Marufuku Ramen

Located in the dynamic Emeryville area, Marufuku Ramen is a true portal to the world of authentic Japanese cuisine in the USA. This establishment has become famous for its unique approach to preparing Hakata-style ramen, which is considered one of the most revered styles in Japan.

Marufuku Ramen. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight of the kitchen is the incredibly rich tonkotsu broth, which is simmered from pork bones for over 20 hours to achieve a perfect creamy consistency. Combined with thin, straight noodle strands and a balanced set of toppings, this dish offers guests a unique gastronomic experience without the excessive saltiness typical of many chain establishments.

The restaurant's interior blends the simplicity of modern design with elements of Japanese aesthetics: an abundance of light wood, an open kitchen, and vibrant murals create a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It is equally suitable for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner with friends who appreciate high-quality Eastern food.

To contact the staff or clarify visit details, you can use the contact information provided below. We also recommend checking the establishment's official website for updates.

The main reason people come to Marufuku Ramen is to immerse themselves in the ritual of eating the perfect bowl of soup. Be sure to order the signature tonkotsu with tender chashu pork or the chicken paitan, which has a surprisingly light yet creamy texture. True foodies should arrive early to catch the Paitan DX — an exclusive dish featuring a braised chicken leg, with only 15 portions prepared daily.

Don't stop at the main course: the appetizer menu offers hits like crispy gyoza or the famous Marufuku Bites buns with juicy fillings. For vegetarians, they prepare a special vegan ramen based on a vegetable broth, the richness of which comes from the long simmering of Napa cabbage. While you wait for your order, you can watch the well-coordinated work of the chefs in the open kitchen.

Since the restaurant is located in the bustling Temescal neighborhood, waiting for a table becomes part of the adventure. You can sign up for the waitlist via a tablet at the entrance and head out to explore neighboring dive bars or concept stores. The lively atmosphere of the queue, where ramen enthusiasts from all over the East Bay gather, is a piece of local flavor in itself.

The restaurant is located at 4828 Telegraph Ave, in the vibrant and foodie-favorite Temescal neighborhood. If you prefer public transportation, the most convenient option is the BART system — the nearest station, MacArthur, is about a 20-minute walk away. AC Transit buses also run regularly along Telegraph Avenue, stopping just a couple of blocks from the venue.

For those arriving by taxi or car from central Oakland or neighboring cities, the trip will take no more than 10–15 minutes. If you are driving from San Francisco, the journey across the Bay Bridge takes about 20–30 minutes, though you should account for potential traffic during peak hours. Keep in mind that parking in this area is in high demand, so it is worth arriving a little early.

The history of Marufuku Ramen began in 2017 when the chain's first restaurant opened in San Francisco's Japantown. The founder, Eiichi Mochizuki, aimed to bring the authentic taste of Hakata-style ramen to America while preserving all its traditional preparation methods. Thanks to the uncompromising quality of the broth, the establishment quickly gained cult status.

The branch in the Emeryville area was the second step in the brand's expansion. It took over the space of the popular Hina Yakitori, keeping its bright, modern interior but filling the space with new aromas. Today, this location is considered one of the best spots for ramen tasting in the entire East Bay.

Interestingly, the chain has grown from a local startup into a powerful franchise with 11 locations across four US states. The primary focus remains on the long-term boiling of bones (over 20 hours) to create that signature "milky" tonkotsu broth, which has become a benchmark for Japanese cuisine lovers in North America.

You should allow an average of 1.5 to 3 hours for a visit to Marufuku Ramen. The meal itself rarely takes more than an hour, but the popularity of the establishment dictates its own rules: wait times in line can vary from 30 to 120 minutes, especially on Fridays and weekends.

To save time, it is recommended to use the remote waitlist system via Yelp. This allows you to avoid standing at the entrance and instead spend your time exploring nearby shops or relaxing at a neighboring bar until you receive a notification that your table is ready.

The establishment adheres to a strict schedule, separating weekday dinners from full-day service on weekends. From Monday to Thursday, the restaurant operates only for the evening shift — from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, making it an excellent spot to end the workday.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Marufuku Ramen is open throughout the day: from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM. If you want to avoid the longest lines, we recommend planning your visit for the afternoon on weekdays or right at opening time on weekends.

A visit to the restaurant can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the colorful Temescal district, which is home to many interesting spots. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to get to know the local culture and find cozy places to relax after your meal.