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Ukai Japanese Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Ukai Japanese Restaurant
8.0
Ukai is a long-running Belmont sushi and Japanese restaurant where comforting pork ramen sits alongside signature rolls, chirashi, and bento-style plates. It’s more of an all-purpose neighborhood Japanese spot than a purist ramen bar, but the noodle bowls function well as a warming anchor in a mixed-order meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Ramen, Chirashi Bowl, Lili Monster Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Belmont mainstay where sushi platters, maki, and hearty ramen share the table.
Who should go: Neighborhood diners mixing sushi combos with a shared noodle bowl.
When to visit: Early evenings and weeknights before the sushi rush hits.
What to order: Pork Ramen, Chirashi Bowl, Lili Monster Roll.
Insider tip: Use ramen as a sharable middle course between rolls and platters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Belmont and nearby side streets; can be limited after 6pm, no valet
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at smaller tables, louder during peak sushi hours
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for small groups without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls, appetizers, and customizable ramen add-ons
Vegan options: Limited — a few maki and sides; most ramen broths contain animal products
Gluten-free options: Partial — sashimi and some rolls can be adapted, but soy sauce and tempura present cross-contact risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates — the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, better for conversation than for a high-end, impression-making night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a short wait at peak dinner times, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly dining room, booster seats available, and bento and maki options that work well for kids and tweens.
Best For
Better for: Mixed-order meals where ramen, sushi rolls, and bento plates can all share the table in one spot
Skip if: You want a purist, specialty ramen bar with long broth menus or highly experimental noodle styles