“A little gem! They have Korean and Japanese styled rice bowls here. Many great options with reasonable prices and serving sizes especially for the area. We got the tuna tataki bowl and chicken karaage bowl. The person handling orders was really great and said the tuna tataki was their favorite and even gave helpful directions on how to best enjoy the rice bowl with the sauce! Everything tasted fresh and delicious! Highly recommend.“
“The table was dirty when we first got the seats… and I expected a good quality of the meat but it wasn’t..and my dishes came out really late, i can tell they unfroze the meat in the oven.. and the ban can was so salty…i know it’s cheaper compared to other Korean restaurants, but I would rather pay more and get better “
“This was a solid spot for sushi! It's kind of hidden and I wouldn't have known if my friend didn't bring up the place, but the ambiance was nice! We had the premium sushi set, Orange Blossom Roll, and Sunshine Roll- which were all good. It is on the pricier side and portions are small. Service was average.“
“Really fresh tasting and good flavors.I got the large short ribs with egg noodles and baby bok choy. For $14 I thought the portions were really good, they didnt skimp on the meat and the noodles and vegetables made it a full meal. The bok choy in particular tasted very fresh like it came straight from the farm. Friendly employees who I think are also owners, she gave us a free water to go along with the Coke I ordered. Tiny little place, has a couple of tables outside, a few parking places of their own.“
“The 2024 Smorgasburg season kicked off today, 1/14/2024! While it is not close to me, I usually go at least once or twice a month. It's an ideal spot for outdoor dining with diverse culinary offerings, exploring distinctive shops, and soaking in a positive atmosphere.Smorgasburg LA is open every Sunday on the five-acre site of the weekday Alameda Produce Market in Downtown Los Angeles, which is part of a larger, new development called ROW DTLA.Each Sunday from 10 AM - 4 PM, you will find dozens of exciting food vendors plus sophisticated shopping from the realms of design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Cultural events, pop-ups, and other surprises transform the vast site into a new node in Downtown LA's burgeoning scene, and a unique destination for the area.Today, I tried Pad See Ew from the Radna Silom vendor. In terms of rating for that, I want to give it 4.5 stars due to price and portion ($15+tax and not much on the plate). I remember it being larger before.Overall, it is a must-check out for various foodie options.Tip:-Free 2 hr parking-Take your food outside of the main space and sit in the main ROW area-Go with others to try many things“
“It's a comfortable place where you can enjoy beer and various snacks with friends.Parking is not easy on Friday nights. However, they provide validation, so parking is available at a low price.The owner is friendly, and if you come before busy hours, you'll receive excellent service.“
“Came here to try out their five course Valentine's Day dinner and it was AMAZING! The food is made with love. Every dish was neatly made like it was a work of art. The drinks were also out of this world. I had the rack of lamb and it was cooked to perfection. The service was probably one of the best experiences of my life because the atmosphere was so welcoming and friendly. I'd love to come back here next year and experience the food all over again!“
Asian • $$
“Amazing selection and loved the service. Waitress was working hard waiting tables herself for the most part with some help from the back. Comes in 3 diff price tiers and we got the one with sashimi and boy was it worth it. No alcohol license right now but we still had a great time. Free parking for 2 hours and menu doesn't include beverages other than water or dessert! Ambience is sitting around other people, nothing secluded. If come again because the fish is“
“You know a spot is good when the only menu displayed has faded photos of various dishes with no descriptions or dish titles. Only the real ones know. Every time I come here, I meet a local who’s been coming here since the 80s or 90s and it is so comforting to know that a place like this exists. Love the food, owner, consistency, quality, and history of this place.Run by one guy and one guy only, make sure to be patient while waiting for your order if it gets packed, maybe clean up the tables around you while you wait. Doesn’t hurt to help.“
“Sweetest, kindest family- most delicious food at a great price.We were treated like family. Young(sic?) is the mama who works the front and her husband was cooking.She gave us a demo of the whole thing but also ran off a few great things on the menu, we ended up with avocado roll, dragon roll, and a stir fry.About $16 a pound to build your own stir fry which we loved to customize. Veggies were fresh and well cut. They make their own soy sauce, spicy mayo, and teriyaki sauce at three different spice levels.I cannot recommend this place anymore, such a sparkly hole in the wall!“
