Nakazo Ramen Bistro

Oct 2024 update: Nakazo has removed all rice balls except for the Spam musubi. They have been replaced with sushi rolls that are 2 to 3 times the price of the previous rice balls. I have ordered the sushi roll and the amount of food you get is very similar to the rice ball (about 4-5 pieces per order) yet more than double the price. They actually taste a bit worse because the sushi has very thick rice layers. Because of this new update I have changed my review from 5 stars to 3. The Spam musubi still remains at the previous price point and is still good, but the other rice balls were my preferred items as they were more unique and better to eat than just spam and a thick slab of rice. I am not sure why they removed such a popular item from their menu, but I am likely not coming back anymore now.

Is it crazy to have come to a ramen restaurant multiple times over the years and have never ordered the ramen itself?

Then I remember I'm having amazing rice balls/omusubi and sides that I stop worrying about it. The rice balls are very fresh, very filling, and very good! The furikake seasoning on the rice is plentiful so it doesn't taste dull, and the fillings/toppings are generous. These are not the cold rice balls you see at Japanese markets. They are at least twice as good, and less than twice the price.

Their poke bowl is also actually quite good. I also enjoy the chicken karaage and fried brussel sprouts.

I keep meaning to try the ramen, but always get pulled away by the other things! Sometimes I'll have enough will power to stop myself, haha.

This is a gem of a restaurant hidden in a small strip mall off the highway. It's such a weird place for a great Japanese restaurant. I can only hope they stay open for a long time so I can keep eating here.

Published 9 months ago

This unassuming spot is on the corner of a cluster of mini restaurants. The guy working the counter was super helpful and nice. I ended up getting a selection of things to sample — gyoza, kara-age, brussel sprouts, and a side of noodles with the tonkotsu broth. Everything was fantastic — very fresh. The crispy stuff was crispy, the soft stuff was soft. The flavors were amazing. My friends got a couple of the ramen bowls and the teriyaki fries, and they couldn’t stop because the flavors were so good.

Published 7 months ago

Cute restaurant with relaxed atmosphere
The Salmon Poke & the Tonkotsu Ramen are amazing
Portions seem small at the first glance, but are more than enough

Published 6 months ago

The first time we visited this Japanese bistro. It was an absolutely an excellent experience, the ramen and all the dishes we ordered were to die for. Only one thing that make me feel uncomfortable which is the space is so tiny and wonder how long customers need to wait to be seated if all tables are occupied?

Published 22 days ago

It is my first time coming to eat here. I ordered the small pork chashu bowl. It was delicious. I do not recommend buying the minute maid lemonade with ice. I think it made my throat a little uncomfortable dry and sore. Maybe because of this weather and people around me being a bit sick. Something hot to drink would have been better. I really enjoyed the pork chashu bowl. It was size small and it was delightful and tasty. It is simple and great. I appreciate the service here.

Published a year ago

First time eating here. Experience was a great one. First off the restroom was very clean and well stocked. My family and I enjoyed the food very much. I ordered the pork chashu bowl and gyoza. My wife had the chicken chashu bowl and spam omusubi and California omusubi and fries that she shared with our son. We all tried a little bit of each other's food so we could get a little taste! There was honestly nothing that we didn't like! Everything tasted very fresh and well cooked!! Hats off to the chef!! Also, a special shoutout to the fries, they were crispy and well seasoned!! We will definitely be coming back and I can't wait to try the ramen!! I know its funny to say but we came and didn't try the ramen!! Next time!! I recommend this place!! Very friendly staff!!

Published 3 years ago

This is the best ramen I've ever had in LA, even better than what I've had in Japan and Taiwan. The broth is rich and flavorful, and everything - the noodles, meat - is perfectly cooked.

Their takoyaki, fried chicken, and char siu rice are also must-tries and incredibly delicious.

The service is great, the restaurant is clean, and the presentation of the food is impeccable. This is a 100% perfect restaurant that you have to try.

Published 2 years ago

Small spot with large flavors. This is good ramen for a great price. You can get a bigger, more expensive, mediocre bowl somewhere else.
Here, it's good and not over priced. I tried the standard ramen.

Not much ambiance but who cares when the food is good?
Left full and satisfied. Tastes great. Looking forward to coming back.

Published a year ago

Published 19 days ago

The first time we visited this Japanese bistro. It was an absolutely an excellent experience, the ramen and all the dishes we ordered were to die for. Only one thing that make me feel uncomfortable which is the space is so tiny and wonder how long customers need to wait to be seated if all tables are occupied?

