AFURI

"Afuri Ramen arrived in Culver City in 2024, bringing with it bowls of its signature yuzu-spiked ramen, tonkotsu tantan ramen, tsukemen, starters like gyoza threaded with a crispy lace that crackles under the lightest chopstick pressure, and an uncommon — but irresistible — Basque cheesecake for dessert. The restaurant is amply family-friendly, too, with kid-sized bowls, crayons, high chairs, and sippy cups on offer." - Eater Staff, Matthew Kang

"Afuri’s newest location in Culver City offers everything parents of toddlers and young children can hope for. Sippy cups arrive at the table before you even ask, as do crayons and a long stretch of coloring paper (there are puzzles for the big kids). A smaller kid-portioned bowl of its yuzu shoyu ramen is available to order and the young ones will likely go wild for the tori karaage, Afuri’s version of Japanese fried chicken with yuzu kosho egg salad, furikake, and lemon. This location is in fortuitously close proximity to the Culver Steps — children in the group can let off steam before or after dinner by exploring the steps and grassy courtyard next to it." - Eater Staff

"After opening its first location Downtown, Afuri Ramen has recently expanded west with an outpost in Culver City. Find the same menu as the first location with a selection of ramen broths including a bright yuzu shio and a rich tonkotsu shio. Plus, gyoza, karaage, and more." - Eater Staff, Rebecca Roland

"Usually, ramen spots tend to be more utilitarian, restaurants meant to serve quickly and turn seats. Afuri in Culver City wants to buck that trend and make ramen more of a big night out, something that starts with cocktails and appetizers before settling into bowls of noodle soup. Afuri’s Westside outpost, which just opened at the beginning of this month, offers a striking modern Tokyo decor with potentially the longest single piece of neon inside an LA restaurant. The open kitchen exudes plenty of energy, with cooks assembling bowls and pork buns at break-neck speed while a long bar to the side shakes yuzu cocktails with Japanese gin. At the end of the day, you’re here for ramen, and the yuzu-tinted seafood broth is easily one of the best ones in town, tasting exactly as it would in Harajuku or Ebisu. The noodles, thin with a slight bite, complement the nearly clear broth while tender pork slices offer meaty bites in between." - Eater Staff

"Afuri Ramen is expanding as well, opening a second location at the Culver City Steps development [...]. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant will mirror the Arts District’s menu when it opens this summer." - Farley Elliott