I've never had yakisoba that blew my mind until I tried Umemura's. A little hole in the wall restaurant with friendly, quick service and homey food. There is a tiny parking lot in the back. Umani yakisoba: 5/5! So yummy and love the mustard that it comes with. The flavors are so addicting, and I love how the bottom is crispy so that there's different textures when you eat. The meat is so flavorful as well, and it's packed with veggies. 0 complaints, just pure enjoyment and comfort in a plate! read more

Umemura Restaurant - Umani yakisoba - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

Soooo comforting and homey. Have heard about this place and thought it'd be perfect to have on a windy cold night. It's kind of easy to miss since it's a quick turn tucked next to a CVS. There's plenty of parking in the back. We walked in and were seated right away. It looked like there was only 1 waitress working when we came in. We got: - Umani Ramen (5/5): big bowl of hearty piping hot ramen. Unlike any ramen flavor I've had, it's flavored with oyster sauce and has a bunch of vegetables. Think it's inspired by Chinese flavors. I enjoyed that it didn't feel as heavy as the typical cream ramen - gyoza (5/5) skin was nice and thin, really flavorful filling. - 1/2! Fried rice (5/5): homey and has that slightly charred taste with imitation crab. Overall so satisfying and friendly service. Felt like I was in Japan again with the jazz music and waitress speaking in Japanese. We'll be back to try the other dishes! read more

Umemura Restaurant - Interior - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

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The staff here are always super sweet and hardworking. You can tell they really care and put in the effort every time. They're amazing! The food is just as good -- consistently solid every visit. I always get the Umani Yakisoba Fried Noodles or the Kanitama Chahan, and both are great. No complaints. Definitely a spot I keep coming back to. read more

Love this place and have been coming here for years for the perfect bowl of mabo ramen! Pictured below is my takeout from last night with extra noodles (after i had eaten most of the tofu up). They give a very generous portion and I'm able to get two meals out of it! They serve a variety dishes of noodles and rice and I've enjoyed all that I tried. It's not a huge restaurant so it does fill up on crowded nights, but I've never had to wait too long. There's also bar stool type seating if you're alone or in a small group. There's a small parking lot behind the restaurant or you can park on the street in front. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Mabo ramen with extra noodles - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

Don't let the exterior deter you from what they serve. Crazy to think Umemura has been around for 45 years! CHINESE x JAPANESE FOOD (FUSED TOGETHER) FOOD 4/5 UMANI YAKISOBA うまに焼きそば was awesome! Pork and veg cooked w/oyster sauce glaze on pan fried noodles GYOZA 餃子 - fresh, soft and delish! 6 pieces, pork and veg fried dumplings MABO RAMEN マーボーラーメン Diced tofu & ground pork cooked with spicy sauce on soy sauce flavored ramen PARKING 4/5 Tons of parking in the back, side, or on Redondo Beach blvd off hours. AMBIENCE 4/5 Small tables and bar seating throughout restaurant read more

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Such a hidden gem! You honestly can't go wrong with any of the umami dishes. I also like that everything is served piping hot. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Umami ramen so good - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

Authentic and delicious Shoyu Ramen. They do indeed take credit cards. What a great recommendation from our neighbor! read more

If you're looking for traditional Japanese comfort food, Umemura is thee place to go! It's located right on Redondo Beach Blvd and they have their own lot in the back so no need to worry about parking! Service is what's SUPER friendly and fast! I remember going to the Little Tokyo location when I was growing up. We would try all of the different ramen varieties, but the umami yakisoba was always my favorite! Crispy pan fried noodles topped with veggies, meat, and eggs topped with a savory gravy and a touch of yellow mustard. I hadn't had it in years and was wondering if it would be similar- it literally made my heart happy when I took them first bite... it literally tasted EXACTLY as I remembered it! So, so good! It was my daughter's first time trying that and the kanitama chahan and she fell in love (lol)! The omelet itself is huge and the Chahan was seasoned perfectly! Will most definitely be back the next time in in South Bay! read more

