Tomizo Ramen

For Californians seeking a truly authentic and flavorful ramen experience, look no further than Tomizo Ramen in Gardena. Tucked away on West Redondo Beach Boulevard, this charming "hole in the wall" establishment has quickly become a beloved spot for locals craving hearty bowls of Japanese noodles and a taste of Hokkaido. Known for its impressive variety of ramen flavors and exceptionally quick and welcoming service, Tomizo Ramen promises a dining adventure that delights the senses and transports you straight to Japan.

Tomizo Ramen prides itself on its authentic Hokkaido-style ramen, which means rich, savory broths and perfectly cooked noodles are at the heart of their offerings. But it's not just about the ramen; the restaurant also shines with its flavorful side dishes, such as their "light and fluffy" fried rice and delicious gyoza. Despite its cozy size, the atmosphere at Tomizo is enhanced by a curated playlist of Japanese music, adding to the immersive experience. Whether you're a seasoned ramen aficionado or simply looking for a new local favorite, Tomizo Ramen offers a combination of great food, excellent service, and a welcoming ambiance that makes it a must-visit in the Gardena area.

Tomizo Ramen is conveniently located at 1721 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA. This address places it within a dynamic stretch of Gardena, a city widely recognized for its vibrant and authentic Japanese culinary scene. For local users in California, this spot is highly accessible and relatively easy to find, although a keen eye might be needed initially.

The restaurant is situated in a small strip mall, nestled right next to a prominent Nissan SUV Truck sign, just one block before Western Avenue. While the immediate front parking might seem limited, accommodating about six cars, there's additional parking available around the building. This provides ample space, even during busier periods, ensuring that finding a spot won't be a major hassle for most visitors. Its location on a main boulevard like Redondo Beach Blvd makes it a straightforward drive for residents from various parts of Gardena and the wider South Bay area, solidifying its status as a convenient local dining destination.

Tomizo Ramen provides a focused yet diverse menu, specializing in authentic Hokkaido-style ramen and a selection of complementary Japanese dishes.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a cozy and intimate dining experience within the restaurant's small, "hole in the wall" ambiance. The seating is limited, with a mix of tables and bar seating, making it perfect for individuals, couples, or small families. For larger groups, arriving early is recommended to secure seating.

• Variety of Ramen Flavors: Tomizo Ramen boasts a great variety of ramen flavors, with key offerings including:

  • Spicy Miso Ramen: A bold translation of Tomizo's original Sapporo-style miso flavor, featuring medium-thick noodles, a special blend of hot spices, tender pork belly chashu, baby kale, kikurage (wood ear mushrooms), and green onion. It's often highlighted as a top favorite.
  • Miso Ramen: Tomizo's original Sapporo-style miso flavor with a chicken broth base, topped with pork belly chashu, kikurage, menma (bamboo shoots), and green onion.
  • Asahikawa Shoyu Ramen: A secret Asahikawa-style soy sauce base blended with chicken and pork broth and dashi, featuring medium-thin noodles, pork belly chashu, menma, green onion, eggs, and dried seaweed.
  • Miso Butter Corn Scallop Ramen: A classic Hokkaido combination with rich miso soup, butter, sweet corn, and baby scallops.
  • Dipping Ramen (Tsukemen): A unique "dipping style" ramen with cold, flat thick noodles, served alongside a special soy sauce base with tonkotsu broth and dashi, topped with pork belly chashu, menma, egg, green onion, onion, and lime.
  • Spicy Mix-in Noodle: A flavorful option with bean sprouts, menma, ginger, fried garlic, egg, seaweed, lemon, chashu, and green onion, with spicy sauce, vinegar, and tare served on the side.
  All ramen dishes are praised for their delicious broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender, flavorful pork chashu.

  • Side Dishes and Appetizers: Enhance your ramen experience with a selection of popular sides:

    • Fried Rice: Highly praised for being "flavorful" and "light and fluffy," often recommended as a perfect pairing with ramen.
    • Karaage: Japanese-style fried chicken, served crispy and authentic.
    • Gyoza: Delicious potstickers that are a popular choice.
    • Garlic Edamame: Steamed young soybeans tossed with savory garlic seasoning.
    • Takoyaki: Wheat flour batter balls filled with octopus, a classic Japanese street food.
    • Other options like Shumai shrimp, Plant-Based Bao, and Spring Rolls are also available.

  • Toppings and Customization: Customize your ramen with additional toppings such as extra chashu, eggs (often described as perfectly jammy), corn, baby kale, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and various levels of spicy sauce.

  • Lunch Deals and Specials: Tomizo offers excellent value, including a notable lunch deal that features a choice of side (like fried rice), coffee, and soup for a fantastic price. Be sure to ask about daily specials when you visit.

  • Quick and Welcoming Service: The staff is known for being impressively quick, very welcoming, and attentive. They are happy to explain specials and even engage personally with diners, adding a delightful touch to the experience.

  • Delivery Services: For convenience, Tomizo Ramen offers delivery through major platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food from home.

  Features / Highlights

  Tomizo Ramen stands out in Gardena's competitive dining scene due to several key features that consistently impress its local patrons:

  • Authentic Hokkaido-Style Ramen: This is a core highlight. Tomizo Ramen prides itself on serving genuine Hokkaido-style ramen, known for its rich, complex broths (especially miso-based ones). Customers frequently note that the broth is "delicious on its own," "bold," and "rich," providing an authentic taste of Japan. The perfectly cooked noodles and incredibly tender, flavorful pork chashu further elevate the ramen experience.

