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ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Downtown LA
Best Romantic Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Downtown LA
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Restaurant Ki
8.5
A 10-seat Korean tasting menu in Little Tokyo's basement that earned a Michelin star and the 2025 Young Chef Award in under a year of operation. Chef Ki Kim's 12-course menu at $285 blends Korean technique with global influences—shirako gimbap, octopus with its own head sauce, 45-day dry-aged dairy cow. LA Times named it 2025's best new restaurant; reservations release monthly and disappear fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shirako Gimbap, Octopus with Octopus Head Sauce, Perilla Noodle with Winter Truffle
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Michelin-starred Korean tasting menu from the 2025 Young Chef Award winner
Who should go: Fine dining adventurers seeking elevated Korean cuisine
When to visit: Reservations essential; counter seats for chef interaction
What to order: The $285 tasting menu is the only option—every course is intentional
Insider tip: The octopus with octopus head sauce is a signature—savor the crispy sear
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Secure attached parking structure—$10 on weekends. Enter building from garage, elevator to basement
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the intimate 10-seat counter creates an exclusive, special experience. Michelin-starred New Korean cuisine with global influences. Perfect for impressing someone who appreciates culinary artistry.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No - reservations required through Tock and they sell out quickly. Open Wed-Sun 6:30-9pm only. Plan well in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? No - this is a sophisticated tasting menu experience with only 10 counter seats. No kids menu, fixed courses, and intimate fine dining atmosphere not suited for children.
Is it good for groups? No - maximum 3 guests per reservation. Cannot accommodate larger groups even across multiple bookings. This is designed for intimate dining only.
Is there outdoor seating? No - this is an intimate indoor counter-style restaurant with 10 seats. No outdoor dining available.
Best For
Better for: New Korean cuisine seekers—10-seat counter, Michelin-starred, $285 tasting menu. Book on 1st of month at noon
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday6:30pm - 9pm
Thursday6:30pm - 9pm
Friday6:30pm - 9pm
Saturday6:30pm - 9pm
Sunday6:30pm - 9pm