In terms of affordability, this is the best bang for your buck udon you'll get in town! The food is good, I also love how they cook the egg to perfection. The quality overall dropped a little in the past few years, I miss the days when they would all scream "irasshaimase" whenever you came in. But still a great comfort food spot, especially if you are at the mall running some errand. Expect self-serve kind of service, you go through the counter choosing your food in a kind of "assembly line buffet style" and pay at the end before sitting. Don't skip the counter with some extra toppings and cutlery!
Overview
If you're looking for a place to enjoy authentic and comforting Japanese udon, Marugame Udon is the spot to visit in San Francisco. Located at 3251 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that blends tradition with a casual atmosphere. Marugame Udon has made a name for itself by serving high-quality, freshly made udon, accompanied by an array of tempura and other Japanese-inspired sides. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll find something to enjoy here.
The standout feature at Marugame Udon is, of course, its udon. Their noodles are handmade daily, ensuring that each bowl has that perfect, chewy texture. This dedication to quality and freshness is something you can taste with every bite. The menu offers a variety of udon options, from simple bowls with soy-based broths to more elaborate dishes with toppings like tempura, egg, or beef. Each dish is customizable, allowing you to add as much or as little as you'd like from the wide selection of toppings available.
One of the most popular dishes is the Kake Udon, a classic dish featuring a hot soy-based broth and thick, flavorful noodles. But if you're in the mood for something heartier, the Beef Udon might be the way to go. The tender beef complements the rich broth and chewy noodles, creating a satisfying meal that's both comforting and filling. The tempura options, including shrimp and vegetable varieties, are a great way to add some crunch to your meal, and they pair perfectly with the soft udon.
The restaurant's casual, fast-casual style allows you to enjoy a meal without a long wait. The ordering process is simple: you walk up to the counter, select your udon, choose your toppings, and watch as your meal is prepared right in front of you. It's a fun and interactive experience that adds to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Plus, with a self-serve station offering a variety of condiments like sesame seeds, green onions, and chili flakes, you can make your dish just the way you like it.
The ambiance at Marugame Udon is welcoming, with modern and minimalistic décor that allows the food to take center stage. The space is clean, with plenty of seating for both small and large groups. The restaurant has a laid-back vibe, making it a great place for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a gathering with friends.
When it comes to customer service, Marugame Udon consistently receives positive reviews for its friendly staff and efficient service. The staff members are always ready to answer questions about the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences. This level of customer care helps ensure that your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.
One of the things that sets Marugame Udon apart from other restaurants in the area is its commitment to quality. All of their ingredients are carefully selected, and the focus on freshness shines through in every dish. From the noodles to the broth, everything is made with attention to detail, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
If you haven't had the chance to visit yet, be sure to stop by and try their udon for yourself. Whether you're a fan of traditional Japanese cuisine or just looking for a new spot to grab a bite, Marugame Udon will not disappoint. With its fresh ingredients, wide variety of toppings, and welcoming atmosphere, it's easy to see why this place has become a beloved part of San Francisco's culinary scene.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1973 reviews
Large Udon with side of Veggies $21.63 Cheese Chicken Katsu Tomatama is pretty good. I feel like the normal curry version would be better.. Counter service, you take your food to your seat, smooth process. Well run business
Marugame Udon at Stonestown Galleria is a great spot for fresh, handmade udon! You can actually watch the noodles being made right from the counter, which makes the experience fun and authentic. The menu isn’t overwhelming, so choosing is easy. Just note—you line up first before finding a seat (instructions are posted at the entrance). Once you order, the udon is prepared in front of you, and you’ll be asked if you want toppings like tempura flakes (tenkasu) or bonito flakes. After that, you can pick from a variety of appetizers (priced individually), grab a drink, and then head to the register to pay. It’s self-service inside, with a station for utensils, napkins, condiments (including hot soy sauce), and even takeout supplies like paper bags and containers. The food itself is delicious—the texture of the udon really stands out. Simple, tasty, and satisfying. I’ll definitely be coming back!
my friends were raving over this as their favorite udon spot. I don’t really see the hype but maybe I need to try a different bowl. It is cafeteria style and I like their add on options. The dining area and where you get your utensils was very dirty. I don’t think I saw one person cleaning the dining room the whole time we were there
When I was in line and then was at the front, me and my friends heard the employee say there was no noodles and they closed in 4 mins but it was 8pm?? I think there was some kind of miscommunication but I wish the employee would have just said to wait for them to make more noodles cause we were under the impression they were sold out?? But I was able to get Dashi Broth with Beef. It was pretty good.
30 minute wait at 1pm Sunday. It is that popular. But the food hits the spot with fresh made udon, good choice of add on and tempura. If you like udon, Niku and tempura, you will like this place.
Customer service from the start of the line to the end was great, the food is delicious and the staff was pretty knowledgeable on answering all our questions on the food and menu. My girlfriends first time here and she rates it a 10/10 on flavor and portion size