Daikokuya

This buzzy Little Tokyo spot—with four locations in Los Angeles with a devoted following—is a ramen mecca. A wrap-around counter faces the open kitchen, providing a social atmosphere to dig into piping hot bowls of flavorful (porky) broth and chewy noodles—we love the specialty Daikoku Ramen ($8.50). Chijire-style egg noodles—served in varying firmness—sit in a rich tonkotsu soup and is topped with slices of kurobuta pork belly—pork fans can amp it up with fatty kotteri-style—boiled egg, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts and green onions. Add an order of pan-fried pork gyoza ($5.95) or crispy tonkatsu (pork cutlet) ($6.50) to make the line worthwhile.