Totoyama Ramen DTLA — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Not to overexaggerate, but this was so good. I hate the phrase “hidden gem,” but this place is exactly that. I do not know how long they have been open, but I first learned about their existence about three months ago. A friend visiting LA for a work trip randomly found this spot while walking back to her hotel. She was hungry and decided to wander around to see what was open. She found this place and told me it was a solid ramen spot.

I stopped in on Thursday night. There were a few parties, mostly people who looked like they worked nearby and were getting off late. I was seated quickly, which was great. The menu was big, maybe almost too big, but I was able to find something I wanted to try. I forgot the exact name, but it was similar to Tan Tan ramen except the meat was not ground, it was more like Korean bulgogi style beef. I also liked that they had an option for spice level.

I ordered a mango tea and a Chirashi bowl to go. My total was $53. The drink was good but really sweet. If you like sugary drinks, you will love it. Personally, I would not order it again, but it was not bad, just not my taste.

The ramen came out very fast, which I appreciated because I was starving after forgetting to eat all day. The noodles were a little different from what I am used to, but they were good and filling. The meat was excellent. And while I am not usually a broth person, listen, I could not stop eating the broth from that dish. It was incredible. My stomach is growling just thinking about it again.

I ended up eating the Chirashi bowl later that night, and it was also delicious and filling. This place was so good that I am seriously thinking about making it a regular spot every couple of weeks. If you are in the area and looking for a great place to eat, this is it. I cannot wait to try more items...

🚨 DO NOT EAT AT RAMEN TOTOYAMA — CUSTOMER SERVICE HORROR STORY 🚨

I had one of the most uncomfortable and unprofessional experiences I’ve ever had at a restaurant — and I dine out often.

I placed a to-go order at Ramen Totoyama and was handed a receipt to sign. I initially put a zero on the tip line (as many people do with to-go orders), fully intending to leave a cash tip once I decided to dine in. I hadn’t received any food yet. I was literally just sitting down, waiting.

Suddenly, a manager (yes, a manager) walks up to my table and hands my receipt back to me, suggesting I leave a tip — before I’ve even been served a single dish. Completely inappropriate, unprofessional, and frankly, rude.

At that point, I had to speak up. I calmly explained that tips are earned, not demanded, and that I had every intention of tipping in cash — based on my actual experience. But this guilt-tripping, invasive approach was a red flag.

I ultimately asked for a full refund and walked out. I refuse to spend my hard-earned money at a place that pressures customers for tips before delivering any service or food, and then tries to make them feel bad about it.

Let’s be clear: Tips are voluntary, and they are based on service. Not entitlement.

This place needs serious training on professionalism, hospitality, and customer boundaries. It’s not about the money — it’s about respect and basic courtesy.

If this is how management acts, I can only imagine how they treat staff or handle complaints behind closed...

5/5 — Authentic Japanese ramen & sushi 🍣

I visited Totoyama today with my friend Nikki, and wow — every bite was amazing! From the moment we walked in, Mr. Yamamoto (the owner) and all the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. You can immediately feel that this place is run with heart and pride.

Mr. Yamamoto used to run a high-end sushi restaurant, and it really shows — the quality and precision in every dish are next-level. I ordered the spicy ramen, and the broth was rich, flavorful, and full of depth. It wasn’t too salty or greasy — just perfectly balanced. For anyone who loves real heat like me (I’m Korean and used to spicy food!), I’d definitely recommend ordering extra spicy. The regular spicy has a nice kick, but it’s pretty mild if you’re a chili lover.

The sushi rolls that came with the ramen were fresh and beautifully made — you can taste the difference in quality fish and rice. Nikki ordered the salmon donburi, and she couldn’t stop talking about how fresh, clean, and light it was. The combination of salmon, avocado, and rice was just perfect — simple but so satisfying.

Overall, Totoyama truly impressed me. Everything — from the food to the service — felt authentic, thoughtful, and full of care. It’s hard to find a place where ramen, rolls, and donburi all shine equally, but this one does. Definitely coming...