There's the best ramen, there's my favorite ramen, and the crossroads where those meet is at Tatsunoya. I've been going here for years and found they have perfect balance of depth of flavor and consistency of it. Amazing food + Attentive service + jazz playing overhead = Great time and chill vibes. Here's what I recommend: Appetizers: Tatsunoya roll ($9.50): Best app in the biz. Seasoned rice, chashu, avocado topped with kewpie and seaweed. Teriyaki chicken wings ($9): Juicy, crispy with a deep sweet-salty soy flavor. Honestly the best chicken wings I've ever had. Asian Tortilla Chips ($5.50): Crispy wonton wrappers with a kimchi-mayo-chashu dip, loved it. Ramen: Jun Tonkotsu ($15.80): The classic. Perfectly balanced as all ramen should be Koku Tonkotsu ($16.80): The my go-to. Garlicky, rich umami and bold fatty flavor. read more

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Ramen Tatsunoya has a really great energy to it. Every time I pass by there's a line outside, so I was excited to finally try it. I ordered the Koku Extra Chashu, which was the chef recommended ramen, and while it was solid, I personally found it a little lacking in flavor compared to some other ramen spots I've been to. That said, the service was amazing. I did pickup during a really busy rush and they took care of me right away. The space itself looked lively, active, and welcoming, which made me want to come back and actually sit down and dine in next time. I'd definitely give it another shot and try a few other dishes because the atmosphere and service alone made a strong impression. read more

Short, 10 min wait on a Sunday evening. Service was very fast (almost too fast... once you sit they immediately ask if you're ready to order and come back every minute or so until you're ready). We decided to try the highly recommended gyozas but they were quite mediocre- I would skip. Ramen was very tasty. Good, thick broth. The pork was outstanding!! And the egg was perfectly jammy. Toppings that come included are plenty. I also really liked that for $2, you can refill on a sizable amount of noodles for your remaining broth. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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It was a date night on a Thursday evening, and the restaurant was packed. I've been coming here for a while, but this was my first disappointing experience. The food was still tasty--nothing major to complain about in terms of flavor--but the portions felt noticeably smaller, both the noodles and the toppings. I had the spicy miso, and my girlfriend ordered a lighter version. The bigger issue was the service. I understand they get busy and want to turn tables quickly, but it felt like we were being rushed out. As I was finishing up, they asked if I wanted extra noodles, and the moment I said no, they brought the check, even though my girlfriend was still eating. Right after we finished, they cleared everything off the table immediately, which made it feel even more rushed. Another small but frustrating moment: when my girlfriend asked for a lemon, the server seemed irritated and just said no, flat out. Overall, still a solid spot food-wise, but the experience this time didn't match what I was used to. read more

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I honestly don't like fighting crowds to eat so I never went to Tatsunoya despite great reviews for their ramen cause there was always a line! The hype has died down and I plan to go again to try the food fresh outta the kitchen. I recently returned from a trip to Japan and was missing ramen so much I wound up ordering some from here. We ordered: - Koku Tonkotsu: rich tonkotsu with chunks of pork back fat and thin noodles--not sure if it's still hakata ramen if the broth has pork fat chunks - Spicy Miso Tonkotsu: slightly spicy with a rich umami taste, came with thick noodles and pork fat as well - Gyoza: standard gyoza with a nice porky filling (not overly filled with vegetables) Both ramens were delicious, the broth is some of the best I've had stateside. Unfortunately, even though Tatsunoya is from Japan, the noodles don't come close to ramen noodles in Japan :( they really lack the chewiness of freshly made noodles. Price is pretty standard but no means cheap, almost $20 a bowl and adding a ramen egg is $3!! If you're paying the same at most ramen places in the city, Tatsunoya is one of the most authentic options available. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Koku Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Mostly here to shout out their vegan ramen, which is one of the best I've had at a restaurant and features a broth with incredible body and flavor (very rare in a plant-based one, sadly). There is not much else vegetarian on the menu besides their edamame, but I would gladly return again and again for this ramen. We were lucky that there was no line for the restaurant around 6 pm on a Friday, but it was certainly accumulating as we left. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Vegan Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

