21 Incredible Koreatown Restaurants to Visit in LA
If you're ever in Los Angeles and asking for dining recommendations, there’s a high likelihood that locals and seasoned guides will point you toward one of the many mouthwatering Koreatown restaurants. The bustling, electric atmosphere of Ktown is irresistible and absolutely mesmerizing.
When you step into one of the many Koreatown Los Angeles restaurants, be prepared to take your taste buds on a journey that transcends any culinary adventure you’ve experienced to date. From silky tofu stew to saucy, spicy barbecue, there’s something for every food lover in this exquisite piece of culinary paradise.
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Get a Taste of Koreatown, Los Angeles
Narrowing down the options and choosing where to dive into your next meal in Koreatown can be overwhelming. For a little guidance, consider embarking on a food tour in Los Angeles for a carefully curated experience. Your knowledgeable guide can customize your tour so you get a taste of your favorite dishes or try something new in each and every spot. If you’re ready to take the flavors of Koreatown home with you, cooking classes in Los Angeles are a great way to learn how to recreate the famous regional dishes yourself. No takeout containers required. Without a doubt, there's no lack of foodie things to do in Los Angeles.
21 Incredible Koreatown Restaurants
1. Korean Duck Barbecue at Sun Ha Jang Restaurant
Duck is pretty much the only thing on the menu at this unforgettable Koreatown Los Angeles restaurant. You can order it prepared one of three ways, or try them all if you have a few friends ready to share these ample, flavor-packed portions.
The Vibe
Tabletop grills and lively community seating make Sun Ha Jang a great place to bring big groups or impress a crew of out-of-towners.
What to Order
The sliced duck breast is tender and cooked to order, and honestly, we’d eat this every single day. Once you’ve enjoyed the flavorful slices, your server uses the rendered duck fat to cook a hefty order of fried rice with a kick of kimchi.
Sun Ha Jang Restaurant | 4032 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 | $$
2. Premium Steaks and Korean BBQ at AB Steak by Chef Akira Back
Modern Korean barbecue makes a star showing in Ktown, LA at AB Steak by Chef Akira Back. To achieve his unique take on Korean barbecue, Chef Back combines the flavors and tastes he grew up with in Korea with those of the traditional American steakhouse. The result is an experience that makes this spot one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
AB Steak is definitely on the fancy side, with glamorous golden chandeliers and enormous, cushy booths. It’s perfect for a special occasion in KTown, LA.
What to Order
It goes without saying that the steaks are what make this one of the best Korean restaurants in Los Angeles. You really can’t go wrong with options that range from ribeye and sirloin to wagyu beef brisket and prime boneless short rib, all cooked right before your eyes. Don’t forget your side of japchae.
AB Steak by Chef Akira Back | 8500 Beverly Blvd. #111, Los Angeles, CA 90048 | $$$$
3. Authentic Korean at Soban Restaurant
Take a culinary journey to Seoul without leaving Koreatown, Los Angeles when you visit Soban Restaurant. With unique, adventurous seafood dishes infused with undisputed flavor, this Koreatown restaurant delivers an authentic Korean experience from start to finish.
The Vibe
Soban is a small hidey-hole surrounded by competition, and you might miss it if you weren’t looking for it. However, it’s one of the most decorated Koreatown restaurants, its walls adorned with accolades proclaiming its mouthwatering magnificence.
What to Order
Many diners opt for Soban’s house signatures, including banchan, soy marinated raw crab known as ganjang gejang, or galbi jjim, a perfectly sweet and savory braised short rib stew.
Soban Restaurant | 4001 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 | $$
4. Upscale Korean Classics at HanEuem by Chef Kang
From dynamic stews to braised wagyu beef ribs and a lot more in between, HanEuem offers authentic cuisine spanning several Korean dining genres all at once. Step into this humble spot for a drink or two, and experience one of the best restaurants in Ktown while you’re at it.
