Casual noodle house whipping up traditional Japanese fare, plus take-out & outdoor seating.
Mitchell Neller
Had an awesome meal at Nikka Ramen with my dad during a weekend trip to Santa Barbara. This has been one of our go to ramen spots for years, and it never disappoints.
The tonkotsu ramen is the star. I always get the Kuro with the black garlic oil, which is hands down my favorite. The broth is incredibly thick, rich, and full of flavor. You can really tell the quality of the pork and the care that goes into the broth every single time. My dad usually goes for the classic tonkotsu with garlic, and it is just as solid and comforting.
I always add extra pork, corn, scallions, a little spice, and extra black garlic oil. That black garlic oil takes it to another level with this smooth, garlicky, creamy depth that is unreal. Portions are generous for the price, which makes it even better.
Service was excellent. Our server was friendly, attentive, and quick, from taking our order to refilling our drinks. We felt taken care of the whole time. If you are in the Santa Barbara area and looking for a reliable, high-quality ramen spot with amazing broth and great service, this place is an easy recommendation.
… moreDalton Wang
The broth and the noodles of both ramens were good, but the meat fell short. The Kakuni broth was sweet and savory, and the black garlic broth was just borderline almost too salty for us.
Both the pork belly in the Kakuni and the pork shoulder in the black garlic was a bit unpleasant to chew. I was hoping the pork belly was softer but it was a bit tough. I wasn’t expecting the pork shoulder to melt in the mouth, but it was also tough. Not necessarily a dealbreaker, but could have been better
Parking was a bit difficult to find on Sunday lunch and staff was friendly and quick
… moreCR250R
This is a go to spot for us. Portions are generous. Flavors are always excellent. All Ramen options are great and burrito was interesting. Recommend splitting the burrito since it is very filling. Parking during lunch out front can be tough since spots are limited and tight. Not many places like this in the Goleta/SB area, keep up the great work!
… moreArmando Portillo
The staff makes sure to greet you as soon as you step in and we were seated quite quickly. The music is nice, and the vibe is easy-going. Our waitress was a tall blonde lady who was very bright, personable, full of energy, and efficient when taking our order. The serves checked in multiple times during our stay to make sure everything was fine and offer water refills as well. Regarding the food, the ramen burrito was truly an experience; it was delicious and I had a good time dipping it into the broth dip. The ramen was also good. The serving sizes are quite large, so you’re definitely getting your moneys worth when ordering a dish, and expect to have leftovers.
… moreNerie Ackerman
Pretty good ramen! I just hope they have a different noodles options but really good! The ramen broth taste very authentic
Also a good way to visit little town carpenteria ☺️
… moreEthelfina Zuniga
It was our first time up by Goleta, and we wanted ramen. This place is really good! We loved our ramen, we got the original spicy (aka) with corn and egg. Amazing!!! It was a huge portion too! The pork belly was soooooo tender and juicy. I was so happy! The only part that I didn’t like was when the gyozas arrived they were a bit cold already. But the crispy rice spicy tuna was 10/10 too! I would come back when I’m in town!
… moreCatherine
Highly recommend; the flavorful pork bone broth and traditional flavors of “shiro” ramen were outstanding. I tried the thin noodles and they were equally delicious. The pork belly was so tender and well cooked that a pair of chopsticks was all that I needed. The night I was there the place was packed with folks of all ages. The wait staff is very knowledgeable and service was exceptional. Enjoy!
… moreSohrob H
This ramen spot is a must-visit for anyone craving a fast, flavorful, and hassle-free dining experience. The service is top-notch, with attentive staff who are friendly, efficient, and always ready to help. From the moment you’re seated, you’re well taken care of, and any questions about the menu are met with helpful recommendations and a warm attitude.
One of the most impressive aspects of this spot is the speed at which the food arrives. Despite the high quality and freshness of each dish, the wait time is surprisingly short. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner without sacrificing taste or experience.
The ramen itself is fantastic — hearty, flavorful broths paired with perfectly cooked noodles and fresh toppings. Whether you go for a classic miso, spicy tonkotsu, or a lighter shoyu, each bowl is packed with depth and umami. The tender chashu pork (if offered) and marinated egg are always highlights, but the vegetarian options are equally satisfying.
With its attentive service, speedy delivery of food, and rich, delicious ramen, this spot checks all the boxes. It’s a go-to option for anyone looking for a fast yet flavorful meal. I’ll definitely be coming back!
… moreElena L
I really liked the food, the place is not in vain so popular, when we came in the evening on a weekday there was almost a full boarding. Ramen is very tasty, much better ramen on State street. The staff is polite. The food is delivered very quickly. All food, salad in Poke bowl were fresh. We were seated with our dog without any problems. I recommend this place. We will come here again
… moreJustin Etherton
This place is one of our favorites. The all the dishes are great and the people and nice. Our favorite is the Ramen Burrito. Once I saw it I had to have it and now that’s all I get there
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