Natives of Los Angeles are blessed with some of the country's most diverse and incredible restaurants. There is never a shortage of delicious restaurants among the over 400 neighborhoods in the City of Angels. Nestled between the alcoves of Westlake, East Hollywood, and Larchmont lies 150 blocks of dining heaven in the neighborhood known as Koreatown.

You can count on K-Town to always have something going on — so much so that many establishments here are open 24/7. If NYC is to be known as the city that never sleeps, we will gladly hand over the title of “neighborhood that never sleeps” to Koreatown. Bustling karaoke bars, hands-on foodie experiences by way of tabletop grills, and inventive dishes have us all wanting to hop in an Uber just to get a taste.

If you seek authentic Korean food in the US, look no further than Koreatown. And while you can rest assured that you’ll find the best Korean BBQ joints on this list of K-Town restaurants, there are some hidden, possibly unexpected, gems worth shouting out.

Here are the best Koreatown restaurants worth navigating the lack of parking in this little slice of LA.

The Best Korean Barbecue Restaurants in K-Town

Korean BBQ is a big part of Korean culture. There is a rich history involving Korean BBQ, with Korean Journal reporting that these staple meals have been around for hundreds of years. Naturally, Korean BBQ made its way to America, and Koreatown is one of the country’s biggest hotspots for authentic bulgogi, bibimbap, baekjeong, and other Korean dishes.

Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong

One of the most highly regarded KBBQ restaurants in all of Koreatown is Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong. This place is the real deal, and by real deal, I mean it's so good that even the celebs can't resist.

The vibe is electric. As soon as you step in, you'll feel the energy of the place. The staff is super friendly, and the grill is sizzling hot. You'll definitely feel like you're in the heart of Seoul.

And let's talk about the food. The meat is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth. The sides are flavorful and delicious. You'll be smacking your lips and licking your fingers, trust me.

This restaurant is a great option for groups, as their seating can accommodate up to four at a round table with a built-in grill or an eight-seater table with two built-in grills. 

Their two combos on the menu are plentiful serving sizes, meaning you won’t go home hungry! With almost 5,000 Yelp reviews, this little spot on W 6th St is in the heart of K-Town.

Bulgogi Hut

if you're looking for a Korean BBQ experience that will knock your socks off, you need to head straight to Bulgogi Hut. This place is a hidden gem that deserves all the attention it can get.

The vibe is cozy and casual, but don't let that fool you — the food is the real star of the show here. The meat is marinated to perfection, and the flavors will make your taste buds do a little dance of joy. 

Bulgogi Hut takes an all-you-can-eat approach to Korean BBQ with the traditional cook-it-yourself method. They offer plenty of Banchans (Koreanside dishes) along with daikon and rice paper wraps for a fun, hands-on experience making Ssam (Korean wraps). 

They have several TVs with Korean television and K-Pop that make you feel like you’re in Seoul. We are here for it.

Soowon Galbi

If you want to eat like a celebrity, check out Soowon Galbi in LA. The vibe is sleek and modern, but the real star of the show is the meat. The galbi is cooked to perfection, and the sides are delicious enough to make you forget your manners.

And speaking of celebrities, you never know who you might spot at Soowon Galbi. K-Pop stars, actors, and other famous faces have all been known to frequent this spot. Just make sure to keep your cool if you see someone you recognize — no screaming or fainting allowed.

So if you're looking for a delicious meal and a chance to rub elbows with the stars, head on over to Soowon Galbi. Don’t sleep on the bulgogidumplings either — they are fire.

Han Bat Sul Lung Tang

For a more casual dining experience, Han Bat Sul Lung Tang’s dining room takes a laid-back approach. While you don’t get to cook your own food, you still get to experience Korean BBQ flavors as the talented chefs prepare. 

This authentic hole-in-the-wall just off of S Western Ave on W 5th Street is popular with the locals and for good reason. Its simplified menu is a testament to their focus on delivering simple and delicious food, including their claim to fame: oxtail soup.

So if you're looking for a humble spot with some seriously tasty soup, head on over to Han Bat Sul Lung Tang. Just don't forget to bring some cash — this place is cash only, but the soup is worth every penny.

