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Marugame Monzo

329 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
$$
Japanese, Noodles, Asian Fusion, Japanese, Hidden Gems 

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

Marugame Monzo 8.2
Little Tokyo
Handmade Sanuki-style udon with chewy, dense noodles that justify the wait. The menu leans comforting—creamy uni, mentai butter, and seasonal hot pot—served in a cozy, clattery room.
Must-Try Dishes: Uni Cream Udon, Mentai Squid Butter Udon, Seafood Tomato Cream Udon
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: From-scratch udon texture you can’t fake.
Who should go: Noodle obsessives and Little Tokyo regulars.
When to visit: Right at open to avoid a long line.
What to order: Uni cream udon, mentai butter udon, seasonal hot pot.
Insider tip: Ask what noodles are made fresh that day.
Marugame Monzo 8.3
Little Tokyo
Handmade udon is the headline at this always-busy Little Tokyo room, where noodles are cut fresh and served in deeply savory broths. The menu balances tradition with playful specials, making it a go-to for repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes: Miso Carbonara Udon, Uni Cream Udon (seasonal), Beef Udon
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Fresh-cut udon with broths that keep locals coming back.
Who should go: Noodle lovers and Little Tokyo regulars.
When to visit: Off-peak lunch for shortest waits.
What to order: Miso carbonara udon, beef udon, uni cream udon.
Insider tip: Add a side of tempura to turn it into a full feast.
Marugame Monzo 8.3
Little Tokyo
Hand-made udon in Little Tokyo with chewy noodles and broths that lean deep and savory. Seasonal specials and rich cream-based bowls keep regulars rotating through the menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Uni Cream Udon, Miso Carbonara Udon, Mentai Squid Butter Udon
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Scratch udon with broths designed for noodle texture first.
Who should go: Udon loyalists and noodle-curious first-timers.
When to visit: Late lunch after rush.
What to order: Uni cream udon, miso carbonara, mushroom cream udon.
Insider tip: Check the board for off-menu seasonal bowls.
Marugame Monzo 8.3
Little Tokyo
Handmade udon with chewy bite and deep, comfort-forward broths that make for a satisfying midday sit-down. Expect a lively Little Tokyo room and a short wait during peak hours. The menu rewards both first-timers and regulars who like to explore.
Must-Try Dishes: Sea urchin cream udon, Miso carbonara udon, Beef udon (niku udon)
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 7.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Fresh-cut udon made in-house with standout seasonal bowls.
Who should go: Udon fans, Little Tokyo explorers, quick sit-down lunchers.
When to visit: Weekdays before noon to skip the line.
What to order: Uni cream udon, miso carbonara, beef udon.
Insider tip: Add a side rice bowl to soak up leftover broth.