This article focuses on the Top 10 Authentic Ktown Restaurants (LA). All of these restaurants serve high quality food that is prepared using fresh ingredients and have a diverse menu.
Also, these restaurants have warm and friendly staff members who are very quick with their feet and hands. On average, it takes about 5-10 minutes before you get served. Amazing, right?
Without further ado, here is a list of the Top 10 Ktown Restaurants. Have fun dining later on.
Wako Donkasu
It has a Google Rating of 4.3 stars with over 200 reviews
This is one of the Top 10 Authentic Ktown Restaurants. It is widely known for its golden-brown pork cutlets. Although not traditionally Korean, this spot has become a key element in the Korean dining experience. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the donkasu: a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
A tangy sauce and some shredded cabbage make it one of the most popular comfort foods that locals and visitors love. The ambiance in the restaurant is warm, cozy, and unpretentious. No fancy elements are used to spruce up the interior, but it has placed its faith firmly in good food.
Aside from the tonkatsu, orders at Wako come with a variety of Korean side dishes, which always include the ever-present kimchi to add its spicy and sour contrast against the richness of flavors of the main course.
Wako Donkasu Address
3377 Wilshire Blvd #112, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Wako Donkasu Numbers
+1 213-381-9256
Korean BBQ
It has a Google Rating of 4.5 stars with over 3000 reviews
This Ktown restaurant is a culinary masterpiece, and the aptly named Korean BBQ restaurant exemplifies this tradition. It boasts an interactive dining experience, with guests allowed to grill their meat at the table. The menu offers various cuts, such as Iike bulgogi, a thinly sliced marinated beef, and galbi, succulent short ribs. The restaurant is lively and often smoky, filled with the sounds of sizzling meat and the clinking of soju-filled glasses.
The restaurant’s selection of banchan is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a wide variety of small side dishes that complement the grilled meats perfectly. From different types of kimchi, seasoned vegetables, and savory pancakes, the banchan here highlights the depth and variety of Korean cuisine.
Korean BBQ Address
3821 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Korean BBQ Numbers
+1 213-389-8777
Two Hands
It has a Google Rating of 4.6 stars with over 300 reviews
Two Hands is among the Best Ktown Restaurants because it offers a modern twist to Korean street food. Their signature dish is a unique Korean corn dog with a crispy exterior stuffed with mozzarella and sausage fillings. The restaurant’s ambiance is vibrant and decorated, appealing to a younger crowd. In addition to corn dogs,
Two Hands offers other popular street foods like tteokbokki spicy rice cakes in a gochujang-based sauce. The restaurant has gained popularity for its Instagram-worthy presentations and fusion creations, making it a hotspot for food enthusiasts looking to explore contemporary Korean flavors.
Two Hands Address
450 S Western Ave Ste #313, Los Angeles, CA 90020,
Two Hands Numbers
+1 213-375-7518
Olivia Restaurant
It has a Google Rating of 4.8 stars with 118 reviews
Olivia stands out in Koreatown for its focus on Korean-Italian fusion cuisine. This innovative restaurant combines elements of both culinary traditions to create unique dishes that challenge the palate. It has a sleek and modern ambiance, giving it an upscale feel setting it apart from more traditional Korean eateries.
Olivia incorporates Korean ingredients and flavors into Italian-inspired dishes. For example, their kimchi arancini blend the tangy spice of kimchi with the comforting texture of Italian rice balls. The restaurant’s creative approach has made it a must-visit for diners seeking a novel culinary experience.
Olivia Restaurant Address
205 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Olivia Restaurant Phone Numbers
+1 213-277-1723
Burnin’ Shell
It has a Google Rating of 4.6 stars with 102 reviews
Burnin Shell is also another recommendable Ktown Restaurant because It specializes in Korean-style seafood boils, bringing a spicy and flavorful take on this popular dish. The restaurant’s signature dish is a customizable seafood boil where diners can choose their preferred combination of shellfish, vegetables, and spice levels.
The dining experience is messy as it involves using one’s hands. Patrons are, therefore, spotted donning bibs and using their hands to peel and eat the seafood. This Ktown restaurant offers a fun and casual dining experience for group gatherings and casual dates.
Burnin’ Shell Address
3916 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
Burnin’ Shell Phone Numbers
+1 213-352-1300
Jeong Yuk Jeom
It has a Google Rating of 4.4 stars with over 700 reviews
This is one of the best Korean restaurants as it is a high-end BBQ restaurant that elevates the grilling experience by pairing premium cuts of meat with exceptional service. Known mainly for its dry-aged beef, this restaurant attracts many meat enthusiasts searching for a luxurious Korean BBQ experience.
