Satisfy Your Next Ramen Craving at These Top-Notch Spots
Written By: Eva Recinos The 7 Best Ramen Spots Near Sawtelle Boulevard
A great bowl of ramen keeps you slurping from the second your spoon hits the broth to the moment when you can see the bottom of the bowl. Thankfully, Los Angeles is brimming with delicious ramen spots to satisfy all of your broth needs. These bowls will satisfy your taste buds during everything from late-night food runs to rainy day meals. Bookmark the best Ramen spots near Sawtelle for the next time you crave a great bowl of ramen.
Tsujita LA
Opened in 2011, Tsujita LA unleashed a ramen fever that resulted in heaps of praise from food critics and ramen lovers alike. Publication after publication named it as a top ramen spot, with Thrillist calling it one of the best in the country. Takehiro Tsujita has been cooking ramen for the last 15 years. His restaurant focuses on making the best tsukemen, cooked for 60 hours. Start with the char siu tsukemen before exploring the shop’s other delicious options.
2057 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.231.7373
Tatsu Ramen
At Tatsu, you order your ramen from an iPad before waiting for a spot at the communal tables or the bar. A University of Southern California graduate from Japan, Ryu Isobe noticed a lack of quality ramen in Los Angeles and decided to do something about it. Ryu developed Tatsu’s flavorful Tonkotsu, which cooks for 12 to 14 hours. A big bonus: the restaurant is open late. You can grab a ramen bowl until 2 a.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Go with the Bold Ramen, the most popular item on the menu.
2123 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.684.2889
Morinoya
Known for its Izakaya-style offerings, Morinoya focuses on traditional Japanese cuisine. Chef Takayuki Morishita has been cooking in LA for more than 20 years. You can find sushi, sashimi and yakitori dishes here to fill up on before washing it all down with shochu. The amount of options on the menu might seem overwhelming; stick to the soy milk hot pot or or kimchi hot pot and you’ll leave satisfied.
Native knowledge: Morinoya can be hard to find; head to the second floor of the Olympic collection to find the restaurant.
11301 W Olympic Blvd Ste 210
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.473.3960
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen
If not for a sudden move to Los Angeles, Chef Mitsuyasu Shigeta would be leading a very different life. The chef set up shop in the City of Angels and broke a few rules while he was at it. For starters, the Japanese community at the time didn’t think Americans would like Tonkotsu soup. Now, Shin-Sen-Gumi has multiple locations to meet ramen lovers’ needs. The Hakata Ramen uses broth that is cooked for more than 15 hours. Choose the Hakata Ramen for the classic Shin-Sen-Gumi experience.
1601 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
424.208.3293
Daikokuya
Plenty of Angelenos call Daikokuya the best ramen spot in the city, overall. It’s also one of the longest standing ramen shops in the city. The inside is small and cozy, meant for nothing more than diligently slurping the hearty ramen. A secret blended soy sauce and marinated boil egg are some of the elements that make up the the signature Daikokuya flavor. Choose the Daikoku Ramen (you can ask for your egg noodles to be made firmer or softer). For an extra kick, opt for the Spicy Miso Ramen.
Native knowledge: Daikokuya is cash only and the line can get long so prepare yourself for up to 40 minute and up waits during popular times of the day.
2208 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.575.4999
Gottsui
Gottsui settled on Sawtelle boulevard as the location for its very first U.S. shop—a decision that proved extremely lucky for locals and neighboring areas. First opened in Tokyo back in 1991, Gottsui offers savory offerings like fried whole butter corn with umami soy and a Japanese pancake (known as okonomiyaki) made a special sauce, egg, dashi broth and flour tororo. Pair these with a Tofu and Kobe Pot (also offered in a spicy variety) for a filling meal.
2119 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
310.478.0521
ROC Kitchen
Chef and owner Perry Cheung noticed a void when it came to quality soup dumplings in the West LA area. ROC stands for Republic of China—and Cheung focuses on bringing those authentic flavors to the menu. Plenty of eaters recommend the decadent crab fried rice and the variety of dim sum offerings. But don’t leave without trying the Beef Noodle Soup, made with oxtail, beef brisket and baby bok choy.
2049 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.235.2089
