Menya Shono - San Rafael

Got sick after eating here (possibly because the soup base includes ingredients not listed on the menu) but the food tasted good enough. If you're older, be aware that this place does not have menus and doesn't take cash. You order online through thewebsite and a 15% tip is automatically included, but you can tip extra cash.

One of my favorite ramen restaurants in the Bay Area. Have to come here at least once a week. If you want the best ramen in San Rafael, this is the the spot.

Their food is excellent. I always get the toripaitan ramen which comes with perfectly cooked eggs, toppings, well cooked pork and a fantastic, thick and creamy broth. It also comes with 4-5 types of garlic preparations which imparts a unique flavor tothe broth. My only complaint is that it is VERY hard to make reservations. They do not have any online link to makereservations (there's one on Yelp but it's a broken link) and if you call their number NO ONE EVER PICKS UP. Funnily enough,even though they don't seem to have a robust system to make reservations, they will ask if you have a reservation when youarrive, which is ironic and slightly annoying. If you go there without reservations, you scan a QR code to join the wait listwhich is usually a wait time of 15-30 minutes. You order on your device by scanning another QR code and they bring you your foodonce it's ready. Another big drawback is that they seldom check on you, so in case you need anything you'll have to flag aserver down. They have incredible food but they really need to work on an app or atleast add a phone number where someoneanswers and be better at checking on customers. However if you can get a table, the food is absolutely worth it!

A new concept for me in ordering and paying from phone. Appetizers were in shareable portions, while ramen is full of flavor. I can close my eyes and the aroma and flavors transport me to a Japanese Ramen stall. Delicious!

I moved back to SF in 2021 after spending the past 27 years (half my life) living and working in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. I 've probably eaten over 2,000 bowls of ramen in those 27 years. In the year that I 've been back I 've tried a number of recommended ramen shops in the Bay Area. So far, this craft ramen at Menya Shono is about the closest I 've had to authenticJapanese ramen. I loved it. Ordered the spicy Enoki mushrooms and the DX Tori Paitan Ramen $19. The difference between theClassic Tori Paitan $16.50 and the DX Tori Paitan is the inclusion of an ajitama egg, and a thick slab of chashu. The richnessof the thick soup is excellent! The wheat noodles are thicker than I prefer, but they were obviously hand made and delicious. Ifyou are looking for an authentic Tori Paitan ramen, I feel this is solid!! The only thing I would do differently next time is toask them to exclude the chopped garlic! Too much garlic for me, but that 's just personal preference.