Published 21 days ago

Sesame ramen is the best and owner is very friendly

Published a month ago

Published 2 months ago

Tried the tonkotsu ramen. The broth and noodles were good, but the toppings (egg and chase) were a little bland. The egg was also slightly over cooked. Came in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised, but I don t think I would come here again if I were craving ramen unless i happened to already be in the area.

Published 2 months ago

Very good service and delicious ramen

Published 2 months ago

Published 3 months ago

Oct 2024 update: Nakazo has removed all rice balls except for the Spam musubi. They have been replaced with sushi rolls that are 2 to 3 times the price of the previous rice balls. I have ordered the sushi roll and the amount of food you get is very similar to the rice ball (about 4-5 pieces per order) yet more than double the price. They actually taste a bit worse because the sushi has very thick rice layers. Because of this new update I have changed my review from 5 stars to 3. The Spam musubi still remains at the previous price point and is still good, but the other rice balls were my preferred items as they were more unique and better to eat than just spam and a thick slab of rice. I am not sure why they removed such a popular item from their menu, but I am likely not coming back anymore now. Is it crazy to have come to a ramen restaurant multiple times over the years and have never ordered the ramen itself? Then I remember Im having amazing rice balls/omusubi and sides that I stop worrying about it. The rice balls are very fresh, very filling, and very good! The furikake seasoning on the rice is plentiful so it doesnt taste dull, and the fillings/toppings are generous. These are not the cold rice balls you see at Japanese markets. They are at least twice as good, and less than twice the price. Their poke bowl is also actually quite good. I also enjoy the chicken karaage and fried brussel sprouts. I keep meaning to try the ramen, but always get pulled away by the other things! Sometimes Ill have enough will power to stop myself, haha. This is a gem of a restaurant hidden in a small strip mall off the highway. Its such a weird place for a great Japanese restaurant. I can only hope they stay open for a long time so I can keep eating here.

Published 3 months ago

Great casual ramen place

Published 3 months ago

Love the food it was relaxing and I enjoyed the ramen with my sushi and the chicken and the sitting was Kool watching the freeway pass by and enjoying the night

Published 4 months ago

Great food and menu! This was my second time. Well run, clean, and reasonably priced!

Published 5 months ago

Good ramen for good price! Def going to be coming here more often!

Published 5 months ago

Cute restaurant with relaxed atmosphere The Salmon Poke & the Tonkotsu Ramen are amazing Portions seem small at the first glance, but are more than enough Food : 5/5

Published 6 months ago

Good solid neighborhood ramen place. Previous businesses have not succeeded at this location but this ramen joint has stuck around. Feels like comfort food.

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

This unassuming spot is on the corner of a cluster of mini restaurants. The guy working the counter was super helpful and nice. I ended up getting a selection of things to sample gyoza, kara-age, brussel sprouts, and a side of noodles with the tonkotsu broth. Everything was fantastic very fresh. The crispy stuff was crispy, the soft stuff was soft. The flavors were amazing. My friends got a couple of the ramen bowls and the teriyaki fries, and they couldn t stop because the flavors were so good.

Published 7 months ago

Place is clean, workers were friendly even when they were swamped with orders. And the food !!!! Extremely good

Published 7 months ago

Good ramen is very authentic

Published 9 months ago

Carnitas ramen is good. Good service as well

Published 10 months ago

Its a really good place, the food here is Amazing realy good service, good food and even if its small. Its still good Vegetarian options: There are some good ramen which are vegetarian Kid-friendliness: They have the kids ramen which i have never tried but i would say that it tastes just like the adult version of it

Published 10 months ago

1st time here. 3/21/24 Wow, wow wow!!! The las carnitas ramen was delicious!!! Im so coming back for more. Food

Published 10 months ago

So I have ordered Takeout & Dined In before countless times due to the food and customer service being absolutely AMAZING & DELICIOUS! Each time I order, Im never disappointed by the quality of the food. Also, packaging for takeout is perfect it never spills! I love this Ramen spot a lot and noticed I never wrote a review so it was time to do so. <3

Published 10 months ago

Published 10 months ago

I ordered the veggie Ramen from here for the first time. There was a really nice young man on the phone who answered and was quite kind and when I got there, my Ramen was ready took about 10 minutes. It was absolutely delicious. Will definitely be going back again.

Published 10 months ago

This was my first time here, and the ramen was delicious. I enjoyed it, there were plenty of ramen noodles, and I appreciate it. I would definitely recommend it to others, and parking was easy. The customer service was nice.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

I regularly come in here because the food is just that great. Doesnt matter the day or the time the front of house is always amazing and accommodating and the food is spectacular. I have tried everything except the kids ramen and have never been disappointed. This place is where I go to get my comfort food, it was the best decision to try them out.

