Genwa is part of a pack of places that serves higher-quality beef, such as Soowon, but breaks ahead of them with its staggering array of consistently good banchan. It sets slightly west of the Koreatown pack, a dining room that will make you feel more polished and upscale than your typical Korean barbecue dining.

The team expertly prepares their high-quality meats, marinating them for searing on the grill and then slicing them right in front of your eyes. Servers are attentive and regularly attend to your slices, ensuring that each mouthful has the perfect crust. The "Combo A", which includes a spicy kimchi soup, thinly sliced bulgogi with all the fixings, and possibly the most delicious galbi in town, is a true feast for two hungry folks. The banchan display, which includes steaming vegetable- and pork-filled mandu, as well as japchae, is similarly impressive and must be eaten to fully appreciate the kitchen's abilities.

Address: 5115 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036, United States

Website: https://www.genwakoreanbbq.com/

In terms of food, Koreatown is L.A.'s most overpowering neighborhood. It's overwhelming in terms of the quantity of good Korean barbecue alternatives (Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, Park's BBQ, Ham Ji Park, etc. ); in terms of the number of people; and in terms of navigating it (you quickly get to know every street because you circle each block 100 times looking for parking). Gwang Yang BBQ cuts right through it all, reducing your K-town stress and making things, well, simple. On the next-door deck, there is a dedicated valet for the restaurant. Gwang Yang takes reservations, but even if you don't have one, you won't have to wait hours as you could at other Korean BBQ joints.

The atmosphere is modern and slick, but not to the point of feeling underdressed, which helps to justify the fairly costly menu. And placing an order is simple: you've come for the Gangnam-style bulgogi. The thin, seasoned, and much-misunderstood beef slices rarely take center stage anywhere, but they steal the show at Gwang Yang BBQ. The beef is soft and lacy and singed and perfect, cooked and chopped by your waiter; lay a mouthful in a lettuce leaf, top it with slivers of garlic and raw jalapeo, and you've got the perfect bite.

Address: 3435 Wilshire Blvd Ste 123, Los Angeles, CA 90010

View Details: https://gybbq.business.site/

One of LA’s longest-running Korean barbecue restaurants continues to excel at two things: quality and classic flavors. With a large outdoor dining space and a solid takeout situation, Chosun Galbee has endured because of its dedicated following and impressive execution. There are elements of reverence and seriousness to dining here, which is an asset for anyone seeking authentic Korean food. The warm servers all wear traditional garments to heighten the classic feel, while also donning earpieces in the upscale modern setting. The wait may seem long, but the food is worth it.

The menu may appear extensive, including traditional barbecue staples, but these are elevated by the kitchen's exceptional attention and competence. If you are looking for outstanding Korean barbeque, choose the naengmyeon with a combination meat plate. The sheer variety of banchan on offer is impressive. This is also the ideal location for large groups looking for exceptionally tender meat to barbecue on the spot. Galbee junullk is a standout, with short ribs made with the house's "secret" soy sauce, then grilled with onions and mushrooms right in front of your eyes.

Address: 3330 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Website: https://chosungalbee.com/

When you go to Soban you will take notice of the many framed reviews and accolades that serve as its sole décor, you’ll realize you’re in for a treat. Even amid tough Koreatown competition, Soban is known for its banchan.

The menu changes frequently and is extremely amazing, with everything from classic kimchi to sautéed eggplant. Soban, a seafood staple, can't go wrong, starting with an incredible assortment of banchan to start each meal. Pan-fried fish and spicy braised black cod are among the menu's highlights, which come in either a garlicky soy sauce or a thick spicy red pepper sauce (or opt for the spicy beef short ribs instead). The house specialties, such as ganjang gejang (raw crab pickled with soy, garlic, and ginger) and galbi jjim (sweet and soft braised short rib stew), are popular choices.

Address: 4001 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Website: https://www.sobanla.com/

This historic K-Town eatery has experienced a recent ownership change, but longstanding patrons are unlikely to notice the difference on the menu. Kinn's restaurant is unpretentious, like a huge candlelight sauna rather than a formal Korean eatery.

Led by Ki Kim, the upscale takeout concept’s former head chef, Kinn offers minimalist dishes of modern Korean cuisine that incorporate luxury ingredients like hen of the wood mushrooms, venison and truffle. A strawberry ice cream sundae topped with a swine-shaped cookie—an homage to South Korea's Pig Bar—is among the menu's many uniquely Korean American touches. Kinn's tasting menu is also reasonably priced when compared to other prix fixe restaurants in Los Angeles, a deliberate move by the Kinn team to make fine dining-level Korean cooking accessible to a wider range of diners.

