Iki Ramen

Iki Ramen offers the type of zen, intimate experience you'll need after navigating their cramped strip mall parking lot—it's terrible. And unless you drive a Barbie Jeep, good luck finding a spot that doesn't require crawling out of your sunroof. Inside, this Koreatown noodle spot feels cozy, like a fancy sauna, with its light wooden interior, dim lighting, and low ceilings. And while its name implies ramen is their specialty, the bowls are just OK. Their signature burnt garlic tonkotsu isn't too heavy but lacks that porky punch. That said, Iki's extensive sushi and sashimi options are what captured our hearts, including a spicy tuna donburi with a heaping amount of salmon roe and rich mazemen-style noodles swirled in Santa Barbara uni cream. Get the yuzu ice cream for dessert, it’s maybe our favorite thing here (and available to buy by the pint).