Published a year ago

It is my first time coming to eat here. I ordered the small pork chashu bowl. It was delicious. I do not recommend buying the minute maid lemonade with ice. I think it made my throat a little uncomfortable dry and sore. Maybe because of this weather and people around me being a bit sick. Something hot to drink would have been better. I really enjoyed the pork chashu bowl. It was size small and it was delightful and tasty. It is simple and great. I appreciate the service here.

Published a year ago

Taste different

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Umm... yeah I was very disappointed by this spot especially because it had such good reviews but as a ramen lover, I was so underwhelmed by the #1 listed item on their menu that its fair to say that Id never come back to order the Tonkotsu Ramen :(. I may try something else but how can Tonkotsu taste so bland?? :/ The broth lacked flavors as did the noodles. The egg was ok, as was the portion, and the cha siu but there some pretty fatty pieces. Staff is friendly and service is pretty quick as this is a very small shop that you order at the counter and take a seat and they will bring it out. A single stall restroom is available for all genders. Parking is in a shared corner tiny strip mall like right off of Fremont exit on the 10E. So not hard to find.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

The food is outstanding and to die for! Although the place is small, it has alot to offer. I loved the salmon poke bowl and the california omusubi. The other day I had the tonkastu ramen and that is something not to pass out. Overall the food is good and the environment is very nice. Would come back to dine in for more

Published a year ago

Hidden ramen place. Favorful and a little Mexican Japanese fusion.

Published a year ago

my parents came to visit me in LA for a quick stop and we ate here. my father and I had the carnitas ramen and my mother had the pork chashu bowl, along with a side of gyoza and karaage chicken. it was all amazing! thank you for feeding us and making our stop to your restaurant a great one! :D

Published a year ago

Small spot with large flavors. This is good ramen for a great price. You can get a bigger, more expensive, mediocre bowl somewhere else. Here, its good and not over priced. I tried the standard ramen. Not much ambiance but who cares when the food is good? Left full and satisfied. Tastes great. Looking forward to coming back.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

We ordered and our food arrived in 5 minutes. This is probably the best ramen I have ever had. The portions were amazing and it was well priced. I will definitely be coming back.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Very delicious ramen! I thought of eating casually, but I didn t expect such an unexpected surprise!

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

It s a cute & authentic Japanese restaurant with really good Ramen and friendly staff working there. I definitely recommend the place & Las Carnitas Ramen. Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs or any barriers

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Whats going on with these portions? They keep getting smaller and smaller especially in the pork belly bowls. Used to love getting it and now there is more rice and less pork belly unlike before. Prices are the same so its frustrating having to pay for more rice than protein. Sad to see a place do this. The food is amazing but these smaller portions are getting out of hand. Increase the price for more pork belly or lower the price

Published a year ago

Very friendly staff (girl with red hair). However, the ramen broth was very lackluster and not salted enough in my opinion. Ramen noodles were pretty generic. Chasu bowl pork was over cooked and burnt in some parts. Karage chicken was stringy. None of the food I had here was good, only decent at best. I don t like the ordering system - I rather have waiter service than to go up and order. The soda machines are dirty and need to be cleaned. All in all, it was subpar. Probably wouldn t come again. 4.7 rating on Google is massive overrating

Published a year ago

This is the best ramen Ive ever had in LA, even better than what Ive had in Japan and Taiwan. The broth is rich and flavorful, and everything - the noodles, meat - is perfectly cooked. Their takoyaki, fried chicken, and char siu rice are also must-tries and incredibly delicious. The service is great, the restaurant is clean, and the presentation of the food is impeccable. This is a 100% perfect restaurant that you have to try.

Published a year ago

Pretty good comfort food the Karage and gyoza are spot on fair priced menu

Published a year ago

Very good!

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

The ramen soup is so good that I finished the lasr drop.

Published a year ago

I ordered to go. Tonkotsu ramen tasted good, but portion size is smaller than other ramen restaurants. Omusubi was decent. I wish they seasoned their rice a little more. Jichans Onigiri shop was much better too bad they are closed. Parking could be an issue because they are located in a small strip mall.

Published a year ago

First time at Nakazo , I had the veggie ramen , hubby had carnitas ramen , both are DELICIOUS , highly recommend . We brought it home to enjoy , can t wait to order again from their delicious menu .

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Fire

Published a year ago

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Never had a pork bun before this, but I loved this one. Carnitas ramen, bomb af.

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

This store is located in the Seven Eleven strip mall on South Fremont going towards I10 East. There are not too many tables inside so seating may be limited during peak times. I tried the Spicy Miso Ramen and Takoyaki. Ramen was al-dente and would soften up later on which adds changing texture in your mouth. Both were pretty authentic and quite tasty. I will try the other types of noodles next time.

