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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Ramen Maruya
7.7
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
A Japanese Village Plaza counter operation that runs a wide lane—ramen, bento boxes, tempura, takoyaki, eel—with the speed and price point tuned for a Little Tokyo lunch crowd. The draw is covering multiple Japanese comfort formats in one stop without waiting or overspending, which makes it a practical default for anyone already walking the plaza. Expect mall-adjacent energy and tight seating, not a lingering experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bento Box, Tempura, Takoyaki
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Japanese Village Plaza counter spot covering ramen, bento, and izakaya snacks under one roof with fast turnover
Who should go: Little Tokyo visitors wanting a quick, affordable Japanese lunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch before noon to skip the plaza crowds
What to order: Start with takoyaki, get a bento box for variety or ramen chashu if you want one bowl, add tempura on the side
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Plaza garage at 111 S. Central Ave ($2/15 min), some businesses validate—call (213) 613-9988 to confirm. Free 2-hour street meters on Japanese Village Plaza Mall. Multiple free lots within 1-3 min walk on E 1st St and San Pedro St.
Dress code: Come as you are—casual ramen shop in an open-air plaza. Shorts and sandals fit right in.
Noise level: Lively but conversational—busy open kitchen and mall-adjacent buzz, but you won't need to shout. Outdoor patio seats available for a quieter vibe.
Weekend wait: Expect a short line on Friday/Saturday nights but fast turnover—10-20 minutes typical. Notably shorter waits than neighboring ramen spots across the street.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait for a seat. Popular lunch crowd but swift service—food arrives within 15 minutes of ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated Vegetable Miso Ramen ($19.75) with cabbage-soybean-corn broth, bean sprouts, tomato, seaweed, scallion. Also: Vegetable Tempura, Edamame, Age Tofu, House Salad, Green Seaweed Salad, Avocado Roll, Inari Nigiri, Shishito Peppers.
Vegan options: Vegetable Miso Ramen broth and listed toppings appear plant-based. Edamame and Shishito Peppers likely vegan. Menu does not explicitly label items vegan—call (213) 613-9988 to confirm miso paste and noodle ingredients.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual, low-pressure first date — the Studio Ghibli-inspired decor gives it charm and built-in conversation starters, and the cozy interior feels intimate without being stuffy. Noise level is moderate, so conversation flows easily. That said, this is a ramen counter spot, not a candlelit dinner — set expectations for a fun, relaxed vibe rather than traditional romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Ramen Maruya is walk-in only and doesn't take reservations. Wait times are reasonable even on weekends; visitors report being seated within 5-10 minutes on busy Sunday evenings, and sometimes immediately with no line at all. It's a popular alternative to neighboring ramen shops with notoriously long waits, so arriving by 6pm on weekends helps avoid any backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual atmosphere and moderate noise level mean kids won't feel out of place. Portions are large enough to share (one bowl can feed two to three lighter appetites), which works well for smaller children. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, but the straightforward ramen and rice bowl options are approachable for young eaters. High chairs not confirmed — call ahead if needed.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the space can accommodate large parties, with reports of groups as large as 15 being seated. Staff are noted as attentive and accommodating for bigger tables. No private dining room has been confirmed. For groups over 8, arriving during off-peak hours (before noon or after 8pm on weekdays) gives you the best chance of being seated together without a long wait.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a small outdoor dining area in the Japanese Village Plaza courtyard. It's a pleasant open-air mall setting with people-watching, but no confirmed cover or heating. Best enjoyed in mild weather. Indoor seating is also plentiful if the outdoor tables are full.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable ramen lunch without the long lines of neighboring Little Tokyo ramen shops. Groups with mixed tastes—menu spans ramen, sushi, donburi, and tempura. Generous chashu pork and solid bento combo deals.
Consider Alternatives If: You're making a special trip for top-tier destination ramen—noodles and broth are solid but not standout. You want a quiet, refined dining experience—this is a bustling casual shop in a mall plaza.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 9pm