Momosan Santana Row

We were the first set of customers when we went around 5pm on a Tuesday evening. Wasn’t too busy at that time and waiters were super friendly (Even a bit too friendly that they ran to our table to tidy things up as soon as we put down our utensils🏃🏻😂). The ceilings are pretty tall so the whole restaurant feels extra spacious👍🏻. The salt level was a bit through the roof, we drank the entire jar of water🥵. If you’re someone that loves highly salted food you’ll probably enjoy it more than we did.

So I have to start by saying the whole mission was driving over from Santa Cruz for ramen. Last second we opted for this over Ramen Nagi. And I'm left with a lot of thoughts and still hankering ramen.

Appetizers were the star of the show. The duck fat french fries are the best french fries you'll ever have in your life. The little fried shrimp appetizer and the chicken karaage were both good, nothing out of this world, but both very good. And the gyoza was pretty tasty. Definitely more of a show with the sizzle, but very tasty as well.

Then came the ramen. We opted for the classic tonkatsu. I was so excited... If anyone should have phenomenal ramen coming out of their restaurant I would expect it to be Chef Morimoto. I honestly think he would be so disappointed to know the quality that is coming out in his ramen. The broth was so lackluster like it didn't simmer for long enough, definitely not giving the heartiness that tonkatsu should have. The noodles are extremely comparable to what you get in a Nissin top ramen package, and over cooked too. Portions were off, tons of seaweed and very little of anything else. It was a disappointing ramen experience for sure. I'm somewhat of a self-proclaimed ramen expert, I've eaten a lot of really good ramen, and I have to say the bowl I had at Momosan was probably the most lackluster bowl of ramen I've ever eaten in my life. I will be making another trip over the hill to get Ramen Nagi to fill that fix.

And then as a food worker, it was hard to miss that almost all staff was not up to food safety standards. Every waitress had fake nails on and most had multiple rings on their hands. I just can't help but think that Chef Morimoto would be disappointed to know his name is on this establishment.

Solid bowl of ramen, with chewy noodles and well seasoned beef in a thick and tasty broth. Minimal decor, but very attentive and efficient service. Appetizers were average (duck fat fries and duck tacos). Located in a good spot in Santana Row, near several parking lots so easy to find parking. Cocktails were mediocre, but you can get some cocktails at the bar right outside the front door.

I ordered a Ramen (Chicken) which was fine. Was there for a Friday evening and the atmosphere was just right. It was not super busy. They have happy hour until 7 - the drinks had some off.

I came to Momosan with my dad got Father’s Day and I must say it was an exceptional experience. We dived straight into the ramen. I took the beef rib ramen and the broth was so peppery in a good way, making me feel all warm and cozy, while the meat was cooked to perfection. My father took the spicy tan tan which he found to be divine with an unctuous broth. Wonderful place, slightly pricey, but well worth the cost.