Best Korean Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
The Mulberry
8.6
A new-school Korean American bistro on Sawtelle that pairs fine-dining technique with comforting, soulful flavors. The room feels like a warm Westside dinner party, and the kitchen leans into polished versions of favorites like fried chicken and jjigae with premium ingredients. Come for a date or celebratory night when you want Korean food with a contemporary LA edge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy-garlic fried chicken, Char-grilled short rib ssam, Wagyu jjigae tasting set
What makes it special: Korean bistro cooking from a fine-dining pedigree in a Westside setting.
8.4
A long-running Sawtelle staple for soondubu combos and generous banchan, reliably busy with locals who don’t want to trek to Koreatown. The tofu stews are rich, piping hot, and grounded in classic flavors, while BBQ plates and bibimbap round out the comfort-food appeal. It’s one of the Westside’s most validated Korean institutions, with huge review volume backing its consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soondubu (soft tofu stew) combo, Galbi BBQ combo, Seafood pancake (haemul pajeon)
What makes it special: Westside soondubu powerhouse with proven, high-volume local love.
#3
Tofu Ya
8.0
A no-frills Sawtelle standby that hits the spot for sundubu, kalbi, and dolsot bibimbap without the fuss. The spice level is Westside-friendly, portions are hearty, and combos make it easy to build a satisfying meal. Expect strip-mall simplicity, but dependable flavor that keeps regulars returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tofu soup (sundubu), Bulgogi or galbi combo, Kimchi dolsot bibimbap
What makes it special: Old-reliable West LA sundubu and BBQ combos.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A fast-casual bowl shop serving Korean BBQ flavors in an efficient grab-and-go format. The galbi and bulgogi bowls lean savory-sweet, with crisp veggies and a comforting rice base that travels well. It’s a solid everyday option when you want Korean tastes on a budget, without committing to a full sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi rice bowl, Bulgogi bowl, Spicy pork bowl
What makes it special: Korean BBQ comfort in a fast-casual rice-bowl lane.