I came here on a Wednesday night and the place was packed. The line wrapped around the side of the shop. I thought the wait would be hell but my boyfriend and I didn't wait for more than 10 minutes. We both got the koku ramen. The broth was very flavorful and rich. The fattiness of the broth was actually pretty addicting. It was a bit on the saltier side and I didn't mind that. There were two pieces of meat and the bowl of ramen wasn't as big as other places. I actually thought everything was delicious but at $11.80 a bowl, the price was a bit steep for the portion. Parking is all right. They have a structure and there's street parking. Unfortunately, they do not validate. read more

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Ramen Tatsunoya in Pasadena is a solid choice when you're craving a comforting bowl of ramen. It can get busy, during peak hours. ::Food:: I ordered the JUN, which features Tatsunoya's original mild tonkotsu pork broth. The broth was rich and creamy. The pork flavor was well balanced and comforting. The noodles had a nice bite and held up well in the broth. Each component came together nicely, and the bowl felt thoughtfully put together. This is a great option if you like tonkotsu that's flavorful but on the lighter side. ::Customer Service:: The staff were welcoming and friendly. Our order came out in a reasonable amount of time, and everything arrived hot and well prepared. ::M's Notes:: -Indoor seating -Parking options include street parking, nearby lots, or garages. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

4.5 stars I have passed by this spot a few times and finally stopped in to try the ramen here. I ordered the Jun, which is a lighter pork tonkatsu broth, and found it to be perfectly flavorful for my tastes. The chashu melts in your mouth, I just wish there were more pieces! I also added an egg, and although it was the right consistency and seasoning, it was unpleasantly cold. This place is definitely popular so it can get crowded. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun (mild pork tonkatsu broth) - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

Made a quick stop to check this place - absolutely delicious! I tried their spicy version and gyoza. Both were amazing. Noodles were perfectly cooked, broth was flavorful, and pork was tender. (Service was quick). Definitely will be coming back.. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Spicy Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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兩位朋友都說這一家拉麵很有名，所以當我們在Pasadena吃完bagel之後，就走來這個地方，是不錯吃，味道也很濃郁，可是非常的鹹，而且位子超級小的，我都不曉得如果稍微有點份量的人要怎麼坐進來，還有一點我們吃完還在聊天講話小姐就自己來幫忙的把碗收走了，很明顯趕人的感覺，這一點讓我不是很舒服 read more

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Yasanya greeted me with a big smile and made me feel very welcome. I was looking for a vegetarian dish and she recommended the vegetarian soup . It was absolutely delicious. The service was wonder and I will definitely be back soon!!!! read more

Friday night at Ramen Tatsunoya in Pasadena and yes, there's a line outside... but don't let that scare you. It moves pretty quick and they seat based on availability. We didn't wait long at all. Once we were seated, they were efficient. Really like the tree in the inside of the restaurant. It adds to the good vibes! Orders taken fast, food came out even faster. Not a ton of personality from the servers, but they were hustling and the place was packed, so I get it. We started with sake which hit just right. Ordered the gyoza and spicy tonkotsu ramen and both were legit. The broth had depth, spice was on point, and everything came out hot and fresh. Solid spot when you're craving ramen and don't mind a little Friday night buzz. I'd come for sure! read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Gyoza - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The food, service, and ambiance was great! They even had the heater on outside while you wait in the cold. The food tasted amazing and my sister really liked the crispy spicy chasu wraps were AMAZING! The price was also affordable for everything! My sister and I really enjoyed the ramen as well! read more

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I can't believe it took me so long to try this place! I love that they have the option of getting a light tonkatsu ramen because it's nice to enjoy a meal without that heavy feeling afterward. I got the light one and I liked how tender chashu is, especially when I've found so many places tend to serve really dry or overly fatty slices. My boyfriend got the rich tonkatsu, and he definitely felt the heaviness after, that he couldn't finish his broth. I tried his and the garlic flavor really stands out in this one. Also tried their gyoza. I liked how the filling tends to run on the bigger side but if I might be a bit picky, I thought it had too much chives, or rather the chive flavor was really strong, that it overpowered the overall taste. I'll definitely come back when I'm in the mood for ramen and want something that isn't going to make me feel drowsy after. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Rich (black) and Light (red) - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love ramen, and this place did not disappoint. The menu is small, which usually means they know what they're good at! I got the Koku Tonkotsu, and it was so simple and flavorful in the best way. It definitely felt like the perfect comfort food, and the restaurant itself was also very cozy. The entire experience was pretty fast since the food came out quick. Definitely a very good place to get a classic bowl of ramen read more