Umemura Restaurant - Umani Yakisoba - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

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My absolute favorite Japanese-Chinese restaurant in town! Umemura truly feels like "町中華" -- a warm, family-run neighborhood Chinese restaurant just like in Japan. Their Umani Ramen is hands down the best ramen in California... maybe even in the entire US. That's how amazing it is! I also love their Kanitama Chahan (fried rice topped with an imitation crab omelet). Everything is always super fresh, flavorful, and authentically prepared. This place is loved by all my Japanese friends, Japanese American friends, and even my American friends -- everyone falls in love with it! The servers are kind and friendly, and the cozy atmosphere makes every visit feel comforting. Highly, highly recommended! read more

Umemura Restaurant - menu - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

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One of the better ramen shops in the area and they have been there for YEARS. OK, the interior of the restaurant shows its age but the food has remained constant and delicious. I love the broth. You will have a broad selection of ramen to choose from and they have a good amount of side dishes also. Yup; sake and beer also available. Located on Redondo Beach Blvd, about 1/2 bock from the Redondo Beach Blvd., Western Ave intersection read more

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A group of friends get together to break noodles aka ramen slurping every few months and a friend recommended Umemura. Strangely, I never heard of them but the Hubs did. What was formerly a Taco Bell is now a popular old timey ramen place. Since a huge bowl of ramen soup broth with noodles is too much for me, i ordered the fried rice with egg on top. I checked with the server and it was not omurice but still good nonetheless and there was plenty of leftover. The Hubs ordered the Umani Ramen which he declared was the best ramen he's had. I tried the broth and I would agree it was clean, flavorful and most of all, the bowl of ramen was large and plentiful. There's such a warm cozy homey feel in this space. We absolutely would come back. Plenty of parking in the back. When we left, there was a line with what looked the local regulars. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Fried rice - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

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Ramen on another level. A old school ramen restaurant. Ample parking. Primarily caters to smaller groups but can accommodate larger parties. The staff waa very helpful with great suggestions. The broth was so yummy and very generous servings. Look forward to returning! read more

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Shoyu ramen delicious, servers are very friendly.i will comeback nexttime. Very relaxing,and eating place. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

34 years and the quality is still amazing. Hoo Ko Lo is my favorite, but it's all great

Great ramen and this was my ramen place to go when I I worked nearby. This place only open in the evening and they do have their own parking lot behind. The place has been here for ages and you can tell upon walking inside. It really, really needs upgrades to bridge the place up. Most of the time, there will be only one person working, and I think she does a fantastic job of services , seat folks, take order, prep drinks, bring foods out and cashier. The foods haven't change much (just a tiny), the favors have been consistent for decades. When it crowned, she will let you seat outside, front entrance overlook the street and and yes, the service can be slow. They do have beer & sake so that is a plus in my book. Overall, stables ramen place with almost friendly but nice services. read more

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This place is a sleeper hit from outside doesn't like like much is going on but the magik is on the inside it has lots of seating so no need to worry about that and the food is delicious and priced well I got the cashew ramen with 4 slices of pork and it was delicious it came out to $22 so not bad at all for a big ol bowl of ramen read more

Umemura Restaurant - Cashew ramen - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

Finally got a chance to eat at this Gardena local favorite. We ordered the Chashu Ramen and Umani yakisoba the Ramen broth was very complex and flavorful with the right level of salt and al dente textured Ramen noodles. The toppings for both were fresh and well seasoned. All and all the meal was yummy and the service was friendly and attentive. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

