Underbelly - North Park Reviews

Overrun by flies. One was in the sause jar under the lid. It completely grossed me out. The ramen was good. But the flies! Oh goodness. Management unresponsive. Difficult to order, system is disorganized and not customer friendly

Great ramen in a relaxed environment. Laid back but speedy and friendly service. Both locations are good, but I prefer the Little Italy site. Prices are about average for a ramen restaurant. Fun and relaxed so if you like Asian food, you will probably enjoy you visit as I did.

Went with a friend to celebrate his birthday. Liked the self serve fizzy water feature!! Staff friendly, food, was average and nothing to write home about. I guess if one likes to drink a lot, they may think more highly of the food. Good place to hang out and people watch.

Disappointing Decline in Service at Underbelly Northpark Underbelly Northpark was once one of my favorite ramen spots, but unfortunately, the experience has taken a turn for the worse. While the food remains as amazing as ever, their rigid and inflexible policies have really soured my visits. Due to allergies, I don’t eat egg or seaweed, and I asked if they could substitute with corn—a seemingly simple request given that corn is much lower on the ingredient cost scale. To my surprise, they insisted on charging extra for the addition. For a place I’ve frequented for years, it’s frustrating to feel nickel-and-dimed over something so basic, especially when accommodating food allergies should be standard practice. It’s clear they have enough business that they don’t need to keep long-time customers happy, or attract new ones. After years of being a loyal customer, I won’t be returning.

I love coming to San Diego, I wanted to try underbelly when we went last year but couldn't fit it in. We were staying in North Park so we took an uber there. We got there a bit before sunset and picked some seats outside at the bar. Staff were great, really nice to talk to. We ordered at the front counter and the ramen is brought out to you. We stayed for hours drinking and just enjoying the atmosphere. Already planning another trip back and will be back to UBNP.

Belly of the Beast ramen was very flavorful. Broth had a nice spicy afterburn. It contains a variety of meats, including oxtail and short ribs. Meat portions are relatively small, but that's probably to maintain a relatively low price point. Order at the register and the food comes out promptly. It was pretty busy at 5PM on a Sunday night. Most of the communal tables and counter stools were taken but people dine fairly quickly so seats seem to open up. There are a few counter seats near the prep area. Entertaining to watch the chefs though the seating area is warmer and not as well-ventilated as the outdoor patio.

Today was chilly outside and a big bowl ir ramen killed that chill....mmmm perfect! The corber location is great for people watching and they have plenty of great beer on tap! The food is fresh, prepared in front of you if you eat at the inside bar and there is a great dealmof attention and respect paid to the ingredients. It seems the kinks are all out as both my meal and my business partners meal was made to order and made to perfection!

This place have the best quality Ramen in San Diego. The food is great. Don't expect spoon or fork. Try the original underbelly dish.

A very nice corner restaurant with a quaint atmosphere. The ramen dishes are excellent as is their craft beer. If you like spicy you will need to ask them to spice it up or you can add it yourself.

I popped in for lunch, and had a wonderful tonkatsu. It came fast, and was delicious. Great covered outdoor seating, and interesting beers.

This was by far the best ramen bowl I have ever had (and I ate a close second in cold springtime in Portland, OR)! Order the belly of the beast. You will not be disappointed--the dumpling meat was so tender, and the flavors perfectly balanced. We also shared the shrimp gyoza--delicious. The cilantro garnish brought out the sweet and savory flavors. Husband also got a Berliner Weiss, 32nd North with tart cherry after taste. GREAT meal.

The broth, oh the broth! Underbelly is an unpretentious walk up that served up one of our best, and least expensive meals in San Diego. Do not be put off by the line at the door- everything is ordered at the register right inside and it goes quickly! We tried the Belly of the Beast and the Thai Curry ramen- both were outrageously good! The broth was deep with layers of flavor. The portions are generous and worthy of togo tubs. We also had the gyoza app and the wrappers were perfectly crisp with flavorful shrimp filling. Also not to miss, the craft beer collection served from a collection of Star Wars stormtrooper taps. The open air family-style seating is fun and offers a unique opportunity to make new friends. This is a must if you are a fan of noodles and good beer!

