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Ramen Chikumo -Japanese ToripaitanB+Worth Trying
11301 W Olympic Blvd suite 118, Los Angeles, CA 90064
· Ramen restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (248 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creamy chicken-based ramen in a sleek, calm room with attentive service and solid value; seasoning and temperature consistency can vary.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ramen Chikumo delivers solid neighborhood ramen dining with exceptional service attentiveness and stylish modern design that create a welcoming experience. Above-average food quality—particularly the creamy chicken paitan—is undermined by notable consistency issues with temperature and seasoning, preventing the grade A territory this kitchen could reach with tighter execution. Worth visiting for chicken paitan enthusiasts seeking attentive service in a polished setting.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels sleek and calm, a modern spot on the Sawtelle strip where servers check in often without hovering. Diners note quick ticket times and spotless surroundings, with one remarking, "the creamy broth and tender chicken made the bowl sing"—though a few cite salt and temperature hiccups. Overall it reads as friendly and attentive rather than scene-y. The cooking leans chicken paitan with options like yuzu shio, spicy bowls, tsukemen, and a thoughtful vegan cashew-porcini ramen. It is elevated traditional more than avant-garde: clean flavors, citrus lifts, and playful sides like garlic honey edamame and crispy lotus chips. Fans praise depth without heaviness; detractors wish for hotter toppings or tighter seasoning. If you enjoy lighter, creamy ramen and neat presentation, this will feel right in your lane. Families should find it workable: chicken-forward ramen is approachable, and sides like karaage and fries help picky eaters. There is a vegan ramen and staff show real allergy awareness. No kids menu is noted, but portions are shareable; expect about $33-$45 per person for a fuller spread.
At a Glance
- Creamy chicken paitan with balanced yuzu option and attentive service
- Sleek, calm interior with validated parking under the building
- Occasional salt and temperature inconsistency (cold egg/chashu reports)
- Tsukemen broth feedback mixed, sometimes light or lukewarm
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- chicken_paitan_focus
- sleek_calm_interior
- vegan_cashew_porcini_ramen
What People Love
- Clean, modern space that feels soothing
- Tender chicken and creamy broth that does not feel heavy
- Attentive, kind staff with quick service
- Garlic-honey edamame and crisp lotus chips
Points of Concern
- Broth salt level varies; some bowls read too salty
- Topping temperature inconsistencies (cold egg or chashu) reported by multiple diners
- Tsukemen broth sometimes light or lukewarm compared to noodles
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (high five-star share, enthusiastic language), which may not reflect every diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$33-$45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose Yuzu Citrus Shio if you prefer lighter, less salty bowls.
- Vegan diners: order Creamy Cashew & Porcini ramen; confirm no cross-contact if needed.
- Add fried lotus chips for crunch without heaviness.
- Tsukemen lovers: request extra-hot broth to offset cooling.
Perfect For
- A calm ramen night without pork heaviness
- Quick lunch near Sawtelle
- Casual date in a polished room
- Solo slurp with beer on draft
Location Insights
Area: Modern mixed-use complex off Sawtelle with a polished, calm vibe attracting ramen hunters and casual lunches.
Safety: Well-lit, active corridor with steady foot traffic; perceived safe day and evening.
Nearby: Near Sawtelle Japantown cluster, retail, coffee shops; structured parking under building.
SawtelleSawtelle is renowned for its vibrant Japanese-American cultural presence, featuring numerous authentic Japanese eateries, markets, and shops. The dining scene is casual yet diverse, attracting locals and visitors seeking quality Japanese cuisine in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere.
Sawtelle JapantownSawtelle Japantown is a well-known micro-neighborhood celebrated for its concentration of Japanese restaurants, izakayas, and specialty food stores. It offers an authentic cultural experience with a lively but relaxed dining environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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