Korean restaurant with clean, modern interior and K-pop music videos playing on large TVs. Atmosphere is welcoming and pleasant, suitable for casual dinners and catching up with friends. Tables are close together, creating a lively but sometimes noisy environment.
Kimchi here stands out for its authentic flavor and amazing taste. It pairs well with dishes like fish cakes, soups, bulgogi, and kalbi.
Spicy beef soup, dumplings, and bossam stand out as comfort food dishes here. Portions come good-sized and the food stays properly Korean and delicious.
"The Yuk Gae Jang soup has a warm, comforting, and flavorful broth."
"The food here is delicious, with rich broth and tender meat."
"The kimchi soup broth is warm, comforting, and flavorful."
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted; the restaurant uses a paper waitlist only.
Expect long wait times on weekend nights, often exceeding 40 minutes.
Parking is plentiful and free, making access easy for visitors.
Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant features unique cast-iron cauldron grills and a modern wood and stainless design. Atmosphere feels vibrant and casual with loud music and some chaotic energy. Guests often have food cooked at the table, enhancing an authentic dining experience.
Generous banchan include homemade-tasting kimchi that pairs well with grilled meats. Kimchi is grilled alongside bean sprouts and mushrooms, offering authentic Korean flavors that are balanced and not too spicy.
High-quality meats stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. Attentive service includes options to cook your own food or have it prepared, complemented by flavorful sauces that enhance each dish.
Good to know
Reservations are not required, but arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits.
Parking can be difficult, but arriving early increases your chances of finding a spot.
The restaurant is not an all-you-can-eat option; meals are priced per item.
Food court setup offers a quick, compact meal with a noisy atmosphere. Korean soups like spicy soondae guk and beef back bone soup stand out for rich flavors and hearty portions. Prices run higher than nearby gukbap spots, but convenient location inside a market adds to the experience.
Owner pickles the kimchi himself, giving it a sweet and delicious flavor. Both the radish kimchi and kkakdugi stand out as especially tasty and often get refilled.
Food here offers generous portions with flavors that closely match authentic Korean dishes. The blood haejangguk stands out as a notable favorite, delivering a rich and satisfying taste.
Good to know
The restaurant is located inside the Balboa Park H Mart food court.
Each dish costs around $20, which is higher than nearby options.
Bring cash as some vendors in the food court may not accept cards.
Charcoal grills create a smoky, vibrant atmosphere in a small, cozy space with tables close together. The place fills quickly, leading to long waits and a lively, bustling vibe. Strong smoke and limited ventilation add to the intense grilling experience.
Crisp kimchi stands out among the array of side dishes that balance the meats well. The cold kimchi noodle dish offers a unique flavor that recalls classic tastes from LA.
Mouthwatering Korean barbecue offers rich flavors and an inviting atmosphere. Food quality is consistently excellent, making the wait worthwhile.
Good to know
Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.
Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.
Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.
Korean restaurant offers induction burners at each table for hot pot dining with a casual, homey atmosphere reminiscent of South Korea. Entertainment includes Korean mukbang videos that add a light, humorous touch. The space stays clean and orderly with neat dish presentation, attracting those seeking authentic Korean flavors.
Banchan includes kimchi and Korean pepper with excellent flavor. The kimchi stands out as phenomenal and pairs well with potato dishes.
Food here is consistently delicious and tasty, closely matching original flavors. Service pairs well with the excellent dishes, making meals satisfying.
Good to know
Parking is limited during lunch and dinner times, so arrive early.
Street parking is recommended due to limited spaces in the lot.
Expect to pay around $40 for a medium hot pot for two.
Huge Korean grocery store with spacious food court featuring about eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles make maneuvering carts difficult, but the place offers an outstanding selection of authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Walls display maker-inspired graphics, adding a unique visual touch.
Offers a variety of kimchi types including cucumber and radish kimchi. Kimchi features prominently in dishes like Kimchi Kimbap and ramen, with side dishes known as BANCHAN complementing meals.
Many varieties of fresh and frozen Korean food fill the market. A food court offers different cuisines alongside a bakery. The market stocks a wide range of Asian food products and fresh produce.
Good to know
H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.
Parking can be challenging at times.
The store is clean and well-organized.
Small, family-owned Korean restaurant with traditional decor and a homey, unpretentious vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, filled with the scent of simmering broths and sizzling garlic. Known for authentic Korean dishes and wide variety of menu options.
Kimchi here has a balanced spice level that complements the meal well. The Jeolla-do style kimchi stew tastes rich with notes of fermented soybeans and stands out compared to other Korean spots.
Food offers authentic Korean flavors with standout dishes like beef and potstickers. Meals come with tea and provide great value at around $13.95.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Expect a 45-minute wait for a table during peak hours.
Parking is free but can be difficult to find during dinner time.
Korean barbecue restaurant with table grills and K-pop music creates an energetic, Seoul-like vibe. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting despite occasional loud music and smoke from grills. Guests cook fresh, tender meats themselves, enjoying interactive dining with a lively, casual pace.
Free-flow banchan includes over ten sides with kimchi stew and kimchi fried rice standing out. Pickled radish and kimchi sides complement meats well.
Food comes out quickly and stays solid in quality. Staff keeps the table well supplied, with pork and beef bulgogi standing out as notable dishes.
Good to know
The all-you-can-eat buffet costs around $34.99 per person.
Expect a 30-minute wait for parking and an additional hour to be seated.
A gratuity of $27 is automatically added to your check.
Spacious and clean interior hosts a lively but comfortable atmosphere with upbeat energy and ample seating. The place fills with people enjoying varied Korean BBQ meats, especially different types of intestines. It offers options to cook food in the back, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience away from the grill.
Sides include kimchi with a super flavorful taste and just the right tang. Meals come with combos featuring kimchi, steamed egg, and other sides like potato salad and bean sprouts.
Korean food here is delicious and served quickly with welcoming service. Prices stay reasonable for the amount of food provided.
Good to know
Parking is challenging, especially during rush hours and weekends.
The restaurant is not all-you-can-eat, but prices are reasonable for meat sets.
The menu features a wide variety of KBBQ meats, including unique options like intestines.
Large, modern Korean grocery store with spacious aisles and bright lighting creates a pleasant shopping environment. Frequent bursts of K-pop music add lively energy, while food court and bakery options offer diverse Korean cuisine experiences.
A huge kimchi selection stands out here, including the crisp and spicy Twins Kimchi. Prices stay cheap while quality stays high, making fresh kimchi a reliable choice alongside other Korean foods.
Offers a wide variety of Asian foods and snacks, including plenty of Korean products. Features a hot and cold bar with assorted dishes and a food court with a bakery known for birthday cakes. Prices stay reasonable for both regular and exotic items.
Good to know
There are special offers every week.
Zion Market has a great selection of seafood, both fresh and frozen.
Expect to find the best deals on produce in California.