San Francisco ramen favorite Marufuku Ramen is on its way to downtown Palo Alto, with plans to plant its flag right on University Avenue. The expanding chain is set to take over the former Starbucks space at 374 University Avenue and is aiming for an early 2026 debut. The new location is expected to seat around 50 diners and will feature a full beverage program that includes beer, sake and hard liquor.
According to The Almanac, restaurant representative Tatsuya Tanaka confirmed that Marufuku has signed the lease and is moving ahead with plans for the University Avenue storefront. A commercial listing for 374–376 University Avenue describes the space as an off-market retail unit of about 2,375 square feet on LoopNet, a footprint local brokers say lines up well with a full-service ramen bar.
What Marufuku Is Known For
Marufuku opened its first shop in San Francisco's Japan Center in 2017 and has since stretched its reach across California and beyond. As reported by Eater SF, founders Eiichi Mochizuki and Koji Kikura built the brand around rich Hakata-style tonkotsu: a milky pork-bone broth paired with ultra-thin noodles. Long simmer times and that signature broth helped fuel the long lines that became a fixture at the original Japantown location.
Menu And Drinks
The chain's menu centers on long-simmered pork broth ramen, a chicken paitan option, rice bowls and izakaya-style small plates. Marufuku Ramen notes that its broth is made by boiling pork bones for long hours, which gives the soup its signature richness. The Almanac reports that the Palo Alto outpost is expected to pour signature cocktails at around $12, alongside beer, sake and other spirits.
Where It Fits On The Peninsula
The Palo Alto project is part of Marufuku's broader Bay Area expansion. This year the brand has been adding locations across the Peninsula and East Bay, including a Serramonte Center spot in Daly City and new Walnut Creek and Campbell restaurants. Coverage of the Serramonte opening appears in SFGATE, while local notices about other openings and permit filings have also been picked up by What Now San Francisco.
So far, neither the company nor city records list a firm opening date for the Palo Alto shop. For now, the early 2026 target comes from company reporting and local filings. Once the build-out is finished and final approvals are in, University Avenue regulars can expect Marufuku's familiar bowls to join the growing lineup of noodle spots downtown.
