Best Ramen Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.8
Sawtelle’s tsukemen standard-bearer, built around intensely reduced pork-and-fish dipping broth and springy house noodles. The bowl rewards patience (and a likely wait) with deep, smoky umami and precise noodles that stay snappy to the last dip. Go for the classic tsukemen first, then explore the richer, spicier variations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chashu Tsukemen, Spicy Tsukemen, Sunrise Vegan Ramen
What makes it special: LA’s defining tsukemen spot with a famously concentrated dipping broth.
#2
Tatsu Ramen
8.3
Rowdy, late-night-friendly ramen built for comfort: thick broths, big flavors, and plenty of topping options. The Hippie Ramen is the move for a lighter, veg-forward bowl, while the Old Skool and spicy miso cover the classic cravings. Service is quick and the vibe is casual, perfect for pop-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hippie Ramen, Old Skool Tonkotsu, Spicy Miso Ramen
What makes it special: Late-night ramen with strong vegan and classic options.
8.2
A Sawtelle spinoff focused on tan tan ramen that leans spicy, nutty, and sesame-forward. The menu is tight and heat-levels are serious, but the broth stays balanced and creamy under the chili punch. Ideal when you want ramen that’s more Sichuan-adjacent than tonkotsu-traditional.
Must-Try Dishes:
Killer Spicy Tan Tan, Original Tan Tan, Karaage Fried Chicken
What makes it special: Specializes in tan tan ramen with customizable spice levels.
A long-running Hakata-style ramen shop where you customize firmness, richness, and toppings before the first slurp. The tonkotsu broth is creamy without getting heavy, and the thin noodles hit that classic Fukuoka bite. It’s a reliable, no-fuss ramen night anchor for Sawtelle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Gyoza
What makes it special: Hakata ramen customization down to noodle firmness and broth richness.