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Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire is a polished, destination-level Korean barbecue house where prime beef cuts, meticulous banchan, and attentive service anchor the experience. With thousands of strong reviews and a steady reputation, it’s a go-to in Hancock Park for both special-occasion dinners and serious KBBQ fans who want consistent quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Galbi (marinated short rib), Assorted Prime Beef Combo, Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-end Korean BBQ with extensive banchan and prime cuts in a polished room.
Who should go: KBBQ lovers planning special-occasion or destination dinners.
When to visit: Prime evenings and weekends; reserve ahead for peak times.
What to order: Prime galbi combo, assorted prime beef platter, seafood pancake.
Insider tip: Ask about combo sets to sample multiple premium cuts without over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available in the shared structure and is the most reliable option; limited street parking on Wilshire and neighborhood side streets fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale — dark denim, button-downs, and dressier tops fit the room’s polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversations are doable at most tables but expect peak-hour buzz from grills and larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for large parties.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, with smoother seating throughout the afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable banchan, salads, and tofu-based options, but BBQ items are meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited — banchan varies daily but expect only 1–2 vegan-friendly sides plus a salad.
Gluten-free options: Manageable with guidance — many grilled meats are naturally gluten-free; confirm marinades and sauces with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished setting, attentive service, and interactive grilling create an engaging shared experience without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky during peak evenings; walking in on weeknights or later hours gives you the best shot. Weekends almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens familiar with Korean BBQ; younger children may find the heat and grill setup challenging. Highchairs are available but space can feel tight.
Best For
Better for: Premium cuts, an unusually large array of banchan, and consistently high service standards make it ideal for celebrations or guests wanting a refined KBBQ experience.
Skip if: You want a budget-friendly grill house, prefer casual all-you-can-eat formats, or need extensive vegan and gluten-free options.
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire
8.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Genwa Mid Wilshire is a high-volume Korean BBQ institution where tables grill premium meats and seafood over smokeless grills while servers keep an expansive banchan spread flowing. Beyond beef, seafood fans lean on spicy calamari, grilled mackerel, and salmon plates in a polished dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy calamari stir-fry (Ojinguh Bokkum), Grilled mackerel lunch special, Salmon teriyaki
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Upscale Korean BBQ with strong seafood options and huge banchan spread.
Who should go: Groups wanting Korean BBQ plus substantial seafood choices.
When to visit: Weeknights or early dinners for shorter waits and calmer vibe.
What to order: Ojinguh Bokkum, grilled mackerel, salmon teriyaki alongside BBQ.
Insider tip: Let staff handle the grill so seafood and meats cook perfectly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the shared building garage ($8–$12), with limited metered street parking on Wilshire and neighborhood streets after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean polished due to the upscale setting, but jeans and clean sneakers are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversations are doable but expect a steady buzz from grills and large groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime 6–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins are generally seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — banchan variety plus vegetable plates and non-meat cooked dishes, though selection is smaller than meat-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — some banchan and vegetable dishes may qualify, but many involve fish sauce or shared grills, so verify with staff.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — several seafood and grilled items can be prepared without marinades, but cross-contact on shared grills is likely; request guidance from staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a shared, interactive experience with polished ambiance. The grilling and banchan spread add fun conversation starters, though it may feel too lively for those preferring a quieter, intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect a wait during peak evenings. Walk-ins are more successful on weeknights and late dinners; weekends strongly favor reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who can handle hot grills at the table. Younger children may find the environment too busy; no dedicated kids menu but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Large-group Korean BBQ with an unusually strong seafood lineup, attentive grill service, and an expansive, high-quality banchan spread.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist meal or prefer charcoal-based grilling experiences with more traditional, low-key interiors.
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire is an upscale KBBQ standard-bearer known for premium marinated galbi, Creekstone short ribs, and an expansive spread of 20-plus banchan. Smokeless tabletop grills, polished service, and a dark, clubby dining room make it a favorite for date nights, business dinners, and celebrations. It’s where Mid-Wilshire locals go when they want Korean BBQ to feel like a full night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marinated Galbi, Prime Brisket, Spicy Pork Bulgogi
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Upscale Korean BBQ with premium meats, 20-plus banchan, and smokeless grills.
Who should go: Date-night diners and business groups wanting polished KBBQ.
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer service and easier reservations.
What to order: Marinated galbi, prime brisket, spicy pork bulgogi.
