Looking for the best Korean restaurants in Los Angeles? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
The global love for Korean culture has soared like a K-pop high note, largely thanks to catchy tunes, irresistible K-dramas, and of course, scrumptious Korean food.
So strap in! We’re about to embark on a mouthwatering tour of Korean cuisine, from the spicy undertones of kimchi jjigae to the irresistible, smoky charm of Korean BBQ – Get ready as we introduce you to the best Korean Restaurants in Los Angeles!
1. Kang Ho Dong Baekjong
Craving Korean BBQ that hits all the right notes? Welcome to Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, where carnivorous dreams come true! This vivacious eatery buzzes with energy, its modern decor setting the stage for a gastronomic extravaganza that’s second to none.
Expect stellar service from their devoted team, always ready to guide you through the menu and grilling process, ensuring each bite of meat reaches your plate in perfect form.
Their menu? A culinary playground! Explore a wide range of premium Korean BBQ options from prime cuts to marinated beauties. The Beef and Pork Combo is a no-brainer, blending an array of succulent delights – think marinated beef and boneless short ribs, or seared pork belly and premium pork jowl.
And let’s not forget the soupy sidekicks, the nutty Soybean Paste Stew or the fiery Pork Kimchi Stew. It’s the kind of feast that comes with an encore – cheesy corn, steamed egg, kimchi, sweet potato, and mushroom.
What to Order: Beef Combo, Pork Combo
Address: 3465 W 6th St, Ste 20, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Wilshire Center, Koreatown
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2. Quarters Korean BBQ
Quarters Korean BBQ is not just about amazing food, it’s an experience. Think date night leveled up, where you not only get to cook your own Korean BBQ, but also indulge in a sophisticated lineup of wine, beer, cocktails, and margaritas.
The ambiance? A boisterous and jovial symphony of sizzling grills and animated conversations. With a service that’s swift and congenial, multiple servers ensure your experience is nothing less than fantastic.
Their menu is an impressive assemblage of tantalizing offerings from pork to beef and chicken. Can’t decide? Combo 1 is your ticket to pork paradise, while Combo 2 will win over the heart of any beef enthusiast.
They also serve a medley of traditional Korean dishes like stews, pancakes, and rice bowls. Don’t miss their indulgent Cheese Fondue, fluffy Steamed Egg, and the fiery Kimchi Fried Rice.
What to Order: Combo 1, Combo 2, Cheese Fondue, Steamed Egg, Kimchi Fried Rice
Address: C-130, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Wilshire Center, Koreatown
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3. Surawon Tofu House
Holding court in Koreatown, Surawon Tofu House is no newcomer to the LA culinary scene.
This spot is a reincarnation of a formerly named Korean restaurant, bringing a fresh face and focus to the family-run business. Now, it’s all about sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew) here, and they are acing it, making their own tofu from scratch.
So forget about flashy, sprawling spaces. Surawon might be small, but it’s brimming with a warmth and intimacy that makes you feel right at home. And their staff? Let’s just say you’re in good hands, with a team that’s as friendly as they are attentive.
Your journey into Surawon Tofu House promises an unforgettable experience that lives up to all the rave reviews. Their homemade tofu, crafted meticulously from black or yellow soybeans, is the stuff of legend.
You get to call the shots when ordering. Pick your type of tofu, decide on the broth, and if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even an option to add a combo to your meal.
If you’re struggling with what to choose, the Original Beef Soon Tofu with Black Soy Bean is a must. There’s something about that nutty, savory undertone that’s just irresistible.
What to Order: Original Beef Soon Tofu with Black Soy Bean, Spicy Raw Crab Combo, Hot Stone Bibimbap Combo
Address: 2833 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006, Koreatown
4. HanEuem by Chef Kang
HanEuem by Chef Kang is a maestro in the world of authentic Korean cuisine.
This quaint, modern nook serves up a roster of traditional Korean flavors in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, with efficient and attentive service that leaves nothing to be desired. Expect a captivating lineup of innovative dishes that come with banchan (small side dishes), turning each meal into a delightful feast.
Try Chef Kang’s signature Braised Wagyu Beef Back Ribs – imagine beef back ribs marinated for hours in traditional Korean sauce, so tender they fall off the bone and explode with umami in your mouth.
The Pork Belly Kimchi Stew is another wonder, uniting tender, juicy Korean-style pork belly with fermented kimchi and a bevy of vegetables and tofu to create a flavor orchestra.
