In this city of angels, ramen is no longer just a dish; it’s a culinary movement. The rich and flavorful broth, savory noodles, and mouthwatering toppings converge to create an unforgettable symphony of flavors.
That said, if you’re looking for the best ramen Los Angeles has to offer, then you’ve come to the right place!
Here are must-visit spots sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. So grab your chopsticks, loosen your belt, and let’s dive in!
1. Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen is a must-visit Japanese restaurant in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, for ramen enthusiasts who crave authentic Hakata-style Ramen. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant is buzzing with energy and exudes a vibrant atmosphere, with traditional Japanese decor and seating options outside, at the table, and at the counter.
Their menu offers a diverse range of ramen options, from the soup base to the toppings. But we highly recommend trying their flavorful Hakata Ramen, where the tonkotsu broth is meticulously prepared for three days. And for toppings, don’t miss out on the spicy miso and poached eggs, which take the ramen to a whole new level of deliciousness.
They also serve a mouthwatering Pork Cutlet with a crispy and juicy texture paired with a bowl of curry rice that will leave you wanting more.
Trust us; you won’t regret giving Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen a try!
What to Order: Hakata Ramen, Spicy Miso toppings, Poached Eggs toppings, Curry Rice – Pork Cutlet
Address: 132 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Little Tokyo, Downtown
2. Tatsu Ramen
Tatsu Ramen stands out from other Tonkotsu ramen establishments with its unconventional and all-natural ingredients, providing options that cater to various dietary needs.
The ramen selection at Tatsu Ramen is not your typical menu, giving you the freedom to personalize your broth, noodles, and toppings. Nonetheless, we suggest trying their Bold Ramen, Soul Ramen, and Hippie Ramen!
The Bold Ramen offers a unique spin on the traditional tonkotsu, while the Soul Ramen boasts a distinct flavor combining black garlic oil and Gochujang miso paste.
Lastly, the Hippie Ramen is a healthy choice made with organic tofu and optional cheese. We know, your taste buds will thank you!
What to Order: Bold Ramen, Soul Ramen, Hippie Ramen
Address: 7111 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, Fairfax
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3. Daikokuya
Daikokuya has a lively atmosphere with warm lighting and rustic wood-paneled walls, creating an overall inviting ambiance. Although it can get quite busy as thousands love them, the staff is always attentive and provides excellent service.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the ramen, of course! Daikokuya’s perfectly cooked noodles are submerged in a rich and flavorful broth, making it a staple in Los Angeles.
That said, don’t miss their signature Daikoku Ramen, complete with tender pork belly cha shu, marinated boiled egg, and more. And if you’re a fan of a tad bit of a spicy kick, their Spicy Miso Ramen is sure to pack a punch.
To complete your meal, make sure to try their mouthwatering Homemade Gyoza. These freshly made dumplings are the perfect complement to your ramen. Talk about heavenly goodness!
What to Order: Daikoku Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Homemade Gyoza
Address:
-Little Tokyo Hotel, 327 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Little Tokyo, Downtown
-2208 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
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4. Orochon Ramen
Fan of spicy food? Then head over to Orochon Ramen ASAP!
The decor may be simple, but the cozy and intimate ambiance is perfect for enjoying your meal with friends or family. And the best part? The friendly and efficient staff will make you feel you’re at home.
But let’s talk about the star of the show: the spicy ramen challenge. Orochon Ramen has gained quite the reputation for serving one of the spiciest bowls of ramen in Los Angeles. If you’re up for the challenge, we dare you to try the Special 2 spice level. But if you want to play it safe, we recommend the Miso Broth with the Special 1 spice level.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to try the appetizers like the delicious Gyoza and Takoyaki. But the real star of the bowl is the tender and fatty Cha Shu Pork Slice, which is a must-have topping.
So, bring your friends, get your chopsticks ready, and get ready to sweat!
What to Order: Miso Broth, Special 1, Special 2, Cha Shu Pork Slice
Address: 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Little Tokyo, Downtown
5. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex
Are you craving an authentic Tsukemen ramen experience? Look no further than Tsuijta LA Artisan Noodle Annex, where you can slurp up some of the most delicious noodles in town!
The ambiance is something to savor, too, with modern Japanese decor, dim lighting, and soothing background music. The seating arrangement is intimate, giving you a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Food-wise, Tsuijta offers a range of delicious options. They have Tonkotsu broth, Vegetarian broth, and Tsukemen, a mix of seafood and pork broth.
But the real head-turner is the Charsiu Tsukemen, where you get to dip the chewy noodles in a rich Tsukemen broth – a must-try for any ramen enthusiast.
If you’re not in the mood for dipping your noodles, the classic Tonkutsu Ramen with charsiu, wood ear mushroom, green onion, and seaweed is a fantastic choice.
And don’t forget to try their Spicy Tuna Bowl with just the right levels of spiciness. So, what are you waiting for?
What to Order: Charsiu Tsukemen, Charsiu Ramen, Spicy Tuna Bowl
Address: 2057 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, Sawtelle
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6. Ramen Nagi
Ramen Nagi, one of Japan’s most famous ramen joints, has immediately taken Los Angeles by storm.
