The pandemic has left many SF and Bay Area restaurants struggling to make ends meet at this time. It may also be considered one of the riskiest times to kick off a new establishment, but some are still doing it and taking their chances with takeout or outdoor dining when it returns. Junya Watanabe isn’t a new chef by any means, but you may have known about him from his past life (at least we do!) Before taking on the restaurant industry and being the owner of the San Diego chain, RakiRaki Ramen and Tsukemen, Watanabe was famous for his designs in fashion.

His new shop “RakiRaki Ramen by Junya Watanabe” should have opened this past November 25th and will be the first Bay Area spot to serve mochi ramen noodles. What makes mochi ramen noodles so special? They’re extra chewy because of the mochi powder added to the dough!

Even though I’ve been leaning on some of my favorite locals during the quarantine, I’m also trying my fair share of new restaurants and places I never got around to. Whether it’s takeout or when regular dining opens up, we can’t wait to try it.

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