Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles
Offering both the standard ramen and tsukemen, their broth and noodles are nearly perfect. Only available during lunch and cash only, but definitely the biggest ramen destination in the city. 2057 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, 90025; 310. 231.7373
Santouka Ramen
This longstanding ramen spot on the Westside serve up miso and shio ramen in various sizes. The broth is incredibly porky and delicious. 3760 S Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066; 310.391.1101
Ramen Jinya Ramen
Word is that this spot launched the ramen revolution in Los Angeles. This Studio City place makes a bowl with high-quality but pre-made noodles. 11239 Ventura Blvd., San Fernando Valley, 91604; 818.980.3977
Daikokuya Little Tokyo
Daikokuya has been an anchor in Los Angeles’ ramen world for a very long time. Despite newcomers in Little Tokyo, it’s still has long lines for most of the day. The broth is intense and heavy. 327 East 1st St., Los Angeles, 90012
Hakata Ramen Shin-Sen-Gumi
Imported from the ramen capital of the world, Southern Japan’s Fukuoka, the Hakata-style is one of the most recognizable style of ramen. Shin Sen Gumi opened a branch in Little Tokyo with completely customizable dishes depending on your preference.
Ramen Yamadaya
A mini-chain that has opened numerous locations in the past year, Yamadaya has a thick, umami-rich tonkotsu broth and thin noodles. The tsukemen broth has a fishy-element that adds another layer of umami and thicker noodles. 11172 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90232; 310.815.8776
Gottsui Restaurant
Available only during lunch, this beef-broth based ramen is a contender for one of the best in the city. The thick noodles and nearly-clear broth has a balanced flavor that keeps you wanting more. Dinner time has some of the best okonomiyaki in the city as well. 2119 Sawtelle Blvd., W Los Angeles, CA 90025; 310.478.0521
Robata Jinya
The full-service restaurant version of Ramen Jinya, there’s a more limited ramen here, but it’s probably the best bet for this part of town. The spicy and regular tonkotsu ramens are the best dishes here. 8050 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, 90048; 323.653.8877
Mottainai Ramen
Known more for the flavors of pork fat, garlic and spice, Mottainai has tonkotsu, miso, and soy ramen. It’s for when you want something a little different in the ramen world. 1630 W Redondo Beach Blvd., # 9 Gardena, 90247; 310.538.3233
Ikemen
This place takes the dip-ramen concept to another level, with ingredients like basil, green onions, and tomatoes in a tonkotsu “au jus.” The late-night Hollywood spot feels authentic and incorporates a genuine ramen-ya aesthetic. 1655 N La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90046; 323.800.7669
