Cochinoman tech, sushi, poker
After going to Hakata Ramen in Little Tokyo, I decided to stay with Ramen and checkout the new Yamadaya in Westwood. Yamadaya has moved into the old location that used to be Tenryoan on Westwood Blvd.
Apparently, this is their 3rd in their chain of 3 so far, starting with their 1st one in Torrance. When I worked in Torrance many years ago, there used to be some great Japanese restaurants down there. Not sure if that was because of the Japanese car companies being in that area or something else.
But I digress.
It’s interesting that I went here after going to Hakata because the formula is very similar. As with Hakata, you select the type of broth you want and what you want in the ramen. However, unlike Hakata, they actually put the side stuff into the bowl for you. The actual ramen is very similar, if not exactly the same as the thin ones at Hakata. I’m still not completely sold on this type of ramen noodles. I’m so used to the old thicker ones that it takes me a while to adjust to these new type of ramen noodles.
The good news is, if you like this type of thin ramen, it’s good. Unfortunately, the egg was still cold, even though it was in the soup. They don’t serve hot green tea so I just had water. The gyoza was nothing to write home about. I think it might have been pre-made and frozen. The spicy tuna roll was made creamy like tuna that you would have in your sandwich. I’ve seen this before and I don’t like it.
Overall, it doesn’t have the upbeat atmosphere like Hakata, but some people might like that it’s quite. There is counter seating but I’m not sure where you are supposed to park. Service is good and the ramen is very good, if you like the thin kind.
Come here if you’re in Westwood and you want ramen.
Ramen Yamadaya
1248 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, closed Sunday
(310) 474-1600
ramen-yamadaya.com