It has a sophisticated feel, with sleek decor and attentive staff assisting with grilling. While they offer classic dishes like bulgogi and galbi, Jeong Yuk Jeom’s specialties lie in their premium beef selections, often paired with high-quality soju or wine. The restaurant’s attention to detail extends to its banchan offerings, which feature carefully prepared side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the grilled meats.
Jeong Yuk Jeom Address
621 S Western Ave #100, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Jeong Yuk Jeom Phone Numbers
+1 213-384-2244
Pao Jao
It has a Google Rating of 4.3 stars with 56 reviews
Pao Jao is another amazing and authentic Ktown restaurant because it brings a unique twist to Koreatown’s culinary landscape by focusing on Korean-Chinese fusion cuisine. This restaurant specializes in “jajangmyeon,” a Korean adaptation of Chinese black bean noodles, a beloved comfort food in Korea.
The restaurant is casual and welcoming, with a menu that bridges the gap between Korean and Chinese flavors. While not traditionally Korean, Pao Jao’s offerings have become integral to the Korean culinary experience. The restaurant also serves other Korean-Chinese favorites like tangsuyuk, sweet and sour pork, and gun mandoo, which are fried dumplings. This provides a different perspective on how adaptable and diverse the Korean cuisine is.
Pao Jao Address
928 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Pao Jao Phone Numbers
+1 213-385-1881
La Oaxaca
It has a Google Rating of 4.3 stars with 24 reviews
This restaurant stands out in Koreatown for its focus on Mexican cuisine, specifically dishes from the Oaxaca region. While not a Korean restaurant, its presence highlights the neighborhood’s cultural diversity. The restaurant’s specializes in mole dishes, tlayudas, and mezcal-based cocktails. It has a colorful and vibrant feel reflecting Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage.
La Oaxaca’s inclusion in the best Koreatown restaurants demonstrates how the area’s culinary landscape has evolved and how diverse cuisines coexist and sometimes influence each other.
La Oaxaca Address
151 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
La Oaxaca Phone Numbers
+1 323-499-1102
Kabawoo House
It has a Google Rating of 4.5 stars with over 700 reviews
This is a standout restaurant in Koreatown that specializes in Korean-style fried chicken. Unsurprisingly, the restaurant’s signature dish is its crispy, double-fried chicken, which comes in various flavors like soy garlic and spicy gochujang. It has a casual and communal feel, making it ideal for groups looking to share plates of chicken and sides.
While fried chicken is the star, Kabawoo House also boasts a selection of other traditional Korean dishes.
Kabawoo House also offers takeout and delivery options for interested parties, allowing customers to enjoy their crispy chicken in their homes.
Kabawoo House Address
698 S Vermont Ave #109, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Kabawoo House Phone Numbers
+1 213-389-7300
Sun Nong Dan
It has a Google Rating of 4.3 stars with 2000 reviews
This is a 24-hour restaurant recognized mainly for its hearty and spicy menu options, especially its braised short ribs. The restaurant’s signature version of the dish is a vast, bubbling pot of tender short ribs in a fiery red sauce, often topped with melted cheese.
The restaurant focuses on the food and has a bustling atmosphere that’s particularly lively in the late-night hours. Sun Nong Dan’s menu also features Korean comfort foods like seolleongtang (ox bone soup) and kimchi stew. The restaurant has gained a cult following for its bold flavors and generous portions, making it a popular spot for late-night diners and those seeking a hearty Korean meal.
Sun Nong Dan Address
3470 W 6thSt #7, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Sun Nonge Dan Phone Numbers
+1 213-365-0303
Frequently Asked Questions About Ktown Restaurants
Q: What’s the best restaurant for traditional Korean BBQ in Koreatown?
A: Both Korean BBQ and Jeong Yuk Jeom offer authentic experiences. Korean BBQ provides a lively atmosphere with classic dishes, while Jeong Yuk Jeom offers a more upscale experience with premium meats.
Q: Which restaurant is best for trying modern Korean fusion cuisine?
A: Olivia is best known for its Korean-Italian fusion and trendy setting, while Two Hands is famous for its contemporary approach to Korean street food. You can choose whichever based on your preference.
Q: Are there any 24-hour dining options in Koreatown?
A: Sun Nong Dan is open 24 hours a day and is famous for its hearty Korean dishes.