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    Afuri

    4.4 (955 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Afuri Reservations

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    AFURI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Afuri

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    Reviews With Photos

    Krista F.

    Solid fast casual spot, found on inKind. Delicious broth and ramen. Really liked the shrimp app and basque cheesecake.

    Hamachi Carpaccio (a yellow tail)
    Carrie J.

    The place is cute. Open concept with kitchen. Saki bar and outdoor seating. Not very many servers on a Monday afternoon. The server was very quiet spoken and friendly. The Tonkotsu ramen was ok, it lacked some flavor. The Hamachi Carppaccio and Crispy ramen eggs were very good. Overall the experience was decent not the best but definitely not the worse.

    Spicy Tori Karaage
    Jimmy S.

    Came here with my brother on a Monday night and immediately loved the vibes at Afuri in the Arts District. It has that clean, modern feel but still relaxed enough to enjoy a good bowl of ramen and actually have a conversation. It was quiet enough to talk comfortably, which I appreciated. We started with the spicy tori karaage and that was easily one of the highlights. Super crispy, juicy, and the spice level hit just right without being overwhelming. Definitely a must-order. For drinks, I had the yuzu limeade which was really refreshing, and we also grabbed their brewed yuzu lager (even took one to go). Both had a bright citrus flavor that pairs really well with richer dishes. I ordered the tonkotsu shio ramen and really enjoyed it. The broth was rich but not too heavy, and the noodles had a great texture. I just wish it came with another piece of chashu. Also, no nori included and it's a $3 add-on, which feels a bit unnecessary. My brother got the kara-tsuyu tsukemen with iced genmaicha. I tried his and thought it was excellent. The thick noodles soaked up the dipping sauce really well, and compared to Tsujita, it felt lighter with a subtle citrus note that helped cut through the richness. Still flavorful, just not as heavy. Service was excellent. Our server was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed without hovering. Parking: free street parking is available but can be limited at night. There are paid public lots nearby if you don't want to circle. Overall, a really solid ramen spot with a slightly lighter, more refreshing take on classic flavors. I'd definitely come back to try more of their menu, especially since they also offer sushi and sashimi. Pro tip: get the karaage, and go spicy if you can handle it. And don't skip the yuzu drinks.

    Shio Ramen - bright, fresh, yuzu flavor
    Tina T.

    Stopped by Afuri on a weekday evening and lucked out by arriving just in time for happy hour. My husband and I ordered the Yuzu Shio Ramen, Yuzu Tsuyu Tsukemen, Crispy Ramen Eggs, Assorted Yakitori, and the Momo cocktail. We originally wanted to try the wagyu tartare we saw on the online menu, but it had been replaced with a wagyu skirt steak at the restaurant, so we pivoted to appetizers instead. The Yuzu Shio Ramen, Crispy Ramen Eggs, and Yakitori were all amazing. Ramen eggs are already one of my favorite things - but making them crispy? Absolute genius. The ramen itself was incredible too. I'd never had yuzu in ramen before, and it added such a fresh, bright quality to the broth. The yakitori was perfectly seasoned and cooked, with one skewer each of pork, meatball, and chicken - all super tender. The Yuzu Tsuyu Tsukemen leaned more toward a vinegar-forward flavor profile than yuzu, which I didn't mind, but if you're coming specifically for the yuzu flavors, I'd recommend sticking with the non-dipping ramen. The Momo cocktail was also great - strong peach flavor that didn't overpower the alcohol, but complemented it really nicely. Overall, a solid spot with great execution, and we'll definitely be back.

    Ate here for lunch on Labor Day. Great service despite the business. Rachel was our server, I think that was her name. Food was delicious and came out quick. Love this place.

    Luke L.

    Stopped by here with a friend on Sunday evening for food after attending a gathering at a nearby bar in the area. The restaurant was not crowded and had multiple options for seating with tables and also a large center table in the middle for communal seating. Service was attentive and quick to take our orders and deliver them. We ordered two of the Tonkotsu Shios and shared a Karaage. They were alright and about what I expect from a ramen place, good but nothing stood out as something that I would make the trek back to have again. The karaage was also fine, very juicy and not fried to the point it's a hassle to get into my mouth. Will have to make at least one more stop here to try one of their yuzu options.

    tonkotsu shio (gfo)
    Rhea M.

