Marugame Udon feels like taking a trip to Japan for less than ten dollars. The cooks salute you in Japanese when you enter the door, the decoration is minimalistic, and so is the cafeteria-style service. Don’t be put off by any of this, because the udon are priceless — although they are unbelievably affordable. We’re not picking favorites, so choose between the various udon, hot or cold, dry or in a broth, and with an array of toppings. The kama-age is the simplest option, there’s a spicy chicken curry udon but also the famous tonkotsu and nikutama. Add an asparagus or squid tempura for a buck each, and don’t forget to bus your own table on your way out, Tokyo-style.
Style: Japanese
Addresses: 2029 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Sawtelle) / 8500 Beverly Blvd Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA 90048 West Hollywood / 1318 Galleria Way, Glendale, CA 91210 (Glendale) / 700 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (Downtown)
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11AM-10PM
Menu: marugameudon.com
Price: Udon $4.50-9.90
Reservations: No reservations