South Bay Jinmi Restaurant — Restaurant in Gardena

My daughter and I found this place and tried it on a whim. WOW!!!! Now, I have spent a good amount of time in multiple Asian countries and I myself went to a Japanese culinary school. I happen to own and operate multiple restaurants too. This place is easy to miss as it's hidden in a small complex. With only a few tables and not much decor, this is exactly what a homey Korean place is supposed to be. It's all about the food. We were greeted and told to sit (all in Korean) and we looked at the menu on the wall. My daughter and I ordered some Black Sausage, Goat Stew and Bulgogi Stew. Everything came out quick enough and we started to eat. And Eat! AND Eat!! AND EAT!!! Everything tasted wonderful. I love the boldness of good Korean food. It's right up in your face. The assortment of kimchee was very good and my Goat Stew was Fantastic. My daughter didn't say much as she was eating non-stop. We were checked on but really left to just enjoy what was presented. This place is on my radar now and I am absolutely returning. As a small restaurant owner I appreciate mom and pop shops. As a chef, I very much appreciate handcrafted food. Do yourself a favor, support this place. Your palate...

Authentic Korean food from a Korean lady who puts real love into what she does. This is not your Korean fusion kbbq place. This is not a place you go for vegan options (although there might be a few vegetarian items you could order). Instead, imagine a hole in the wall shop with 4.5 tables where the Korean truck drivers come to eat 순대국.

This is where the 반찬 (side dishes) are made as well as the main dishes. In fact you could do well with just rice, side dishes, and soup. But don't, because the main dishes are so good! Service can take a little longer as everything is made from scratch but just speak up if you need something. Go...

Amazing little Korean mom and pop shop in Gardena. The whole restaurant has maybe 4 tables, and when we got there for an early-ish lunch on Saturday, there were no other patrons. The auntie and uncle were very kind and brought us tea and banchan quickly, but the star of the show was the food. Delicious soup that came out quickly along with rice (choice of white or brown) and banchan. Portion sizes are huge!! Definitely get your money's worth here. The parking lot is pretty small and shared with a couple other restaurants. Heads up, the restaurant storefront signage is in Korean only. Will definitely be back to try some...