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ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in LA Arts District
Best Ramen in LA Arts District
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in LA Arts District
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
Afuri
8.0
A Tokyo transplant built around yuzu shio—a citrus-forward, chicken-and-seafood broth that runs deliberately lighter than the tonkotsu-heavy LA ramen field. The Arts District location draws groups and couples to communal tables in an energetic, high-volume room, so plan for noise over intimacy. Worth the trip when you want clean, bright flavors instead of the usual rich-and-heavy bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu Shio Ramen, Tsukemen, Buta Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Tokyo import specializing in yuzu shio—a bright, citrus-forward broth built from chicken, seafood, vegetables, and seaweed, unlike the heavy tonkotsu dominating LA's ramen scene.
Who should go: Groups and date nights craving light, citrus-forward ramen
When to visit: Early week dinner for shorter waits; kitchen closes by 9-10pm
What to order: Lead with the yuzu shio ramen, split an order of buta gyoza, and add tsukemen if you want something dippable—portions are moderate so a side rounds it out
Insider tip: Pair your ramen with their house-brewed Yuzu Lager, made specifically for the Arts District location
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking and nearby pay-station lots in the Arts District—try CG Lot at 830 Traction Ave ($3/20 min, $20 max) or Lot at 1345 E. 6th St ($3/20 min, $12 max all day). No valet.
Dress code: Casual—it's a modern ramen counter, come as you are
Noise level: Lively and energetic—big communal tables, busy open space, not ideal for quiet conversation
Weekend wait: Expect a line out the door on weekends; arriving right at open can cut it to under 5 minutes. Reservations available online.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegan ramen (Hazelnut Tantanmen) doubles as vegetarian, plus sides like edamame and bok choy
Vegan options: Yes—Hazelnut Tantanmen: spicy sesame miso tare, hazelnut broth, leeks, bok choy, mushrooms, sesame chili oil, miso cashew crumbles
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free noodles available for a $4 upcharge; Yuzu Shio ramen works with GF noodle swap
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — but for a fun, energetic date rather than a quiet romantic one. The Arts District space is sleek and modern with an open kitchen, communal tables, and counter seating. Weeknights are calmer and better for conversation; weekends bring a DJ and a livelier crowd. Request bar-adjacent seating for a more intimate feel, or go on a weeknight if you want to actually hear each other.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they offer both reservations and a walk-in waitlist. Weekday lunch and early weeknight arrivals typically seat quickly with little to no wait. Friday and Saturday dinner is peak time, so book ahead or expect a wait. Ordering is done via touchscreen kiosks once seated. Happy hour runs all day at the bar and patio, and 5–6pm weekdays in the dining room — a good window to walk in and grab a deal.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — the casual, lively atmosphere means kids won't feel out of place, and families are seen regularly on the patio. Ramen, dumplings, and buns work for kids who are comfortable with Japanese food. A dedicated kids menu has not been confirmed — call ahead if you need one. High chair availability is also unconfirmed. Best for kids who can handle noodles and shared plates rather than very picky eaters.
Is it good for groups? Yes — this is one of the better group spots in the Arts District. The izakaya-style menu of shareable small plates, skewers, sushi rolls, and dumplings is built for communal eating, and the long shared tables accommodate larger parties naturally. Full bar with cocktails, sake, and house-made yuzu lager keeps the energy going. For groups over 6, call ahead to coordinate seating. Private dining does not appear to be available.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — heated patio seating is available and is dog-friendly. Happy hour pricing applies all day on the patio. The outdoor area fits the Arts District vibe with a relaxed, social feel. Exact capacity and whether it's fully covered are not confirmed — call ahead if weather is a concern or you need to seat a larger group outside.
Best For
Better for: Casual group dinners before going out, first dates who want trendy-not-stuffy, Instagram-worthy bowls in a sleek Arts District space with a full cocktail and sake program
Skip if: You want quiet intimate conversation, crave heavy rich tonkotsu (the signature Yuzu Shio is deliberately light), or can't tolerate any weekend wait
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 11pm
Saturday11:30am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 9:30pm