Best Date Night Ramen Restaurants in Los Angeles
14 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Mensho Tokyo
Michelin Guide recognition since 2017 for revolutionary chicken-based tori paitan broth
Notable Picks
#1
Mensho Tokyo
8.8
Michelin-recognized Tokyo import specializing in rich tori paitan chicken broth with housemade mochi noodles and premium toppings like A5 Wagyu, duck, and fermented pork chashu. The signature bowl features truffle oil and draws hour-long weekend waits for its gravy-thick, umami-packed broth that has earned acclaim across multiple cities.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Toripaitan with Trio Meats, Garlic Knock Out Ramen, Karaage Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Michelin Guide recognition since 2017 for revolutionary chicken-based tori paitan broth
#2
RVR
8.6
Travis Lett’s Japanese-leaning tavern folds hand rolls, gyoza, and charcoal-grilled plates into a dim, high-energy space that reads effortlessly romantic. Not strictly a sushi bar, but the hand rolls and raw bites make for a stylish, shareable date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod Tempura Handroll, Tuna Handroll, Crispy Pork Belly Gyoza
What Makes it Special: A buzzy Venice izakaya where standout hand rolls meet moody design.
#3
Tonchin
8.6
Tokyo-born Tonchin’s LA outpost brings a polished, modern ramen experience to the Melrose corridor, anchored by rich yet balanced tonkotsu. The bowl construction is meticulous—springy noodles, silky broth, and well-seared chashu—while sides and kakigori desserts make it feel like a full night-out spot rather than a quick slurp. Cocktails and late hours add real neighborhood pull.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Tan Tan Ramen, Smoked Dashi Ramen
What Makes it Special: A Tokyo institution’s refined tonkotsu and dessert-forward ramen bar format.
8.4
Founded by master ramen chefs Hiro and Nori, this craft ramen specialist makes everything in-house, from hand-cut noodles to 15-hour tonkotsu broth using traditional Japanese techniques. The signature tonkotsu delivers rich umami depth without being heavy, while the shoyu features soy sauce aged over 300 years in Japanese barrels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: Hand-cut noodles and 15-hour tonkotsu broth by Japanese master chefs
8.4
This pioneering plant-based outpost of the legendary Japanese chain redefines vegan ramen with creamy soy milk 'tonkotsu' and innovative vegetable broths. Since transforming to fully vegan in May 2025, Ippudo V showcases traditional Japanese techniques through a plant-forward lens, offering both comfort and creativity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pla-Ton Vegan Tonkotsu, Shojin Shoyu Ramen, Super Mario Bros Roll
What Makes it Special: First fully vegan Ippudo location on the West Coast
8.3
This Westchester outpost of HiroNori brings the mini-chain’s deeply layered tonkotsu and shoyu broths, springy house noodles, and polished service to a modern, buzzy room right off Lincoln. It’s the most polished ramen experience in 90045, with late hours, sake, and small plates that make it feel closer to a casual date-night spot than a quick noodle stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
What Makes it Special: Craft ramen from a respected California mini-chain with serious tonkotsu.
#7
Iki Ramen
8.2
Iki Ramen elevates the genre with house-made broths and humanely sourced meats, delivered in a welcoming izakaya setting since 2019. The focus on ingredient integrity and modern Japanese technique attracts both ramen purists and newcomers. Locals return for soul-warming bowls and a compact menu of comfort sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Chicken Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Artisan broth and ethically farmed meats set it apart.
8.1
Better known as a lively sushi and sake bar, Kanpai also runs a legit ramen program with tonkotsu, miso, spicy yuzu shio, and vegan bowls available into the late night. It’s the most full-service option in the area, pairing rich ramen with sashimi, rolls, and drinks for those who want a longer sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chashu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: A late-night sushi bar where the ramen is genuinely worth seeking out.
#9
Afuri
8
A Tokyo transplant built around yuzu shio—a citrus-forward, chicken-and-seafood broth that runs deliberately lighter than the tonkotsu-heavy LA ramen field. The Arts District location draws groups and couples to communal tables in an energetic, high-volume room, so plan for noise over intimacy. Worth the trip when you want clean, bright flavors instead of the usual rich-and-heavy bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu Shio Ramen, Tsukemen, Buta Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Tokyo import specializing in yuzu shio—a bright, citrus-forward broth built from chicken, seafood, vegetables, and seaweed, unlike the heavy tonkotsu dominating LA's ramen scene.
#10
AFURI
8
Tokyo-based concept featuring signature yuzu-infused shio ramen with bright, citrusy chicken broth that diverges from heavy tonkotsu styles. Known for lighter, refreshing bowls alongside creative items like hazelnut tantanmen and quality dumplings, with outdoor patio seating at The Culver Steps and all-day happy hour at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu Shio Ramen, Spicy Yuzu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
What Makes it Special: Signature yuzu citrus-forward ramen with lighter, refreshing chicken-based broths
A polished outpost of the 15-year-old ramen chain known for 20-hour tonkotsu broths with customizable spice, richness, and noodle texture. The moody interior and outdoor fireplaces position it as a date-night option in the 2nd & PCH shopping center, though service pacing can lag during peak hours. Works best for ramen enthusiasts who want bowl control and appreciate the vegan-friendly menu depth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Black, Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Proprietary tonkotsu broths simmered 18+ hours with customizable spice, richness, and noodle firmness
Kinari Aburi Sushi & Noodle focuses on flame-seared aburi sushi and thoughtful ramen, including notable gluten-free and plant-based options. The small Fairfax dining room reads as a calm, chef-driven hideaway where torched nigiri and composed bowls feel more deliberate than flashy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aburi Salmon Nigiri, House Gluten-Free Ramen, Soft Shell Crab Roll
What Makes it Special: Aburi-style sushi and ramen with real attention to gluten-free diners.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Nagahasu by Sushi Yu/Mi is an intimate Beverly Boulevard sushi bar spun off from a Beverly Hills favorite, focusing on traditional nigiri, omakase sets, and signatures like sushi palettes. Its small footprint and omakase emphasis make it feel like a low-key, at-home extension of higher-priced counters nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nagahasu Omakase Set, Sushi Palette, Signature Lover’s Set
What Makes it Special: Compact, omakase-leaning offshoot of a respected local sushi group.
#14
Taiko Restaurant
7.6
A 30-year Brentwood fixture serving soba-forward Japanese cooking alongside competent sushi on the third floor of Brentwood Gardens—the black cod in sweet sake soy and the crispy spicy tuna draw regulars back, though the broader sushi menu reads as solid rather than standout. The dog-friendly patio is the move for conversation, because the indoor dining room runs loud even at half-capacity, and the $3 validated valet is worth it given the tricky building layout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soba, Tempura, Miso Soup
What Makes it Special: Longstanding Brentwood Japanese spot with a soba-focused menu and an outdoor patio that welcomes dogs