Iki Ramen

This minimalist, nouveau ramen den has us wondering where it’s been all our lives. Combining a reverence for broth with creativity for toppings, Iki Ramen has fast become our destination for a unique bowl. This mini-chain in Koreatown and Hollywood offers traditional ramen—shio, shoyu, tonkatsu—but even those manage to deviate from the norm with light, bright and nuanced broths. When you really want to mix it up (and we suggest you do), go for options like the yuzu shio, which gets a zing from citrus; the A5 Wagyu variety, which is laced with richness from the umami-packed beef fat; and the brothless mazemen, which can be ordered with uni. And we know you’re here for the ramen, but you might as well opt for seafood-studded donburi rice bowls and a hand roll or two—because at Iki, it’s hard to go wrong with anything.