The Best of Koreatown, Los Angeles

Where to eat, drink and relax in the most exciting neighborhood in LA

Koreatown is famously known for it’s savory K-BBQ, nightclubs, mega-spas and affordable rents. Located central to just about everything in Los Angeles, this bustling culture grid is the closest thing you can get to hopping a flight to Seoul.

After three years of residing in K-town, for the preferred proximity to shiatsu massages, hand cut noodles and hot-pot-soups, I’ve narrowed down some of my favorite places. The ever growing, ever changing; The Best of Koreatown Los Angeles. Scroll this neighborhood guide below for all things noodles, spa’s, matcha and more!

Best of Koreatown Spa & Wellness

Aroma Spa and Sports

This is the ultimate state of the art, four level spa and sport megaplex of your dreams! The treatments here are top notch and the access to the rooftop golf range is unparalleled. Thankfully it is open to the public at a very reasonable price. Bring your own clubs.

Samra Acupuncture Clinic:

Treating the Duchess of Sussex herself, Dr. Chung is a fifth generation practitioner of Oriental Medicine and utilizes traditional Korean Acupuncture according to your body’s constitution.

Spa LA:

One of my favorite ladies spa in Koreatown for clean facilities and a variety of mineral rooms. Also called Wilshire Ladies Spa or Spa LA, this is my go to spa for quiet time and professional services. From salt room, herbal dry room, steam, sauna and negative ion room, this spa is the best for the price and the peace of mind it brings. Scrubs, massage and Yoni-steams are offered. Try the combo massages for the most detailed massage and facial you’ve ever had!

Wi Spa:

Not my favorite solo day spa, but if you’re with friends or a partner, this mega-spa is a great gathering place to enjoy the co-ed spaces together. They are open 24/7 and have everything from a full gym, rooftop and separate spa facilities for men and women.

Olympic Spa:

Ladies spa offering herbal whirl-pools, saunas and bodywork treatments in a spacious and clean atmosphere.

Dream Bodyworks:

When you find a great massage therapist, you stick with them! Get the 90 minutes deep tissue for a strong shiatsu with the addition of hot stones.

KoKo Foot Massage:

I started coming here for reflexology but now I get the 60 minute back and leg treatments. They are always consistent and at a fair price. As a walk in I have never had to wait more than 20 minutes, and have had multiple different providers who are all very skilled.

Koreatown Dessert’s

Bumsan Organic Milk Bar:

Skip the fancy cones and come here for creamy matcha goodness or purple taro ice cream that is just the right amount of sweet and savory.

85 Degrees:

The Strawberry Tiramisu cake will be the highlight of the evening at any dinner party or birthday celebration. This bakery has all your favorites at a reasonable price.

Holy Roly:

Order the Ferror Rochet or Earl Grey. Out of town friends will say damn, “I wish we had one of these back home.” The texture of the rolled ice cream is unlike any other. Create your own or stick with the menu, you won’t regret it.

Somi Somi:

Come here for a special Korean dessert called “Ah-Boong”, a fish-shaped waffle cone filled with your choice of filling and topped with soft serve ice cream. The cone is the perfect mix of sweet and savory and the matcha ice cream is out of this world delicious.

Honeyme:

Matcha game is strong, so is the honey milk ice cream. Love me some Honeyme!This little window walk up keeps it simple. The soft serve is so creamy with the perfect hit of honey.

Ubatuba Acai:

Superfood Acai bowls with toppings like hemp seeds, cacao, mango, kiwi and more. If you have had acai bowls before, then you know! This place serves authentic açaí, no added sugar and no bs.

Ramen & Hot Pot Soups

Iki Ramen:

Simple, elegant and minimal atmosphere serving flavor-packed dishes. Let this be your new go-to take-out spot. Order the Burnt Garlic Tonkatsu on repeat!

Saikai Ramen Bar:

Delicious ramen and rice bowls. Order the Gyukotsu, a 36-hour beef bone broth with shiitake and green onion.

Ten Ramen:

Low-key ramen spot offering Japanese soups and fried rice. Order the Spicy Miso Ramen and Chicken Karaage. Ten Ramen will be your favorite ramen take out spot!

Hangari:

Traditional Korean Kalguksu soup served with a 1/2 chicken and jujube. These hand cut noodles upped my noodle game! An absolute must, delicious! The noodles are unlike any noodle you’ve had before, come hungry and expect waits.

