[Editor’s Note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an inspection conducted on March 4. Following a reinspection on March 5, all violations were corrected and the establishment was cleared to reopen.]
The Ramenwell was temporarily closed after the San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted a routine health inspection on March 4 and flagged the eatery for multiple health code violations. However, the restaurant underwent a reinspection on March 5 and received a pass, allowing it to reopen.
Ramenwell
- When: March 4, 2026
- Where: 3378 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Ramenwell serves ramen bowls and Japanese sides, along with beer, sake, and soft-serve desserts. According to the report, the violations noted were:
- Mushroom broth measured at 46°F in the reach-in cooler (measured at 40-41°F), which had been in the unit since being cooked and cooled the previous day by a different staff member, according to the discussion with the chef. Cooling logs were reportedly used in the past but were not in use at the time of the inspection. Broth was voluntarily discarded at the time of inspection.
- The report noted that broths in covered metal containers were seen cooling in ice baths in compartments 2 and 3. The dishwashing was occurring in compartment 1. The prep sink was observed with used containers in the basin and was not easily accessible. Staff were instructed to relocate cooling to the prep sink and to use sinks only for their designated purposes.
- There was no consumer advisory on the menu for items that may be served raw or undercooked. The menu includes dishes with runny eggs in certain ramen items and house-made aioli containing raw egg yolk, according to the staff.
- The report said there was an active cockroach infestation in the facility. Some of the evidence included live nymph cockroach on the door frame inside the prep cooler; live adult cockroaches in openings at the bottom/back of built-in cooking equipment; cockroaches between a white cord cover and the wall across from the hand sink; cockroaches on and near electrical adapters and plugs for the order screen.
- One live and two dead cockroaches were seen on plastic containers containing food, according to the report. Dead nymph cockroach on the wall above the hand sink; dead cockroach was on the wall under the hand sink; and dead cockroaches were found on the floor near the prep sink and grease trap near an opening in the wall.
- A bottle of RAID was observed near the warewashing area. Contributing conditions included grease, dust, and debris accumulation around the cookline and adjacent surfaces, on electrical plugs and extension cords, on walls across from the cookline, under the dishwasher, and on hinges of refrigeration units, as well as liquid accumulation on the floor behind the grease trap. Pest control was contacted during the inspection and scheduled to arrive the same afternoon.
- The report said that containers of raw chicken were stored on a shelf above other foods, including sliced bacon and vegetables, in the two-door reach-in cooler on the left side. Instruction was provided during the inspection.
- Incomplete labeling was observed on foods pre-packaged in the facility, including frozen Umami Hottie ramen. Labels were missing required information, such as quantity by weight, a complete list of ingredients in descending order by weight, among others.
A detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the health report, Ramenwell underwent an immediate health permit suspension and closure during the routine inspection on March 4. However, during a reinspection conducted on March 5, its Permit to Operate was reinstated, allowing the facility to reopen to the public.
All violations related to the imminent public health hazards had been corrected, the report noted. Another reinspection is scheduled on or after March 19.
