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Moto Ramen
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Moto Ramen
7.9
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
Okinawa-inspired neighborhood ramen shop from the team behind Ramen Yukinoya, featuring black garlic tonkotsu, spicy tan tan men, and vegan options. Established in 2020 with a local, laid-back vibe and covered patio seating, offering generous portions with flavorful broths and attentive service from owners Sarah Kim-Jenkins and Yuki Nakamoto.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Garlic Tonkotsu, Spicy Tan Tan Men, Chicken Karaage
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Locally-owned Okinawan-style ramen with black garlic tonkotsu specialty since 2020
Who should go: Budget-conscious locals seeking generous portions and neighborhood atmosphere
When to visit: Lunch service for bento boxes, dinner closes 9pm
What to order: Black garlic tonkotsu, cold tan tan men, pork buns
Insider tip: Owner Sarah personally responds to dietary questions and menu customizations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find. Small lot behind building with 6-8 spaces. Metered until 8pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Super casual - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all normal. Neighborhood spot where locals come as-is.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even when busy. Intimate 30-seat space with sound-absorbing patio.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait common 6-8pm Friday/Saturday, but turnover is quick with ramen service
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - bento boxes move fast, in and out in 30 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable ramen with mushroom broth, vegetable buns, and several appetizers. About 5-6 options.
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan broth available, can customize most vegetarian dishes. Owners very accommodating per reviews.
Gluten-free options: Limited - no GF noodles, but can do rice bowls and some appetizers. Call ahead for Sarah's recommendations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if casual fits your vibe - cozy covered patio is surprisingly romantic for a ramen shop, prices won't stress anyone's budget, and food arrives quick so no awkward long waits. Skip if you need impressive/fancy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. It's first-come, first-served. Weekday dinner and all lunch service usually seats immediately. Friday/Saturday 6-8pm expect 15-25 min, but bar seating often available.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - simple menu kids understand, quick service, casual atmosphere where noise is fine. Smaller portions available. Locals bring families regularly. High chairs available.
How does it compare to Ramen Yukinoya? Same owners but different vibe - Moto is more neighborhood/casual with Okinawan style and black garlic specialty. Yukinoya is their original, slightly more traditional. Both excellent, Moto feels more 'hidden gem' local.
Is the patio heated? Yes - covered patio has heaters for cooler LA evenings. Actually preferred seating for most diners when weather cooperates.
Can I get takeout? Yes - packages broth separately so noodles don't get soggy. Bento boxes particularly good for takeout. Online ordering available.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions at budget prices ($12-15 bowls), personalized owner attention, vegan/vegetarian accommodations, neighborhood atmosphere without West LA pretension, unique black garlic tonkotsu you won't find elsewhere
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic Tokyo-style ramen, need reservations for large groups (seats 30 max), expect full bar service (beer/sake only), or want late-night hours (closes 9pm, not midnight-ramen spot despite 'late night' category)
Moto Ramen
8.3
Okinawa-inspired ramen house from the team behind Ramen Yukinoya serves black garlic tonkotsu and tan tan men with roasted garlic cloves that you press into your broth. Opened in 2020, this neighborhood spot balances rich broths with LA sensibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Garlic Tonkotsu, Tan Tan Men, Chicken Karaage
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Okinawan influence with marinated garlic cloves to customize your ramen broth
Who should go: Families and locals seeking consistent neighborhood ramen
When to visit: Happy hour for deals or weekend dinner with patio seating
What to order: Black garlic tonkotsu, gyoza, marinated cucumbers for spicy kick
Insider tip: Press the marinated garlic cloves into your broth for deeper flavor
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, usually easy to find. Small lot behind building with 8-10 spaces.
Dress code: Ultra casual - gym clothes and flip flops are the norm. This is a neighborhood spot.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - easy conversation but gets energetic during dinner rush with families
Weekend wait: 15-25 min peak times (6-8pm), no reservations taken so arrive early or late
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk right in typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie miso ramen and vegetable gyoza available, broths use vegetable base
Vegan options: Limited - can do veggie ramen without egg, but broths may contain traces. Ask server.
Gluten-free options: No - ramen noodles contain wheat, no GF noodle substitute offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual 2nd or 3rd date. Slurping ramen isn't the most romantic, but the patio is charming and prices won't stress your wallet. Save first impressions for somewhere more intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations at all. Weekday dinners and lunch are easy walk-ins. Weekends arrive before 6pm or after 8pm to avoid the 20-30 min wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. High chairs available, kids love the interactive garlic pressing, and mild tonkotsu appeals to picky eaters. You'll see plenty of families here, especially weekends.
How spicy is the tan tan men? Medium spice - not overwhelming but has a real kick from sesame paste and chili oil. Order the marinated cucumbers on the side if you want more heat to control yourself.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - small patio with about 6-8 tables, great for LA weather. First-come seating, can't request it specifically during busy times.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood regulars wanting consistent quality without the hype or lines of Tsujita. The customizable garlic element and Okinawan touches make it more interesting than standard LA tonkotsu shops. Better value than Silver Lake ramen spots.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge ramen innovation or Instagram moments - this is solid neighborhood comfort, not destination dining. Skip if you need reservations for a group or want a quiet romantic dinner. Choose Tsujita LA or Silverlake Ramen if you're seeking the absolute best tonkotsu in LA.