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Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar
8.0
Akuma pairs tonkotsu and truffle garlic ramen with a full sushi menu in an anime-decorated dining room and lantern-lit patio. It functions as a hybrid ramen bar and neighborhood sushi hangout, with all-day happy hour drawing groups and date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Garlic Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Akuma Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Anime-themed ramen and sushi bar with truffle ramen, rolls, and a busy patio.
Who should go: Groups wanting ramen, sushi, and drinks in one spot
When to visit: Evenings, especially during happy hour or weekend nights
What to order: Truffle garlic ramen, classic tonkotsu ramen, Akuma roll
Insider tip: Target patio seating for the best mix of people-watching and a slightly quieter experience than inside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and surrounding side streets; metered spots can be tight after 6pm. No valet, so plan a few extra minutes to circle during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for evening visits and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to loud indoors due to music and anime decor energy; patio seating is noticeably calmer and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for small groups, 45–60 minutes for parties of four or more unless you arrive early or hit happy hour.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are easy and service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian ramen bases, veggie sushi rolls, and appetizers like edamame and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 ramen options with vegetable broth plus a few vegan-friendly sides; sushi options are more constrained.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—gluten-free soy sauce available on request and several sushi items qualify, but most ramen noodles contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want something fun and visually lively. The anime decor and lantern-lit patio give it personality without feeling too formal, though indoor noise can be high during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. For weekend evenings, come before 7pm or aim for patio seating to reduce the wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—kids who enjoy noodles or sushi will be fine here, though the indoor room can be loud. Patio tables work better for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting both ramen and sushi at one table, happy hour deals, and a colorful, anime-forward dining atmosphere.
Skip if: You want quiet, traditional ramen, or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options—more specialized ramen shops may be a better fit.
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar
8.0
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar leans into anime-inspired decor, an all-day happy hour, and a menu that balances hearty ramen with playful sushi rolls. It’s less formal than classic sushi counters, but shines for fun, sauce-forward rolls and a patio where sake and rolls stretch into long evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ocean Drive Roll, Superman Burrito Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Anime-styled ramen and sushi bar where colorful specialty rolls match the playful room.
Who should go: Friends wanting ramen, big rolls, and a lively patio.
When to visit: Evenings for patio seating, sake, and full bar energy.
What to order: Ocean Drive Roll, Superman Burrito Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice.
Insider tip: Build a shared table of specialty rolls and bowls—happy hour pricing makes it easier to try more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and side streets; spots tighten after 6pm. No valet, and nearby lots are limited.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; streetwear and jeans fit the anime-inspired vibe, but many lean slightly dressy for evening patio hangs.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at smaller tables, but peak evenings bring music and buzzier room energy.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes depending on patio demand; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy walk-in for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie rolls, tofu ramen, and appetizers; easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegan rolls and a few sides; ramen broth options vary so confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some rolls and bowls can be adapted, but sauces and fried items may contain gluten; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for something fun, casual, and visually engaging. The anime decor and colorful rolls create an easy ice-breaker environment, though it’s not ideal if you need a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—Akuma takes walk-ins and moves quickly. Arrive slightly before peak dinner hours for the best shot at patio seating without a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and teens who enjoy ramen, rolls, and a playful atmosphere. Not many amenities for toddlers, and the evening noise level can be high.
Best For
Better for: Lively gatherings, budget-friendly rolls during happy hour, and a more playful, social atmosphere than traditional sushi bars.
Skip if: You want purist, omakase-style sushi, ultra-quiet dining, or robust vegan/gluten-free options.
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar
8.3
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar brings anime murals, a lively patio, and a menu split between ramen bowls and playful sushi rolls. It’s not the purist’s sushi destination, but it’s a fun, relatively affordable place for sake, specialty rolls, and warm bowls after work or before a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Ocean Drive Roll, Superman Burrito Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Anime-inspired decor and a patio set the scene for ramen and inventive rolls.
Who should go: Friends wanting fun sushi, ramen, and sake over vibes.
When to visit: Evenings for patio energy without late-night chaos.
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, Ocean Drive roll, Superman Burrito roll.
Insider tip: Book an early patio table and focus on specialty rolls plus a shared carafe of sake for the best experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and side streets is the main option; it becomes competitive after 6pm. Small paid lots nearby fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual with a trendier edge; jeans and tees are fine, but many guests lean slightly styled for the anime-themed space.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak dinner hours, especially on the patio; indoor booths are slightly quieter but still energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes during peak dinner hours, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of seats available both indoors and outside.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options across ramen, sushi rolls, and appetizers, including veggie rolls and miso-based soups.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable rolls and sides work, but ramen broths and sauces often include animal products.
Gluten-free options: Some nigiri, sashimi, and a few rolls can be adapted; ramen is mostly not gluten-free. Request gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, vibe-forward dates—anime murals, patio lighting, and fun rolls create an easy, playful atmosphere. Not ideal if you want intimate or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially indoors, but patio tables fill during weekends. Arrive early or be ready for a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy ramen or sushi; high chairs and space for strollers are limited, and peak hours can be loud.
Best For
Better for: A more playful, high-energy ramen-and-rolls experience with strong visuals and approachable prices compared to more traditional sushi bars.
Skip if: You want pristine nigiri, purist-level sushi, or a quieter, more refined dining room—this leans heavily toward fun rather than precision.
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar
8.3
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar pairs anime murals and a lively patio with a menu that splits between hearty ramen bowls and playful specialty rolls. It’s more about fun, group-friendly Japanese comfort food than purist sushi, especially before a night out on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Ocean Drive Roll, Superman Burrito Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Anime-inspired decor and a buzzing patio frame ramen and inventive rolls.
Who should go: Friends prioritizing fun vibes, sake, and playful Japanese comfort.
When to visit: Evenings for patio energy without late-night chaos.
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, Ocean Drive roll, Superman Burrito roll.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu spicy level tweaks on ramen if you like real heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and side streets; fills quickly after 6pm, so plan for a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to trendy casual; guests often lean stylish due to the anime decor and patio atmosphere.
Noise level: Lively—expect energetic conversation levels on the patio and inside, but still manageable for group chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie ramen bowls, rolls with cucumber/avocado, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two ramen and roll modifications, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some rolls can be adjusted and there are GF-friendly broths, but no fully GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for a fun, upbeat vibe rather than an intimate setting. The decor and patio create an energetic backdrop that works better for casual, playful dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours. Arriving early evening helps secure a patio spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who enjoy ramen and lively environments. Not ideal for very young children due to high energy and limited stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Group outings, birthday meet-ups, and casual nights out where fun atmosphere and playful rolls matter more than traditional sushi precision.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, omakase-level sushi, or extensive vegan and gluten-free options.