Best Ramen Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Tatsu Ramen - Melrose
High-volume, customizable ramen with long hours and rich tonkotsu broths.
Notable Picks
8.9
Tatsu’s Melrose location is a high-volume, late-night ramen specialist built around tonkotsu-based bowls, touchscreen ordering, and a steady stream of locals and visitors. Broths lean rich and deeply flavored, with customization options that let regulars tune spice, toppings, and richness to their exact preferences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bold Ramen, Soul Ramen, Hippie (Vegan) Ramen
What Makes it Special: High-volume, customizable ramen with long hours and rich tonkotsu broths.
#2
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
8.7
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai specializes in light, springy, curly noodles and soy-forward broths served in a compact shop along Pacific Coast Highway. Locals come for bowls that balance clean, pork-light broths with generous chashu and precise toppings, making it one of South Torrance’s most reliable ramen stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kitakata Shoyu Ramen, Chashu Ramen, Green Chili Shio Ramen
What Makes it Special: Classic Kitakata-style ramen with light, springy noodles and precise broths.
#4
Laki Ramen
8.7
Laki RAMEN specializes in rich, chicken-forward ramen from a chef trained at Menya Takeichi, with a focused menu of creamy baitang broths, tsukemen, and standout vegan options. Locals hit this Miracle Mile spot for deep, balanced flavors, crisp karaage, and a modern, cozy dining room that works for both quick solo slurps and lingering dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Baitang Ramen (Chicken Chashu), Spicy Chicken Baitang (Pork or Chicken Chashu), Spicy Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: High-precision chicken baitang ramen with serious depth and technique.
#5
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.
8.6
Thai-owned ramen shop serving intensely flavorful tonkotsu with a silky, almost overwhelming richness that balances beautifully with their Thai-influenced spice levels. The signature khao soi ramen reimagines Northern Thai curry as a luxurious coconut milk broth with crispy fried noodles, while the menu extends to sushi, rice bowls, and katsu sandos for those wanting variety.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Khao Soi Ramen, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Extremely rich tonkotsu broth with Thai-fusion khao soi variant that brings authentic Southeast Asian flavors to traditional ramen
#7
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
Tatsu Ramen
8.5
Tatsu’s Arts District outpost brings the brand’s customizable tonkotsu bowls to a big, loft-like space that stays busy deep into the night. Bowls like Bold, Soul, and Hippie Ramen lean rich and punchy rather than traditionalist, drawing a steady mix of locals and late-night crews.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bold Ramen, Soul Ramen, Hippie Ramen
What Makes it Special: Customizable, late-night tonkotsu bowls in a spacious Arts District setting.
8.5
Tucked into a small strip along 87th Street, The Ramen Joint is a cozy, high-volume favorite known for long-simmered tonkotsu and shoyu broths, generous toppings, and fast, friendly service. With thousands of reviews and a constant flow of travelers and locals, it’s the most battle-tested bowl near LAX and still feels like a relaxed neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Fried Chicken, Braised Pork Rice Bowl
What Makes it Special: House-made broths and big flavors in a tiny, always-busy shop.
#10
Torisoba Tonsho
8.5
Produced by the Shin-Sen-Gumi group, Torisoba Tonsho focuses almost entirely on frothy, silky chicken ramen with a tight three-bowl menu. The shop’s minimalist space near Beverly Center keeps the spotlight on the broth, which ranges from classic to spicy dandan to a bright lemon butter version.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Original Torisoba, The Dandan Torisoba, The Lemon Butter Torisoba
What Makes it Special: Ultra-silky all-chicken broth blended to a foamy, luxurious texture.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Chibiscus is a compact strip-mall cafe where a ramen-heavy menu, kimchi fried rice, and brick toast draw a steady neighborhood following. The tonkotsu and spicy miso bowls are known for punchy, comforting broth, with plenty of options for gluten-free and vegan diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Kimchi Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Strip-mall ramen cafe with robust broths, generous portions, and flexible dietary options.
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
#14
Ramen Akira
8.4
Ramen Akira stands out for its signature garlic tonkotsu ramen, expertly crafted noodles, and deeply flavorful broths. Locals return for the house-made curry alongside a generous ramen roster, appreciating both late-night hours and efficient, warm service. The casual, energetic ambiance and steady review volume underscore Akira’s staying power in the heart of Koreatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Curry Rice, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Noodle texture and garlic-forward tonkotsu broth.
