice, saltiness, noodle type, and additions. It's a very up close and personal touch! Next is get seated. Every table has assigned numbers. Those are written on your ordering sheet so they know exactly who gets which ramen. And then very quickly, your ramen is delivered to you! I chose standard ramen, normal spicy, thin chewy noodles, pork belly, and Japanese egg as an add. Noodles were delicious, but I think next time I would do the thick noodle. I do recommend the port belly. Delicious! Very friendly and helpful service too! It's not a huge inside dining area, but big enough. There is also outside patio seating, which was what we did on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. read more
Costa Mesa has some serious ramen culture already and now with Ramen Nagi, the competition is fiercer. Situated on South Coast's West Wing (formerly the Crystal Court), it's got a pretty good location within Costa Mesa. The service is great and quick. I didn't catch her name but the girl with the colored hair always does an amazing job and is always on top of things there. I really do appreciate the fact that they offer bibs for people so that clothes may be protected. The ramen they serve is of the Hakata variety which features slow-simmered tonkotsu broth with usually thin egg noodles. The simmer allows the broth to extract a deep, umami flavor into the broth. I usually do their Original King (standard tonkotsu ramen) with the chef's recommendation of all of the toppings, although you can customize the bowl exactly how you like. My partner isn't usually the biggest fan of ramen; she ordered the Black King (black squid ink garlic) ramen and very much enjoyed it and said she'd like to come back often. The gyoza was good and we really liked the crispy pan sear, however I wasn't a big fan of the sauce and usually prefer the more common soy sauce and vinegar mix. Lastly, the moyashi ohitashi (bean sprout salad) that's available tableside in jars is very delicious, I could eat a whole jar myself. Now whenever I crave ramen, I have another place that I've added to my comprehensive list of ramen. read more
I've been wanting to try this place for a while so I was glad to finally have the chance to visit. It tends to get packed during regular meal hours so I would recommend getting there earlier to cut the wait times. The place is impeccably clean and the staff is very friendly and helpful with answering questions. They give you a chart to customize spice level, noodle type, meat type etc. We ordered the red king and green king. Red King Ramen- If you like to up that spice level, this one is for you! The broth is packed with flavor and while the spice is strong, it's not overpowering and you can still appreciate the rest of the elements. You also get mushrooms, a soft boiled egg, and tender meat to heighten the dish. Green King- This is a mild, but savory broth with a delicious basil base. You also get cheese to add a layer of creaminess and ties the flavors together. The chashu is tender and practically melts in the mouth and you get a lovely crunch with fresh cabbage. All in all rich and filling. Great experience overall! read more
One of our fave ramens that we've had in OC! The tonkotsu broth was rich with intense depth of flavor. The ramen was cooked perfectly- had a nice chew. The chicken Karaage was also incredible - crispy batter with tender chicken and a delicious dipping sauce. Helpful service. Clean space. read more
Service: 5/5 they really explain their ramens and advise you through the ordering process! you order while you wait in line! via a paper, i believe i've seen this style in japan! Food: 5/5 I finished two ramens! Both the ink ramen and regular tonkatsu are great but i prefer the tonkatsu because it felt richer! karaage was well marinated and seasoned. Gyoza were a little small but the dip complimented it well. Very traditional and spacious! read more
3 months ago
The server was nice and explained the broth less option and veggie gyoza were the vegan options. We got seated quickly inside against the wall. This was pretty tight and made it hard for my fiancé to eat as his arm was right up against the wall. The food was good and it's for sure a good vegan option but just not amazing. Also very strange eclectic music. read more
2 months ago
While you wait to be seated, a waiter will walk you through their menu, which helps a lot if you're indecisive like me and get overwhelmed by all the menu options. They give you a slip to customize your ramen. My personal go to's: EXTRA HEAVY garlic. It genuinely makes you excited before you even get seated. I love the natural sunlight that hits the booths. Outdoor seating is nice too. I love LOVE the over-the-top garnish/ condiments. First place I've ever seen give bean sprouts in sesame oil on the side. They have the cutest sesame grater ever; that itself made the visit worth it. Also, the bowls came out freakishly fast; like, go to the restroom and return to your food type fast. read more
Parking: Ramen Nagi is located on the other side of South Coast Plaza so parking is not too bad. Exterior: There is a patio area for outdoor dining. It looked pretty clean. Interior: The interior is rather spacious. However, they have it set up so that there are tables of 8 and a bar so you will probably end up sharing tables with other strangers unless you bring a large party. Service: I went on a weekday for lunch with my coworkers. There was almost no wait. The wait staff will hand you an ordering form to fill out before they seat you. Once you fill it out, they will look over it, confirm your order, and then bring the food over once it is done. They will also offer you bibs if you want to protect your clothing from the soup. Food: I ordered the Black King (Squid Ink) Ramen. They allow us to customize the ramen with different levels of salt, oil, garlic, and firmness of the noodles. I went light on most of the seasoning and the broth was still very rich and flavorful. We also had an order of the gyoza and karaage to share. The gyoza was cooked so that it had just the amount of crispiness but it was a lot smaller than most of the gyozas that I've had at other places and the flavor was not very unique. The karaage was a bit better. The star was definitely the ramen though. read more
