Welcome to What's Up Japanese Noodles, a gem nestled in the heart of Fullerton, California, at 512 N State College Blvd. This delightful ramen restaurant invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine. With a robust menu that boasts an array of ramen options, this establishment caters to all noodle enthusiasts and promises a memorable dining experience.
One of the standout features of What's Up Japanese Noodles is its chicken broth based ramen offerings. You can select from the savory Chuka Soba ($13.95), the hearty Sara Udon ($16.95), or the vibrant Tanmen ($14.95), each crafted to perfection. For those seeking something unique, the Chanpon ($16.95), a delightful combination of flavors, is not to be missed. If you're in the mood for a quick bite, their Pick One Ramen selections, featuring options like Pork Fried Rice and ramen variations, serve as a fulfilling and satisfying choice.
What truly sets this restaurant apart is not just the quality of its food but the warm ambiance and attentive service. As customer reviews echo, many have been pleasantly surprised by the speed and efficiency of the staff. One diner, Sebastian Wayne, described a seamless experience where he was seated within minutes, and the service was impressively swift – with orders arriving shortly after placing them. Such efficiency ensures that even during peak hours, your taste buds will never be kept waiting.
Another highlight at What's Up Japanese Noodles is its cozy atmosphere. Guests can choose between table seating or a comfortable bar area, creating a perfect setting for either intimate dinners or casual catch-ups with friends and family. Tiffany Huynh noted the inviting vibes, highlighting the cheerful service and exceptional food that makes every visit feel special. The cold eggplant appetizer and the refreshing summer ramen have drawn particular praise; the delightful medley of flavors leaves diners yearning for more.
Not to be overlooked is the extensive selection of sake, featuring the notable Yaegaki Sake options, which pair impeccably with the savory ramen choices. From the delicate Mu Junmai Daiginjo ($19.95) to the sweet Yaegaki Nigori Cloud ($12.00), each sip complements the flavors of your meal beautifully.
In addition to ramen, the menu includes delectable fare such as gyoza, karaage chicken, and stir-fried vegetables, all lovingly prepared and bursting with flavor. Regular patrons rave about the attention to detail in every dish, which reflects the authenticity brought by its Japanese operators. This commitment to quality is evident in the beautifully presented dishes served on exquisite Japanese ceramic plates.
In conclusion, What's Up Japanese Noodles isn’t just a dining destination; it’s an experience that captivates its guests through its warm ambiance, quick service, and an extensive menu featuring mouthwatering ramen. My taste buds were left dancing, and my appetite still craves more after every visit. Whether you're a ramen aficionado or a first-time diner, this restaurant is undoubtedly worth the trip, serving dishes that extend far beyond mere sustenance—it is a celebration of Japanese culinary tradition, right in Fullerton. Don't wait too long—this is one spot you'll want to visit time and time again!
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Sebastian Wayne
21/10/2025
Whole experience was great, there was a waiting list outside but it took less than 5 minutes to be seated. The waitresses were really nice and friendly. they were super quick like super quick. We got our food like 5-8 mins after ordering and when I wanted a refill on my water they did it in like 5 seconds. Food was great too!
Tiffany Huynh
18/10/2025
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 of their ramen orders! 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 nice a 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 now, 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....
Ben Kaviani
04/10/2025
Definitely recommended to try. Their Ramen was great I will come back for different order. Friendly and respectful staff, fair prices for the quality.
Erik Thomstad
18/09/2025
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.
Wye Tan
10/09/2025
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.
Ulysses Nico Ramos
25/08/2025
I was craving for ramen so I decided to dine here with my friend. There was a waiting list outside, as usual, but we didn’t wait long to be seated. This place is really very popular not only because of the tasty hot ramen and delicious food, but also of the ambiance and the friendly crew. Going and dining at this place is always a lovely experience.
Janey GoExplore
06/08/2025
Service was pretty good, we got seated quickly without wait at 1pm weekday. I like that they provided free tea.
Antonio
21/07/2025
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!