The Vibe
HanEuem is often referred to as “a modern Korean drinking spot” or gastropub, so you’re likely in for a laidback good time along with elevated but casual Korean classics.
What to Order
The modeum jeon is an absolute must-have at this Koreatown restaurant. Indulge in a generous platter of battered fried meats and vegetables with a perfect crunch.
HanEuem by Chef Kang | 539 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
5. Korean Steak at Daedo Sikdang
Originally from Seoul, Daedo is now one of the best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles, serving up Certified Angus Beef Prime steaks cut in-house and laced with mouthwatering flavor you won’t be able to forget.
The Vibe
Daedo delivers an unforgettable culinary experience in an atmosphere awash with authentic Korean culture inspired by the country’s long, rich history. If you’re looking for date ideas in Los Angeles, the illustrious ambiance here won’t disappoint.
What to Order
Daedo Sikdang only offers incredible, premium cuts of steak, but the Daedo Special Cut and the ribeye cap take the cake for ultra tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Daedo Sikdang | 4001 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
6. Seolleongtang at Han Bat Shul Lung Tang
Three words: bone marrow broth. Han Bat Shul Lung Tang is well known for this legendary broth loaded with savory jolts of flavor. This is one of our favorite Los Angeles Koreatown restaurants because it’s savory, satisfying and easy on the wallet.
The Vibe
The vibes in this Koreatown restaurant are super cozy and friendly. You’ll want to stay forever.
What to Order
Order the ox bone soup (it’s the only thing they offer) with your choice of protein — we love the tender brisket. Add accompaniments and other sides like kimchi or rice to create a totally satisfying, ridiculously delicious meal.
Han Bat Shul Lung Tang | 4163 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $
7. Korean Barbecue at Chosun Galbee
The race for top-tier Korean BBQ in Ktown, LA is a tight one, and Chosun Galbee likes to stay on the podium. They’re one of the longest-running Korean BBQ joints in Koreatown, Los Angeles, and they continue to impress their loyal fans with perfect flavor and execution.
The Vibe
The vibes here are authentic and cozy but also perfectly refined.
What to Order
The naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles) paired with a combination meat platter will impress anyone looking for great Korean barbecue.
Chosun Galbee | 3330 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 | $$$
8. Modern Korean at Kinn
You may not expect to find a highly interesting yet affordable tasting menu at Koreatown, Los Angeles restaurants, but Kinn delivers one with an unforgettably unique flair. You’ll get a taste of elegant, refined dishes and fun bites with a kick.
The Vibe
At Kinn, the vibe really matches the cuisine: modest, intimate and polished.
What to Order
You must order the prosciutto and dungeness crab-filled corn dog. It’s a crowd favorite and, honestly, an iconic bite that's helping put Korean food in Los Angeles on our list of last-meal-worthy cuisine.
Kinn | 3905 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$$
9. The Best Noodles at MDK Noodles
The Koreatown restaurant formerly known as Myung Dong Kyoja is serving up addictive knife-cut noodles by the bowlful and divine dumplings galore. Honestly, it’s a carb lover's dream.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at MDK is all about the food. It’s homey, happy and comforting.
What to Order
Obviously, you have to grab the noodles that make MDK one of the best restaurants in Ktown. The cold noodles are ridiculously refreshing on a hot day in LA — get ‘em spicy if you’re brave enough for the real-deal flavor.
MDK Noodles | Multiple Locations | $$
10. All-You-Can-Eat at Yerim Korean BBQ
Yes, seriously. Of all the all-you-can-eat Koreatown restaurants, Yerim is the only one that lands on our list of the best Korean restaurants in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Yerim keeps it casual and cool. Friendly, attentive service keeps the drinks and bites flowing without a hitch.
What to Order
The tender, flavorful meat is the star at this Koreatown restaurant. We love the prime beef brisket and thick pork belly marinated in a spicy garlic infusion.
