Best Korean Restaurants in Sawtelle
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Tofu Ya
Old-reliable West LA sundubu and BBQ combos.
Notable Picks
#1
Tofu Ya
8
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
#2
The Mulberry
7.8
A Sawtelle bistro that applies French technique to Korean comfort—acorn noodles, kimchi pancake, and steak tartare that lean refined without losing their roots. The tight 54-review sample skews heavily positive (81% five-star), suggesting early adopters respond well to the upscale date-night positioning. Best suited for couples or small groups willing to explore Korean-American crossover in a polished setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Ribs, Steak Tartare, Acorn Noodles
What Makes it Special: Korean-inflected bistro on Sawtelle blending French technique with Korean flavors
7.7
A Sawtelle strip-mall specialist built around bubbling stone pots of soon tofu—silky soft tofu in brothy, spiced soups that arrive volcanic and stay hot through the last spoonful. The banchan spread adds dimension without distraction, and the late-night hours make it a reliable landing spot when the craving hits after normal kitchen hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tofu Soup, Galbi, Bibimbap
What Makes it Special: Sawtelle staple specializing in bubbling-hot soon tofu soup served with an extensive banchan spread