- Around 100-ish seat capacity. Outdoor seating is available. - Line moves fast! Get there at opening though or you will need to wait once the restaurant is full. - Iced Tea option is not fresh. It's canned. - Sides are BIG!! - Broth is very flavorful. - Get the Japanese style egg! Cut in half and let it mix into broth. It's sooo delicious. - Spicy level 1 is perfect! Just spicy enough for the heat but not so spicy the flavor disappears. - Less salt is a wise choice. Still salty but won't put you in a coma. - Waiters check on your table often. Ramen Nagi is absolutely amazing ramen. I'm so full and would eat another bowl. Cannot wait to come back here. read more
8 months ago
We waited in line for maybe 5 minutes on a Sunday afternoon. They gave us papers to order while in line & explained the menu to us along with giving us some recommendations! They told us they make everything in house! So amazing!! Original Ramen Very good! I got everything with the recommended levels and thought the flavor was very good! The only thing is that it the broth is a bit thick for my preference. I love the fresh thin noodles. It was the perfect bouncy chewy texture! Squid Ink Ramen Good - a little salty. The squid ink is a strong flavor but it was super cool to have! Gyoza The gyoza was so crispy and crunchy! Has nice flavors. I loved that the table had everything we needed: napkins, utensils, toppings, etc. we crushed fresh sesame onto our ramen & it was yum! read more
Dining experience at Ramen Nagi was great. Been here a couple times now and have gotten the red king and regular king ramen. Both were incredibly tasty with super rich and fatty broth. I got the red king mild and it definitely had a kick but amazing flavor. It was a bit too spicy for my taste so I think I will stick to the regular king next time but also would like to try the black king as well. You select your bowl in line which really makes the dining process efficient. Staff was very friendly and food was delivered very quickly. Will definitely be back to try all of the other menu items. Definitely a top ramen spot in OC. read more
7 months ago
Located in the Costa Mesa mall. We arrived on a Saturday around 3pm. There was a short wait, but we were able to place our orders while we were in line. We were a party of (2) and we shared a middle table with other parties. This was not a problem with us at all. The table was already set with a lot of fixings for your ramen and a water pitcher. The menu is simple. The focus was on Ramen and it delivered. We ordered (2) original with the Chefs recommendations + add on eggs + karage chicken. Total came out a little shy of $50. The meal was very delicious! I gave 4/5 stars because I feel like the egg should already be a part of the Ramen. Each egg was $2.50... read more
9 months ago
Loved the quick seating - it was my first time here and the "host" did a great job walking me through the menu before I even got brought to my table. Portion was spot on with just enough noodles that I was content but not overloaded. And the broth?? Soo rich and creamy. Love that you can basically customize each bowl exactly the way you like it- I live for the flavor soo for me this was perfect!!! Give me more salt and spice and I'm a happy girl!! :P Black King is perfect for someone feeling a tad more adventurous! May be intimidating for anyone that isn't familiar with squid ink though. read more
I've been to Tokyo and Osaka before, and when I say that this is the CLOSEST I've had to the same flavors I had in Japan - I mean it. That's probably why there's always a line out the door for Ramen Nagi, BUT DON'T FRET. It moves by very quickly, and I hope you're comfortable sharing a nice long table with someone you may or may not know, as they get real intimate in there. But I digress. Flavors are there - I had the original with fat noodles and my gf had red with the fat noodles as well. Super delicious, well balanced, and will probably get your nose running (and they already have tissues at the table for this reason). Will be coming back soon, and it's very easy to park in the South Coast parking lot and a quick walk to get there 10/10! read more
I love coming here whenever im at South Coast! I came on a Friday afternoon and there was a bit of a line since some seating was closed. The workers are always so friendly and attentive so the line moved fairly fast. I got the original tonkatsu with kakuni with thin noodles. The kakuni is always so tender and flavorful and i also ended up ordering an egg after. The space is pretty small with two seated tables and communal tables as well. Definitely recommend coming here for a delicious meal! read more
The red king here is probably the best ramen I've ever had. It changed my life and made me a better person. I got normal everything, thin noodles, cabbage, normal spicy, and an egg. The texture of the thin noodles is kinda in between egg noodles and ramen. The broth is thick so that all that flavor grips onto the noodles and makes every bite extremely satisfying. I don't know what's in the ball of minced pork but it's a umami bomb. I was sad that they don't do takeout orders here but I can see why. I came on a weekday for lunch and it was already full by 12pm. Highly recommend this place for a quick solo lunch. read more
