The 18 Best Korean BBQ Spots In LA

It is no secret that Los Angeles is home to one of the world's most diverse and exciting culinary scenes. From Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to local hole-in-the-wall favorites, there is renowned and global cuisine on what feels like every street corner. Korean BBQ restaurants have also become a staple in Los Angeles and are without a doubt one of the most popular dining spots for friends to gather and indulge, usually for a fair price.

Korean BBQ is most often characterized by its unique cooking and dining experience. Unlike most other sit-down restaurants, diners at Korean BBQ spots sit at a table that has a grill as the centerpiece. This charcoal grill allows each diner to cook various meats, seafood, and vegetables on their own. The menus are often "all you can eat” or combo-style and designed for sharing. Diners can always expect a generous portion of protein as well as a variety of prepared banchan, or side dishes. That said, we've rounded up the best Korean BBQ spots in Los Angeles.

Looking for an authentic and delicious Korean BBQ spot outside of the Koreatown neighborhood? Hanu K BBQ is located in Downtown Los Angeles and offers an array of traditional Korean BBQ dishes, as well as exciting and contemporary twists on standard favorites. With cuts of Prime USDA meat at the forefront of the menu, Hanu K takes pride in the quality and freshness of each and every protein.

In addition to an open flame at each table, which allows guests to enjoy a true Korean BBQ experience, Hanu K BBQ offers a variety of other chef-prepared Korean dishes. Pair your table-fired boneless marinated short rib or thinly-sliced brisket with the hot and spicy Kalbi-Beef short rib stew for a steaming bowl of deep and developed flavor. Hanu K BBQ also offers a full bar serving an impressive selection of spirits, sake, wine, and beer to round off your dining experience.

Owned and operated by Michelin-Starred Chef Akira Back, ABSteak combines classic Korean BBQ with an elevated Los Angeles fine dining experience in West Hollywood. Chef Back boasts an impressive resume, including victories on "Iron Chef" as well as appearances on the Today Show and Best Thing I Ever Ate. Every cut of meat served at ABSteak is dry-aged for 30 days in an on-site chamber and subsequently cooked on the professional-grade, smoke-less open grill top on every table.

The menu at ABSteak features numerous luxe cuts of beef. Check out the Wagyu Deung Shim which is an eight-ounce cut of Australian Wagyu ribeye. This is a great option for those looking to enjoy the most decadent and coveted cut on the menu. Pair with the AB Old Fashioned cocktail, a smoked libation made of a unique blend of Wagyu-washed Ambler Old Scotch Bourbon and bitters.

Another Koreatown favorite, Ten-Raku has been a staple Korean BBQ joint for foodies since its opening in 2006. From classic beef cuts to refreshing seafood options, Ten-Raku has it all. While mostly known for the Kobe-style premium short ribs, USDA prime short ribs, and USDA prime skirt steak, the selection of hot pot dishes, seafood preparations, hot and cold noodle soups, and kimchi stews are just as authentic and worthwhile as the more popular Korean BBQ dishes.

In addition to the a la carte menu, Ten-Raku offers three different combos for parties of two to four people. This pre-set selection gives diners a remarkable amount of food, including cuts of tender brisket, two different preparations of short rib, skirt steak, pork belly, filet mignon, and ribeye. Additionally, guests are offered a choice of either soybean paste stew, fried rice, or ramen side dishes with any combo, resulting in a balanced and full meal.

7th Korean BBQ is another local spot serving some of the most authentic and beloved Korean BBQ in the city. The menu features recipes passed down from generation to generation, creating dishes full of tried and true flavor. The menu offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and is priced per person at two different price points, both of which are significantly more affordable than many other Korean BBQ spots. However, flavor and quality are far from compromised.

For either $27.99 or $35.99, a single diner enjoys up to 20 dishes ranging from classic beef cuts such as the short rib, prime brisket, and marinated bulgogi, to pork dishes like the spicy pork belly and the pork jowl. There are also tons of authentic seafood favorites like the spicy baby octopus, along with a variety of sides such as soybean soup, steamed rice, green salad, and more. Pair with a beer, herbal wine, or sake selection and eat to your heart's content at this local gem.

