La Brea Ramen and Sushi Bar has been on my radar for quite some time now, but I only got around to dining there last week. I’m so glad I waited because the food was amazing! This trendy eatery occupies the corner spot on Wilshire Blvd in the heart of Hancock Park and their chic decor welcomes you as soon as you step through the door.
Great Location on Wilshire Blvd
This little place is right on Wilshire Blvd. on the corner spot, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. This place can get super busy, especially for lunch time because of its location so be prepared to wait if you are planning on eating here during your lunch break!
Chic Modern Interior
La Brea Ramen and Sushi’s interior is modern and chic and doesn’t look like your regular Sushi bar. Modern, airy, clean lines and high ceilings gave me a sense of serenity as I entered the restaurant, which is refreshing as many Sushi bars have a crowded feel with shared seating, this is not the case here, the tables have a good amount of space between them and it has more of a traditional upscale restaurant feel about it.
Upon entering, there is an open kitchen and floor to ceiling windows so you get a great view of the street for some people watching while you eat, if that’s your thing. The tables are arranged to seat either two or four people, plus there is the option to sit at a bar style table at the window.
The Service
This was my first visit to La Brea, when I went it got busy, which is always a good sing in my books! The wait isn’t long at all, it was probably less than 5 minutes, but it always feels longer if you come with an empty stomach! When I walked in, a friendly waitress greeted me right away and let me and my friend browse the menu, we asked if there was anything she would recommend and she mentioned a few items which are popular and left us to decide.
After we had ordered our food arrived in a timely manor and our server was polite, helpful and friendly throughout.
The Menu
As the name suggests, their menu is focuses on Sushi and Ramen dishes. La Brea Ramen and Sushi Bar’s menu includes a mix of authentic dishes with a hint of local influence. It includes tempura rolls, sashimi bowls, and of course Ramen. I found La Breas Signature Tonkotsu Ramen to be very complex, rich and flavorsome, it was a very generous serving and at a reasonable price ($12.76). My vegan companion chose the Vegan Soy Ramen and was equally content with both the portion size, flavor and price.
There are quite a few places where you can find a good sushi on the Wilshire Blvd strip, but La Brea Ramen’s is one of the best I’ve found so far; very fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented.
As a carnivore and someone who will eat (or at least try) almost anything, I can choose pretty much what I want off any menu. But as more and more people are making the choice to only consume a plant-based diet, or at least try and reduce their animal-based food intake, sometimes they can find their choices are limited when dining out.
But vegetarians and vegans will be pleased to hear that La Brea Ramen and Sushi Bar has a substantial offering for them without compromising on taste.
My only criticism would be that the drinks options are fairly limited.
Value for Money
Value is always a consideration when dining out. Sometimes eating out on a budget is okay, but at other times spending a little more money on something is worth it to make the eating experience more pleasurable. La Brea has tried to offer both at once, and succeeded. To me, value can be summed up by one question: Would I go back? And would I bring friends or family members with me? The answer here is a resounding yes.
La Brea offers great ramen, excellent sushi rolls, a pleasant atmosphere, fair prices – what’s not to like? Add in some friendly service and you have an A+ option for getting together with friends or family over lunch or dinner at a price that everyone will be happy with.
Location: 5224 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
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