This place is pretty good, but not my style of Ramen. I stood in a short line on a Friday night and was seated within 5-7 minutes. This place is well designed with indoor and outdoor seating. The high ceilings and cool decor will transport you. Their set up is really clever, a pitcher of ICE WATER on your table. - But their cups are tiny, I must have refilled my cup like 8x Their edamame was perfection, really nice quality and they salt it with a special salt (chunky) and black pepper. - But the portion is quite small Their edamame was really good, but it's the size of a small sample (not enough to share even for 2 people). For the price not a good value. Their rame is a THICK tonkotsu broth. I got the spicy. It was really thick and salty. I tried to cut it down with more broth but that was still too thick for me. So the waiter was kind enough to bring hot water too, which made it better. - Their thin noodles are delish, esp. cooked FIRM - You can ask for extra noodles which I did - The portion of noodles is on the small side, you will need the extra noodles Service is really great, they work as a team to help you. Their sides for the ramen are limited. - No bamboo (they have black woodear mushroom instead) - But their cabbage was cooked perfectly and still retained the crunch There are marianted bean sprouts in a small bowl on the condiments tray. I didn't notice I was missing it till after I finished. The waiter kindly packed some for me. - He explained there aren't enough to go around so you have to specifically ask for the bean sprouts Next time I want to try their karaage. It looked really good. read more
2 months ago
I finally checked out Ramen Nagi at South Coast Plaza, and while people come for the noodles, I'm still thinking about the side dishes! The Absolute Highlight: Karaage (Fried Chicken) You have to order the fried chicken. Seriously. It was easily the best fried chicken I've ever had. The skin was incredibly crispy and seasoned perfectly, while the inside stayed super juicy. I would come back just for a plate of this alone. The Ramen & Customization: The ramen itself was "ok"--solid and satisfying, but the best part is the customization. You get a sheet to pick everything from the richness of the broth to the amount of garlic and the texture of the noodles. It's great if you're picky about how your bowl is prepared! The Sides: Gyoza: These were so tiny and cute! They had that perfect crispy "skirt" on the sides that adds a nice crunch to every bite. Chashu Rice: If you're still hungry, get this. They are very generous with the portions--it came with a surprising amount of meat for a side bowl. Vibe & Service: The energy here is very high and the staff is super welcoming. Even though there's usually a wait (it's South Coast Plaza, after all), the line moves fairly quickly once you're on the list. Come for the highly customizable ramen, but stay for the fried chicken. It's a total game-changer! read more
I really enjoyed this Ramen spot! The day I went, there happened to be no wait, so I was able to order and be seated within a few minutes. We ordered the original king & green king. The green king sounded interesting, so I had to try it, both ramens were delicious! I would definitely come back and try more items from their menu. read more
10 months ago
Ramen Nagi is a popular chain from Japan that brings authentic tonkotsu ramen to South Coast Plaza. It's located on what I still call the Crystal Court side of SCP along Bear Street. It faces the outside parking garage so you can't miss it. There's usually a line out front but don't let it deter you. When you reach the front of the line, they'll quickly explain the menu to you and have you start circling what you want to order. This is brilliant to help speed up the process once inside. The inside is small with a couple communal tables and a handful of smaller ones, but they also have a patio. There are 5 broth options: Original King, Red King, Black King, Green King and Veggie King. From there you can customize your bowl or pick the chef's recommendations. I was feeling spicy so I got the Red King ($16.50) with no modifications. The broth was rich and flavorful but too spicy for me. It came with ground pork as well as pork chashu and I loved how thin and tender the chashu slices were. We also tried their Karaage Chicken ($8.25) and Snack Gyoza ($7.25). The karaage were crispy and had a slightly sweet flavor which some people may not like. Even though their gyoza are small bite sized pieces they were very good. They currently only offer dine-in and they're worth coming in to try. If it's your first time, I recommend starting with the Original King and trying out different options from there. read more
Ramen Nagi has been very consistent throughout. I've been to the Arcadia location a lot more than this location and the flavor and quality have been very consistent at both places. I also love how we can customize the ramen to our likings. I got the original king and added an egg inside. I put down less salt, with cabbage, and kakuni. I personally like the kakuni a lot more than the chashu. It is more tender, better tasting, and higher quality in my personal opinion. We also got the karaage chicken on the side and it's always a good choice to get. The lemon and the side of dipping sauce just tops it off and cuts the friedness of the chicken. Really good! The employees were friendly and ambiance was decent. Parking is always available so it is a good location! Will most definitely be back again :) read more
