Best Instagram Worthy Ramen Restaurants in Los Angeles
9 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
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
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.
#5
Ramen Hood
8.3
Inside Grand Central Market, Ramen Hood serves entirely vegan bowls built on a creamy sunflower-seed broth that eats richer than many pork-based versions. It’s a downtown staple for quick counter-service ramen with a strong following among plant-based diners and curious omnivores.
Must-Try Dishes:
OG Ramen, Garlic Ramen with Vegan Egg, Spicy Ramen
What Makes it Special: Vegan ramen with cult-favorite broth and egg inside Grand Central Market.
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
What Makes it Special: Historic Japanese chain since 1985 with elaborate toppings and excellent vegan menu
#7
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.
Akuma pairs tonkotsu and truffle garlic ramen with a full sushi menu in an anime-decorated dining room and lantern-lit patio. It functions as a hybrid ramen bar and neighborhood sushi hangout, with all-day happy hour drawing groups and date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Garlic Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Akuma Roll
What Makes it Special: Anime-themed ramen and sushi bar with truffle ramen, rolls, and a busy patio.
#9
Mr. Ramen
8
A curry-ramen-forward counter shop that has held its corner of Little Tokyo since 1993, with walls papered in three decades of customer napkin art the owner refuses to take down. It runs as a late-night refuel stop where the portion-to-price math stays honest and the crowd skews young and local. Expect a tight room, no frills, and a bowl of curry ramen that has outlasted most of the block.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Ramen, Fried Chicken Ramen, Bento Box
What Makes it Special: Little Tokyo legacy since 1993, with walls covered in three decades of customer napkin art the owner has preserved.