I came here in a Saturday evening. There was a short line. Waited 10 min. The place is nicely lit. Me and my daughter ordered the same thing. Crispy spicy Chashu wraps and KOKU TONKOTSU. THE TAMEN IS GOOD. ITS DELICIOUS. I took a pic to show I finished the whole thing bit because I was hungry , but because it was good. I have to come back to try more. But they won't disappoint you. My daughter approved this review too. The wraps are tasty. They're small. Just for one person. Get 2 orders of you like them. This is one of the best ramen in LA county. read more

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Ramen Tatsunoya in Pasadena delivered exactly what I was hoping for and more. I ordered the Koko Tonkotsu, classic Japanese ramen, and from the first sip the only word that came to mind was "AUTHENTIC." I lived in Japan for two years, and the broth here was so rich and dialed in that I forgot I was in Pasadena and felt like I was back in a Tokyo alley slurping at a counter. Even the menu felt familiar, the kind you see in Japan. The bowl hit every note, with noodles that held their bite and a broth that was deep, silky, and satisfying. The scene matched the flavor. There was a lively line out the door, a mixed crowd of locals, a classy interior, and a loud, energetic hum that still managed to feel comfortable. I noticed families with small children alongside groups of friends and solo diners, which says a lot about how welcoming the space is. Service was highly professional, welcoming, efficient, accurate, and prompt, exactly the kind of choreography you expect in Japan, and it made the whole experience seamless. I was there with business colleagues, and everyone left happy. I would absolutely return, I highly recommend it, and on a cool day I would make a trip just for this bowl. It hit the spot in every way. read more

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Came here on a Monday around 6pm and there was no wait thankfully. Surprised I actually have not been here yet even though I love ramen and this is walking distance for me. We sat at the bar area and got menus and water right away. It's very clean and pretty minimal but welcoming. I ordered the light Jun Tonkotsu with a side of corn. The broth was super flavorful and the noodles had a great texture. The pork chashu was also nice, also wish I got extra. They don't do substitutions which may or may not be a good thing for some ppl. I didn't mind and I thought it was great as is. Ramen is definitely something that feels like it's getting trendy and pricey for what it is. I know Pasadena rent isn't cheap and to keep up with food costs but if you want a lot of extras your bowl of ramen could easily cost $30+. So that's my only complaint but not taking that away to knock off a star. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun Tonkotsu with corn - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

The edamame was so good, definitely suggest ordering it as a side. This was the first ramen restaurant I've been to, I can see why it has some good reviews. However, me and my girlfriend read a review about hair being left on someone's food/ water before going here. Not sure how often it happens but there was a hair in her water which was definitely unpleasant. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Cozy spot in a great location. The service is friendly and food comes out super quick. The broth is flavorful and rich. Ordered the light tonkatsu and added an egg and bean sprouts. The egg was perfectly soft inside and seasoned well. Great meal on a chilly night read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

The light ramen is delicious and the rich is bold but not too salty like many places. The building is in a prime location, modern yet subtle. They do not have chili paste anymore but there is a secret sauce, ask Drew. Highly recommend the chashu with mayo bowl! read more

Food is always very well prepared. The service is fast and friendly. Usually not too noisy so you can have a conversation.

Very yummy ramen spot located in Old Town Pasadena Parking can be difficult since they don't have their own parking lot but there are nearby parking structures and street (meter) parking. Service was attentive and friendly Menu was very limited (~5 different ramen options & ~5 options of appetizers and pricing was reasonable ($15-$20) Inside is very small and it can get very busy especially on the weekends! The Jun - mild original tonkatsu ($15) was very delicious. The broth was very rich and flavorful without being too overly salty. The slices of chashu were so tender and not too fatty. The noodles were a little on the thicker side but they were still nice and chewy! This was 9/10 Would definitely recommend and return read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - The Jun - mild Tonkatsu was pretty good - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

I came here on a whim and wow, I'm so glad I did! The broth was rich and flavorful without being too salty, and the noodles had that perfect chewy bite. I got the tonkotsu, and it had just the right kick. The pork melted in my mouth, and the soft-boiled egg was cooked to perfection. The staff were super friendly and quick even during the dinner rush. The vibe is cozy but modern, great for solo diners or small groups. Prices are fair for the quality. Highly recommend adding the garlic bomb if you love bold flavor! read more

