30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Ramen in Culver City
Best Ramen in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Mensho Tokyo
8.8
Michelin-recognized Tokyo import specializing in rich tori paitan chicken broth with housemade mochi noodles and premium toppings like A5 Wagyu, duck, and fermented pork chashu. The signature bowl features truffle oil and draws hour-long weekend waits for its gravy-thick, umami-packed broth that has earned acclaim across multiple cities.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Toripaitan with Trio Meats, Garlic Knock Out Ramen, Karaage Fried Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin Guide recognition since 2017 for revolutionary chicken-based tori paitan broth
Who should go: Ramen aficionados seeking premium, innovative Japanese bowls
When to visit: Weekday evenings before 6pm to avoid hour-long waits
What to order: Signature Toripaitan ($28), add extra wagyu chashu, corn ribs
Insider tip: Sit at the bar counter to watch chefs assemble the elaborate bowls
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd or nearby side streets; public lot 2 blocks east on Main St ($3/hr). Arrive early on weekends as spots fill quickly.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers totally fine, though you'll see everything from streetwear to date night attire
Noise level: Moderately loud - open kitchen energy and bustling vibe means you can converse but may need to lean in slightly during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation (they don't take reservations), arrive before 5:30pm or after 9pm to cut wait significantly
Weekday lunch: 15-25 minutes typical, minimal wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie mazemen and mushroom-forward options available, but this is fundamentally a meat-centric operation
Vegan options: Very limited - one vegan ramen option with vegetable broth, but most signature elements (tori paitan, chashu) are off-limits
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but strategically - the bar counter seating is surprisingly intimate and the impressive chef action creates natural conversation starters. Skip it if your date is a light eater or expects white tablecloth romance; embrace it if you're both foodies who bond over Instagram-worthy moments and rich, adventurous flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - it's walk-up only with a waitlist system. Weekday evenings before 6pm are your best bet for sub-30 minute waits. Weekend prime time (7-9pm) can easily hit 90 minutes. Join the waitlist via Yelp app if available, or arrive right at 5pm opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately - the counter seating and trendy vibe skew adult, but families with older kids (10+) who appreciate ramen do fine here. Not ideal for toddlers given the hot bowls, wait times, and lack of kid menu. The noodles are legitimately appealing to young eaters though.
How does it compare to Tsujita or Daikokuya? Mensho sits in a different lane - where Tsujita excels at tsukemen and Daikokuya owns classic tonkotsu, Mensho's tori paitan chicken broth is richer and more innovative. You're paying $6-8 more per bowl for Michelin pedigree, premium toppings like A5 wagyu, and Instagram spectacle. Choose Mensho when you want to impress or treat yourself.
What should I order besides ramen? The corn ribs are a must - caramelized and addictive. Mentaiko rice balls make an excellent starter. Skip the gyoza (decent but not special). If you're hungry, add extra chashu or the soft-boiled egg to your bowl rather than ordering multiple small plates.
Best For
Better for: Premium ramen experience with Michelin backing, innovative tori paitan broth that's richer than standard tonkotsu, A5 wagyu and upscale toppings, Instagram-worthy presentation, impressing out-of-town visitors or dates who appreciate culinary craftsmanship
Skip if: You want classic tonkotsu, need reservations or guaranteed quick seating, prefer lighter broths, are on a tight budget (bowls $24-35), have severe dietary restrictions, or want a quiet conversation venue
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 2pm, 4pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm