Santouka Back Bay

We came early around 445p and took the last two seats at a shared table. There are only two tables and several counter seats - maybe four? Food comes out within 5 min. Prices are fair and food is good. I with the ramen broth was hotter but is was ok. I guess they don’t want the broth to boil away so keep it at a warm temperature. Also it means you can eat faster so seats turn faster as well. Would return.

Nestled in the vibrant Newbury area, this Hokkaido Ramen Santouka branch provides a warm, buzzing ambiance, a feature especially prominent during crowded peak meal times. The establishment is compact and offers single bar counter seating and additional outdoor seating options. I sampled their signature Shio Ramen, which was served promptly with a thick, concentrated soup teeming with flavors, although a tad on the sweeter side, potentially from the menma. The chashu, while flavorful, consisted mostly of fat, and the less fatty parts were a bit tough and overcooked, missing the anticipated melt-in-your-mouth experience. The noodles paired successfully with the soup, offering a pleasant, springy texture. The Ajitama egg was well-marinated but served separately as an add-on or part of the combo meal. The overall culinary experience at Santouka would rank as average or below-average compared to other ramen options; however, the affordable pricing—under $20—makes it a valued choice in the area. The pleasant, quick, and attentive service, coupled with the availability of a loyalty app, adds a nice touch to the overall experience, positioning it as a reliable option for those pursuing a budget-friendly ramen experience in Boston.

Could slurp here everyday. This restaurant made me fall in love with ramen. The atmosphere/ set up of restaurant is jarring. You will be sat next to strangers inside the restaurant. The food comes very close to making up for that. All in all, we ate here three times on our trip and will eat here again.

Awesome ramen place with flavorful broth and noodles. I would certainly get the Medium size if you're looking for a more filling meal, the Small wouldn't be super filling. I got their Tonkotsu Ramen I believe. If you come, you should definitely get an egg or two on the side. The way they cook them is phenomenal. It's a sort of in-between of soft and hard boiled, but flavorful all the way through. Note that the shop is pretty small, so you may not get a table to yourself. This is especially true during peak hours. My friend and I were seated in front of each other, with strangers sitting on either side of us. If you're looking for a more private setting, this may not be for you.

Very small and intimate restaurant. There are only two tables of six + 7 counter seats inside. An additional 4 tables are available outside. As a result, we waited about 20 min for a table on a Wednesday night and sat at the counter. The broth (I had miso) is very good. The reason it didn’t get a 5 is b/c I feel the noodle had too much baking soda. Hope this can be addressed.

TLDR: Nice spot for hot soupy ramen during the cold Boston winter. All selections are good. Don’t order through delivery service, portion’s a bit smaller, go dine in. Will need to wait for seats. I have eaten here an unhealthy amount when I was going to college. It was not cheap, but it has the “tiny Japanese ramen shop” vibe, and the foods are good! You do have to wait for the seat almost every time, so be prepared for that. Kara miso is probably my favorite, with Shoyu being a close second. Go give it a try! It’s not going to blow your mind, but you certainly would not mind some good ramens in your life.