Is there parking at RAKIRAKI Ramen & Tsukemen?

Parking in the Clairemont plaza is notoriously tight—reviewers consistently mention it's nearly impossible. Street parking is your best bet, so arrive early or plan to circle. The food is worth the hunt, but budget extra time for the parking situation.

How busy does this place get, and when should I visit?

This is a genuinely popular spot that fills up fast, even on weekdays after 10 PM. If you want a quieter experience, aim for early lunch or very early dinner; late night is lively but expect a wait. It's the kind of joint where crowds are part of the vibe.

Do I need a reservation?

RAKIRAKI takes reservations, which is smart to use during dinner rush—especially if you're coming with a group. Walk-ins are welcome during slower hours, but you might wait 20-30 minutes on weekends.

What should I order first?

Start with the kimchi ramen if you can handle heat—the pork is tender and the broth is rich and balanced. If spice isn't your thing, stick with their standard ramen. They also have a separate vegan menu if you're looking for plant-based options.

They have outdoor seating available, so dogs are likely welcome on the patio—but call ahead to confirm their specific pet policy.

Do they have vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes—they offer a dedicated vegan menu, which is a genuine standout for a ramen joint. Vegetarian options exist too, so you're not left hunting for substitutions.

Is this a good spot for groups?

Absolutely. It's tagged as a group-dinner favorite with a casual, lively atmosphere. The efficient service handles tables well, and the communal vibe of ramen eating makes it ideal for hanging with friends.

RAKIRAKI Ramen & Tsukemen — Sushi in Clairemont, San Diego

“RAKIRAKI Ramen & Tsukemen stakes its claim on Convoy with tsukemen — dipping ramen — something most San Diego shops skip entirely.”

While Woomiok leans into Korean bone broth and EE NAMI commits to tonkatsu, RAKIRAKI goes wide across the ramen spectrum but anchors itself with tsukemen, the dip-style ramen that requires thicker noodles and a concentrated, nearly sludgy broth. It's a technique play, not just a menu variant, and it separates this spot from the tonkotsu-or-bust joints that dominate Convoy. The **kimchi ramen** gets called out in reviews for good reason — pork belly that's actually tender, heat that builds without punishing, and enough funk to remind you this isn't just Japanese food playing dress-up.

The vegan menu isn't an afterthought. Separate page, real options, which matters when your group includes someone who'd otherwise be stuck with edamame. The **chashu pork** in the classic bowls does the work it's supposed to: fatty, soft, the kind that dissolves if you let it sit in the broth long enough. Noodles come with the right chew, though on a 10 PM weeknight — yes, this place stays busy late — they occasionally veer toward overcooked when the kitchen's slammed.

Parking is the Convoy tax: nonexistent in the plaza, so street spots or the structure a block over are the move. Waits hover around 20–30 minutes on weekends, less if you're willing to sit at the bar. The dining room splits the difference between stylish and casual — wood tones, Edison bulbs, enough polish that it doesn't feel like a ramen counter but not so much that you're overdressed in a hoodie.

Service runs efficient but occasionally distant, the kind of staff that's moving fast enough to keep tables turning but not chatty. If you're solo or just want to eat and go, it works. If you need hand-holding through the menu, you might feel a little adrift. Still, for a neighborhood that's been ramen-heavy for a decade, RAKIRAKI holds its ground by doing something specific — tsukemen — and doing it without shortcuts.