“Tasty Banh Mis. I always get the sardine along with either the pork or chicken. All made fresh to order. They include a small au jus of the specific Banh Mi you order-nice touch. ? Parking is a challenge since it right on Hyperion so if you see a spot, take it.“
“100/10 was surprised to see there wasn't much of a like compared to other spots. We almost went to chipotle or Panda Express until we saw this spot. Smelled so good & it was too!! The staff was friendly & we got such a bang for our buck! 2 people even came up to us to ask where we had got our food! Loved the variety the bento box so much, would definitely recommend to eat here.“
“Sakura is just one of those authentic, under the radar, all around great Japanese restaurants that are all to rare to find these days. This place is a local staple and provides the highest quality fish at great price. Not sure where else in LA that you can still get a phenomenal Chirashi bowl for $26! Why would I go anywhere else?“
“This place is SO good. The service was amazing, kind, and generous. We got the fish beignets, fried chicken sando (so yummy!), Wagyu, beef bavette, oysters, and olives. The bavette's sauce was especially good. Menza was welcoming from the beginning and very personable. Already told my friends about this place and plan to come again!“
“Wako Donkasu is an absolute treasure in the culinary landscape! This hidden gem offers a truly exceptional dining experience that is second to none.From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant, from the décor to the service, is truly remarkable.Now, let's talk about the food – it's simply outstanding! The Donkasu, their signature dish, is a crispy and perfectly breaded cutlet that is cooked to golden perfection. Each bite is a burst of flavor and texture that leaves you craving more.But it's not just the Donkasu that shines at Wako. Their extensive menu features a variety of delicious dishes, from savory katsu to flavorful bowls of rice and noodles. There's something for everyone, and each dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail.The staff at Wako Donkasu are friendly, attentive, and passionate about providing top-notch service. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you are always made to feel welcome and valued.In summary, Wako Donkasu is a culinary gem that deserves all the praise it receives. With its exceptional food, inviting ambiance, and stellar service, it's no wonder why this restaurant has earned a five-star rating. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Wako Donkasu.“
“Chibiscus is one of my favorite ramen joints in all of LA because the quality and price can't be beat. Their Tonkotsu is so full of flavor! When ordering takeout, the broth comes separate from the bowl ingredients so you can pour over when you're ready. Even to-go it's some of the best flavor you can find with ramen. Ingredients taste fresh and filling always. Service is pretty on the ball considering ramen can take a bit to prepare. You could sub proteins and ingredients to tailor to your dietary needs which was nice! The inside is relatively small and it's in an unexpected random strip mall, but don't sleep on this one!“
“There wasn't a Chinese noodle soup restaurant in West LA other than Mr Rice. It's a good restaurant but it comes with hefty parking fees (finding parking near UCLA can be a nightmare, I ended up paying over $20 for parking). Then DongTing Noodle ? came to save the day! I love coming back here when I need a light meal that's healthy and delicious! I have to say though, if you like noodle soup with a mild taste, then this restaurant is definitely worth a try! This place is cozy and clean ! Customer service is great, too ??! You would order your food by scanning the QR code located on your table!The food:House Special Beef Rice Noodle Soup (10/10):This is by far my number 1 dish in the restaurant! The beef was juicy and mildly chewy! The soup smelled good and tasted really healthy! The rice noodles are neither soggy nor hard to chew! The portion was generous! It was mildly spicy, which adds to the flavor! Loved it ??!Soy sauce braised Pork Ribs Rice Noodle Soup (9/10):I loved this too. The pork was really savory. I didn't give this 10/10 just cos the soup could do with a little more salt!Red Braised Pork Noodle Soup (10/10):This is my number 2 recommended dish from the restaurant! The meat was my favorite part of the dish??! The fatty part was maybe 1/3 of the meat on every chop of the meat, which I thought was a great balance (too much fats on the pork can be a little heavy on the after taste)!Soy Braised Beef Slices w/ Cilantro (10/10):**THIS IS A COLD DISH** I enjoyed this, the spice wasn't so overwhelming that you couldn't taste the beef slices! This is a good appetizer to consider!Crispy Chicken (10/10):Wow! There are literally so many restaurants selling popcorn chicken in Sawtelle, I would say this is perhaps one of the better ones because the chicken ? were juicy and crispy! Seasoning was also on point! Thus, making this also a good appetizer to start your meal!Mini Pumpkin Pie (10/10):If you want something sweet and chewy, let this dish satisfy your cravings! I have come here thrice and never once have I gone without ordering this dish!Overall, I really enjoy this noodle soup restaurant and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to take a break from Japanese ramen ?, it'll be worth it!TIPS: if you like spice ?️ and would love more flavor on your food, then add the chopped chili provided on your table (I added the picture on this post for reference)!“
