민들레 Mindeulle Buena Park — Restaurant in Buena Park

This restaurant reminded me of Seattle's "The Pike Place Fish Market," where fresh fish has been sold for decades as employees playfully throw fish around. Though this place has been open for 10 years, we were unaware of its existence. Situated in a humble shopping center with a modest square footage, you would never imagine the quality of service and Korean food it offers. When we checked in, the restaurant was nearly full, and the busyness and energy of the staff expressed their confidence and pride in their reputation.

We were first served water, and the waitstaff's recommendations already impressed us with the promise of quality and taste. We ordered Braised Black Cod, and SsamJjang Vegetables wrap combination with Spicy Marinated Pork, and Bean Casserole for the three of us to share. The fresh lettuce and vegetables, including green pepper, cucumber, carrots, wild sesame leaves, and steamed cabbage, arrived first. We also had a choice between white rice and mixed grain rice, opting for the healthier option.

The presentation and quantity of the food and side dishes were attractive and impressive. When the Spicy Pork arrived, we could already tell it would taste great. The Bean Casserole was also delicious. The awaited Braised Black Cod, which they were very proud of, came last. We didn’t have to wait long to encounter one of the restaurant's most popular dishes. The combination of quantity, quality, and taste was outstanding, although it was a little too sweet for one of us. The Black Cod melted in our mouths, and the tofu and radish were incredibly flavorful. We called this kind of food 밥도둑 (Thief of Rice) because it kept making us eat more rice. We were very full and ended up taking the leftovers home. The service was excellent.

There might be many people who have never visited this restaurant, but there are likely few who have only been here once. We plan to come back to try other menu items next time. Strongly recommended.

Updates on 5/3/2025

Today marked my second visit to this remarkable restaurant, originally recommended by my sister-in-law—and it was even more memorable than the first. This time, we ordered a wide variety of their signature dishes, including braised silver cod (은대구 조림), aged kimchi short rib stew (묵은지 갈비찜), marinated raw crab (양념게장), fermented soybean stew (청국장), and several others. Each dish was rich in flavor, beautifully presented, and reflected the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Everyone at our table was thoroughly impressed with the depth and balance of flavors across the board.

What stood out just as much as the food was their consistent, energetic service—the staff moved with purpose, warmth, and genuine hospitality, which added so much to the overall dining experience.

We were especially fortunate to meet the owner, Jennifer, during our visit. Speaking with her offered a glimpse into the heart and mindset behind the restaurant’s success. She shared with us that they had taken over the restaurant from a previous owner who had struggled to make the business work. Hearing this made their transformation even more inspiring. What truly turned things around was Jennifer’s vision and mindset—a powerful combination of innovation, attention to detail, quality control, and a complete renovation of the space. Her passion for excellence is evident in every dish and interaction, and it’s clear that this success didn’t happen by chance—it was earned through intentional change and bold leadership.

I was also excited to learn that they have recently opened a second location in Chino Hills, which I hope to visit soon. Although there’s been a rumor about a third location in La Palma, I learned that it’s not affiliated—it’s a completely separate business. This restaurant is a true example of how a change in leadership and mindset can breathe new life into a struggling space. It’s now not only surviving but thriving—and I look forward to...

I came here because I wanted Korean house food. And it was literally Korean house food. Something that mom would make. So I was happy. Side dishes were like home but a bit salty. We ordered spicy pork and bori rice. We enjoyed the dishes and it felt very homely. Like the food that mom or an aunt would make.

But here are the issues. I think the price does not justify the quality. The food is homely but way too expensive. Also, the vegetables were old. Some sidedishes seem old too. Portions were ok but still small for the price.

There are not enough tables and parking can be an issue. We were lucky because someone just left when we came in. But I believe that you would have to wait a bit. Also, the food took sometime to come out. It was interesting, because the food does not take so long to cook...

This place is for Korean or those who really want home made Korean food. Really feels like home but the price is not homely.

Still I will come here-...

Language barrier aside, we understand that this restaurant caters to Korean clientele, but please make a bit of a better effort to give more information on the dishes. I mean I love most Korean food I have tried in the past, but I'm up for exploring other Korean flavors. That being said, the food was exceptional, don't care about the price, I just wish they would have had potato and apple salad too. I tried it once and I wanted to have some again. No available on the day I visited. My party guest were very happy...