Los Angeles is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, with an abundance of international cuisines offering a wealth of flavors, textures, and experiences. Among the most beloved and comforting dishes in LA’s food scene is ramen — a Japanese noodle soup that has become a staple in many neighborhoods. Ramen in LA comes in a variety of styles, from traditional tonkotsu broths to more creative interpretations, each offering a unique taste experience. If you’re craving a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful broth paired with perfectly cooked noodles, here are the top 10 ramen restaurants in Los Angeles that every ramen enthusiast should try.
Top 10 Ramen Restaurants in Los Angeles
1. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle (West LA)
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle is often regarded as one of the best ramen spots in the city, and for good reason. This popular restaurant, located in the heart of West Los Angeles, is famous for its signature tsukemen (dipping ramen), where the noodles and broth are served separately. The ramen is made from scratch, with perfectly chewy noodles that you dip into a rich, savory broth that is thick and packed with flavor.
Their tonkotsu broth is especially praised for its depth and richness, made by simmering pork bones for hours until the broth turns creamy and luscious. Tsujita’s attention to detail, including using high-quality ingredients and serving the ramen with perfectly cooked chashu (braised pork belly), makes it a top destination for any ramen lover.
Why Go:
- Famous for their tsukemen dipping noodles.
- Rich and creamy tonkotsu broth.
- Perfectly cooked noodles and chashu.
- Modern, cozy ambiance.
2. Shinsengumi Hakata Ramen (Gardena)
For those who love the bold and assertive flavors of Hakata-style ramen, Shinsengumi in Gardena is a must-visit. Specializing in tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth), Shinsengumi’s signature dish is a rich and flavorful broth that is both creamy and packed with umami. The ramen is served with thin, straight noodles, which pair perfectly with the robust broth.
One of the standout features of Shinsengumi is its unique ordering system. You can customize your bowl with different levels of richness for the broth, garlic, and spice. Additionally, their chashu pork is tender and flavorful, and their spicy miso ramen adds a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Why Go:
- Specializes in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen.
- Customizable broth richness, garlic, and spice levels.
- Tender and flavorful chashu.
- Cozy, casual atmosphere.
3. Daikokuya Ramen (Little Tokyo)
Daikokuya is a staple in Los Angeles’ ramen scene, and its location in the heart of Little Tokyo is a must-try for anyone visiting the area. The restaurant is famous for its tonkotsu-based broth, which is made from simmering pork bones for over 12 hours, creating a creamy, flavorful soup that is both rich and comforting.
One of Daikokuya’s signature dishes is the Daikokuya Ramen, which features their signature pork broth, chashu, and a boiled egg. The noodles are tender, yet firm, and they absorb the rich broth beautifully. For a more adventurous choice, their spicy miso ramen is also highly recommended for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Why Go:
- Rich and creamy tonkotsu broth.
- Popular and iconic spot in Little Tokyo.
- Signature chashu and boiled egg.
- Cozy and welcoming environment.
4. Marugame Monzo (Little Tokyo)
For a more authentic and unique ramen experience, Marugame Monzo in Little Tokyo stands out as one of the top spots. This restaurant offers an innovative twist on traditional ramen by serving up udon-style ramen, with thick, chewy noodles made fresh in-house. The dish to try here is the Monzo Ramen, which comes with a hearty bowl of tonkotsu broth, complemented by a rich layer of garlic oil and a perfectly cooked egg.
Marugame Monzo is also famous for its delicious buta kakuni (braised pork belly) and its signature ramen with cheese, which has garnered a cult following. The restaurant’s cozy, intimate setting and friendly service only add to the overall experience.
Why Go:
- Unique udon-style ramen with thick, chewy noodles.
- Rich and flavorful tonkotsu broth.
- Signature ramen with cheese.
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere.
5. Silverlake Ramen (Silver Lake)
If you find yourself in the trendy neighborhood of Silver Lake, a stop at Silverlake Ramen is a must. Known for its modern take on ramen, this restaurant offers a variety of options, including tonkotsu, miso, and spicy ramen. The standout dish here is the Tonkotsu Black Ramen, which features a rich and savory tonkotsu broth enhanced with garlic oil and black sesame, giving it a depth of flavor that’s both bold and aromatic.
Silverlake Ramen also offers a variety of toppings, from their melt-in-your-mouth chashu to soft-boiled eggs and crispy onions. The atmosphere is laid-back, with a cool vibe that complements the neighborhood, making it a perfect spot for a casual ramen night out.
Why Go:
- Modern and innovative approach to ramen.
- Rich tonkotsu black ramen with garlic oil and black sesame.
- Variety of toppings, including chashu and crispy onions.
- Trendy, laid-back atmosphere in Silver Lake.
