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About Ramen Nagi
Ramen Nagi is a Japanese ramen chain with a shop at 541 Bryant Street in downtown Palo Alto. The company calls this shop its first U.S. location and "the realization of a dream come true." It has since added U.S. shops in Santa Clara, Century City in Los Angeles, Arcadia, La Jolla in San Diego and Costa Mesa. Worldwide it counts more than 35 restaurants, with branches in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan.
The company's press page traces the U.S. growth. Forbes reported in August 2023 that the shop at Westfield UTC in La Jolla was the chain's fifth U.S. location. Orange Coast magazine covered the arrival at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa in May 2025. Closer to home, the Santa Clara shop shares its Stevens Creek Boulevard address with the Valley Fair mall, which makes it the nearest alternative if Palo Alto is busy.
The founder is Satoshi Ikuta, who started Nagi in 2004 at age 27. According to the company, he trained for more than a decade in classic Hakata ramen shops. He began with a practice called aida kari, borrowing bar space one day a week to run a pop-up ramen shop. He then won a contest for a spot in Tokyo's Tachikawa Ramen Square, a ramen theme park. Shops in Shibuya and in Shinjuku's Golden Gai followed. His stated mission is "to connect the world through ramen culture."
Each Ramen Nagi has its own Daruma doll. Following Japanese custom, Ikuta paints in one of the doll's eyes at each grand opening. He fills in the second eye only when his goal is met, which he describes as bringing Ramen Nagi to the whole world.
The King ramens
The menu centers on four signature bowls, all called Kings. The Original King is the house tonkotsu, a pork broth the company describes as made in the traditional method, served with handcrafted noodles and Nagi pork chashu. The Red King adds garlic, chili oil and cayenne to the broth and comes with a ball of miso-infused minced pork. The Black King gets its color from blackened garlic and squid ink and is finished with minced pork, black sesame and Nagi spices. The Green King pairs the tonkotsu with fresh basil and olive oil and tops it with grated parmesan.
The company also runs Limited King specials to show off new ideas. It says it has featured more than 1,000 varieties since it began, so a visit may turn up a bowl you will not see again. Ramen Nagi invites guests to customize their bowl to taste or leave the choices to the chef.
Vegetarian option
The Veggie King is the meatless bowl. It uses a Japanese soup stock blended with a mushroom and cauliflower purée. Toppings include a hashed potato "chashu," shiitake mushrooms and spinach. The four signature Kings all come with pork toppings such as chashu or minced pork, so vegetarians should order this one. Ask the staff about other ingredients if you have an allergy.
Who it suits
Ramen Nagi is a good fit for a quick lunch, a casual dinner or a solo meal. The focused menu makes ordering simple for groups. Spice lovers have the Red King. Diners curious about unusual flavors can try the Black or Green King. Ramen Nagi's press page features an April 2025 Eater San Francisco list of the best restaurants in Palo Alto. Our own Asian food guide also lists it as a ramen pick.
Tips for visiting
Ramen Nagi is open every day with a break in the afternoon. Lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. If you arrive at 3 p.m. you will find it closed until the evening. Arriving close to the start of a service is a simple way to beat the peak of the meal rush. Our downtown Palo Alto guide covers the area. For more casual meals, see our cheap eats guide. For meatless options, see our vegetarian and vegan guide.
Location and getting there
Ramen Nagi is at 541 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area of Palo Alto. Our Downtown guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away. That is roughly a 7 minute walk.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday to Sunday | 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. |
|---|
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- Timothy Adams Chocolates, bakery or dessert shop, under 0.1 mi
- The UPS Store Bryant Street, service business, under 0.1 mi
- Bella Beauty Salon, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
- DUXIANA, store, under 0.1 mi
- Bryant Street Gallery, shop, under 0.1 mi
- University Avenue, under 0.1 mi
- King Plaza and City Hall, 0.1 mi
- Pacific Art League, 0.1 mi
Other restaurants nearby: Zola + BarZola (under 0.1 mi); Curry Up Now (under 0.1 mi); Ettan (under 0.1 mi); Curry Pizza House (under 0.1 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 the business's own published information. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ramen Nagi in Palo Alto?
Ramen Nagi is at 541 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away.
What ramen does Ramen Nagi serve?
Ramen Nagi serves four signature bowls: the Original King tonkotsu pork broth, the spicy Red King, the Black King with blackened garlic and squid ink and the Green King with basil, olive oil and parmesan. A Veggie King is the vegetarian option. Limited King specials rotate.
Is Ramen Nagi in Palo Alto the first one in the United States?
Yes. Ramen Nagi says its Palo Alto shop is its first U.S. location. The company has since opened in Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Arcadia, San Diego and Costa Mesa.
Does Ramen Nagi have vegetarian ramen?
Yes. The Veggie King uses a Japanese soup stock blended with mushroom and cauliflower purée, topped with hashed potato chashu, shiitake mushrooms and spinach.
What are Ramen Nagi's hours?
Monday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m..