Ramen Akimoto — Restaurant in Yorba Linda

We went here on a Saturday for lunch because on their social media page, they were having a 50% off deal for any Tsukemen dipping style ramen. We arrived before the store opened, but there were already about 30 people ahead of us forming a line outside. (I didn't think people were this dedicated to 50% off deals, but I had committed too, so I'm just as guilty.)

Once the restaurant officially opened at 11:30 am, they started letting people inside. It still took about one hour before we officially got seated. There was disorganization letting people in, because although there was already a line formed outside, the staff let people who scheduled online also come into the front. Some of these people who scheduled online were also waiting in line, so we didn't know which one had priority, nor did the staff seem to know or explain. Reasonably, a good number of confused customers waiting in line got upset and double-booked an appointment online and in person thereafter.

The restaurant is relatively small, considering the enormous line outside. At the time, the air conditions/fans were not working, and this was on a very hot summer day. I'm not sure why they didn't leave the door open for some ventilation, but I also feel bad for the kitchen staff since they would feel the brunt of the heat.

The waiters got our order quickly and we got our food within 10 minutes, despite the hectic and busy event. We ordered the pork deluxe Tsukemen. The serving size is gigantic, so it was definitely worth the price, plus it was 50% off. The broth wasn't as fishy as expected (compared to some of the ones in actual Japan. I know, not really a fair comparison.)

Summary: CLEANLINESS. Clean, compact tables. All utensils are placed on the table, so you don't need to flag a waiter. Disorganized seating system for this large event; however, I am sure this was a one-time case because they weren't prepared for this large outcome. COSTS. $ Affordable. $22.75 on normal days. But this day was 50% off, so it was well worth it. CUSTOMER SERVICE. The staff was quick and friendly. Just the beginning seating arrangements made a lot of customers upset. FOOD QUALITY. Fresh and perfectly balanced. the Tsukemen broth is not too fishy. It is salty, so don't drink the broth by itself. FOOD QUANTITY. Very large. You will be bloated when you finish it in one sitting. BATHROOM. 1 single gender neutral bathroom. Only 1 toilet, so be prepared to wait. WAIT TIME. About 1 hour to get seated (due to this one day event). About 10 minutes to...

🍜 Ramen Akimoto 📍 18657 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA

Chicken paitan ramen restaurants are booming all over LA — from Mensho in Culver City to Torisoba Sumiya in Sawtelle and Torisoba Tonsho in Beverly Grove, which just celebrated its first anniversary in May.

And the place I had been most curious about was Ramen Akimoto in Yorba Linda.

As someone born and raised in Japan, I knew the moment I saw a photo of their ramen: “This is going to be amazing.” The visual alone told me everything I needed to know.

It took a while for me to visit since Yorba Linda is quite far from LA, but I finally made it out there — and I’m so glad I did.

As I opened the door, I was welcomed by the sound of Okinawan sanshin music, instantly giving me a nostalgic feeling of Japan.

The shop’s signature is a lineup of three types of chicken paitan ramen, made with a carefully crafted broth that’s simmered over many hours. I ordered the spicy chicken paitan, tempted by the dramatic look of miso paste melting into the bowl. The result? A rich, deeply layered chicken broth electrified by spicy oil. Each bite was a shock of deliciousness. And the chicken chashu — juicy, tender, and soaked with flavor — was absolutely perfect.

I also tried their tsukemen, inspired by the legendary Taishoken, the birthplace of dipping noodles in Japan. The noodles were served with a wedge of lime, adding a refreshing note. The thick, a bit salty chicken-based dipping broth clung beautifully to every strand. It was pure bliss — the kind of flavor that instantly transports you to Japan.

Chef Akimoto has an intriguing background: He’s a former MMA fighter and at the same time he was trained under Kazuo Yamagishi, the “God of Ramen” and founder of Taishoken in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. At Ramen Akimoto, he faithfully brings that tradition to life in the U.S. — From meticulously prepared broths and house-made chashu to seasoned bamboo shoots with a distinct texture and flavor.

If you’re looking for the real soul of Japanese chicken ramen, this bowl alone is worth the trip to Yorba Linda. Highly, highly...

This is going to be a story. I walked in and was warmly greeted. I sat down, ordered the Jiro Ramen on a Monday, and with extra egg, pork chashu, and large vegetable portion. What I was given was an absolute work of art. I dug in faster than I could take a picture. The bean sprouts were perfectly boiled with a crisp yet cooked texture. They mixed very nicely with the broth and the garlic. By the time I got to the noodles, I was swimming in flavors. And then, I took a bite of the chashu. Oh my god. I have never had such tender, melty chashu in my life. A few bites in, I realized; this IS the best ramen I'm ever going to have, in my life. I felt a little bit emotional at this point. I couldn't believe that I was experiencing this! I had to thank the chef, but I don't speak Japanese! So I did what I thought was culturally appropriate, and bought the chef a beer. He stopped working and thanked me for the gesture. I have never been to Japan, but I think this is the most genuine Japanese experience I could have ever had outside of the country. I am so, SO thankful to the master and team who work here. You made my night, and possibly, a lifelong memory. Masters of ramen, masters of hospitality, masters of Akimoto! They deserve the world. Thank you all from the bottom...