  • Cozy, "Hole in the Wall" Ambiance: Despite its small size, the restaurant offers a very cozy and intimate "hole in the wall" vibe. This unassuming charm makes it perfect for a comfortable meal with family or friends. The atmosphere is enhanced by a thoughtful playlist of Japanese music, which many recognize from popular anime, adding to the cultural immersion.

  • Impressively Quick and Welcoming Service: The service at Tomizo Ramen receives consistent praise. Staff are described as "impressively quick" and "very welcoming," going the extra mile to share specials and even engaging in friendly interactions with diners. This high level of attentiveness and hospitality significantly enhances the overall dining experience, making customers feel valued.

  • Great Value with Lunch Deals: Tomizo offers fantastic value, notably through its lunch deals that include a choice of side, coffee, and soup for a reasonable price. This makes a high-quality Japanese meal accessible and affordable for everyday dining.

  • Variety of Flavorful Ramen & Sides: Beyond the signature miso, Tomizo offers a great variety of ramen flavors including Shoyu, Tsukemen (dipping ramen), and unique options like Miso Butter Corn Scallop Ramen. Their side dishes, especially the "light and fluffy" fried rice and delicious gyoza, are also highly recommended, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving.

  • Attention to Detail in Ingredients: Patrons appreciate the details, such as the "jammy" egg cooked to perfection, fresh-tasting corn, and the inclusion of a "little salad on top for some extra fiber and nutrients." This shows a commitment to not just taste, but also quality and thoughtful preparation.

  • Shohei Ohtani Themed Decor (Bonus Highlight): For baseball fans, the restaurant features decorations dedicated to the legendary Dodger, Shohei Ohtani. Some past events even included a special "$10 Ohtani Ramen" after a home run, adding a fun, unique, and highly local touch for sports enthusiasts.

  Promotions or Special Offers

  Tomizo Ramen is known for offering excellent value, and specific promotions contribute to its appeal. Based on customer reviews, here are some insights into their offers:

  • Lunch Deals: A notable special offer is their fantastic lunch deal. This typically includes a choice of ramen, a side (such as fried rice), coffee, and soup for a set price, which one customer noted was around $18, offering "fantastic value." These lunch specials are a great way to enjoy a comprehensive meal without breaking the bank.

  • Occasional Themed Specials: In the past, Tomizo Ramen has shown a flair for unique, limited-time promotions, such as offering a "special $10 Ohtani Ramen the day after Ohtani hits a home run." While this specific promotion may be seasonal or event-based, it indicates the restaurant's creativity in engaging with its local community and offering enticing deals.

  • Delivery Platform Promotions: As Tomizo Ramen is available on major delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates, it is common for these platforms to offer their own discounts, free delivery, or loyalty program benefits when ordering from the restaurant. Checking these apps directly can reveal additional savings.

  For the most current and specific details on ongoing promotions, it is always recommended to call Tomizo Ramen directly or inquire when you visit. Their friendly staff are usually eager to share any active specials.

  Contact Information

  Ready to experience the authentic Hokkaido-style ramen and welcoming atmosphere at Tomizo Ramen? Here’s how you can connect with them:

  • Address: 1721 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA

  • Phone: (424) 329-0100

  • Mobile Phone: +1 424-329-0100

  While walk-ins are welcome, especially for individuals or small groups, if you're planning to bring a larger party, it might be advisable to call ahead or arrive early due to the cozy seating arrangements.

  Conclusion: Why Tomizo Ramen is Suitable for Locals

  For residents across California, particularly those in Gardena and the surrounding South Bay area, Tomizo Ramen stands out as a highly suitable and cherished local dining spot for a multitude of reasons. It perfectly encapsulates what many look for in a neighborhood eatery: quality, value, and a welcoming atmosphere.

  Firstly, Tomizo Ramen delivers on authentic Hokkaido-style ramen with rich, delicious flavors. Locals craving that deep, savory broth and perfectly tender chashu will find their desires met here. The variety of ramen options, from the popular Spicy Miso to the unique Butter Corn, ensures there's a flavor profile for everyone. The consistent praise for the food's taste, from the noodles to the fried rice and gyoza, makes it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

  Secondly, the restaurant's cozy, "hole in the wall" ambiance coupled with impressively quick and welcoming service creates an experience that feels personal and comfortable. Despite its modest size, it fosters an intimate dining environment, further enhanced by the subtle touches of Japanese music. The staff's genuine friendliness and attentiveness, going so far as to engage personally with diners, make every visit feel special and appreciated, transforming a simple meal into a delightful outing.

  Lastly, the excellent value, highlighted by their fantastic lunch deals and generous portions, makes Tomizo Ramen a practical and appealing choice for everyday dining. For Californians looking for a high-quality Japanese meal that doesn't break the bank, Tomizo offers a compelling proposition. It’s a place where you can find great ramen right in your neighborhood, consistently delivering on its promise of delicious food and a pleasant experience. Tomizo Ramen is not just a restaurant; it's a valued community asset that provides a genuine taste of Japan right at home.

Tomizo Ramen

1721 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA