Ramen Shop Brings Chez Panisse Pedigreed Noodles to Oakland

By Meesha Halm

Tampopo fever is about to hit Oakland with the arrival of this new locally sourced, seasonally-driven ramen shop run by a trio of Chez Panisse alums whose combined training in Berkeley and Japan informs the abbreviated Japanese menu which features sustainably raised animals, handmade noodles and a handful of broth options, along with a smattering of California-ized starters such as a Little Gem salad and fried rice with wild nettles and squid.

The nightly offerings are all served in oversized hand-thrown ceramic bowls at the counter and in the main dining room that's been fashioned out of reclaimed Douglas fir, accented with red lanterns and a stylized print of Delta smelt. Like an authentic Tokyo noodle shop, no reservations are taken but guests can add their name to the chalkboard wait list and bide their time sipping cocktails or craft beers in the front bar and lounge area.

Ramen Shop: 5812 College Ave, Oakland; 510-788-6370; open Wednesday-Monday, 4PM- 12AM