Menya Keishi - Costa Mesa

This restaurant is a wonderful discovery! While I wouldn't claim it's the best tsukemen in Southern California, it's certainly among the top contenders. The staff was welcoming, and the atmosphere was cozy. Having traveled extensively in Japan, this place really transported me back there. Whether it was the ambiance or the layout, it felt just like the times I spent with my colleagues in Japan. No other Japanese restaurant in Southern California has given me that same feeling. If it's your first visit, I highly recommend trying their number 1 tsukemen. I'm already looking forward to returning, and I might even feature this place in one of my episodes!

Mendoki offers a wide variety of ramen options, and you can easily find your pick by checking out the posters on the wall. Everything looks incredibly delicious! My friends and I particularly loved the Tonkotsu Ramen and Premium Ramen. They also serve succulent carrots! The location is super convenient, right next to Mitsuwa Supermarket in Costa Mesa. Be sure to experience the authentic flavors!

This restaurant offers some of the most authentic Japanese-style noodles available. They feature Jiro Style, Tsukemen, Inaniwa Udon, Chuka Soba, Abura Soba, and Maze Soba. Vegetarian noodle options are also available. The tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles is exceptional, and once you try it here, you won't want to visit the ramen shop in the Mitsuwa marketplace just behind it.

I had my first attempt from Abura Soba here and it's my fav ramen ever since. The chief was a very nice person. He has provided us every time a few fried chicken or Oolong Tea. I believed in Abura Soba today and found the place closed. I feel sad because she made the best Abura Soba.

I 'm so happy this opened here! I wasn 't a giant fan of the Menya. Just actually came back from Hakata, and this place is legit. Tsukemen is my favorite and I 've been hardpressed to find any good ones in the OC area. For those of you not familiar, it is dipping ramen. Have gone back twice already and it has not let me down. Just a heads up, for those of you who have more conventional Japanese cuisine, some of the menu items may be foreign to you and not what you expect (i.e. dipping noodle, brothless dishes). That doesn 't mean it 's not delicious, just keep in mind this isn 't like Santouka or Kitakata. Honestly, this is my new favorite place, please don 't change or go away.