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Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
2002 Sawtelle BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90025
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
(310) 473-9834
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 3 pm
Mon-Fri 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 3 pm
Sat 5 pm - 10:30 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
402 reviews for Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar
Review Highlights
"AHHHHhhhhhh mmmmm ramen explosion in my mouth."
(in 353 reviews)
"Also, free shaved ice for dessert."
(in 10 reviews)
"The pork broth was excellent, and i was surprised."
(in 42 reviews)
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402 reviews in English
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Review from Lauren V.
Santa Monica, CA
12/1/2011
I love coming here for Ramen! Seeing that I live in SM, Little Tokyo is not always an option for me when it comes to Japanese food.
The portions are large, parking is relatively easy to find, and they let you make changes to your dish without complaint (I usually order the "Classic" and they let me switch the pork for chicken and substitute the noodles for the style I prefer).
I may not be a Ramen master, but if you are new to the dish, def. give this place a try! -
Review from Satoshi H.
Pasadena, CA
1/31/2012
Very close to giving this place 2 stars, but it's 2.7 or so if anything. Don't hate me for rounding up.
When they first opened, I heard from several reliable sources that the ramen was pretty good. But from there, it sort of went downhill I think. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I don't recall having a solid bowl of ramen here yet. The broth is a little bland, and the noodles a bit overcooked for my taste. It wasn't horrible, but it's decent at best. It may have been alright a few years ago, but now with an abundance of restaurants that serve ramen around the Sawtelle area, Chabuya needs to step it up or they'll be eaten alive by the competition - which my choices would be Ramen-ya (for traditional ramen) or Yamadaya (for the trending tonkotsu kind of ramen). -
Review from Neel P.
Updated - 1/5/2012
OK, having eaten here a few times, here is my (pen?)ultimate opinion. The quality of ramen is highly variable - sometimes it's great, but other times I've been almost sick after eating it.
I keep coming back because I enjoy the environment. It's peaceful, and green tea is complimentary. The staff also tends to be attentive and nice. I need to find the consistent, solid item on the menu that makes me feel good and keep on that to get the best experience here.Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/6/2009
Chabuya ramen has an easy to approach menu (few options with many variations) with options for those… Read more »
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Review from scott s.
Los Angeles, CA
12/31/2011
Other than the Jews, hardly any ethnic group does comforting soup like our pals in the Far East. From Vietnamese phos to Chinese wontons or egg drop bowl to the Korean's cold noodle soup, folks on the other side of the Pacific know how to put the slurp into a great meal. But the Japanese bowls of heartwarming ramen noodle soups may be the best to cure the common ills.
The Japanese establishments that line Sawtelle Boulevard in LA just south of Santa Monica might offer more ramen choices per capita than anywhere in Los Angeles. Now, say 'ramen' to a round eye and one thinks of the college-dorm, astronaut-approved, freeze- dried oodles of noodles that one dumps into hot water at home with a flavor packet so full of MSG that the temples skyrocket to Russia upon the first spoonful. But there is a refinement to the creation of ramen soups and Chabuya makes one of the most ethereal.
Chabuya offers a choice of soup stocks, each one slow-simmered for several hours to let the flavors coalesce into a rich, molten base. Pork, chicken or miso broth are the primary choices. Miso is drab and salty, while the pork has a liquid gaminess that can be an acquired taste. Better to stay middle of the road and let the chicken base soothe the soul. You choose the protein (chicken, pork or tofu) and then the other accoutremounts such as hard-boiled eggs, green onions flecks, bamboo spears or sheets of nori seaweed.
The star remains the noodles themselves; long, luscious ropes of edible velvet that soak up the broth to give a discernible squirt of flavor with every slurp.
If you're not a fan of soup, then several rice bowls are warm and wonderful with crunchy veges and tender chicken, pork or beef medallioned on top.
The curry dishes are also perfectly spicy with the hearty beef in brown curry sauce over rice akin to Japanese pot roast. Specials include a sesame chicken that is both crispy and tender with a hint of ginger and an assault of sesame seeds on the senses.
You can sit on the heat-lamp-fueled outdoor patio for maximum people watching. Beer, wine and sake are the adult libations of choice. If you're picking up a friend from LAX and driving back to the Valley, this is the perfect place to catch up on travels and let the passenger buy you a warm, comforting meal. And a hot sake...or two. -
Review from mike j.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2012
I liked their Ramen! I think theirs is dried noodle, not fresh noodle. That's why so smooth. I ordered Miso ramen, whose soup was very creamy, maybe milk in it? Because of too much milk, the ramen was more like pasta. It's not differently traditional ramen. I should try other ramen next time.