Published 2 years ago

Carnitas ramen . First time and I was impressed food and appetizers were delicious.

Published 2 years ago

Laid back, small place with a nice clean layout and friendly staff. Food is solid, we really enjoyed it!

Published 2 years ago

Yummy local ramen spot. Look at their unique hours. Ample parking. Small inside. While I was eating there was a lot of pick up orders. When I got my food I realized why they were so busy. Broth if my ramen was delicious. Karage was good. I chose The las carnitas ramen. The carnitas was sliced to a small cube. The unique flavors adding cilantro, reddish and onion made my plate that much better. Try it for yourself.

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

DO NOT ORDER TAKE OUT FROM THIS RESTAURANT!!! The worst customer experience EVER! Food aside, it was ok. I placed my order through doordash at 12:08 pm, promised pick up at 12:39 - 12:49, and didnt even get my food until 1:10 pm!!! Got the restaurant and was told they were back up. I then saw a table of 2 that came after me, and got their appetizer and Ramen bowls before my order. So I complained to the staff. The staff told me that they prioritize dine in only. How could you prioritize dine in only, and treat take out customers lesser? We are paying the same price as the dine in, and PREPAID FOR OUR MEALS! I will never support this restaurant again!

Published 2 years ago

This place is delicious, wow! If you like spicy, ask for the spicy paste.. I got the veggie Ramen and it was delicious, cant imagine the meat ones.

Published 2 years ago

The spicy miso ramen bowl was bomb!

Published 2 years ago

Very good food

Published 2 years ago

Very nice place and clean. The ramen was very delicious. I would pass by this place but never had the chance until yesterday. The staff is friendly and price on the ramens is great. I got the spicy sesame ramen and it has a nice rich flavorful broth. I highly recommend this place. I ve eaten many ramens around so cal and Japan and this is a good spot for sure.

Published 2 years ago

Loved the pork chasu bowl and the garlic edamame! I liked the shitake & kombu onigiri, but could use a little more flavor. Overall i really enjoyed the food! Will order from here again!

Published 2 years ago

Nice service and dope alt rock/ grunge playlist :)

Published 2 years ago

Obsessed with this place, best ramen I ve ever had. From great customer service to amazingly good food<3

Published 2 years ago

We were heading back on the road after a mini vacation when we decided to stop by here for lunch. The food was amazing! I ordered the carnitas ramen and I could not get enough. The broth along with the meat really hit the spot after an exhausting morning. I am so sad that there isnt a place like this back home and finding this last moment at the end of our trip was the highlight. When Im back in Cali I will definitely stop by for more!

Published 2 years ago

Everything was delicious! Really enjoyed the food and customer service was fantastic :)

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

First time eating here. Experience was a great one. First off the restroom was very clean and well stocked. My family and I enjoyed the food very much. I ordered the pork chashu bowl and gyoza. My wife had the chicken chashu bowl and spam omusubi and California omusubi and fries that she shared with our son. We all tried a little bit of each others food so we could get a little taste! There was honestly nothing that we didnt like! Everything tasted very fresh and well cooked!! Hats off to the chef!! Also, a special shoutout to the fries, they were crispy and well seasoned!! We will definitely be coming back and I cant wait to try the ramen!! I know its funny to say but we came and didnt try the ramen!! Next time!! I recommend this place!! Very friendly staff!!

Published 2 years ago

Good fusion Mexican Japanese American food, try the ramen with carnitas, it was a good choice and tasty! But service is slow

Published 2 years ago

My grilfriend works here. YUmmy food :)

Published 2 years ago

Delicious ramen, our new go to place!

Published 2 years ago

Published 3 years ago

I had the veggie ramen and wow. It was very rich and delicious but not at all heavy. I even thought of having another bowl after eating some takoyaki, which was very fresh, and a salmon masubi. The restaurant itself is a little small, but its very clean and the staff is friendly. Highly recommended to anyone craving ramen

Published 3 years ago

Went here on a chilly Wednesday in December. Totally hit the spot. Great Ramen for a very good price. Had the Gyoza too, it tasted very fresh. Cute, intimate setting inside. Parking lot, near freeway entrance. What more could you want?

