Ramen Mura

It’s OK to be somewhat confused by Ramen Mura. Originally opened at a small Tustin plaza in late 2018, this small chain has since added same-named Orange (2020) and Stanton (October 2025) locations, bookending the openings of sister concepts Raku Sushi by Ramen Mura (2022) and Sushi Mura (February 2025). Despite these different names, their menus are largely the same, pairing Japanese-American takes on ramen and sushi with incentives to enjoy both during the same meal.

Ramen Mura’s Rodeo 39 location in Stanton has big shoes to fill, as the third shop to occupy the beautiful glass box space that was previously Nandomo by HiroNori and Karai Hand Roll X Ramen – each a bona fide good restaurant. Based on our experience, however, Ramen Mura represents a (small) step down due mostly to a single word: flavor. Most of the items we tried were just a little underseasoned and a little “off” in one way or another, making our visit a one-and-done experience.

The exceptions – and the best items we tried at Mura  – were the specialty sushi rolls. An “Ally Cat” ($15) promising spicy tuna, double spicy imitation crab, cajun tuna, and soy paper was legitimately (but lightly) spicy thanks to a heavy pour of peppery sauce that wasn’t particularly Japanese but really made a positive impression. Ex Boyfriend ($14), with albacore, salmon, and yellowtail atop a spicy tuna, spicy imitation crab, avocado and soy paper roll, was not as spicy as one might guess from those ingredients, but the fish was fresh and thick; we’d order either of these again. The Tustin location also had 45 additional sushi ($6.50 to $16 each) and carpaccio ($12 to $13) options to choose from – notably not including the nigiri or hand rolls offered at Sushi Mura – as well as over 20 appetizers and five mostly teriyaki entrees ($13 to $15) to choose from.

We’ve tried many Momofuku-style buns over the years, and Ramen Mura’s Spider Bun ($7) was the most memorably presented version we’ve yet seen – a medium-sized soft shell crab, perfectly fried and placed on an oversized soft flour bun. But between its cabbage base, cherry tomato, and too much mayonnaise, the crab and its soy-based sauce were overwhelmed by creamy, sweet liquids; this appetizer looked and crunched much better than it tasted.