    Popped in on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend and it wasn't crowded at all. We got seated immediately. We got the tonkotsu shio and the karage. Tbf to the restaurant we didn't try their yuzu broths, but we both enjoyed our ramen. My main complaint was the egg was cold and nearly tasteless. What really made it special was the chashu was flavorful and had this great smokey flavor to it. A lot ramen restaurants I've been to only give really fatty pieces of meat, but the chashu here was really memorable and the highlight for me. The karage wasn't my favorite because it was like a ball of fried chicken, but it was plentiful when it came to the actual amount of meat you got. The set up is the restaurant is fun and the service is really quick. I'll definitely be back!

    Egg Mazemen
    Tiffany C.

    All day happy hour at the bar or patio M-F! Came to try this place at 4pm before the dinner rush. There were some people there who just got off work too. We ordered two noodle dishes and both were pretty good but I've had better. I would come back if I was in the area. The frozen part of the Kirin tasted like Yuzu.

    yuzu tsuyu tsukemen
    Amanda Y.

    I love Afuri and it's my favorite ramen place in LA. I always bring visiting friends and family to this spot to share it with them! First of all, street parking is not too bad in this area and there is a paid lot on the side of the block if you prefer. Walking inside, the space is nice and open, but also the ambiance is cozy at the same time with the communal center tables. Food is excellent, of course. The yuzu flavor in the ramen add a brightness that balances the flavors just right, and it is so unique and delicious. My fav is the yuzu ratan and if you are feeling something richer, the hazelnut tantan will hit the spot! For brothless, I enjoy the yuzu-tsuyu. In terms of apps, the spicy karaage was great and had perfect flavor abd crunchy-moist ratio, though it was hardly spicy. Service is always on point and friendly. Afuri never disappoints!

    Anna N.

    We came here 3 years ago and now we are back! Their menu has changed quite a bit and I love the new items on their (new to us ). This is what we ordered: Yuzu Shio Edamame $8 - loved this appetizer so much! It was my first time eating it with yuzu shio flavor and it made the edamame taste really refreshing! Also love the black pepper and garlic chips on top :) Tsukune $18 - This is their pork meatball with shishito. I wasn't a huge fan of this, it tasted like a meat filling from a dumpling and then fried it. Spicy Pork Tacos $11 - This was pretty good! Love the crispy gyoza shell. Went so well with the pork, lime, cucumber, onions and the other toppings it came with. Perfect little bite~ Kara Tsuyu $21 - Yummy ramen with their kakuni pork! It comes with a side of spicy dipping sauce which my fiance enjoyed.

    yuzu shoyu
    Garvey S.

    Came here with a group of friends for a birthday dinner. We arrived on a Saturday evening after finding street parking nearby. We were able to get a large table for our group, and service was quick to take care of us and our orders. I got the yuzu shoyu ramen. It was delicious, rich, and hearty. The toppings and ingredients blended nicely, and the ramen was a perfect al dente. I couldn't really taste the yuzu in the broth myself, but I don't tend to notice the subtle tastes unfortunately. However, everything was delicious! My group enjoyed their time here!

    yuzu tsuyu tsukemen
    Vi H.

    AMAZING! Such a unique ramen spot and the flavors and dishes were some I've never seen before! The inside is super nice too with lots of seating and a bar. I got the yuzu tsukemen with cold noodles and it was soooo good. If you've never had cold ramen before, I implore everyone to try it. So refreshing and the noodle texture is perfectly firm and chewy. The dipping soup is also amazing in flavor. So yummy and great service too! Food came out fast and hot the spot!

    Karaage
    Jo C.

    Yummy freshly made ramen! Love the yuzu broth especially on a hot day when I just want something refreshing and not too heavy. Service is prompt. Karaage is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and they're real big! Sashimi ain't the best so I wouldn't recommend ordering it. Just focus on the ramen and karaage. This place is spacious and is very clean. Parking a bit of a pain; hopefully they can open another location where parking would be easier.

    yuzu tsuyu tsukemen

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    Page 2 of 24

    Afuri Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Afuri

    Is there vegetarian broth ramen?

    I believe they do have hazelnut broth or with Yuzu for vegan choices. Most of the broth they use is chicken broth, and couple of the ramen use the tonkatsu (pork broth). U could check out their full menu, and it shows what kind of broth they hv.

    This place is listed as having outdoor seating. Is that still available?

    Yes there was plenty of outdoor seating when I went with lots eating outside

    Is there MSG in the broth?

