Unearth The Voyage
Los Angeles has become one of the top cities in America for authentic, delicious ramen. From rich pork broths to creative vegan bowls, the city offers every style imaginable. Whether you’re craving late-night noodles in Silver Lake or exploring Little Tokyo’s historic shops, LA’s ramen scene delivers unforgettable flavors. Get ready to slurp your way through twenty incredible spots that will make you fall in love with Japanese noodle soup all over again.
1. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle (Sawtelle & Arts District)
Tsukemen changed everything when Tsujita brought this Tokyo style to LA. Instead of noodles swimming in soup, you get thick, chewy strands served cold alongside a separate bowl of intensely concentrated broth for dipping. Each bite delivers maximum flavor without getting soggy.
The original Sawtelle location started the craze, and now the Arts District outpost brings the same magic downtown. Both spots also serve classic tonkotsu ramen if you prefer traditional bowls. Lines form early, but the wait is always worth it.
Check their official site for current hours at both locations. Pro tip: order extra noodles if you’re really hungry, because one serving never feels like enough.
2. Daikokuya (Little Tokyo)
Before ramen became trendy in LA, Daikokuya was already serving perfect tonkotsu bowls in Little Tokyo. This legendary shop has been drawing crowds for years with its rich, milky pork broth that tastes like it simmered for days. Locals and tourists alike line up outside, sometimes for an hour or more.
The original recipe hasn’t changed, and that’s exactly what fans love about it. Every bowl comes with tender chashu pork, a perfectly cooked egg, and springy noodles that soak up all that creamy goodness.
The Bishamon Group page confirms hours and operations for this Little Tokyo flagship. Cash only, so hit the ATM first.
3. Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen (multiple LA-area shops)
Fukuoka’s famous Hakata style comes alive at Shin-Sen-Gumi, where paper-thin noodles swim in cloudy, milky tonkotsu broth. The noodles cook so fast that you can order them firm, medium, or soft depending on your preference. Many regulars go for extra firm to get that authentic snap with every bite.
With locations across LA including West LA, Little Tokyo, and Gardena, you’re never far from a great bowl. Each shop maintains the same high standards and authentic recipes straight from southern Japan.
Visit shinsengumigroup.com to find the nearest location and current hours. Don’t skip the gyoza on the side.
4. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (Torrance / Del Amo)
Santouka made its name in Hokkaido with shio ramen, a salt-based broth that’s lighter but incredibly flavorful. The star here is the toroniku, a melt-in-your-mouth pork cheek that’s so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue. One bite and you’ll understand why people drive across the county for it.
Located inside the Mitsuwa marketplace at Del Amo in Torrance, it’s the perfect stop after Japanese grocery shopping. The broth tastes clean and balanced, letting the quality of each ingredient shine through.
Check santouka.co.jp for the Torrance location’s hours. Arrive before noon on weekends to beat the rush.
5. JINYA Ramen Bar (Culver City)
JINYA takes ramen to the next level with slow-simmered broths that cook for over twenty hours. Their menu offers tons of customization, from spice levels to extra toppings, making it easy to build your perfect bowl. The modern vibe and friendly service make it great for ramen newcomers and experts alike.
Culver City’s location buzzes with energy, especially during dinner hours. Beyond ramen, their small plates and appetizers are worth exploring, particularly the crispy Brussels sprouts and pork gyoza.
Check the brand’s location page for Culver City details and hours. Reservations help during peak times, though walk-ins are usually welcome.
6. Silverlake Ramen (original Silver Lake & across LA)
Born right here in LA, Silverlake Ramen captured local hearts with its rich, creamy tonkotsu and signature garlic-truffle oil. The original Silver Lake location still draws neighborhood regulars who remember when it first opened. Now with multiple spots across the city, it’s easier than ever to get your fix.
The broth is thick and satisfying without being too heavy, and the garlic lovers will go crazy for the extra garlic options. Late-night hours at some locations make it a lifesaver after concerts or long work shifts.
Visit silverlakeramen.com for all locations and current hours. The spicy miso version packs serious heat for adventurous eaters.
7. Ramen Nagi (Century City)
Tokyo’s legendary Ramen Nagi lets you become the chef by customizing every aspect of your bowl. Choose your broth richness, garlic level, spice, oil type, and noodle firmness using their fun ordering sheet. It’s like creating your own signature ramen recipe without stepping into a kitchen.
