"Occupying a sleepy strip‑mall spot on Hawthorne Boulevard, the near‑windowless space feels like a busy Japanese train‑station restaurant or an office‑worker go‑to, packing in mostly Asian diners at lunch. A sister spot to Ichimiann, the mentai tororo is admittedly going to be a Marmite dish — the slimy grated mountain yam takes a little getting used to — but once you understand what the tororo does (it provides a thick, almost creamy binder for the noodles and broth), it starts to make sense. The firm, nutty buckwheat noodles are as good as Ichimiann’s while the balanced dashi brings it all together, and the salty cod roe delivers an extra umami punch to a bowl described as bursting with deliciousness. The reviewer wished a larger portion were available (they also ordered a pork tonkatsu bento and easily ate both dishes)." - Eater Staff