And Gyoza was pretty good. Good atmosphere, friendly service. They should have Fried rice : ) -
Review from bella a.
Venice, CA
2/6/2012
So many other good places in the area. Bland, tepid ramen. Nothing special.
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Review from Elizabeth A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2012
We were looking for a restaurant that serves ramen without MSG (surprisingly hard to find) of a Friday night and we found our way to Chabuya Noodle Bar. It looked a bit fancy from the outside and we have a three year old, but we had an excellent experience! The wait staff was attentive and welcoming to our family (not all waiters smile when they see a three year old) and the food was delicious. We ordered sides for our daughter thinking she wouldn't like the soup, but she loved it too. Also, the atmosphere was very peaceful despite the crowd. We will be back.
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Review from R U.
Los Angeles, CA
11/6/2011
As an Japanese, it's not an authentic Ramen.
maybe this Ramen is not my type. -
Review from Jim A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/25/2011
One of the best ramen places in Los Angeles period!
I have tried many many ramen places but this place ranks up their in the very top.
Good quality stock and noodles.
It's just plain good. Very good. -
Review from Mas K.
Venice, CA
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
The very first mistake of this restaurant would be categorized as "Japanese Restaurant." This place is truly a disgrace to any ramen restaurant.
The food was eatable, but by no means, was good.
I have several issues with Chabuya.
1) "Tokyo Urban Style"
What is "Tokyo Urban Style" ramen? I am sorry, but I don't think such style of ramen place does NOT exist in Tokyo, nor in Japan. This doesn't even make any sense. Any Japanese would prefer "Country-Style" or "Rustic" ramen to "Urban Style." This naming is obviously made by someone who has never been to Japan. People, THIS IS NOT AUTHENTIC RAMEN!! Please do not even call it that.
2) "Zenbu"??
OK, if you use a Japanese word to name your dish, at lease know what the words mean! I ordered "Zenbu" ramen here, and "zenbu" in Japanese means "all." So, if you call the ramen "zenbu," you'd better have all the toppings that your restaurant has. Instead, what I ordered had "pork" and "egg." Even a regular (cheapest) ramen has more toppings for crying out loud!
3) The Taste
What the hell is that taste??
The soup tasted some sort of chemical, and it was very unpleasant. It is not the kind like "hmmm, this tastes funny...," but it is like "oh no... am I going to die if I eat this?" kind. Really, WTH??
4) The Soup
The ramen soup is supposed to be HOT! Not, lukewarm... Who wants a lukewarm soup?? I wanted to eat ramen tonight, because it was cold outside. This place didn't satisfy my basic need like enjoying a hot bowl of soup...
5) The Noodle
Do they even make their own noodle here?? It tasted like it is made from dry instant noodles. (No. Not a good kind, but cheap kind... very very cheap kind...)
OK, so if I sum it up, they have awful tasted lukewarm soup and cheap noodles, with horrible decor and no understanding of authentic ramen flavors.
There is NO REASON for anyone to come here for ramen.
The place like this shouldn't be even open in 2011 in Los Angeles, especially there are so many GREAT ramen places nearby.
Whoever gave more than 3 stars for this restaurant, I am truly sorry for you. You are telling the whole world that you have NEVER had any decent ramen in your life, and honestly, you shouldn't be bragging about it... -
Review from Peter P.
Austin, TX
11/22/2011
When my friend and I went here, I had a rather good experience. I don't remember exactly which ramen bowl I got, but it had beef. I was only visiting LA - a lot of people told me LA is expensive, but this bowl was actually cheaper than I expected. So I was quite pleased with not only the food quality, but the price. I was really full and content by the end.
The beef was extremely tender, and the broth was pretty flavorful. Satisfaction, especially because we were both really hungry. This was immediately after my flight to LA.
I also heard that LA people are can be rude, but the workers here were VERY nice to us. So I truly appreciate the great experience. -
Review from William H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2012
I've been here a couple of times...not exactly the best ramen around, but there are definitely worse on Sawtelle. Also, I've had their Chayashi Pork Bowl which is not only small but dry.
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Review from Bob K.
