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PERILLA fare
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
PERILLA fare
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Perilla brings Korean barbecue and modern Korean-American plates to a polished, communal setting just west of River North. Diners build feasts around premium meats, banchan, and rice bowls that balance familiar comfort with chef-driven detail.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled LA galbi, Bibimbop, Fire chicken rice bowl
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Communal Korean barbecue with chef-driven plates and strong review-backed consistency.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting polished Korean BBQ with drinks.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full grill energy and buzz.
What to order: LA galbi, bibimbop, Korean Meal Plate.
Insider tip: Reserve a grill table and plan to share a meat-focused feast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Fulton River District; expect metered spots nearby plus several paid garages within a short walk. Rideshare is common on busy nights.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate–lively during peak dinner hours; conversation is possible but can feel energetic around grill tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for grill tables during peak windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait, depending on business crowd flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (banchan, salads, a few mains), but the menu is meat-forward overall.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of sides and vegetable dishes; best to ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-aware on request; sauces and marinades vary, so confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room and shared-grill format create an interactive, energetic date experience, especially if you’re comfortable with a livelier atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but grill tables book up quickly on weekends — walk-ins may face a wait or be seated at non-grill tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids and families comfortable with grill-table dining; the vibe skews adult and social during peak evenings.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Korean BBQ with polished service, shareable meat platters, and a modern Korean-American plate section that feels more refined than casual BBQ spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-noise dinner, strictly traditional Korean menus, or a wide vegan/vegetarian selection.
PERILLA fare
8.6
Perilla Fare is a Bib Gourmand–recognized Korean American spot with a cozy patio, tabletop grilling, and a menu that moves from scallion pancakes to jjampong and LA galbi. It’s a destination in the Fulton River District for groups who want interactive grilling with serious cooking chops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean BBQ platter with LA galbi, Scallion pancake, Jjampong mussels & shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin Bib Gourmand Korean barbecue with a snug patio and tabletop grills.
Who should go: Small groups seeking interactive Korean BBQ on a patio.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours on mild evenings for full grill energy.
What to order: LA galbi platter, scallion pancake, jjampong mussels & shrimp.
Insider tip: Book an early or late patio seating and plan a shared BBQ feast—portions are rich, so keep the order focused on a few key meats and sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Fulton River District; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual layers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at most patio tables, but grill sizzle and group energy can build during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio or grill tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short, though patio seating may still be limited on mild days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of small plates and sides (like scallion pancake, rice, and veggie-forward banchan) can form a light meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and salads may work with modifications; BBQ and soups skew meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Several grilled meats and rice-based dishes can be made gluten-conscious on request, but cross-contact is possible — confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and grill interaction make it engaging and memorable, especially if you like a shared, conversational meal rather than a quiet, formal one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but patio and grill tables fill first — walking in is easiest early evening or late night; otherwise expect a wait and ask to join the list.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who can sit through a shared grill meal; space is tighter and heat from grills may be challenging for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor grilling with a cozy, neighborhood feel, Bib Gourmand consistency, and shared platters that work especially well for small groups.
Skip if: You want a very quiet dinner, strictly vegan choices, or a large-party patio with guaranteed seating at peak hours.