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Ippudo Culver City
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ippudo Culver City
8.1
International chain from Fukuoka known for silky Hakata-style tonkotsu broth with dramatic, generously portioned toppings including fried enoki mushrooms and niku-miso bolognese. Opened in 2024 at The Culver Steps, offering both classic and elaborate bowls plus strong vegan options with plant-based broths that match the richness of traditional pork versions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Karaka Spicy Ramen with Niku-Miso, Nirvana Classic Vegan, Takoyaki Balls
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Historic Japanese chain since 1985 with elaborate toppings and excellent vegan menu
Who should go: Groups wanting variety and vegans seeking high-quality plant-based ramen
When to visit: Friday or Saturday until 11pm for latest hours
What to order: Spicy Miso with niku-miso bolognese, add seasoned egg, takoyaki
Insider tip: Underground garage parking validated - first hour free at Culver Steps
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Underground garage at Culver Steps validated - first hour free, $3/hour after. Street parking limited but possible on Cardiff/Watseka.
Dress code: Casual-trendy - athleisure to streetwear perfectly fine, most diners in jeans and sneakers
Noise level: Moderate-high - open dining room with hard surfaces, can converse but not intimate
Weekend wait: 20-35 min without reservation after 7pm, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins typically seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including vegetarian ramen with rich veggie broth and mushroom buns
Vegan options: Excellent - dedicated plant-based broths that rival traditional tonkotsu, among best vegan ramen in LA
Gluten-free options: Limited - traditional ramen noodles contain wheat, inquire about rice noodle substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a 2nd-3rd date spot - the slurping and messy eating makes it fun but not polished. Trendy vibe and late hours work well for post-activity dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - bar seating almost always available, table waits typically under 30 minutes except Friday/Saturday peak (7-9pm). Weeknights and late-night (after 9:30pm) rarely have waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who can handle chopsticks and hot broth. Casual vibe accommodates families, though no kids menu. High chairs available. Better for lunch than busy weekend dinners.
How does it compare to Tsujita or Silverlake Ramen? More elaborate toppings and better vegan options than competitors, but broth slightly less complex than Tsujita's. Wins on convenience, parking, and variety - best for groups with mixed preferences.
Is the late night menu limited? No - full menu available until close (11pm Fri-Sat, 10pm other nights). Kitchen doesn't cut back, making this rare for quality late-night ramen in West LA.
Best For
Better for: Groups with dietary variety (strong vegan options), late-night cravings, Instagram content (dramatic presentation), convenient Westside location with easy parking
Skip if: You want the absolute deepest tonkotsu broth (Tsujita wins), prefer intimate/quiet dining, seeking authentic hole-in-wall experience over polished chain atmosphere
Ippudo Culver City
7.9
International chain from Fukuoka brings 40-year Hakata ramen tradition with silky tonkotsu broth and dramatic topping presentations. Strong vegan program with mushroom-based broths rivals the pork versions in depth and satisfaction.
Must-Try Dishes:
Akamaru Modern, Nirvana Classic Vegan, Karaka Spicy
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Established Japanese chain with exceptional vegan ramen program and creative toppings
Who should go: Groups and vegans seeking reliable high-quality ramen
When to visit: Lunch weekdays or make reservations for weekend dinners
What to order: Bowls with niku-miso bolognese, takoyaki, vegan nirvana classic
Insider tip: Underground parking at Culver Steps garage—first hour free
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Underground parking at Culver Steps garage - first hour free, $2 each additional 30 min. Street parking available on Ince Blvd but limited.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure and jeans standard. This is a mall location with laid-back Westside vibe.
Noise level: Moderately loud - open kitchen energy and group dining buzz. Fine for casual conversation, challenging for intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation during prime hours (6-8pm). Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple vegetarian ramen options including mushroom-based broths with depth rivaling pork versions.
Vegan options: Outstanding - dedicated vegan program is a standout feature. Vegan Nirvana Classic and mushroom-based broths are legitimately satisfying.
Gluten-free options: Limited - broth bases may work but traditional ramen noodles contain gluten. Call ahead to discuss modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date. Noise level makes intimate conversation tough, and slurping ramen isn't everyone's idea of romantic. But if you're both foodies who want something casual and fun, it works.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) - yes, usually fine. Weekend prime time - risky. They do take walk-ins but expect 30-45 min waits Friday/Saturday nights. Book ahead if you have a set schedule.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly. Casual mall setting means high chairs available, noise level masks kid sounds, and simple ramen bowls appeal to most children. Good for families with kids 5+.
How does this compare to other LA ramen spots? More polished and consistent than indie shops, less authentic than Tsujita or Daikokuya. Best choice when you need: reliable quality, vegan options, reservations, or easier parking than Little Tokyo/Sawtelle.
Is it worth going if I'm not vegan? Absolutely. The tonkotsu broth is silky and rich, niku-miso bolognese topping is creative, and takoyaki is excellent. The vegan program is notable but the traditional pork ramen holds its own.
Best For
Better for: Vegan ramen (best program in LA), group dining with mixed dietary needs, reliable quality over experimentation, easier parking than Sawtelle/Little Tokyo, birthday celebrations with dramatic presentations.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic hole-in-the-wall experience, seeking absolute best tonkotsu in LA (Tsujita/Daikokuya edge it out), need quiet romantic atmosphere, or prefer supporting small independent shops over chains.