My Tatsu experience:
When you enter the restaurant, you order up front on an iPad, which makes things relatively quick and a bit more true to the way "fast food" in Japan works. The atmosphere and the rest of the physical setup is reminiscent of Japanese ramen shops, too, with a big counter around the chefs and a few tables in the remaining cozy (but not cramped) space.
The only vegetarian-friendly item on the menu is their "Naked Ramen," which is a brothless dish. Instead of a traditional pork or fish broth, the noodles are comfortably drenched with chili oil (amount up to the discretion of the customer) and a sweet sesame glaze. Order it with tofu and an egg (if you choose), and you have a delicious, full meal that will set you back around $9. For me, this was delicious and somewhat similar to Tokyo's famous dish, abura soba (a deliciously unhealthy, decadent oily noodle dish-- its name literally meaning oil soba). This dish can also be made vegan, apparently.
All dishes at Tatsu are highly customizable--you get to choose the type of protein (for us veggies, we get organic tofu with the possibility of a soft-boiled egg), the amount of green onion, garlic, and the spice level, making it a very customer-friendly place. The dried seaweed topping is free and comes on the dish already, but each table and counter setting has a few shakers if you want additional green. I am definitely excited to go back again and eat more "Naked Ramen."
Tatsu can be found at 2123 Sawtelle Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90025. It is located in a small shopping center with free parking! I would highly recommend visiting and trying it out.
