Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House Restaurant - Long Beach — Restaurant in Long Beach

6 year vegan here and I must say that this is one of my favorite vegan friendly spots in Long Beach. I frequent this restaurant at least once a week and am constantly inviting and bringing my dear friends along with me.

Here are a couple of tips for those vegans out there who are trying Sura for the first time:

Immediately let your server know that you are vegan. Reason being, there are duplicitous items such as kimchi, that they serve a vegan/non vegan option. Please understand that just because someone orders a vegan dish, doesn't necessarily mean that they're vegan. It's definitely part of the guests responsibility to inform their server off top as being vegan is a very restrictive diet.

If you don't know what something is, ask before you bite into it!

Pay attention to the menu, they have a section that specifically lists ALL of their vegan items in one convenient location.

I'm writing this review because I've been frequenting this place for several months if not a year. I'm very familiar with the staff, along with Brandon, the manager who is so awesome and does a lot to please his customers. There is no other restaurant in Long Beach where the owner makes it a point to check on you and your enjoyment of your meal. Not only does he check on that, but often times, if he sees you're open to talk, he'll strike up a great conversation with you. These are things that I really value in a local restaurant. These are things that make local restaurants stand out.

I read the scathing review from the vegan below and it's unfortunate that she had such a horrible experience. However, I want to encourage vegans to check this place out. It is legit! Please don't let that review deter you. I wish they would've made a better attempt at mentioning how the restaurant could make it a practice of the servers to ask about dietary options, and attempt to be optimistic and glass half full in mindset, instead of just bashing the food and service. To each their own.

I made a point to mention those tips at the beginning because it's not an all vegan restaurant where you have the freedom of ordering whatever and not fearing whether it's vegan or not! I also made those suggestions so that you're able to clearly and directly communicate with your server. In my opinion, if you're a vegan, and that's not something you front load your server with before you begin to order your food, how can you justifiably hold the server responsible?

I shout out Sura because they've managed to take dishes that are primarily omnivore based and opened them up to us herbivores to enjoy. I've never delighted in spicy, fermented, nicely fried and well seasoned food, as much as I enjoy it from Sura.

Also, another tip for you vegans out there, when you order dishes that come with Ban-Chan (the sides that come with some meals), be sure to ask if they have Burdock and that you'd like to try it. It's one of my favorite side dishes there.

Definitely give this place a try. No person and no restaurant is absolutely perfect all the time. But realize that those people and restaurants who go above and beyond, striving for perfection, pleasing their friends and customers, that's admirable and worth supporting in my opinion.

Have a great New Year all! Happy fooding, whatever your dietary position may be!

3/11/17 They have vegan desserts now y'all! And they're using more eco-friendly napkins and to-go containers!...

Food is pretty good. I've never had any of the meat options but the veggie stuff is great. This is NOT a typical Korean BBQ place as its not one of those places where you cook the food yourself (thank God, I can not understand why people like those places anyways. Pay more to cook your own food??)

Service is OKAY, the staff is super friendly and welcoming but they can take a little long with bringing your food out sometimes, not always. The main thing I don't care for about this place is that they bring the food out as soon as its ready, your friend might get their entree way before you, leaving you sitting there boiling with jealousy, which sucks. I usually order a bunch of appetizers (shroom fries are a must) anyways so at least I'm not sitting there totally alone.

A small thing I appreciate a lot about this place is the ambiance they create. A lot of """trendy""" places these days play loud, energetic music and have so many TVs and bright lights that it's just over stimulating. The music is always low enough that it is still audible but always in the background. It's like it's just barely loud enough to muffle the other conversations around you without over doing it. Plus the music is good imo, they played Aphex Twin in here once, was pretty cool. If you don't like the music it's very easy to ignore. (One time I went to applebees and they were playing "turn down for what" on full blast and I kid you not it was every other song. EVERY other song. No joke. Why do places do this? Was I supposed to jump up on my table and start twerking while eating my endless apps? I couldn't hear anything my partner was saying and I don't know about you but loud and energetic music like that makes me a bit anxious when I'm trying to eat and relax.) The lights are always dim but not dark. So easy to come in here and take a load off.

Would recommend to vegans and veggie lovers as they are very accommodating. I've come here with a couple of my meat eating friends and they didn't like it as much as I do, but they're also picky ass eggheads so do with that info...

Planning a dinner outing with your vegan friend shouldn't feel like a culinary compromise. Forget limp salads and tofu scrambles – at Sura Restaurant, vegan palates (and yours!) are in for a flavor fiesta that'll leave everyone happy and full. So, ditch the veggie burger guilt trip and head to Sura, where meat-free magic awaits.

Sura's secret weapon? Banchan. These free appetizers are a kaleidoscope of fermented delights, like tangy Kimchi dancing with refreshing cucumber and the smoky whisper of spicy bean sprouts. Each bite is a mini flavor adventure, proving vegan appetizers can be the star of the show. Just watch your plant-based pal's eyes light up with every delicious nibble!

But the main event is the Bibimbap. Imagine this: a steaming cast iron bowl cradling a vibrant rainbow of perfectly cooked rice, crisp carrots, earthy mushrooms, and emerald green spinach, all glistening with sesame oil. A fiery dollop of Gochujang sits in the center, promising a symphony of sweet and spicy.

For your vegan bestie, this dish is pure magic. Encourage them to mix everything together from the start – veggies, sauces, juices – to unlock the full flavor potential. Add a drizzle of hot sauce (Sura offers a range, from mild to melt-your-face spicy!), and watch their face transform with delight. The crispy rice at the bottom? That's the cherry on top (or rather, the caramelized crunch at the bottom), a reward for reaching the end and a testament to Sura's culinary skills.

Sura isn't just about delicious food; it's about showing your vegan friend you care. By choosing a restaurant that caters to both omnivores and plant-based eaters, you're saying, "Let's explore culinary adventures together, without compromise!" And isn't that what friendship...