The Best Ramen in Mountain View
...has to be Ryowa, just off of Castro Street, about a block shy of the railroad tracks that punctuate the end of the downtown street. The waitlist of often a half a dozen parties even as early as 11:30AM was indicative of how in demand the Japanese noodle house was to locals and lunch-going professionals alike.
Still, it is a little sparse on space, but it can't be helped. Assuming you get a seat (I'd recommend arriving there before 11:30, or right around then if you're going to get a timely lunch in) there are fresh containers of kim chee (I'm not familiar with the Japanese term for it) available for someone awaiting their order.
Lunch specials come in a variety of flavors--pick from a variety of Ramen, and accompany it with fried rice, white rice, or gyoza, all for an affordable USD8, which is less than your average bowl of ramen anywhere else.
I've been eating a lot in Mountain View lately, so expect more to come from the downtown district, if you crave something delicious.
