Best Trendy Table Hotspots Korean Restaurants in Downtown LA
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Baroo
Chef Kwang Uh's fermentation-focused modern Korean tasting menu draws from Buddhist and Taoist philosophy, with house-made ferments adding depth to every course.
Notable Picks
#1
Baroo
8.4
Chef Kwang Uh's LA Times Restaurant of the Year channels Buddhist philosophy and temple fermentation techniques learned during six months with nun Jeong Kwan into a six-course, $125 tasting menu that borrows from homestyle Korean bansang traditions. The Arts District space keeps service deliberately relaxed, avoiding the self-importance of typical tasting menus. Vegetarian and vegan options require 24-hour notice but rank among the city's best special-occasion plant-based meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido Scallop, Soy-Braised Wild Black Cod, Brandt Beef Short Rib
What Makes it Special: Chef Kwang Uh's fermentation-focused modern Korean tasting menu draws from Buddhist and Taoist philosophy, with house-made ferments adding depth to every course.
8.1
A handroll-leaning counter tucked inside a nightlife-style room, blending sushi precision with a downtown bar buzz. Fish quality is clean and well-seasoned, and the menu pushes beyond basics into richer, saucier temaki builds. Come for an elevated handroll session that feels like part of the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna temaki, Blue crab temaki, Uni & caviar temaki
What Makes it Special: Handrolls in a bar-driven, after-dark Downtown setting.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A fresh Arts District outpost from Seoul that plays modern Korean comfort with a glossy, social-room vibe. Dishes like jeon, jjajangmyeon, and tteokbokki get contemporary twists while staying recognizable and craveable. Still new in LA, but early execution shows real promise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hojok galbi, Truffle jjajangmyeon, Potato jeon
What Makes it Special: Seoul-born modern Korean comfort in Arts District.
7.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Manna Korean BBQ, set inside Little Tokyo Galleria, offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with grills at every table and late-night hours that draw big groups. It’s less polished than newer KBBQ spots but remains a reliable option when you want marinated meats and banchan after most kitchens close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marinated short rib (kalbi), Spicy pork bulgogi, Garlic-soy brisket
What Makes it Special: All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with grills running late into the night.