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ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Downtown LA
Best Ramen in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Men Oh Tokushima Ramen
7.9
A Tokushima-style ramen specialist running a 16-hour pork bone broth topped with stir-fried pork belly — a regional Shikoku technique you won't find at most U.S. ramen shops. The format is pure counter-service focus: small room, tight menu, bowls built around richly layered pork fat depth rather than breadth. Works best when you want a dense, heavy-hitting bowl and don't need anything beyond the stool and the steam in front of you.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokushima Ramen, Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Takoyaki
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: One of few U.S. outposts of Tokushima-style ramen, built on a 16-hour pork bone broth with stir-fried pork belly — a regional topping rarely seen outside Shikoku.
Who should go: Ramen devotees seeking bold, pork-forward bowls in Little Tokyo
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter lines and a quieter counter
What to order: Start with takoyaki, get the signature Tokushima Ramen with a habanero paste add-on for heat, and split a gyoza order for the table.
Insider tip: Add the spicy miso ball to any non-spicy bowl for a mid-meal flavor shift.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Honda Plaza lot with parking validation—arrive early on weekends as the lot fills up fast, free on Sundays
Noise level: Small counter shop with a low-key, cozy vibe—easy to hold a conversation over your bowl
Weekend wait: Expect a wait during peak weekend and evening hours, though shorter than neighboring ramen spots on 1st Street
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait during off-peak weekday hours—quick seating and fast service
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a casual first date — the quiet, tucked-away location in Honda Plaza gives it a more intimate feel than most ramen spots in Little Tokyo. It's a small shop with a handful of tables and a long counter bar, Japanese-inspired decor, and an easy-going atmosphere where conversation flows naturally. Don't expect fine-dining romance, but for a low-key 'let's grab amazing ramen' first date, the vibe is on point.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-in only — they don't accept reservations. On weekdays during off-peak hours (right at 11:30am open or early in the 5:30pm dinner window), you can usually sit down immediately. Weekends and Friday/Saturday evenings expect a 20-30 minute wait, sometimes longer. The space is small so turnover depends on how quickly people finish their bowls — usually pretty fast since it's ramen.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for kids who eat ramen, but there's no dedicated kids menu or confirmed high chairs. The casual atmosphere and quick meal format (most visits are under 45 minutes) work well for families with children who can handle a bowl of noodles. The tight space can make strollers difficult — leave them outside if possible. Best for kids old enough to sit at a counter or small table without needing a lot of room.
Is it good for groups? Difficult — the restaurant is tiny with only a handful of small tables and a long counter bar. Parties of 4 are manageable but anything larger will likely be split up. There are no private rooms or large tables. For groups of 5+, you'll want to look elsewhere in Little Tokyo where the layout is more accommodating.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — limited outdoor seating is available in the Honda Plaza courtyard area. Specific details on the number of tables, cover, or heating are not confirmed online — call ahead at 213-687-8485 if outdoor seating is important to your visit.
Best For
Better for: Solo dining at the counter bar, or a quick no-fuss ramen run when nearby spots have long lines
Hours
Monday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 11pm
Saturday11:30am - 11pm
Sunday11:30am - 11pm