This place offered fully customizable ramen with suggestions if you couldn’t decide. Their sides went well with ramen and the drink options alcoholic and non alcoholic were all part of the experience. The vibe was Japanese street noodle bar with amazing chill hip hop vibes in music.

A fun place with very good ramen and a great selection of beers. Nice atmosphere. I enjoyed my meal sitting at the bar.

A casual dining experience, with robust adult beverage options. No dress code, or reservations, show up, request a table and indulge! Ramen is the king here. Served a variety of ways. My choice was the, “Underbelly Ramen”, served in a tonkotsu broth. Stuffed with pulled pork, chachi belly, and a boiled (soft) egg, green onions, and what appeared to be spinach, or bok choy. Ramen soup bowls can be prepared vegetarian style, with shrimp, chicken, a or lobster red curry broth. I observed several salads served as well. Want kimchi? They have it! Vietnamese sandwiches, or Baos are on the menu. A lot to choose from, mmmmmm. There are a number of beverage options, mixed drinks, beer, wine, or sake. Dinning is mainly outdoors, so be prepared if Mother Nature isn’t playing nice.

Let me start by saying, it's delicious vegan ramen (and apparently the oxtail dumplings are killer, according to non-vegan involved). This was my second time here and I love that the veggie ramen includes whatever fresh produce is in season. That said: their menu says "all ramens can be made vegan." I got so excited this time to try the Thai curry one. And then I was told by making it "vegan," they simply meant taking the meat out, adding veggies, and using the vegan ramen noodles - NOT making it with a vegan ramen base. Meaning at best the ramens, other than the vegetarian, are pescatarian and not vegan. Pretty disappointed. I tend to add the eggplant wrapped tofu which are okay, if not slightly flavourless save the delicious sauce on top. But makes the dish super filling.

We ordered some ramen to go as we heard Underbelly is a great place and the line was out the door! The hotel was just 10 min away, but once we put all the ingredients together some of the noodles stuck together and didn't quite have the right texture. The rest of the ingredients were nice, but I think the ramen at Tajima and RakiRaki on Convoy were much better. I'll have to try the ramen at the restaurant to compare apples to apples though so I'll try again when I have time to wait in the line.

We finally went to a true Ramen house and greatly enjoyed it. There is a line out the door but it moves quickly. You order, get your number, and then go find a seat. Food is brought out in decent time. The broth was so delicious and the other aspects of the dish were cooked very well. Their bar taps look super cool in the center of the bar and they have a good tap list. I'd like to go back to try other items on their menu.

Good love is hard to find and good ramen is even harder. Simply can’t eat another ramen anymore after visiting Underbelly.

We have frequented both underbelly locations, in Little Italy and in North Park. We love them both. We came to North Park as this location offered Miso broth and my wife really loves it. Sad news: Miso has been taken off the menu at both locations. Don't let that slow you down one bit! This place is great, has great food, great service, great atmosphere, cold local brews and a good wine selection. If there is a line on the sidewalk waiting to get in, find the end of it and wait. It will move fairly quickly and you'll get your chance to order. Ask someone in front of you for their menu when they're done with it and pass it back when you don't need it anymore. Order and pay when you get to the counter inside the door. Be sure to get your questions answered and any special requests known. Take your number and go find a seat. The delivery staff will have your beverages to you in short order and your food items won't be long behind. As soon as you take that first bite (or sip of broth from your bowl.... Yeah, that's really OK here!!), you will understand why the line was out the door.......and you'll be back again!

What a great dining experience! A lovely open air area to sit, lots of good beer on draft, and an interesting (and very good) menu! My family and I had the kimchi and then 3 different ramen bowls and we all loved them! Our only regret is that we live across the country (Pennsylvania) and won't be able to come here again soon.

My first time to a Ramen noodle place.. It was really good and way filling... I had the "Belly of the Beast". I can recommend it...great flavor...

110%" "Hipsterville" Funky atmosphere with 90% seating outside. Not bad concept if you don't mind fighting off the flies on your food. The food it's self was unique take on Asian "pho" ramen noodle soup among other offerings.