    Yes! There is always MSG in broth. Even when Ramen shops do not put in 'MSG', they come in other forms like dashi etc.… 

    Are the ramen noodles made with egg in their ingredients? (I have an egg allergy.)

    Yeah they use egg in there noodles. Another review confirmed it too https://www.yelp.com/biz/afuri-los-angeles-2?hrid=stzuBiQEKCulODPyI0tHOg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

    Is the gluten free ramen option fully gluten free (soy sauce, etc)? I.e. safe for celiac?

    They have a broth that is gluten-free.

    Dogs allowed at the patio?

    Yep!

    Hi, where do you park?

    Street parking is FREE, or else nearby attended parking lots are $7 now no longer $5.

    Is there a gluten free noodle option?

    They do have gluten free options for the yuzu shio and tonkatsu shio as listed on their menu online

    Where do we park?

    Street parking and the pay lot **don't park at those right next to the black and white building, you will get a tix.

    Is take out order available?

    Yes!

    Where to park?

    Street parking or a pay public parking near by, do not park at those spots right near the restaurant, I saw 5 cars got tix on a Sunday. I posted 2 photos regarding parking, you can take a look, hope it helps :)

    Do you have any vegetarian or pescatarian options?

    Yes, there is a vegetarian ramen on the menu. It's the hazelnut Tantanmen. They also have gluten free options.… 

    Are there any gluten free or vegan options?

    Yes both. It says so on the menu. Their whole thing is "ramen for everyone" they are very accommodating.

    What are the hours for this restaurant?

    https://instagram.com/afuriramen_la/

    What are the hours?

    https://instagram.com/afuriramen_la/

    View All 18 Questions

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    Daikokuya Little Tokyo - Daikoku Ramen

    Daikokuya Little Tokyo

    4.1(10k reviews)
    1.1 miLittle Tokyo, Downtown
    $$

    Daikokuya is a long time staple of Little Tokyo, whenever I'm in town on business or vacation I…read moremake a point to visit. Their ramen noodles are always cooked perfectly (I like them a little firm) and their broths are super flavorful, their eggs cooked perfectly. I usually enjoy their spicy or black garlic broths which add extra kicks. Daikokuya can be busy throughout the day, but there servers and kitchen staff work hard to turn around orders and tables relatively quickly. Anytime is a good time for ramen from Daikokuya.

    Daikokuya is a solid ramen franchise from the Bishamon group. I miss how close the Hacienda…read morelocation one back in the day, and now the closest one to me is the MPK location, but if any of my out of town, out of state, out of country friends are visiting and they have a hankering for ramen with a strong, but not super heavy kotteri flavor. The location isn't super big and it does get super busy with people putting their names on the wait list and people queueing busily outside (overflow of people waiting for many of the other restaurants along this part of the block too). Overall the ramen isn't bad, chashu is nice and fatty and tender. Ramen is rich and filling. It's nice that it already comes with an egg too and you don't have to add another one. Lots of other side dishes and combos too if someone in your party doesn't want ramen. However, with the increases in prices, the fact that there's many other options in LT, and the fact that there are other Daikokuya locations, it's an alright LT option.

    Photos
    Daikokuya Little Tokyo - Inside

    Inside

    Daikokuya Little Tokyo - Spicy Miso Ramen

    Spicy Miso Ramen

    Daikokuya Little Tokyo - Bishamon Sake

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    Bishamon Sake

    RAKKAN Ramen - DTLA - SPICY GARNET is made with an original blend of spicy miso. Enjoy with our Spicy Beef Gyoza for an extra kick!

    RAKKAN Ramen - DTLA

    4.2(1.3k reviews)
    1.1 miLittle Tokyo, Downtown
    $$
    Vegan friendly
    Kitchen open late

    Didn't sit inside as it was stuffy, so we sat outside which was warm but at least there was air…read more Our server was great and helpful. Vegan TanTan Tsukemen (5/5 stars) - it's not easy find a ramen place that has good vegetarian ramen let alone vegan, this one was delicious, very refreshing, and I'm glad I got the broth cold since it was so hot, the broth is a miso soy milk combo and it works super well in having flavor and creaminess Overall, great vegan ramen!