The Arts District branch of Tsujita focuses on rich tonkotsu ramen and tsukemen, bringing the brand’s slow-cooked broth and dense noodles east of Little Tokyo. The room is more polished than many ramen shops, making it a comfortable spot to linger over dipping noodles and sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chashu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Chashu Ajitama Tsukemen
What Makes it Special: Well-known Tokyo-rooted ramen brand offering serious tsukemen in the Arts District.
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.
8.3
Japanese chain from Tokyo's ramen districts serving 100% plant-based broths in creative flavor profiles like miso, soy, and salt. The unexpected vegan base allows meat lovers and vegans alike to customize their bowls with premium proteins, while late-night hours make it a Belmont Shore staple for post-dinner cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Garnet Ramen, Garnet Miso Ramen, Japanese Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Plant-based broths accommodate everyone from vegans to carnivores seamlessly
8.3
Located inside the Tokyo Central PCH food court, Ramen Ginza Onodera serves refined, dashi-driven bowls supervised by the team behind Sushi Ginza Onodera. The focus is on clear, deeply savory shoyu and fish-based broths that feel more omakase-closing course than typical mall ramen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Fish Broth Shoyu Ramen, Premium Onodera Kiwami Shoyu Ramen, Black Garlic Ramen
What Makes it Special: Michelin-associated ramen concept showcasing clear, fish-forward shoyu broths.
#19
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.
#20
Ramenya
8.3
Ramenya is a longstanding strip-mall spot beloved for its affordable, generous bowls and remarkable consistency over the years. With standout shoyu and miso ramen, this local fixture's straightforward menu and cozy interior provide a relaxed setting for solo and family dining. Expect efficient service and the crowd-favorite Asiana Tantanmen, drawing repeat visits from devoted regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asiana Tantanmen, Miso Ramen, Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Classic counter-service ramen with decades of steady quality
#21
Sora Sushi
8.3
Tucked inside Parkwest Bicycle Casino, Sora Sushi is a modern sushi bar that also serves a full lineup of ramen and noodle soups for players and locals looking to linger over something warm. The focus is on clean, well-executed fish and broths rather than volume, making this one of the more polished places in the area to pair ramen with sake or beer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Ramen, Shrimp & Veggie Tempura Ramen, Seafood Combo Ramen
What Makes it Special: Casino-side sushi bar with a surprisingly deep ramen and noodle section on the menu.
#22
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.
#23
Kai Ramen
8.2
Chef Nishimura's family ramen legacy spans over 20 years, bringing Mountain View's expertise to Montana Avenue with house-made broths simmered daily for authentic Japanese flavors. This cozy neighborhood spot balances traditional tonkotsu excellence with modern touches like flame-torched chashu and extensive vegan options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokyo Bomb Ramen, Classic Tonkotsu with Torched Pork Belly, Crispy Chicken Steam Buns
What Makes it Special: Only dedicated ramen shop on Montana Avenue with daily house-made broths
8.2
Kopan Izakaya in Westwood Village combines a long ramen reputation with a sprawling sushi roll lineup, from classic spicy tuna rolls to loaded baked specialty rolls. With all-day bento sets, late hours on weekends, and big-flavor rolls, it’s a flexible choice for groups who want both hearty bowls and shareable rolls at one table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
What Makes it Special: A ramen-and-roll izakaya with a deep menu of creative specialty rolls and bento-friendly pricing.
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Since 2015, chef Eric has perfected thick, creamy tonkotsu broth after traveling through Japan, creating a fully customizable ramen bar where diners build their ideal bowl with homemade noodles and extensive toppings. The bar-style seating and late-night hours draw USC students and night owls craving rich pork broth with options for vegan and chicken bases.
Must-Try Dishes:
Slurpin Ramen with Fatty Pork, Sesame Chicken, Garlic Edamame
What Makes it Special: Koreatown's tonkotsu specialist with DIY customization and 1am closing time
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
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.
#28
Ko-Ryu Ramen
8.1
Ko-Ryu Ramen is a long-running Crenshaw shop best known for rich, spicy broths and customizable bowls in a tight, counter-heavy space. Regulars build their own combinations of chashu, spice levels, and add-ons, making it a go-to for big-flavor ramen on the South Torrance side streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Miso Ramen, Shacho Ramen, Garlic Bomb Ramen
What Makes it Special: Customizable, spice-forward bowls in a small, ramen-first shop.