This is a really fun and different dining experience. You wait in line to order from the counter at the bar, but once the order is placed the food comes out very quickly. Five of us had variations of the ramen and it was undoubtedly the best I've ever had. I don't know how I'll be able to eat ramen again on the east coast. The other one of us got the short rib bao buns and said they were excellent as well. Fun atmosphere as well.

Pretty good ramen and appetizers. If it’s a bit chilly outside it is hard to find anything that’s not open tonsils you from the wind. Ended up having the chicken bao buns and chicken confit ramen. Both were pretty with with nice flavor and good portion sizes!

This restaurant was perfect from start to finish. All staff were extremely friendly and welcoming and the open air seating was perfect with the warm fire in the middle of our table keeping us warm. The Bao wAs fabulous, the best I’ve ever had. The ramen was absolutely delicious with so many interesting choices. Mine had curry and shrimp and I added on eggplant wrapped tofu that was fantastic. The prices were also very reasonable. I’ll remember this restaurant for a long time.

The establishment was pretty cool. Counter eating partly inside, partly outside. Portion size very adequate - large bowl of noodles and broth - and prices mid-range. Service was good and the menu is very minimal but that's not a bad thing! Staff behind the bar were really cool and down to earth. I'd visit again.

Stop #5, Gut Buster: North Park edition We really should've just gave up after our last stop, but we're stubborn. We knew going in we wouldn't be ordering the ramen - we're stubborn, not *crazy* - so we went with three apps to share. We got the shrimp gyoza, the avocado tempura, and the bacon wrapped asparagus. Maybe we are crazy. Our timing was perfect that day; we got in right before the big dinner crowd hit. We were able to find a spot at the fire pit to huddle together with our appetizers. I did sample everything at least once, which is more than I thought possible when sitting down. The gyoza were my favorite - not surprising for those who know me. They were perfectly crispy with the right amount of filling. The sauce they were presented on was a bit tart but didn't overpower the dumpling. The avocado tempura could've been better, in my opinion. Had the pieces been smaller, or even just a tiny bit riper, it would've been a hit. But, the slices were gigantic and I think the avocado wasn't quite ready to be cut to be served. The bacon-wrapped asparagus was good. The mix between the smokiness of the bacon and the charred flavor from the grill overshadowed the asparagus itself, but I kind of think that's what they were going for. Not sure what their ramen is like, but we'll probably come back to give it a try. They're always busy, so it's got to mean something, right?

Interesting restaurant layout, mostly open air (although with a cover) but warmed by long fires down the big shared tables. We ordered a meat and a vegetarian ramen (but with added shrimps in the latter) and a salad, plus beers - although the beer two of us wanted ran out after one pour which was disappointing. The food was OK but we've had better ramen not far away. Pay when ordering. At least the service was quick.

Why do Americans have such a struggle getting ramen right? A million ramen dives in Japan make better ramen than this place--or any other ramen place I've tried in the US. The ramen broth here (I had miso with chicken, my friend had their super-special, with beef) was tasteless--we kept adding flavorings and spices to get some flavor. Locally, Ichiban (University Ave.) has the best ramen I've tried in SD, plus many other more-or-less authentic Japanese dishes. Underbelly also has steamed buns (manju, I assume) and a few rice bowls.

We were craving for good ramen, and so pleased to find this location. Not only was the ramen amazing, it's a really cool spot to hang out. Service was fast. LOVE the family style dining - long tables where you sit with other diners. Gives you a chance to commune with others. ;D LOVE the outdoor dining and the industrial decor.

My husband has raved for years about the noodle dishes he has had in Japan. We have visited various noodle houses in the southland and was never satisfied with the ramen. FINALLY we got what we were looking for and plenty of it at Underbelly. Will definitely be returning. They only negative was the seating. The metal chairs were backless and was a bit uncomfortable for both me and my husband.

Ramen as you like it in this bustling venue. Most of the seating is outside and one orders at the counter and then is served at table.

This is one of the best meals I had while in San Diego. I had the one with oxtail dumplings and added shitaki mushrooms. I got it to go but did enjoy the atmosphere while I waited. I really like the outdoor feel and the concrete tables. It's a trendy little place and the employees are super friendly. I would highly recommend underbelly.

