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Susuru Ramen Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Susuru Ramen Bar
8.6
Thai-owned ramen shop serving intensely flavorful tonkotsu with a silky, almost overwhelming richness that balances beautifully with their Thai-influenced spice levels. The signature khao soi ramen reimagines Northern Thai curry as a luxurious coconut milk broth with crispy fried noodles, while the menu extends to sushi, rice bowls, and katsu sandos for those wanting variety.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Khao Soi Ramen, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Extremely rich tonkotsu broth with Thai-fusion khao soi variant that brings authentic Southeast Asian flavors to traditional ramen
Who should go: Ramen purists seeking bold flavors and adventurous eaters wanting Thai-Japanese fusion
When to visit: Lunch for quick service or post-hike from Griffith Park
What to order: Spicy Tonkotsu for heat seekers, Khao Soi Ramen for something different, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice appetizer
Insider tip: Don't underestimate the spice level - they don't hold back with heat like many LA ramen shops
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - moderately difficult but doable, especially on side streets off Hollywood Blvd. Easier during lunch hours.
Dress code: Super casual - come as you are. T-shirt and jeans is the norm for this counter-service spot.
Noise level: Moderate - small space gets lively during peak times but intimate counter seating allows for conversation
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait typical during prime dinner hours (7-9pm), but turnover is relatively quick
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - in and out in under 30 minutes total
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - vegetable ramen available but broth may contain fish-based dashi. Ask staff about broth base.
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead. Traditional ramen broths are meat/bone-based.
Gluten-free options: No - ramen noodles contain wheat and kitchen has cross-contamination. Rice bowls might work but verify with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates. Counter seating creates natural conversation flow and the food gives you something to bond over. Skip if you're trying to impress with ambiance - this is a stripped-down ramen shop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served counter and small table seating. Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6:30pm) are your best bets for no wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can handle spicy food - the mild options still have kick. Small space and counter seating isn't ideal for toddlers. High chairs not available.
Good spot after hiking Griffith Park? Perfect post-hike refuel - filling, flavorful, and the rich broth hits differently after physical activity. Just 10 minutes down from the park.
How does the Thai fusion work? The khao soi ramen is the standout fusion dish - coconut curry broth with crispy fried noodles on top, capturing Northern Thai flavors in ramen form. Other bowls lean traditional Japanese with optional Thai spice levels.
Best For
Better for: Intensely rich, almost-too-much tonkotsu that rivals Tokyo-style shops, and the only place in LA doing legit khao soi ramen fusion. Superior for heat seekers who want actual spice, not LA-tamed versions.
Skip if: You want refined, Instagram-worthy ramen ambiance (go to Tsujita or Silverlake Ramen), prefer lighter broths (try Daikokuya), or need extensive vegan/GF options (head to Ramen Hood)
Susuru Ramen Bar
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Women-owned and operated, this cozy ramen shop merges Northern Thai and Japanese influences with signature bowls like Khao Soi Ramen featuring coconut curry broth, chicken chashu, and crispy fried noodles. The silky Tonkotsu ramen with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly showcases traditional technique while vegan options ensure everyone finds satisfaction. Free parking and outdoor seating complement the hip, youthful atmosphere where anime plays on screens.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Ramen, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Unique Thai-Japanese fusion ramen with coconut curry broth and crispy toppings
Who should go: Ramen enthusiasts seeking creative flavors and budget-friendly quality
When to visit: Lunch for quick service, dinner for relaxed vibe
What to order: Khao Soi Ramen for fusion, Spicy Tonkotsu for traditional richness
Insider tip: Free parking lot behind the restaurant saves street parking headaches
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot behind restaurant - rare for Los Feliz and eliminates street parking stress
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers perfectly fine. Hip, youthful crowd
Noise level: Moderate to lively - anime on screens, energetic vibe. Easy conversation but not quiet
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical - small space fills quickly but turnover is fast
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - quick service ideal for lunch breaks
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including veggie broth bases and tofu protein
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan ramen options with coconut milk broths and plant-based toppings
Gluten-free options: Limited - ramen noodles contain gluten. Ask about rice bowl alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - fun fusion concept is a conversation starter, prices let you grab drinks after without breaking budget. Skip if you want quiet romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend dinner expect 20-30 min wait but it moves. Counter seating sometimes available immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual vibe, anime on screens keeps kids entertained, mild ramen options available. Best for kids 5+ who can handle noodles. High chairs available.
Is this good for solo dining? Excellent - counter seating faces kitchen, quick service, budget-friendly. Perfect for solo lunch or dinner without feeling awkward.
How spicy is the Spicy Tonkotsu? Moderate heat - flavorful spice not punishment. Ask for spice level adjustment. Khao Soi has mild curry warmth, not chili heat.
Best For
Better for: Thai-Japanese fusion creativity at traditional ramen prices. Free parking and vegan options beat most LA ramen spots. Best value for adventurous ramen in Los Feliz.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional Japanese ramen purist experience, need gluten-free options, or want upscale date-night ambiance. Choose Silverlake Ramen or Tsujita for classic tonkotsu.