Noodle Theory Restaurant Review, San Francisco

Noodle Theory is a casual noodle Asian restaurant with locations in San Francisco’s Marina district and Oakland. It is run by a former chef of The House, Louis Kao. They use quality ingredients like Niman Ranch meats.

Decor, Vibe – Modern, simplistic decor with nice lighting and dark woods. Half of the room has high seating, with benches that are hard to get comfortable on. Families, couples, nearby locals in their 20’s and 30’s were eating dinner.

Menu Pictures (Click to zoom into any picture)

Website Menu

Picks:

Slow Roasted Niman Ranch Pork Belly Ramen ($15) in a savory and very strong Pork Miso Broth had good amounts of pork belly that was on the very lean side. The egg noodles were plentiful and done correctly.

Grilled Niman Ranch Beef Udon ($14) in a Coconut Lime Curry Broth had a nice looking broth that was luxurious and a tad spicy. Good amounts of tender meat and perfectly cooked noodles.

Grilled Portobello Mushroom over Spinach Noodles ($13) in a miso broth with white truffle oil is a vegetarian dish with lots of green noodles over a pretty strong miso broth.  Not spicy and a good dish for those who want to avoid meat. Mushrooms and bok choy were very good.

Quinoa Salad ($9) in a Lime Sesame Oil Vinagrette with Avocado, Shitake, and Cucumbers is almost a cous cous like salad that was very refreshing.

Nectarine Raspberry Crisp ($8) with Vanilla Bean Gelato was excellent, one of the best and largest crisps we have had. Lots of fresh fruit and crunchy topping.

OK:

Cold Soba Noodles ($8) in a roasted Sesame Dressing with Asparagus had lots of noodles and little asparagus. Pretty thick and heavy sesame dressing made this appetizer a little heartier.

Thai Basil Beef with Fresh Flat Rice Noodles ($15) was very spicy even though it was indicated. Noodles were like Chinese chow fun and beef were small chunks. Lots of peppers, carrots, sesame seeds, onions, and other veggies.

Miso Marinated Black Cod over Garlic Noodles ($18) had the classic and excellent The House style Black cod but the noodles were so garlicy, they were spicy.  If they could tone this down, the dish would be great.

Pans:
None

Noodle Theory had friendly accessible service.  Prices are on the high side for noodles but the quality and quantity was high.  We have no problem recommending this place but warn that many items are on the spicy side. Compared to noodle legends like Santa Ramen in San Mateo, the broth, meat, and noodles are not on the authentic side.  This environment is far nicer and the menu much more varied.
They were waiting for their liquor license when we visited and allowed patrons to get their alcohol from next door.

Also at:
6099 Claremont Ave (At College Ave)
Oakland, CA 94618
510-595-6988

Overall Rating: (Good)

Come Back?

Food Rating:	(Good)
Service Rating:	(Good)
Atmosphere Rating:	(Good)
Value Rating:	(Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Fair/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:	None
Attire:	Casual
Hours:	Mon, Wed-Sat - 11:30am - 2:30pm , 5 - 9:30pm, Sun Noon - 2:30pm, 5 - 9:30pm, Closed Tu.
Parking:	Street
Reservations:	No
Prices:	$11 - $18 (Dinner)

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