Jinya Ramen Bar

Jinya Ramen Bar
2400 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
jinya-ramenbar.com ($$)

Eat, then Drink.  Stands out in a very crowded ramen marketplace.

6 locations in Los Angeles

No longer isolated in Little Tokyo or along Sawtelle Ave in West LA, ramen houses are springing up like wildflowers across town with no signs of slowing down.   One of my favorites is the Jinya Ramen Bar chain, which originated in Tokyo in 2000.

12 variations of ramen available - including pork, chicken, and vegetarian based broths.

Jinya stands out through its use of fresh flavorful ingredients, incredibly tasty broth (I usually opt for the Tonkatsu broth), and its use of handmade noodles.   No Nissin Top Ramen noodles here!

The roasted cauliflower are divine!

In addition to the traditional fried chicken karage, there are a number of vegetarian side dishes to compliment your ramen - the caulifower are cooked to perfection. 

Beer for Los Angeles or Norway? They've got you covered.

The Santa Monica location has an extensive craft brew beer list to accompany your meal.   A quick dinner in a casual environment doesn't have to be limited to a trip to Chipolte or Tender Greens.  I often pop into Jinya on my way home from a run at the beach, arriving ready for fast and friendly service at a very reasonable price. 

Locations:  Santa Monica, Mid-Wilshire, Burbank, Downtown LA, Studio City, and Hollywood and Highland (Ramen Express).  For the complete list of locations in the US and Canada, visit the Jinya website.