If you're searching for the best ramen in Koreatown, Los Angeles, you already know this neighborhood is a food lover's paradise. Tucked between the neon signs and bustling plazas of K-Town lies one of LA's most compelling Japanese dining experiences — and it's not where you'd expect to find it. Iki Ramen, located at 740 S Western Ave, has quietly become one of the most talked-about ramen spots in all of Los Angeles, earning 4.5 stars on Yelp with over 937 reviews and building a devoted following of nearly 29,000 Instagram fans.
But Koreatown's ramen scene isn't just about one restaurant. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about finding incredible ramen in K-Town — from what makes the neighborhood's Japanese food scene unique to the specific bowls you should be ordering.
Why Koreatown Is a Hidden Gem for Ramen
Most people associate Koreatown with Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and soju. But LA's K-Town has quietly become one of the city's best neighborhoods for Japanese cuisine. The area's dense foot traffic, affordable commercial rents, and diverse dining culture have attracted talented Japanese chefs who might otherwise set up shop on the Westside or in Little Tokyo.
The result? You can find world-class ramen, sushi, and izakaya food in Koreatown at prices that feel almost too good to be true — especially compared to similar quality in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, or even Hollywood.
Iki Ramen: The Crown Jewel of Koreatown Ramen
Iki Ramen isn't just a ramen shop — it's a full Japanese dining experience that happens to serve some of the best ramen in Los Angeles. Founded by Chef Jeffry Undiarto, who previously served as general manager and beverage director at the legendary two-Michelin-starred n/naka, Iki Ramen brings fine-dining sensibility to a casual, welcoming setting.
The Broth: 18 Hours of Patience
What sets Iki Ramen apart starts with the broth. Their signature tonkotsu is simmered for over 18 hours, extracting every ounce of richness from humanely raised pork bones. The result is a broth that's creamy, deeply savory, and complex — leagues beyond the instant or shortcut versions found elsewhere. Every bowl comes topped with tender chashu, a perfectly marinated ajitama egg, menma bamboo shoots, nori, and fresh scallions.
Signature Dishes You Can't Miss
- Uni Mazemen — This brothless noodle dish topped with fresh sea urchin is the sleeper hit of the menu. TripAdvisor reviewers call it a must-try, and once you've had it, you'll understand why. The uni is creamy and briny, playing off the chewy noodles perfectly.
- Truffle Mazemen — Warm, comforting, and balanced. Unlike many truffle dishes that go overboard, this one lets the earthy truffle enhance rather than dominate. Reviewers consistently praise how "it wasn't overwhelming with truffle."
- Kaisen Don — A beautifully assembled sashimi rice bowl with an excellent selection of fresh fish. Multiple reviewers highlight this as "very fresh" with "a good selection of fish, especially for the price."
- Crispy Chilean Seabass Bao — A signature appetizer that bridges cultures: flaky, perfectly fried seabass nestled in a pillowy bao bun.
- Yuzu Ice Cream — The perfect finish. House-made and refreshingly citrusy.
The Omakase Experience
Here's what really sets Iki Ramen apart from other ramen shops: they offer a legitimate, Forbes-recognized omakase experience. The Koreatown flagship features a 16-course IKI Omakase for $150 per person — a curated journey through premium sushi, seared bluefin tuna toro, A5 wagyu, and seasonal specialties. Forbes praised it as "one of LA's top omakase deals," and considering what you'd pay at comparable sushi bars in Beverly Hills, it's hard to argue.
Happy Hour & Late Night
Iki Ramen's Koreatown location runs a popular happy hour with deals on Japanese craft beer, sake, and small plates. It's the perfect neighborhood spot for after-work drinks and a quick bowl. If you want late-night ramen, the Hollywood location (6565 Sunset Blvd) is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday — a rarity for quality ramen in LA.
Practical Info: Visiting Iki Ramen Koreatown
- Address: 740 S Western Ave, Ste 116, Los Angeles, CA 90005
- Phone: (424) 335-7749
- Hours: Mon–Fri 12 PM – 10 PM | Sat–Sun 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Reservations: Available via Tock (recommended for dinner)
- Price: $$ — Ramen $16–$22, Sushi $8–$25, Omakase $150/person
- Parking: Street parking and commercial plaza lot
- Vibe: Casual, trendy, intimate — great for dates, friends, and solo dining
Other Notable Ramen in Koreatown
While Iki Ramen is our top pick, Koreatown has a growing Japanese food scene worth exploring. The neighborhood continues to attract talented chefs, and new ramen concepts pop up regularly. However, for the combination of broth quality, sushi program, omakase offerings, and overall dining experience, Iki Ramen stands alone in K-Town.
The Verdict
Koreatown is full of incredible food, but if you're craving ramen, Iki Ramen should be your first stop. The 18-hour tonkotsu, the uni mazemen, the omakase — it all adds up to something rare: a restaurant that excels at every price point, from a quick $18 lunch bowl to a $150 chef's tasting. It's the kind of place that locals keep going back to, and with good reason.
Whether you're a ramen purist, a sushi lover, or someone who just wants an excellent meal in Koreatown, Iki Ramen delivers. Make a reservation on Tock, bring an appetite, and prepare to discover why nearly 30,000 people follow this spot on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ramen in Koreatown LA?
Iki Ramen at 740 S Western Ave is widely considered the best ramen in Koreatown, with 4.5 stars on Yelp and over 937 reviews. Their 18-hour tonkotsu broth, uni mazemen, and Forbes-recognized omakase make it a standout.
Is Iki Ramen in Koreatown expensive?
Iki Ramen is moderately priced ($$). Ramen bowls range from $16–$22, which is typical for quality ramen in LA. Their sushi and appetizers are also well-priced. The omakase is $150/person for 16 courses — a premium experience at a fair price.
Does Iki Ramen Koreatown take reservations?
Yes, Iki Ramen accepts reservations through Tock. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome but may face a wait during peak hours.
What should I order at Iki Ramen?
Start with the Tonkotsu Ramen or Uni Mazemen. The Crispy Chilean Seabass Bao is a must-try appetizer. For a splurge, book the 16-course IKI Omakase ($150/person). Finish with Yuzu Ice Cream.
Does Iki Ramen have a second location?
Yes, Iki Ramen has a second location in Hollywood at 6565 Sunset Blvd, open late until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The same team also runs Iki Nori, a 12-seat hand roll bar at 6464 W Sunset Blvd.
Is there parking at Iki Ramen Koreatown?
Yes, the Koreatown location is in a commercial plaza at 740 S Western Ave with nearby parking. Street parking is also available on Western Ave and surrounding streets.