I use to live on the busiest street in Koreatown so I was never far from good eats in Koreatown. Below are my favorites in each category — whether you’re craving Korean BBQ or more traditional homestyle Korean meals.

Korean BBQ

One of the most popular styles of Asian cuisine is Korean barbecue and the best Korean BBQ is hotly debated in Koreatown, below are a couple of my favorites.

Soowon Galbi
856 S Vermont Ave Ste C Los Angeles, CA 90005
Parking:$3 valet

This is my #1 choice! They have top notch meat and top notch banchan (the variety of side dishes you get at Korean BBQ). They claim to be the best Korean BBQ in town, and I’ll agree with them. They are famous for their Soowan Galbi (as per their name), which are marinated for 48 hours before serving.  Their quality is phenomenal, you can tell just by the marbleization of the beef. While they’re not the cheapest, you’re clearly paying for better quality. They do also have combo meals which make it more affordable. Call ahead since they take reservations.

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
3465 W 6th St, Los Angeles
Parking:$4 valet with validation

There is usually a long wait and they don’t take reservations. It’s located in the Chapman Market, a Spanish Revival castle-like plaza so you can grab a drink or snacks at some other restaurants near by. They have an unique grill, which houses steamed egg, various vegetables and corn cheese on the side — which they gladly refill whenever it’s out.

Ham Ji Park
3407 W. 6th St. Ste. 101C, Los Angeles
Parking:$2 valet with validation. Enter lot on Catalina and 6th

This place specializes in pork and their pork ribs are the best. Pair with a gamja tang, potato soup for the ultimate Korean comfort food experience.

Hearty Soups in Koreatown

Han Bat Sul Lang Tang
4163 W 5th st., Los Angeles, CA 90020
Parking: free lot behind the restaurant; there is a guard there — say hi and that you’re going to Han Bat
Tip: Cash only establishment

They only serve Sul Lang Tang and extra meat to go with your Sul Lang Tang here… and that’s all you need here! The beef infused milky white broth comes with your choice of meat. Don’t forget to flavor the broth with the sea salt and onions they have on the side, they serve the soup unflavored to allow people to customize the flavors to their own liking. Food critic Jonathon Gold likes to put the kimchi directly into his broth for more flavor.

Beverly Soon Tofu
2717 W. Olympic Blvd., #108 Los Angeles, CA 90006
Parking: free lot in front of restaurant

Most people go to BCD Tofu for their soon tofu, which is great after having a boozy night since it’s open 24 hours. However, the soon tofu at Beverly is more authentic. Anthony Bourdain came to this establishment with chef Roy Choi in the CNN series, Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown. Watch the clip below!

Mountain Cafe
3470 W 6th St, Los Angeles
Parking:$2 valet

This hole in the wall place looks like it’s run by cute little grandmas, which explains the delicious home cooked abalone porridge. Their abalone rice porridge is served with a soy braised beef side that complements the dish well.

Cold Noodles in Koreatown

Corner Place
2819 James M Wood Blvd, Los Angeles
Parking: there is parking across the street as well as metered street parking

Hands down: their dongchimi guksu, cold noodle soup made with radish water kimchi is the best! The broth isn’t too vinegary, is light and has great flavor. Order a plate of meat, throw some kimchi into the mix and you’ve got an amazing meal, especially on a hot day. The cold noodle soup recipe is so heavily guarded that they don’t let you take it out to go.

Yu Chun
3185 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
Parking:$2 valet

This place is good for naeng myun, or cold buckwheat noodles. The noodles are flavorful and the perfect chewy texture. There’s also beef broth in a coffee dispenser that truly complements the noodles.

Movie Location Set Restaurant in Koreatown

The Prince
3198 ½ W. 7th St., Los Angeles
Parking: $2 valet

If you’re a fan of “Mad Men” and “New Girl,” then you’ll definitely recognize this restaurant. Don’t forget to try their signature juicy, crispy-skinned, deep-fried chicken.

Dessert in Koreatown

Hwa Sun Ji Tea & Coffee
3960 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 100, Los Angeles
Parking: free parking lot in the back, enter on Ingraham St.

Bingsoo, a Korean shaved ice dessert is topped with delicious treats such as fresh fruits, red bean, condensed milk and even Fruity Pebbles! A refreshing way to end the night after all the eating you’ve done in Koreatown!

 

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