IKI RAMEN — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Common wisdom has always held that however good Koreatown ramen was, it would always be second to the more iconic ramens of Little Tokyo and Sawtelle. With the recent arrival of a branch of Silverlake Ramen seeming to take top spot, it seemed like Ktown would forever live in the shadow of better ramen. Iki strikes out at that misconception with vigor, proving that breadth and depth of flavor can go hand in hand and in so doing, easily becoming one of the top ramen shops in Los Angeles.

Most ramen shops focus on doing one thing really well, whether it's the typical rich tonkotsu that anyone would like, or a specific niche that you can't get elsewhere. Iki kicks this cliche to the curb by creating a menu tailored to almost every taste in ramens, while never sacrificing the quality of the dishes.

For those seeking a rich pork broth, you'll want to go for the Burnt Garlic Tonkotsu. The smell alone outs it as the real deal, a tremendous broth full of savor. The eggs are perfectly cooked to occupy the glass-like medium texture between hard and melted yokes, making for a flavorful soft treasure of an egg. The pork is incredible, balancing crispy outsides juicy soft insides. The noodles are thin and hard, which isn't to my taste, but some will enjoy it and it certainly can't come close to ruining the dish. All alone this would be a worthy ramen for some. But it doesn't stop here.

For those seeking a lighter broth, iki has a refreshingly zesty yuzu shoyu. As a tonkotsu person myself I actually found the yuzu broth a bit of an acquired taste, but I know there will be people who love it. The interesting thing is that the noodle type for this bowl was different - a chewier wider noodle I enjoyed more.

It keeps going. Iki has vegan options in the form of its miso ramen and tan tan mazemen (soupless) which use impossible meat. I went with a vegan friend who said she enjoyed it although she noted that for those who want food which doesn't resemble meat, the dish is meant to resemble real pork visually, though she said she could distinguish the taste. Even so she liked the dish overall.

And just when you think you're done, Iki hits an absolute home run with it's desserts. Fans of black sesame will adore their creamy black sesame creme brulee, oozing with sesame flavor under it's freshly carmelized top layer. But my absolute favorite, possibly one of the best desserts I've ever had, was their yuzu ice cream. Smooth and citrusy, the cream is balanced by a sprinkle of brown palm sugar which adds a light crunch and incredible burst of flavor. It is truly an experience not to be missed for anyone looking for a great ice cream.

I haven't even dug through half the menu and when I think of their chicken paitan, special winter truffle butter and assortment of others, I can't avoid thinking of Iki as the menu that keeps giving. Parking is manageable and close, and lines are practically non-existant despite the shop being relatively small. The only reason K can see for this is that somehow no one knows Iki is here so if that describes you, here's the takeaway: Iki is the rising star of ramen in KTown - no matter what taste you bring to their table, you're sure to find...

It was really, really good! I had starters only because they looked amazing and they were. The service was excellent-- they were worried that I only ate starters (I'd had ramen for lunch and my dinner companion was having a big bowl of the vegetarian one which was excellent to although it was pretty spicy!) so the chef made me "Japanese fish tacos" -- and they were amazing! Thanks Iki Ramen! I went back. I have to tell you about the uni hand roll. It is so very very good. The ikura bowl was a taste-texture ska party, and on the other hand, the halibut carpaccio was such a delicatly crafted and integrated string quartet, very subtle yet with very clear and well-articulated salient flavor combinations, almost witty but too pure to be self-conscious.

But Jeebus Henry, that uni hand roll...that was a flavor earthquake, like the rite of spring. My goodness, it was an experience and the artists at Iki Ramen have a serious achievement of the sort that, with their unami-of-the-sea, will haunt you with cravings if you have it and will permanently limit your understanding of food if you choose not to experience it.

It bears mentioning that I've been to this ramen place twice and not had the ramen. In fact, not a huge fan of ramen, is that ok to admit in Los Angeles? I like the broth but all those noodles make me feel wretched. So how good is this place that I love it so even tho I don't like what it's known for?

And the servers are outstanding.

My, simply writing that review has brought back cravings. I'm going to have to heat up a can of cullen skink as a...

Sawubona world, Imagine a world where people are unaware of what you look like on the outside and more concerned about what you are on the inside while having dinner with my chosen family #jtownaction this is what I experienced. I experienced a very warm welcome. The waitress with her beautiful welcomed and served us from her heart the server was very knowledgeable on the food specifically the way it was prepared. They served just an array of authentic gourmet Japanese cuisine my favorite were these little sandwiches that have giant fried shrimp inside just delicious the provider/chef Came out and introduced himself. I’m a black trans full figure voluptuous woman and everyone at this restaurant Seemed unaware that I was anything other than a human being with great vibes. Imagine a world where To dine at a restaurant lonely qualifications were to be A human being with good vives. I tried sushi for the first time in my life I tried delivered of what is known as the ugliest fish in the sea which is delicious and I was educated on sake. Previously I was under the impression that sake was comparable to a hard liquor like vodka or cognac however I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s more refined than that it’s kind of a long the lines of a wine the type of Sake that I try I had a very warm woodsy flavor with some sort of roasted sesame aftertaste it was delicious very good experience get very good vibes. Thanks so much #IKIRAMEN #reviewqueenla #transfriendlycertifided #jtownaction be sure to google #reviewqueenla to see all my other reviews love...