Los Angeles is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse Korean food scenes in the world, with Koreatown serving as the heart of it all. From sizzling BBQ grills to savory stews and delicious banchan (side dishes), LA’s Korean restaurants offer an unforgettable culinary journey. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Korean food lover, there’s a spot for every craving, whether you’re in the mood for premium cuts of meat or a cozy neighborhood BBQ experience. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top 10 Korean restaurants in Los Angeles, complete with expert hacks, tips for ordering, price ranges, calorie counts, and answers to the most common FAQs. Get ready to savor the best that LA’s Korean BBQ scene has to offer!
K-Team BBQ
K-Team BBQ brings bold, pork-forward Korean barbecue to life with a lively, no-frills vibe that draws crowds of locals. With sizzling cuts grilled tableside and a festive energy pulsing through the space, it’s all about hearty flavors and shared bites.
Famous For: Pork belly and spicy marinated pork.
Fan Favorite: Spicy Pork Belly with kimchi and rice.
Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $15–$25).
Calories Range: 700–1,200+ (Spicy Pork Belly ~950 cal).
Yangmani
Yangmani puts a modern spin on Korean offal BBQ, focusing on gopchang (beef intestines) and daechang (beef large intestines) in a sleek, contemporary setting. A haven for adventurous eaters looking for rich, smoky flavor and a premium grilling experience.
Famous For: Grilled gopchang and daechang combos.
Fan Favorite: Gopchang platter with dipping sauces.
Price Range: $$–$$$ (Avg. meal: $25–$40).
Calories Range: 800–1,300+ (Gopchang Combo ~1,100 cal).
Quarters Korean BBQ
Quarters Korean BBQ brings the energy of K-Town nightlife straight to your table, with sizzling meats, loud chatter, and a fun, social dining atmosphere. The vibe is youthful and electric, with crowds gathering for bold flavors and Soju-fueled feasts. Known for its inventive spins on classic BBQ cuts, this hotspot keeps the grills going late into the night.
Famous For: Marinated pork jowl and Quarters combo platters
Fan Favorite: Quarters Pork Combo with dipping sauces and kimchi fried rice
Price Range: $$–$$$ (Avg. meal: $25–$40)
Calories Range: ~800–1,300 (Combo Meal ~1,100 cal)
Chosun Galbee
Chosun Galbee is a polished Korean BBQ destination blending traditional flavors with a refined, family-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for celebrations or more intimate dinners.
Famous For: Marinated short ribs (galbi).
Fan Favorite: Galbi with banchan spread.
Price Range: $$$ (Avg. meal: $30–$45).
Calories Range: 800–1,300+ (Galbi ~1,000 cal).
Genwa Korean BBQ
Genwa Korean BBQ sets itself apart with elegant service, top-tier meats, and an almost overwhelming variety of banchan (side dishes). A go-to for upscale, interactive dining.
Famous For: Premium cuts and extensive banchan.
Fan Favorite: Prime Ribeye with 20+ banchan items.
Price Range: $$$ (Avg. meal: $35–$50).
Calories Range: 800–1,400+ (Prime Ribeye ~1,100 cal).
Soban
Soban offers a deep dive into Korea’s culinary roots, spotlighting ganjang gejang (soy-marinated raw crab) and seasonal banchan in a home-style, traditional setting. A must for heritage food lovers.
Famous For: Ganjang gejang and house-made banchan.
Fan Favorite: Ganjang Gejang with rice and seaweed.
Price Range: $$–$$$ (Avg. meal: $20–$35).
Calories Range: 600–1,000+ (Ganjang Gejang ~750 cal).
Park’s BBQ
Park’s BBQ stands out as a refined Korean BBQ destination, offering top-grade cuts and standout service. The premium meats and thoughtfully prepared banchan elevate every bite.
Famous For: USDA Prime short ribs and banchan.
Fan Favorite: Prime Galbi with ssam (lettuce wraps).
Price Range: $$$ (Avg. meal: $35–$60).
Calories Range: 900–1,500+ (Galbi ~1,100 cal).
KingChang LA
KingChang LA fuses traditional BBQ with Korea’s street-style “pocha” culture, serving up grilled meats alongside soju and comforting bites in a casual, fun setting.
Famous For: BBQ combo platters and street food sides.
Fan Favorite: Pork Belly & Soju Set.
Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $18–$30).
Calories Range: 800–1,200+ (BBQ Set ~950 cal).
AB Steak
AB Steak offers a high-end take on Korean BBQ with dry-aged steaks, wagyu, and innovative Korean dishes served in a sleek, modern environment. Think steakhouse meets Seoul.
