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RAKKAN Ramen - Long Beach
Master Critic Review
RAKKAN Ramen - Long Beach
8.3
Japanese chain from Tokyo's ramen districts serving 100% plant-based broths in creative flavor profiles like miso, soy, and salt. The unexpected vegan base allows meat lovers and vegans alike to customize their bowls with premium proteins, while late-night hours make it a Belmont Shore staple for post-dinner cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Garnet Ramen, Garnet Miso Ramen, Japanese Fried Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Plant-based broths accommodate everyone from vegans to carnivores seamlessly
Who should go: Late-night diners and health-conscious ramen lovers
When to visit: After 9pm when happy hour starts
What to order: Spicy Garnet with extra noodles, fried chicken, edamame
Insider tip: Extra noodles are unusually affordable here compared to competitors
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - evenings can be tight but turnover is decent. Small public lot two blocks east on Livingston.
Dress code: Super casual - beach attire, athleisure, jeans all normal. This is a ramen counter, not a date night destination.
Noise level: Lively but manageable - open kitchen energy and music but booths dampen sound enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15-25 minutes typical between 7-9pm, faster after 9:30pm when happy hour draws the late crowd
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated immediately or within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - all broths are plant-based so every ramen is vegetarian by default before protein additions
Vegan options: Outstanding - complete vegan ramen bowls available since broths contain no animal products. Skip the egg and meat proteins.
Gluten-free options: No - traditional wheat noodles only. The plant-based broths don't help with gluten restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's counter-style seating in a casual ramen shop with moderate noise. Better for early-relationship hangouts or late-night post-drink food than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. It's first-come, first-served. Weekday lunches are easy; weekend evenings expect 15-25 min waits before 9pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who'll eat ramen - casual vibe, quick service, customizable bowls. Tight seating makes it tough with strollers or toddlers needing space.
Best For
Better for: Dietary flexibility (vegan-friendly broths that carnivores actually enjoy), late-night quality food past 10pm, value on add-ons like extra noodles, health-conscious ramen without sacrificing flavor
Skip if: You want traditional tonkotsu pork broth, need gluten-free noodles, want a quiet romantic setting, or expect white-tablecloth service - this is Tokyo chain efficiency, not artisan ramen craft