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Cafe Bandal
Master Critic Review
Cafe Bandal
7.9
Opened in 2024 at Koreatown Plaza, Cafe Bandal is a Korean-style dessert cafe featuring croissant-based taiyaki (cro-boong), matcha beverages, and Korean-inspired treats. The shop offers a cozy, healing atmosphere with fresh strawberry-filled croissant waffles and specialty teas that appeal to Wilshire office workers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Strawberry Cream Cro-Boong, Matcha Latte, Tiramisu Milk Tea
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Uses croissant dough instead of traditional pancake mix for elevated cro-boong texture
Who should go: Office workers, cafe hoppers seeking new Koreatown spots
When to visit: Weekday afternoons for freshest pastries, avoid closing time
What to order: Strawberry cream cro-boong with fresh strawberries and real cream
Insider tip: Tucked in plaza with tight parking—arrive early afternoon
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Koreatown Plaza shared lot - free but tight spaces, fills by lunch. Street parking on Oxford/Vermont has 2hr meters.
Dress code: Casual - athleisure and streetwear totally fine, it's a counter-service cafe
Noise level: Quiet - soft K-pop background, great for laptop work or catching up
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for order, mostly takeout crowd
Weekday lunch: No wait, but 3-5 min prep time for fresh cro-boong
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - all desserts are vegetarian, matcha drinks with oat milk available
Vegan options: Limited - ask for cro-boong without cream, matcha with oat milk works
Gluten-free options: No - croissant dough is the whole concept, not celiac-friendly
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a second/third date casual hangout. Too counter-service and quick for romantic first impressions, but perfect for 'let's grab dessert' vibes after dinner elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's grab-and-go style with a few cafe tables. Seating is first-come during peak hours (1-3pm weekdays).
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 5+ who like sweet treats. No high chairs or changing tables, but the strawberry cro-boong is a hit with kids. Gets crowded, so strollers are tricky.
Best For
Better for: Fresher, airier croissant texture than traditional taiyaki spots. Less touristy than Chapman Plaza cafes, more 'local secret' energy. Better quality than chain boba shops for afternoon treats.
Skip if: You want full traditional Korean taiyaki (go to Somi Somi instead). Need full meals (this is sweets-only). Want late-night dessert (closes early). Celiac/gluten issues (croissant dough everywhere).