    It was my second visit here. The first one was OK. This time it was just passable. There are…read moreseveral really good ramen restaurants in Little Tokyo so I don't see a 3rd visit happening. I was craving ramen and ordered the Ruby, with a miso-based broth. The description says, "Chicken chashu and perfectly seared shrimp create the perfect pairing, while bamboo shoots, green onion, and a seasoned egg add layers of texture and taste." The broth was indeed very good, and almost hot. Everything *in* it was not very warm: I think they left it to the broth to heat up the chicken, the egg, the noodles, and even cook the shrimp. The broth couldn't do all that. 10 minutes in, the egg halves and the chicken were still very cool inside, and the shrimp were still translucent. As you can see in the picture, they were not seared at all on arrival as per the menu. I told the waitress they weren't cooked; she said they were, but I took her up on her offer to have them "toasted." They came back w sear marks on top and still translucent underneath. The chicken is very tender, but it wasn't "chashu" as the descriptions says, either: just plain white poached chicken with no particular flavor. With this I got a melon float. It was delicious, but no spoon for the ice cream, so I used my ramen spoon. And I got the bill while I was involved with this process -- there was nobody else in the restaurant at this point, so there was no reason to hurry. Even though the waitress said "take your time"... it's hard not to feel rushed when they push the bill on you while you're still eating. Altogether not a nice experience. Next time I'll go back to Hachioji, Mr Ramen, or Shin-Sen-Gumi, which have been consistently great.

    Photos
    RAKKAN Ramen - DTLA - Healthy and Tasty, Our ramen is made with 100% plant-based broth. (QUARTZ Vegan)

    Healthy and Tasty, Our ramen is made with 100% plant-based broth. (QUARTZ Vegan)

    RAKKAN Ramen - DTLA - Vegan Gyoza are crunchy, crispy and packed with delicious vegetables like edamame, cabbage and carrots!

    Vegan Gyoza are crunchy, crispy and packed with delicious vegetables like edamame, cabbage and carrots!

    RAKKAN Ramen - DTLA - Kanikama Sushi Bites come topped with savory teriyaki sauce and crunchy fried onions!

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    Kanikama Sushi Bites come topped with savory teriyaki sauce and crunchy fried onions!

    Hachioji Craft Ramen - Hachioji Shoyu Ramen w/ Duck

    Hachioji Craft Ramen

    4.2(463 reviews)
    1.1 miLittle Tokyo, Downtown
    $$

    One of our must-go ramen shops whenever we visit LA! It was really hot in LA this time and we were…read morealready sweating like crazy but that didn't stop us from eating some good ramen! We usually order the same ramen but my husband and son decided to try something different this time. My husband ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen and my son ordered the Shio Ramen. Mine was, of course, delicious as always but I tried theirs too and they were both very tasty! Our only complaint was that it was also very warm inside the restaurant. We were hoping to cool down a little while we ate but unfortunately, that wish was not granted. LOL We still really enjoyed the food, though! And my husband definitely enjoyed his cold beer!

    TLDR: Go for gluten free experience, avoid for other dishes…read moreThe only positive part of this experience was that they offered gluten free noodles and specific gluten free broths for my brother with Celiac who hasn't had ramen in years. They were very knowledgeable in what was gluten free and what wasn't. The only unfortunate part is that all the meats are marinated in a sauce that is not gluten free. So you can only get tofu or no protein. Even if you select no protein, it comes out to be the same price. Other than the gluten free ramen, we ordered a karage bowl, dry spicy ramen, and spicy tuna roll. The karage bowl had chicken that was NOT fried. I'm not sure how it's cooked but the chicken came out slimy. I was very disappointed as I was looking forward to crunchy karage. The dry ramen had noodles that were way overcooked. The flavoring was okay. Nothing to be impressed about. The spicy tuna roll was probably the best thing there. They had pickled yellow radish that we thought was interesting.

    Photos
    Hachioji Craft Ramen - Interior

    Interior

    Hachioji Craft Ramen - Hachioji Bun Burger

    Hachioji Bun Burger

    Hachioji Craft Ramen - Sapporo Beer

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    Men Oh Tokushima Ramen

    Men Oh Tokushima Ramen

    4.1(1.5k reviews)
    0.9 miLittle Tokyo, Downtown
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Kid friendly

    We were looking for a place to eat for lunch and we haven't had ramen in a minute so we decided to…read morestop by before we head back home to Bakersfield. If you have not been to this ramen spot, you are missing out! I still remember that broth like it was yesterday..... so flavorful, so rich, delicious umami flavors. There's not a lot of seating here and there's also not a long line; however, weirdly when we visited people came exactly when another person was leaving. I don't know if it was just timed perfectly or what, but this place definitely stays busy. If you're not afraid of garlic then I would highly recommend the black garlic for sure and of course don't forget to order your extra egg for good luck! You have to pay for the parking area to get into the gated area, but it's not too bad. They won't let you in the gated area if there's no parking which is probably how they have consistent guests but also kind of timed perfectly. I mean, there are other restaurants nearby also that are as busy, but that's what I noticed when I came. I'm always in the area and there's too many delicious food spots in Southern California, but I would love to come back to this one. The staff was also really nice and gave us our space. Restrooms were okay, we came in the afternoon so it wasn't spotless, but it wasn't too bad either.

