We went up La Habra to see The Rental Family and wanted a quick bite on our way home, therefore we stopped this Ramen shop for the first time. 1. Cha or miso soup: 5/5. I have been to several Ramen shops, never been to Japan, so dont know what really an authentic Ramen is but my bowl was so delicious, the broth is rich and creamy, not salty, so flavorful, just umami . Loved the fresh noodles. The char sui pork was so tender and flavorful. Loved it. 2. Chicken Karage: 4/5 - crispy and juicy, fried perfectly. I perhaps was picky on the flavors which tasted like any other fried chicken, not so umami unique. Liked the chicken was red meat . The staff was very tentative and nice. Definitely will come by when in the neighborhood.
Overview
What's Up Japanese Noodles in Fullerton offers a delightful and authentic dining experience that transports you straight to Japan with every bite. Located at 512 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, this cozy noodle spot is known for its comforting bowls of ramen, udon, and soba that cater to both traditionalists and those looking to try something a little different. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm atmosphere and friendly staff, setting the stage for a meal that promises both quality and satisfaction.
When you think of Japanese noodles, What's Up Japanese Noodles brings to mind the perfect balance of rich broths, tender noodles, and fresh ingredients. The ramen here is particularly popular, offering both the classic miso and tonkotsu varieties, with a deep, savory broth that has been carefully simmered for hours to extract all the flavors. The noodles are cooked just right-firm, yet soft enough to soak up all the delicious broth, making each slurp an experience worth savoring. For those who prefer a more delicate texture, the udon is an excellent choice. Thick, chewy, and served in a mild dashi-based broth, it's a dish that combines simplicity with richness in the best possible way.
The restaurant also offers a unique twist with their cold soba dishes, which are a refreshing option, especially during the warmer months. Paired with a soy-based dipping sauce and a selection of garnishes like green onions, wasabi, and nori, it's a light yet satisfying meal that allows the flavors of the noodles to truly shine.
Beyond the noodles, the sides at What's Up Japanese Noodles add another layer of deliciousness to the meal. The gyoza is a must-try, with crispy, golden brown skins and a savory filling that’s always fresh and juicy. Whether you’re pairing it with your noodles or enjoying it on its own, the gyoza is a perfect appetizer to start off your meal. For something a bit more substantial, the donburi options like the chicken katsu don are comforting bowls of rice topped with perfectly fried chicken and a rich sauce, rounding out the offerings beautifully.
What sets What's Up Japanese Noodles apart is not just the authenticity of its dishes, but also the personal touch that the chefs bring to each plate. Many of the recipes are based on traditional Japanese techniques, but there's always an element of innovation that keeps the menu fresh and exciting. It's clear that the owners have a deep respect for Japanese culinary traditions, but they're also eager to push the boundaries to offer something special to their guests.
For those who are vegan or vegetarian, What's Up Japanese Noodles also offers plant-based options. The vegetable ramen and tofu udon are both satisfying choices that don't skimp on flavor. The broths are rich and flavorful, proving that you don’t need meat to create a truly memorable meal.
The restaurant's location is also a plus, situated in Fullerton, a city that has become increasingly known for its diverse culinary scene. The area is home to a variety of other eateries, but What's Up Japanese Noodles stands out for its commitment to serving up high-quality, authentic Japanese dishes with a modern twist. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bowl of ramen or sitting down for a leisurely meal with friends, this restaurant offers a welcoming space for all.
If you’re in the Fullerton area, it’s hard to miss the charm of What's Up Japanese Noodles. With its welcoming ambiance, extensive menu, and commitment to quality, it’s no wonder this spot is a local favorite. Whether you're a longtime fan of Japanese cuisine or someone just looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience that’s sure to leave you coming back for more.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 904 reviews
Got out of work late and was craving ramen. Found this litte spot. They're open til 01:00am, 7 days a week. It did not disappoint! It's small, and it was happening even at 11:30pm. Definitely going back.
It's been a while since I've been here and I had forgotten how DELICIOUS their food is here! I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the rest of the ramen my family ordered, but what I can say is that they finished every last drop! This is going to be a detailed review of the food, service, and atmosphere. Let's start with the atmosphere. The restaurant is a cozy place with table seating and bar seating. It gets packed really quickly during dinner time, but we came right before the rush. We were also flexible with seating and opted to sit at the bar. We were greeted by a happy & nice young lady. She seated us at the bar and got us all waters right away. She gave us enough time to choose our items and took our orders. The food was ready and served fairly quickly. My husband and I ordered the cold eggplant as our appetizer. It was amazing! The eggplant was perfectly cooked and the sauce was nice & complimented all the flavors of the sweet eggplant. This was a cold dish and was so refreshing for a hot summer day. 10 out of 10 - would highly recommend. I ordered their cold ramen which is only available during the summer until the end of August. There was an option for spicy or not, and of course I opted for spicy! The ramen came with some pork char sui, soft boiled egg, and kimchi. Perfect combination! I sprinkled a little extra fine pepper flakes and it was the perfect level of spiciness for me. It appears that everyone else enjoyed their bowl of ramen because I was not able to take a picture of their food before they devoured it all! (Sorry!) I hope that they extend the summer ramen special until the end of September! It was so refreshing! I'm still dreaming about it....
Vegan Ramen! I had an excellent experience here. The ramen broth was very creamy and flavorful, and I really appreciated the generous amount of vegetables in my bowl. It also came with plenty of tofu, which I loved. The serving size was just right—it left me full and satisfied. I also liked that the menu has clearly marked vegan options, which made ordering super easy. This ramen broth is definitely in my top five of all the ones I’ve tried. Shout out to my server, Alina, for her excellent service and welcoming energy. She really added to my experience and made my first visit here a great one. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Tasty ramen and fried rice. Takoyaki was so good we almost thought it was freshly made. Stir fry vegetables good too. Run by Japanese operators. Service and food was prompt on a busy weekday lunch hours. Oh, and I love their beautiful Japanese ceramic plates.
My friend chef sin ya is here. Very good ramen & Gyu Don & Gyo Za & Sake... Everything so Open until 1 am. OMG... There is red paper & jalapeño & maybe... habanero ???
Stopped by What’s Up Noodles in Fullerton for a mid-night bite with my brother – and it did not disappoint! We were warmly greeted by a kind, Japanese-speaking waitress who offered us both hot tea and water right away. Super friendly vibe. I ordered the Kara Miso Ramen. This was a rich and spicy miso broth with thick, chewy noodles, tender chashu pork, menma (bamboo shoots), bean sprouts, green onions, a perfectly soft-boiled egg, black garlic oil, and a spicy red chili paste ball that added just the right heat. My brother got the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen – a soy sauce-flavored pork bone broth with thin noodles, green onions, menma, a soft-boiled egg, and a sheet of nori (dried seaweed). Classic and super comforting. We shared gyoza – crispy pan-fried dumplings with juicy pork filling – and karaage chicken, which was juicy, crisp, and had a spicy marinade that packed real flavor. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and served with a smile. Great little spot for late-night ramen cravings. Will definitely be back.
Great experience overall, but the ramen portion was quite small for $14 per bowl. Broth was thick and very hot, perfect for the rainy weather. Service was quick, and our server was wonderful. I was curious to see this place and stopped by, but I don’t think I’ll return because of the small portions.