Quick Answer
Los Angeles has the best ramen scene in the US, rivaling cities in Japan itself. Tsujita on Sawtelle is the Reddit consensus pick for tsukemen, Bincho in Tarzana is Yelp's #1 nationally for 2025, and Daikokuya in Little Tokyo remains the iconic original. Whether you want rich tonkotsu, artisan craft bowls, or 100% vegan ramen, LA has world-class options across every neighborhood.
- Best overall
- Tsujita LA (4.5★, 2,909 reviews)
- Highest rated
- Susuru Ramen Bar (4.8★)
- Best vegan
- Ramen Hood at Grand Central Market
- Best late-night
- Tatsu Ramen (open until 3AM Fri/Sat)
At a Glance
- Price range
- $12–$35 per bowl
- Top neighborhoods
- Sawtelle, Little Tokyo, Beverly Hills, Thai Town
- Dominant style
- Tonkotsu (pork bone broth)
- Best for groups
- Ramen Nagi, Tonchin LA
- Hidden gem
- Bincho, Tarzana (4.7★)
- Budget pick
- Ramen Hood ($12–$17)
Why LA Is America's Ramen Capital
Los Angeles ramen ranges from $12–$35, with Tsujita LA on Sawtelle being the most recommended overall based on Reddit consensus and critic reviews. Little Tokyo and Sawtelle Japantown are the best areas for tourists, offering walkable neighborhoods with multiple ramen options, while tonkotsu and tsukemen dominate the LA ramen scene.
Los Angeles's ramen culture has been building for over two decades, driven by the city's historic Japanese American population centered around Little Tokyo, Sawtelle Japantown, and the South Bay cities of Torrance and Gardena. Today, the scene spans everything from 60-hour pork bone broths in strip mall shops to Michelin-recommended craft ramen in Beverly Hills.
This guide pulls from thousands of Reddit recommendations across r/FoodLosAngeles, r/ramen, r/LosAngeles, and r/AskLosAngeles, cross-referenced with Eater LA, Time Out, Yelp, and real-time Google Places data. Every venue is verified with current ratings, hours, and addresses as of March 2026.
1Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles
Tsukemen / Tonkotsu
Verdict: The undisputed king of tsukemen in LA — thick noodles, 60-hour pork bone broth, and lines that are 100% worth the wait.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tsukemen / Tonkotsu in Sawtelle Japantown
- Strengths
- Best tsukemen in the city · 4.5★ from 2,909 Google reviews · Multiple locations
- Limitations
- Long waits at peak hours — go solo to get seated at the counter faster
- Price / value
- $15–$22 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- The undisputed king of tsukemen in LA — thick noodles, 60-hour pork bone broth, and lines that are 100% worth the wait.
- What to order
- Tsukemen (dipping ramen) with the signature pork broth. Get thick noodles and ask for extra broth at the end (they thin it into a soup).
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 10:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 10:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 10:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 10:30 PMSat11:00 AM – 10:30 PMSun11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📞 +1 424-248-0217 · 🌐 Website
"Skip daikokuya it's quality went down. Go to Tsujita on Sawtelle."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
"Tsujita stans wax poetic about how kurobuta pork bones are simmered for no less than 60 hours. All that ink bleeds true."
— Time Out Los Angeles
2Daikokuya Little Tokyo
Tonkotsu
Verdict: LA's OG ramen institution. 4,300+ reviews and still drawing crowds for rich, porky tonkotsu that started it all in Little Tokyo.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tonkotsu in Little Tokyo
- Strengths
- 4,384 Google reviews — most-reviewed ramen in LA · Open late Fri/Sat · Iconic Little Tokyo location
- Limitations
- Some Redditors say quality has dipped; Sawtelle location closed by health dept in past
- Price / value
- $14–$20 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- LA's OG ramen institution. 4,300+ reviews and still drawing crowds for rich, porky tonkotsu that started it all in Little Tokyo.
- What to order
- Original Daikokuya Ramen with extra chashu. The kotteri (rich) broth is the move. Add a soft-boiled egg.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 10:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 10:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 10:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 12:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 12:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📞 +1 213-626-1680 · 🌐 Website
"Daikokuya and Silverlake Ramen are my favs haha."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
"Skip daikokuya it's quality in the past times went down so we haven't gone back."
