Small space with bright, clean interior and relaxing music creates a warm, casual atmosphere. The vibe is quiet and pleasant, making it feel cozy and inviting. The setting stands out for its Studio Ghibli-like ambiance and neat decor.
Broths come rich and well-balanced, avoiding excess saltiness. Tonkotsu and spicy miso ramen stand out with rich broth and good pork. A house sauce on the table adds an extra kick to the bowls.
Shrimp spring rolls stand out with fresh flavors. The menu also features shrimp egg rolls and potato shrimp alongside other dishes like spicy ramen and skewers.
Good to know
They had specials for the opening, including $10 tonkotsu ramen.
During happy hour, Monsta Ramen Curry offered $3 beers.
The restaurant offers the option to order with the server or scan a QR code to order online for a discounted price on certain items.
Asian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a retro-inspired decor and great music. The space feels clean and inviting, attracting a busy crowd. Ordering and payment happen upfront, creating a straightforward dining flow.
Broth stands out with its rich and savory flavors, especially in the miso and spicy miso ramen. The Spicy Deluxe Paiko Ramen features crispy breaded chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in a thick, flavorful broth.
Spicy shrimp wontons stand out with tender wrappers and a flavorful broth. The menu also features shrimp dumplings and black garlic ramen with seafood elements.
Good to know
Customers order themselves through their phones using a QR code on each table.
Prepaying for food is common here, which is unusual for sit-down restaurants.
Parking is challenging around the area, so plan accordingly.
Huge Korean grocery store with spacious food court featuring about eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles make maneuvering carts difficult, but the place offers an outstanding selection of authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Walls display maker-inspired graphics, adding a unique visual touch.
An endless selection of ramen and noodles makes choosing fun. Bowls are huge, often enough for two or three people. Unique options like Kimchi ramen add variety to the menu.
Fresh seafood includes a wide variety of fish and shellfish, both fresh and frozen. The selection pairs well with premium Japanese beef and other meats, offering options for Korean BBQ and hot pot.
Good to know
H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.
Parking can be challenging at times.
The store is clean and well-organized.
Small Japanese restaurant with traditional tatami seating and Japanese-themed decor creates a cozy, authentic izakaya vibe. Lounge area gets overcrowded and hot, while dining side offers a quieter experience. Late nights bring a lively atmosphere with locals enjoying unique ramen and yakitori dishes.
Tonkotsu ramen offers an extremely flavorful broth with marinated ramen eggs that stand out. Bowls cost around $15 and satisfy late night cravings with solid, classic flavors.
Fried oysters and shrimp tempura stand out with crispy textures and rich flavors. Sushi options include a Pepper Tuna Roll featuring shrimp tempura, avocado, crab, seared tuna, and sweet chili sauce.
Good to know
Hinotez offers happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.
Parking is available in the rear, off Balboa, with plenty of spaces.
Expect a wait time during peak hours on weekends, especially after 7pm.
Cozy Japanese noodle house with simple wooden decor and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. Atmosphere feels like eating at someone's home in Japan, with soulful aromas of broth and katsu filling the air. Regulars gather in a quiet space that stays lively late into the night.
Broth stays warm and succulent, with noodles cooked just right. Ramen comes with toppings like poached egg and kimchi, served piping hot in cast-iron bowls for authentic comfort.
Shrimp tempura appears in both bento plates and sushi, served with white rice, salad, and miso soup. Sushi features fresh fish consistently.
Good to know
Chopstix offers a happy hour from 9 PM to 12 AM with great deals.
The happy hour menu includes a California roll for around $6.
Chopstix is open until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Korean restaurant offers induction burners at each table for hot pot dining with a casual, homey atmosphere reminiscent of South Korea. Entertainment includes Korean mukbang videos that add a light, humorous touch. The space stays clean and orderly with neat dish presentation, attracting those seeking authentic Korean flavors.
Broth serves as a base for cooking ramen noodles directly in the hot pot. Adding ramen helps balance portions alongside rice for groups. Some noodles may remain in the broth or pot after serving.
Seafood pancakes stand out with a mix of spicy pork stew and potato pasta adding variety. The seafood pajeon tends to be a bit greasy but pairs well with the pork hotpot.
Good to know
Parking is limited during lunch and dinner times, so arrive early.
Street parking is recommended due to limited spaces in the lot.
Expect to pay around $40 for a medium hot pot for two.
Casual Japanese restaurant with retro 60s-70s decor and a laid-back atmosphere featuring loud eclectic music including 90s, 2000s, and island styles. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and offers sunlit dining. Portions are generous and affordable, creating a relaxed, unpretentious vibe.
Spicy seafood ramen called Jjam Bbong stands out here. The menu offers a great variety including sushi, curries, and several ramen soups.
Spicy seafood dishes like Jjam Bbong and a spicy shrimp bowl stand out here. The Friday Special includes Shrimp Tempura Rolls and California Rolls, adding variety to the seafood options.
Good to know
Happy hour runs every day from 3 to 6 pm with great drink prices.
The dinner for two costs less than $20, making it very affordable.
Expect large portion sizes, perfect for sharing.
Spacious sushi restaurant with well spaced tables and large TV screens showing cultural and sports content. Atmosphere stays pleasant and chill with moderate music volume, supporting easy conversation. The vibe blends a modern, clean style with a fun anime theme, welcoming groups of all sizes.
Fish arrives incredibly fresh and cut to perfection. Appetizers and handrolls feature generous cuts with clear freshness and careful preparation.
Good to know
The all-you-can-eat option costs $30, offering a wide variety of sushi.
Lunch service does not include a menu on weekends or holidays.
Sushi orders come in full rolls of 8 pieces, providing good value.