Located in Westfield Century City, it’s perfect for a shopping break or movie meal. The original tonkotsu remains the most popular choice, but adventurous eaters should try the black sesame or red hot king options.
The U.S. site at ramennagiusa.com lists the LA location and hours. Go during off-peak hours to avoid mall crowds and enjoy your bowl in peace.
8. Killer Noodle by Tsujita (Sawtelle)
Tantanmen fans, this is your paradise. Killer Noodle specializes in addictive spicy noodles inspired by Sichuan dan dan mian, letting you choose both heat and numbing levels. The combination of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns creates a tingling sensation that keeps you coming back for more, even when your lips go numb.
Start with level one if you’re not sure about your spice tolerance. Level five will test even the bravest heat seekers. The rich, sesame-based broth balances the fire with nutty, savory notes.
The official site confirms the Sawtelle address and hours. Have milk or ice cream nearby for your first visit, just in case.
9. Tatsu Ramen (Sawtelle & Arts District)
When midnight cravings hit, Tatsu Ramen comes to the rescue with late-night hours and build-your-own bowls ordered on sleek touchscreens. The modern ordering system makes it easy to customize everything without language barriers or confusion. Just tap your choices and watch the kitchen work its magic.
Both Sawtelle and Arts District locations stay open late, making them favorites with night owls, students, and bar hoppers. The tonkotsu base is solid, and you can add everything from extra eggs to spicy miso paste.
The official site includes hours and exact addresses for both spots. The late hours mean you never have to suffer through ramen withdrawal after dark.
10. Slurpin’ Ramen Bar (Koreatown)
Koreatown’s Slurpin’ Ramen Bar serves up big, hearty bowls that warm you from the inside out. The portions are generous, the broth is rich and satisfying, and the whole experience feels like a warm hug after a long day. Nothing fancy or complicated, just really good ramen done right.
The W. 8th Street flagship gets packed during dinner rush, but the turnover is quick. Their side dishes, especially the takoyaki and chicken karaage, make great shareable starters while you wait for your main bowl.
See the brand’s own site for hours and location details. Cash and cards both accepted, unlike some old-school spots in the area.
11. HiroNori Craft Ramen (multiple LA County locations)
Craft beer has craft breweries; ramen has HiroNori. This growing chain takes a meticulous approach to every element, from house-made noodles to carefully balanced broths that simmer for hours. The attention to detail shows in every spoonful, making it a favorite among ramen purists who appreciate quality ingredients.
With locations in Pasadena, Torrance, Westchester, Monterey Park, and beyond, there’s probably a HiroNori near you. Each shop maintains the same high standards while adding local neighborhood charm.
Visit the official site for locations and online ordering options. The tsukemen here rivals even Tsujita’s famous version, so don’t overlook it on the menu.
12. AFURI Ramen + Dumpling (Arts District)
Yuzu citrus transforms everything it touches, and AFURI’s signature yuzu-shio ramen proves it. The bright, refreshing broth feels lighter than heavy tonkotsu styles while still delivering deep umami flavor. It’s perfect for LA’s warm weather when you want ramen without feeling weighed down afterward.
This Japanese import came to LA via Portland, bringing its refined Tokyo sensibility to the Arts District. The dumplings are equally impressive, with delicate wrappers and flavorful fillings that disappear fast.
AFURI’s official site lists the LA shop details and hours. Try the yuzu-shio first, then explore their other creative bowls on return visits.
13. MENSHO Tokyo (Culver City)
Tokyo’s acclaimed MENSHO finally opened in Culver City in May 2025, bringing its famous toripaitan chicken ramen to LA. Unlike pork-based broths, this silky chicken soup tastes light yet incredibly rich, with layers of flavor that develop as you eat. The house-milled noodles have a texture you won’t find anywhere else.
Chef Tomoharu Shono’s reputation preceded him, and the LA location lives up to the hype. Every element receives careful attention, from the temperature of the broth to the precise cooking time of each egg.
Check mensho.com for the shop list and current hours. Reservations recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.