Been to Umemura multiple times over the past years and even my parents used to visit here in the 90s. :) A long time favorite for their Umani yakisoba ~The Food~ - Umani Yakisoba ($15): This is our favorite dish from Umemura! It's panfried crispy Yakisoba noodles topped with pork + veggies in an oyster sauce glaze. The noodles are panfried so the surface is crispy, but the noodles on the inside are still soft/chewy. I think this combination with the sauce is perfect. - Gyoza ($8.50): With 6 pieces, this is a great dish to share! The meat filling inside is very nicely flavored and has a stronger garlic flavor to it. The skin is not too thick, perfectly panfried to crisp on the bottom. - 1/2 Fried Rice ($7.50): I love that they offer a small half sized portion of the fried rice. It's the perfect amount as a side dish and we actually like eating the fried rice with the oyster glaze from the umani yakisoba. - Hoi-ko-lo Rice ($15): This was our first time trying the Hoi-ko-lo Rice and it was pretty good! The pork was pretty cripsy, and the veggies were cooked perfectly! I do think it could've used a bit more flavor, but it was still very good! ~Parking~ There is a decent sized parking lot behind the restaurant! Usually, I don't have any issues finding a spot. ~Overall~ Umemura has been here in Gardena for many years and for a good reason :) their older building gives the restaurant a cozy/homey vibe to it that I think adds to the whole experience! Their staff is very friendly, their service is fast, prices are very reasonable. The restaurant isn't large so on busy weekends, you may have to wait a bit for a table, but it'll be worth the wait. Overall, I highly recommend trying for anyone interested in Japanese comfort food. read more

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The ramen here is always delicious. Sometimes after a long day we just wish for a tasty noodle soup that is packed with flavor. Over the years we've come here for ramen and the quality is still good. Every time I order ramen it comes out piping hot so you know it's made to order. Although the portion has shrank a little, the prices are still reasonable. I still feel like this is one of the few decent ramen places around the south bay. It's across the street from tomozo ramen. The waitress has been here forever she is so nice and friendly. Every time we come the service is great. My parents and I already have our favs. This time I wanted to try the wonton ramen but they were out of wontons.. bummer. But I like their umani ramen and their tan tan miso ramen. I recommend trying the ramen here. read more

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Still Just as Delicious as Always It had been a while, but I decided to get the umani yakisoba to-go--and wow, it was just as good as I remembered. That savory, comforting flavor hasn't changed a bit. I also ordered the fried rice and gyoza this time, and honestly, I left super full and happy. Everything tasted great and hit the spot. Gotta love that consistent, classic flavor. Definitely coming back again soon! read more

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I see some wack reviews on here and I couldn't take it and had to disrupt the nonsense. I'm sorry but- if you know... you KNOW. Ramen started trending like 10 years ago, and the general public only really know Tonkotsu ramen. The rest of us though know that ramen has a RANGE of varieties, and Umemura is the OG spot that is STILL here for a reason: they are the real deal. We've been coming here since the 90's with my dad (rest in love). He's from Japan and this was hands-down his favorite restaurant on any given day. You won't even find Tonkotsu ramen on the menu bc -NEWSFLASH- that ain't the only kind there is. Our favorites are the Mabo, Hoikoro, Umani and also the Kanitama ramen. The broth is shoyu or soy sauce based which is why those who are used to the "creamy" broth are going to be disappointed- that's not what the specialty is here. If that's what you're looking for, go elsewhere. The gyoza here is the classic kind that you get in Japan- not the super crispy kind the come in one piece like the trends on TikTok, but if you're interested in what real gyoza is supposed to taste like- look no further. We also love the Mabo and Kanitama rice dishes too- just rice versions of the ramen. As for service, the sweet lady who is always there has been holding it down since the 90's and is consistently on point. She remembered me the other day and said "long time no see." Even though I live down the street I haven't been back since my dad passed away so it was super nostalgic and special that she remembered. This place has been here since day 1 and isn't going anywhere- I hope. Umemura is a Gardena gem. And it's pronounced "U-ME-mura" not "Ume-MU-ra." Just fyi. read more

I have been coming here for the last thirty years and it's just as delicious every time I visit. I also frequent many other great ramen spots in the area too, but this is my go-to play for a good shoyu-based broth. Definitely a must try if you're in Gardena! read more