Yerim Korean BBQ | 300 S. Hobart Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
11. Premium Korean Barbecue at Park's Barbeque
Park’s is an iconic Koreatown restaurant, giving other Korean barbecue joints (even those in Seoul) a run for their money with high-quality meat that’s tender, flavorful and accompanied by incredible banchan and other sides.
The Vibe
Park’s is classy and clean, but it also kicks Korean food in Los Angeles up to the next level with its smokeless table grills.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, but our favorite Park’s specials are the spicy black cod and the kimchi pancake, and, boy, do they kick up the heat. The prime beef short rib also never disappoints.
Park's Barbeque | 955 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90006| $$
12. Classic Korean at Mapo Kkak Doo Gee
If you’re looking for Los Angeles Koreatown restaurants that deliver all of the flavor with none of the frills, Mapo Kkak Doo Gee is just the ticket.
The Vibe
This Koreatown restaurant is cozy, busy and authentic.
What to Order
You have to get the radish banchan. It’s the restaurant’s namesake and pairs perfectly with their crispy, succulent seared fish.
Mapo Kkak Doo Gee | 3611 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
13. Late Night Galbi Jjim at Sun Nong Dan
There aren’t many Koreatown restaurants that serve flavorful favorites well into the wee hours of the night. If you’re looking for a Koreatown, Los Angeles restaurant to satisfy your late night craving, Sun Nong Dan is the spot.
The Vibe
Dining rooms are laid-back and casual, though the crowd fluctuates a bit between the time they open for breakfast and the hours when the late-night patrons shuffle in.
What to Order
The galbi jjim is the most popular menu item, for good reason. It’s loaded with tender hunks of short rib and tons of savory spice. Top yours with cheese for an overwhelmingly delicious experience.
Sun Nong Dan | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Traditional Korean at Seong Buk Dong
Traditional, exquisitely executed Korean dishes are the primary focus of this simple Koreatown restaurant. Don’t let Seong Buk Dong’s unassuming location, hidden in a shopping strip, fool you. There’s serious depth to the flavors here.
The Vibe
This Koreatown restaurant is quaint and simple but always bustling and buzzing with eager diners.
What to Order
Their signature beef short ribs are not to be missed. Order them up with a few sides for a perfectly rounded meal loaded with different flavors and tantalizing textures.
Seong Buk Dong | 3303 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
15. Knife-Cut Noodles at Hangari Kalguksu
If Korean comfort food was a place, this would be it. Hangari Kalguksu is one of best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles thanks to the savory, heartening flavors of their renowned noodle soups, dumplings, bibimbap and more-than-notable bossam.
The Vibe
Hangari Kalguksu is tucked away in a Ktown shopping center and always seems to draw a crowd that’s more than happy to wait in line. As soon as you walk through the door, you feel at home in this authentic, unfussy Koreatown restaurant.
What to Order
If you’re visiting for the first time, the clam or chicken noodles have to be the first thing you try. With broth that achieves the perfect balance of creamy, rich and flavorful, the generous portions of seafood or protein that accompany the slippery noodles take this dish to the next level.
Hangari Kalguksu | 3470 W. 6th St., Ste. 9 and 10, Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$$
16. Korean Sundae at Eighth Street Soondae
This is not the type of sundae you’re thinking of. Korean sundae is a super tasty blood sausage, and they do it the right way at this Koreatown restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a snack or fully soul-satisfying meal, the blood sausage (with a side of kimchi) at Eighth Street Soondae does the trick.
The Vibe
Grab a small table or take your feast to go. Either way, the casual, simple and friendly vibes at this Koreatown restaurant make the dynamic flavors of the sundae stand out that much more.
What to Order
At this Ktown restaurant, our favorite way to indulge in this specialty is either in a soup or a stir fry.
Eighth Street Soondae | 2703 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90005 | $$
17. Homestyle Korean at Olympic Restaurant
Known by Korean locals as Olympic Cheonggukjang, this Koreatown restaurant’s nickname is bestowed by one of its most popular dishes. Although it’s unassumingly located in a Ktown shopping strip, the homey vibes and deep, authentic flavors make it stand out.
