Ippudo

Like Marufuku in Japantown, Ippudo is a ramen chain worthy of your time. You customize noodle firmness, on a scale ranging from yawa (soft) to bari kata (firm), which is what sets this SoMa spot apart. The route you take is all about personal preference, but always go firm, since the noodles will cook a bit more in the soup. Tonkotsu broth is their specialty—the Karaka, a spicier version of the creamy original, is a foolproof order. And if you’re someone who gets hot and bothered at the sound of slow-simmered pork belly chashu, they put it on everything here.