I haven’t been to any new ramen restraunts in a while. I frequently stop by Umemura because it’s so close and so good, but I haven’t been trying out new places like I need to, to keep this blog current.
While it’s not ramen, a noodle house that I’ve been going to a lot is Otafuku. This place has amazing zaru soba and udon, pretty much the best in the Southbay as far as I’m concerned. I’ve usually been ordering the Zaru Udon with Tempura, which is about $13 and the noodles are so fresh! I’ve heard that they make their own noodles, although I’m not sure if they do it there in the restraunt or bring them in from somewhere else. But either way it’s very good.
The restraunt’s facade is very unassuming. It’s on Western Ave in Gardena and from the street it looks like the place is closed or even abandoned. There’s parking and a kitchen entrance in the rear (the front door is locked during the evening). I think this is to keep out people from the local bar next door, or maybe just to keep out Gaijin like me 
Anyway, if you like soba or udon, you need to check this place out. I’ll also be sure to check out some new local ramen shops and get this ramen blog going.
Otafuku
16525 S Western Ave
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 532-9348