ippudo V West Hollywood — Restaurant in West Hollywood

Ippudo showed up on my Instagram ads and as much I Hate ads, I can't ignore ramen :) their presentation got me and I also liked that they had multiple vegan options so my husband finally feels like he can choose rather than getting stuck to one and only option. Staffs were nice and their service was good. Food wise we personally felt like Brussel sprouts and BBQ corn were below expectations. Every bite of Brussel sprouts felt like chewing on oil with side of sprouts. I think it was deep dried which is rare for Brussel sprouts, additionally it doesn't soak the oil so it was literally lathered everywhere. We did not like it and didn't eat it. BBQ corn was overly sweet. Corn is naturally sweet and if they eliminate added sugar on whatever sauce they are using, this item has so much potential. I felt nauseous from having few bites. Both of these were definitely a waste of money for us but I'm glad we tried so we know. I got Akamaru ramen and it was delicious. I didn't need to modify or add anything and i finished the whole bowl. I also loved how pork were very thinly sliced. I usually never eat the thick chasu, cuz they're usually dry in the middle. I Finished the whole bowl and my 13 month old also loved the soup. However noodles seemed slightly undercooked, hence couldn't offer to the baby. My husband had Nirvana, he said it was 8/10 which is a big deal because it's so hard to find good vegan ramen. We would have certainly chosen to go back but given the mixed experience with food and the location which is far for us, we might not go back. Parking was easy for us probably because it was a slow day. I believe it might be tricky...

It breaks my heart to give 2 stars to the restaurant. I would like to highlight that I am taking all factors into consideration, not just the food. I lived in Tokyo for years and back there I was a regular customer to the restaurant near my home at Yoyogi Uehara station. Since then I visited Ippudo franchise in Paris and now in LA. The food quality at Ippudo Hollywood was unfortunately below compared to other Ippudo restaurants.

I deliberately posted this review days after my last visit to help me think clearly.

Dear Management,

Because your employees are afraid to ask you for a salary increase, I’m publicly asking you to give them some or hire someone who is going to be satisfied with the work and the salary you are offering to them. As it happened, I was paying at the terminal, where I selected not to pay any tip with my card. I would lie if I could say at least a minute have passed before your server approached me and demanded me to tip her because it is compulsory in USA and that’s what other people also do. Upon realizing what she has done, she immediately asked me if I wanted to leave a cash tip. Well, I left her $2. She didn’t even give an exceptional service - I asked her I would like to have 2 separate bills which she refused. I would like to ask you to find someone who will run after the management and NOT after the customer if he/she is not satisfied with their salary. I was so shocked I had to experience something like this. It literally screwed my and my wife’s day. A Japanese restaurant with (close to) authentic food and taste is VERY-VERY rare outside of Japan. Everyone knows this who have been...

I had the pleasure of dining at IPPUDO in West Hollywood, and it was an experience worth sharing! From the moment I walked in, the welcoming ambiance and attentive staff set the stage for a memorable meal.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the ramen. I opted for the classic Shiromaru Hakata Classic, and it was a revelation. The broth was rich and creamy, with a depth of flavor that lingered delightfully on the palate. The noodles were perfectly cooked, maintaining that ideal balance of firmness and chewiness. Each bite was a testament to the culinary expertise that IPPUDO is renowned for.

In addition to the ramen, I sampled the pork buns, which were nothing short of spectacular. The buns were soft and pillowy, encasing tender, flavorful pork that melted in my mouth. It was the perfect appetizer to complement the main course.

The service was impeccable, with staff members who were both knowledgeable and passionate about the menu. They were more than happy to offer recommendations and ensure that every aspect of the dining experience was top-notch.

Overall, IPPUDO in West Hollywood is a must-visit for any ramen enthusiast or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal in a vibrant setting. I left with a satisfied palate and a newfound appreciation for authentic Japanese cuisine. I can't wait to return and explore more...