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Takumen LIC
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Takumen LIC
8.3
A ramen-first Japanese spot that rewards going beyond the basics—broths run deep, noodles hold up, and sides land with real intent. It’s strongest when you pick a signature bowl and add one crispy, salty side to round out the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wantan Men, Tsukemen, Karaage
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Broth-forward ramen and tsukemen with sides that actually matter.
Who should go: Ramen lovers who care about depth
When to visit: Weeknight dinner before the rush
What to order: Wantan Men, tsukemen, karaage
Insider tip: Go tsukemen if you want the most concentrated flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Hunters Point; metered spots nearby but can be tight after 6pm. Many locals walk or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and layers all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but you can still hold a normal conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-based ramen and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some broth and topping combinations can work, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based dishes and sides are safest; ramen noodles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you both like ramen. The vibe is relaxed and trendy without being loud, making it easy to talk while sharing a comforting meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes. Walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights or earlier in the evening, though weekends can mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy noodles and simple Japanese dishes; there’s no kids menu, but the setting is casual and accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Deeper, more satisfying broths and tsukemen compared to lighter, trend-driven ramen spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick grab-and-go bowl or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Takumen LIC
8.4
An izakaya-leaning ramen-and-small-plates spot where the ramen is best treated as part of a broader, well-paced meal. Broths land richest when paired with one crisp appetizer and a sake or highball, and the room’s warm, low-ceiling vibe rewards a sit-down visit over a rush order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Chicken namban, Miso wings
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Ramen plus izakaya plates in a cozy, design-forward LIC dining room.
Who should go: Sit-down ramen people and small-plates groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, wings, one seasonal soft-serve
Insider tip: Order one ramen and one appetizer first, then add based on hunger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking; metered spots nearby but can be tight after 6pm. Many diners use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room leans polished—dress a notch above everyday.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively energy but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – vegetarian ramen and vegetable-forward small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable options, but not a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited – broths and noodles are not gluten-free; a few small plates may work with caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy, dimly lit room and shareable menu make it easy to pace the meal and keep things relaxed without feeling rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but weekends are smoother with a reservation—especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Kids are welcome, but the menu, vibe, and later dinner crowd skew more toward date nights and groups of friends.
Best For
Better for: A sit-down ramen night with atmosphere, drinks, and small plates—stronger for dates and groups than quick-slurp ramen counters.
Skip if: You want fast, casual ramen or a deeply traditional noodle-house experience with a singular focus on bowls.
Takumen LIC
8.0
An izakaya-leaning ramen and cafe hybrid that’s especially useful for vegetarians when you focus on the veg-forward starters and café side of the menu. It’s a good pick when you want a relaxed room, a proper sit, and something warm plus a sweet finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Sesame & Kale Salad, Matcha latte (with oat milk), Matcha soft-serve
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Izakaya-meets-cafe format makes vegetarian ordering flexible and fun.
Who should go: Vegetarians who want a sit-down ramen-bar vibe
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest experience
What to order: Black sesame & kale salad, matcha latte, matcha soft-serve
Insider tip: Treat it as small plates plus a drink, then add more if needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; generally manageable on weeknights, tougher after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but it skews polished and photo-friendly.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation, even on a date.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veg-forward starters, salads, and cafe items that work well as a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some starters and salads can be adapted, but confirmation is needed.
Gluten-free options: Limited—salads and select small plates only; ramen and most noodles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—calm energy, stylish room, and a menu that encourages sharing without pressure make it an easy, low-stress choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; weekends are hit-or-miss, especially if you want a prime dining time.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and teens—there’s no kids menu, but older kids who like noodles and sweets will be fine.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, sit-down vegetarian-friendly experience with dessert and drinks, rather than a quick ramen-only stop.
Skip if: You’re looking for a fully vegan menu, gluten-free ramen, or a loud, high-energy izakaya scene.
Takumen LIC
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
A cozy izakaya-leaning spot that can work well for families when you order share-style and keep the table on sushi, salads, and ramen. It’s best for older kids who’ll enjoy variety—small plates first, then a restorative bowl to finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black sesame & kale salad, Hawaiian tuna poke, Ramen noodles
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Izakaya variety that lets families build a meal in waves.
Who should go: Families with adventurous eaters (especially older kids).
When to visit: Early dinner for the calmest room.
What to order: Salad, sushi/rolls, then ramen to finish.
Insider tip: Order 2–3 starters first, then decide if you need ramen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking around Hunters Point; usually manageable early evening but tight after 6:30pm. Garage options nearby if needed.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively during dinner but still easy to hold a family conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, vegetable-forward small plates, and some ramen options can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – a few small plates or modified dishes; best to confirm broth and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited – sushi, salads, and some small plates work, but ramen and shared prep mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like sharing food. The cozy, upbeat energy keeps things relaxed without feeling loud or rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings. On weekends, arriving early or being flexible with seating helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids and teens who enjoy ramen, sushi, and small plates. There’s no kids menu, but shared dishes make it flexible.
Best For
Better for: Families who like to share plates and sample a variety of Japanese flavors before committing to a main.
Skip if: You need a quiet, spacious room or a traditional kids menu—a more casual noodle shop may be easier.