Ramen Nagi is really fun and I'm absolutely here for all the kitschy goodness. First off, your entire party needs to be present before you're seated. You fill out a little menu while you wait in line to make the ordering fast and seamless once you've entered the restaurant. There are also line barriers, so I can only imagine how crowded during peak times. I ordered the original king ($15.50) with 0 modifications and it was excellent. I opted for the thin noodles and they were perfectly al dente. The broth tasted umami and rich with the tonkatsu flavor. Meat was tender and they give you more than enough. PSA: you can level up the spiciness with the original broth without having to commit to the Red King. I preferred that method of spicy because I found the Red King to have an overbearing spice flavor. Also, they don't serve alcohol if that matters to you. Highly recommend stopping by Ramen Nagi if you're looking to change up your ramen routine. I'll be back to try the other broths. read more
10 months ago
Best time to go is during the day on a weekday. Service was superb and food came out quickly. I go tk this location a few times already. Quality and taste are always consistent. Most delicious ramen in OC area. I always go for the red king or the black ramen which was super delectable especially with the dashi vinegar and fish powder. I tried their Special Gyu ramen for the month of September. It was amazing as well. The Wagyu beef pieces were soft and tender. Broth was umami full of flavor and rich yummy goodness. This is my go to ramen spot near Irvine area! read more
We came on a Saturday night around 5:30pm and only waited less than 10 mins for a table. We selected what we wanted on a menu paper and ramen came within 10 mins after we were seated. The gyozas didn't come out until we finished eating our noodle. We got the basic ramen with pork belly. 7/10. It has one piece of meat and the broth was very oily. I selected normal on oil base. The noodle had a good texture. Gyoza was super tiny. Like bite size. 6/10 The place is very small. The tables are packed with other tables. It is definitely not a place to eat and talk with friends. read more
1 month ago
I'll only rate the red king because that was I ordered and I got to say, the customization is pretty nice. You get to choose what Ramen base you like and choose how much salty/spicy/garlic you want. You get 2 meat/vegetable option and also how soft or firm your noodle will be. I honestly enjoy the flavor of this Ramen but imo, I prefer other Ramen chashu over this one. Wish they included an egg for free but you have to pay for it. Solid 4/5 read more
I have been hearing really good things about Ramen Nagi from different locations, and they've finally opened a location nearby me. I also got lucky for coming right before peaked lunch so it wasn't so packed, but the place was still full and a little cramped. I always like a ramen place that allows you to customize different levels of broth, tare, garlic oil, spice, and noodles. I got myself Red King with level 10 spice and extra firm noodles, and they delivered it just right. Off the jump, broth was rich, packed of flavors and not too salty. Pork was really tender, and I like my noodles really firm and it did not disappoint. The spice was strong but bearable so it wouldn't kill other flavors. I also got some karaage, and it was really good and juicy. Overall, everything was delicious. I haven't had such a good ramen bowl for awhile, and this place is a must try. Highly recommend Ramen Nagi if you're ever in town. read more
11 months ago
We've been recommended Ramen Nagi by several Bay Area friends and were afraid to try it due to the potential for an hour long wait. Saw this one in Costa Mesa while on vacation and figured we would try to get there right when it opened. We got there after a few minutes of opening on Friday night and were pleasantly surprised to be able to order and get seated right away. The first thing that we have to decide on is the type of Ramen (Original Tonkotsu, Red, Black, Green, Veggie). Probably oversimplifying here, but Red is the spicy version, Black has black garlic and squid ink, and Green has basil. I thought the Veggie one had blended in silken tofu, but reading the description it had mushroom and cauliflower puree. After the main ramen choice, then you can customize the salt, oil, and garlic in the broth, choose the meat and veggie, and then choose the thickness and doneness of the noodles. Maybe it's because I'm an engineer, but something about this level of customization tickles me. On the original, you could in theory have 5,400 versions of that depending on your choices. My group ordered all 5 of the main broths, so I got to try all of them. I thought they were all tasty, but gave first place to Red King and second place to Black King. I also liked pork belly more than the chashu, but could see if others wanted a leaner cut since the meal is quite rich. Didn't get to try every option, but was happy with normal salt, normal oil, heavy garlic, and normal + thin noodles. Complimentary bean sprouts were bathed in sesame oil and very tasty. We also ordered karaage which was solid. I didn't know the karaage side was an egg salad so I used it as dipping sauce which worked out. Overall, thought the flavors were fantastic on the Red and Black. Broth was rich and creamy. Noodles had a good amount of chew. Excellent place for ramen and hoping this spot starts doing as well as the Bay Area ones (but hopefully not to the point of hour long waits!) read more
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3333 Bear St
Ste 151
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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https://www.ramennagiusa.com
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Ramen Nagi - ramen - Updated June 2026
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