— r/ramen (dissenting view)
3Ramen Nagi
Tonkotsu
Verdict: Tokyo import that lives up to the hype — dense tonkotsu broth that somehow feels light, plus killer pan-fried gyoza.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tonkotsu in Century City
- Strengths
- Direct Tokyo import · Vegetarian broth option · Century City + Arcadia locations
- Limitations
- Mall location (Westfield) · Limited hours with lunch/dinner split
- Price / value
- $16–$22 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Tokyo import that lives up to the hype — dense tonkotsu broth that somehow feels light, plus killer pan-fried gyoza.
- What to order
- Original King tonkotsu with black garlic. The unlisted pan-fried snack gyoza with crispy dumpling skirt is a must.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMSat11:30 AM – 9:00 PMSun11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
📞 +1 310-570-2826 · 🌐 Website
"Try Tsujita, Nagi. My other faves are Daikokuya and Santouka."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
"Day and night, crowds line up for bowls of chef Satoshi Ikuta's flavorful, dense tonkotsu broth."
— Time Out LA
4Kazan Beverly Hills
Craft Ramen
Verdict: From the founder of Tatsu Ramen — housemade noodles, scratch broths, and a Beverly Hills vibe that elevates the ramen experience.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Craft Ramen in Beverly Hills
- Strengths
- Michelin-recommended · Housemade noodles and broth from scratch · Excellent vegan option
- Limitations
- Steep prices ($30+ for some bowls) · Beverly Hills premium
- Price / value
- $22–$35 · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- From the founder of Tatsu Ramen — housemade noodles, scratch broths, and a Beverly Hills vibe that elevates the ramen experience.
- What to order
- Shina soba ramen with wontons and chashu. The lamb chops in spicy red soup if you're feeling adventurous.
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 – 10:00 PMTue12:00 – 10:00 PMWed12:00 – 10:00 PMThu12:00 – 10:00 PMFri12:00 – 11:00 PMSat12:00 – 11:00 PMSun12:00 – 10:00 PM
📞 +1 424-512-9101 · 🌐 Website
"We went to Kazan and O-M-G we can't stop thinking about it. He makes all the noodles and broth from scratch."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
"Kazan's most popular soba ramen comes topped with truffle oil — polished bowls make it date-night-worthy."
— Eater LA
5Bincho Ramen Tarzana
Artisan Ramen
Verdict: Yelp's #1 ramen in America for 2025 — a hidden Valley gem with the highest Google rating on this list (4.7★).
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Artisan Ramen in Tarzana (San Fernando Valley)
- Strengths
- 4.7★ — highest rated on this list · Yelp #1 ramen in America 2025 · Hidden gem energy
- Limitations
- Tarzana location is a drive from central LA · Closed Tuesdays · Limited seating
- Price / value
- $16–$22 · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- Yelp's #1 ramen in America for 2025 — a hidden Valley gem with the highest Google rating on this list (4.7★).
- What to order
- The signature tonkotsu with next-level broth and balanced toppings. Their broths are considered some of the best in LA county.
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PMTueClosedWed12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PMThu12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PMFri12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun12:00 – 10:00 PM
📞 +1 818-697-5288 · 🌐 Website
"Bincho scratches my ramen itch, Tsujita does not. Also, I happily drive from Hollywood to Tarzana for Bincho."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
"Bincho in Tarzana of all places has the best Ramen I've had in LA."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
6Tatsu Ramen
Tonkotsu / Vegan
Verdict: LA's late-night ramen hero. Open until 3AM on weekends with a killer Hippie Bowl (vegan) that converts skeptics.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tonkotsu / Vegan in Melrose (multiple locations)
- Strengths
- Open until 3AM Fri/Sat · 3,067 reviews · Strong vegan option · Multiple locations across LA
- Limitations
- Quality can vary by location since Ryu Isobe sold the brand
- Price / value
- $14–$20 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- LA's late-night ramen hero. Open until 3AM on weekends with a killer Hippie Bowl (vegan) that converts skeptics.
- What to order
- Bold Ramen (rich tonkotsu) or the Hippie Bowl (vegan — surprisingly good). Customize your spice level and noodle firmness.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 1:00 AMTue11:00 AM – 1:00 AMWed11:00 AM – 1:00 AMThu11:00 AM – 1:00 AMFri11:00 AM – 3:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 3:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
📞 +1 323-879-9332 · 🌐 Website
"Tatsu is better than you'd think given how many locations they have."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
"Looooove Tatsu, and it never has the line Tsujita has!"
— r/ramen
7Silverlake Ramen
Tonkotsu
Verdict: Reliable neighborhood ramen with a loyal following — great for a quick, solid bowl without the hype-beast lines.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tonkotsu in Silver Lake
- Strengths
- 4.5★ with 1,672 reviews · Multiple locations · Consistent quality
- Limitations
- Some locals consider it mid-tier compared to top picks
- Price / value
- $14–$19 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Reliable neighborhood ramen with a loyal following — great for a quick, solid bowl without the hype-beast lines.
