Silverlake Ramen

Arguably the most popular locally owned ramen spot in L.A.—with locations in Silver Lake, Koreatown, Highland Park (née Ramen of York), Downtown, Santa Monica and Long Beach, with more on the way—Silverlake Ramen consistently draws lines for its craveable tonkotsu. Start, though, with a light bite—try the cucumber salad with slivers of crab, sprouts, sesame seed and house vinaigrette—before moving onto heartier Japanese staples. Yes, there are options like a California roll on the menu, but stick with the house specialty: spicy tonkotsu ramen boasting thick cuts of pork belly, green onions, spinach, bean sprouts, dried seaweed, garlic sauce and chewy noodles, all bathed in a rich pork broth cooked for 16 hours.