If you're in K-Town and feeling a bit hungry, you're in luck! This neighborhood is home to some of the best food in all of Los Angeles, and there’s something here for every craving (not just K-BBQs).
Urban LA is here to guide you through some of the best restaurants in Koreatown, LA. We’ll also highlight which ones hit the mark on taste, portion size, price, atmosphere, and service.
Let’s get started.
Soowon Galbi
Located at: 856 S Vermont Ave Ste B, Koreatown, LA
Soowon Galbi has been serving premium Korean BBQ since 1986, tucked inside a modest strip mall on Vermont Avenue. People come here for their marinated short ribs, or “galbi,” and it’s a favorite among locals and food critics alike.
We stumbled upon this KBBQ spot while searching for (
karaoke places ) to sing our hearts out. Despite it being a weeknight, there was a line, so we figured it must be THAT good. There’s also street parking outside, but we highly recommend using the valet parking (we paid $4) to avoid the headaches.
Do we recommend Soowon Galbi?
100% yes! However, if you’re coming with family or friends, we strongly suggest making a reservation. When we arrived around 7 PM, there was already a big line outside, and the restaurant is quite small. To avoid the wait entirely, try going on weeknights or having an early dinner.
Anju House
Located at: 234 S Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Anju House is a trendy K-Town spot that puts a creative twist on Korean bar food. “Anju” means food that’s eaten with alcohol, so this place is made for casual date nights or catching up with friends.
Like the other dining spots mentioned above, valet parking is available for $3. Street parking exists but is incredibly hard to find, even outside peak hours. That’s why we always recommend valet to avoid the hassle.
It may look small at first glance, but once you walk past the entry and into the seating area, the space opens up beautifully. The atmosphere feels like a cozy private backyard, and there’s even a comfortable and spacious waiting area, so don’t stress too much if there’s a line.
Do we recommend Anju House?
Yes! We suggest going late at night with friends who want to catch up on life while chowing down on good food. By the way, Anju House is fully outdoors. So dress accordingly. We went on a very comfortable night, but it might not be as fun if it’s too hot or cold.
Hangari Kalguksu
Located at:
3470 W 6th St, Ste 9-10, Koreatown, LA
Hangari Kalguksu started out as a family-run noodle shop tucked inside a quiet plaza off 6th Street, not far from Wilshire. This dining spot is known for its knife-cut noodles (kalguksu) and warming soups; it’s one of those places locals swear by for good reason.
The ambiance is no-frills but clean and cozy, with A/C and bright lighting. It’s usually busy during the lunch and dinner rushes, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. According to staff, there’s almost always a line out the door, but turnover is quick and they keep things moving.
Do we recommend Hangari Kalguksu?
Absolutely. Hangari Kalguksu is where locals go for casual dining and comfort food with generous portions.
The only real downside is the parking and the pace of service during peak hours. The valet lot is small, cash-only ($5), and fills up fast. If you don’t get lucky with street parking, you might find yourself circling the block for a while.
Service can feel a bit rushed when the restaurant is packed, but that’s just part of the high-demand atmosphere. To avoid the stress, it’s best to come before noon or dinner, after the crowd clears.
Note:
Hangari only takes reservations for groups of eight or more.
La Guelaguetza
Located at:
3014 W Olympic Blvd, Koreatown, LA
If you’re looking to take a break from KBBQ or Korean food for a bit, Guelaguetza is a solid pick and easily one of the best restaurants in Koreatown, LA. Founded in 1994, this family-run restaurant is one of the best places in LA to experience 100% authentic Oaxacan cuisine.
We looked up the space beforehand, but honestly, it’s more beautiful in person. The feast for your eyes (your stomach comes later) starts the moment you walk in.
Do we recommend La Guelaguetza?
If you’re into good food, friendly service, and a festive atmosphere with real Oaxacan charm, La Guelaguetza is the spot to bring your friends or family.
Weekdays are your best bet if you want to avoid the crowd. But if you’re going on a weekend, make a reservation in advance because it gets really busy, especially on evenings.
The only downside we see is that valet parking costs $7. This is a little steeper than the other best restaurants in Koreatown, LA. If you can’t find a street spot nearby, valet may be your only option.
Wrapping Up the Best Restaurants in Koreatown, LA
These are just some of the top restaurants in Koreatown that we’ve personally tried and recommend. They also happen to be close to our
available furnished and unfurnished apartments.
We hope this guide gives you that little push to finally visit those bookmarked spots you’ve been meaning to check out. Also—bring the family or a few friends along! Food always tastes better when you’ve got people to share it with.
Of course, there are plenty of great places we might’ve missed or haven’t had the chance to visit yet. If there’s a spot you’d wholeheartedly recommend (or if you're inquiring about apartments),
reach out to us today. We’ll happily get back to you in a couple of days.
