Seemor
Ushi Taro Ramen SOMAB+Worth Trying
343 8th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
· Japanese restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (156 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Cozy SoMa ramen spot specializing in beef-bone broth bowls with optional bone marrow; excellent mushrooms and tender beef, some reports of salty or underpowered broths and occasional slow service.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ushi Taro Ramen delivers solid neighborhood ramen with strong food quality anchored by its signature beef-bone broth and addictive crispy mushrooms. However, variable broth intensity and seasoning across visits, combined with cramped seating in a 30-seat room, prevents it from reaching higher territory. The creative beef ramen concept and fair pricing make it worth seeking out, though execution inconsistency keeps it from competing with the area's most reliable ramen destinations.
Restaurant Summary
A snug SoMa nook with beef-bone ramen as the star, Ushi Taro draws locals and curious visitors into a 30-seat room where bowls arrive fast and steam under warm wood accents. Diners gush that the crispy mushrooms are “shockingly addictive,” while others prefer the window seats for people watching. The cooking leans creative but grounded: ramen rooted in beef stock, uplifted by black garlic oil, truffle notes, and a theatrical bone marrow add-on. When it clicks, the broth feels rich and balanced with tender beef; when it misses, some find shio too plain or the seasoning a touch salty. Best bets: Traditional or Spicy, plus mushrooms. Families can do well here thanks to familiar sides like edamame and gyoza, straightforward broths, and shareable mushrooms. There is a vegan bowl and tofu swaps, though feedback on the vegan broth is mixed. Portions are generous; picky eaters may want the traditional broth over adventurous add-ons.
At a Glance
- Unique beef-bone ramen with optional bone marrow
- Crispy mushrooms are a crowd favorite
- Broth consistency varies, especially shio and vegan
- Small room with tight seating and occasional slow refills
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- beef_bone_ramen_specialty
- bone_marrow_add_on
- black_garlic_oil_customization
What People Love
- Rich, comforting beef broth when on point
- Tender, medium-rare beef slices
- Add-ons like black garlic oil and bone marrow
- Crispy mushrooms that invite repeat orders
Points of Concern
- Seasoning swings from bland to salty depending on bowl and visit
- Vegan ramen receives mixed to negative feedback from some diners
- Small space leads to close tables and occasional service delays
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$36-48 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose Traditional or Spicy ($18) as a base; add black garlic oil ($2) for complexity
- Share Crispy Mushroom ($8) to start
- Only add bone marrow ($10) if you enjoy very rich textures
Perfect For
- A quick, flavorful ramen night in SoMa
- Ramen fans seeking a beef-broth twist
- Solo lunches at the counter
- Casual dates with cozy vibes
Location Insights
Area: Urban SoMa block with mixed residential, tech offices, and nightlife; casual, quick meals and date-night drop-ins.
Safety: Generally busy but uneven; some reports of nearby police activity typical for SoMa corridors.
Nearby: Near transit corridors, galleries, bars, and mid-rise apartments; walkable to other casual eateries.
Mid-MarketMid-Market is a bustling part of SoMa characterized by a mix of office buildings, entertainment venues, and a growing number of trendy restaurants and bars. The dining scene is diverse, catering to both casual and upscale tastes, with a lively social atmosphere especially during evenings and weekends.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–20:30
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–20:30
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–20:30
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–20:30
Saturday11:30–14:30, 17:00–20:30
Sunday11:30–14:30, 17:00–20:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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