DTLA Ramen

For Californians with a discerning palate for authentic and satisfying Japanese cuisine, DTLA Ramen stands out as a true gem in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Nestled on the iconic Broadway, this ramen restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its rich, flavorful broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and a vibrant dining atmosphere. It offers a comforting and delicious escape, making it an ideal destination whether you're seeking a hearty meal on a cool evening or a flavorful lunch break.

DTLA Ramen prides itself on delivering a ramen experience that combines traditional techniques with a touch of local flair. Their menu features a variety of ramen styles, from the classic and robust Tonkotsu to fiery spicy options and thoughtful vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Beyond the ramen, their commitment to quality extends to their appetizers and side dishes, ensuring a well-rounded and delightful culinary journey. For those living, working, or simply exploring the vibrant downtown area, DTLA Ramen offers a consistently satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.

DTLA Ramen is conveniently located at 952 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA. This prime address places it squarely within the revitalized and historic Broadway Theatre District of downtown Los Angeles. This area is a bustling hub, known for its stunning vintage theaters, trendy boutiques, and an ever-growing array of dining establishments, making it a vibrant and easy-to-find destination for both locals and visitors.

Accessibility is a significant advantage for DTLA Ramen. For Californians who prefer to utilize public transportation, the restaurant is within comfortable walking distance of several Metro stations. The Pershing Square station (serving the B and D lines) is just a few blocks away, and the major 7th Street/Metro Center station (serving the A, B, D, E, and J lines) is also easily accessible. This makes it a stress-free option for commuters and residents from various parts of Los Angeles to enjoy a delicious meal without the need for personal vehicles.

For those driving, while street parking on Broadway can be limited, there are numerous paid parking lots and garages available in the immediate vicinity. These parking structures typically offer various rates, providing convenient options for diners. Additionally, ride-sharing services are widely available and commonly used throughout downtown Los Angeles, offering a direct and convenient drop-off right at the restaurant's doorstep. The lively and pedestrian-friendly nature of this part of Broadway further enhances the overall dining experience, allowing patrons to soak in the urban energy before or after their meal.

DTLA Ramen offers a comprehensive menu focused on high-quality ramen, complemented by a variety of Japanese appetizers and rice bowls, catering to diverse preferences.

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a "cozy" and inviting ambiance, creating a comfortable space for guests to enjoy their ramen and other dishes. Reviewers often praise the "awesome ambiance" for a relaxed dining experience.

• Diverse Ramen Selection: Their core offering is a range of carefully crafted ramen bowls:

  • Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen: A popular choice featuring a rich pork broth with chashu belly, green onion, cabbage, bean sprouts, chili oil, and shredded chili with thick noodles.

  • Tonkotsu Ramen: The classic rich pork broth with chashu belly, green onion, cabbage, and seaweed, served with thin noodles.

  • Tori Shio Paitan Ramen: A lighter yet flavorful paitan chicken broth with chicken chashu, green onion, seaweed, bamboo shoots, and kaiware.

  • Tsukemen Ramen (Dipping Style): A concentrated pork broth served with cold, thick tsukemen noodles for dipping, alongside shredded pork, green onion, seaweed, and bamboo shoots.

  • Vegetarian and Vegan Ramen: Dedicated options like the "Vegetarian Ramen" with a kelp and mushroom broth, and the "Spicy Creamy Vegan" ramen with a soy milk broth, ensuring inclusivity for plant-based diets. They even offer a Gluten-Free Vegan option.

  • Mazemen: A broth-less ramen option with a spicy Bakudan, onsen egg, and various toppings.

• Appetizers: A selection of classic Japanese appetizers to complement the ramen:

  • Gyoza (Pork, Cabbage, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese Chive – often described as "juicy")

  • Kara Age Chicken (Japanese style fried chicken with spicy garlic mayo)

  • Takoyaki (Octopus balls with bonito flakes and takoyaki sauce)

  • Edamame (classic, garlic, and spicy garlic options, including gluten-free spicy garlic edamame)

  • Seaweed Salad, Cold Tofu, Shishito Peppers

  • Impossible Gyoza (plant-based option)

• Rice Bowls and Poke Bowls: For alternatives to ramen, they offer various rice bowls, including Chashu Pork Rice Bowl, Tori Soboro Rice Bowl (ground chicken), and several Poke Bowls (Kaisen Poke, Spicy Tuna Poke, Vegan Poke, California Poke, and a Build Your Own option).

• Curry Dishes: Katsu Curry with choice of protein or Curry and Rice only.

• Beverages: A range of soft drinks, Japanese sodas (Ramune, Calpico), and potentially other seasonal drink options like specialty matchas and lemonades.

• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, DTLA Ramen offers online ordering for pickup and delivery through their website and popular third-party platforms like Grubhub, Postmates, and DoorDash, allowing customers to enjoy their food from home or office.

DTLA Ramen has garnered positive attention and established itself as a go-to spot in downtown Los Angeles due to several key features and popular offerings:

• Fantastic Ramen Quality: The primary highlight is consistently praised ramen. Reviewers note the "rich" broth, "perfect" noodles, and "delicious" chashu. The Tonkotsu ramen, both spicy and non-spicy versions, are particularly lauded for their depth of flavor and satisfying qualities.

