30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Rakkan Ramen
7.8
A plant-forward ramen shop in Little Tokyo where the vegan bowl has become the main draw, outselling traditional options by a wide margin—an unusual position for a noodle house in this neighborhood. The late-night hours and counter-service format keep it accessible for post-bar runs and solo dinners alike. With 72% of its 1,194 Google reviewers leaving five stars, it delivers reliably on a narrow, well-executed concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Ramen, Garnet, Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Plant-based ramen specialist in Little Tokyo where the vegan bowl outsells every other item on the menu by a wide margin
Who should go: Vegan ramen seekers and late-night noodle cravers
When to visit: Late night after other Little Tokyo spots close
What to order: Start with gyoza or takoyaki, then pick one signature bowl — Garnet for rich flavor, Vegan for the house specialty
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — all plant-based broth, 9 marked vegan items double as vegetarian: six vegan ramen varieties (Garnet Vegan, Spicy Garnet Vegan, Extra Spicy Garnet Vegan, Quartz Vegan, Spicy Quartz Vegan, Extra Spicy Quartz Vegan), Vegan Bun, Crispy Vegan Gyoza, and Avocado Tofu Bowl
Vegan options: Standout for vegan ramen — 100% plant-based broth made from mushrooms and seaweed across ALL bowls. Six dedicated vegan ramen varieties plus Vegan Bun, Crispy Vegan Gyoza, and Avocado Tofu Bowl
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual, low-pressure first date but not an upscale romantic one. The space is small and cozy with only 5-6 tables inside, which creates an intimate feel, but the atmosphere is more trendy-casual than romantic. Noise level is typical of a busy ramen shop — conversation is doable but not whisper-quiet. Best for a date where you both want great food without pretense. The late-night hours (open until midnight or 1am) make it a solid option for a spontaneous post-activity bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight walk-ins are generally feasible, though you may face a short wait during dinner rush (around 7-9pm). Weekends and Friday nights expect longer waits — the shop is small with only 5-6 indoor tables plus limited patio seating. Reservations are accepted by phone at (213) 680-4166 and recommended for weekend evenings. The patio closes at 10pm, so if you're coming late-night, plan on indoor seating only.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — ramen is inherently kid-approachable, and the casual atmosphere means nobody will bat an eye at young diners. The plant-based broth options make it easy to find something for picky eaters, and meat toppings can be added for those who want them. The space is small, so strollers can be tricky to navigate. Best for kids who can sit at a table and handle a bowl of soup. Aim for earlier seatings before the dinner rush to keep things relaxed.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for large groups. The interior has only about 5-6 tables and the space is compact, so parties larger than 4-5 will be hard to seat together. Call ahead at (213) 680-4166 to ask about combining tables or using patio space for groups of 6+. No private dining available. Catering is offered if you want Rakkan for a larger event at a separate venue. For a casual group of 4, it works fine — just expect close quarters.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there is a patio with separate hours (11am–10pm, closing earlier than the indoor dining room). The patio provides a pleasant alternative to the compact interior, especially on mild evenings. Specific details on whether the patio is covered or heated are not confirmed online — call ahead if weather is a concern. Not available for late-night dining since it closes at 10pm.
Best For
Hours
Monday11am - 12am
Tuesday11am - 12am
Wednesday11am - 12am
Thursday11am - 1am
Friday11am - 1am
Saturday11am - 1am
Sunday11am - 12am