Jook Hyang — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Jook Hyang is our #1 favorite authentic Korean restaurant in the U.S. Yep, you read that right--in all of the United Unites!

My girlfriend and I are both originally from South Korea. We know Korean food, and if you know Koreans, we don't mess around when it comes to food. We are currently based out of San Diego, but travel frequently because we are musicians. This means we eat out A LOT.

From our travels, we love making extensive and detailed rankings of favorite eateries. Between all of our favorite Korean restaurants from the West Coast to East Coast, and Hawaii, we agreed that Jook Hyang should be crowned as the number one restaurant. Honorable mentions would go to Cho Dang Gol in NYC and Ja Gal Chi in Oahu (before they sold the business in 2023).

There are a plethora of amazing Korean eateries in LA Koreatown (and trust me, we've tried them all), but there are significant reasons why we rank Jook Hyang as the very best.

The quality of food is unmatched. The folks at Jook Hyang are using organic and rare ingredients that you would not see in other Korean restaurants in Koreatowns of America. Not only do they serve the biggest number of banchan (10-14 different side dishes) but they do not use over-the-top amount of salt or sauces. The cooks at this establishment know how to incorporate the natural ingredients to milk out the right combination of flavors. Of course, we love eating at other top restaurants in K-town, too, but we often feel the effects of MSG and other unhealthy ingredients when we are back home later. If you want to eat healthy and organic in Koreatown, you will not find a better spot than Jook Hyang.

The quality of flavor is absolutely top notch. You will not find a better Eundaegu Jorim or Samgyetang or Miyeokguk anywhere else. There are also many wonderful dishes at Jook Hyang that you won't find in other restaurants. If you truly want authentic old school home-style Korean cooking, this is the holy grail. If you walk into a Korean restaurant and their menu looks just like the other 98% of Korean restaurants (i.e. Soondooboo, bulgogi, bibimbop, etc.), you are at the McDonalds equivalent of a Korean restaurant. Jook Hyang is on a different level and we highly recommend you explore their wonderful offerings.

You will also notice that Jook Hyang is mostly frequented by older generation Koreans, which probably explains why there aren't hundreds of raving reviews on Yelp or Google. They don't live on the internet reading or writing reviews like some of us. Their decision to eat at Jook Hyang comes from decades of experience and knowledge. As they say, when in doubt at an Asian eatery, just look around. If you've got Korean grandpas and grandmas throwin' it down hard, you know you're at the right place!

We used to frequent the original location of Jook Hyang, also on Olympic Blvd. Over a year ago, we showed up and it was permanently closed. As you can imagine, my girlfriend and I looked at one another in terror, wondering if this was the end of an era. Luckily we noticed a sign with the address for the new location at the New Seoul Hotel. We immediately drove over, a bit worried, thinking that perhaps the ownership had changed. Sure enough, with our first bite, we were reassured that nothing had changed. We were told the same cooks were in the kitchen in this new location and we noticed the same servers and hosts, as well. We breathed a huge sigh of relief and enjoyed our meal. We also like the new location better because it has the easiest parking in all of Koreatown (it's completely free and no valet).

The restaurant name may focus on "Jook," which means Korean porridge--and while their porridge options are truly wonderful, there is not one single dish that isn't out of this world. We could not recommend this place enough. It doesn't hurt that the service at this restaurant is also top notch. We will continue to travel and keep trying new restaurants, but our hearts will always remain with the beautiful cooking...

This is my 5 th review. 들깨 삼계탕! Sesame & ginseng chicken soup with jujube and garlic Is ‘ OMG ‘ If you are newto korean cusine, today is your lucky day !

This is my 4 th review I ordered ‘cold noodle and kalbi’ Server suggested to go with ‘ Bulgogi & cold noodle instead ‘. He thought it could be too much food for one person. Bulgogi is a classic Korean grilled beef recipe that makes a mouthwatering dinner or lunch. It‘s easy to make on a BBQ grill or stovetop griddle, too. Serve the tender pieces of marinated and caramelized meat alongside steamed rice and kimchi,

He was 100% right ! Great combo. I must come back with friends

3.This is my 3 rd review ! Very hot weather. I ate twice today . Korean style cold noodle comes with ice on top. Texture of noodle is incredible. I recommend’ dine in ‘ These are not ‘ To go ‘ food

AC was super helpful! Thank you.

2.OMG ! This is my second review “ 물냉면! A master piece ! You can-spend $1200 and fly to Korea ,,, I am Korean . I know Korean food . “ 대박 !“

Wow! 와우! 우거지 갈비탕! (Cabbage and Short Rip Soup. ) 예술! My name is Hyunsoo I speak korean I write in korean I read in korean I eat korean I know korean I was born in Korea 죽향 is one of a few restaurants left in LA which I can say I love the food and I am...

Jook Hyang - A Hidden Gem for Korean Porridge Lovers!

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I recently discovered Jook Hyang, and it has quickly become one of my favorite spots in LA! From the moment you step in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the porridge. Each bowl is a perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures. My personal favorite is the abalone porridge - rich, creamy, and packed with tender abalone pieces. The kimchi and beef porridges are also fantastic, each with their own unique, delicious taste.

The attention to detail is evident not only in the food but also in the service. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure every aspect of your dining experience is top-notch. They are more than happy to explain the menu and offer recommendations if you're new to Korean porridge.

Another plus is the cleanliness and cozy vibe of the restaurant. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet meal or even a casual lunch with friends. The portions are generous and reasonably priced, making it great...