Ramen Gaijin

The room is half the pleasure: concrete and wavy redwood bars, reclaimed barn-wood paneling, Japanese hanging lanterns, and traditional-style paintings updated with modern superheroes, with a small Godzilla bonsai garden on the counter overlooking the open kitchen. Beyond the noodles, the menu runs to yakitori skewers, pork shoulder gyoza, donburi bowls and seasonal small plates, and a longer izakaya menu is served at the bar in the evening. Japanese highballs and craft cocktails sit alongside beer and California wine. Lunch and dinner run Tuesday through Saturday, with a break in the afternoon, and the restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations are taken through Resy, but bar seats open up for walk-ins. Go early for dinner, or come at lunch when the room is calmer and the broth is just as good.