Anaheim Hills, CA
12/27/2011
My wife liked the miso ramen and I had their curry rice which was slightly different than I usually have. It was a bit more pasty, however the flavor was very good. There is no television, but they project images of Japan on the wall which was different. Service was above average due to the place being packed right after we arrived.
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Review from Michelle L.
Los Angeles, CA
Typically after a night of going out I opt for a big bowl of pho to make me feel better. However, my friends and I decided to go for a change of scenery and we decided to hit up Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar instead.
We got here at 11:40, and waited until they opened at 12:00. The waitresses were really nice though, and brought us waters while we waited outside for the restaurant to open.
I ordered the classic ramen, and it was brought out quickly and steaming hot. The broth was flavorful, and not too heavy which i liked. The noodles were a little different than noodles at other ramen places. Typically ramen noodles at other restaurants get soggy after a while, but the noodles from Chabuya maintained their texture even after I had let them soak on the broth for a while. My only complaints are that they didn't give enough chasu, and that they should have put a soft boiled egg in the ramen.
My friends also ordered the gyoza, mini chicken chasu bowl, mini beef curry bowl, and premium classic ramen, and the vegetable ramen. From what I from their reactions to the food, the chicken chasu bowl was really dry, the premium classic ramen was good, and the vegetable ramen was gross. So definitely stay away from the vegetable ramen (steamed vegetables in chicken broth? pass) The mini curry bowl was actually a huge plate of curry, so don't be deceived by the name.
Overall I had a good meal at chabuya, and I'll most likely be back in the future. -
Review from Naamah A.
Los Angeles, CA
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great ramen! Service was average but hey the food was served quick and was delicious!!!
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Review from Jeff B.
Santa Monica, CA
12/8/2011
Great vegan and vegetarian options (ramen, rice balls, salads), and the portions are overwhelmingly huge. They have a very tasty spicy miso paste and offer plenty of fried garlic to customize your broth. Our kids love going here in the summer because you can ask for them to fill up the customer-operated shaved ice machine for a cooling after-dinner treat.
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Review from Frances G.
Irvine, CA
Although there were few other ramen joints nearby, I saw Chabuya's summer special, Shrimp Yaki Ramen, advertised out front and wanted to try it (BTW, it wasn't really a special as it was listed on their regular menu...). I knew from the picture that this place was more of a fusion type place as opposed to a traditional ramen place.
Hubby ordered the Zenbu Ramen (both dishes were $10.50ea) and we chowed down with our free cups of mugicha (barley tea). My dish was just okay. It came with a salad with a soy sauce based dressing. The ramen portion felt more like a pad thai dish. I tried hubby's soup, and was surprised that it tasted like it was made from chicken stock (like Swanson's or something). That's weird.
Other than that, the servers were really nice and attentive. If you like nontraditional, fusion type ramen, then maybe this place is for you. As for me, it just wasn't my cup of tea (haha). -
Review from Stefani U.
Santa Monica, CA
1/15/2012
Use to love this place but since the new owner it's been a solid down hill run. Change the broth, change the noodles and they offer free snow cones for dessert with a ridiculous sign- Only After You Eat, Bye Bye...
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Review from Chris K.
Marina del Rey, CA
8/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I used to be a ramen freak.
Me is to ramen as cat is to catnip.
That's how much I love ramen.
However after moving to the US from Japan, my passion towards ramen has slowly faded since I was not able to find real good ramen out here.
Chabuya was a known ramen place in Japan so I decided to give it a try.
I had the premium classic ramen that has fish broth. I tend to like lighter tasting ramen then the pork broth "tonkotsu ramen."
Result, the noodle as standard, the soup was pretty good for US standards, though I thought it was a little salty.
What was strange was that they gave a free shaved ice. I mean I can't complain but why shaved ice? Well I guess why not.
Overall not bad but its becomes a little pricy for ramen, once you start ordering your ramen with combo's. -
Review from Keith T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/12/2011
Absolutely horrible!
1. Red wine was spoiled and stink!
2. Noodle was soggy
3. Totally NOT current Tokyo style
4. So sorry to my client
5. Salad was old
Very bad management, bad service and bad food.....
Don't recommend this place. -
Review from Jenn W.
Los Angeles, CA
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
The soft shell crab was super tiny. They didn't serve bowls with the agedashi tofu (but it was good).
I got the something kara kara, which was a spicy ramen in chicken broth-based soup. It was way spicier than I expected, which was unfortunate because I'm sure I would've enjoyed it much more had I been prepared. The noodles were not bad, either. In comparison to the other ramen-yas in LA, I still pick Daikokuya over this one, but I think because of the many different types of ramen you can get here, I like it better than Santouka. (Plus Santouka broth is way too salty.)
