DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA – When one of America’s best ramen places announced that it would expand to the East Bay with a new branch in Walnut Creek, we were excited.
But we had to temper that excitement with the knowledge that the WC branch of this ramen powerhouse would likely take at least a year to arrive.
Then, all of a sudden, we learned that the same ramen place was planning a new branch in Dublin, too. And almost as soon as the Dublin spot was announced as “coming soon”, it was open!
The ramen place is Marufuku Ramen. And its newest branch is now open at 4288 Dublin Blvd.
The new restaurant is Marufuku’s first location in the Tri-Valley. The company, which started in San Francisco’s Japan Center in 2017, has since expanded to multiple locations in California and beyond, including Oakland, Redwood City, Cupertino, Campbell, Serramonte, Texas, Nevada, and New York.
For Dublin, that means a brand with a pretty established following is now closer to home.
Marufuku specializes in authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, with a rich pork-bone broth simmered for long hours, ultra-thin noodles, and specially selected pork cha-shu. The menu also includes chicken paitan ramen, mini rice bowls, appetizers, beer, and sake.
When Marufuku announced its Walnut Creek and Dublin locations, I went into the city with my family to try the original spot in Japantown.
Wait times were crazy for that smaller, original spot–we waited over 90 minutes to get in. Once inside, though, the service was speedy, with entrees arriving within minutes.
I was surprised how extremely family friendly Marufuku was. The moment my kids sat down, the staff gave them a big treasure box of toys to choose from. That made for a quiet, happy meal.
The kid’s meals were great too, with simple noodle soup, veggies, fruit, and a little gummy dessert.
I tried the classic Tonkatsu ramen, and it was excellent–lighter and creamier than ramen I’ve had elsewhere in the East Bay.
Other menu items like pork buns and a rice bowl were excellent, too.
The Dublin restaurant is currently listed as open daily. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The company also lists online ordering for the new location.
For people in Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and nearby communities, the opening adds another notable ramen option in a fast-growing dining corridor off Dublin Boulevard.
We’re not sure of the current status of the Walnut Creek branch, which seemed to require more construction before it would be ready to open. But I’ll certainly be heading down to Dublin to try this one out.
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