FEAST OR FORK IT | SILVERLAKE RAMEN
A Good Sign. The OG Silverlake Ramen; located at 2927 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
NOTE: The following review was from my visit on February 27, 2020 – prior to COVID 19 lockdown. Silverlake Ramen halted dine-in service in accordance to the mandate issued by the city of Los Angeles, however, continued operation of its take-out and delivery option. More recently, since restrictions were lifted, some locations have opened their dining rooms to guests offering limited seating.
Nestled in the nook of a small strip mall on Sunset is where you’ll find the OG Silverlake Ramen—now one of several locations throughout LA since this spot opened its doors almost 8 years ago—and where you can dive deep into perhaps one of the best bowls of tonkotsu ramen I’ve experienced to date.
A greet from a welcoming face as you enter, a coterie of guests who are at once clique-free, casual and content, affable service, and when noticing the even friendlier rapport amongst front and back of house only perpetuate the good vibes served here. It’s the food, however, which ensures these feels are more than part of a trend-seeking hashtag.
SIGNATURE MOVE
THE CLASSIC | TONKOTSU – ‘A creamy-rich pork broth’ is how this crit should begin and end and leave you at that, but, for the sake of context, I’ll elaborate. Pulled noodles, scallions, seaweed, spinach, bean sprouts and egg are immersed in a creamy-rich pork broth that is luxurious as it is comforting. Silky smooth, striking the right balance of saltiness—the flavor of each ingredient remains palpable, unspoiled; jeweled with a slice of seared pork belly (my protein of choice*) and a smattering of black garlic-oil to finish makes for a taste buds yes moment. Loud slurps welcome.
[*Other protein options include chicken or tofu.]
MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION
PORK BUN – The sweet and savory union of marinated pork belly, pickled red onion and scallions clasped in a cloud resembling a hé yè bǐng recommend this exemplary, unpretentious gua bao. I could eat a crate of these.
The brainchild of Chefs Jitaek Lim and Thomas Aono, Silverlake Ramen on Sunset established itself early on with foodies and critics as one of the preeminent noodle bars following its opening on September 25, 2012; that repute withstanding. These East-side digs storied past of lines out the door is now the stuff of legend and in those years since its inception has settled into its locale like one wears a favorite T-shirt. It is hip without being hipster and wears its history with casual cool quite well.
VERDICT: FEAST (Obviously) – An honorable mention to Juan for not only impeccable service but also letting me know it was happy hour and Asahi was half-priced when I ordered a beer.
ADDRESS: 2927 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
In 2017, Silverlake Ramen announced its plan to expand its business through franchising. As of 2018 the business has locations presently in Santa Monica, NorCal, K-Town, LBX and NC; in addition to more expansions coming soon to CA and NC as well as WA. On June 19th a new location opens in Atlanta, GA.
PRICE: $$