I think I will try it again, but I'll try the original ramen next time. I didn't realize you can add extra things to your ramen (eggs, bamboo, etc) until right now when I see others' reviews. I would definitely do that, my ramen felt like it was missing things for sure. It had nothing but bean sprouts. But $1 for each added item is a lot! -
Review from Christine C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Met up with a friend here for lunch. I had the Bruin. It was okay and had tons of stuff compared to your standard ramen place in Little Tokyo. Their portions are pretty big (and filling!) and their different ramen bowls offer a little more variety in terms of flavor than traditional places.
The decor is nice and modern. They have a patio area for those nice, sunny days. However, I feel like the price is definitely reflecting the environment. The food is decent, don't get me wrong, but I don't think it's good enough that it warrants the price bump. I'll save my cash and hop on over to the joints in Little Tokyo if I'm in need of a noodle fix. -
Review from Alice H.
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mediocre ramen is mediocre.
We woke up one morning too lazy to drive to Little Tokyo but craving some noodle-y goodness, so we decided to stop by here. The interior is cute and trendy, but we were the only people there on a Sunday afternoon so it was a bit awkward (until a family with many kids came in and I felt like I had jinxed myself). I had the kara kara ramen since I like spicy food (karai, get it get it? I didn't at first), but of course it came out "Japanese spicy", ie: not very. The broth was more salty than anything. The chashu slices were dry. No complaints about the noodles though, the texture seemed fine to me. I liked that they put fried onion bits on top (like Vietnamese / Chinese soups!) and the bean sprouts were nice and wilted.
I don't remember whose review it was (and sorry I'm too lazy to find it now), but a few minutes into eating from my bowl, I started to discover the 'beached whale' phenomenon someone else had mentioned. hahaha.
It was okay. It gets the job done without trekking out to downtown.Listed in: Noodle Fix
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Review from Linda S.
Marina del Rey, CA
9/18/2011
I have been coming to Chabuya on Sawtelle for years but was disappointed on my last trip. I noticed the menu seemed more expansive with more non-ramen options. I was having lunch with some first time ramen eaters- the orders came out as 2 classics, 1 beef, 1 chicken and mushroom, and 1 zembu.
First- we waited for probably 15 minutes for our food- pretty unusual for. Ramen place. Granted it was busy, but I've been here when it was busy and sure didn't wait that long.
The chicken and mushroom and the beef came with broccoli in it- not having had either before, I can't say if that is normal but I don't particularly like broccoli in my ramen. Both who ordered it said it was good though I noticed one didn't finish it.
I had the classic- and was disappointed. Since this is usually the bowl I order, I can say that the broth was definitely weaker in flavor and that the pork was tough- definitely not what I've had here before. It wasn't awful but when I want ramen I want better than "okay" ramen!
I'm not sure it was just an off day for them or not but I definitely left feeling like I need to find another go to place when I get a ramen craving at work. -
Review from Jessica Y.
Los Angeles, CA
9/10/2011
Yum. :) Broth is amazing (if you get the right one). I'm not the biggest fan of the noodles, but there was free shaved ice! Can't complain.
I got the classic ramen, subbed green onions for napa cabbage (yes!) and added bamboo and egg. Came out to $9.50 ($1 for each added item)
My favorite part was definitely the broth. Soooo flavorful. The noodles were not really ramen noodles, the were a bit harder and kind of looked like spaghetti. I was able to finish the whole bowl, so the portions are not over-whelming.
My friend ordered the chicken and mushroom and was not super impressed. The broth was bland, and that's the best part of ramen! It did come with a lot of veggies though.
Oh and ask for the free barley tea. It's very refreshing and tastes like coffee candy. And the free shaved ice! Definitely my favorite part. -
Review from Aaron S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2011
I was in a rush and had to get back in time for my 8:00 Taekwondo class, so we mentioned that we were in a bit of a rush and asked if they could bring the food out ASAP. Everything turned out well, the service was quick, the food was good, and the service was amazing, will DEFENITELY be back!
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Review from Namella K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had the veggie ramen- lots of delicious fresh, choice veggies. Ordered fried squid legs for appetizer because I love to watch people watch me eating it.
There's a make it yourself snow-cone machine you can help yourself to when you're done with your fabulous ramen.