For seafood aficionados, the Spicy Marinated Fresh Raw Crabs, a Korean delicacy loved for centuries, will hit all the right notes. For a heartwarming meal, don’t overlook the Spicy Chicken and Potato Stew – it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings. Outrageously good!
What to Order: Braised Wagyu Beef Back Ribs, Pork Belly Kimchi Stew, Spicy Marinated Fresh Raw Crabs, Spicy Whole Chicken and Potato Stew
Address: 539 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Koreatown, Wilshire Center
5. Han Bat Seol Lung Tang
Han Bat Seol Lung Tang is a foodie gem tucked away in LA, bringing comforting Korean soup to the table.
This unassuming spot creates a homely ambiance that’s perfect for casual meals and great conversations. With service that’s as warm and efficient as their soup, you’re bound to have a memorable meal.
The restaurant specializes in Sul Lung Tang, a traditional Korean ox bone soup that’s as hearty as it’s flavorful. Here, you’re the boss – choose your cut of meat, season your soup to your liking with salt and green onions, and watch as a simple dish transforms into a bowl of magic.
Whether you opt for the tenderly cooked beef brisket (Salgogi), venture into the adventurous with intestine, tripe & spleen (Naejang), or simply play it safe with Mixed (Seokum), you won’t be disappointed.
Every order comes with rice, kimchi, and radish kimchi, creating a perfect, harmonious meal.
What to Order: Sul Lung Tang, Salgogi, Seokum, Naejang
Address: 4163 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Koreatown, Wilshire Center
6. Hae Jang Chon Korean BBQ Restaurant
Step into Hae Jang Chon, a Korean BBQ mecca, where the lively atmosphere is as appetizing as the meals they offer.
This goes beyond a regular restaurant; it’s a full-blown BBQ fiesta, offering an all-you-can-eat menu that’s sure to make your tastebuds dance with joy. Whether you’re a barbecue devotee or a Korean cuisine explorer, Hae Jang Chon is a culinary delight that guarantees a gastronomic adventure.
The magic lies in their extensive selection of USDA choice and prime meats – beef, pork, chicken, and seafood. Each cut is expertly prepared and grilled to perfection.
They sure serve a wide range of options, but it’s a grave mistake to miss out on Bulgogi, Pork Belly, Beef Tongue, and Beef Brisket! Plus, you’re treated to a bunch of delicious traditional Korean side dishes. Yum! What more could you possibly ask for?
What to Order: All-You-Can-Eat, Bulgogi, Pork Belly, Beef Tongue, Beef Brisket
Address: 3821 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Koreatown, Wilshire Center
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7. Kinn
Ever wondered what a gastronomic trip through modern Korean cuisine would look like? Kinn is the answer. This restaurant is an artwork, an intersection of rich Korean traditions and contemporary food crafting techniques.
Drawing on high-quality ingredients and playing around with flavors and textures, the chefs here showcase their culinary masterpieces to create a dining experience that’s both familiar and new.
Walk into a cozy atmosphere, sit by the bar, and watch the chef orchestrate your seven-course seasonal menu. The starter, a Crispy Octopus, is an unforgettable combination of crunch and chew, drizzled with a tangy Gochujang-based sauce veloute.
The main course, the Rock Cod, is an absolute joy, served in a broth of Doenjang. The meat is moist and flavorful and sports a crisp skin, an ode to the chef’s craftsmanship.
Round everything off with a refreshing Blackberry Bingsu, a light, sweet, and satisfying dessert – the perfect ending to your meal.
What to Order: Crispy Octopus, Rock Cod, Blackberry Bingsu
Address: 3905 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Koreatown, Wilshire Center
8. Hangari Kalguksu
Tucked away in the heart of Los Angeles, Hangari Kalguksu is a charming little eatery that specializes in heartwarming Korean food.
The casual, welcoming ambiance paired with the delicious aromas of homemade noodles instantly transports you to a traditional Korean kitchen. The stellar service ensures that every patron leaves with a smile, turning their meal into a truly memorable trip.
The highlight of Hangari Kalguksu’s menu is the handmade noodle soup, Kalguksu. This delightful dish comes in several varieties, each as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly day.
The Chicken Kalguksu is an absolute treat, promising a spoonful of homemade goodness with every bite. For spice enthusiasts, the Spicy Seafood-Kalguksu is a must-try, its flavorful, spicy anchovy broth sure to leave you asking for more.
Don’t miss their top seller, the Mil-my Cold Noodle – a sweet, chilled soup with tender cold noodles, the perfect antidote to a sweltering summer day.