Address: 3905 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 9002

View Details: https://resy.com/cities/la/kinn

Located next to Sun Nong Dan, Hangari Kalguksu is a Korean restaurant you should not miss, with a comfortable atmosphere and warm lights, this is definitely the place you need for an evening gathering with friends and family. With a reputation as the finest knife-cut noodles in town, Hangari regularly fields ridiculously long waits.

Hangari is a soup shop that specializes in kalguksu, a hand-cut noodle soup, and a sign on the wall proudly boasts that gluten is used in almost every dish. The dumplings and banchan appetizer in the boribap style is also excellent. Both the clam and the chicken noodles are worth trying when it comes to noodles. The noodles are so delicious that they stand out in the hot seafood soup with crab, mussels, shrimp, and vegetables. The chilly soup (milmyeon) with pork is well worth your time if you're searching for something lighter or it's 95 degrees outside.

Address: 3470 West 6th Street Suite 9 and 10, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Website: https://www.hangarikalguksu.com/

Sun Nong Dan is an iconic restaurant native to Koreatown LA that has existed for over a decade. Originally started in a small location on 6th Street Koreatown LA, Sun Nong Dan has kept its reputation of being the best ‘Galbi Jjim spot’ in LA.

Because the galbi is large and meant to be eaten while still hot, Sun Nong Dan is best enjoyed with a group. It's difficult not to think about one of those McDonald's hot-coffee lawsuits when the server brings the cast-iron skillet around. The red stew is simmering furiously, and the sizzling skillet is erupting with steam as thick as a Wi Spa shower - and then the waitress uses a blowtorch to melt the shredded mozzarella on top. It's a little theatrical, but it builds excitement in a way that a simple broiler never could. When you spoon the mixture over rice, you'll notice a number of things: Onions, carrots, potatoes, and tteok - firm, cylindrical rice cakes, bone-in short ribs and boneless back ribs.

Sun Nong Dan is open 24 hours a day, so even if you arrive at 2:30 a.m. after stumbling out of the HMS Bounty, you'll find a line that comprises both other partygoers and those who have just finished a late-night duty.

Address: 3470 W 6th St #7, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Website: https://www.sunnongdan.net/

Mapo Kkak Doo Gee is a no-frills kind of restaurant, as you can probably tell from the exterior. The menu emphasizes hearty Korean cooking, and there are plenty of seats available for lunch and dinner. The free and refillable banchan served with every meal is one of the pleasures of dining in Koreatown. While it's always wonderful to get something for nothing, these pickled and marinated hors d'oeuvres are rarely as memorable as the main entrée.

Acorn jellies topped with soy sauce and scallions, pickled seaweed, boiled cabbage with gochujang (fermented red chili paste), and pancakes are constantly available. Another must-try is the restaurant's braised fish, which comes in two varieties: mackerel and cod. This dish's preparation keeps the fish's flesh soft while infusing it with the flavor of gochujang. It's a flavor explosion, to say the least! In this delectable preparation, even daikon, a usually yawn-inducing root, comes to life, serve with a side of rice.

Address: 3611 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Contact: (213) 736-6668

Yong Su San is a modest Seoul-based enterprise that distinguishes itself from the K-town crowd by specializing in the famed delicacies once given to Korea's royals. Its hanbok-clad servers and maze of private rooms, which include a spacious lobby with a counter and carved wooden benches with plush cushions, are partly responsible for this. The majority of diners arrive in large groups to sample fixed menus at varying pricing points. Dining à la carte, on the other hand, is a fantastic option.

The complexity of bo ssam kimchi - a simple, warm, and tasty cabbage soup complemented with a cold nest of pungent kimchi - will amaze anyone used to banchan. Tang pyeong chae - savory mung bean jelly noodles sprinkled with sesame oil for a subtle palette cleanser - could be the answer.

Address: 950 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Website: https://www.yongsusanla.com/

There are a lot of Korean barbeque places in this part of town, so what makes Jeong Yuk Jeom stand out? It could be anything from the generous banchan and excellent meats to the beautiful setting and excellent service team. Courtesy of brothers Andrew and Jaeyong Son, this cavernous spot is the talk of the town, thanks to lavish woodwork, sleek slate floors, and perfect ambient lighting.

With a moniker that refers to the Korean word for "butcher", it's no surprise that they only sell the best meat. While the tomahawk steak is pricey, it will feed an army with plenty of leftovers. Other dishes, such as dry-aged prime rib or meaty short rib, are delivered on a tray and grilled at the table. Let's finish off your lunch with a few seafood pancakes and the accompanying banchan, and you're in for a real treat.

Address: 621 S Western Ave #100, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Website: https://jeongyukjeom.com/