Dohatsuten Ramen & Tapas

About Dohatsuten

Dohatsuten Ramen & Tapas is a Japanese kitchen and izakaya on San Antonio Road in Palo Alto. An izakaya is a casual Japanese place for drinks and small plates. Dohatsuten pairs that idea with full bowls of ramen. The restaurant's own website frames its approach simply: bones simmered slowly, broths built in layers and noodles matched to each soup. It calls the result honest food made with intention.

The website talks about the kitchen's habits "since the day we opened our doors," and keeps the focus on broth and noodles rather than on a long backstory. It does not publish an opening year or the names of its cooks, so this page sticks to what the restaurant describes: the bowls, the small plates and how to order.

What is on the menu

Ramen is the center of the menu. The bowls named on the website give a good sense of the range:

• Dohatsuten Ramen. The house signature, with spicy garlic minced pork, shredded chili, chashu pork, stewed taro pork, cabbage, carrots, green onions, chives, bean sprouts, nori and a half egg.
• Asahi's Chashu Ramen. Braised pork belly chashu with green onions, bean sprouts, spicy bamboo shoots, nori and a half egg.
• Create Your Own Ramen. Pick the noodles and the broth, then add the toppings you want.
• Vegetable Ramen. Cabbage, carrots, green onions, chives, bean sprouts, sweet corn, baby corn and nori.
• Kids' Ramen. For children 12 and under, with chashu, sweet corn, nori and a half egg.

The tapas side of the name refers to small plates. The menu names chicken karaage and pork gyoza among them. These work as starters for the table or as a light meal on their own. The website describes the noodle base as customizable, so ask about noodle options when you order. Menus change, so check the current list on the site before you go.

A few terms help if you are new to ramen. Chashu is sliced braised pork. The Asahi's Chashu Ramen uses pork belly. Nori is the sheet of dried seaweed tucked at the edge of the bowl. Karaage is Japanese fried chicken, usually marinated before it is coated and fried. Gyoza are pan-fried dumplings, often served with a soy and vinegar dipping sauce.

How to order

You can eat in the restaurant or order ahead. Dohatsuten's website links to online ordering for both pickup and delivery. Ramen travels less well than many dishes, since noodles soften in hot broth, so pickup over a short distance usually gives a better bowl than a long delivery ride. The site also sells gift cards, which make an easy present for a ramen fan.

The restaurant lists a phone number and an email address, [email protected], for questions. Use the phone for anything time sensitive, such as a larger group arriving on a weekend evening. Email works better for questions that need a considered answer, such as ingredients for a diner with allergies or an order for an office lunch. Because the website does not post hours, a quick call also confirms the kitchen is open before you make the drive.

Who it suits

Dohatsuten fits a casual lunch or dinner. Families will find it easier than many ramen shops, since the menu has a dedicated Kids' Ramen and a build-your-own bowl for picky eaters. People who like heat can start with the house ramen, which brings chili and garlic. Those who want something milder can choose the chashu ramen or build their own.

The Vegetable Ramen gives non-meat eaters a full bowl rather than a side dish. The website does not describe its broths in detail for special diets, so ask the staff if you avoid meat or seafood stock entirely. Our Asian food guide covers more Japanese and other Asian restaurants around the city.

Tips for visiting

• The website does not post opening hours. Call the restaurant before you go, especially between lunch and dinner.
• Order karaage or gyoza for the table while the ramen is being made.
• For takeout, ask whether the broth and noodles can be packed separately.
• San Antonio Road is easiest by car. Allow time for the drive from downtown.

Comparing ramen shops? Our directory also lists Ramen Kowa on California Avenue and Ramen Nagi. For other casual meals, see our cheap eats guide.

Location and getting there

Dohatsuten Ramen & Tapas is at 799 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303, in the Charleston area of Palo Alto. Our Charleston guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 1.0 miles away. That is roughly a 24 minute walk or a short bike ride.

Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.

What is nearby

• Body Kneads Day Spa, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
• Hertz San Antonio Road, service business, under 0.1 mi
• Taco Bell, quick-service spot, 0.1 mi
• SummerWinds Nursery, store, 0.2 mi
• The Car Doctor Tire Pros, service business, 0.3 mi
• Cubberley Community Center, 0.4 mi
• Mitchell Park Library, 0.6 mi
• Ramos Park, 0.6 mi

Other restaurants nearby: Rick's Ice Cream (0.4 mi); Mountain Mike's (0.4 mi); Dinah’s Poolside Restaurant (1.3 mi); The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse (1.3 mi). Browse the full restaurants list.

Before you go

• Popular dinner spots in Palo Alto fill up on Friday and Saturday nights, so book ahead where the restaurant takes reservations.
• Many kitchens close earlier than in big cities. Plan to order by about 9 p.m. on weeknights unless the posted hours say otherwise.
• If you have allergies or dietary needs, call ahead or check the current menu on the restaurant's website.

About this listing

Checked October 29, 2026 against Dohatsuten official website. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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