“First of all, the multilevel dining room is beautiful, with a stunning giant Bodhisattva statue dominating one end of the room. Very dramatic and the stairs from the lounge down to the main dining level allow for well dressed ladies to make a regal entrance. The food is excellent also. Prices are high, not surprising. Extensive cocktail menu is delicious. We enjoyed Lychee martinis. Service was quick, efficient, and courteous. The place does get loud and be prepared for shouts of “Sake!!!” This is a great place for special occasions or parties but if you need quiet you may wish to reserve one of their private rooms.“
“Luv, luv, luv this place! Food is so good and good for you! Very tasty and filling! Luv the dining area and they play the best music selection! Great ambiance for sure. Everyone is really nice ?? Highly recommend!Vegetarian options: Lots of vegan and gluten free options“
“This is my second time going here and my first time ordering the pho. I wasn't expecting anything authentic, you shouldn't either. It's a bit salty, and I think they add some nontraditional ingredients to it. However, the target audience are college students who are are craving some Asian brothy soups and I think it caters to just that! For me personally, my throat was hurting, so I really wanted some good Asian soup, and my throat wasn't hurting once while eating this! Additionally the prices are definitely reasonable for the large portions they provide. The service is really good, but you should also be prepared to try to get their attention because they are always busy.“
“First time here and ordered the spicy pork belly bowl. I wasn't sure if it was gonna be worth the $16, but the food turned out really good. Good amount of meat to rice, sauce was savory/spicy, and you can taste the wok flavor. One of the most authentic things I've tried here in LA. $16 is indeed expensive. I'll have to come back another time when I want to treat myself. I finished the whole thing before I can take a pic.“
“I’ve been coming here for years because I literally live a block away. The place has increased in price since I first came here and the menu has changed and what I used to get is no longer on the menu. LION KING ROLL is my goto. It’s delicious. However….. Today as I approached the counter to get my food, a homeless girl walks in barges right next to me as my order is being processed and given to me, and asks “y’all got any miso soup?!?” Stinky and obviously covered in filth, no bath for probably years and a dirty soiled blanket wrapped around her, I was instantaneously disgusted. Miso soup was given to her and I don’t know what else because I got outta there before she could even ask me for money or whatever! You feed a pigeon and what happens??? A dozen or more come. This is a simile; a point I’m trying to make. Homeless are the root of the problems here in Koreatown. You feeding them is the hand the feeds the problem.“
“I had the Red Ramen & Washington Roll. The sushi was fresh and a good size. The ramen broth was creamy and a good spice level. My fav part was the charred, tender pork belly in the ramen- it’s unique from other ramen I’ve had in LA. The chalkboard decor gives the place character“
“went with a group of 7, takes reservations so as long as the entire party is there on time, you'll be seated promptly. it's a small restaurant but i like that our group had our own large table with two grills. it does get busy though, so you'd have to hail down someone to continue ordering. AYCE time limit begins with the first round/order, and menu has so many options - from appies to desserts. they don't have radish paper but their garlic rice was so good! especially loved topping our dinner off with s'mores grilled over the fire.“
“One word: SPICY! If you want some food with a kick this is definitely the place to go. Fairly simple meals but lots of flavors. The items with the curry or the Vietnamese hot chicken were not joking about their hotness. It was right on the precipice of my tolerance level (but still quite good) The other thing I would note is the cilantro and greens are very fresh and very flavorful. Quite a nice treat after living somewhere without the fresh produce of California. Service and ambiance are moot points. The venue works out of a kitchen giving you to-go boxes with most of the seating being outside in the common area for multiple venues. Great for a quick bite though“
