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Afuri
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Afuri
8.1
Tokyo-born AFURI brings its bright, citrus-lifted yuzu shio ramen to the Arts District in a sleek, counter-service space with a full bar. The broth stays clean and aromatic, and the menu opens up into izakaya snacks that make it easy to turn a ramen run into a hang.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu shio ramen, Buta gyoza, Karaage chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Signature yuzu-infused ramen that tastes light but satisfying.
Who should go: Ramen seekers and casual date pairs.
When to visit: Late afternoon to skip lines.
What to order: Yuzu shio ramen; gyoza; karaage.
Insider tip: Add a yuzu highball for the full AFURI vibe.
Afuri
8.4
Tokyo-born AFURI anchors the Arts District with a bright, citrus-forward take on ramen centered on its yuzu shio broth. Bowls are clean and layered rather than heavy, and the menu rounds out with well-executed dumplings and small plates in a sleek, izakaya-leaning space. Consistently strong multi-platform ratings and high review volume make it the clear ramen destination in 90021.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu Shio Ramen, Tori Paitan Ramen (limited/seasonal), Buta Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Signature yuzu-accented broths deliver a lighter, aromatic ramen style.
Who should go: Ramen fans wanting refined, modern Tokyo flavors.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to beat crowds.
What to order: Yuzu Shio ramen, Buta gyoza, a seasonal ramen bowl.
Insider tip: Ask about limited-time broths and add a yuzu extra kick.
Afuri
7.9
A lively counter-service ramen shop known for its yuzu-bright broths and fast, reliable execution. Outdoor tables on Mateo make it an easy, casual patio stop amid the Arts District bustle. It’s a dependable warm bowl with enough polish for repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu shio ramen, Spicy tantan ramen, Buta gyoza dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Yuzu-lifted ramen that stays light, aromatic, and craveable.
Who should go: Ramen fans needing a quick patio meal.
When to visit: Weekday lunch to dodge peak ramen lines.
What to order: Yuzu shio; spicy tantan; buta gyoza.
Insider tip: Add extra yuzu for a sharper citrus pop.
Afuri
7.8
A bright, efficient ramen shop that nails the ‘quick but satisfying’ brief for office-adjacent lunches. Citrus-leaning broths and well-made gyoza keep things light enough for a workday, and service is tuned for steady midday traffic. Great when the team wants comfort without a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu Shio ramen, Hazelnut tantanmen, Crispy hotate gyoza
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Yuzu-bright ramen that feels cleaner than the usual tonkotsu heavyweights.
Who should go: Teams wanting a fast, warm lunch.
When to visit: Right at opening to avoid the line.
What to order: Yuzu Shio, tantanmen, hotate gyoza.
Insider tip: Add a side of karaage to share; it travels well.