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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Isshin Ramen & Boba
7.8
A late-night ramen counter on Santa Monica Blvd that builds its broths with enough body to hold up past midnight—tonkotsu and spicy miso are the reliable orders, and the lunch combo (ramen plus free drink and appetizer) makes the daytime run a solid deal. It fills a real gap for Hollywood's after-hours crowd, delivering straightforward bowls in a no-frills setting where speed and broth depth matter more than décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Miso Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Crispy Tofu Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Late-night ramen house on Santa Monica Blvd serving rich pork-bone and miso broths until 1:30 AM on weekends
Who should go: Night owls craving real ramen after midnight
When to visit: Fri-Sat late night when kitchen runs until 1:30 AM
What to order: Start with gyoza, then commit to the Spicy Miso Ramen with chashu pork — the broth is the star
Insider tip: Orders go through a self-service kiosk, so browse the menu on your phone before you walk in
Logistics & Planning
Dress code: Casual—cozy neighborhood ramen counter, come as you are
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple tofu and mushroom-based ramens including Crispy Tofu Ramen, Red Miso with wok-fried ground tofu, and Shoyu with shiitake and wood ear mushrooms
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a casual and fun first date — the decor is themed to feel like a rural Japanese restaurant transported to LA, which gives you built-in conversation starters. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting rather than formal or romantic, making it low-pressure. Late-night hours (open until 12:30am or later) mean you can grab ramen and boba after other plans. Better suited for a laid-back "getting to know you" vibe than a dress-up occasion.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a casual walk-in spot with self-service kiosks, so no reservations are needed or accepted. It's a smaller space in a strip mall suite, so you may encounter a short wait during peak weekend evenings, but turnover is generally quick for a ramen counter. Off-peak hours (weekday afternoons and late night) you should have no trouble getting seated right away.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, relaxed atmosphere is forgiving for families, and ramen and boba are easy crowd-pleasers for kids. The noise level is casual enough that children won't be out of place. Dedicated kids menu not confirmed — call ahead at (323) 848-4797 to ask about smaller portions or plain noodle options if needed. High chair availability not confirmed online.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4-6, but this is a compact strip mall suite (Suite 7 in a multi-unit building), so large parties of 8+ will likely be difficult to seat together. No private dining rooms. For bigger groups, call ahead to ask about table arrangements. No reservation system means you can't pre-book for a party — just show up and hope for availability.
Is there outdoor seating? Outdoor seating is listed as available, but specific details — covered vs. uncovered, number of tables, heating — are not confirmed online. Given the strip mall setting on Santa Monica Blvd, expect a modest patio or sidewalk-adjacent setup rather than a full garden space. Call (323) 848-4797 to confirm current outdoor availability and conditions.
Best For
Better for: Late-night comfort food runs—open past midnight most nights, with weekday lunch combos that include a free drink and appetizer
Hours
Monday3pm - 12:30am
Tuesday6pm - 12:30am
Wednesday11:30am - 12:30am
Thursday11:30am - 12:30am
Friday11:30am - 1:30am
Saturday11:30am - 1:30am
Sunday3pm - 1:30am