WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Downtown Walnut Creek has a prominent new ramen destination with an international pedigree.
Mensho recently opened at 1512 North Main Street, bringing one of the best-known names in modern Japanese ramen to Contra Costa County. The restaurant occupies the former Essence Indian Cuisine space downtown.
Founded in Tokyo by chef Tomoharu Shono in 2005, Mensho has expanded into a global restaurant group with locations across the United States, Japan and several other countries. Shono describes his approach as “farm to bowl,” with an emphasis on carefully sourced ingredients, house-made components and ramen recipes that take the classic dish in new directions.
The group’s original San Francisco restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide since 2017. Mensho does not currently hold a Michelin star, but its continued inclusion in the Guide makes it part of Michelin’s recommended restaurant selection.
A Striking New Space on North Main Street
Although Mensho is arriving with considerable culinary name recognition, the Walnut Creek restaurant’s interior may be the first thing diners notice.
The space has been transformed with a polished, contemporary Japanese aesthetic built around warm wood, dark accents and carefully placed lighting.
On our visit, we were seated beneath a gigantic, red lantern. Quite a striking visual detail!
The presentation extends to the tableware and open views into the restaurant’s working areas. There’s lots of moody directional lighting and little nooks where you can hang out towards the back of the space.
Mensho Is Known for Rich, Elaborate Bowls
Mensho specializes in tori paitan, a style of ramen made with chicken broth cooked until it becomes thick, creamy and intensely concentrated.
Its signature bowls tend to be more elaborate than traditional neighborhood ramen. Depending on the recipe, toppings can include pork or duck chashu, chicken, A5 wagyu, mushrooms, smoked egg, fried burdock root, truffle paste and blackened green onion.
We tried their classic ramen, which has a smoky flavor to the broth.
We also tried their enoki appetizer, a little mound of crisp, fried mushrooms.
Finally, we tasted their lamb ramen, which has a spicy flavor and strong Indian influences.
Walnut Creek’s Ramen Scene Is Heating Up
Mensho’s arrival comes during an unusually active period for ramen in Walnut Creek.
Marufuku Ramen also recently opened downtown, joining established local restaurants including Ramen Hiroshi. Marufuku is great for kids especially, with a $10 kid’s meal that features soup, fried chicken, fruit, a dessert and more. Mensho does not have a kid’s menu.
Mensho stands apart through its international reputation and experimental approach. This is not positioned as an inexpensive bowl of noodles designed primarily for speed. It is a more stylized and high concept experience with a much higher price tag–around $20-$30 per bowl.
That approach may not appeal equally to every ramen fan. Some diners prefer a simpler bowl with a lighter broth and fewer toppings, while others are drawn to the richness and spectacle that have helped Mensho develop an international following.
Either way, the opening gives Walnut Creek another noteworthy restaurant and a genuinely beautiful new dining room.
Mensho is located at 1512 North Main Street in downtown Walnut Creek. The restaurant initially announced hours of noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Because it is still in its opening period, diners should confirm current hours before visiting.
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