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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
Ramen Melrose
7.9
A late-night ramen counter built by veterans of Ippudo, Jinya, and Tatsu, running a dual-track menu that gives the vegan lineup the same seriousness as the pork-based bowls. The kitchen stays open until 3 AM, which makes it one of the few credible ramen options on the west side of Hollywood after midnight. Strip-mall setting with tight parking—order with purpose and expect a no-frills seat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Creamy Vegan Ramen, Pork Garlic Lovers Ramen, TNT Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Built by alumni of Ippudo, Jinya, and Tatsu Ramen, with a dedicated vegan ramen line and kitchen open until 3 AM
Who should go: Late-night crowds and vegan ramen seekers alike
When to visit: After midnight for post-show ramen without the rush
What to order: Start with the Pork Garlic Lovers if you eat meat or the Creamy Vegan if you don't, add a Thai Tea on the side, and split a Sushi Bento Box for the table
Insider tip: Hit happy hour for deals, and know that the creamy vegan broth gets its richness from slow-cooked cabbage, onion, and garlic — no dairy involved
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small strip-mall lot with only a handful of spots out front—expect to circle the surrounding blocks on Melrose and Rossmore for street parking during peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—dedicated Creamy Vegan Ramen, Spicy Vegan Miso Ramen, Vegan Curry Bowl, Vegan Tofu Teriyaki Bowl, steamed and fried Vegan Gyoza, Vegan Croquette, and a Japanese Vegetable Roll
Vegan options: Extensive dedicated vegan menu: two vegan ramen bowls with spinach noodles and house vegan broth, Vegan Curry Bowl, Vegan Tofu Teriyaki Bowl, Vegan Tofu Bento Box ($21.95), Vegan Gyoza (steamed or fried), and Vegan Croquette Buns
Gluten-free options: Seafood Ramen ($17.95) is marked 'All Gluten Free' and uses potato noodles instead of wheat; no other items are explicitly marked gluten-free on the menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for a very casual first date. This is a cozy, affordable ramen shop with cute decor and a relaxed vibe, but it's a quick-service spot — not a linger-over-cocktails kind of place. The late-night hours (open until 3am) make it a solid option for a low-key post-activity bite. If you're looking for intimate and romantic, look elsewhere; if you want laid-back and unpretentious, it works.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a casual walk-in ramen shop with no formal reservation system. The space is small, so you may hit a short wait during peak dinner hours or late-night weekend rushes. Off-peak (weekday lunch, early evening) you should seat immediately. Late-night after 10pm is a popular window given the 3am closing time.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so for younger kids who like noodles. The casual atmosphere and noise level mean kids won't be out of place. The menu has simple ramen and rice bowls that work for less adventurous eaters. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed — call ahead to ask about high chairs. Best before the late-night crowd arrives.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for large groups. This is a small neighborhood ramen shop with limited seating — not built for parties of 6+. Groups of 3-4 should be fine, but expect to wait if you show up during peak hours. No private dining or large table setup has been confirmed. For bigger groups, plan to go at an off-peak time.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available. Specific details on the number of tables, coverage, or heating have not been confirmed online. Parking is limited to a few spots out front, so plan to look around the block. Call ahead to confirm outdoor availability if that's a priority.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen runs with a group that includes vegan eaters—open well past midnight with a full dedicated vegan lineup and fast counter-service pacing
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, lingering dinner—this is a compact strip-mall counter-service spot built for speed, not ambiance
Hours
Monday11:30am - 3am
Tuesday11:30am - 3am
Wednesday11:30am - 3am
Thursday11:30am - 3am
Friday11:30am - 3am
Saturday11:30am - 3am
Sunday11:30am - 3am