Since 2014, Bulgogi Hut has been impressing Koreatown locals and visitors alike. Each cut of meat is hand sliced to order for guaranteed freshness every time. The menu is all-you-can-eat-style and allows diners to dive in and try a variety of preparations in a single visit. The standard menu is just $36 for AYCE, and the deluxe menu that features some of the more luxe protein costs $48. Come in during the weekday happy hour to enjoy the same AYCE menu for just $28 per person from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to the affordable and tasty food, Bulgogi Hut works to create a dining space that is vibrant and exciting. The high-resolution TVs that are mounted throughout the restaurant display popular and fun K-pop videos along with live sporting events. If you're looking for a solid meal with high vibes, Bulgogi Hut is a great option.

Magal BBQ is a hidden gem offering delicious all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ. Since its opening in 2015, this spot has become a low-fuss favorite for Koreatown residents and those savvy enough to hunt down this off-the-grid spot. Magal BBQ is one of the only Korean Barbeque spots that take last-minute reservations, eliminating the long wait times often associated with other popular Korean BBQ joints. Magal's popularity among locals can be attributed of course to the tasty food, as well as the name recognition of Korean residents who live in the area. With over 100 locations across Southeast Asia, Magal BBQ has made quite a name for itself.

Magal's combo ordering system is typical of an authentic Korean BBQ spot, allowing guests to choose their favorite proteins and cook them to perfection on the tabletop grill. The uniquely-shaped interior of the restaurant is full of these grill-top tables in a vibrant and colorful dining space, often bumping loud music that further adds to the overall joy in the Magal BBQ experience.

Named after a province in South Korea that is widely known for its high-quality meat and signature galbi dish, Soowon Galbi is bringing these same bright and bold flavors to Koreatown in Los Angeles. This Michelin Guide-listed spot is best known for the must-try namesake Soowon House Galbi dish, which is a USDA Premium Black Angus Beef bone-in short rib that is marinated for 48 hours in a signature house marinade. However, this hotspot also offers several other quality cuts that can be cooked both on the tabletop barbeque or made by the chef.

While all of the combo variations are a must-try for larger parties looking to taste the best of Soowon Galbi, many of the entrees that are better suited for parties of just one or two are just as tasty. For example, the Signature Stone Pot Bibimbap is a modern take on a traditional stone preparation that is full of flavor. Guests are able to choose between spicy octopus, spicy pork, or bulgogi along with an assortment of vegetables, rice, a perfectly fried egg, spicy chili paste, and sesame oil.

Castle BBQ is the definition of a hidden gem. This Koreatown favorite may not look like much at first glance, but the prices, quality, and sheer magnitude of the portions make it a must-try for any true fan of Korean BBQ. This all-you-can-eat-style spot offers three different menus priced at just $11.99, $14.99, and $18.99. Even the simplest $11.99 Menu A offers diners an AYCE amount of marinated beef bulgogi, sliced beef and brisket, sliced pork belly, marinated chicken, marinated pork bulgogi, and other cuts, as well as sides of rice, miso soup, and salad. For those looking to enjoy the finer cuts of meat, check out Menu C, which includes meats like ribeye steak, marinated shrimp, spicy baby octopus, and more.

It is no surprise that with prices this low and flavors so bold, there is almost always a wait at Castle BBQ. Be prepared to wait up to an hour, but rest assured — once you have secured your table, all will be worth it.

While most of the Korean BBQ spots featured on this list specialize in beef and pork preparations, Koreatown's Jae Bu Do is the ultimate spot for any seafood lover. While Jae Bu Do still offers the traditional table-top stove "cook it yourself" experience, the star of the show here is the wide array of traditional and unique seafood options for guests to enjoy.

Jae Bu Do offers four different combo menus that are divvied by the number of people in each party. For example, Combo A has a suggested serving size for two people and costs $74.99, yet it includes a staggering amount of seafood and side options. Manila and large clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, scallops, grilled croaker, and several popular side dishes make up the first combo, allowing even a party of two guests to enjoy a wide range of high-quality fish that are cooked to order on the charcoal flame.