First time here and was trying it on a Tuesday for lunch - had friends who recommended it to me. It did not disappoint - we are not veteran Ramen eaters so did appreciate the simple menu format. My wife ordered the rich broth and I ordered the spicy - I was not it was not that spicy by the server but have to say it was pretty spicy- which I love. Can away very happy with our taste buds filled with flavor. read more

Honestly this is one of the best ramen places I have had. I love the tonkotsu. I have been to Japan twice and this ramen is pretty close to how I remember it. It's not greasy and I don't get that thirstiness after either. Other than the line always being long, this is my go-to spot for ramen. Parking is easy with the parking structures around. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've been to a lot of ramen spots around SoCal, and Tatsunoya is easily one of my favorites. I had the Koku Ramen with extra pork chashu and a side of gyoza--everything was excellent. The broth was rich, deep, and flavorful without being too salty. You can tell they've perfected their recipe. The noodles had a great texture, and the chashu was melt-in-your-mouth tender with just the right amount of fat and char. The gyoza were crispy, juicy, and made a perfect starter--simple but really well done. Service was quick and friendly, the space is cozy and buzzing with good energy. If you're into bold, satisfying ramen that hits every note, Ramen Tatsunoya is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

In the early days of Tatsunoya's existence in Pasadena, we would go there all the time. My son was in elementary school then but he would never fail in finishing his bowl of ramen quickly and raising his hands and asking for a kaedama (extra serving). We really loved the place but then everyone seemed to start loving it as well and the lines started to get very very long. So unfortunately we stopped going until one recent evening when we were in Old Town early and dropped by. I'm happy to report that the ramen was as good as ever and the service was still very Japanese in precision. The bowls seemed smaller than I remember but with a fresh, warm kaedama top-off it was still plenty of food. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun Tonkotsu with extra Chashu - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

Cute ramen spot that specializes in ramen, so don't expect a large menu. Love the simplicity of it. They don't allow substitutions so that people can enjoy it as it is, however you can order extra ramen noodles afterwards and switch things up then. Got the ramen that has extra chasu, I believe the Jun Tonkatsu and it was delicious. Also can't go wrong with some edamame. Good food, good service, and located in old town Pasadena. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Jun Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Came by on a weekend evening and this place didn't have a wait, so we went in. We sat down right away. The menu amused me because it is quite limited and there's a disclaimer that they don't permit substitutions/revisions of any kind. I respect it, but I admittedly would have wanted to make some edits to my order. The ramen was good and the tonkotsu broth felt fulfilling and satisfying. One bowl can be shared by two if you plan to order a few appetizers. The interior is a bit cramped, but I like the different options for seating. It's not the cleanest or tidiest place, overall, but nothing that seriously grossed me out. Plenty of street parking in the area. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

I originally came because I needed change for parking, but when I entered the building it smelled SO GOOD! The staff are all so nice and kind and they even gave me a basket to put my personal items in. I ordered the Chashu bowl with spicy mayo. I ate it so fast and WOW DELICIOUS!!! I even ordered the house made gyoza after because the food was so good! Again DELICIOUS! I personally haven't had good food in months or even feel like anything I've had was more than a 2/3 out of 10. I gotta give the food a solid 10/10! It was fresh, juicy, light, and just so good! The staff are all so nice and I love the ambiance! I would definitely go again and encourage others to go as well! read more

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Its been chilly in SoCal as of late and I was getting over a cold. So ramen was indeed the right move! Ramen Tatsunoya is a staple in Old Town and I have been going there when I needed a consistent savory bowl of Ramen. So it is no surprise that I found myself waiting to get seated again. Parking is tough in Old Town Pasadena so be prepared to go to a city garage and pay for parking if your visiting. There are some parking meters near by as well if your willing to walk a bit. I got the light broth Jun with Extra Chashu, a order of Gyoza, and Sapporo mug for my meal and it was just what I needed. The broth was light and flavorful and I also added some chili oil to add a bit of subtle heat on it. The gyoza was light and flakey with a juicy interior, pair the sauce and it provided some great contrast to the ramen. Washing it all down with a Sapporo topped off my meal nicely. This place is a staple and one to visit regardless whether it is hot or cold. But, there is a consistent line. The staff do a great job making sure that they seat your party as quickly as possible, but don't count on getting the table you want if it is busy. Defiantly worth visiting! read more