6. Ramen Jinya (Multiple Locations)
Ramen Jinya is an internationally acclaimed ramen chain with multiple locations across Los Angeles, including in West Hollywood, Studio City, and Sherman Oaks. Known for its consistently delicious bowls of ramen, Ramen Jinya’s menu offers a variety of broths, including the signature tonkotsu, spicy miso, and even a vegan ramen option.
What sets Ramen Jinya apart is its dedication to perfection. The tonkotsu broth is made by simmering pork bones for 18 hours, ensuring a deep, flavorful base for their ramen. The restaurant’s Spicy Umami Miso Ramen is a fan favorite, as it combines the richness of miso with the depth of umami, creating a perfectly balanced bowl of ramen.
Why Go:
- Multiple locations across LA.
- Perfectly balanced spicy miso and tonkotsu broths.
- Vegan ramen option for plant-based eaters.
- Consistently delicious bowls of ramen.
7. Tatsu Ramen (West Hollywood)
Tatsu Ramen is a modern ramen chain known for its high-tech approach to serving ramen, including digital menus and an innovative ordering system. Despite its tech-forward approach, Tatsu’s ramen offerings are traditional and satisfying. Their signature bowl, the Tatsu Ramen, comes with a rich and creamy tonkotsu broth, along with perfectly cooked noodles and tender slices of pork.
Tatsu also offers a unique addition to their ramen: the chashu garlic bomb—a mound of braised pork belly mixed with garlic that adds a bold, savory punch to the dish. For a more adventurous option, the Spicy Miso Ramen provides a spicy, flavorful kick that is perfect for those who love heat.
Why Go:
- High-tech, modern ordering system.
- Signature tonkotsu ramen and chashu garlic bomb.
- Spicy miso ramen for those who like heat.
- Clean, modern ambiance.
8. Oh! My Ramen (Downtown LA)
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Oh! My Ramen is a lesser-known gem that’s gaining a devoted following among ramen enthusiasts. The restaurant offers a mix of traditional and contemporary ramen, with a focus on deep, flavorful broths. Their Tonkotsu Ramen is made with a rich pork bone broth, while their Shoyu Ramen offers a lighter, soy-based option for those who prefer something more delicate.
Oh! My Ramen also offers customizable options, allowing diners to choose from a variety of toppings, including the perfect soft-boiled egg, crispy garlic chips, and their signature house-made noodles. For those looking for something different, the Curry Ramen is a unique and delicious offering that combines the best of Japanese curry and ramen.
Why Go:
- Cozy, intimate spot in Downtown LA.
- Rich tonkotsu and shoyu broths.
- Customizable toppings, including crispy garlic chips.
- Unique curry ramen option.
9. Men Oh Tokushima Ramen (Sawtelle)
Located in the popular Sawtelle district, Men Oh Tokushima Ramen specializes in Tokushima-style ramen, a regional variety from Shikoku, Japan. What makes Men Oh Tokushima’s ramen unique is its use of soy-based broth combined with pork and a generous topping of raw egg, which adds richness and depth to the dish.
The ramen at Men Oh Tokushima is served with thick, chewy noodles that are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. The standout dish here is the Tokushima Ramen, which features the signature soy-based broth, along with sliced pork, green onions, and a raw egg that cooks in the hot broth, giving it a silky texture. It’s a distinctive and comforting ramen experience.
Why Go:
- Specializes in Tokushima-style soy-based ramen.
- Rich, flavorful soy broth with raw egg for added richness.
- Thick, chewy noodles.
- Unique regional ramen style from Shikoku, Japan.
10. Little Japan Ramen (Eagle Rock)
Little Japan Ramen, located in the charming neighborhood of Eagle Rock, is a beloved local spot known for its delicious and affordable bowls of ramen. With a focus on traditional tonkotsu and shoyu broths, Little Japan offers a simple yet satisfying ramen experience that never disappoints.
The tonkotsu ramen at Little Japan is rich and creamy, while the shoyu ramen offers a lighter, soy-based broth that’s both savory and delicate. For a heartier option, try their Chashu Ramen, which comes with generous slices of tender braised pork belly. With its friendly service and homey vibe, Little Japan Ramen is a great spot to enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen without breaking the bank.
Why Go:
- Affordable and satisfying ramen.
- Rich tonkotsu and savory shoyu broths.
- Generous portions of chashu.
- Cozy, homey atmosphere.
Conclusion
Los Angeles boasts an impressive ramen scene, with a wide variety of restaurants offering unique interpretations of this beloved dish. Whether you’re craving the rich, creamy tonkotsu broth, the flavorful soy-based Tokushima ramen, or a creative twist on the classic, there’s something for every ramen lover in LA. From traditional spots like Daikokuya to innovative newcomers like Tatsu, these top 10 ramen restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So grab your chopsticks and dig into one of these delicious bowls of ramen at these must-visit spots in Los Angeles.