• Rich Broths: The broths, especially the pork-based Tonkotsu, are described as being rich and full-bodied, forming the flavorful foundation of their ramen bowls. The spicy tonkotsu often receives specific commendation for its "velvety quality" and "salty kick."

• Juicy Gyoza: The gyoza are frequently mentioned as a standout appetizer, described as "juicy" and a perfect accompaniment to the ramen.

• Diverse Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Unlike some ramen establishments, DTLA Ramen offers a robust selection for plant-based diners, including dedicated vegan ramen with flavorful broths (like kelp and mushroom or spicy soy milk), vegan poke bowls, and even Impossible Gyoza. This inclusivity is a significant draw for the diverse Californian population.

• Great Ambiance: The restaurant's "ambiance was awesome," contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. It's often described as a "cozy" spot, balancing a welcoming atmosphere with the lively energy of downtown LA.

• Quality Chashu: The chashu (braised pork belly) in their ramen is a consistent highlight, praised for being "thick" and "delicious," a key component that elevates the overall ramen experience.

• Convenient Location: Situated on Broadway, it's easily accessible and positioned as a great find for those in the downtown area, whether for a quick meal or a relaxed dinner.

While one review noted the use of cabbage in the broth as less traditional, the overall consensus points to a high-quality, flavorful, and satisfying ramen experience that earns repeat visits.

DTLA Ramen, like many popular downtown eateries, understands the value of providing appealing offers to its clientele. While specific, fixed "happy hour" names might vary, they typically offer value in other ways:

• Daily Happy Hour: While specific details can vary and should always be confirmed, some establishments in downtown LA offer happy hour specials. Checking their website or calling directly would confirm any current happy hour offerings on appetizers or drinks.

• Combo Deals & Meal Sets: Ramen restaurants often feature combo deals that pair a ramen bowl with a popular appetizer (like gyoza or karaage) at a discounted price compared to ordering them separately. These are designed to provide a complete meal at better value.

• Loyalty Programs/Online Order Discounts: For repeat customers, DTLA Ramen may offer loyalty programs through their direct online ordering system or specific discounts for first-time orders placed via third-party delivery apps. Examples seen on delivery platforms include percentage-off discounts (e.g., 15% off first order) or specific dollar amount reductions on minimum orders.

• Seasonal or Limited-Time Menu Items: To keep the menu fresh and exciting, DTLA Ramen might introduce seasonal ramen flavors, special appetizers, or unique drinks (like their Iced Lavender Butterfly Matcha or Blueberry Lemonade) for a limited period, often with special pricing.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers, including happy hour timings and specific deals, Californians are strongly advised to check the official DTLA Ramen website or their listings on popular delivery platforms such as Grubhub, Postmates, and DoorDash.

To savor the rich ramen and delightful Japanese dishes at DTLA Ramen, here's how you can connect with them:

Address: 952 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

Phone: (213) 265-7641

For current operating hours, to view their full menu, or to place online orders for pickup or delivery, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or utilize popular third-party delivery applications such as Grubhub, Postmates, and DoorDash. Given its prime location on Broadway, it's also a convenient spot for walk-in diners.

For Californians, particularly those residing in or frequenting Los Angeles, DTLA Ramen stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing dining establishment. It caters to the local demand for quality, convenience, and diverse culinary options, making it a highly recommended spot.

Firstly, DTLA Ramen consistently delivers a high-quality and satisfying ramen experience. Locals appreciate the rich, flavorful broths—especially the Tonkotsu—and the perfectly cooked noodles and tender chashu. This commitment to traditional flavors and well-executed dishes means that when a ramen craving strikes, DTLA Ramen is a reliable choice for a deeply comforting and delicious meal. The positive feedback on both the regular and spicy options further solidifies its appeal.

Secondly, its prime location on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles is a major draw. Situated in a vibrant and easily accessible area, it's convenient for office workers, residents, and those enjoying the cultural offerings of the district. Its proximity to various Metro stations makes it easily reachable via public transport, a significant benefit in a city known for its traffic. This accessibility seamlessly integrates DTLA Ramen into the busy lives of Angelenos.

Furthermore, DTLA Ramen's inclusive menu with robust vegan and vegetarian options truly sets it apart. In a health-conscious and diverse state like California, offering delicious plant-based ramen and other dishes ensures that a wider audience can enjoy their meals without compromise. This thoughtful approach caters directly to evolving dietary preferences among the local population.

Finally, the combination of "awesome ambiance," friendly service, and delicious food creates an overall excellent dining atmosphere. It’s a place where locals can comfortably enjoy a meal, whether on their own, with friends, or with family. Despite minor notes on authenticity from some purists, the overarching sentiment from customers is one of great satisfaction and a strong desire to return, making DTLA Ramen a highly suitable and cherished culinary destination for the downtown Los Angeles community.

DTLA Ramen

952 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA