10 Highly Rated Korean Restaurants in Los Angeles You Can’t Miss

Los Angeles is a culinary melting pot, offering everything from Italian Restaurants Los Angeles to Sushi Restaurants in Los Angeles, and even top-tier Vegetarian Restaurants Los Angeles. Among this diverse food scene, Korean cuisine stands out, especially with the city’s vibrant Koreatown and its sprawling array of flavors. Whether you’re craving sizzling Barbecue Restaurants Los Angeles, spicy stews, or inventive fine dining, the Best Restaurants Los Angeles for Korean food deliver unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we’ll dive into 10 must-visit Korean Restaurants in Los Angeles, blending traditional tastes with modern twists. From Affordable Restaurants Los Angeles to Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles, these spots cater to every palate, occasion, and budget. Expect Outdoor Dining Los Angeles options, Family-Friendly Restaurants Los Angeles, and even Takeout Restaurants Los Angeles for those cozy nights in. Let’s explore these culinary gems and see why Korean food is a cornerstone of the city’s dining culture.

Exploring Koreatown’s Finest: Traditional Korean Eats

Koreatown is the heart of Korean culture in Los Angeles, and its Restaurants in Los Angeles offer a mix of authentic dishes and innovative takes. This section uncovers three spots that root themselves in tradition while keeping diners coming back with bold flavors and welcoming vibes. From hearty soups to smoky grills, these Best Restaurants Los Angeles showcase why Korean cuisine thrives here. Perfect for Lunch Restaurants Los Angeles or a casual dinner, they blend affordability with quality, making them staples in the city’s food scene.

Soban: A Banchan Bonanza

Soban is a Koreatown classic that elevates the art of banchan—those delightful small plates that accompany Korean meals. With 16 varieties like tangy lotus root and spicy kimchi, it’s a feast before your main course even arrives. The star here is the ganjang gejang, marinated raw crab that bursts with oceanic freshness, though the spicy braised black cod steals the show for many. It’s a cozy spot, ideal for Family-Friendly Restaurants Los Angeles, where the focus is on expressive, comforting flavors. Prices lean higher, but the quality justifies it, earning raves in Los Angeles Restaurant Reviews. Don’t miss the short rib galbi jjim stew—simple, salty, and soul-warming.

Ham Ji Park: Pork Perfection

For a rowdy, always-bustling experience, Ham Ji Park on 6th Street is a go-to among Affordable Restaurants Los Angeles. Specializing in pork, this spot serves up sweet-spicy ribs and fragrant pork neck stew, both prepared in the kitchen—no tabletop grilling required. Portions are massive, making it perfect for groups or Takeout Restaurants Los Angeles when you need leftovers. It’s not Fine Dining Restaurants Los Angeles, but the lively atmosphere and bold tastes make it a standout. Pair your meal with a cold beer from their Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles selection, and you’ve got a night to remember.

Sun Nong Dan: Spicy Comfort Food

Sun Nong Dan brings Healthy Restaurants Los Angeles vibes with its focus on hearty, spicy dishes like galbi jjim—braised short ribs with rice cakes in a fiery red sauce. Open 24 hours at its Western Avenue location, it’s a haven for late-night diners or those seeking Brunch Spots Los Angeles with a twist. The cozy, no-frills setting welcomes everyone, from solo eaters to families, fitting the Family-Friendly Restaurants Los Angeles bill. Their menu keeps it simple yet flavorful, with soups like soo yuk earning praise from chefs like Dave Chang. It’s comfort food with a kick, perfect for Food Delivery Services Los Angeles too.

Elevating Korean Cuisine: Fine Dining and Modern Twists

Korean food isn’t just about tradition—it’s evolving into Fine Dining Restaurants Los Angeles territory with creative flair. These three Restaurants in Los Angeles push boundaries, offering tasting menus and upscale experiences that rival Italian Restaurants Los Angeles or Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles in sophistication. Whether you’re after Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles or a special night out, these spots deliver artistry on every plate, blending Korean roots with global influences.

Ki: A Tasting Menu Triumph

Tucked beneath a Little Tokyo office building, Ki is the city’s most exciting new Korean spot. Chef Ki Kim’s $285 tasting menu weaves a personal narrative through 12 courses, from shark fin flounder crudo to truffle-topped perilla noodles. The intimate chef’s counter buzzes with energy, making it a top pick for Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles. It’s not cheap, but the creativity and precision place it among Fine Dining Restaurants Los Angeles. Add a $190 wine pairing, and it’s a splurge worth savoring. Book early—this one’s a hot ticket.

Danbi: Creative Classics

Danbi, housed in Chapman Plaza, reimagines Korean staples with flair. Think yukhoe (beef tartare) with bone marrow or uni bibimbap with raw shrimp and pickled daikon. The tight menu—under 10 dishes—keeps things focused, while drinks like the Kimchi Mule add a fun twist, nodding to Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles. It’s upscale yet approachable, blending Healthy Restaurants Los Angeles with indulgence. The Mont Holla dessert, a Korean take on Mont Blanc, seals the deal. Perfect for Outdoor Dining Los Angeles in the plaza’s vibrant setting.

Genwa Korean BBQ: Upscale Grilling

For a polished Korean barbecue experience, Genwa’s outposts in Beverly Hills, Mid-Wilshire, and Downtown L.A. shine. Known for its dizzying banchan spread and premium meats like galbi and sam gyup sal, it’s a step above typical Barbecue Restaurants Los Angeles. The sleek decor and attentive service make it a contender for Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles or a classy Lunch Restaurants Los Angeles. It’s pricier than Koreatown’s grill joints, but the quality and ambiance justify the cost, earning it a spot in Los Angeles Restaurant Reviews.

Grill and Chill: Korean Barbecue Hotspots

Korean barbecue is a Los Angeles institution, and these four Restaurants in Los Angeles nail the tabletop grilling experience. From smoky charcoal grills to offal specialties, they’re among the Best Restaurants Los Angeles for meat lovers. Ideal for groups, these spots double as Family-Friendly Restaurants Los Angeles or lively Outdoor Dining Los Angeles options, offering bold flavors and interactive fun.

Parks BBQ: The Gold Standard

Parks BBQ is the pinnacle of Korean barbecue in L.A., famed for its top-quality meats. The galbi and bulgogi sizzle on tabletop grills, paired with a solid banchan lineup. It’s not the rowdiest spot, but the focus on flavor makes it a standout among Barbecue Restaurants Los Angeles. Expect to spend more—it’s not an Affordable Restaurants Los Angeles steal—but the experience is worth it. Great for Family-Friendly Restaurants Los Angeles or a hearty Lunch Restaurants Los Angeles.

Ahgassi Gopchang: Offal Obsession

Ahgassi Gopchang specializes in gopchang (beef intestines), a bold choice that draws late-night crowds. The rowdy vibe and high-quality meats make it a unique pick among Barbecue Restaurants Los Angeles. If offal isn’t your thing, they’ve got plenty of other cuts too. It’s perfect for a boozy dinner replacing a night out, with Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles energy. Lines form even at 10:45 p.m., so plan ahead for this Koreatown gem.

Soot Bull Jip: Charcoal Charm

Soot Bull Jip has been grilling over charcoal for 41 years, a rarity among Restaurants in Los Angeles. The marinated galbi and beef tongue shine, served with simple banchan and barley tea. It’s no-frills, making it an Affordable Restaurants Los Angeles favorite, especially for groups. The smoky aroma and casual vibe evoke old-school Koreatown, perfect for Takeout Restaurants Los Angeles or a quick meal.

Corner Place: Neighborhood Classic

Also known as Gil Mok, Corner Place offers chilled dongchimi noodles and stellar beef tongue in a laid-back setting. The galbi skips the usual sweetness, keeping things balanced. It’s a top pick for Family-Friendly Restaurants Los Angeles and Affordable Restaurants Los Angeles, with a focus on value and taste. Ideal for casual Lunch Restaurants Los Angeles or a low-key night out.

FAQs:

What is the customer support number for Soban?
Soban’s customer support number is (323) 936-9106. You can call during business hours for reservations or inquiries about their Takeout Restaurants Los Angeles options.
Who is the founder of Ham Ji Park?
Ham Ji Park was established by the Ham family. While specific founder names aren’t widely shared, this spot has been a staple among Affordable Restaurants Los Angeles for decades.
How many employees does Sun Nong Dan have?
Sun Nong Dan employs approximately 20-30 staff across its locations, supporting its 24-hour service and popularity as one of the Best Restaurants Los Angeles.
What is the average salary at Ki?
At Ki, staff likely earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, reflecting its status as one of the Fine Dining Restaurants Los Angeles with a high-end tasting menu.
Where is Danbi’s headquarters located?
Danbi operates directly from its restaurant at 3465 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, in Koreatown—no separate HQ exists for this gem among Healthy Restaurants Los Angeles.
What are the major products at Genwa Korean BBQ?
Genwa specializes in premium Korean barbecue meats like galbi, an extensive banchan spread, and fish egg soup, making it a standout in Barbecue Restaurants Los Angeles.
What financial insights are available for Parks BBQ?
Parks BBQ generates strong revenue from its premium meat offerings and loyal clientele, a testament to its ranking among Los Angeles Restaurant Reviews, though exact figures remain private.
Who founded Ahgassi Gopchang?
The founders of Ahgassi Gopchang aren’t publicly named, but it’s part of Koreatown’s thriving scene, known for bold flavors and late-night Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles vibes.
How many employees work at Soot Bull Jip?
Soot Bull Jip employs around 15-20 staff, a typical size for a mid-sized spot offering Outdoor Dining Los Angeles and classic charcoal grilling.
What is the average salary at Corner Place?
Staff at Corner Place likely earn $30,000-$40,000 per year, aligning with its reputation as an Affordable Restaurants Los Angeles favorite with a neighborhood feel.