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Kopan’s Beverly Grove outpost is a crowd-pleasing Japanese spot where hearty tonkotsu ramen shares the stage with rolls, sashimi, and bento boxes. With hundreds of reviews and steady ratings, it’s a reliable choice near Cedars-Sinai for groups who want both ramen and broader Japanese options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: High-volume neighborhood standby combining tonkotsu ramen with a full sushi menu.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Eagle Rock Ramen is a small counter-service shop beloved for classic tonkotsu and shoyu bowls priced under $15 and an unfussy, quick-dining vibe. Reviewers cite robust broths and springy noodles, along with efficient staff making it a go-to for solo diners and quick lunches. Though located in a strip mall, the food consistently delivers comfort and quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Pork Ramen
What Makes it Special: Affordable ramen, speedy service, consistently flavorful broths.
8.1
The Tokyo import that introduced LA to tsukemen—dipping noodles served cold with 15-hour simmered broth on the side. Portions run large with thick 2.5mm noodles; the signature seafood-pork broth carries umami that's kept regulars returning since 2011. Competition in the Sawtelle ramen corridor has intensified, but the original formula holds its ground with lines that still form at peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tsukemen, Chashu Tsukemen, Ajitama Tsukemen
What Makes it Special: Tokyo import with 60-hour simmered broth and thick 2.5mm dipping noodles
#32
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
#33
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.
8
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.
#35
DTLA Ramen
8
DTLA Ramen is a modern Broadway ramen bar known for rich tonkotsu and a well-regarded spicy creamy vegan ramen, ordered at the host stand and served from an open kitchen. Diners highlight deeply flavored broths, bouncy noodles, and reliable execution across both classic and plant-based bowls, with craft beer and casual downtown energy rounding out the experience. 【3†turn3search9】【3†turn3search13】
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Downtown ramen specialist with rich broths and standout vegan options.
#36
Gushi
8
Gushi is a long-running Korean walk-up in Westwood Village where charbroiled plates, fried rice, and budget-friendly ramen bowls feed UCLA students late into the day. The ramen here is straightforward—beef, chicken, egg, or kimchi—but combined with big portions and low prices, it’s one of the most relied-on hot-soup stops near campus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Ramen (choice of beef, chicken, egg, or kimchi), Kimchi Pork Belly Plate, Kimchi Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Korean counter-service spot where affordable ramen joins huge grilled plates.
Hinodeya builds every bowl on a clear dashi broth of bonito and kombu rather than the heavy tonkotsu that dominates LA ramen—a lighter, umami-forward approach rooted in a Japanese dining lineage dating to 1885. The compact Little Tokyo counter-service format keeps the line moving, making it a reliable solo lunch or late-night stop where the clam ramen and vegan creamy option give the menu uncommon range for a specialist shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamaguri Ramen (Littleneck Clams), Creamy Ramen (Vegan), Takoyaki
What Makes it Special: Rooted in an 1885 Japanese dining tradition, Hinodeya builds every bowl on a clear dashi broth of bonito and kombu rather than heavy tonkotsu, producing ramen that is light yet deeply umami-rich.
8
A dashi-forward ramen shop built on bonito and kombu stock rather than the tonkotsu that dominates LA, run by a 4th-generation chef whose resume includes Ginza's Kicchou and the Japanese Embassy kitchen. The hamaguri clam bowl and house ramen reward anyone looking for clean, layered broth over heavy pork-bone richness, and the vegan lineup holds its own rather than reading as an afterthought. Expect a calm, intentionally designed room on Palms Blvd with mid-range ramen pricing and no reservations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Miso Ramen, Creamy Ramen (Vegan), Hamaguri Ramen (Littleneck Clams)
What Makes it Special: Dashi-forward ramen built on a soup stock recipe passed down four generations from an 1885 founding, with equal commitment to its vegan lineup.
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.
#41
Maru Ramen
8
A tonkotsu specialist built on house-made noodles and a slow-cooked pork bone broth finished with black garlic oil—the Kuromayu is the draw and regulars treat it accordingly. The counter-service format keeps things quick, and the cozy strip-mall space works for solo bowls or small groups who want rich, properly fatty ramen without the Westside commute.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kuromayu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Chashu Bowl
What Makes it Special: San Fernando Valley go-to for rich pork bone broth ramen finished with house-made black garlic oil
#42
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.
