Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

"Inside Mitsuwa lies the hidden ramen powerhouse, Santouka. Get there early and claim a table before the lunch rush starts to swarm. We recommend the #31 (spicy miso) but have a back up t-shirt unless your color is orange." - Italic Studio

"Santouka has been open since 2006, which makes it practically ancient on the local ramen circuit. It’s also pretty basic, but in the actual basic sense, not in the person who only wears sweatpants and Stan Smiths sense. Inside the Mitsuwa food court in Mar Vista, you line up, place your order, and wait for them to call your number over the loudspeaker. You should be getting the Hokkaido-style shio (salt) ramen, which is a little lighter than other bowls around. Make sure you also leave time for roaming the Japanese market and stocking up on every flavored Pocky you can find." - brant cox, sylvio martins, nikko duren, garrett snyder

"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. This now global Japanese chain offers absolutely nothing in the ambiance department—but no bother, as they serve incredible ramen. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"Santouka Ramen, Mar Vista. Inside Mitsuwa lies the hidden ramen powerhouse, Santouka. Get there early and claim a table before the lunch rush starts to swarm. We recommend the #31 (spicy miso) but have a back up t-shirt unless your color is orange."

"There are few things we want more when we’re dying inside than a big bowl of ramen, and Santouka is our Westside go-to. This order-at-the-counter spot is located inside the Mitsuwa food court in Mar Vista, and their shio ramen gives us enough strength for another of our favorite sick-day activities: Wandering the aisles of the epic Japanese market, loading up on Pocky and frozen gyoza." - brant cox