The Best Ramen in Little Italy

The best tsukemen in San Diego and the most polished dining room of the group.

RakiRaki spreads itself across ramen, tsukemen, sushi, and izakaya plates, which costs it a little focus. But the tsukemen is genuinely excellent: dense dipping broth, thick chewy noodles, and a well-designed room that works for a date in a way most ramen shops don't.

Local tip: Get the tsukemen in summer — the dipping broth is concentrated and the cold noodles hold up better.

Ramen as a bar concept — great beer list, patio seating, solid bowls.

Underbelly is more gastropub than ramen-ya, and the bowls are built for people drinking craft beer. The broth is punchy and salt-forward rather than delicate, but the atmosphere and the beer program earn it a place on this list.

Local tip: The North Park patio is the move on a warm evening; expect a wait at the Little Italy location.