A charcoal-grilled yakitori and tonkotsu ramen joint on Sawtelle's Japanese corridor built around the traditional izakaya format—staff shout greetings in unison, the room stays loud by design, and the menu rewards groups who order across both the skewer and ramen sides of the kitchen. The dual specialization in charcoal-grilled skewers and long-simmered pork broth gives tables two distinct ordering lanes, which is why it draws late-night crowds who want the full Japanese pub experience rather than a quiet bowl of ramen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Yakitori Skewers, Wontons
What Makes it Special: Late-night izakaya on Sawtelle's Japanese corridor serving charcoal-grilled yakitori alongside rich tonkotsu ramen in a rowdy, communal atmosphere.
#44
Suehiro DTLA
8
A legacy Japanese comfort-food institution reborn in Downtown, covering ramen, curry, and diner-style classics. Broths and sauces lean hearty and familiar, built for repeat visits rather than trend chasing. Late hours and broad menu make it a dependable all-purpose stop in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese curry rice, Tonkotsu ramen, Chicken karaage
What Makes it Special: Old-school Japanese comfort classics with real Downtown longevity.
#45
Tatsu Ramen
8
A customization-forward ramen shop on Sawtelle where iPad ordering lets you dial in broth richness, spice level, and noodle firmness across tonkotsu and vegan base options. The late-night hours and counter-service format make it a natural solo stop for the Sawtelle corridor, and the menu branches beyond standard tonkotsu into birria and plant-based builds. Expect a focused, efficient bowl-building experience rather than a full-service sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bold Ramen, Birria Ramen, Hippie Ramen
What Makes it Special: iPad-based ordering lets you fully customize your tonkotsu or vegan bowl down to broth richness, spice level, and noodle firmness.
#46
Torrance Yokocho
8
Torrance Yokocho is a newer izakaya built to evoke Japan’s lantern-lit alleyways, with QR-code ordering, a full bar, and a menu that ranges from yakitori and karaage to ramen and small plates. It’s become a lively night-out option in 90505 for groups wanting a street-food-inspired atmosphere without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted yakitori skewers, Tonkotsu ramen, Takoyaki
What Makes it Special: Lantern-lit izakaya channeling Japanese yokocho street alleys with full bar.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A casual La Cienega strip-mall Japanese spot where sushi shares the stage with ramen and comfort plates. The sushi is clean and well-portioned, especially the simple nigiri and roll sets, making it a practical neighborhood option. Best for mixed cravings and easy takeout that still feels fresher than typical fast-casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted nigiri set, Spicy salmon roll, Salmon sashimi
What Makes it Special: Solid sushi inside a broader Japanese comfort menu.
#48
Daikokuya
7.9
Little Tokyo's ramen anchor since 2002—the tonkotsu broth simmers nearly 24 hours, and the kotteri option adds back-fat richness for those who want it heavier. Five locations now exist but the original retains pilgrimage status. Wait times persist; service moves fast once seated. The shredded pork rice bowl quietly competes with the ramen for best order. Cash-only policy remains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daikoku Ramen, Daikoku Ramen with Kotteri, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Little Tokyo ramen institution with tonkotsu broth simmered nearly 24 hours
#49
Hana Ichimonme
7.9
A Little Tokyo galleria ramen room leaning Kyoto-style and comfort-forward. Broths are rich and well-balanced, with a menu that also nods to donburi and small sides. A solid, dependable sit-down bowl when you want familiar Japanese warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu ramen, Spicy miso ramen, Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Kyoto-leaning ramen comfort inside the Little Tokyo galleria.
#50
IPPA Sushi Ramen
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
IPPA Sushi Ramen is a casual Atlantic Avenue spot where locals come for big bowls of tonkotsu-style ramen alongside a long sushi roll lineup. It leans more neighborhood hangout than destination, but offers one of the only dedicated ramen menus in the 90201 ZIP with reliable broths and hearty portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pork Belly Ramen, Spicy Chicken Ramen, Crunch Roll
What Makes it Special: Dedicated ramen-and-sushi menu in a casual strip-center setting along Atlantic Avenue.