- What to order
- Original tonkotsu with the spicy garlic bomb upgrade. Their chashu is consistently on point.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:30 AM – 10:00 PMTue11:30 AM – 10:00 PMWed11:30 AM – 10:00 PMThu11:30 AM – 10:00 PMFri11:30 AM – 11:00 PMSat11:30 AM – 11:00 PMSun11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
📞 +1 323-660-8100 · 🌐 Website
"For my money, I like Silverlake Ramen, Ramen Tatsunoya, Sato Ramen House."
— r/LosAngeles
"Daikokuya and Silverlake Ramen are my favs."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
8Tonchin LA
Tokyo Tonkotsu
Verdict: Tokyo's famous tonkotsu chain brings polished, complex bowls to a sleek Larchmont space — elevated but not pretentious.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tokyo Tonkotsu in Larchmont / Hollywood
- Strengths
- 4.6★ · Fresh noodles made daily (by ramen burger inventor Keizo Shimamoto) · Upscale atmosphere
- Limitations
- Dinner-only on weekdays · Pricier than casual spots
- Price / value
- $18–$26 · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- Tokyo's famous tonkotsu chain brings polished, complex bowls to a sleek Larchmont space — elevated but not pretentious.
- What to order
- Signature Tokyo tonkotsu with fresh in-house noodles. Don't skip the crab-rich potato salad appetizer.
🕐 Hours
Mon5:30 – 10:00 PMTue5:30 – 10:00 PMWed5:30 – 10:00 PMThu5:30 – 10:00 PMFri12:00 – 10:00 PMSat12:00 – 10:00 PMSun12:00 – 9:00 PM
📞 +1 323-380-6072 · 🌐 Website
"The long-simmered, velvety pork broth offers a surprisingly complex flavor profile."
— Time Out LA (#3 pick)
"Variations in smoked dashi, mazemen, and spicy tan tan offer just as much flavor as the original."
— Time Out LA
9Susuru Ramen Bar
Spicy Tonkotsu / Thai-Fusion
Verdict: The highest-rated ramen on Google in all of LA (4.8★). Thai-owned with a killer khao soi ramen and vegan options.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Spicy Tonkotsu / Thai-Fusion in Thai Town / East Hollywood
- Strengths
- 4.8★ — highest Google rating in LA · Vegan option with two types of miso · Khao soi ramen is unique
- Limitations
- Tiny space, often packed · Thai Town location less central
- Price / value
- $15–$21 · 4.8★
- Why it made the list
- The highest-rated ramen on Google in all of LA (4.8★). Thai-owned with a killer khao soi ramen and vegan options.
- What to order
- Spicy tonkotsu for the classic heat, or the khao soi ramen — coconut milk broth, chicken, and crispy fried noodles.
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 – 9:30 PMTue12:00 – 9:30 PMWed12:00 – 9:30 PMThu12:00 – 9:30 PMFri12:00 – 9:30 PMSat12:00 – 9:30 PMSun12:00 – 9:30 PM
📞 +1 323-522-3652 · 🌐 Website
"Creamy, rich and utterly delicious, the spicy tonkotsu broth at this pint-sized Thai-owned shop is one of the best bowls in the city."
— Time Out LA (#4)
"The khao soi ramen reimagines the traditional Thai curry dish into a luxurious coconut milk broth."
— Time Out LA
10HiroNori Craft Ramen
Tonkotsu / Shoyu
Verdict: Southern California mega-chain that actually delivers — housemade noodles, solid tonkotsu, and free grated garlic on request.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Tonkotsu / Shoyu in Pasadena (+ multiple locations)
- Strengths
- Housemade noodles · Free grated garlic & chile oil · Consistent across many locations
- Limitations
- Can feel chain-like · Noodles more pasta-like than chewy alkaline style
- Price / value
- $15–$20 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- Southern California mega-chain that actually delivers — housemade noodles, solid tonkotsu, and free grated garlic on request.
- What to order
- Tonkotsu ramen with free grated garlic and housemade chile oil. The shoyu is lighter but equally satisfying.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PMTue11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PMWed11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PMThu11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PMFri11:30 AM – 9:30 PMSat11:30 AM – 9:30 PMSun11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
📞 +1 626-460-8594 · 🌐 Website
"Expect something sweet, milky, and rich without being overpowering. Noodles aren't quite the super chewy alkaline type but soak up the broth."
