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The competition for ramen is steaming up in downtown Palo Alto with the planned opening of Marufuku Ramen.
Ramen Nagi has long been a Palo Alto favorite and is currently the only ramen restaurant in all of the downtown area. Even seven years after its opening, the restaurant continues to draw long lines. But early next year a second ramen option will be available, according to Tatsuya Tanaka, who oversees operations at Marufuku Ramen.
Founded in 2017 in San Francisco by Eiichi Mochizuki, Marufuku Ramen now has seven California locations (including Redwood City, Cupertino and Campbell), two Texas outposts and one Las Vegas restaurant. The chain is known for its Hakata-style ramen, featuring a rich, milky white pork broth and thin, firm noodles.
“Because we want customers to experience a savory, creamy bone broth, our cooking process is unique,” Tanaka said.
He explained that some pork bone broths can be gamey, but at Marufuku Ramen, bones are washed and boiled before being used to make its signature broth, a process that removes the undesirable flavor. Gaminess can also be caused by the manufacturer including unwanted boar bones with the desired pig bones, which Tanaka explained Marufuku Ramen makes sure are not in the mix.
Unlike most of its locations, its new Palo Alto outpost will offer hard liquor. Signature cocktails ($12) include an old fashioned made with hojicha-infused whiskey and cold-brew coffee liqueur as well as a margarita with mango and kabosu (a Japanese citrus fruit).
Marufuku Ramen decided to expand to downtown Palo Alto because of the lack of ramen restaurants compared to nearby cities, explained Tanaka. Located in a former Starbucks, Marufuku Ramen Palo Alto will seat about 50.
Tanaka said what differentiates Marufuku from other ramen restaurants is that not only is the food “exceptional,” but the entire atmosphere is as well, taking into account decor, lighting, music and even air conditioning.
“We want the customer to have comfort when they come to our restaurants and leave without stress,” he said. “We want them to feel good when they leave.”
Marufuku Ramen is also planning on expanding to Daly City’s Serramonte Center by the end of the year, confirmed Tanaka. Serramonte Center is primed to be a bustling center for Asian eats, with the recent opening of Korean food complex Jagalchi and the planned opening of Chinese institution Koi Palace as well as Bay Area chain Onigilly Japanese Kitchen and Chinese hot pot chain Haidilao.
Marufuku Ramen, 374 University Ave., Palo Alto; Instagram: @marufukuramenofficial. Opening early 2026.
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