Killer Noodle Tsujita — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Killer Noodles is a delightful restaurant that offers an array of tasty dishes. During my visit, I had the opportunity to try their takoraki, pork buns, and customizable noodles, all of which left a positive impression on me.

The takoraki, featuring Octopus, Japanese Mayo, Takoyaki Sauce, Bonito Flakes, and Aonori, was a standout. I was captivated by the skillful garnishing technique, and the flavor was pleasantly sweet. However, it's important to note that the takoraki comes out piping hot, so exercise caution to avoid burning your mouth.

The pork buns, a simple combination of Bun, Pork, Cucumber, and Sweet Soy Sauce, were a perfect pre or post-noodle snack. They provided a sweet element that nicely complemented the main dishes.

Speaking of the noodles, Killer Noodles offers a fantastic customization feature where you can determine the level of numbing and spiciness. I opted for the Tokyo style with a rich and creamy Pork and Chicken Broth. While I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, finding the ideal level of numbing and spiciness took some experimentation. The soup option proved helpful in mellowing the spice, making the noodles more enjoyable. Plus, it made for a refreshing drink once I finished my meal.

The customer service at Killer Noodles was generally friendly, with attentive staff members who checked in on us at the beginning of our visit. However, there was a slight hiccup when it came to receiving our check and getting a to-go box. Despite finishing our food, it took about ten minutes for anyone to offer assistance, and we had to raise our hands to get their attention. In contrast, a larger group that arrived after us was promptly attended to, causing a minor inconvenience.

This delay became problematic since the adjacent parking area only offers one hour of validation. As a result, we exceeded the validation period due to the wait, resulting in additional charges. It's worth mentioning that the other parking options in the area are paid timers on the street, making the adjacent parking the only "free" option. However, no signs indicated a cash-only policy, so I had to withdraw money from a nearby ATM, incurring additional charges. Quicker service from the waitstaff would have prevented these extra fees.

Despite the minor service hiccups and parking-related issues, I have visited Killer Noodles on multiple occasions and intend to keep coming back whenever I'm in the area. In fact, I would even make the hour-long trip solely to dine at this restaurant. I just hope that the waitstaff can improve their efficiency in addressing customer needs to avoid additional parking charges...

This restaurant was once one of my favorites on the Westside. I went there last night expecting a similar experience as before. I was moderately shocked by what I saw and experienced. The restaurant was revamped and renovated in a way that made it feel cheaper and more like a take out spot instead of a dine in restaurant. The decorations and variety at the bar was no longer. The menu was different than before and felt sticky to the touch. I was shocked at first when I arrived outside to see it so empty inside, and later, it all made sense. They don't accept cash anymore (which is fine, but that's usually how I leave a tip) So let's move beyond the decor and the lack of drink options. When we were seated around 9:30, the closing hours were listed at 11pm. We were asked more than 4 times within the first few mins if we were ready to order. In a way in which we felt rushed. The entire restaurant was largely empty, and they decided to seat us by the kitchen and stairwell. Next to the only other couple in the establishment. Both of us with a small 2 top table that didn't feel clean and wobbled. Interesting choice, but okay. Once we did order, our food came out super fast. Which was a notable change from the times I've waited in the past. The food was good although a far cry from what it was. Then, a few moments after we started eating, they came and placed the bill on the table announcing that it was "last call" at 9:50pm. I was going to ask why it was last call and if they closed at 11pm, still like it said online, but the server who dropped the bill disappeared. My friend, who I was eating with, said she had the strong feeling that we were being rushed out and her suspicions would appear to be correct when what appeared to be a private party started to filter in. We weren't given the heads up about this and weren't given the informed consent to eat a rushed meal or not. I was hoping to sit and talk and enjoy the meal. Instead, this was not the case. Service wasn't impolite exactly but it wasn't the best treatment to say the least. They earned a trip to the bottom of my food options on Sawtelle in the future which is a shame because my previous review was glowing. Which I included in the photos....

July 2025 update

The Baseline: For a ramen restaurant the noodles must be fresh, cooked with consistency in firmness, broth must be tasty with good body, accompaniment additions must match with the style, and the plating must work for the ramen presentation/function.

Food: Still my top ramen place in Los Angeles. My appetite gets killed at Killer Noodle! Tokyo Style ramen with the thick rich broth and the noodles are so well made. They just grab the sauce and makes it cling to them. My friend had the White Mayo and tried my Tokyo and he will be headed for Japan in his food ordering in the future. The White Mayo is still a great choice though.

Service: Good service when we came and we did not have to wait much for anything.

Ambiance: With the owners fixing up their Tsujita sister store I hope Killer Noodle gets her update too, but not at the cost of missing out on my Ramen. Still it is clean and comfortable but there are some needs for updates in the restaurant.

Original Review: The Baseline: For a ramen restaurant the noodles must be fresh, cooked with consistency in firmness, broth must be tasty with good body, accompaniment additions must match with the style, and the plating must work for the ramen presentation/function.

Food: Five stars for broth and noodles. Four stars for the add ins and extra dishes. Tokyo style beats Downtown style in my opinion because the body of the broth isn’t competing with extra vinegar. The base bowl of ramen is about a respectable $18 so add one will kick up the cost. Since measuring you numbness/spice levels is stirred into the base cost and the base ingredients is all you need the ramen is a five star dish.

Service: If it gets busy then wait staff are busy. You will have to flag down your server so expect this in evening service. Lunch will be more tame and enjoyable when it comes to service. Water decanter chilled on the table lets me control my own water glass.

Atmosphere: Killer Noodle is well decorated and has a consistent style. The seats are comfortable and the tables are well situated with a good amount of eating area. The outdoor patio has heating lamp so you will be okay outside...