Ramen Melrose — Restaurant in Los Angeles

HAPPY MEDIUM: Ramen is hard to enjoy if you're GF. You usually have to choose between authentic or gluten-free cuisine in my experience. Not at Kai Ramen! I had their potato noodles in the Bomb Ramen. It was just the right level of spice, the ingredients were fresh and they had it ready for pickup 15 minutes after I phoned in the order. Customer service was great both over the phone and in store.

GLUTEN-FREE: The GF noodles are only mentioned in the Seafood Ramen dish on the menu, but I wanted something spicy so asked over the phone if I could put the GF noodles in other ramen dishes (they also had rice noodles FYI so you even have options within the gluten-free noodle camp - having options was almost too exciting to bear). Kai Ramen also has GF broth, which I want to try next time. This time I did the standard Bomb Ramen broth, which I'm sure helped in keeping the flavor so slurpable. 😉

PACKAGING: I ordered it to-go and the packaging was sturdy and perfect for keeping the ingredients fresh (broth was in one container, the noodles/veggies/egg were in another one ready to pout). I enjoyed it at my desk in my home office and my roomie enjoyed one of their salmon & avocado rolls which also looked fresh and came with food portions of ginger, wasabi & soy sauce.

My only critique is that parking lot is pretty beastly during lunch hour. Someone was helping direct cars in the parking lot; I eventually snagged a spot, but there was one-way flow for traffic from Melrose Avenue that's awkwardly angled. Not the restaurant's fault, but something to be mindful of before you go. Ideally have someone with you that can run in and grab the food in case you can't...

This place has a fair appearance upon entry however I did not even get a chance to eat the food because the service is that horrible.

I walked into the restaurant and was greeted by this guy who had asked if I had a face cover. I replied no Anna stepped out side with his menu. No problem.

I was reading the menu and decided what I was Going too eat. The guy walked out and said just order something and as long as I’m not staying I can get food to go and I’m good.

That sounded like, come into my empty Resteraunt and get some food to go, and have a nice day….

I went in to order some food, and 1 second later I was faced with some white little tooth pick yelling at me and rudely telling me to exit his establishment.

The way he had done that made me furious. I’m so mad at the disrespect that he displayed toward me that I can’t even think about ramen without wanting to strangle him…

I don’t care what kind of day he’s having. He does not get a pass. He’s lucky all I’m doing is commenting on his poor people skills. (Serious understatement). I’m a motion picture Lighting tech. With a lot of contacts. My opinion is respected throughout the industry.

If we ever get a second meal and it is from his establishment, I promise a Hunger strike.,

Alert to every IATSE members: do not bring your business to this establishment. Because of this guys attitude, and etiquette, you’ll be sorry. He’s a piece of fecal matter. Nothing more.

Thanks...

Ramen Melrose is one of those gems that you I wished I discovered sooner. Great late night hours, just watch out for any shady stuff going down in the strip mall parking lot (you know how strip malls can be).

Walking in felt like we were transported from this corner in Hollywood to a delicious Japanese adventure. The restaurant is roomy, the great seating and ample space. We came her for a family celebration and it did not disappoint. Definitely Mama approved! Everything from the flavor of the sushi rolls to the great service was well executed and high quality. As for our order we had

Appeitizers: Gyoza Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Shumai

Mains: Yellowtail with serrano chili pepper on a bed of greens and seaweed salad Sashimi Bento Box - Incredible Value with Rice, Salad, California Roll, generous Sashimi Sushi Rolls: Fire Dragon Roll, Yellowtail Truffle Roll, Best Friends Roll Ramen: Old Fashioned Pork Ramen and TNT Ramen.

My favorite part of family outings is that we get to share and try everyhting. My favorites were the sushi rolls, sashimi bento box and Old Fashioned Ramen! If I was on a solo date, I would definitely go for the bento box!

I will absolutely be back for the food, ambience and service. Shout out to Yuki for all his delicious suggestions and Chef for making such excellent food We will definitely be back. ...