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Umenoya
Master Critic Review
Umenoya
7.7
Umenoya is a busy Crenshaw ramen house offering a long menu that ranges from classic tonkotsu to yuzu shio and tsukemen. The broths skew rich and hearty, with big bowls and late hours that make it a default option for South Bay ramen cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Miso Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Yuzu Shio Ramen
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Big, late-night bowls with one of the area’s widest ramen menus.
Who should go: Night owls and locals craving rich, heavy ramen.
When to visit: Later evenings after the early dinner rush passes.
What to order: Spicy Miso, Tonkotsu, Yuzu Shio plus karaage.
Insider tip: Portions run large—split sides or skip extra toppings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared strip-mall lot with generally reliable parking; can tighten after 7pm when neighboring businesses are busy.
Dress code: Casual and low-key; anything from hoodies to jeans works fine.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation but expect kitchen sounds and steady foot traffic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak evenings, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though tables turn quickly during the 12–1pm window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present—typically a vegetable or miso-based broth option plus sides like edamame.
Vegan options: Very limited; broth bases often contain animal products, so verify with staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles; soups may contain soy sauce with gluten. Safe options are minimal.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for casual, low-pressure meetups rather than romantic settings. The room is functional and busy, better for comfort-driven ramen fans than ambiance-seekers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive slightly off-peak (before 7pm or after 8:30pm) for the shortest waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy ramen; the space is compact with no high chairs or stroller room, so families with toddlers may find it tight.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen cravings, large portions, and a broad menu with hearty broths that outsize many nearby competitors.
Skip if: You want lighter, highly refined broths or a polished dining room—nearby specialty shops and food-court concepts may suit those preferences better.