Marugame Monzo

329 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(1474 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're looking for an authentic taste of Japan right in the heart of Los Angeles, Marugame Monzo is a must-visit destination. Renowned for its hand-pulled udon and a tantalizing array of dishes, this Japanese restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.

As you step inside, the warm ambiance embraces you, and the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the kitchen begin to entice your senses. Marugame Monzo specializes in udon, and their signature offerings are not to be missed. The Dragon Udon ($22.65), with its blend of rich flavors, is a delightful choice that leaves you craving for more. For those who prefer something creamier, the Chix Kinoko Cream Udon ($27.00) is a standout, showcasing a perfect harmony of mushrooms and chicken enveloped in a luscious cream sauce.

For adventurous eaters, the Gratin Udon ($22.65) redefines expectations with its unique twist, bringing the comforting flavors of baked cheese and chicken together with chewy udon noodles—a dish that embodies warmth and comfort. Meanwhile, the Miso Carbonara ($23.99) offers a delightful fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine, making it an exciting option for eclectic palates. Each bowl of udon not only delights the taste buds but also showcases the freshness and quality of the ingredients used. The expertly crafted noodles have a delightful chewiness that elevates each dish even further.

Don't overlook their hot appetizers, like the Takoyaki (starting at $7.45), which is perfectly crispy on the outside and delectably soft inside, or the Agedashi Eggplant ($8.10), a tender and flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with any udon dish. Customers rave about the overall experience at Marugame Monzo, with one reviewer noting the “fantastic creamy Uni udon” as a highlight of their visit. With such high praise, it's clear that the dining experience here truly leaves a lasting impression.

Complement your meal with refreshing beverages like Calpico ($4.05) or an ice-cold Diet Coke ($4.05), ensuring that every aspect of your meal is enjoyable. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning fan, Marugame Monzo offers an enticing culinary journey that celebrates the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine while providing a lively local dining experience. Embrace the inviting atmosphere and allow your taste buds to embark on this delicious adventure!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

1474 Reviews
FaFa

03 Aug 2025

The wait time around 7pm was around 15min, given that most parties did not show up or left, which worked in our advantage. The House signature dishes are fantastic. The creamy Uni udon was fantastic. The appetizers as well. All around we had a great time here!

Amber Tran

26 Jul 2025

The udon here is terrific - you can taste the freshness of the noodles! Highly recommend the uni udon and the hot dragon udon, they’re top rated for a reason!

aq xin

16 Jun 2025

Glad I got to try Marugame Monzo for the first time. They serve handpulled udon in a variety of ways, for instance in hot/cold soup or with mentai cream. I tried the udon gratin (うどんグラタン) since it sounded like a combination I've never tried before and was curious about (baked with cream and cheese like potato gratin). It ended up being incredibly flavorful and filling, especially with the chicken (also beware if you're lactose-intolerant and plan to order this). I'd love to come back to try other udon menu items, like the uni cream, mad tiger, or hot dragon.

Michelle Nguyen

08 Jun 2025

I ordered the miso carbonara udon, and overall, it was enjoyable. The sauce was very creamy. The noodles had a slightly coarse texture, but they were still good. If you enjoy bacon, you would likely appreciate this dish more than I did. Personally, I found the bacon flavor overpowering, and the aroma was quite strong. In retrospect, I think I should have chosen a different item, though the dish was still good. We (party of 2) ate on a Sunday around 6:00 pm and the wait time was brief. The restaurant was small and cute, with a noisy atmosphere. I would come back to try another dish if I’m in the area.

Luke Kim

02 Jun 2025

Very chewy and tangly noodles! Wow what a crisp draft beer. Only if it was bigger… The creamy udons are specialty dish and it’s good but if you are going with your partner, i think it’s a good mix to get one plain broth udon and one creamy one to balance the meal out. Takoyaki was very good.

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