Best Cheap Eats Ramen Restaurants in Downtown LA
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Mr. Ramen
Little Tokyo legacy since 1993, with walls covered in three decades of customer napkin art the owner has preserved.
Notable Picks
#1
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.
Worthy Picks
#2
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
7.8
A Hakata-style tonkotsu specialist where you dial in noodle firmness and broth richness to your specifications—the customization is part of the ritual. The boisterous call-and-response service matches traditional Japanese ramen house energy, making it a better fit for hungry groups than quiet dinners. Late hours and Little Tokyo proximity make it a reliable post-event landing spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Takoyaki, Spam Musubi, Curry Rice
What Makes it Special: Authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with customizable noodle firmness and rich pork broth
#4
Ramen Maruya
7.7
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
A Japanese Village Plaza counter operation that runs a wide lane—ramen, bento boxes, tempura, takoyaki, eel—with the speed and price point tuned for a Little Tokyo lunch crowd. The draw is covering multiple Japanese comfort formats in one stop without waiting or overspending, which makes it a practical default for anyone already walking the plaza. Expect mall-adjacent energy and tight seating, not a lingering experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bento Box, Tempura, Takoyaki
What Makes it Special: Japanese Village Plaza counter spot covering ramen, bento, and izakaya snacks under one roof with fast turnover