Best Korean Restaurants In Los Angeles
Los Angeles's bountiful assortment of Korean restaurants is arguably the crown jewel of the city's prolific dining scene. Quite simply, you won't find a more impressive collection of Korean food offerings outside of Asia. Tackling them all would be a long, albeit satisfying, endeavor but these standouts (offering BBQ and beyond) are a good place to start.
Jeon Ju
2716 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 386-5678
Eating at Jeon Ju is an exercise in simplicity. You're going to order the bibimbap, the sizzling stone rice bowl which has become a signature of Korean cooking. You'll then mix the seasoned vegetables, fried egg, some chunks of kalbi (or possibly kimichi), a squirt or two or three of chili paste, and, of course, the perfectly crisped rice. You'll take a bite (make sure it's not too hot!), smile, and enjoy one of the great dishes in all of Los Angeles.
Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 380-1717
www.parksbbq.com
For over a decade, Park's BBQ has served as the gold standard for Korean BBQ, providing delectable cuts of meaty goodness for your grilling enjoyment. While high quality meat comes at a cost, Park's is worth the splurge for mouth-watering seasoned galbi and gloriously marbled steaks that rival anything served in Beverly Hills. While it's easy to overlook Park's non-bbq offerings, they're worthy of consideration especially the $6.99 lunch specials.
POT
3515 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 368-3030
www.eatatpot.com
The Line Hotel has made an immediate splash in K-Town thanks largely to the hotel's big name collaborator, local culinary hero Roy Choi. POT, one of the Line's two restaurants from Choi, has the celebrated chef going back too his roots, sort of. This ain't you grandma's food though, unless, of course, your grandma prepares uni dynamite and a hot pot with instant ramen, spam, and corned beef hash. If the flavors of Choi's kitchen sink don't strike your fancy, there are a half dozen other hot pots to choose from. But beware! Portions are huge, so order with caution.
Kobawoo House
Seven Vermont Plaza
698 Vermont Ave #109
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 389-7300
www.facebook.com
Offering an impressive array of Korean culinary classics, Kobawoo House is sure to impress. Start with Kobawoo's two main staples: bindedduk (seafood pancake) and bossam (unctuous pork belly). Add an order of acorn noodles then wash it all down with plenty of Hite beer and soju.
Western Doma Noodles
429 N. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 871-1955
Homemade knife cut noodles reign supreme at this budget-friendly fave in Koreatown. Though service is known to be a bit slower, it's definitely worth the wait for a steaming bowl of spicy seafood clam soup highlighted by Western Doma's signature noodles. Bonus points for the free spicy rice cakes and the rest of the tasty banchan.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
3465 W. 6th St. Ste. 20
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 384-9678
www.facebook.com/baekjeongla
The current big man on campus of K-Town, Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is certainly worthy of the hype. In fact, those that decide to brave the near-inevitable wait for a coveted grill-top table will be rewarded with some of the city's best Korean BBQ. What should you order? The beef combo and pork combo offer excellent value (small combos can comfortably feed a party of four) and the solid banchan as well as the signature egg and corn accompaniments help round out the meal.
