29 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Mid-Wilshire
Best Seafood in Mid-Wilshire
Best BBQ in Mid-Wilshire
Best BBQ Ribs in Mid-Wilshire
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Mid-Wilshire
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
Monday12pm - 10pm
Tuesday12pm - 10pm
Wednesday12pm - 10pm
Thursday12pm - 10pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12:30pm - 10pm
Sunday12:30pm - 10pm