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If you find yourself along Colorado Boulevard in Old Town Pasadena and hunger sets in, I suggest making a quick turn on to Fair Oaks Avenue and searching for Ramen Tatsunoya. You'll know you've arrived when you see a striking tree centerpiece inside the restaurant. We visited for a later dinner on a Saturday evening an hour before they closed at 10pm and the restaurant was at full capacity. Thankfully we didn't have to wait long and were seated quickly by their friendly staff. We started with the Crispy Spicy Chashu Wraps and the Housemade Gyoza. Both appetizers/side dishes really hit the spot. In fact, I enjoyed them more than I did the Spicy Miso Tonkotsu Ramen. The ramen broth was flavorful but a bit too rich for my liking and not spicy enough. It also would've been nice to have the option to customize the noodle set-up. I've had better ramen at a few other spots, but I still recommend Tatsunoya as a great comfort spot for ramen! read more

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This ramen is just crazy ridiculously good. The first time I had the ramen was around the end of Covid restrictions and we had to have it to go. It was amazing then, and it was even more amazing a couple days ago. The restaurant is small and the line gets long but we were lucky to have arrived around 2-ish and there was no one outside. We sat down to eat and about 15 mins later the line was around the corner. Their chasu was super fatty and good and the broth had the most flavor. The spicy miso was perfectly rich and a little spicy, and the regular ramen was also great. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Spicy miso ramen with extra chasu - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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For years I've see this on "best ramen" lists but whenever I was in the area the line was out the door. Welp The reputation was well earned! Had that koku tonkatsu. Fantastic. Simple well done traditional ramen -yummy noodles, savory broth and quality chashu. That's it's that's all, be back real soon! P.s. also took home some of the spicy seasoning- chefs kiss!! read more

Had the koku with extra chashu and egg. The broth is incredible, noodles well cooked, meat was delicious, the egg was underwhelming and I wouldn't reorder. There was a bit of a wait but we got lucky as the people before us didn't have their whole party and let us go ahead of them. The space is small but doesn't feel over crowded. Staff was attentive. Would come again. read more

Best ramen ever and very similar to the ones I've had in Japan. I favor their og Tonkatsu as the broth is extremely rich and flavorful. The quality of each bowl is definitely there. Topped with mushrooms, bean sprouts, and green onions. Cha siu rice roll was yummy and a fun appetizer before the ramen arrives. Lines can get long but they have an overhead heat lamp to keep you warm! read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

Visited Tatsunoya on a Friday around 6:30 pm. There was a line outside but quickly seated my party of 2. Sat at the roundtable with a tree, amongst random patrons giving lunch table vibes with fleeting awkward eye contact here and there (lol!). Service was extremely fast and friendly, although seemingly eager to push as many patrons in and out. Koku Tonkotsu - 4/5 - Savory rich flavor, as promoted, although surprisingly not as thick as I expected (a plus). The chashu was super tender, almost like thin pork belly. Plentiful green onions. Unfortunately the egg is extra $. Solid ramen that hit the spot! Gyoza - 5/5 - Unique & special, possibly the best gyoza I've ever had due to the amazing taste. They put garlic in these bad boys which magnificently combined with the crunchiness that of the noodle, and juiciness/saltiness of the meat. I'd literally come back for this. read more

Ramen Tatsunoya - Gyoza (soooo goood) - Ramen Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Worst customer service I've had in a long time. I met 4 friends here. If we wanted to just order, quickly eat and leave we would have gotten fast food. All the waiters made it clear they wanted us to quickly order and leave asap so we ordered 3 appetizers and sake (before our ramen). The only reason I'm not giving it 1 star is because the chicken wings were some of the best I've had. The dumplings tasted like soggy cardboard. A friend ordered extra noodles which they brought out 10 minutes before his ramen so they just sat there. They forgot the meat in my ramen. When they finally brought it out it wasn't even the right amount. They finally brought out the rest AFTER I was already done with my ramen. We all got our food 6 min apart. My broth tasted like water even after adding chili oil. I would give this place a one star if it weren't for the wings and curry ramen. read more

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