Famous For: Dry-aged wagyu and chef-curated sauces.
Fan Favorite: A5 Wagyu with house dipping trio.
Price Range: $$$$ (Avg. meal: $50–$100).
Calories Range: 1,000–1,600+ (A5 Wagyu ~1,400 cal).
Wharo Korean BBQ
Wharo Korean BBQ is a cozy neighborhood gem serving all-organic BBQ and health-conscious Korean dishes, blending comfort food with mindful eating.
Famous For: Organic BBQ meats and veggie-forward banchan.
Fan Favorite: Organic Chicken BBQ Set with kimchi.
Price Range: $$ (Avg. meal: $20–$30).
Calories Range: 600–1,000+ (Chicken BBQ ~800 cal).
KBBQ Heaven: Best Korean BBQ Restaurants You Can’t Miss in LA
Korean BBQ Ordering Hacks & Tips
Start With the Classics
- Begin with brisket or pork belly – these cook quickly and help season the grill.
- Then move to marinated meats (like galbi or bulgogi), which caramelize better on a hot, seasoned surface.
Combo Platters = More Variety, Better Value
- Many places offer combo sets or samplers that include beef, pork, and even intestines or seafood.
→ Hack: Order a large combo for the table rather than individual plates — better price per meat and more banchan.
Use the Banchan Strategically
- Banchan (side dishes) are free and refillable at most spots — use them to refresh your palate or build custom wraps (ssam).
- Pro Tip: Mix kimchi with grilled pork or pair pickled radish with fatty cuts to cut through the richness.
Egg Stew + Rice = Comfort Combo
- Order a steamed egg (gyeran-jjim) or soybean paste stew (doenjang-jjigae) and mix with rice and grilled meat for a classic Korean comfort bite.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
- Cook 1–2 meats at a time so you don’t over-char or lose flavor.
- Tip: Leave marinated meats for last — they stick more and can flavor the grill for a sweet-savory finish.
Ask for a Grill Change
- Don’t hesitate to request a grill swap between rounds — especially after fatty cuts or sweet marinades.
Cool Your Palate with Cold Noodles
- After BBQ, many Koreans end the meal with naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). It’s light, tangy, and refreshing.
→ Perfect way to balance out a meaty meal.
Pair With Korean Drinks
- Soju + Beer (Somaek) is the go-to BBQ pairing.
- Or try Makgeolli (milky rice wine) for something sweet and tangy.
→ Pro Move: Ask the server how locals mix their drinks for the real experience.
Ask What’s House-Made
- Some spots make their own sauces, kimchi, or marinades. Ask your server — it’s a great way to try signature flavors.
Avoid Peak Times
- Go early (before 6 PM) or late-night to skip long waits — especially at popular places like Park’s or Baekjeong.
KBBQ FAQs: From Banchan to Brisket
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Yes, especially on weekends. Some places take walk-ins but expect a wait.
Q: Do I cook the meat myself?
A: Usually yes, but staff may help or cook for you at some places.
Q: What comes with the meal?
A: You get free side dishes called banchan — they’re usually refillable.
Q: What should I order first?
A: Start with brisket or pork belly, then try marinated meats like galbi.
Q: What’s “ssam”?
A: It’s a lettuce wrap with meat, sauce, and toppings — super tasty.
Q: Is there anything for vegetarians?
A: Limited options. Some spots offer tofu stew or veggie sides. Ask your server.
Q: Are drinks available?
A: Yes! Try soju, beer, or makgeolli. You can mix soju + beer (called somaek).
Q: Do they take credit cards?
A: Yes, most places do. Some casual spots might have a cash minimum.
Q: Are these restaurants good for families?
A: Yes. Spots like Chosun Galbee and Wharo are family-friendly.
Q: Will my clothes smell like BBQ?
A: Yes — it’s part of the experience! Bring a jacket or change if needed.
Final Bite: Why These Korean BBQ Spots Sizzle
Whether you’re craving premium cuts, offal specialties, or a sizzling grill surrounded by friends, these Korean BBQ spots deliver more than just a meal — they offer an experience. From the polished elegance of Genwa and Park’s BBQ to the lively, street-style vibes of KingChang and Baekjeong, there’s something for every mood, group size, and appetite.
If you’re new to Korean BBQ, don’t stress — just follow the aroma of grilled meat, wrap it in lettuce, add a splash of soju, and let the feast begin.
Come hungry, leave smoky, and always save room for banchan.
Read more resturant reviews and menu updates on our blog.
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