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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in West Hollywood
Best Sushi Rolls in West Hollywood
Best Sushi in West Hollywood
Best Japanese in West Hollywood
Master Critic Review
Akuma Ramen & Sushi Bar
8.0
Akuma pairs tonkotsu and truffle garlic ramen with a full sushi menu in an anime-decorated dining room and lantern-lit patio. It functions as a hybrid ramen bar and neighborhood sushi hangout, with all-day happy hour drawing groups and date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Garlic Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Akuma Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Anime-themed ramen and sushi bar with truffle ramen, rolls, and a busy patio.
Who should go: Groups wanting ramen, sushi, and drinks in one spot
When to visit: Evenings, especially during happy hour or weekend nights
What to order: Truffle garlic ramen, classic tonkotsu ramen, Akuma roll
Insider tip: Target patio seating for the best mix of people-watching and a slightly quieter experience than inside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and surrounding side streets; metered spots can be tight after 6pm. No valet, so plan a few extra minutes to circle during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for evening visits and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to loud indoors due to music and anime decor energy; patio seating is noticeably calmer and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for small groups, 45–60 minutes for parties of four or more unless you arrive early or hit happy hour.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are easy and service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian ramen bases, veggie sushi rolls, and appetizers like edamame and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 ramen options with vegetable broth plus a few vegan-friendly sides; sushi options are more constrained.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—gluten-free soy sauce available on request and several sushi items qualify, but most ramen noodles contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want something fun and visually lively. The anime decor and lantern-lit patio give it personality without feeling too formal, though indoor noise can be high during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. For weekend evenings, come before 7pm or aim for patio seating to reduce the wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—kids who enjoy noodles or sushi will be fine here, though the indoor room can be loud. Patio tables work better for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting both ramen and sushi at one table, happy hour deals, and a colorful, anime-forward dining atmosphere.
Skip if: You want quiet, traditional ramen, or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options—more specialized ramen shops may be a better fit.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday4pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday4pm - 9:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9:30pm
Friday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 2pm, 4pm - 9:30pm