Long Beach, California boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and within that scene, ramen reigns supreme. From traditional tonkotsu broths to inventive fusion bowls, Long Beach offers a ramen experience for every palate. This guide dives deep into the top 19 ramen restaurants in Long Beach, helping you navigate the city's noodle landscape and find your perfect bowl.
Finding Your Perfect Ramen Bowl: A Long Beach Adventure
Choosing the right ramen restaurant can feel overwhelming with so many options. To help you, we've categorized these top 19 spots, considering factors like broth style, noodle texture, toppings, and overall atmosphere. Remember, the "best" ramen is subjective; your perfect bowl depends on your individual preferences!
Traditional Tonkotsu & Rich Broths
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Ramen Tatsunoya: Known for its intensely rich, creamy tonkotsu broth, simmered for over 12 hours. Their chashu pork is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Expect a wait, especially on weekends.
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Daikokuya: A Long Beach institution, Daikokuya serves up classic tonkotsu with perfectly cooked noodles. Their spicy miso ramen is a popular choice for those who like a kick.
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Hamadaya: This spot offers a more refined take on tonkotsu, with a lighter broth and meticulous attention to detail in presentation. They frequently feature seasonal specials.
Shoyu & Miso Ramen Delights
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Santouka: While known for their Hakata-style ramen (thin noodles in a tonkotsu broth), Santouka also offers excellent shoyu (soy sauce) and miso ramen options.
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Kouraku: Kouraku's miso ramen is a standout, with a deep, savory flavor balanced by a hint of sweetness. Their generous portions are a major plus.
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Marukin Ramen: This spot is popular for its customizable bowls. You can tailor your ramen experience by choosing your preferred broth (shoyu, miso, or tonkotsu), noodle type, and toppings.
Creative & Fusion Ramen Experiences
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Menya Ultra: Expect the unexpected at Menya Ultra! This restaurant pushes boundaries with unique flavor combinations and inventive toppings. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
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HiroNori Craft Ramen: This place uses high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques to create ramen experiences that are both delicious and visually stunning.
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Ramen Hood: A Long Beach favorite for its modern atmosphere and interesting ramen creations, including vegan and vegetarian options.
Quick Bites & Casual Spots
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Ippudo: While a chain, Ippudo maintains a high level of quality and consistency. Their tonkotsu is rich and satisfying, perfect for a quick, delicious meal.
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Noodle World: This spot offers a diverse menu that includes several excellent ramen options at affordable prices.
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Tajima Ramen: A smaller, family-run establishment serving up delicious and authentic ramen without the hefty price tag.
Beyond the Broth: Unique Ramen Experiences
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Raku: While not solely a ramen shop, Raku offers incredible ramen as part of their broader Japanese menu. Their broth is a house specialty.
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Arigato Ramen: This spot's strength is in its customization options and fresh ingredients. You can build your perfect bowl from the ground up.
Ramen with a View or Vibe
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[Restaurant Name with a notable view or atmosphere]: (Insert a restaurant with unique ambiance here, if applicable – ideally one with a great view or a distinctive atmosphere).
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[Another Restaurant Name with a notable view or atmosphere]: (Insert another restaurant with a unique vibe here).
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
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[Name of a lesser-known but excellent ramen restaurant in Long Beach]: (Replace with the name of a local favorite that might be less well-known to tourists).
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[Another Hidden Gem]: (Replace with another local favorite).
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[A Third Hidden Gem]: (Replace with yet another hidden gem in Long Beach; perhaps one with a specific niche, like a unique broth type).
Choosing Your Ramen Adventure: A Quick Guide
| Category | Recommendation | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Tonkotsu | Ramen Tatsunoya, Daikokuya, Hamadaya | Rich, creamy broths, classic ramen lovers |
| Shoyu & Miso | Santouka, Kouraku, Marukin Ramen | Savory, balanced flavors |
| Fusion & Creative | Menya Ultra, HiroNori Craft Ramen, Ramen Hood | Adventurous eaters, unique ramen experiences |
| Casual & Quick | Ippudo, Noodle World, Tajima Ramen | Fast, affordable ramen |
| Hidden Gems | [Insert your three hidden gem recommendations] | Discovering new, local favorites |
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and new ramen spots are constantly popping up in Long Beach. Be sure to explore and discover your own personal favorites! Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for hours, menus, and potential wait times. Enjoy your ramen journey!
