VISALIA, CA — Chef Albert Utomo and his wife plan to open a new restaurant, Ramen Kuu, in downtown Visalia by August 2026. The new shop will focus on the specialty ramen the couple has perfected since opening their first local business ten years ago.
The move comes after years of success for the couple, who have operated Sushi Kuu in Visalia since 2016. As that restaurant grew in popularity, they more than doubled its size, expanding from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet to make room for more customers.
Diners across the state already recognize the quality of the ramen at Sushi Kuu. In 2024, Yelp ranked the restaurant 27th on its "Top 100 Ramen in California" list.
Utomo is known for his strict ingredient standards. At his original restaurant, he maintains quality by importing fresh seafood four days a week from Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market, one of the world's most famous seafood hubs. He plans to bring that same focus on fresh ingredients to the new restaurant.
Utomo originally moved from New York City to Visalia to be closer to his family. He has said that leaving the late-night hours of the New York restaurant scene allowed him to spend more time with his children while growing his business in the Central Valley.
The owners said the new location will let them focus on their popular ramen in a cozy and welcoming setting. Ramen Kuu is expected to open its doors by late summer 2026.
