Explore the Ramen Capital of Southern California
If you love ramen, you’ll love Torrance. Located in the South Bay of Los Angeles, Torrance has become a destination for ramen lovers from across Southern California and beyond.
Known by many locals as the “Ramen Capital of Southern California,” Torrance is home to one of the largest concentrations of authentic Japanese ramen restaurants in the region. This hidden gem offers a wide variety of standout ramen restaurants and is steeped in both Japanese and ramen culture.
Follow the Ramen Trail in Torrance
A great way to explore Torrance’s delicious ramen scene is with your very own ramen crawl. We’ve put together a handy map featuring the most popular ramen restaurants in Torrance.
Download the Ramen Trail map and slurp away!
Ramen, Japanese Culture & Torrance
Ramen, glorious ramen. Other noodle and broth soups may deliver warmth and satisfaction, but this iconic Japanese soup inspires fanatical devotion.
From the tangled, chewy noodles to the warm pork or chicken-flavored broth and all the adornments, each bite offers a combination of textures and flavors (not to mention tradition!) you won’t find with other dishes. It’s an art that can be sampled with all its rich Asian culture in Torrance.
Torrance’s incredible ramen scene is closely connected to the city’s deep Japanese heritage. For generations, Japanese restaurants, markets and cultural traditions have helped shape the local dining scene.
Learn more about the city’s history and influence in our guide to Japanese culture in Torrance.
Best Ramen Restaurants around Torrance
With so many great ramen restaurants located just minutes from one another, Torrance is the perfect place to find ramen. Start in Old Torrance, where several beloved ramen spots are clustered together, then continue exploring the city’s plazas and neighborhoods to discover even more delicious bowls.
With its low-key vibe and affordable prices, Ko-Ryu Ramen has established itself as a favorite among locals and out-of-town foodies. With two convenient Torrance locations, they offer flavorful bowls of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen and best of all, their famous spicy challenge. See if you have what it takes to get FREE toppings for life!
Located in Western Town Plaza, this cozy, Japanese-style ramen house features tasty appetizers, fresh salads and a diverse selection of sake, wine and shochu. Locals love the black and red Shisen-style spicy ramen, and you will too. This place is a bit of a secret, so shhhhhh.
“Yokocho” means the narrow, lantern-filled lanes that run between main streets in Japan. That’s the inspiration behind Torrance Yokocho, one of the most popular ramen destinations in Old Torrance. With multiple ramen vendors and Japanese eateries in one lively space, it’s a great place to sample different bowls and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese alleyway food district.
Grab an ordering sheet and create your custom bowl of ramen with fresh ingredients and noodles made in-house to tasty perfection. Try the Mentaiko or God Fire with a side of crisp fried chicken — and don’t forget the Goodness Gyozas.
This ramen spot on the northern edge of Torrance features housemade ingredients like their soba noodles, la-yu sauce and Josui stock. Make it your own by adding a combination of customizable toppings including their extra spicy fire ball.
Tonkotsu broth ramen is a rich and creamy soup made after hours of slow cooking to extract the greatest amount of flavor possible. Thin noodles are added along with tasty ramen toppings such as chashu, menma and marinated eggs. No surprise, tonkotsu broth ramen is their specialty at Ramen Yamadaya. Plan a visit Monday through Friday to enjoy a 3-course meal at a sweet price.
Pronounced “shin sen goo-me,” this popular ramen spot just outside Torrance in nearby Gardena puts the to-go in ramen with a drive-thru that is open seven days a week, including holidays. Known for its Hakata-style ramen and quick service, it’s a convenient stop for ramen lovers exploring the South Bay.
Originally from Japan, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is one of the most authentic ramen restaurants in the country. Found inside the popular Mitsuwa Marketplace, every bowl of traditional tonkotsu ramen is handmade from scratch and you can taste that commitment to excellence in every sip.
Want to Make Your Own Ramen?
Want to make your own ramen at home? Stop by the Torrance Certified Farmers Market where Kenchan Ramen offers DIY ramen making kits with individually sealed ingredients, including the broth. Customize your bowl by choosing your own toppings and create a ramen experience at home.
Stay Near Torrance’s Ramen Trail
Serious ramen explorers may want to turn their ramen crawl into a full-fledged getaway. Staying on theme, Torrance is home to some of Southern California’s most vibrant Japanese hotels, which make for a great base for exploring the city’s ramen scene.
The Miyako Hybrid Hotel blends modern luxury with Japanese-inspired design and even features a traditional Japanese restaurant onsite. From there, many of Torrance’s best ramen shops are just a short drive away.
The Redac Gateway Hotel offers a comfortable stay with subtle Japanese hospitality and design touches. Located near several of Torrance’s most popular ramen restaurants, it makes a convenient home base for visitors planning a ramen crawl through the city.
Ready for Ramen?
When looking for ramen around Los Angeles, food lovers often head to Torrance for one reason: concentration.
Few places in Southern California have as many authentic ramen restaurants located so close together, making the city a favorite destination for ramen fans across the LA area.
Ramen is a fundamental comfort food, soothing in times of stress and cozy when the weather is cooler. It’s perfect to enjoy any time of year, especially around some of its dedicated food holidays:
- National Ramen Day: April 4 (often referred to as National Ramen Noodle Day)
- Japan’s Ramen Day: July 11 (chosen because “7” resembles a ramen spoon and “11” resembles chopsticks)
- Instant Ramen Day: August 25 (commemorating the 1958 release of the first instant noodles)
Whether you’re on a mission to try them all or simply exploring the city’s incredible Japanese food scene, there’s always a great bowl of ramen waiting. After your first, second or third slurp, the Torrance ramen crawl only gets better.