Interested in trying some new Korean spots in Los Angeles? You're in luck: we've found the freshest restaurants to fill the bill. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Korean cuisine.
TGI Korean BBQ
2585 W. Olympic Blvd., Koreatown
TGI Korean BBQ is an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) Korean spot, serving up quality barbecue fare in the heart of DTLA's Koreatown.
Patrons can choose from a classic AYCE assortment, with protein options ranging from beef bulgogi and pork belly to spicy chicken and steamed egg. A premium selection is also on hand including offerings like marinated squid, beef tongue and spicy sausage. There's also a wide assortment of banchan (small plates of side dishes). (You can check out the full menu here.)
With a four-star Yelp rating out of 12 reviews, TGI Korean BBQ is off to a positive start with locals.
Yelper Jawson S., who reviewed TGI Korean BBQ on May 24, wrote: "Best barbecue in Koreatown — finally! Love the friendly crew and ample side dishes! Definitely coming back for sure!"
"When you feel like you need to tell the world to come here after 15 minutes of sitting down, you know you found a five-star kinda place," shared Yelper Jenn S. "The price at this place blows my mind. ... We started off with brisket and tongue. The quality was really good and, after chatting with the waitress, we found out that they actually use prime meat."
TGI Korean BBQ is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
BBQ Chicken
442 E. Second St., Little Tokyo
Also situated in downtown Los Angeles is BBQ Chicken — a Korean eatery specializing in fried chicken specials like honey garlic, original crispy, spicy sauced and more.
Additional menu offerings include a selection of specialty dishes like chicken cheese fries, spicy sea snail salad, kimchi fried rice and spicy chicken stew. (You can view the takeout menu here.)
BBQ Chicken's is receiving positive feedback, with a four-star rating from Yelpers out of 21 reviews.
Yelper Ryan L., who reviewed BBQ Chicken on April 28, wrote: "Finally, it's in Little Tokyo. Real Korean fried chicken. They serve beers as well. You can do chimak (chicken and beer) here. Very hip and new place in little Tokyo."
And Yelper Kate N. stated: "This place has the best Korean-style chicken! It is very tasty and crispy."
BBQ Chicken is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on weekends.
Pig Village
545 S. Western Ave., Suite D, Koreatown
Pig Village is a restaurant offering classic Korean fare in the form of combo plates and traditional entrees.
On the menu, look for items like bulgogi casserole with green onions, pan-fried octopus with noodles, steamed pig feet, kimchi pancakes and spare rib soup. Wash down your meal with a refreshing glass of raspberry wine or soju (Korean-style vodka).
Yelp users are excited about Pig Village, which currently holds five stars out of 10 reviews on the site.
Yelper Zahir H., who reviewed Pig Village on May 19, wrote: "Everything was delish. The place itself is massive, but inviting. Great value for money and quality food. Give it a try!"
"Came by to eat here by a recommendation and I was not disappointed," shared Yelper Jonathan Y. "The place was roomy, staff were nice and the chef was generous with the portions."
Pig Village is open from 11:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. daily.
Sol Lip Tofu
414 S. Western Ave., Suite D, Koreatown
Last but not least, Sol Lip Tofu is a new Korean spot — located in the former Western Sashimi space, which closed last summer — specializing in house-made Korean-inspired dishes like stews, barbecue, hot pot and more.
Menu offerings include items like Korean-style pancakes with assorted seafood and veggies, tofu with stir-fried kimchi and spicy beef tripe hot pot. Tofu packaged to take home is on offer as well.
Sol Lip Tofu currently holds 4.5 stars out of 19 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Mark R., who reviewed Sol Lip Tofu on May 9, wrote: "Probably the best tofu place in town. I am a foodie and love clean-tasting Korean food that has not been Americanized with sugar and salt. ... It's clean, good portioned and reasonably priced. "
And Amy K. said: "If you've never had fresh-made tofu, you need to try this place! Tofu is my favorite food and this place is all about that."
Sol Lip Tofu is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