Woo Hyang Woo

If you need a late-night option, Woo Hyang Woo is open as late as 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 a.m. on the other days. After some Soju and karaoke, make your way over to Woo Hyang Woo for Koreancrispyfried chicken and short ribs. 

The front wood facade carries over to the inside and gives a nice rustic feel mixed with the more modern interior. Inside, you’ll discover colorful cocktails and combos suitable for groups of up to five to six people. Wagyu beef tartare is available on the menu if you’re feeling boujee. 

And you deserve to feel boujee on the daily.

Unique Eats in Koreatown

K-Town isn’t just for Korean restaurants! There are a ton of inviting spaces providing totally unique culinary prowess.

Guelaguetza

Guelaguetza is a Oaxacan James Beard award-winning restaurant in the heart of Koreatown. Their authentic Mexican cuisine is paired with a beautiful outdoor eating area surrounded by cacti. 

For chocolate lovers, they have a Mexican hot chocolate gift box that includes a clay mug and traditional molinillo. Insert drool emoji here.

Le Comptoir

Ten seats await you at Le Comptoir — can you say “intimate”? This mini-restaurant serves up multi-course meals with a focus on seasonal fresh ingredients that a Michelin-starred chef prepares. 

The dining is meant to be an all-encompassing vibe as you sit at the kitchen counter. Fine dining is taken to an up-close level with this spot’s emphasis on a unique food and chef relationship. Make reservations ahead of time, and prepare to be dazzled by the unique creations served up at this French restaurant.

Up-and-Coming Restaurants in Koreatown

HanShik Express

HanShik Express combines Korean fusion-style tacos with traditional Korean food in a fast food setting that gives us amazing homestyle vibes. Pick a combo meal provided in a box, or build your own — there are just too many choices at this Korean restaurant on Wilshire. 

With so many choices, you can build a box of your favorites for a quick dining experience or fun take-home vibe.

Tokki

Tokki takes a tapas-style approach to classic Korean dishes paired with an expansive selection of wine, cocktails, sake, beer, Korean alcohols, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Tokki is a wonderful option for hanging out, snacking in style, and grabbing drinks with friends. Say yes to their fried rice cakes — you’ll be glad you did.

HanEuem

With the slogan “taste of Korea,” HanEuem delivers cozy dining that gives a feeling of Korean comfort food. Serving sizes are plentiful, which we appreciate. 

You can see and taste the care put into each dish, especially when gochujang is involved. The spice is worth it, babe.

Plan a Night Out in Koreatown

With dinner plans sorted that involve delicious kimchi fried rice or mackerel, adding another haunt to hang at is a must when exploring K-Town. Karaoke, anyone?

Potions & Poisons

Potions & Poisons is a fun lounge with karaoke options. They have a variety of creative drinks and have us feelin’ playful. Their happy hour is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the retro ambiance is a welcome aesthetic.

Mo’s House Of Axe

Bowling alleys are being replaced by axe-throwing bars, and Mo’s House Of Axe is the go-to place in Koreatown. Alongside their axe throwing is their alcohol and comfort food offerings. 

Mmm, pork belly. This quirky locale is a great place for a date or to meet up with friends to blow off some steam. We all have a little extra rage these days, am I right? Rage, meet axe-throwing.

Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge

With 34 private rooms, you can sing your heart out to The Weeknd or Beyonce while enjoying drinks and food. Pharaoh is one of the main go-to karaoke lounges in Koreatown, a perfect place to celebrate or let your hair down with your besties.

Concluding Our Culinary Odyssey

Koreatown has a wide offering of experiences, making it a fun destination for whatever you’re up for. Date night options are plentiful, whether for food or an experience. The numerous restaurant offerings cover traditional Korean BBQ, fast food Korean style (Koreanfried chicken is on a whole other level), tapas, and Oaxacan cuisine. 

Cruise down W 6th St in search of galbi jjim, or W Olympic Blvd for tacos. Whatever you’re craving, from ice cream to kimchi pancakes, brisket to burritos, K-Town’s got it. Koreatown is the perfect place to take out-of-towners to enjoy dining for groups large and small and have a blast soaking in the nightlife after a little Soju.