I loved this place. After an intimidating Friday evening arrival where we were 20 deep in the queue for dinner, the line moved swiftly. Maybe 20 minutes to get table. This place looks like the future of dining. Place your order before eating. Restaurant is open and airy. Interaction with wait staff is less than a typical place. But they were prompt, friendly and responsive. And the food — oh, the food. As first timers we went with the popular dishes of Underbelly, vegetarian and chicken ramen. Sides of Kim-chi, edamame and baos. Took a pass on the beers which they suggest highly. Maybe next time. The vibe of the place — on a beautiful evening — exciting. While filled with diners in their 20s, early 30s, the place is good for all ages.

Great ramen bowl, the one with ox tail and the pork belly buns, very good indeed. The place is nice, very laid back, zero pretentous, relaxed staff. Very good value for money, the concept is original and cool.

Went for lunch today. 1st impression. They have their menus crumpled into a pile hanging off a magazine rack from a "Penny Saver" all topped off with a rock. Classy! Next an emotionless waiter takes your order and then you sit outside on tables. Some have a center gas fire, others, not so much. Somebody didn't bother or think it important to ignite the others. Food: I ordered a beef bowl. Rice nicely done but beef was dry and the sweet/sour flavor lack any complexity. Red shoestring ginger topped it off and I was grateful for something to clear the other astringent flavor out. All in all, it's as if they don't care. Too bad. I'd been before and enjoyed it but won't be coming back. There are too many other better options nearby.

This is definitely one of the best ramen noodle restaurants in town, and it's just 4 blocks from home! It's good for lunch or dinner, and good with a group -- always fun. And the new umbrellas & trees along the street side give good shade, which makes the afternoon/evening seatings much more pleasant.

As you know, parking is always tricky in North Park but there is plenty of parking available in the neighborhood. The service was so quick. We got water and as we turned around our food was already delivered to our table. They have self serve water (plain and sparkling) outside. I love how spacious outdoor/bar seating is on the patio. The music was great. A great vibe overall. I definitely recommend giving this place a try if you're in the area and craving some bomb ramen! Food review: Underbelly ramen: (5/5) The noodles, meat, and broth were all perfection in this bowl of ramen! It was a good portion and the meat was SO tender and delicious! Tonkotsu ramen: (5/5) The noodles were cooked perfectly, pork was tender and flavorful, the soft boiled egg is always my favorite part, and the broth is delicious, I could just drink bowls of it. It's not super heavy and has so much flavor. Beef gyoza: (4/5) These were tasty, but there was not as much filling/meat inside as we like. Short rib bao: (3.5/5) The meat was very tender, but the coleslaw and spicy mustard didn't mesh well together in my opinion. I ate the meat, pickle, and bun and it was delicious. It comes with 2 buns, so plenty to share!

We visited for a late lunch on a Saturday. Not crowded, laid back. Almost all seating is open air, concrete tables. Ordering at the counter was fast and easy, helpful staff. Ramen was excellent - the broth is very authentic to Tokyo styles, the tonkatsu was tender and juicy without being soggy. Served HOT! I'm not a fan of soft boiled eggs, I'm glad they offer/suggest hard boiled as an option, even if not "authentic". The patio is dog friendly, staff is friendly and outgoing. Parking is not going to be close, expect to be 2+ blocks away on the street, or use the North Park parking structure and walk about 10? minutes.

Mmmmm Ramen! Everyone loves Ramen but there are so many choices in San Diego. This is a somewhat trendy joint in North Park. You can sit at the bar or at tables that have fires in the middle. It has a pretty cool vibe. They have a nice selection of beers there as well. You can also stop by Modern Times Brewery next door for a pint. The Ramen is pretty tasty. The broth is good and noodles are tasty. I prefer the vegetarian Ramen which is good. Try the one with brussels sprouts. The broth is quite tasty as well. You can customize your order with all kinds of ingredients. The price is pretty reasonable as well. It is a good meal and if you are nearby, by all means stop by.

Came here with friends. Since I'm vegetarian I ordered the veggie ramen, which was ok, nothing more than that. couldn't find many other options in the menu, and left rather disappointed, even though the ramen is huge.