You can’t visit or live in Los Angeles without eating out in Koreatown. The small but dense neighborhood is home to some of the city’s top restaurants. The best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles range from a locally-loved handroll bar to a MICHELIN-Starred tasting experience and an upscale Korean barbecue spot.
Book a table at one of the best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles, on OpenTable today.
Read on to discover the 10 best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
For globally-inspired small plates and stellar cocktails — check out Here’s Looking at You
Since opening in 2016, Here’s Looking at You has remained a Koreatown hotspot for its bold, globally inspired dishes served in a stylish, dimly lit space. The ever-changing menu with distinct Asian and Cali influences includes hits like shrimp toast with grits and fried chicken with ube cornbread. The warm, buzzy atmosphere and creative cocktails make it a top spot for a night out.
For award-winning Oaxacan food at an LA institution — head over to Guelaguetza
Open since 1994, James Beard Classic winner Guelaguetza is where you go for traditional Oaxacan dishes. The family-run institution is known for its complex moles, crispy tlayudas, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers). A colorful, energetic dining room, live music, and an impressive mezcal flight make it a great spot for festive gatherings and celebratory meals.
For upscale and modern Korean BBQ — head over to Daedo Sikdang
Daedo Sikdang delivers a masterclass in premium Korean barbecue. Here, you’ll find high-end cuts of signature prime ribeye and other meats grilled at the table. Banchan and umami-packed stews round out the meal, and don’t skip the famous kkakdugi fried rice. Sleek, minimalist interiors make the dining room feel modern and upscale. Pair your dinner with a bottle of soju for the ultimate K-BBQ experience.
For one of the best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles inside a stunning greenhouse — try Openaire
Located on top of the Line Hotel, Openaire is a lush rooftop escape. The stunning, greenhouse-like space sets the stage for California-inspired seasonal dishes like roasted trout and spicy eggplant from acclaimed chef Josiah Citrin. With its sun-drenched ambiance by day and twinkling lights by night, it’s a true urban oasis.
For an elegant, vegetable-forward French tasting menu — book a table at Le Comptoir
Tucked inside the Normandie Hotel, Le Comptoir delivers a vegetable-forward, French-inspired menu that highlights the best California ingredients. Led by chef Gary Menes, this 10-seat counter experience is all about precision, utilizing fresh ingredients—including from the restaurant’s on-site organic garden. The open-kitchen setup makes every bite feel personal, while the unpretentious, produce-driven approach cements its status as one of LA’s most unforgettable dining experiences.
For an epic Japanese omakase menu with top-notch cocktails — head to Umaya
Legendary chef Nao Sugiyama brings first-class Japanese omakase and kaiseki to Koreatown at Umaya. The restaurant’s mood lighting, whimsical parasols on the ceiling, and buzzing late-night crowd make it a go-to for an elegant dining experience with standout dishes like silky agedashi tofu and decadent lobster with uni. If you’re drinking, order one of the Instagram-worthy cocktails like the house martini with lychee to sip while you wait. Pro tip: Arrive early for the coveted happy hour with discounted food and drinks.
For one of the best Korean BBQ spots in the city — head over to KingChang
A go-to spot for top-tier Korean BBQ, KingChang LA serves up premium meats with deep, smoky flavor. Known for its rich, marinated pork intestines and sizzling short ribs, this Koreatown favorite nails bold, savory bites. The industrial-like space, filled with the scent of fire-grilled meats, sets a scene for a lively, communal feast. Add in banchan galore and ice-cold soju, and you have all the ingredients for a fun group outing.
For inventive handrolls at one of the best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles — check out Norikaya
Norikaya delivers top-notch Japanese cuisine that stands out even in LA’s competitive dining scene. This intimate spot turns out sashimi and exceptional handrolls—get the blue crab and spicy tuna topped with pop rocks—have developed a cult following among in-the-know Angelenos. The bold and moody design, with its dramatic ceiling and soft lighting, creates a superb backdrop for sitting around the U-shaped bar to watch the magic happen.
For a retro trip back to 1930’s-era Korea — check out Seoul Salon Restaurant & Bar
When you step into Seoul Salon Restaurant & Bar, you may feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone era. From the dark wood bar to the wallpapered walls and period piece furniture, the interiors are decidedly vintage Korean. The elegant Korean menu is equally as classic, with favorites like kimchi fried rice and a Tomahawk pork cutlet. Don’t miss the flavored makgeolli.
For one of the best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles for classic Korean food — check out Soban
A Koreatown institution, Soban serves up some of the best classic Korean cooking in L.A. This MICHELIN-recognized spot is famous for its soy-marinated raw crab and ever-changing line-up of banchan. The no-frills space keeps the focus on the food, while impeccable flavors and warm hospitality make it a must for a Korean feast with friends and family.
Koreatown is one of the best neighborhoods for dining out in LA. Here you’ll find everything from classic Korean dishes at a neighborhood institution to Japanese omakase and a vegetable-forward, French-inspired tasting menu. Popular tables book up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead.
Save a seat at one of the Koreatown 10 best restaurants in Los Angeles by reserving ahead on OpenTable today.
After booking at one of the best restaurants in Koreatown, Los Angeles, discover more must-try dining options in the city with these guides:
- 10 top-notch Middle Eastern restaurants to try in Los Angeles
- 10 must-visit breakfast restaurants in Los Angeles
- 11 MICHELIN-Star restaurants in Los Angeles to try ASAP
- 13 restaurants for every kind of date in Los Angeles
Esther Carlstone is a travel and food writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Tripadvisor, Insider, and more. Follow her on Instagram @familyfieldtrip.