The ambiance is just as hip and cozy as the ramen shops in Japan, and the staff is mindful and efficient, ensuring a remarkable dining experience.
This famous noodle paradise offers five different broths, giving you more ways to explore your favorite flavors of ramen.
If you’re a spice lover, their Red King says hi! It boasts an intense, creamy, spicy broth made from garlic, chili oil, and cayenne pepper. Topped with miso-infused minced pork and tender cha shu, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
But if you’re not one for spicy dishes, don’t worry; they got you covered with their Black King. This silky broth made from blackened garlic and calamari ink is topped with a ball of minced pork, black sesame, and other savory toppings that will leave you wanting more.
What to Order: Red King, Black King
Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste 2850, Los Angeles, CA 90067, Century City
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7. JINYA Ramen Bar
Jinya Ramen Bar is where you have ramen with a perfect balance of rich broth and handmade noodles. This ramen bar has a sleek interior giving off a casual and hip vibe and a well-spaced seating arrangement ideal for lively social gatherings.
They have a customizable menu featuring various authentic toppings that enhance your ramen’s flavor. And pairing your favorites with their small plates and craft beers elevates it even further!
That said, we strongly suggest you try the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen that will surprise you even if you are not vegan. It has a vegetable broth with thick noodles and flavorsome toppings, resulting in hearty and silky ramen.
Or, you could perhaps take a break from the usual pork broth ramen and try the flavorsome Spicy Chicken Ramen. It features a chicken broth served with thin noodles topped with chicken chashu and spicy bean sprouts, along with an option to choose your spice level.
What to Order: Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, Spicy Chicken Ramen
Address: 700 Willshire Blvd, Ste B, Los Angeles, CA 90017, Downtown
8. IKI RAMEN
Iki Ramen boasts its artisanal skills in serving delicious and visually appealing ramen, coupled with a small yet lively atmosphere adorned with charming decor that provides an intimate ambiance. Their quick, friendly, and precise service adds to the delightful experience.
Their ramen is perfect for warming you up on a chilly day or when you need something to boost your mood.
And there’s no better way to lighten the load than a powerful Burnt Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen! It has a rich shoyu seasoned pork broth topped with pork belly, egg, kikurage, sweet corn, scallions, and nori.
But if you’re in for something unique, try their Yuzu Shio Ramen, highlighting tangy yuzu citrus and an organic chicken broth. Truly a must-try for ramen lovers looking to explore new and exciting flavors!
Oh, and they also serve fresh sushi with an Omakase menu, only available upon reservation.
What to Order: Burnt Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, Yuzu Shio Ramen
Address: 740 S Western Ave, Ste 116, Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA 90005
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9. Silverlake Ramen
Situated in the trendy Silver Lake, Silverlake Ramen is a famous hole-in-the-wall ramen spot many people love for their chill and unpretentious vibe, as well as the no-frills approach.
With exceptional service, the staff is always friendly and attentive, ensuring you won’t ever feel bored while waiting for your food.
Everything from their menu is stellar! From classic tonkotsu to miso, their broth is masterfully cooked, and the noodles and toppings are fresh and flavorful – nothing short of amazing!
But we’re kind of biased toward their Classic Ramen. The rich and creamy tonkotsu broth and perfectly spiced pork paired with the tender, thin noodles are pure perfection.
And for those who like it hot, the Blaze Ramen is the way to go! This dish delivers a bit of a fiery kick with its creamy pork broth, leaving you satisfied and fulfilled.
What to Order: Classic Ramen, The Blaze Ramen
Address: 2927 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
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10. Saikai Ramen Bar
Enjoy modern chef-driven ramen and plates at Saikai Ramen Bar, a hip and trendy eatery serving dishes inspired by the vast multicultural cuisines of Los Angeles.
This ramen establishment has a relaxing and intimate atmosphere that oozes sophistication, thanks to its contemporary decor and warm, dim lighting — the perfect spot for a cozy date night or a relaxed dinner with friends!
Zooming into ramen, they offer a diverse range of broths to suit every palate, including classic, chicken, vegetable, beef, and one with no broth.
However, our absolute favorite has to be the luxurious Gyokotsu Ramen. This decadent dish features a rich beef bone broth, topped with succulent sous vide short ribs, seasoned shiitake mushrooms, and Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef that simply melts in your mouth.
And if that’s not enough to tempt you, they also serve up some seriously delicious sides, including crispy potato croquettes and a picturesque Shrimp Katsu Sando. This delectable sandwich features a U15 colossal white shrimp battered in fresh panko!
You don’t want to skip this superb gastronomic experience, do you?
What to Order: Gyukotsu Ramen, Croquettes, Shrimp Katsu Sando
Address: 209 N Western Ave, Unit B, Los Angeles, CA 90004, Koreatown
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Congratulations! You’re now armed with all the juicy details on LA’s top ramen spots. So, let’s get slurping and savoring the umami goodness!
Now, let’s switch gears to the ultimate weekend meal — brunch! LA is a brunch lover’s paradise with countless restaurants offering delicious and Instagram-worthy dishes. Get ready to brunch like a boss with our list of best brunches in LA!