Baroo — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I was prepared to be blown away based on the reviews, but left underwhelmed, unsatisfied, and hungry. Spoiler alert, I went to K-town for a second dinner with Kbbq. Was I proud of this decision? No. Did it make me happy? Hell yes.

The space and table setting at Baroo were beautiful, which fed into my initial high expectation. But as soon as the first course entered my mouth, I felt confused. The foam and chip combo was exactly what they were—slightly flavored air. Okay, I thought. This is representative of a ghost, waiting to incarnate into something more substantial, I reassured myself. Things will get better.

The second course was barely the size of a thumbnail, with more texture this time but equally flat flavored.

Lobster was good, but the bisque with beans was confusing again. Tasted like beans in water. I didn’t continue doing what the server suggested which is to alternate between the lightly fried lobster and the beans in water. I finished the beans asap and tried to end with two solid bites of tiny lobster meat to find some solace. At this point I was getting hungrier than when I started.

Fortunately, the scallop and cod really stood out. Simple and fresh ingredients with distinct flavor profiles. 10/10 winner. If I could, I’d just order those two dishes, in full size, and call it a day.

Then the main courses, pork collar and beef short rib, came along with the rice. They were decent, but nothing more.

Finally, the dessert had me questioning my life, and the health of my teeth. It was like I fell face down mouth open on a pile of snow and a pinch of dirt. It was so cold and flavorless. If I managed to build up a tiny flame of hope with the killer scallop and cod dishes, it got distinguished and sent to Arendelle by Polar Express.

Buried, is I guess how I was supposed to feel with 绝.

Besides the food, the service was very well-choreographed to the point that it lacks personal touch. Our server spilled the wine on first try, albeit salvaged it in the subsequent attempts. Any questions we had, whether about the menu or the servers personal favorite, was met by a polite and short answer. They almost want to exit the conversation as swiftly as possible. I get it, they were not trained to hold conversations with the customers, but there to dance their part and ensure the least interruption.

All this yapping is just to say, I didn’t like the food. And I go to restaurants to enjoy the food. Baroo isn’t doing it for me.

But, to each...

Baroo, a small, unassuming restaurant in Los Angeles, is a culinary gem that offers a truly unique and extraordinary dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted with warm hospitality and welcoming smiles from the staff. The restaurant's minimalist decor, complete with clean lines and soft lighting, sets the tone for a delightfully intimate evening.

One of the standout aspects of Baroo is its exceptional customer service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about the menu. They take the time to explain the dishes, offer recommendations, and ensure that every detail of your visit is tailored to your preferences. The servers are friendly and efficient, making sure your glass is always full and your plate is never empty.

The restaurant's attention to detail begins with the creative menu, which features an array of innovative and globally inspired dishes. Each dish is carefully crafted to showcase unique flavors and ingredients, and the chefs are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences. The menu is constantly evolving, ensuring that each visit offers a new and exciting experience.

In addition to the exceptional food, Baroo also offers a carefully curated selection of natural wines and craft cocktails. The wine list features unique and lesser-known varietals from around the world, and the cocktails are expertly crafted with house-made ingredients and unique flavors.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients is also noteworthy. Baroo partners with local farmers and purveyors to ensure that the menu features the freshest and highest-quality ingredients while minimizing waste and supporting the local community.

In conclusion, Baroo in Los Angeles is a truly exceptional dining experience that exceeds...

Been to quite a few nice restaurants, and michellin star restaurants, local or overseas. Being Korean myself, I have a higher standards when it comes to Korean food.

Start from the beginning, I had no issues with finding street parking, our reservation was for 18:30 for a family of four (my father's birthday).

When you first walk into the restaurant, you were immediately greeted by a very welcoming hostess and guided to your table with personalized birthday message printed on the menu, and a table side basket for your jacket and bags.

Your waitress who was highly educated on their menu and drink choices and very well-mannered and with big smile the whole time during service, walks you and your party of 4 throughout the dining experience, even giving us pause in between for us to translate things to our parents.

Complementary champagne was great and a card at the end by the chef was also great.

The food here isn't a KBBQ or a traditional Korean food, but a twisted and better modernized take on Korean food with stories. I'm pretty sure the menu changes with seasonal ingredients, what we had, we all enjoyed complimented with the great friendly service.

100% recommended, I honestly heard this place 10+ years ago from a friend, recommending them for their fermented ingredients, and I believe they used to be at a different and smaller location.

I'm glad I finally came and really enjoyed this...