Tonchin

The LA outpost of this Tokyo-based ramen shop is one of the rare date spots in the neighborhood that doesn't require much planning. You can usually get a 7pm table without booking a reservation ahead of time, and their spicy tan tan ramen has the kind of rich, nutty heat that’ll give you something to discuss when the small talk dies down. So keep Tonchin in mind the next time you want to sip plum sake in the dark with someone you'd like to spoon. Or drop by for lunch on weekends when the patio fills up with designer poodles and their well-dressed owners.