Ramen Maruya

Went for lunch with my brother and his friend, we were one of the first groups there that day. The service was great, they were very attentive and polite.
As for the food, we all got sushi and I could immediately tell that something wasn’t right. I got tuna and pretty early on felt like I was getting scombroid poisining, which I’ve gotten a couple times (I eat a lot of sushi.) I purposely did not finish my food because I didn’t feel all that well, and had a blistering headache the rest of the evening.
As for the boys, they got primarily salmon and were very stomach sick later on. The sushi was the only thing we had all day, so we were pretty sure thats what made us sick.
I rarely write reviews, but when something (that could potentially be dangerous) happens I feel responsible to inform other customers.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

Came here with my family of 4, we had soyu, tonkotsu and tantanmen ramen. Everyone was happy with what they ordered - rich broth with deep flavors and generous toppings. Very good overall.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Very popular and busy restaurant at the heart of Little Tokyo in LA. However, we were very disappointed with the quality of the food. We ordered the takoyaki, the vegetable tempura, the agedashi tofu and the chicken karage. Except for the takoyaki, the rest of our food were substandard. The agedashi tofu was actually cold in the center. It’s very rare to find a Japanese restaurant serving bad food. Unfortunately we found one in Ramen Maruya in LA.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

This is not Hakata ramen in any sense. The noodles resemble instant ramen, soft, soggy, and incapable of absorbing flavor. The broth tastes like plain pork bone stock with no tare, leaving it completely flat.

The edamame was bland, the chashu was flavorless, and while the egg was acceptable, it did not redeem the bowl. This misses the fundamentals of Hakata ramen.

I have seen other reviews calling this authentic and comparing it to ramen in Japan. Even the worst ramen I have had in Fukuoka was significantly better than this.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The udon was really salty (too much soy sauce) but the service was great.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

The food itself is pretty good! The tonkatsu ramen tastes authentic — and that’s coming from us who lived in Japan for over 8 years. The gyoza was also delicious, and the rice was nicely cooked.

Some dishes could be improved: the tempura wasn’t great, the karaage tasted a bit strange, and the saba (mackerel) could use more salt. Also, the wasabi isn’t the real Japanese kind.

One downside was the staff’s reaction when I tried to compliment them. I said the ramen tasted authentic, and the response was, “This is America.” — male staff, speaking Spanish, short and plump. 13:16, Nov26 we went today. He is a bit aggressive and not very clean—just drops the food on the floor when he’s wiping tables. I think it might be because the staff aren’t Japanese and their English isn’t very strong, so maybe it was a misunderstanding — but it still came across as a bit rude.

Overall, the food is quite good, especially the ramen, but I hope the staff can be a little more welcoming when customers try to say something nice.

The owners try but the staff fails, 3 stars. And also you dont put a spoon like in the photo in the miso soup. Please change your old bowls. Toilet is so dirty. The small plates they do not wash but wipe with only cloth dipped in water—I saw a staff do this. I’m giving 1 star. The owner might be good but the staff are doing dirty pracfices.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Very great service, food and atmosphere. The service was very quick and easy. Food was really good as well. It is also family friendly and very accommodating for toddlers to kids ages as well. Will be coming back soon 💛

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, great service. The portions are very big. You'll leave with leftovers, or very full!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very dirty … the restroom says it all. We ordered a Bento box. The fish was hard and tough to eat.
Very low quality overall. A lot of the bento box was fried food and even the miso soup is below average
Will not come back

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 5

My husband and I came here so good. Fresh made noodles, broth is flavor, and pork is tender. Everyone should drop by this place and give the food a try. We ordered two rolls. California rolls and avocado rolls.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Taste not good
Fish odor

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

We came and got served fast. The people are nice. The food is amazing! The chashu ramen is massive and the pork is well made. Would bring family here for the food and enjoyment

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lots of different ramen choices...even a $29 pork bone broth ramen. I wanted the Tsukeman but they didn't have it. Forced myself to get the tan tan ramen. Ramen noodles are very thin...almost didn't seem like ramen. Wish they put the chilli paste in a side dish rather on the soup spoon. The pork belly was mostly fat. Wish I had more spinach. The bowl of ramen was mostly pork fat and chilli paste with thin ramen. Couldn't try broth because the soup spoon was covered in chilli paste. Sushi prices are expensive. Rolls are thin.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Fast and friendly service, always on point. However over time the food quality has gone a bit down in my opinion I usually order the house special ramen “Chasu ramen” and usually it’s top notch but the past 3 times that I’ve been here the food has left me with more to desire out of them. I’m not sure if it’s because the pork slices have more fat than actual meat on them but something is off about it. I’ve been a loyal customer for about 7+ years I’ve always recommended Maruya to friends and family whenever I’m asked to recommend a ramen spot but today after strike 3 I think Maruya is out of my top recommended list.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

This place has the best food in Little Tokyo! My friend and I always come here every time we visit from Europe! The staff is really kind and polite too and the food is just super delicious! Feels like being in Japan!