Yay, I like it! -
Review from Cathy L.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011
Wouldn't come here for ramen. Broth is mediocre, chasu is almost flavorless and no butabara option. Egg wasn't seasoned and hardboiled rather than softboiled.
A plus for the fried shallots though - a nice touch, but not enough...
Also was a bit pricey after you add toppings that ramen places usually give for free (egg, seaweed, corn, etc.) -
Review from stephanie s.
Carson, CA
5/26/2011
I don't remember how I came about to Chabuya. Either the Fairy Ramen Godmother came over and sprinkled ramen dust telling me about this place or my boyfriend told me about it... but all I know is that I've been coming here for some time now.
I've only had the Classic, Kara- Kara, and Chicken noodle ramen, but personally, I prefer the Classic. There's just something about the Classic ramen that keeps me coming back.
I know that this particular Chabuya has gone through a lot of changes (decor & quality of food- looking at other yelpers' reviews) and it's also a drive from where I live (before Chabuya in Torrance became Ramen California) but I don't mind. Maybe I'm lucky; I always leave the restaurant satisfied :] -
Review from Natalie H.
Playa del Rey, CA
9/27/2011
So, I've been on a ramen kick. In fact, it may even be fair to call it a ramen bender. Although I do have a choice few roll doggies who share my obsession, i'm primarily a solo soup avenger. After sampling several bowls that Sawtelle has to offer I've become quite a regular sitting at the counter at Chabuya. The service is great I also love that they're open pretty late (like 11pm i think) and nothing is better than some late night ramen action! They even offer complimentary tea & snow cones which i have yet to try b/c I'm so full by the time I finish my ramen!!
I get the Zembu Ramen with pork (chicken is also an option). It comes loaded with goodies like green onions, nori seaweed, egg, beans sprouts, and noodles (of course) and I add bok choy for an extra fix of greens. The bowl is HUGE but it's rare that I don't find myself picking it up to slurp up every last bit. The meat isn't fantastic, but overall it's a good bowl!! I've also had their Bruin bowl which is really it's own thing all together. Noodles, beef, corn and other yummy stuff in there, but it doesn't satisfy a ramen craving. It's tasty and it's cheap ($10 vs $12 for my zembu w/ bok choi) but when I want ramen only the real thing will do. GET YER SLURP ON! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/23/2011 1 photo
I would give this place 3.5 stars, but I'll keep it at this. It's not the most amazing ramen place I've been to, but it's not the worst either~
I ordered the Tori Ramen with the chicken and all, and it was alright and filling. It was slightly bland in my opinion, but that's because I normally always order shoyu ramen. Ah well. It was still good!
What I liked most about Chabuya is their interior design. It's simple, sweet, and classy. There's even a little project/overhead with a slideshow of Japan's landmarks and scenery. Really pretty.
My friends and I were pretty excited over the free shaved ice though, haha. They have the syrups and such there, so you just get as much shaved ice as you'd like, throw in what you want, and voila. Dessert in an instant.
I was satisfied, but it was missing the kick it needed. Maybe next time... -
Review from jamie S.
Santa Monica, CA
10/17/2011
It was ok for my first time here. The ramen was good, spicy and i liked the combo with a little salad and a small rice dish. All in all tasty and the place was clean, airy and the staff efficient. yum!
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Review from Andrew L.
7/7/2011
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 because I wrote this on my birthday, and I think I'd choose this place over most others in West LA (except for Santouka).
[=THE 411: AMBIANCE/SERVICE=]
The vibe is somewhere between casual and classy. I've never come when it was really busy, so seating was quick. It's a small joint, so the food comes out pretty quick too and the service is always a half-earshot away.
[=THE FOOD - NOODLES=]
They only have a few types of ramen. They tend to be salty and the portions aren't amazing, but it'll do for my cravings. The flavor is actually pretty good, and there's a good amount of seaweed that's unique to this place.
I've also ordered their cold Summer noodles before. If you don't feel like ramen -- I recommend that. You can't really compare the two -- it's cold, it's vinegar-y rather than miso-y, and there is SO MUCH that I couldn't even finish.
[=VERDICT=]
While it's not bad, if I was craving ramen, I'd go to the places mentioned before. I think this would be my choice if I didn't want: KBBQ (Tofu-ya), Curry (Hurry Curry or Curry House), weird Asian-mediterranean fusion food (Blue Marlin), pho, etc.