Umemura Restaurant is an old school restaurant that has been around for a long time. This was my first time eating here. I ordered the shoyu ramen and 1/2 fried rice. My friend ordered the won ton ramen and gyoza. The shoyu ramen was a little on the salty side. The noodles were nice and firm and came with menma, char siu, half boiled egg, green onions and some green veggies. The fried rice was also salty and it was interesting that is had imitation crab and corn in it. The gyoza was good. The 2 ladies that were waiting on us were very nice and came to check on us as we ate. read more

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I've passed by Umemura restaurant many times but never tried it until now. I saw Bill and Lisa's blog and decided to give it a go with four of my martial arts students. The food is good and comparable to other new ramen spots in the area. The service is prompt, and the prices are very reasonable for the generous portions you receive. Overall, a solid place worth visiting again. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Chashu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

Yes, on the hottest day of the heat wave my friend and I decided to have ramen for dinner and we have no regrets! Umemura is a Gardena landmark and if you've ever been you know there's a big difference between their ramen and other spots in the area. The homemade noodles just taste different (better even than others), the broth is light, deep, and flavorful, the ingredients are fresh. Service was great! Friendly server! You will leave here well-fed!!! read more

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Food has been consistently great since I can remember. I usually get the Umani Ramen with side order gyoza. The service is great as well. Very experienced waitresses that take their job seriously. Very professional. You may have seen them at other restaurants also. They love their job so much they can't get enough. read more

Mediocre ramen Literally just broth and noodles, before ordering I asked if I could add vegetables for an additional charge and the server told me no. So you get a huge bowl of watered down ramen and noodles. That's it. Super confused where the good reviews are coming from. read more

This is an old school ramen restaurant with a creative twist. And it's amazing. Umemura is Japanese comfort food at its best. Hand made ramen noodles served in so many creative ways. Personal favorite being the Umani Yakisoba. Fried rice, gyoza, mabo tofu, etc. All the Japanese comfort food hits and then some. Adding to the charm is the restaurant itself. Seems like an old Taco Bell repurposed into a Japanese comfort food restaurant. It's as charming as it gets in the best, old school way possible. read more

I can't believe we've lived here for nearly 30 years and never came to Umemura! Well, the exterior of the restaurant may give the indication of a place one might want to stay away from. It was for us, until people we know personally to have excellent taste in food highly recommended Umemura, saying the place was their go-to for classic "chuuka ryouri". I was craving a true Japanese-style Chinese dishes so didn't waste any time trying out the food. Boy, were we glad we did! The place is truly an old school chuuka place like ones you find EVERYWHERE in Japan! Ramen, gyoza, and cha-han (fried rice)! They are spot-on. I can't make my fried rice like they do at those joints no matter how creative I get! Not too greasy with just the right seasoning, rice not sticky or lumpy, and so much flavor! Gyoza has the right amount of veg and meat- more veg and less meat, which is the old school way. Ramen and fried noodles are NOT fancy. There is nothing interesting or innovative about it. Just good, traditional chuuka soba! What is not to love? Since the first time (and that was only 2 months ago!) we eat here almost every other week. Our favorites are: umani yakisoba, miso tanmen (OMG the best), gyoza, and cha-han! Go try it! read more

Love their gyoza and umami ramen. Portions are filling. Service is quick for dine in. To go orders can take up to 40 minutes on a busy day. Restaurant is old as it used to be an original taco bell restaurant. It is a casual place for food. There is also rice plates to enjoy if not in the mood for ramen. The old skool vibe is nostalgic. read more

One of the South Bay spots we enjoy going to. We like to get the tanmen and shoyu, occasionally with a side of gyoza. Their ramen is pretty consistent, served hot in large bowls and their noodles fairly al dente. If you want an egg, you have to add it in the tanmen because it doesn't come with one, but it does come with a lot of veggies and a rich broth! The shoyu on the other hand is more simple with bamboo shoots, spinach and half an egg. Overall it's enjoyable when we come here and we know what to expect. Food is good but the service can be improved upon. It can be rather slow bc they are understaffed. The waitresses are really nice and work hard but balancing taking orders (in person and on phone), serving food, processing payment and busing tables is a lot for two people. If we're tight for time we usually don't go here for that reason. They do accept card now so it's nice not having to remember to bring cash every time and there is a private lot in the back and street parking if it gets filled. Still a spot worth checking out! read more