14. RAKKAN Ramen (DTLA Little Tokyo)
Not everyone wants super-heavy pork broth, and RAKKAN gets it. Their lighter, umami-driven broths let you taste every ingredient clearly without overwhelming your palate. The menu includes some of LA’s best vegan ramen options, proving that plant-based bowls can be just as satisfying as traditional versions.
Located in Little Tokyo’s heart, it’s a great choice when your group includes both meat-eaters and vegetarians. The downtown location makes it perfect for lunch breaks or pre-theater dinners before catching a show.
Visit rakkanramen.com for the DTLA address and current hours. The vegan tantanmen packs surprising depth and spice without any animal products.
15. Ramen Hood (Grand Central Market, DTLA)
Yes, completely vegan ramen can blow your mind. Ramen Hood proved it with their sunflower seed-based broth that’s so creamy and rich, you’d never guess it’s plant-based. The famous vegan egg looks and tastes remarkably close to the real thing, fooling even dedicated meat-eaters.
Located inside Grand Central Market’s bustling food hall, it’s surrounded by other great vendors for group dining. The small space means limited seating, but the downtown location makes it easy to grab and go.
Check the official site and Grand Central Market’s vendor page for current service hours. Even if you’re not vegan, this bowl deserves a try for its creativity alone.
16. E.A.K. Ramen (Melrose)
Yokohama’s iekei style combines the best of tonkotsu and shoyu into one powerful bowl. E.A.K. Ramen brings this hybrid to Melrose with thick, chewy noodles that stand up to the rich pork-and-chicken broth. Sheets of nori seaweed and fresh spinach add texture and color to each spoonful.
The Melrose location attracts a trendy crowd, but the ramen remains authentic and serious. You can adjust the richness, oil level, and noodle firmness to match your preferences, making each visit customizable.
Confirm current details on the official site before heading over. The thick noodles here are addictive, so prepare to become a regular visitor.
17. Moto Ramen (Culver City)
Moto Ramen blends LA creativity with Okinawan soul, creating bowls that feel both familiar and fresh. Beyond ramen, the menu explores Japanese small plates and rice bowls that showcase seasonal ingredients and local produce. The whole vibe feels more neighborhood hangout than strict ramen shop, which makes it perfect for casual dinners.
Culver City’s food scene keeps growing, and Moto fits right into the area’s laid-back, quality-focused culture. The ramen is excellent, but don’t sleep on the appetizers and sides that round out the menu.
Operating details live on the shop’s own website. Great for groups who want variety beyond just noodle soup options.
18. Ramen Yamadaya (Torrance)
Yamadaya has been perfecting its tonkotsu recipe for years, simmering pork bones until the broth turns thick, creamy, and almost porridge-like. This is old-school tonkotsu at its finest, the kind that coats your spoon and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. South Bay locals have kept this place packed since it opened.
The Torrance location maintains the same standards that built the restaurant’s reputation across multiple shops. Every bowl arrives steaming hot with tender pork and perfectly cooked noodles that soak up all that rich broth.
Find official site and location info at ramenyamadaya.com. Bring friends and order different bowls to compare and share bites.
19. JIDAIYA Ramen Dining (Gardena)
Sister restaurant to the beloved yakitori spot Torihei, JIDAIYA brings that same chicken expertise to ramen. The chicken-forward broths taste lighter than pork versions while still delivering serious depth and flavor. The old-Tokyo atmosphere transports you straight to a vintage Japanese neighborhood shop from decades past.
Gardena’s location makes it a South Bay gem that many Westsiders miss. The connection to Torihei means the quality standards are incredibly high, with the same attention to detail in every dish.
Visit the official site for menu details and current hours. If you love yakitori, the connection to Torihei makes this ramen shop a must-try experience.
20. Kopan Ramen (multiple LA neighborhoods)
Kopan makes ramen accessible with multiple locations across LA, including Westwood and Beverly Grove. The customizable bowls let you build exactly what you’re craving, from mild to spicy, light to rich, simple to loaded with toppings. It’s the kind of place you can visit weekly without getting bored.
The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make it popular with students, families, and anyone looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Quality remains consistent across all locations, so you know what to expect wherever you go.
Check their website for all LA-area outposts and hours. The variety of locations means you’re never far from a good bowl when cravings strike unexpectedly.
