Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex

For over a decade, Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex has solidified its reputation as a true institution in Los Angeles' vibrant Sawtelle Japantown. While the original Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle across the street gained fame for its tsukemen, the Annex offers a distinct, equally celebrated experience, focusing on a robust, Jiro-style ramen that has captivated a dedicated following of locals across California. Known for its intensely rich broth and generous portions, the Annex stands as a testament to authentic Japanese ramen culture in the heart of West LA.

The Annex, which originated from a popular Ramen BARIO in Tokyo, Japan, is lauded for its "big, burly, brawny" ramen that caters to those who appreciate a hearty, flavorful bowl. Patrons often rave about the "robust flavors" and "generous portions" of their signature dishes, particularly the Annex Deluxe ramen and the Garlic ramen. While some recent shifts in menu or operations due to renovations have been noted by long-time fans, the underlying "Tsujita quality" remains a strong draw, ensuring a satisfying and memorable ramen experience that continues to attract queues of hungry diners.

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex is strategically located at 2050 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. This address places it squarely within the bustling Sawtelle Japantown, a premier destination for Japanese cuisine in West Los Angeles. The area is renowned for its lively street scene, vibrant energy, and a high concentration of popular eateries.

The restaurant's prominent position on Sawtelle Boulevard makes it easy to find. However, like many popular spots in this vibrant district, parking can be challenging, especially during peak dining hours. While street parking (metered) is available along Sawtelle and on nearby side streets, it often requires patience. Several paid public parking lots are also located within a short walking distance, offering additional options for visitors. Despite potential parking challenges and often significant wait times, the allure of Tsujita Annex's unique ramen continues to draw large crowds, a testament to its popularity and the quality of its offerings.

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex focuses on a specialized menu that highlights their distinctive ramen and tsukemen styles, complemented by a selection of popular Japanese sides and rice bowls.

• Dine-in Service: Guests can enjoy their meals in the restaurant's casual, bustling atmosphere, which often reflects a genuine Tokyo ramen stall experience.
• Takeout: For convenience, customers can place orders for pickup, allowing them to savor their favorite ramen and sides at home.
• Delivery: Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex partners with major food delivery platforms (such as Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates), offering easy delivery of their menu items to various Los Angeles neighborhoods.
• Signature Tsukemen (Dipping Noodles):
  • Tsukemen: Their classic dipping noodles, often served with a thick, deeply flavored pork bone and seafood broth (simmered for over 60 hours), featuring chewy noodles, seasoned egg, green onion, chopped chashu, menma, and seaweed. A squeeze of lime and their special "onikasu" spice blend can be added for enhanced flavor.
  • Chashu Tsukemen: The signature Tsukemen served with a generous portion of chashu slices.
  • Spicy Tsukemen: Tsukemen served with homemade spices for an added kick.
• Distinctive Ramen Bowls (Jiro-style influences):
  • Tonkotsu Ramen: A rich pork broth ramen, served with seasoned egg, chashu, woodear mushroom, green onion, and seaweed. Noted for its thick, velvety texture.
  • Annex Deluxe Ramen: A substantial bowl offering "A LOT of everything you want," including hearty slices of chashu and beansprouts.
  • Garlic Ramen: Praised for its distinctive and satisfying garlic flavor, often more pronounced than other bowls.
  • Spicy Ramen: Tonkotsu Ramen served with homemade spices and seasoned egg.
  • Silky Ramen: A vegetable soup with a special creamy blend, served with woodear mushroom, green onion, menma, and seaweed.
  • Sunrise Vegan Ramen: A soy-blend soup featuring 6 kinds of vegetables, deep-fried tofu, and cilantro, catering to plant-based diets.
• Rice Bowls: Offering popular options like Chashu Bowl (pork belly slices with house sauce and poached egg), Spicy Tuna Bowl, and Salmon & Ikura Bowl.
• Toppings and Add-ons: Customizable options including seasoned eggs, extra chashu, menma (bamboo shoots), green onion, woodear mushroom, fried garlic, seaweed, cilantro, and additional noodles (Kaedama for ramen, Moribun for tsukemen).
• Complimentary Additions: Jars of "onikasu" (Japanese chili powder) and chopped garlic are typically available at tables for self-service to customize flavor.