Published 3 years ago

Mid

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Love the ramen

Published 3 years ago

Having this corner already changed twice in the past several years, I kinda hope this ramen shop sticks around a bit longer than the other restaurants. It looks almost the same as the previous places, but with a nice japanese flair decor inside now. We tried out several dishes to try and get a feel of whats good here. The classic tonkatsu ramen bowl had some really flavorful chashu that melted always pretty easily when you bit into it, though the broth was a bit different. You could taste the pork, but it definitely had a bit of a vegetable flavor to it. Personally Id prefer it to be more savory, but it wasnt bad. We also tried some karaage, but honestly it wasnt that tasty and a bit tough; sauce was good though. I did like the omusubis, having tried their chashu omusubi. Overall, solid 4 out of 5. I think Ill be returning to try out some of their other menu items. Edit: After coming here for a while now, Ill upgrade to a 5. Ive basically tried everything on the menu now and I really love the pork chasu bowl and the Las carnitas ramen bowl. Plus the staff was really friendly and great!

Published 3 years ago

Got the first two soups on top of their menu. Were delicious. Also got a side order of fries. Comes with Cajun on it fyi.

Published 3 years ago

Update October 11, 2021: I tried their chicken sandwich. It is delicious, not greasy, and I believe they make it out of the dark meat of the chicken. It has pickles FYI. I love pickles and the cabbage toppings they used. It definitely gives Chick Fillet-A a run for their money. Their Spicy Misu Soup continues be delicious, flavorful, and spicy. The Spicy Misu Soup was delicious. They add corn their Ramen and it is a nice combination. The place is clean and well kept. The staff are friendly and prompt. I will be going back to try their Chicken Sandwich.

Published 3 years ago

Good tastes of tonkatsu ramen

Published 3 years ago

We ordered the La Carnita & Tonkatsu and it was pretty flavorful. I just wished they added more meat. I m not sure if I got a sad batch or if the amount received was normal. Photos online looked better. We ordered to-go and ate outside

Published 3 years ago

This a great little ramen restaurant the food is incredible good especially their La Carnitas ramen pack so much flavor and the both was light full of flavor.

Published 3 years ago

Super good ramen! And the lychee lemonade!

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Spectacular! Fast, excellent and hits your belly just right!

Published 3 years ago

New favorite Ramen spot.

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

My go to neighborhood ramen place Exceptional ramen bowls and rice balls! Soybeans in garlic sauce is yummy!

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

I ordered ramen and musubis for myself and colleague in the office. Nakazo Ramen was very delicious...wayyyyy better than Killer Ramen in SG!!!! Definitely will return again.

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Really it s more 3.5... caveat, we had it to go. Takoyaki was better than the last place I tried, but the pork bun seemed like it came pre-made from a package.

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Very good

Published 3 years ago

My sister inlaw brought us here for the 1st time and wow was it delicious. If you like siverlake ramen in LA then definitely will like this place

Published 3 years ago

We enjoyed the spicy chicken sandwich - it was huuuge

Published 3 years ago

First and it was really beyond my expectations loved it.

Published 3 years ago

Ramen is okay. Noodle texture isnt as good as some places, just not bouncy enough, but the broth is very creamy. The cha sui fries didnt contain enough cha sui to be worth the price. They were basically just fries, lots of kewpie mayo, and a bit of chasu.

Published 3 years ago

We took a chance on this place last min. and were well rewarded with some great ramen

Published 3 years ago

They have the best crispy brussel sprouts with garlic. Everything I have eaten here has been excellent. They also package your food with tender loving care very nice containers with a nice message on the bag. I have been here several times everything always tastes good

Published 3 years ago

Published 4 years ago

food is good Ramen good I have the pork delicious

Published 4 years ago

Fried chicken slider is really good!

Published 4 years ago

Loved it! Delicious food with such a perfect flavor! Wonderful service!

Published 4 years ago

Great chicken sandwich! Just one cook and one cashier at peak lunch hour, my order was 20 minutes later than told on the phone. Off peak is usually fine.

Published 4 years ago

Published 4 years ago

Great carnitas ramen

Published 4 years ago

Everything is freshly made

Published 4 years ago

Published 4 years ago

First time there. Ordered the spicy miso ramen with pork. The broth came in a separate container. When mixed with the dry ingredients, the whole thing took on a thick, stew-like consistency and had a slightly peanut buttery flavor to it. Surprisingly good. Definitely will go back for that and to try their other ramens. The one down side, I also ordered a side dish, I think was called takazaki. Not sure about that. Supposed to have octopus in it. Couldnt find the octopus and it came as these four half-dollar size of what I can only describe as baked mush. Kinda nasty. One bite and it was in the garbage. But as I said, the ramen will definitely have me coming back.

Published 4 years ago

Published 4 years ago

Published 4 years ago

This place is the bomb!! The serving sizes are perfect, the staff is above and beyond friendly. I highly recommend!

Published 4 years ago