    This was my first time trying this place out. 1. Staff were…read morefriendly and attentive. 2. Ramen Soup broth was amazingly tasty, best part was that it wasn't too salty. 3. Chicken Karaage was very good. I ordered the Black Garlic Ramen and Chicken Karaage. The Chiasu was tender and cut thick. I really enjoyed having lunch here. While I was there, people were coming in and out, and the place fills up. The manager/owner was Japanese and was very friendly.

    Photos
    Men Oh Tokushima Ramen
    Men Oh Tokushima Ramen
    Men Oh Tokushima Ramen

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    Maruya - Chirashi

    Maruya

    3.7(957 reviews)
    1.1 miLittle Tokyo, Downtown
    $$

    Every time I come to little Tokyo, this is the place I go to eat. Amazing Ramen bowls, fresh…read moresushi, and great Japanese spirits from rice beer, to sake, to shochu. This is the place to eat in little Tokyo!

    Little Tokyo Ramen Crawl: Maruya Some days you just get a…read morecraving. Not a specific one, not a "I need this exact dish" kind of craving -- just a deep, nagging need for a bowl of noodles. That's the mood that pulled me into Maruya in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. I ordered the chashu tonkotsu, the classic go-to when you want to judge a ramen shop by its bones. And the verdict? It was... fine. Not bad, not memorable -- just okay. The kind of bowl that doesn't offend you but doesn't linger in your memory either. No standout richness in the broth, no chashu slice that made me pause mid-bite. Just noodles, doing their job. This is actually the second ramen spot I've tried in Little Tokyo, and I'll admit -- I'm starting to feel a little underwhelmed by the neighborhood's ramen scene so far. For a pocket of the city with so much culinary history packed into a few blocks, I expected to be a bit more wowed by now. Two tries in, and I'm still searching for that bowl that stops me in my tracks. What did stand out, though, was the service. The staff at Maruya were genuinely warm and helpful -- attentive without hovering, quick to check in, the kind of hospitality that makes you want to root for the place even when the food doesn't quite deliver. It's the kind of detail that softens an otherwise middling meal. So, Little Tokyo ramen crawl: two down, verdict still out. The people have been great. The noodles? I'm still waiting to be impressed. On to the next bowl.

    Photos
    Maruya - Inside

    Inside

    Maruya - California Roll

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    Tsujita Artisan Noodle - Chashu Ramen

    Tsujita Artisan Noodle

    4.1(174 reviews)
    0.8 miArts District, Downtown
    $$

    There is no better place to get dipping ramen than Tsujita!…read more The one in sawtelle always packed with a wait- this one you could walk right in! Don't bother getting anything else except the chashu tsukemen for food. It's THAT good!!! Also if you want to treat yourself- get the $6 apple juice that's won several awards. Lowkey expensive but you get why when you taste it. Best apple juice I've ever had- and I grew up in the northeast.

    I thought Tsujita Artisan Noodle was really good, though I still don't feel like I've found my…read moreperfect ramen spot yet. I ordered the spicy tonkotsu and loved the flavor, especially the chashu. I'm usually a pork belly person, but the chashu was so flavorful that I genuinely think I'll start choosing it instead from now on. Everything came out piping hot, which normally sounds like a compliment, but it was almost too hot to comfortably eat. Weirdly, we actually enjoyed the leftovers even more reheated at home. I do wish I'd tried the thicker noodles, but paying an extra $3 just to switch noodle styles felt a little ridiculous. We also tried the gyoza, which were good, but I wish they had come with a more traditional soy-based dipping sauce instead of already being dressed in chili oil. I'd definitely come back, especially to try the dipping ramen. I'd never had tsukemen before, and it sounded so good that I was already regretting not ordering it by the end of the meal.

    Photos
    Tsujita Artisan Noodle
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    Afuri - ramen - Updated September 2026

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