Ramen Hayatemaru Boils Its Last Bowl in West LA

Despite a heavy concentration of ramen shops in West LA, with notable shops Tsujita, Daikokuya, and Tatsu just a few block away on Sawtelle, Ramen Hayatemaru didn't survive beyond two years according to burgeoning forum Food Talk Central. Opened back in early 2013, the Torrance shop opened an outlet along Olympic Blvd in a rather busy strip mall only to close quietly on September 27. There was enough early buzz and a dedicated following, but the bowls just didn't stand out when placed next to the Sawtelle specialists.

The Hokkaido-style ramen offered a unique alternative to the tonkotsu-slanted bowls found at other L.A. shops (though they did offer their own pork-laden variety). Hayatemaru's Torrance location received a positive review from Besha Rodell back in 2012.