The Vibe
If you’re ready to feel like you’ve stepped into an authentic Korean kitchen, Olympic is serving up homestyle vibes in an intimate setting, with wooden placards on the wall describing unique Korean dishes (which are fun to peruse, especially if you’re learning the language).
What to Order
This Koreatown restaurant’s signature dish is Chung Guk Jang, a thick stew made with intensely pungent fermented soybeans, tofu, zucchini, onion and anchovy. It’s got a little bit of a kick and some intensely rich umami flavor.
Olympic Restaurant | 2528 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006 | $$
18. Bossam and Pancakes at Kobawoo House
Lovers of Korean-style pancakes, rejoice! The seafood and scallion pancakes at this Koreatown restaurant are some of the best you’ll find in town, but they’re very nearly overshadowed by the bossam and other outrageously delicious dishes on the menu.
The Vibe
The dining room at Kobawoo House is dimly lit, giving off classic and intimate vibes that turn dining here into a truly special occasion. Not bad for a fun date night!
What to Order
While the pancakes are an absolute go-to, you really can’t beat the bossam at Kobawoo House. The tender, flavorful boiled pork is served alongside veggies, cabbage rolls and a soybean paste dipping sauce that you’ll want to put on absolutely everything.
Kobawoo House | 698 S. Vermont Ave. #109, Los Angeles, CA 90005 | $$
19. House-Made Tofu at Surawon Tofu House
Surawon Tofu House is one Koreatown restaurant that strays from the beaten path by making their own tofu. Their house-made specialty is rich and complex and lends itself perfectly to each of their signature dishes.
The Vibe
The vibe at Surawon Tofu House is bright, friendly and almost always bustling. They also offer take-out and delivery, so you can get your tofu stew fix any time.
What to Order
An obvious choice is the house tofu stew, made with their black bean tofu. But don’t be afraid to explore other bountiful and filling menu items like the fried mackerel combo deal.
Surawon Tofu House | 2833 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006 | $$
20. Upscale Korean Barbecue at Mun Korean Steakhouse
High-quality meats and a classy decor take the cake at this Koreatown barbecue restaurant.
The Vibe
At Mun Korean Steakhouse, you won’t find the boisterous environment that’s so popular at most other Koreatown barbecues. Instead, expect a more upscale, cocktail-style setting where you can hear yourself think and enjoy the quickly-served meal before you.
What to Order
The chicken hibachi is sticky, sweet and a nice departure from the norm, and the sweet and spicy sausage rice cake skewers are chewy, saucy and deliver just the right amount of heat. You don’t want to miss out on those.
Mun Korean Steakhouse | 3519 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
21. Classic Korean at Chunju Han-Il Kwan
Chunju Han-Il Kwan is one of the best restaurants in Koreatown that offers truly classic preparations of Korean favorites. With a wide menu ranging from scallion pancakes to budae jjigae, they hit the nail on the head when it comes to traditional fare.
The Vibe
The quaint, nostalgic vibe in this classic Koreatown restaurant is highly unique, even for this part of town. Take a step back in time to enjoy an authentic, spacious atmosphere alongside the timeless menu.
What to Order
The best dishes at this restaurant in Koreatown are those that favor the bold. Their spicy mixed casserole with spam, sausage and noodles is enough for two to share, and it really packs the heat. For a smaller (but not meager) appetite, try the spicy beef soup.
Chunju Han-Il Kwan | 3450 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Once you start exploring Koreatown restaurants in Los Angeles, you’ll be absolutely hooked on the flavor-packed, dynamic cuisine this cultural treasure trove has to offer. From a lively environment that encourages sharing and tasting, to the lingering smells and tastes of authentic cuisine, a trip to Koreatown is guaranteed to be a memorable experience. Choose one Koreatown restaurant to try when you visit LA, or make it your goal to visit each one as a local. Either way, you’re in for a truly tasty, Korean-inspired treat.
For even more fun ways to explore Los Angeles and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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