My Thai:

Another of my frequent take out spots, order the Khao Soi, Spicy Noodle Soup or the Papaya Salad. My Thai serves big portions at a very reasonable price. Very easily one of my most frequented take out spots.

Sun Nong Dan:

Featured in the LA times for “Bubbling cauldrons of goodness”, come here for traditional hot pot soups served with turnip kimchi, spicy chives and sweet onions. For all the traditional flavors, this is your go to spot.

Koreatown Quick Eats & Classic’s

Michindak:

I have one very real addiction, fried chicken from Michindak! Order the Honey Orange Chicken Sandwich with extra pickles, if that’s your jam.

Café Concerto:

Korean-Italian fare with a lively outdoor space. I had the Mushroom Truffle Oil Pizza and a variety of macaroons for dessert.

Hae Ha Heng:

New favorite Thai spot with a roof top patio and traditional dishes. Order the Green Curry lunch special with the Papaya salad.

The Carving Board:

The Sweet November sandwich with a side salad and nothing else.

Open Air:

Green-house patio with Californian-culinary fare. Come here for brunch in a beautiful outdoor atmosphere and order the Cinnamon Roll with the Eggs Benedict.

Cassell’s Hamburgers:

located inside Hotel Normandie, this American style diner offers classic breakfast, lunch and dinner. Order the Cheeseburger with a side of Truffle fries.

Lock and Key Pizza:

Next to one the hottest Koreatown night spots, this unassuming pizza window serves New York style classics.

Top Korean BBQ

Quarters BBQ at Chapman Market:

Come here for a lively courtyard atmosphere but get here before 7pm if you want to beat the crowds. There is always a crowd. If you’re new to koreatown and want a place to jump in, Chapman Market is it! Always lively and vibrant, Chapman Market has a variety of stores, restaurants and cafes.

Woo Hyang Woo:

Sit outside and order The Tamahawk, a pitcher of beer and you’re all set. Afterwards head to Chapman Market for dessert!

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong:

Come with a group of people and order the Spicy Pork Belly, Bulgogi and Banchan. Keep the Soju and Hite coming!

Jjukku Jjukku BBQ:

Come here for three things–The charcoal grill, lunch special and Marinated Beef Bulgogi. Hit it at happy hour, your will be so full and impressed when your bill comes.

Best of Koreatown Coffee & Tea

Alchemist:

Serving Onyx Coffee (my personal favorite!) Order the Duo Latte or a Stormy Weather pour-over.

Heyri:

One of my favorite patio’s in Koreatown. Order the Tiramisu and Hongsam-cha tea.

One More:

The Matcha Einspanner is made to perfection here, and their Buratta is the best mid-summers-day bite. Oh, and the upstairs patio! Divine.

Balcony Coffee Tea

Cute cafe with a verdant patio, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Alfred:

Located inside the Line Hotel, Alfred is a cult favorite coffee spot in Los Angeles and Japan.

Rose and Blanc Tea Room:

Fancy and chic high-tea room serving cakes and finger sandwiches in a bright and whimsical atmosphere.

Best Koreatown Bars & Lounges

The Normandie Club:

Craft cocktails with a vintage and moody ambience, this hotel bar attracts out-of-towners and Los Angelenos.

The Prince:

Pink lamps and red leather booths light up this old-school hideaway. Hollywood loves this bar for TV shows like New Girl and Mad Men.

HMS Bounty:

A Nostalgic feel with a nautical theme and lively Christmas decorations make this bar a cozy holiday gem.

Dan Sung Sa:

Authentic Korean pub with a waiting list. Come here for a drink or late night bites. Offering small plates and soju drinks, I recommend the chicken Yakitori, Hot Pot Udon and Tofu Kimchi to soak up the night.

Lock and Key:

Speakeasy on the edge of K-town with great cocktails and an outdoor dance floor. It’s a vibe. The pizza spot next door serves two styles; Sicilian or New York.

Star Night:

Attracting a stylish and upscale crowd, this restaurant and bar serves traditional Korean dishes and drinks. The outdoor space here is amazing to relax, kick back and have cocktails with friends.

Break Room 86:

Cocktails, Karaoke and Michael Jackson impersonations. Enter the secret passageway for an 80’s analog atmosphere.

Escala:

Colombian bar and restaurant inside Chapman Market with funky gramophone chandeliers and Latin dishes. Come here for drinks and small plates. Order the Empanadas and the Loaded Yucca Fries.