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex stands out in the highly competitive Los Angeles ramen scene due to several unique features and a strong commitment to its distinctive style.

• Jiro-Style Ramen Influence: The Annex is renowned for its take on Jiro-style ramen, which is characterized by an intensely rich and fatty pork broth, thick noodles, and generous toppings (often including large amounts of beansprouts and char siu). This robust style is a key differentiator.
• Exceptional Broth Quality: The signature pork bone broth, especially for their tsukemen, is simmered for over 60 hours, resulting in a thick, deeply flavorful, and often "creamy" consistency that is widely praised. For tsukemen, a seafood stock is also added for extra umami.
• Generous Portions: Customers consistently highlight the "generous portions" of both noodles and toppings, ensuring a highly satisfying and filling meal. The "Deluxe" options are particularly noted for their abundance.
• Distinctive Flavor Profiles: Bowls like the Garlic Ramen are celebrated for their strong, unique flavors that stand out, offering a memorable culinary experience beyond standard ramen.
• Authentic Japanese Experience: Many reviews suggest that dining at Tsujita Annex feels like an "authentically Japanese experience," reminiscent of ramen stalls in Tokyo, contributing to its appeal for those seeking genuine flavors.
• Specialized Tsukemen: While offering excellent ramen, their tsukemen (dipping noodles) remains a significant draw, often considered "unparalleled" and a must-try for ramen enthusiasts due to its rich, condensed broth and perfectly chewy thick noodles.
• Customization Options: The availability of complimentary "onikasu" (chili powder) and chopped garlic at tables allows diners to adjust the spice and garlic levels to their personal preference.
• Vegan Options Available: The inclusion of a Sunrise Vegan Ramen demonstrates their effort to cater to diverse dietary needs, offering a soy-blend soup with a variety of vegetables and tofu.

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex, being a highly popular and well-established ramen spot, generally relies on the consistent quality and reputation of its core menu rather than frequent, public promotions. However, customers can often find value through specific offerings:

• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed in the provided information, many popular ramen restaurants in Los Angeles offer lunch specials that can provide good value during off-peak hours. It's always advisable to check their website or inquire directly.
• Value-Added Toppings/Add-ons: Options like "Moribun (Tsukemen Noodle)" refills for $3.50, and affordable additions like seasoned eggs and various spices, allow diners to enhance their meal without a significant price increase.
• Online Ordering Platforms: Occasionally, promotions might be available through third-party delivery services like Grubhub, Uber Eats, or Postmates, such as percentage discounts on orders or free delivery for first-time users. Checking these platforms regularly can reveal short-term deals.

Given the restaurant's popularity, their main "offer" is often the assurance of a high-quality, authentic, and generously portioned ramen experience.

To experience the rich and authentic flavors of Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex, or for any inquiries, you can reach them through the following details:

Address: 2050 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA

Phone: (424) 248-0226

For locals throughout the California region, especially those deeply immersed in Los Angeles' diverse culinary scene, Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex is more than just a ramen restaurant; it’s a vital part of the Sawtelle experience. Its prime location on Sawtelle Boulevard makes it a convenient and exciting destination, easily accessible for a dedicated ramen outing, despite the sometimes challenging parking conditions of the bustling area.

The primary reason this establishment is so suitable for local Californians is its unwavering commitment to a specific, highly regarded style of ramen: the rich, fatty, and intensely flavorful Jiro-style, and their renowned tsukemen. This offers a distinct experience compared to other ramen shops, appealing to those who appreciate a robust and generous bowl. The "Tsujita quality" is a consistent theme among satisfied customers, ensuring that each visit delivers on expectations of rich broths and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether you opt for the "Deluxe" ramen for its sheer abundance or the "Garlic ramen" for its distinctive punch, you're guaranteed a deeply satisfying meal.

Despite recent operational changes or temporary menu shifts, the core appeal of Tsujita Annex endures due to its reputation for authentic flavors and hearty portions. For those seeking a truly immersive and substantial ramen experience in a lively, albeit sometimes crowded, setting, Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex stands as a testament to culinary excellence. It's a place where you can dive into a bowl that is both a meal and an experience, making it a beloved and indispensable part of the local Los Angeles food landscape.

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex

2050 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA