I think Tatsu Ramen has the best ramen in Los Angeles. From the perfectly textured noodles and the deeply flavored broths, to the freshly grated garlic and ground sesame seeds, this place is amazing.
My brother introduced me to Tatsu Ramen on Melrose a few years ago and it's hands down the best ramen I've had in LA.
Ever since, I've been frequenting the Sawtelle location, which is closer to me.
Review of Tatsu Ramen
The Vibe at the Melrose Tatsu
Let's start with the awesome mural. The owner of Tatsu Ramen restaurant, Ryu Isobe was born in the Year of the Dragon, hence the awesome art, and it's clearly no coincidence that "tatsu" means dragon in Japanese.
The first things you'll see when you enter the casual and hip restaurant, are several iPads along a clean white wall.
Just click away on the images that suit you -- and if there's something you don't want in your ramen, there's a place to click for that, too. You can also add more or less of anything in your ramen. And you can even order some cool Tatsu Ramen merch while you're at it.
It's quick, easy, and kinda fun.
There's a very cool room inside the room-- or box, if you will. It's just across from the iPads.
The walls of this "box" are glass and there's one person inside working with ramen dough -- making the dough, shaping it, putting it through rollers and cutting it.
Two types of ramen noodles are being made -- one with egg and one without.
Once made, the beautiful bundles of ramen noodles are all put into large plastic tubs, and then they're whisked away to the kitchen where they'll be at the ready for the next orders.
There's more culinary magic happening in the kitchen.
What to Order at Tatsu Ramen
Honestly, anything you order will be fantastic.
- My two favorites are the Soul Ramen and Bold Ramen.
- The Soul Ramen includes black garlic oil, sweet umami sauce and ground beef. It's absolutely incredible. I always add and egg to my order.
- The Bold Ramen is made with pork broth that I'm told takes 28 hours to prepare. It includes an egg, scallions and fried onions. I usually opt to add the chicken. It's so tender and juicy!
- If you're vegetarian, the Hippie Ramen is great. It's flavored with sweet onions, soy sauce and ginger.
- The Tatsu Egg! You must try this delicious, seasoned soft-boiled egg in your ramen. You're missing out if you skip it.
- They also have gluten-free ramen on the. Be careful though, many of the broths and some of the add-ins include soy sauce, which contains gluten. Ask your server before ordering.
There a many other scrumptious items on the menu, including a Wagyu Ramen Burger and a Juicy Pork Bun. You can see the whole menu here.
The Condiments
The first time I went to Tatsu Ramen, I spotted a woman at a table squeezing fresh garlic into her ramen with a garlic press. I assumed she worked at the restaurant since she was using kitchen tools.
As it turned out, every table has a garlic presses and a container of freshly peeled garlic. Brilliant!
This is the Soul Ramen, with added slices of tofu . . . 
There are also containers of dry seaweed and a sesame seed grinders. Ever had freshly ground sesame seeds over your ramen? You must try it.
I know own one of those awesome sesame seed grinders and use it all the time.
Most of bowls have great anime art at the bottom. How fun is that!? 
Tatsu Ramen locations in Los Angeles and NYC:
- 2123 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 - (310) 684-2889
- 7111 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 - (323) 747-1388 (pictured above)
- 319-9 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105 - (626) 345-5688
- 167 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003 - (929) 284-7088
I would definitely suggest arriving ahead of time -- you can't make a reservation and there's almost always a line. I promise thought, it's well worth the wait!
Enjoy!
An excellent video interview about Tatsu Ramen with owner Ryu Isobe . . .
This is not a sponsored post. I wrote about Tatsu Ramen because I love it!
A Few of my Asian Noodle Recipes
Catherine
Good Morning Valentina! You have an awesome brother, thanks so much for sharing! I am sure now that he is back, you are so happy and will be spending more time together. The restaurant looks wonderful and thanks too, for sharing a video. We have some great Chinese restaurants where I live but nothing like this. Have a great day sweetie!
valentina
Thanks so much, Catherine! I hope you have a lovely day, too. 🙂
David
Wow - I wish we had a place like that here! Sounds fun, and soooo good!
valentina
David, next time you're in LA . . . . 🙂
Judy at My Well Seasoned Life
What a great story and experience. I can't wait to try the Melrose location out.
valentina
Judy, I think you'll love it! Soul food! 🙂
Arthur in the Garden!
Yummy!
valentina
It really is!
Erika Kerekes {Not Ketchup}
My older son took me to Tatsu Ramen (on Sawtelle) earlier this year. Loved it!
valentina
Your son has good taste! 🙂 xo
Kelly
What a fun place! I love the DIY with the condiments!
valentina
Thanks, Kelly! We'll have to do a GG visit there. 🙂
Sippitysup
Ahhh. I shared a room with my brother until I was 12 or so. We used to taunt each other until one of started crying. Usually my parents had to come into the room and shut us up. Good times! Maybe I should stick his face in a bowl of noodles! GREG
valentina
Excellent plan, Greg. Just be sure the broth is very hot. 😉 Actually too good to waste. Eat them instead. xo
Boastful Food
Valentina this is wonderful! Love all of it. Hope you and your brother continue to have such delicious eating escapades now that he's back home:)
valentina
Thanks so much, Raquel! So sweet. 🙂 xo
Cathy | She Paused 4 Thought
In the past I have not been a lover of Ramen, but I am rethinking my taste buds. This place is too irresistible not to try. I will give it a try again. Thanks for the inspiration.
valentina
Cathy, you will love it! Promise. 🙂
Aimee
What a fabulous, enthusiastic review Valen. 🙂
valentina
Thanks, Aimée! You know me and my exclamation points. 😉
Caroline
Did you ever call back to see if they had gluten-free options? I want to go, and a relative does not eat gluten, and I want to know if they can join me!
valentina
Hi Caroline! Good news . . . they now serve gluten-free! I received an email from them a few weeks ago and just took my son (who has Celiac Disease) last week for the first time! We went to the West LA location. They now have gluten-free noodles AND there are several of the broth choices that are gluten-free. Now our whole family can go -- we ALL love it! I hope you get there with your friend and enjoy it as much as I do! 🙂