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Menya TigreA-Worth Trying
2012 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
· Ramen restaurant, Japanese curry restaurant, Japanese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (217 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Comforting Japanese curry and curry-ramen with standout karaage; cozy Sawtelle spot with fair prices and small-space waits; a few complaints on oil and occasional dry katsu.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Menya Tigre delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—particularly standout curry ramen and juicy karaage—paired with efficient, friendly service. Consistency shows occasional variation in execution, and the tight seating and functional design prevent the grade A territory that would require both flawless execution and distinctive ambiance. A reliable neighborhood favorite on Sawtelle's bustling strip.
Restaurant Summary
On Sawtelle Japantown’s lively strip, Menya Tigre feels cozy and bustling with bar seating, a few tables, and a small sidewalk patio. The vibe is casual and quick, and servers keep things moving. One guest summed it up simply: "Food flew out fast and hit the spot." Parking can be tricky, but once seated you are in a warm, energetic room built for comforting bowls. The kitchen leans curry-first: rich chicken-based curry ramen, bonito-tinged curry tsukemen, and keema mazesoba with pico that adds a playful twist. Expect deep, savory flavors, chewy noodles, and especially juicy karaage from the Anzu collaboration. Most bowls land big on comfort, though a few diners wanted a thicker dipping broth or found the oil a touch heavy. For families, it is an easy win. Kids gravitate to karaage, katsu, and fries, plus mild curry options and edamame. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and prices are fair for Sawtelle. No kids menu listed, but there are plenty of familiar choices that keep younger eaters happy.
At a Glance
- Karaage is notably juicy and crispy
- Curry ramen has rich, satisfying broth with chewy noodles
- Parking on Sawtelle is challenging at peak hours
- Occasional dryness in pork katsu and oiliness in broth
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- curry-focused_ramen_broth
- anzu_karaage_integration
- keema_mazesoba_with_pico
What People Love
- The soul-warming curry broth
- Crispy, juicy karaage from Anzu
- Chewy noodles with great bite
- Quick kitchen pace for a fast meal
- Fair prices for hearty portions
Points of Concern
- Parking is limited; expect metered street spots and possible walks
- A few bowls reported with oily surface or thinner dipping broth
- Occasional dry pork katsu; consistency varies night to night
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; some items skew richer than expected
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Add an Ajitama egg ($1.50) to curry ramen for extra richness
- If sensitive to oil, request lighter oil or extra broth
- Pescatarians can choose Fried Shrimp Curry ($17.30) and edamame starters
Perfect For
- A comforting curry-ramen fix after work
- Casual date night on Sawtelle
- Solo bar-seat slurp session
- Family dinner with kid-friendly options
Location Insights
Area: Bustling, youth-heavy dining corridor with Japanese eateries and dessert shops; casual and lively.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Cluster of ramen, sushi, and sweets; metered street parking, frequent lines at peak times.
SawtelleSawtelle is renowned for its Japanese-American community and is often referred to as 'Sawtelle Japantown.' The area features a dense concentration of Japanese restaurants, markets, and shops, creating a lively and authentic dining atmosphere. It is popular for casual dining, ramen shops, and specialty eateries, attracting food enthusiasts and locals alike.
Sawtelle JapantownSawtelle Japantown is a well-known micro-neighborhood celebrated for its authentic Japanese dining and cultural establishments. It offers a bustling, community-oriented vibe with a focus on ramen shops, izakayas, and traditional Japanese markets, making it a culinary destination within Los Angeles.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:45
Saturday11:30–21:45
Sunday11:30–21:45
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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