WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Walnut Creek, California – What if I told you that a restaurant with origins deep in San Francisco’s Japantown is finally opening an east branch, and that it’s in Walnut Creek? What if I told you that that restaurant has a menu centered around tonkotsu broth boiled for over 20 hours?
That’s the exciting reality on the way for downtown Walnut Creek as Marufuku Ramen plans to open at 1630 Cyprus St. That’s the former Extreme Pizza building, for those tracking such things.
We stopped by and got an exclusive (if tentative) update on when this extremely hot (yes, pun intended) spot is expected to open, using our typically journalistic method of yelling questions at construction workers. Read on for that info.
Personally, I visited the Marufuku Ramen in Japantown multiple times. I went to a conference nearby and loved the depth of the flavor of the boiled bone broth.
The restaurant serves what’s called Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, loaded up with homemade noodles that are super thin and slices of pork belly.
You can also get a chicken bone broth and even a spicy “tantan” version.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, they can also be complemented with items like octopus balls and fried squid.
Here in Walnut Creek, planning for Marufuku has been ongoing since at least April 2025, when the city announced the new location would open.
Because we know you all worry about this stuff, you’ll be pleased to know that Marufuku will include both the restaurant and new parking. Two smaller buildings behind the main restaurant are being torn down to build a 24-stall parking lot.
When I stopped by to have a look at the new spot, construction was well underway. Permits are posted around the area, as Marufuku is evidently planning a full redo of the front of the restaurant.
So when will this new ramen gem arrive in the Creek? I asked somebody on site, who told me that Marufuku won’t be there until after the new year.
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From the looks of the interior, it seems unlikely the construction will finish in the beginning of the year. I’d expect something like a March or April opening, although I can sometimes be surprised by how quickly things proceed.
If you can’t wait, Ramen Hiroshi around the corner has awesome tonkotsu as well, and a brand-new parklet jetting out into the street.
Wanna know as soon as Marufuku opens its doors? Join the free 925 News newsletter and I’ll ping you as soon as I know.
