New Wonjo
Korean · Koreatown · $
Korean · Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA · $$
“The Best Korean Restaurant in Los Angeles” by Timeout LA Dec 2023 “ And the gooey raw crab, marinated in Soban’s own mild homemade soy sauce, is among the very best reasons to visit Koreatown, a sweetly caressing jolt of salt and umami that may be unlike anything you have ever tasted. -Jonathan gold Soban is a traditional Korean restaurant led by a mother-daughter team. The menu is a celebration of Korean flavors, featuring signature dishes like Galbi jjim (braised short ribs), Braised Black Cod, and Soy Marinated Raw Crab. With Michelin Guide recognition and features in LA Times' Best Restaurants ('20,'21,'22,’23), JGOLD 101 ('13,'15,'16,'17), and Eater LA's 38 Essentials, and more - Soban offers truly authentic Korean flavors in Los Angeles.
“Excellent service (warm and attentive), fresh seafood (soy marinated crab and braised cod are non-negotiable)! The banchan are delightful and such a great variety.”
“The marinated raw crab is the best raw crab I’ve ever had in ktown! The braised beef short rib stew was amazing, mostly salty but combined with a little bit of sweet. The service was amazing and we got free oolong tea after checkout:)”
“This place truly deserves five stars! The marinated crab is absolutely amazing- fresh , sweet, and perfectly seasoned. The sauce is not greasy at all and goes so well with the rice. And the fish is also incredible fresh, and the texture just melts in your mouth. I usually don’t eat much of the side dishes at the restaurant because there are often either too sour or too salty, but every single bancai here was so delicious that I finished them all. It’s been a longtime since I have had Korean food that doesn’t leave me too heavy or uncomfortable after the meal. This place feels light and refreshing, with absolutely no greasy aftertaste. The quality of ingredients is excellent, and the seasoning is very well balanced and restrained. It’s kind of good that makes you want to keep eating and definitely come back again!”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Special Dining Experience at Soban If you’re looking for not just authentic Korean cuisine, but also warm, personal service that goes above and beyond — Soban in Koreatown is a must-visit. This mother-daughter-run restaurant is a true gem, and it’s no surprise that they’ve earned a Michelin rating and are highly recognized in the Los Angeles food scene. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with kindness and genuine hospitality. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was flavorful, comforting, and beautifully prepared. Their specialties shine with quality and care — truly some of the best Korean food I’ve had in LA. What made our night unforgettable was the personal touch: they surprised my friend with a bowl of seaweed soup and a birthday dessert complete with a candle. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it meant a lot. We enjoyed our meal so much that we almost ran late for our concert afterward — that’s how good it was! Highly recommend Soban if you’re looking for an experience that’s not only delicious, but heartfelt and memorable. This is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Such a wonderful dining experience! The meal included an amazing variety of fermented side dishes — fresh, flavorful, and all included. Everything we tried was delicious and absolutely worth it. The highlight was the Galbi Jjim (slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew). The meat was fall-apart tender, with bold, heartwarming flavors that made it unforgettable. At $50 + tax, it felt like a true indulgence and completely worth the price. Can’t wait to come back!”
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