The Pearl Smokes Out KTown’s Award-Winning BBQ
LA’s Koreatown has become synonymous with BBQ. And lucky residents of The Pearl can barely walk out the door without being seduced by the enticing aromas and exotic ingredients of the best Korean BBQ restaurants outside of Seoul. The Michelin Guide has recognized many local establishments in their “Best Korean Restaurants in Los Angeles” and awarded their coveted Bib Gourmand to Dha Rae Oak, LA’s original duck Korean BBQ Restaurant. From sleek urban eateries to traditional grills, and all-you-can-eat feasts, we’ve smoked out some of our favorites,
Feel like playing grill master at home? Take a cue from The Pearl’s very own KBBQ – two BBQ counter tops overlooking the pool deck, conveniently located near the Club Room for easy access and amazing views.
Baekjeong Los Angeles 3429 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90005
Baekjeong, the Korean word for “butcher,” reflects the commitment to serve only the highest quality meats, and offer a truly outstanding Korean cultural dining experience, showcasing the rich authentic flavors and the unique qualities of Korean barbecue. The restaurant prides itself on serving premium beef and pork cuts cooked before your eyes on signature tabletop grills to create a unique ambience where customers can experience the Korean food culture, not only in their taste buds, but with all of their senses.
Quarters Korean BBQ Chapman Plaza 3465 W 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90020
Featured in the Michelin Guide’s “Best Korean Restaurants in Los Angeles,” Quarters Korean BBQ is a coalescence of an elevated taste of Korean barbecue and the modern industrial design of Los Angeles. Eating and drinking converge in this chic space and has become one of LA’s top destination spots for Korean BBQ. Whether it’s classic Galbi Beef or the Spicy Back Rib Fondue, Quarters has something for everyone, and is sure to delight those who want a true Korean BBQ experience or just grab a drink to hang out.
Park’s BBQ 955 S Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90006
Located in the heart of LA’s Koreatown, Park’s BBQ is widely regarded as the finest authentic Korean BBQ restaurant in Southern California. Chef Jenee Kim, born in Seoul Korea, graduated from Seoul Women’s College with a degree in Culinary Science. After moving to Los Angeles with her two children in 2000, Chef Jenee opened the acclaimed Park’s BBQ, marrying traditional Korean cuisine with her inventive view on flavors. With its commitment to the highest quality ingredients, Park’s has earned numerous awards and has been featured in countless media.
Danbi Chapman Plaza 3465 W 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90020
Recognized by the 2025 Michelin Guide, the term Danbi translates to the first sweet rain after a long drought, the kind you wait all season for. The Danbi team grew up between two tables. The Korean one at home, with its banchan, steamed rice, and a grandmother’s expectations. The American one, everywhere else. For years, they tried to pick a side. Danbi is what happened when they stopped. The flavors they were raised on, plated for the Koreatown they love. Meat over charcoal, crispy scallop pancakes, soju by the bottle. Familiar enough for our parents, loud enough that nobody reaches for their coat.
Dha Rae Oak 1106 S Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90006
A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Dha Rae Oak is a duck-centric restaurant offering Korean specialties such as clay pot roasted duck and marinated duck skewers, as well as bibimbap and noodles. The dishes are generously portioned, and the whole roasted duck is stuffed with chestnuts, sweet potatoes, rice, and herbs, then wrapped and roasted for hours. The bronzed duck is plated before your eyes. A spicy dipping sauce and light broth with greens elevate the experience to a new level.
Jeong Yuk Jeom 621 S Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90005
The name Jeong Yuk Jeom comes from jeongyukjeom, which means butcher shop in Korean. Founded by brothers Jaeyong and Andrew, who carried forth their family’s legacy from South Korea to the United States, they celebrate the essence of Korean barbecue. Jeong Yuk Jeom specializes in hand-selected, premium dry-aged meats, a process for beef designed primarily to intensify flavor, with a secondary benefit of promoting tenderness. The flavor development is shaped by a reduction in moisture, which correlates to a concentration of flavor. If you want to go beyond meat, the menu is rounded out by Korean staples such as crisp seafood pancake, soft tofu stew, short rib soup, and banchan (small side dishes served along with cooked rice).
Chosun Galbee 3330 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019
One of LA’s longest-running Korean barbecue restaurants, Chosun Galbee is a unique and sumptuous dining experience nestled in the heart of Ktown. Serving a range of authentic Korean dishes, the menu includes Angus prime sirloin steaks, beef, chicken, pork, shrimp and noodle soup, as well as crab, pan-fried fish, black codfish and prime rib. Chosun Galbee offers a garden-like open-air dining area and indoor dining.
Yong Su San 950 S Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90006
Specializing in the storied dishes that were once served to Korea’s royals, this mini Seoul-based chain is a Ktown stand out, featuring hanbok-attired servers and warren of private rooms, an expansive foyer with a counter, and carved wooden seats with plush cushions. Favorites bibimbap and colorful japchae noodles hit the spot, as does the galbijjim—sweet and savory braised short ribs—and all come with a generous assortment of banchan, including several types of kimchi. As a grace note, you might be given a bowl of sujeonggwa, a chilled cinnamon-flavored punch.
Ten-Raku 4177 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90020
Located in the heart of Koreatown, Ten-Raku was listed as one of the “Top 15 Korean BBQ restaurants to try right now” by LA Eater and “The 14 Must-Try” Korean BBQ Joints in LA Magazine.. Although largely known for their selection of the quality meats, such Kobe style premium short ribs, USDA Prime short ribs, and USDA prime skirt steak, you’ll also find dishes such as Nakji Bokkeum (spicy marinated octopus with assorted vegetables in hot pot), Mul Nengmyun (cold noodle soup), and traditional Korean stews such as Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi stew), Doenjang Jjigae (Korean-style spicy miso soup), and Galbi Tang (short rib soup).
Genwa Korean BBQ 5115 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Genwa is a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant, known for its high quality meats and plethora of extensively curated banchans. Genwa has been acknowledged as one of the best and truest Korean BBQ experiences in Los Angeles. Known for its premium meat and seafood choices, you’ll never be disappointed on occasions when money is no object. It’s best to order one of the set courses, all of which come with one or more cooked items like japchae (stir-fried potato-based glass noodles), soondubu, or bibimbap.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Chosun Galbee
Photo# 2: The Pearl
Photo #3: Baekjeong
Photo #4: Quarters Korean BBQ
Photo #5: Park’s BBQ
Photo #6: Danbi
Photo #7: Dha Rae Oak
Photo #8: Jeong Yuk Jeom
Photo #9: Chosun Galbee
Photo #10: Michelin Guide
Photo #11: Ten-Raku
Photo #12: Genwa Korean BBQ