Marugame Udon

For Californians seeking a truly authentic and remarkably flavorful Japanese comfort food experience, Marugame Udon stands out as a must-visit destination in downtown Los Angeles. Located within The Bloc, this bustling eatery brings the traditional art of Sanuki-style udon noodles directly to the heart of the city. Marugame Udon is renowned for its unique cafeteria-style approach, where guests can watch their fresh udon noodles being kneaded, boiled, and cooked right before their eyes, ensuring an unparalleled level of freshness and quality.

Beyond the captivating visual of fresh noodle preparation, Marugame Udon excels in crafting incredibly flavorful broths and serving a wide array of delicious, freshly fried tempura. It’s a place that consistently earns high praise for its "perfect comfort food" and "quick affordable lunch." Many patrons feel transported back to Japan with just one bite, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to authentic tastes and textures. Whether you're craving a rich Nikutama udon, a savory Tonkotsu, or simply looking to indulge in their highly recommended egg tempura, Marugame Udon offers a genuinely satisfying and remarkably affordable Japanese dining experience that’s ideal for any local seeking a taste of true Japan.

Marugame Udon is strategically located at 700 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA, within the vibrant retail and entertainment complex known as The Bloc. This prime downtown Los Angeles location makes it exceptionally convenient and accessible for a wide range of Californians. The Bloc itself is a dynamic hub, combining shopping, dining, and public spaces, and Marugame Udon's presence here ensures it's easily reached by various means.

Accessibility by public transportation is a major advantage. The Bloc is directly connected to the Metro Red and Purple Line's 7th Street/Metro Center station, which is a major transit hub for downtown LA. This allows for seamless access from Hollywood, Koreatown, and other key areas of Los Angeles. Numerous bus lines also serve the immediate vicinity, making it a breeze to get there without a car. For those driving, parking in downtown Los Angeles can be managed. The Bloc has its own parking garage (accessible from Flower Street, West 8th Street, and South Hope Street), providing covered parking. While not always free, having a dedicated garage within the complex simplifies the parking process considerably compared to street parking in other parts of downtown. Marugame Udon's location within The Bloc means diners can combine their meal with shopping, movie-going, or simply enjoying the lively urban environment, making it a highly practical and appealing choice for locals.

Marugame Udon offers a unique, cafeteria-style dining experience centered around its freshly made udon noodles and a wide array of tempura.

• Freshly Made Sanuki-Style Udon: The cornerstone of their offering. Udon noodles are kneaded, cut, and boiled in-house daily, right in front of customers, ensuring maximum freshness and a distinct chewy, springy texture characteristic of Sanuki udon.

• Variety of Udon Bowls: Guests choose from a diverse menu of udon bowls, featuring various broths and toppings. Popular choices include:

  • Nikutama: Their most popular bowl, often served with sweet beef and a soft-boiled egg in an umami-rich sauce.

  • Tonkotsu: Udon served in a creamy and savory pork broth.

  • Beef Udon: Sanuki-style udon in a dashi broth topped with sweet beef.

  • Kitsune: Udon in dashi broth topped with sweet fried tofu (Kitsune-Age).

  • Curry Nikutama / Curry Udon: Udon served with Japanese curry sauce, with or without sweet beef and egg.

  • Kake Udon: A simple and classic udon served in traditional Japanese dashi broth.

  • Tan Tan (Vegan): A spicy Japanese-style sesame chili broth with ground spicy soy meat and bok choy, catering to vegan diners.

• Customizable Toppings Bar: After selecting an udon bowl, diners can add complimentary toppings like scallions and tempura flakes. Additional paid toppings such as soft-boiled eggs, chashu pork, sweet beef, and spicy paste (Fireball) are also available.

• Freshly Fried Tempura Station: A key part of the experience, offering a self-serve selection of various tempura items, fried fresh throughout the day. Options typically include:

  • Shrimp Tempura

  • Tamagoyaki (Fried Egg Tempura): Highly recommended by customers for its sweet, custardy texture.

  • Chicken Katsu

  • Vegetable Tempura: Sweet potato, zucchini, pumpkin, etc.

  • Potato Croquette

  • Squid Tempura

  • Gyoza (fried dumplings)

• Rice Bowls (Donburi): Beyond udon, they also offer comforting rice bowls such as Beef Gyudon and Chicken Katsu Curry over rice.

• Beverages: A selection of soft drinks, Japanese teas, and other beverages.

• Quick and Efficient Service: The cafeteria-style setup allows for a very fast dining experience, making it perfect for a quick lunch break or a speedy meal.

• Dine-in and Takeout: Guests can enjoy their meal in the restaurant's casual setting or opt for takeout. Delivery is also available through third-party platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Marugame Udon in downtown Los Angeles boasts several standout features and highlights that make it a beloved spot for locals seeking authentic Japanese comfort food.

• Authentic Sanuki-Style Udon: The core feature is their dedication to Sanuki-style udon, famous for its thick, chewy, and springy texture. Unlike many other noodle shops, Marugame Udon makes its noodles fresh in-house, ensuring an unparalleled level of quality and authenticity that truly brings a taste of Japan to California.

• Live Noodle Making: A captivating highlight for diners is the transparent kitchen where they can watch the udon noodles being kneaded, cut, and boiled right before their eyes. This visual experience emphasizes the freshness and craftsmanship behind each bowl.