If I'm WAY too lazy to drive to either Ajisen in Culver City or Santouka in Santa Monica, I'll go to Chabuya. It's easily the best ramen place on Sawtelle. But still 2.5... I'm quite picky when it comes to my noodles. Chabuya -- you're standing amongst the giants of Daikokuya and Shinsengumi!
But maybe you should try something other than ramen -- although I always find myself thinking that it sounds like the most appetizing order on their menu!
[=THE STORY TIME=]
I came here on a date before and we had both ordered ramen. We went to see a movie, and since the ramen was so salty, I kept hearing my date's lip smacking throughout the movie. We had finished like two cups of water at the restaurant and another while waiting in line for the movie too, hahaha.
[=TIP: PARKING=]
As always -- park on Corinth if you can and avoid paying for metered parking! -
Review from Brian W.
6/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I remember this place being only so-so when they first opened years ago, but they seem to have gotten better...
The classic ramen is okay, the Bruin ramen with chunks of beef, corn, cabbage... it's not bad. The broth, the noodles, nothing at all really stands out about it, but it's not bad.
There's several places I would much prefer to go-- indeed, one of them claims to be opening up down the street in a few months-- but they're acceptable enough. -
Review from Tim L.
Saratoga, CA
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was REALLY good. First of all the portion are HUUGE which I love. They also have nice combos, so you can get ramen with a mini rice bowl and a salad.
For the ramen, I orderd the zenbu ramen. It was a pork broth which was very flavorful and not too salty. It came with large slices of tender pork, green onions, bean sprouts, and an egg. The noodles were thin but also very good too. I still prefer thicker nooodles though. It was still delicious and I was actually full for once!
Overall, I will be back again very soon and trying different ramen and different rice bowls! -
Review from Deana I.
5/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ramenya is sooo much better!
This place is comparable to other ramen places in the area as far as price, but their serving size was deceptively huge. Also, the food came out a little too fast that I'm questioning if it was actually "made to order."Listed in: Ramen-licious!
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Review from Chris L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/31/2011
Didn't know where to go for dinner one night so figured I'd just drive to Sawtelle and see what was going on. Saw the "noodle house" sign and figured, I love noodles, why not??
Ordered the fried soft shell crab for appetizer which was small, but all was forgiven once I took a bite. Man, really tasty! Very fresh, tender and juicy. I even dropped mine in the dipping sauce and it was still good!
Decided to go with the Zembu ramen which has "everything." The noodles were a little different from the ramen noodles I am accustomed to, but man, they were good! Broth was light and flavorful and the pork was not overdone like at most ramen places. I was concerned that the portion would be a little small for me, but by the time I was finished, I was pleasantly full.
Will definitely be going back to try some of the other things on the menu. Oh, and one of the other great things about Chabuya is that you can park in the lot right behind the plaza which saves a TON of trouble when visiting Sawtelle. -
Review from Ryan Y.
Monterey Park, CA
7/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you're craving ramen while in Santa Monica, there are better places to go. This place is the closest to my work, so it definitely hits the spot.
Free parking in the back during lunch time. -
Review from Tim H.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ramen noodles! wow a joint that serves one of my youth favs! but these are much better with all the fixins! not just the soup base, and the dry noodles
The place is real cool inside, roomy and open. The menu is full of all kinds of noodle combos. Now the rub here is the broth tastes just like the package stuff kinda of funny if you ask me, I did see they have a chef and full kitchen. So maybe they make the soup base on site don't know.
Other things I liked were the soft shell crab, it was one little crab, with garnish on a plate I feel two would have been a better deal and more filling but OK..
The Kim chee is out of a jar not home made, I like either but you would think a place would make the stuff on site.
The prices are right for a quick dinner.
I would say when in Tofu land check them out.... -
Review from Diana M.
Playa del Rey, CA
3/9/2011
My friend and I are on a ramen tour of LA and tried Chabuya today. It was okay. It wasn't embarassingly bad but it also wasn't "wow, I'm coming back here soon!" The location is convenient and the restaurant is beautiful. The kaya and "everything" ramen, however, was just okay. It was saltier than my favorite places, with less ingredients, although the addition of lots of scallions was a plus.
Santouka at Mitsuwa Market at Venice and Centinela is good, better than here.
I love Ramen Yamadaya http://www.yelp.com/bi... and or Hakata Ramen in Gardena. OFF THE HOOK!
We live in too rich of Ramen territory to eat at Chabuya.
