30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Mr. Ramen
8.0
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
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Little Tokyo legacy since 1993, with walls covered in three decades of customer napkin art the owner has preserved.
Who should go: Late-night ramen seekers and Little Tokyo regulars
When to visit: Weeknight evenings to avoid 50-minute weekend waits
What to order: Start with the curry ramen, their signature bowl; add a bento box to share if you're hungry.
Insider tip: Look for the napkin art covering every wall — decades of customer drawings celebrated in their 'Noodles & Doodles' zine.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking and nearby garages available, but finding a spot is difficult—Little Tokyo parking is intense, especially on weekends. Budget extra time or plan to use a garage a few blocks away.
Noise level: Not overly loud—small, cozy space with a young, diverse crowd. Expect a lively but conversational volume.
Weekend wait: Expect significant waits during peak hours—up to 50 minutes reported. The small space fills fast, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple vegetarian options including vegetable ramen, vegetable curry, edamame, cold tofu, boiled spinach, and vegetable shiitake gyoza.
Vegan options: Vegan options available—the restaurant highlights offerings from vegan to meat lovers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date. The space is narrow and casual with tables lined along the wall, creating a no-frills ramen shop vibe rather than a romantic one. That said, if your idea of a great first date is sharing bowls of ramen in a beloved Little Tokyo institution that's been around since 1993, it can work — just set expectations for a casual, low-key hang rather than candlelit ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Mr. Ramen is walk-in only. The casual counter-service style means no reservations needed. During peak dinner hours you may encounter a short wait given the compact space, but turnover is fast since it's ramen. Late-night visits (they stay open late) tend to have less of a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Partially. The casual atmosphere and affordable ramen bowls work for older kids who can sit in a regular chair and eat noodles. However, they do not have high chairs, so it's not practical for toddlers or very young children. No dedicated kids menu — but small-size ramen portions are available, which works for smaller appetites.
Is it good for groups? Only for small groups. The restaurant is a long, narrow space with tables along the wall, so parties larger than 6 will have difficulty being seated together. No private dining rooms available. For groups of 2-4, it's a great casual spot. If you have more than 6 people, consider splitting into smaller groups or choosing a different venue.
Is there outdoor seating? Some outdoor seating is indicated as available, but specifics on size, coverage, and heating are not confirmed. The Little Tokyo storefront location suggests sidewalk-style seating rather than a full patio. Call ahead at (213) 626-4252 to confirm current outdoor availability and conditions.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen runs (open until midnight or 1AM), budget-friendly bowls in a vibrant anime-covered space that's made for photos.
Consider Alternatives If: You need easy parking or hate tight seating—the space is small and Little Tokyo parking is a project.
Hours
Monday12pm - 12am
Tuesday12pm - 12am
Wednesday12pm - 12am
Thursday12pm - 1am
Friday12pm - 1am
Saturday12pm - 1am
Sunday12pm - 1am