Jun Won Dak IG @junwon_la — Restaurant in Los Angeles

My wife and I always try to go to a new spot at least once a week. We make a conscious effort to do so and we usually end up at about 2 or 3 new places a week on average. And up to this point in 2023, our favorite "new spot" is Jun Won Dak. (And we say "new spot" in quotations because we went to Jun Won Restaurant when they were tucked away in the corner at 414 S. Western.)

After Jun Won Restaurant closed down (most likely because that was just terrible real estate), we completely forgot about this place until Rick Year of the Ox rapper posted a fun video about Jun Won Dak so we decided to give this place another try and it was definitely worth it.

One of my favorite foods is samgyetang and they do it here better than anyone else in town. GENERGOUS portions, very reasonably priced ($24), and the flavor is above and beyond all the other places in town. It tastes slightly different from the tranditional style but in a good way: it tastes very extra herb-y . The owner explained to us that all the herbs that is used is importaed directly from motherland Korea. And you can definitely taste it in the broth. Rice is perfectly cooked inside the chicken and the chicken itself? FALLS OFF THE BONE!

We also got the eundaegu-jolim (korean soy braised cod fish) which is also ironically the best you'll find in town. Even Jonathan Gold said so! VERY GENEROUS portions. Enough to comfortably feed 2.

Parking: you can find street parking anywhere nearby. It's not that bad. Entrance: door is always locked even though it says it's open: there's a small bell by the door so ring it! Service: I was greeted by the son (mon & son owned & operated) and he was as friendly as he can be: great service! Note: Closed on Sundays, and closes at 7pm on week days! And yes, there's only 4 items on the menu but TBH, this place could and will do very well just with these two items that i tried on the meu.

We'll definitely be back! Probably again very soon to try the other two plates! Ktown needs more...

I am so happy to have found a real, authentic Korean soul food place near home. If you like a bit of sweet, umami, soy-sauce, chilli flake flavor, you MUST try here. Thank me later.

Last year my husband and I tried the galbi-jjim and was pleasantly surprised with how much passion and soul was put into that single dish. Almost exactly the way that my grandmother would make it. They use only the freshest ingredients, and absolutely no "old" taste. Galbi-jjim was sweet, salty, and nice subtle kick to it.

Today we tried the eundaegu, which is fish. Ohh my goodness. Just like last year, the ingredients are SO fresh! The fish, which normally in restaraunts are a bit old, a bit chewy, some even foul smelling, but here, the fish was cooked to perfection. So soft, no fishy smell, and you can slither(?) the fish meat right off the bone. It was amazing. Then once you get to the cooked radish? Wow. I asked for a to-go box to take home little of what was left of the radish because I wanted to eat it again when I get home.

Must try.

The owners and the chef are extremely sweet and caring. It's hard to find restaraunts with passion, but this is one of them. The way the owner was laughing and helping the kitchen crew, you can tell the workplace was healthy and nice.

Will probably go back again in a...

I had the privilege of dining here during my short stay in L.A this past week. I wanted to enjoy the local dives and saw the lovely reviews left for this spot. It was even more terrific than we could've imagined! When we arrived, we were hesitant to enter after reading the "To-Go Only" sign. Initially, we expected a sit-down atmosphere, and weren't sure if we'd be able to eat before our concert. The owner greeted us outside and welcomed us in, assuring us that he would seat us immediately.The owner made room for us in the back despite having his only primary table reserved for a video. It felt very special, and the hospitality was unmatched. Then, we were treated to one of the greatest dishes we've ever had; My boyfriend and I ordered the braised black cod and got more than enough food for two. The meat was perfectly prepared, and melts in your mouth alongside the turnip it's paired with. Everyone was down to earth, kind, and welcoming to us throughout our whole stay. I was grieving a loss before my trip and had no appetite for multiple weeks, but when I tried this meal it brought back something in me. A must try spot if you're ever in L.A- and if you're a local, there's no excuse not to support and enjoy this absolute gem. 💕 so lucky to...