Acclaimed Japanese Ramen Chain Ippudo Opens in Culver City Near Inglewood

Popular Japanese ramen chain Ippudo has opened its second Southern California location in downtown Culver City, just a short drive from Inglewood. The new restaurant, which began serving customers on April 9, adds to the growing number of high-quality dining options within reach of Inglewood residents.

Ippudo, founded in 1985 in Fukuoka, Japan, is renowned for its 20-hour bone broth and thin wheat noodles that define authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. The restaurant has grown to over 140 locations worldwide across 15 different countries since its founding by Shigemi Kawahara.

The Culver City location offers both traditional pork-based ramen and plant-based options. Their signature bowls include the classic Shiromaru, a straightforward take on Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen; the Akamaru Modern, which adds spicy miso and oil; and the Karaka Spicy with spicy oil and meaty miso paste.

For vegetarian and vegan diners, Ippudo offers the Pla-Ton, a veggie-based take on tonkotsu, and the Shojin, a traditional shoyu broth using Kokkadio Rishiri kelp and Kyushu shiitake mushrooms. The menu also features their version of Taiwanese gua bao filled with pork belly, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.

This opening follows an interesting development for the chain’s West Hollywood location, which will soon convert to “Ippudo V,” a fully plant-based concept serving vegan ramen, sushi, and appetizers.

The new Culver City restaurant features seating for 58 guests, with 48 inside and another 10 on the patio. The space is decorated with wood finishes, koi streamers, and a knotted rope canopy, creating a modern Japanese dining atmosphere.

For Inglewood residents looking to try this renowned ramen spot, Ippudo Culver City is open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., and Sunday until 9:30 p.m. It’s located at 3847 Main Street in downtown Culver City, approximately 15 minutes from central Inglewood.

This opening adds to a growing “noodle district” in Culver City, which now includes other popular ramen spots like Afuri, Moto, and upcoming locations of Tensho and Jinya, giving area residents more diverse dining options in neighboring communities.