— Eater LA
"HiroNori does a very nice job with a straightforward tonkotsu broth."
— Eater LA
11Ramen Hood
Vegan Ramen
Verdict: 100% vegan ramen from a Top Chef winner that'll make meat-eaters forget there's no pork. Grand Central Market vibes included.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Vegan Ramen in Grand Central Market, Downtown LA
- Strengths
- 100% vegan with no compromises · Grand Central Market location · From Top Chef winner Ilan Hall
- Limitations
- Limited hours · No meat option for omnivores · Can close early
- Price / value
- $12–$17 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- 100% vegan ramen from a Top Chef winner that'll make meat-eaters forget there's no pork. Grand Central Market vibes included.
- What to order
- The signature sunflower seed and white miso broth with the vegan "egg." It's as rich as any traditional porky bowl.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 3:30 PMTue11:00 AM – 3:30 PMWed11:00 AM – 3:30 PMThu11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
🌐 Website
"To make the broth, Hall takes konbu, shiitake, roasted sunflower seeds and white miso. The result is as good as a traditional porky one."
— Eater LA
"One of LA's most creative ramen shops comes from Top Chef winner Ilan Hall."
— Eater LA
12Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Shio / Hokkaido-Style
Verdict: Hokkaido-style shio specialist inside Mitsuwa Marketplace — grab groceries, then reward yourself with a soul-warming bowl.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Shio / Hokkaido-Style in Torrance (inside Mitsuwa Marketplace)
- Strengths
- Hokkaido chain famous for shio ramen · Inside Mitsuwa (combine with shopping) · Consistent quality
- Limitations
- Torrance is far from central LA · Food court setting · Earlier closing time
- Price / value
- $14–$20 · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- Hokkaido-style shio specialist inside Mitsuwa Marketplace — grab groceries, then reward yourself with a soul-warming bowl.
- What to order
- Shio (salt) ramen — it's the house specialty. The toroniku (pork cheek) is melt-in-your-mouth. Ask for the limited toroniku add-on — they sell out daily.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 8:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 8:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 8:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 8:00 PMSat11:00 AM – 8:00 PMSun11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
📞 +1 310-212-1101 · 🌐 Website
"My other faves are Daikokuya and Santouka."
— r/FoodLosAngeles
"There are endless good options in LA: Daikokuya, Tatsu, Shin Sen Gumi, Tsujita, etc."
— r/AskLosAngeles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ramen in Los Angeles?
Based on Reddit consensus and critic picks, Tsujita LA on Sawtelle is the most recommended for tsukemen, while Bincho in Tarzana holds Yelp's #1 spot nationally for 2025. Daikokuya in Little Tokyo is the most iconic with 4,300+ reviews. For vegan ramen, Ramen Hood at Grand Central Market is the standout.
Where is the best ramen in LA for tourists?
Little Tokyo (Daikokuya) and Sawtelle Japantown (Tsujita, HiroNori) are the best areas for tourists — both are walkable neighborhoods with multiple ramen options. Century City's Ramen Nagi is convenient if you're near the Westside. Downtown's Ramen Hood at Grand Central Market combines great ramen with LA sightseeing.
Is ramen in LA expensive?
Most bowls range from $14–$22, with Kazan in Beverly Hills being the priciest at $22–$35. Ramen Hood is the most affordable at $12–$17. Adding toppings like extra chashu or a soft-boiled egg typically adds $2–$4. Compared to Japanese prices ($8–$12), LA ramen runs about 50–80% more.
What style of ramen is most popular in Los Angeles?
Tonkotsu (rich pork bone broth) dominates the LA scene, driven by Hakata-style shops. Tsukemen (dipping ramen) is a close second, with Tsujita leading that category. The city also has a strong vegan ramen movement, with Ramen Hood and Ramen Nagi both offering excellent plant-based options.
What time should I go to avoid lines at LA ramen shops?
Weekday lunches (11:30AM–12:30PM) and early dinners (5–6PM) have the shortest waits. Tsujita and Daikokuya can have 30–60 minute waits on weekends. Going solo helps — most shops have counter seating that turns over faster. Tatsu Ramen is open until 3AM on weekends if you prefer late-night slurping.
Are there good vegan ramen options in LA?
Yes — LA has some of the best vegan ramen in the country. Ramen Hood at Grand Central Market is 100% vegan with a rich sunflower seed and white miso broth. Ramen Nagi, Tatsu Ramen, and Susuru Ramen Bar all offer excellent vegan options alongside their regular menu.
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