Ippudo - Cupertino

We came into the restaurant thinking it won't be as good as Ippudo in Japan. Surprisingly, it was delicious! The cha su don was a nice appetizer to share. We go... read more We came into the restaurant thinking it won't be as good as Ippudo in Japan. Surprisingly, it was delicious! The cha su don was a nice appetizer to share. We got the Akaru modern ramen which in my opinion was the best tasting ramen, and the Karka Spicyramen very spicy. We enjoyed the Hakata (thin noodles) firm noodle texture, which holds onto the broth so well. We didn'tmind sitting by the bar counter. The metal chairs were a little uncomfortable, but it wasn't so bad that we couldn't sit onit. It does get busy, so make sure you get there early and get a table.

I love ippudo in Japan however I had a very different experience here in Cupertino. The gyoza were almost cold and I was disappointed by the taste. Then I was s... read more I love ippudo in Japan however I had a very different experience here in Cupertino. The gyoza were almost cold and I was disappointed by the taste. Then I was shocked by the ramen bowl size. They are quite small and more like kid's size than adultsize. I could easily finish it. We had takoyaki as well and I left feeling hungry. Ramen is one of the cheapest options inJapan and paying $95 for lunch (4 persons, before tip) seems unacceptable.

This was probably my second visit in a few years, and I’ve noticed a clear improvement in both the menu and the overall quality of the ramen. My rating has gone... read more This was probably my second visit in a few years, and I’ve noticed a clear improvement in both the menu and the overall quality of the ramen. My rating has gone from 3 stars to 4. For my meal, I ordered the Akamaru Modern ramen and found the Tonkotsu broth to have a richer flavor compared to a year ago. Great job on that. I chose the firm noodles, which I recommend. Just for fun, I tried the Sho Chiku Bai sake to support a local Berkeley brewery and was pleasantly surprised. It was sweet, with a clean finish and no bitter aftertaste. The soup arrived lukewarm—I would have preferred it hotter, but it was too much trouble to ask them to reheat it. The interior features a mix of metal chairs and wooden benches, with a warm beechwood atmosphere. We arrived early around 11:30 am, so it wasn’t crowded. Seating options include booths, communal tables, and some bench-metal chair combinations along the walls. Regarding COVID precautions, you are asked to sanitize your hands upon entry with the alcohol gel provided at the door. Tips: 1) Arrive early around 11:30 am to avoid long waits. 2) Order the Hakata firm noodles so they don’t get soggy if you take your time eating.

On a Saturday around 7 PM, my group of three added ourselves to the Yelp waitlist and only waited about 5 minutes before being seated. The restaurant didn’t see... read more On a Saturday around 7 PM, my group of three added ourselves to the Yelp waitlist and only waited about 5 minutes before being seated. The restaurant didn’t seem too busy, and we requested a table rather than bar seating. The servers were attentive, and our food arrived quickly. The shrimp baos were wonderfully crispy, and I really enjoyed the slightly sweet sauce—it was a unique twist. The karaage was fried to perfection, with the chicken so juicy and fatty that even though there were only five pieces, it felt worth it. The ramen was pretty standard, but I’m a fan. I can definitely see myself coming back. The total bill, including tax and tip, was roughly $35 per person (we shared two starters among the three of us, and each ordered their own ramen).

Located on Cupertino Main Street, Ippudo is a standout authentic Japanese ramen restaurant. With locations worldwide, they bring their exceptional broth and tas... read more Located on Cupertino Main Street, Ippudo is a standout authentic Japanese ramen restaurant. With locations worldwide, they bring their exceptional broth and tasty noodles to many fans. My favorite dish is the Akamaru Modern Ramen, featuring rich Tonkotsu pork broth blended with black sesame sauce, tender slices of chashu pork, and thin noodles. For a classic option, I suggest the Shoyu Ramen with curly noodles, a savory broth, soft-boiled egg, and chashu pork.