• Customizable Bowls: Marugame Udon allows for significant customization. Diners choose their base udon bowl, then add complimentary toppings like scallions and tempura flakes, and can further personalize it with various paid add-ons such as different types of meat, eggs, and spicy pastes.

• Freshly Fried Tempura Selection: A significant draw is the self-serve tempura bar, where a wide array of items are fried fresh throughout the day. This includes popular choices like shrimp, chicken katsu, and various vegetables, all perfectly crispy and delicious.

• Highly Praised Fried Egg (Tamago) Tempura: Numerous reviews specifically highlight the "fried egg" (tamago) tempura as a must-try. Described as "sweet side and brought me back to Japan in one bite," its unique flavor and texture make it a fan favorite.

• Incredibly Flavorful Broths: Customers consistently praise the "incredibly flavorful udon" with various broths like Nikutama (umami-rich sauce), Tonkotsu (creamy pork broth), and dashi-based options. The quality of the broth is a key element of the overall deliciousness.

• Quick and Affordable Lunch/Dinner: Marugame Udon is lauded as "perfect comfort food and a quick affordable lunch." Its cafeteria-style service ensures efficiency, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals or anyone looking for a satisfying meal without a long wait, all at a reasonable price point.

• Comfort Food Experience: Beyond just a meal, it offers a true "comfort food" experience, especially appealing for a warm and hearty meal on a cooler day or simply when craving a comforting taste of home-style Japanese cooking.

• Convenient Downtown LA Location: Situated within The Bloc, it benefits from excellent public transport access and available parking, making it a highly convenient dining option in the bustling downtown area.

Marugame Udon in downtown Los Angeles, while consistently offering great value through its fresh, high-quality, and affordable meals, does occasionally participate in promotions or provides inherent value through its service model.

• Affordable Pricing Structure: At its core, Marugame Udon’s business model is built on providing "affordable" and "reasonable" prices for fresh, handmade udon and tempura. This everyday value is a significant draw, especially for a location in downtown Los Angeles.

• Combo Deals: While not always explicitly "promotions," their menu often features combo deals, such as the "Tempura Combo" (Regular-Sized Beef Udon, 2 pcs of Shrimp Tempura, and Choice of Drink) or the "Mini Tendon Combo" (Regular Sized Beef Udon, Mini Tempura Bowl with Teriyaki Chicken, Shrimp, & Veggie Tempura, and Choice of Drink). These pre-set combinations offer a bundled value for a complete meal.

• "Too Good To Go" Participation: Marugame Udon's Downtown LA - BLOC location is listed as participating in "Too Good To Go." This app allows users to purchase "Surprise Bags" of delicious surplus food at a discounted rate to prevent waste. This can be an excellent way to get a discounted meal towards the end of the day, with bags potentially containing handmade udon and/or tempura.

• Third-Party Delivery Platform Promotions: Marugame Udon is available on major delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. These platforms frequently offer their own promotions, such as discounts on delivery fees, percentage off for first-time orders, or special seasonal deals that would apply to Marugame Udon orders.

• Loyalty Programs (Potential): While not explicitly stated in the provided information, many restaurant chains of Marugame Udon's size often have loyalty programs for frequent customers, which could offer points, discounts, or free items. It's always worth checking their official website or asking in-store.

For the most current information on any limited-time offers, seasonal specials, or ongoing deals, it is recommended that locals check Marugame Udon's official website, their social media channels, or inquire directly at the Los Angeles location.

For Californians looking to enjoy the delicious and authentic udon and tempura at Marugame Udon in downtown Los Angeles, here’s how to connect with them:

• Address: 700 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA (located within The Bloc)

• Phone: (213) 628-3209

• Mobile Phone: +1 213-628-3209

Marugame Udon at The Bloc typically operates with the following hours, offering convenience for both lunch and early dinner:

• Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

It is always a good idea to confirm these hours on their official website (marugameudon.com) or by calling the restaurant directly, especially around holidays or for any special events that might affect operating times. For those preferring to enjoy Marugame Udon at home, takeout is available, and they partner with popular food delivery services for convenient delivery right to your door.

Marugame Udon at The Bloc is exceptionally well-suited for locals across California, particularly those navigating the vibrant and often fast-paced lifestyle of Los Angeles, for several compelling reasons. Its unique blend of authenticity, convenience, and affordability makes it a standout choice for everyday dining.

Firstly, for those seeking genuine Japanese cuisine, Marugame Udon delivers a truly authentic experience with its freshly made, Sanuki-style udon noodles. The ability to watch the noodles being prepared in front of you adds an engaging and transparent element that resonates with food-conscious Californians. The "incredibly flavorful" udon and the highly praised "fried egg tempura" transport diners directly to Japan, offering a culinary escape without leaving the city. This commitment to quality and traditional preparation is a significant draw for discerning local palates.

Secondly, its prime location within The Bloc in downtown Los Angeles makes it incredibly accessible. Whether locals are commuting via Metro, working in nearby offices, or exploring the urban core, the restaurant is conveniently situated and easily reachable. The availability of parking within The Bloc also alleviates a common challenge of downtown dining, making it a practical choice for those driving.

Finally, Marugame Udon perfectly fits the bill for a "quick affordable lunch" or a comforting dinner. In a city where dining out can often be expensive and time-consuming, Marugame Udon offers a refreshing alternative: high-quality, delicious food served efficiently and at a reasonable price point. This combination of speed, value, and authentic flavor makes it a perfect comfort food staple for locals, ideal for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Marugame Udon

700 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA