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Majordomo
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Majordomo
8.1
David Chang's first LA restaurant blends Korean, Chinese, Italian and American influences in a converted warehouse space with industrial-chic design. The menu centers on shareable bing flatbreads, crispy mushroom rice, and the famous whole plate short rib that requires 24-hour advance ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Plate Short Rib, Crispy Mushroom Rice, Spicy Lamb Bing
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Celebrity chef David Chang's Asian fusion with Korean soul
Who should go: Groups seeking shareable format and buzzy atmosphere
When to visit: Weekend brunch on the patio or weeknight dinner
What to order: Whole plate short rib (call 24 hours ahead), crispy mushroom rice, bing
Insider tip: Parking lot behind restaurant looks abandoned but is legit
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant (looks sketchy but it's official), street parking tough after 7pm. Lot entrance on Cesar Chavez Ave
Dress code: LA casual-cool - jeans and a nice top works, sneakers fine but the crowd leans stylish
Noise level: Lively buzz - warehouse acoustics mean you'll need to lean in slightly during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, book ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options - mushroom rice is a star, multiple veggie bing, tofu dishes
Vegan options: Doable but limited - 3-4 items, ask server to modify bing toppings
Gluten-free options: Challenging - bing is wheat-based, but rice bowls and some proteins work, servers knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you both like energy and sharing food - the buzz creates low-pressure conversation and communal eating is a vibe. Skip if you want intimate/quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, or try arriving right at 5pm opening. Weekend dinner without a res is a gamble - call ahead same-day to check.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who eat adventurously - shareable format works, but loud atmosphere and later dinner pace better for older kids than toddlers. No kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting a scene and Instagram-worthy food, unique fusion flavors you can't get elsewhere, impressing out-of-towners with LA food culture
Skip if: You want traditional Korean BBQ, need a quiet business dinner, or are on a tight budget (sharing adds up fast)
Majordomo
8.6
David Chang's California flagship translates Momofuku's Korean-inflected cooking through a farmers market lens in an industrial Chinatown warehouse. Executive Chef James Bailey highlights seasonal produce in knockout large-format proteins like whole plate short rib and smoked bo ssäm, while house-made bings with creative toppings anchor the small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Plate Short Rib, Crispy Mushroom Rice, Bing with Eggplant & Pine Gremolata
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: David Chang's LA debut merges Korean technique with California's seasonal bounty
Who should go: Date night diners and celebratory groups
When to visit: Book well ahead; patio perfect for weekend lunch
What to order: Whole plate short rib (call 24 hours ahead), mushroom rice, any bing
Insider tip: The beef fried rice uses short rib trimmings for silky richness
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in adjacent lot ($8), street parking challenging evenings/weekends
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and button-down works, but locals dress up
Noise level: Lively - warehouse acoustics make conversation possible but you'll need to lean in
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rarely seated, 2+ week advance booking recommended
Weekday lunch: More flexible - can sometimes snag bar seats or patio tables day-of
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom rice is legendary, multiple bing options, seasonal veggie sides rotate
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mostly vegetable-forward bings and sides (specify no butter/dairy)
Gluten-free options: Challenging - Korean marinades use soy sauce, but kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - impressive enough to show effort, but sharing-style menu creates natural conversation flow. Request patio for quieter vibe or inside for energy. Budget $150-200 for two.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner. Best bet: arrive at 5pm for bar seating or try weekday lunch. The patio sometimes has day-of availability. Check Resy throughout the day for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - loud atmosphere, limited kid menu, shareable format doesn't suit picky eaters. Teens who appreciate food culture will enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: Show-stopping large-format proteins (the short rib is Instagram-famous), California-Korean fusion done at the highest level, celebrating with groups who want to share adventurous dishes
Skip if: You want intimate/quiet conversation, need extensive vegetarian selection, prefer Italian/French fine dining, or are on a tight budget
Majordomo
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
David Chang's LA outpost brings his signature Korean-American fusion to an industrial-chic space with a heated patio. The innovative menu features bold flavors and large-format dishes meant for sharing, from the famous bo ssäm to creative seafood preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bo Ssäm, Whole Plate Short Rib, Spicy Pork Sausage & Rice Cakes
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: David Chang's acclaimed Korean-American fusion in an Arts District warehouse
Who should go: Adventurous eaters and Chang devotees
When to visit: Weekend lunch on the patio 11:30am-2:30pm
What to order: Bo ssäm for groups, pork sausage rice cakes, any seasonal special
Insider tip: Saturday and Sunday patio lunch features exclusive light bites and sandos
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Arts District can be challenging - arrive early or use nearby lots ($8-15). Ride-share recommended for dinner service.
Dress code: Casual-chic LA style - nice jeans and a top work perfectly, sneakers fine
Noise level: Lively to loud - industrial space with high ceilings amplifies sound. Better for energetic conversation than intimate whispers.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 2-3 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min walk-in possible, patio fills by 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including mushroom dishes and vegetable preparations, but menu is meat-forward
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, best to call ahead. Staff accommodating but not the ideal choice for vegans
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - notify server as many sauces contain soy. Kitchen can adapt several dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice if you both love food and energy. The shareable format encourages interaction, but noise level makes deep conversation harder. Better for 2nd/3rd date or adventurous first dates. Skip if you want quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Tough for dinner - try bar seating (first-come) or the weekend lunch service which is more flexible. Weekday lunch after 1:30pm has best walk-in odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes - casual vibe, shareable plates work for families. But loud atmosphere and adventurous flavors mean it's better for tweens/teens than young kids. No high chairs or kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Bold, funky Korean-American flavors that push boundaries. Large-format sharing for groups. The Chang name if you're a Momofuku fan. Heated patio dining in Arts District.
Skip if: You want traditional Korean food, quiet/intimate ambiance, or vegetarian-focused dining. Also skip if your group doesn't like adventurous eating or sharing plates.