jilli modern sool jib — Restaurant in Los Angeles

The vibe is cool, but I have a lot of issues with the food. I think we’ve all gotten a little carried away with the whole “tapas” thing. I came here because the picture of the kimchi vodka rigatoni looked really good, but was disappointed to see how small the portion size is. Now, I think the tapas thing could have been cool - people could try a bunch of small dishes as they chat and drink. Yes, very cute. What’s not cute is charging people full entree prices for a tiny portion and slapping the “tapas” label on it to justify it. I mean, no matter how you look at it, it’s a tiny plate of pasta that you’re charging $21 for. $21 is a price for a regular portion of pasta, not the kid’s meal portion they served to us. It was good pasta though. Maybe a little runny but that’s the least of its problems.

And the Chimmelier KFC was some of the worst fried chicken I’ve ever had. It was so dry. It was essentially popcorn chicken - stuff I would expect from a Tastea (except Tastea’s would taste better). And the biggest joke is that they’re charging $25 for it.

The Meat Jeon… it was a very good omelette. Like if you told me it was just eggs, I would’ve been like “oh this is a really good omelette.” But this was the eggiest Jeon I’ve ever had. There was almost no flour content in it. I don’t think you could call it a batter. It tasted like if you had nothing in your fridge and decided to crack some eggs in a bowl, whisk ‘em up, and fry them with some bulgogi you had leftover in your fridge. With some sliced green onion on top. There, I just described to you exactly how it tasted.

My drink was the Kace Study. I actually wanted to try the Makgeoli, but our server recommended this cocktail to me. It was ok. Soju with a hint of tea flavor without the biting feeling of alcohol with a stick of gummy bears in it. It was good. Very clean, but kinda simple. Lowkey I’ve made a better version using the peach tea in the pink pouches at Hmart and mixing it with peach soju.

Service was decent. We were sat immediately. It was kinda hard to hear our server because it was so loud. I asked for recommendations but I couldn’t hear a thing she said to me haha.

I know I had a lot of complaints, but I actually think this place has potential. It’s a good concept and some of the stuff tasted good. I think that there is some stuff that needs to go back to the drawing board before it is a...

Nestled in the heart of Koreatown, Jilli is more than just a restaurant;  This cozy spot has an inviting energy that draws you in. The decor pays homage to Korean culture while embracing a modern twist, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. The attentive staff ensures your dining experience is extraordinary, making you feel welcomed.

We ordered K-Toastada This dish is a burst of flavor, beautifully presented and a fantastic nod to traditional Korean ingredients in a new form. Each bite offers a delightful crunch paired with a savory filling that leaves you wanting more.

Perilla Oil Noodle with Uni The delicate noodles are enhanced by the rich, buttery uni, creating a luxurious experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The perilla oil adds a unique depth of flavor that lingers on your palate.

Rigatoni alla Kimchee Vodka The pasta was perfectly al dente, and I might be biased, but I’ve always loved rigatoni with spicy vodka sauce. Jilli's version was particularly intriguing; the spicy kick came from kimchi, which was a brilliant idea! The way the fermented heat melded with the creamy vodka sauce created a truly unforgettable dish that redefines comfort food.

Nurungji Risotto This innovative take on risotto incorporates the delightful crunch of nurungji, offering a satisfying texture alongside the creamy rice. It’s a comforting dish that pays homage to Korean culinary traditions while embracing Italian influences.

Each dish at Jilli reminded me of cherished moments from my past, where flavors and memories intertwine. I found it nearly impossible to snap pictures before diving in because everything looked so tempting!

If you’re planning your first visit, make sure to try the Rigatoni alla Kimchee Vodka—it’s a must! Also, visiting during peak hours means you’ll soak up the vibrant energy of the place, but it can get busy, so be prepared to wait a little for a table.

Jilli isn’t just a dining destination; it’s a heartfelt celebration of identity, community, and the flavors that define us. I’m already planning my next visit to explore the rest of the menu. If you’re looking for a place that resonates with nostalgia while serving up exceptional cuisine, Jilli is a must-visit. It’s a culinary journey worth taking—one that honors the past and...

Jilli’s got the ambiance on lock. Think exposed brick walls bathed in warm Edison bulbs and a soundtrack of late 90s/ early 2000s hip-hop that will have you humming and nodding along to. Reservations are a must, because this spot is tiny and coveted – ideal for a date night where conversation flows as easily as the soju (hopefully!).

The place serves up a modern take on classic Korean bar food, and some dishes hit the mark while others leave you pining for the OG versions. The homemade potato chips with honey butter was salty, sweet, and crunchy. Each bite a seesaw between sweet indulgence and savory satisfaction. High five for that one. The chimmelier KFC was... solid. Good, crispy fried chicken, but let's be honest, good fried chicken is a dime a dozen in LA. The chicken itself could have been of slightly better quality, and the interior crunch could have used a touch more oomph. Here is where things got a little... well, uneven. The rigatoni alla kimchi vodka by name promised a spicy, funky fusion. Sadly, the kimchi party never showed up. The pasta itself tasted suspiciously store-bought, and the vodka sauce lacked any real punch. It was like a sad prom date who never quite lived up to the hype. The chicken nurungji was a full-on let down and a bit of a culinary head-scratcher. The texture was off-putting. Think soggy rice porridge clinging to chicken that left me questioning its lineage. Two valiant bites were all I could muster before throwing in the towel and shoving it off to the side.

Service was friendly and attentive, but ultimately the food's inconsistency overshadowed the cool vibe. Jilli's got undeniable charm and a killer playlist. This a great place to grab a drink with friends, reminisce, and maybe snack on some of those stellar potato chips. When it comes to food they need to tighten up the kitchen execution to match the rest of...