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Mensho Tokyo
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin Guide recognition since 2017 for revolutionary chicken-based tori paitan broth
Who should go: Ramen aficionados seeking premium, innovative Japanese bowls
When to visit: Weekday evenings before 6pm to avoid hour-long waits
What to order: Signature Toripaitan ($28), add extra wagyu chashu, corn ribs
Insider tip: Sit at the bar counter to watch chefs assemble the elaborate bowls
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd or nearby side streets; public lot 2 blocks east on Main St ($3/hr). Arrive early on weekends as spots fill quickly.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers totally fine, though you'll see everything from streetwear to date night attire
Noise level: Moderately loud - open kitchen energy and bustling vibe means you can converse but may need to lean in slightly during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation (they don't take reservations), arrive before 5:30pm or after 9pm to cut wait significantly
Weekday lunch: 15-25 minutes typical, minimal wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie mazemen and mushroom-forward options available, but this is fundamentally a meat-centric operation
Vegan options: Very limited - one vegan ramen option with vegetable broth, but most signature elements (tori paitan, chashu) are off-limits
Gluten-free options: No - housemade noodles contain wheat and broth may have soy sauce components; not recommended for celiac diners
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but strategically - the bar counter seating is surprisingly intimate and the impressive chef action creates natural conversation starters. Skip it if your date is a light eater or expects white tablecloth romance; embrace it if you're both foodies who bond over Instagram-worthy moments and rich, adventurous flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - it's walk-up only with a waitlist system. Weekday evenings before 6pm are your best bet for sub-30 minute waits. Weekend prime time (7-9pm) can easily hit 90 minutes. Join the waitlist via Yelp app if available, or arrive right at 5pm opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately - the counter seating and trendy vibe skew adult, but families with older kids (10+) who appreciate ramen do fine here. Not ideal for toddlers given the hot bowls, wait times, and lack of kid menu. The noodles are legitimately appealing to young eaters though.
How does it compare to Tsujita or Daikokuya? Mensho sits in a different lane - where Tsujita excels at tsukemen and Daikokuya owns classic tonkotsu, Mensho's tori paitan chicken broth is richer and more innovative. You're paying $6-8 more per bowl for Michelin pedigree, premium toppings like A5 wagyu, and Instagram spectacle. Choose Mensho when you want to impress or treat yourself.
What should I order besides ramen? The corn ribs are a must - caramelized and addictive. Mentaiko rice balls make an excellent starter. Skip the gyoza (decent but not special). If you're hungry, add extra chashu or the soft-boiled egg to your bowl rather than ordering multiple small plates.
Best For
Better for: Premium ramen experience with Michelin backing, innovative tori paitan broth that's richer than standard tonkotsu, A5 wagyu and upscale toppings, Instagram-worthy presentation, impressing out-of-town visitors or dates who appreciate culinary craftsmanship
Skip if: You want classic tonkotsu, need reservations or guaranteed quick seating, prefer lighter broths, are on a tight budget (bowls $24-35), have severe dietary restrictions, or want a quiet conversation venue
Mensho Tokyo
8.9
Michelin-recognized chicken ramen specialist brings Tokyo's legendary toripaitan to Culver City with A5 wagyu, fermented pork, and duck chashu stacked in luxurious bowls. Rich chicken broths approach gravy-like consistency with housemade mochi noodles that deliver satisfying chew.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Toripaitan, Garlic Knock Out, Wagyu Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized chicken ramen with three premium chashu varieties and mochi noodles
Who should go: Serious ramen enthusiasts willing to wait for excellence
When to visit: Weekday lunch or arrive 30 minutes before dinner opening
What to order: Signature Toripaitan with truffle, Garlic Knock Out, corn ribs
Insider tip: No reservations—arrive early on weekdays to avoid 45+ minute waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets; paid city lots within 2 blocks. Downtown Culver City can be tight after 6pm—allow extra time
Dress code: Casual cool—jeans and sneakers work, but the trendy crowd leans toward elevated streetwear
Noise level: Lively but conversational—open kitchen energy without overwhelming your table talk
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes typical; waits can hit 90+ on peak weekend nights
Weekday lunch: 15-25 minutes during lunch rush, minimal wait before/after peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—1-2 vegetable-based bowls, but the focus is definitively meat-centric ramen
Vegan options: Not recommended—broths are chicken/pork based, minimal plant-based options available
Gluten-free options: No—mochi noodles contain wheat; celiac-friendly alternatives not available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date appreciates serious ramen. The trendy-but-intimate vibe works well, though counter seating means less privacy than booths. The Instagram-worthy presentation and Michelin pedigree provide conversation starters, but the no-reservation policy means timing is everything—awkward long waits can kill momentum.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations are accepted—it's walk-in only. Arrive 30-45 minutes before opening (5pm dinner, 11:30am lunch) on weekdays for minimal wait. Weekends require strategic timing or patience—consider the 2:30-4:30pm off-peak window if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Doable but not ideal. No kids menu, and the rich broths/premium ingredients aren't designed for picky eaters. Counter seating can feel tight with little ones. Better for adventurous older kids (10+) who can appreciate the experience; younger families might find the wait and limited options challenging.
How spicy is the ramen? Most bowls have mild-to-moderate heat by default. The Garlic Knock Out brings serious spice for those who want it, but you can customize spice levels. If you're heat-sensitive, stick with the signature Toripaitan or ask for adjustments.
Is it worth the hype and wait time? For ramen purists, absolutely—the Michelin recognition, triple-chashu luxury, and mochi noodle texture justify the pilgrimage. If you're casual about ramen or impatient, the 45+ minute weekend waits might feel excessive. Weekday lunch visits offer the quality without the punishment.
Best For
Better for: Premium chicken-based ramen with next-level toppings (A5 wagyu, duck chashu, fermented pork). The mochi noodles and creamy toripaitan broth outclass most LA competitors. Choose Mensho for special-occasion ramen or when you want Instagram-worthy bowls with Michelin credibility.
Skip if: You want tonkotsu (pork) over chicken-based broths, need quick service without waits, prefer classic ramen without trendy flourishes, or require vegetarian/vegan options. Also skip if you're not willing to commit to the no-reservation walk-in system—there are excellent alternatives in LA with more flexible seating.