Hakata Ikkousha Ramen
Hot soups and spicy chicken are the biggest draws at this Costa Mesa ramen shop
Given review disparities between various voices online, we weren’t sure what we’d find when we visited Costa Mesa’s Hakata Ikkousha Ramen. Some people suggested that the noodles had changed, the portions were small, and so on – complaints that might or might not have been valid.
What we found in the same plaza as Izakaya Hachi and Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake (formerly also Okidoki and Dough & Arrow) was a really nice place with an interesting menu, friendly service, and quick delivery of dishes. But the complaints weren’t entirely unfounded.
The Black Devil – a mix of black garlic tonkotsu and “God Fire” spicy broths, an increasingly popular combination in local ramen shops – was truly a sight to behold, though the Miso Tonkotsu ramen was more of a standout on flavor. Their Spicy Karaage appetizer, while not intensely hot, was so outstandingly balanced in heat and umami that we would consider returning just to eat it again.
That said, a bowl of the standard Black Tonkotsu ramen was sort of flat – less garlicky than expected – and the Black Devil looked better than it tasted, with one-note spice. We were somewhat disappointed by the unremarkable thin noodles in both of these bowls, as well as the Hakata Gyoza, which were small and quickly became soggy.
Each of the ramen bowls arrived underappointed with toppings – one thin slab of pork and some veggies – and we were prompted to check in on Yelp to get free toppings to complete our bowls. That’s not the type of dining experience we prefer, ramen shop or otherwise.
We haven’t been back to Hakata Ikkousha Ramen since our first visit, but we’d be willing to give it another shot if something changes. Hopefully the Yelp check-in for free toppings will be long gone by then.
Stats
Price: $$
Service: Table
Open Since: 2015
Addresses
3033 Bristol St. Suite 131
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.540.2066
Instagram: @ikkoushaca