Lower Haight's Iza Ramen Ready To Debut 2nd Location In SoMa

Lower Haight's Iza Ramen Ready To Debut 2nd Location In SoMaPhotos: Tomoko Sugiyama/Iza Ramen
Elaine Gavin
Published on February 09, 2017

SoMa's ramen lovers may want to break out their chopsticks. The Lower Haight's popular Japanese staple Iza Ramen will be opening its second location at 1155 Folsom St. (between 7th and 8th streets) tomorrow at 5pm.

Owner and head chef Ritsuo Tsuchida, who also owns the Mission's Blowfish Sushi, signed the lease on the space, which formerly housed Triptych, in August. Construction began almost immediately thereafter.

Tsuchida's original plan was to open in October, but renovation and obtaining city permits took more time (and money) than expected. Over the past six months, he's installed new kitchen equipment, new drains, a new server station, and a room for garbage, since his lease does not include access to the patio in the back.

“There was a big wall that was closing off the dining room,” says Tsuchida, "and we tore it down.” The result, says server and social media manager Tomoko Sugiyama, is intended to be “light, warm, and welcoming."

To start, Iza's menu will be the same as the Haight location's, with hot and cold appetizers and several types of ramen ($13-14) in regular or spicy versions, and with a variety of additional toppings. Eventually, Tsuchida says, they'll add some new items, like izakaya-style tapas.

“Since we’ve already delayed the opening, we’re going to start with the same menu,” he explains. “In a couple of months, we’ll switch to the new menu.” 

The drink menu will be focused on a wide variety of sake, including sake flights. "We really like high-quality sakes that have interesting and unique flavors," says manager Kate Donovan. "But we'll still have our standard smaller bottles as well."

Iza has also teamed up with Holy Craft Brewery to create a new beer, Harajuku Yuzu Ale, which is designed pair well with ramen. For SF Beer Week, which starts tomorrow, they'll be offering a special that includes a glass of Yuzu Ale, a bowl of ramen, and a small appetizer.

Karaage fried chicken and beer.

Tsuchida, who also owns a Blowfish Sushi in San Jose, told us that he's hoping to open another restaurant in the near future.

“It’s going to be a totally new concept," he said, though he declined to reveal what (and where) it will be. 

From left: Tomoko Sugiyama, Ritsuo Tsuchida, and Katie Donovan. | Photo: Elaine Gavin/Hoodline

To start, Iza's hours will be daily from 5-9:45pm, and Tsuchida said he'll consider trying out lunch if there's sufficient demand.

The staff is aware of the recent rash of business closures on their stretch of Folsom, but they remain optimistic. 

"I've been struck with how excited everyone is around us," says Donovan of the neighborhood. "We've felt really welcomed here." 

"In the Lower Haight, after a year, we still have a line outside," says Tsuchida. "That's my hope for SoMa as well."