Kouraku Japanese Ramen & Grill — Restaurant in Los Angeles

So we came in after a night out with some of my friends. He was hungry and all of a sudden - ramen came into mind. Rather than going to my local haunts, I gave him a choice of trying something new, or something that is a go-to but may have a wait.

So here comes yelp to the rescue - suggesting this place with 3.5* reviews. Cool. It also had an "A" rating and open til 3 am. Deal. We're totally in, considering the other places closes way earlier. Also, the price is right =)

Walk in and you'll see a "CASH ONLY" sign, but have no fear, there's an atm machine, or hopefully the man/woman/friend you're with carries cash with them. I've been able to train my peon to always carry cash so I don't have to. muhahaha.

Anyways, it's a super-old looking diner joint, that looks like it's been there since Little Tokyo opened - red vinyl seating. Booths that fit (at most) four people. Or the bar area in front of the kitchen.

Super attentive wait staff. Our waitress was super friendly, was able to make suggestions and just overall helpful in placing our orders. Our waters were never empty for that long.

What we ordered - Ramen combo that comes with half order pork fried rice. Koraku special ramen Gyoza Sauteed squid

VERDICT: Everything was so meh ...oh so meh. Bland. Tasteless. Worst part is the man found a piece a paper in the last piece of squid. REALLY - what a way to go with that dish - If you find yourself here.... try not to order the stuff that we ordered. I could tell you NOT to order any of the above items. I don't cook, but i'm 100% sure that I could have whipped up something tastier than that.

Our bill came out to about $37 with tip. Um, what a waste of calories and money. I'm in no means cheap when spending money on food. But I would have rather hit the drive thru at a fast food joint or even a taco truck than eat here.

There are much better places to eat. Please, have some patience and go to the other joints that have a wait (well - I won't be name dropping, since it's a review for this place....) however, I'm pretty sure which Ramen places around you wished you were at instead of this place.

As like all the places in little Tokyo, parking sucks!!!!

Update in the morning - my stomach isn't feeling that well. Ditto with the man. Um. common factor - this meal. You've...

I eat here, a lot and cannot complain, in any way, about the quality of the ingredients, or the all around service, but last night, I was devistated. After walking in and seeing the "Hot Champs" displayed, proudly, on the wall, near the entrance, for having completed Kouraku's own spicy Habanero ramen challenge, a week, before. I amped myself up for it, and decided I was ready. We attempted to eat there the day before, but they had closed at 2:53am. So, when I got there, I ordered their Tonkotsu broth at the highest spice level, which is level 10 and let them know I wanted my picture, on the wall, next to the other "Hot Champs". At first, our waitress seemed to not have a clue about any ramen challenge or knowledge of any pictures, on the wall. I ignored, this and asked for the level 10 spicy broth, anyway, without meat. They brought the bowl of ramen, out, with meat, and after showing the waitress the wall of "Hot Champs", I began demolishing my bowl of hell fire. I finished every delicious drop of broth and every scrumptious bit of noodle. I, then, proceeded to inform several of the waiters and waitresses, including, the one that took the order. To my astonishment, every one of them acted confused and told me they didn't know what I was talking about. So, now, I feel as though, I have reason enough to suspect, that this "spice challenge" is just a hook attached to a fishing line, in attempts to drag in more customers. I am truly...

Forgot to take pictures this time, but Kouraku is really nice. The place is a bit small but it's still pretty comfy. The food was very standard Japanese fare, y'know your curries, ramen, fried noodles, but they were all delicious!

Went with a group of people and so we got to try all of it. The yakisoba and curry especially are my personal favorites, and the large portion is well worth it for the price. Lol just a warning tho that their spicy ramen is not the same as a level 1 spicy ramen. We got one of each and the results were surprising. The regular spicy ramen has a small kick at the beginning but the level 1 spicy ramen has a long lingering chile feel. 🥵

Food aside, the service was excellent! Our server was super helpful and extremely nice. That being said, make sure to include your tip in your payment. I know that sounds obvious lol but there's two ways to pay: either in person or at your table through Venmo. I paid through Venmo, and after was trying to figure out how to tip when the server came and explained that you can't pay tip separately through Venmo, you just have to include it in the payment the same way you would in person. My bad dude...😖

Soo verdict: the place is small but comfy, the food is delicious and homey, and the workers are kind and very helpful. 5 out...