A request was made for Japanese ramen, so we decided to visit Hinotez after reading posts by A Radiused Corner and mmm-yoso.
This small Japanese restaurant offers curry, ramen, sushi rolls, among other things. It’s actually owned by Yakyudori Ramen & Yakitori.
Here’s a picture of the breakfast menu which I would like to come back and try.
We started out with some Takoyaki. These weren’t my favorite version of takoyaki but tasted like the ones from Yakyudori Ramen & Yakitori.
Since Hinotez recently started offering yakitori, we decided to order a few items.
Beef tongue and chicken gizzards
I thought the beef tongue was cut too thick and the meat was tough. The chicken gizzards were also too salty and the texture was a little off. Both selections were pretty disappointing.
Tonkotsu ramen
The broth was very creamy and wasn’t too salty. I enjoyed the soup though I wish it was served a little hotter. I was surprised to see a different kind of noodle used. Thinner, whiter, and straighter than the typical ramen noodles. The one thing I didn’t like in my soup was the egg which was a little sweet.
Here’s some of the other ramen bowls ordered by other people in my group.
Miso Ramen
Spicy Salt
Overall we thought the ramen was okay. I prefer Yakudori Ramen but the ramen here was still better than some of the other spots in San Diego. Service was friendly. The yakitori was very disappointing though. I am interested in coming back to try the breakfast items and the bento boxes.
Hinotez
7947 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 565-4244
Hi Kirbie, at least for now I enjoy Yakyudori’s ramen more as well. Too bad about the yakitori you’ve had. I may then wait a little longer to give those a try. I appreciate the breakfast here more for convenience. Having options is always a good thing.
I really want to try one of those bentos. And the breakfast. I can only do it on weekends; I’ll have to do it one of these weekends.
I’m absolutely craving ramen now.
Me too!
Turns out Hinotez was the old site of Honey’s Cafe.
Love the look of the breakfast menu! So cute with the graphic of the children and the multicolored font! Looks a bit retro.
I love how the breakfast menu looks too with the graphic!