“Trusty spot for drinks! Not as popular so there aren't long wait times. Love coming here for their complimentary chips and salsa! They have good bites as well. Love that they have hot cheeto fries. Cheese corn was exceptional as always.Boolieya fries: $17.99Cheese corn: $15.99Soju: $15.99“
“Was able to try out this food truck at a recent event.My spouse got the shrimp and steak hibachi. They really liked their dish. They also give you a large portion.I got the noodles and shrimp noodles. The noodles were quite soft and tasty. I also loved that they gave me plenty of shrimp. I only wish they had a sauce that was a little more spicy. I took off one star because both dishes are suppose to come with 'vegetables' but they only come with squash. I think they need to add mushroom, carrots, or some other vegetable besides just quash to make it more tasty. Even some green onion would have been nice !“
“This is by far my favorite Pho shop in LA. I come here every now and then to just eat a bowl of Pho and think. The owners are very kind and it’s a peaceful restaurant overall. There’s nothing better than a hot bowl of Pho on a Sunday afternoon.“
“Today, I had a chicken rice bowl with all the side toppings and to top it off with their spicy avocado sauce. The pricing for an airport location was astoundingly perfect for an extremely generous portion size. At first glance, I was a bit skeptical about the food. After mixing the sauce and everything else inside the bowl, I took my first bite and at that moment, I thought I was in heaven!!! The food was absolutely and amazingly delicious, but above the customer service was nothing short of spectacular. If looking for excellent food and terrific customer service, I would highly encourage and recommend Asian Street Eat located at LAX Tom Bradley International Airport (Departure).“
“Yipin Chuan is the best Chinese-style grilled mutton skewers I have eaten in the United States so far. The meat is tender and juicy, and the old-fashioned taste is very recommended. Another recommendation is that the grilled chicken skin is very large. The chicken skin is very crispy on the outside, but the inside is crisp It is full of collagen because the size of the chicken skin is different, and the taste is also different. Every bite has a different feeling. This is a taste that I have never eaten in the United States. It is really authentic. At the same time, this store is the best service among all the stores I have been to. Well, we arrived at ten o'clock in the evening and there were already five tables of guests eating. Although there was only one waiter, the service was not negligent at all, whether it was pouring water, ordering or serving, everything was in order. The waiters at our table will help very seriously. We recommend all aspects are thoughtful! Very recommended!“
“New Yorker (brooklyn!!) approved. This food is fresh & tasty. Best fast food/ affordable takeout I’ve had in the area. The owner is super kind and doesn’t skimp on the portions. The fried rice has eggs and the meat dish is served with white rice. My new go-to.“
“Food was very delicious. I will be eating there again. I did get my meal to go. I called it ahead and was told order would be ready in 15 minutes. The restaurant itself looked very clean and plenty of room to enjoy your meal there if you chosen.“
“This place was amazing!!! If I could give it more stars I would! The food was delicious and the portions were great for the price. They are wheel chair friendly and will go out of their way to accommodate those with disabilities. Big thanks to our lovely waiter Robert and manager Judy for making our dining experience exceptional! :)“
“Poke Me is a gem! Every bowl is bursting with freshness, and the flavors are unmatched. The staff is friendly, making each visit feel personal and warm. Portions are generous, leaving you satisfied every time. It's not just about eating here; it's the whole experience that keeps me coming back. If you haven't been to Poke Me yet, you're missing out. Truly a top spot for poke lovers!“
“The pad thai was fantastic! It was served with a trio of hot sauces that elevated the dish perfectly. The coconut juice beverage was delicious. It was served with a long spoon that helped for scraping the coconut meat out of the husk. The restaurant was mostly empty which was a bit of a bummer but hopefully more people check out this excellent Thai spot!Parking: Parking lot right in front of the building as well as underground parking.“
“Fun time at kinkan! We had the where are we going tasting menu which was cool to experience and learn anout each dish and how the chef came up with it. The head chef was not in town that day so the sous was serving us. The best dishes were the ama ebi, tuna tartare, and ceviche! All of the staff was very kind tooUnfortunately one of the items was substituted with bolognese which was disappointing (supposed to be uni pasta). And the fish and chips (amaida, matsutake) and crab fried rice was not impressive for this price point. I think it was great experience but food didn’t feel worth it in the end so I would not go back a second time.Parking: Small parking lot, handful of spaces“