What to Order: Chicken Kalguksu, Spicy Seafood-Kalguksu, Mil-myun Cold Noodle, Mandu
Address: 3470 W 6th St, Ste 9&10, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Wilshire Center, Koreatown
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9. Jeong Yuk Jeom Korean BBQ LA
Jeong Yuk Jeom sits at the pantheon of Korean cuisine, offering the finest in an upscale and inviting environment. Whether you’re after a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion.
The menu is a veritable feast of premium meats and traditional Korean dishes. Begin your dining experience with the Beef Tartare – a visual delight that’s as good to eat as it is to look at. The meat is fresh, expertly seasoned, and a perfect teaser for the main course.
When it comes to the barbecue, the Butcher’s Pride is a must-order. You can choose from three different sets, each with its own base of loyal fans, simply because of the savory and flavorful combination of different sorts of meat that go with it.
But we’re kind of biased towards the first set, showcasing beef finger meat, prime boneless short rib, and seasoned prime short rib. The third set is also a head turner, featuring marinated prime short rib and aged prime ribeye.
Each set comes with banchan, steamed egg, and your choice of kimchi or soybean paste stew – talk about the perfect completion to an authentic Korean barbecue experience!
What to Order: Beef Tartare, Butcher’s Pride First set, Butcher’s Pride Third set
Address: 621 S Western Ave, Ste 100, Los Angeles, CA 90005, Koreatown, Wilshire Center
10. Mapo Kkak Doo Gee
Step into Mapo Kkak Doo Gee and feel like you’ve just walked into a traditional Korean home.
This small hidden gem in LA combines comforting, classic Korean cuisine with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly and attentive staff add to the homey vibes, promising impeccable service with every visit.
Each item on the menu is a testament to the authenticity of the Korean flavors. The Braised Black Cod is a mouthwatering delight; tender fish, rice cakes, and radish soaked in a spicy soybean sauce, bursting with sweet and savory notes.
Another must-try is the Spicy Beef and Leek Soup, a vibrant bowl filled with tenderized beef in a flavorful broth. The Soo Jae Bi, a hand-torn flake noodle soup, is a simple yet delicious dish that shouldn’t be missed.
What to Order: Braised Black Cod, Spicy Beef and Leek Soup, Soup with Pulled Dough Morsels, Kimchi Stew
Address: 3611 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, Wilshire Center, Koreatown
11. Soban
Soban is a must-visit Korean eatery that offers the authentic taste of Korea with every dish.
The decor is deeply reminiscent of a Korean home, fostering warmth and camaraderie, further amplified by the attentive service. You may recognize Soban from the 2020 Oscars – the award-winning crew of “Parasite” chose this very place for their celebratory meal!
The menu at Soban is like a culinary road trip through Korea. Their Braised Black Cod is renowned in LA, buttery, tender fish simmered in a delectable broth. Don’t miss out on the Raw Soy-Marinated Crab, a dish that presents fresh, flavorful crab meat that goes perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice.
And for a classic meal with a twist, try the Bibimbap prepared with purple rice – a delicious balance between traditional toppings and hearty grains.
What to Order: Braised Black Cod, Raw Soy-Marinated Crab, Bibimbap, Soybean Paste Stew
Address: 4001 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019, Koreatown
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12. Dha Rae Oak
Dha Rae Oak takes pride in their interesting and unique take on Korean barbeque.
This fantastic restaurant is known for its traditional Korean barbecue, and it takes a step further by introducing a less-common ingredient – duck. You might not think of duck when picturing Korean barbecue, but Dha Rae Oak is here to change that notion.
Indulgent offerings of Smoked Duck and Sliced Duck promise a BBQ experience like no other. The Smoked Duck is pre-smoked, needing just a quick grilling to reach the perfect juicy and chewy consistency.
The Sliced Duck boasts beautiful marbling that becomes aromatic and succulent when grilled, leaving you wanting more. Pair these with a variety of flavorful banchan or side dishes like pickled onions, pickled chives, and kimchi for a delightful feast.
Their signature Roasted Duck, slow-roasted in a clay pot, is a must-try, but remember to order it in advance – it takes four hours of careful preparation!
What to Order: Smoked Duck, Slice Duck, Roasted Duck
Address: 1108 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006, Harvard Heights
There you go! Planning your next Korean cuisine visit can be daunting and tricky, especially in a place like LA, where there are myriads of options available.
But whether you’re a purist for traditional Korean dishes or you’re excited to try new, creative twists, the above curated list has something for everyone.
And if you’re not an early bird but still want the best way to start your day right, we got you covered! Here’s our list of LA’s best downtown restaurants – because in the City of Angels, delicious food never sleeps!