Daikokuya

Reviews 12

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Tim C

Coming to Santa Monica once a week, I needed to find a spot after my stops. It also means I dont have to drive all the way to Little Tokyo when there is one in Little Osaka. They have not announced their grand opening at the time I was coming here so their menu was still a work in progress. Just ramen and a few dishes while you can still order beer they are all on a one page menu. Something to get out of the cold with a warm bowl of noodles and broth. This is one of the few locations that they opened that comes really close to the one in Little Tokyo minus the wait. It could also mean that is why I recognize the chef behind the counter who looks really familiar. Yes, there are many ramen shops around this little Sawtelle area but if you ask me for a recommendation, I would tell you to come here. The wait is not like the one in Little Tokyo or any of the other shops around here. If you dont believe me, perhaps we should begin a ramen challenge? Lets go to your favourite spot and well go to mine and compare notes.

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Steven Wong

The wait time is no joke, expect waiting upwards of 30 minutes to an hour depending on your group size and whether or not you come during the rush. But this place is worth every minute of the wait. Daikokuya easily cements itself as one of the top ramen places Ive been a patron of. The interior is very cozy, theres not much empty air between you and your neighbor. The ramen choices are simple, with really only 4ish options to pick from. You cant really go wrong with any of them. If the menu recommends an addition, take it. They know what theyre talking about. Extra fat is probably the most glorious thing ever invented. Prices arent too harsh, and are inline with another ramen joints Ive had the experience of. If youre visiting LA on a trip, make a night here a MUST. If you live in LA, I almost envy you. This establishment almost makes your nightmarish traffic worth it.

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Jennifer D

Yummy yummy ramen in my tummy. Ive been here twice and both times Ive waited an hour but I did come here on a Saturday during lunch and dinner. Ive only had their daikokuya ramen and their eel rice bowl. I figure if you were to come here, youve got to try their signature ramen and ignore all the other appetizers and rice bowls as it can get complicated. The broth is fatty and delicious just the way it should be. The ramen noodles were chewy and had great texture. The egg was served right without the yolk being completely boiled. The chasu was huge and two pieces lasts. Its a cute place and if you are super hungry, Id recommend you order the combination which includes the daikokuya ramen and a rice bowl. Sounds like a bunch of carbs? It sure is but it will definitely keep you fuller. Good luck with the line but I guarantee you will like it!

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Melanie Huynh

Between here and Tsujita Annex, I have a hard time choosing when it comes to ramen on Sawtelle. Both places are equally delicious. I always order the spicy miso ramen and it is always more delicious than I remember. The broth is really flavorful that I have to resist the urge to drink it all before I finish the noodles. I think another great part of the ramen here is their soft boiled egg that is always cooked perfectly. Another great part of this place is the interior decoration. Eating at the restaurant makes you feel as though youre eating in a little restaurant on the streets of Japan. The wait can get quite long especially during peak lunch and dinner hours. Parking is convenient since there is a free parking structure in the same complex. Ive come here at least 5 times now and it never disappoints.

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Kokuei Y

リトルトーキョーの店舗より、少し小さいですが、内装はこっちの方が面白いです。例えば、レジカウンターが交番になっていたり。トイレの近くにマネキンがあってビックリしたこともあります。笑 日本の豚骨ベースのラーメンが食べたなると、この店舗かリトルトーキョーの店舗によく行きます。 日本人スタッフもいますので、英語に自信がない場合も安心です。

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Cynthia Ngoy

Came to this Daikokuya for the first time on a Sunday around 9pm. There was a short wait, maybe around 10 minutes. This place is very quaint and the decor is so cute. Felt like I was transported back to Japan. The broth was amazing and really felt like comfort food. I couldnt get enough. I got the Daikokuya special ramen and my boyfriend got the spicy miso. Both were on point! Parking wasnt a hassle (which is a shocker if you know Sawtelle!) because there was a lot up the street with free parking. Highly recommend this location.

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Carm W

Simliar to all the Daikokuya there is about a 30 minute wait before you get seated. The decor inside this location is set up like you are sitting outside in the streets of Japan eating your ramen. The service is very speedy so they can get you in and out of the restaurant quickly. I ordered the spicy ramen with egg and the spicy tuna roll. The broth and ramen was a bit overcooked but I think the price of the food makes it well worth it. I also love that there is free parking as this is located inside of the Marshalls shopping plaza.

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Christine Shee

I would give 4.5 stars if it was possible. Overall another great ramen place on Sawtelle with long wait times and a small venue (unsurprising if youve been to Tsujita). I got the original/regular ramen and my friend got a ramen/rice bowl combo. The broth, noodles, and toppings are all solid. Free grated garlic is a great bonus. I was slightly disappointed in the pork, which, although fatty, was slightly lower quality than I expected. However, I would definitely consider this one of the great ramen options in the area!

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Christine L

The Best Ramen in town next to the one down town. I heard a few of the chains are different, but this one is just as good. I like Daikoku ramen the best. The spicy miso is okay, not very spicy. The fried rice is amazing as well as the shreded pork bowl. GYoza is also very good here. I havent been to any of the other chains, but I hear this is one is the best one. When we go here, you can guarentee at least a 1 hour wait. We often get the combo as each get a different side and share so we can taste everything.

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MI

Millennials IRL

I prefer Tsujita Annex and Tatsu over Daikokuya. I try every place at least twice unless the first time is obviously more than enough. I have been here a few times but unfortunately, it didnt match the hype for me. From my ramen experience, this is your standard ramen broth. Nothing fancy, not trying to hard. If ramen were a person, this is your basic white girl. If Tsjuita Annex is Superman, Tatsu is a mutant and Daikokuya...well youre like Batman, all that drama but no real skills. Sorry guys.

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Judy Jones

This place opens at 5PM. We came at 5:07PM and there was already a wait!! We were probably 10th in line and it took us an hour to get seated :(. The restaurant is really small... I didnt like the seatings and the wait time. But the ramen was definitely worth it. I ordered the Tori Paitan. It was really creamy! The broth was perfect and the flavor was on point. Definitely hit the spot especially since I was starving!

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Jeremy Chen

Great ramen but this place is small and easily gets crowded. Parking isnt too bad thanks to the garage that is there. I just had their regular ramen and to me I still prefer the regular Tsujita up the street (not the annex) but that is more of a personal preference. I came around 3 pm on a Friday afternoon and there was no wait but whenever I pass by at dinner I see quite a substantial line so be prepared to wait.

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