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Noona Noodles
Master Critic Review
Noona Noodles
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Noona Noodles is a mother–daughter-run Korean noodle shop known for icy-spicy buckwheat noodles, long-simmered soups, and comforting dumplings in a compact Midtown West space. Office workers and noodle obsessives rely on it for deeply flavored bowls that feel handmade rather than generic fast-casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Icy Spicy cold noodles, Oxtail soup (sokkori gomtang), LA galbi with icy naengmyeon
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A focused Korean noodle shop where cold noodles and soups drive the menu.
Who should go: Noodle lovers craving Korean soups near Koreatown.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner before the line builds.
What to order: Icy Spicy noodles, oxtail soup, LA galbi with naengmyeon.
Insider tip: On hot days, pair Icy Spicy noodles with shared dumplings instead of rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive during peak office hours; nearby paid garages on 8th Ave typically run $20–$30 for short stays.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; office attire and jeans are both common.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush but generally manageable; solo diners can hear themselves think.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on weather and neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Often a brief line at peak noon rush, but turnover is quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options including vegetable mandu, cold noodles without meat, and broth-based soups customizable without protein.
Vegan options: Limited — cold noodles can be made vegan when ordered without egg; a few sides work but overall selection is modest.
Gluten-free options: Partially — buckwheat noodles may contain wheat blends; some soups and rice dishes are naturally gluten-light but not prepared in a GF-designated kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for casual, comforting fare; the tight space and fast-casual flow favor practicality over romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Arrive slightly before peak lunch or early dinner for the shortest wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for ages 6+ who enjoy noodles and soups; no dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Deeply flavored Korean noodle bowls—especially cold naengmyeon and slow-simmered soups—executed with more handmade character than nearby fast-casual spots.
Skip if: You want BBQ, large-group seating, or a broader Korean menu; opt for full-service Koreatown restaurants instead.