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The Best Ramen in San Mateo

Updated Updated August 14, 2026

Downtown alone has a cluster of ramen shops locals will happily wait in line for. Here's where to slurp.

For a small city, San Mateo punches way above its weight on ramen. Our own favorite so far is Santa Ramen, and downtown has a cluster of well-known shops locals line up for. Here is the lay of the land, honestly: the ones we have been to, and the ones with the reputation.

The Best Ramen in San Mateo is San Mateo Local's hand-picked guide to 6 ramen spots, chosen by a born-and-raised local with no paid placement.

The heavy hitters

Santa Ramen

Our pick · S El Camino near 20th Ave

The one on this list we have actually eaten at, and it is genuinely excellent. A South El Camino ramen stop near 20th Avenue, and worth the trip off the downtown strip.

Ramen Dojo

Rich, spicy tonkotsu · Downtown (B St)

A San Mateo ramen institution with a devoted following and famously long lines for its rich, spicy bowls. If there's a wait out front, that's the sign you're in the right place.

Ramen Parlor

Tonkotsu & spicy garlic · Downtown (B St)

Rich tonkotsu and spicy garlic ramen, a longtime downtown favorite. The reliable, no-fuss bowl locals keep coming back for.

More bowls worth knowing

Taishoken

Classic bowls · Downtown (4th Ave)

Hearty, classic ramen downtown on 4th Avenue. A straightforward, satisfying bowl.

Himawari

Ramen & homestyle Japanese · Downtown (2nd Ave)

A downtown Japanese spot known for ramen alongside homestyle dishes, a good pick when the group can't agree on just noodles.

Totoro Ramen

Neighborhood shop · North Central

A North Central ramen shop on North Delaware, the neighborhood bowl for the east side of town.

Frequently asked

What is the best ramen in San Mateo?

Local picks include Santa Ramen, Ramen Dojo, Ramen Parlor. Browse the full hand-picked guide above, chosen by a local with no paid placement.

How many ramen spots does San Mateo Local recommend?

6, all hand-picked by a born-and-raised local and refreshed regularly.

Is San Mateo Local a paid directory?

No. Every pick is hand-picked by a local and nothing is paid placement. It's an honest guide to San Mateo, not an ad platform.

Curated by a born-and-raised local, with no paid placement. Know a ramen spot we missed, or think we've got the order wrong? Tell us at hello@sanmateolocal.com.

Been to one of these spots? Snap a photo, tag it and @sanmateolocal on Instagram, and we'll feature you in our locals' gallery.

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