I've been coming here well over 30 years, I don't know how long Umemura has been open but is always a joy to come here. Anything from the menu is excellent. My all time favorites are Tan Tan Miso and the umami yakisoba, there is yakisona alike anywhere else, at least I have not found it yet. Service is great. The staff are always very courteous and food is prepared you care, fresh and not to mention they make their own noodles and prices are very affordable. I highly recommend this place i guarantee you will enjoy it. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Umami yakisoba and tan tan miso - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

Umemura is a great place, their Yakisoba is delicious and a staple for Japanese comfort food, we also enjoy the gyoza, it has also been operating for many year and the food is always delicious and consistent, you can not go wrong with this place, I recommend it highly! read more

Amazing authentic great taste! Fast service authentic ambience I love it we come here all the time read more

Umemura Restaurant - So delicious we ate it all - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

An oldie but goodie ramen shop in Gardena! I've passed by Umemura Restaurant so many times in the past few years but it was only recently that I got to try this ramen shop out. Their menu consists of a variety of different ramen noodle soups, fried noodles and rice dishes. They are definitely not your typical ramen shop and so don't expect to find karaage here. Instead you'll find Ramen noodle soups like Chashu Ramen, Kanitama Ramen and Wonton Ramen. My choice for the first visit here was the Umani Ramen. The Umani Ramen per Yelpers is a favorite. It has pork and vegetable with oyster sauce glaze on soy sauce flavored ramen. The Umani reminded me of the Japanese word "umami" which is one of the core tastes and I fully expected a umami flavor with the Umani. For me; I can definitely say their ramen here is different. The broth has homemade feels that made me feel like this is something I would enjoy from mom's home cooking. I also really liked how they put a lot of vegetables in it. Overall it's a nice little spot when in the area and if you are looking for something a bit different from the traditional popular ramen styles. read more

Umemura Restaurant - Umami ramen - Ramen Near Me - Gardena, California

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Solid food. Gyoza, fried rice, and their umami pan fried yakisoba is just killer. Been craving the yakisoba for the past month. Definite repeat and highly recommend. It's no wonder this place has been around for so long. read more

Great ramen dishes and their Kata Yaki Soba is the best. Service is always friendly and quick.

Solid Japanese noodle restaurant. Lots of ramen choices with housemade thin noodles. Portions were generous. We had their gyoza, wonton ramen, and umami yakisoba. All very yummy and very flavorful....loved that the yakisoba had a lot of veggies in it and the umami sauce was different from other yakusobas ive had, very tasty. Wonton fillings were very small. Food came out quick and piping hot. Service was friendly and prompt as well. They have their own parking lot behind the restaurant. Prices were fair given the large portions. Would return to try some other ramen flavors. It's been around for over 40 years in Gardena I think! read more

As an old school "Showa" period dude born in Yokohama, this joint is still the best!! Kanitama Ramen, also known as "TenshinMen" where I grew up is my favorite!! Chahan (fried rice) and gyoza also just like I remember........got to thank the Ramen Gods for Umemura, the last of the Chuka style Chinese Ramen joints in the USA!! read more

I moved across town to Pasadena pre-pandemic and so haven't had the chance to come back. But this past weekend, I was in the Hawthorne area and so I made another visit to Umemura 5 years later - since my last review! Everything I remember held true -- massive bowls of piping hot ramen. Incredible flavor, outstanding value for the money, and versions of ramen that were far more unique than the standard shoyu, miso and tonkotsu ramens that are a dime-a-dozen across LA. They have, for example, mapo tofu ramen and spicy ground pork ramen - both of which I've had previously; both of which are delicious. I still love the large parking lot behind the restaurant, I still love the friendliness of the kind old ladies who serve as the waitstaff, but the two improvements they've made since my last review: 1) They now take credit card! 2) They've fixed the A/C! read more