Insider tip: Reserve a corner booth for a more private grilling experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet in front of the restaurant (typically $10–$15) plus limited metered street parking on Wilshire and adjacent side streets; street spots fill quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; dark jeans, button-ups, and elevated casualwear fit the room’s upscale vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak dinner hours; still manageable for conversation but expect lively grill sizzle and table chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, occasionally longer during prime 6:30–8pm seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are usually seated immediately or within a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Light but workable—banchan, grilled vegetables, bibimbap, tofu dishes, and salads offer enough variety for a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable banchan, greens, and rice options, but most items include marinade or seasoning with animal products.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—several meats can be ordered without marinades, and many banchan are naturally gluten-free; best to request guidance from the server before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's polished, interactive, and visually impressive without feeling stuffy. The private-feeling booths help conversation, and the premium meats make it feel like a special night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are feasible on weeknights or early dinners. On weekends, expect a wait of up to an hour unless you arrive before 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids (8+) who enjoy grilling and shared plates will do well. The dark, upscale room and longer meal pace are less ideal for toddlers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Premium meats, polished service, extensive banchan variety, and a refined environment that suits celebrations and business dinners.
Skip if: You want a casual, smoky, bustling KBBQ vibe, prefer all-you-can-eat formats, or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire
8.7
Since 2008, Genwa’s Mid-Wilshire dining room has been known for premium galbi and an unusually huge spread of banchan cooked and tended by attentive servers. Short ribs hit the grill alongside seafood and stews, making it a polished option when you want Korean barbecue ribs in a more upscale setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Galbi (marinated short rib), Assorted Banchan and A-Course Set, Seafood Pancake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-end Korean BBQ with standout galbi and an enormous banchan spread.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting refined Korean BBQ ribs.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekend reservations for smoother service.
What to order: Prime galbi set, seafood pancake, lunch or dinner course.
Insider tip: Let the servers handle most of the grilling so the short ribs stay perfectly cooked and you can focus on the sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on-site for a fee, and metered street parking can be found on adjacent blocks but fills quickly during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but relaxed. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz from grills and groups, but you can still hold a normal conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with same-day tables available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable banchan, grilled veggie platters, and tofu stews provide real meal options.
Vegan options: Limited—some banchan and vegetable sides qualify, but grilling options are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many meats are naturally gluten-free but sauces can contain soy; ask for gluten-aware guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's polished, attentive, and interactive without being chaotic. The table-side service creates engagement while the upscale setting keeps things comfortable and elevated.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—walk-ins are accepted, but weekend evenings fill quickly. Arriving early or targeting weekday dinners improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can sit through a longer meal and enjoy interactive grilling. Younger children may find the heat and pacing challenging.
Best For
Better for: Premium galbi, attentive grill service, and one of the largest banchan spreads in the area—great for celebrations and polished group dinners.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly KBBQ spot or prefer to grill everything yourself without server assistance.
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire
8.6
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Genwa’s Mid-Wilshire flagship has become a go-to Korean BBQ choice for birthdays and group celebrations, thanks to grill-at-table meats, vast banchan spreads, and private-friendly booths. High review volume and year-round crowds show how often locals trust it for big nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi (marinated prime short rib) with full banchan spread, Japchae glass noodles with vegetables, A Course set menu with dolsot bibimbap and spicy tofu soup
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-end Korean BBQ with extensive banchan and celebration-friendly set menus.
Who should go: Groups wanting interactive grills and shared celebratory platters.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners for birthday energy and bustle.
What to order: Galbi, A Course combo, japchae with a round of soju.
Insider tip: Reserve one of the semi-enclosed booths if you’re celebrating with a larger party.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available in the shared lot (typically $10–$15); limited metered street parking fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most groups dress a bit elevated for birthdays and celebrations.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours with active grills and celebrations; conversations are doable but energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on party size; large groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins are typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—banchan, vegetable plates, japchae, and a few non-meat dishes.
Vegan options: Very limited—some banchan and plain veggie dishes; grilling focus means options are constrained.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many proteins can be ordered without marinades; staff can guide toward GF-friendly banchan.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something lively and interactive—grilling can be fun, but the noise and smoke aren’t ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during peak dinner hours. Walk-ins are more successful on weekdays or earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths work well for families, and the variety of banchan appeals to younger diners. Just be mindful of hot grills for very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, birthdays, and anyone who values extensive banchan and semi-private booths.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or need robust vegan options—other Korean restaurants or non-grill spots may suit better.