Ramen Nagi

After setting up shop in the Bay Area, one of Tokyo’s best ramenyas has landed in L.A. via a prime second-floor corner spot at Westfield Century City. Day and nights, crowds line up for bowls of chef Satoshi Ikuta’s flavorful, dense tonkotsu broth—also available with spice, black garlic and basil. Put your name down, do a little window shopping and when the time comes, customize your bowl to your exact liking via a paper ordering sheet. No matter what, be sure to save room for one or two of Nagi's appetizers, particularly the unlisted pan-fried snack gyoza; when available, the latter arrives in an irresistible crispy dumpling skirt. Other than chicken karaage, chashu rice and edamame, it’s all about the ramen—as it should be.