Cali is getting cold weather again, so you know what that means .. soup weather!
Parking: They’re located in a very small plaza with very limited parking. We parked in a parking garage across the street. Free parking lot or parking garage.
Ambiance/Environment: They have a medium sized space with a decent amount of seating. We visited during lunch time, and it was packed. They also have outdoor seating with a tent. Since it was busy inside, we sat outside.
Service: Everyone was absolutely courteous, attentive, and quick! We were constantly checked on. We got the pleasure of meeting the owners, and they were absolutely sweet. Everyone speaks limited English but enough to get by.
Foods:
Spicy Beef Soup - This was sooo delicious! There was a generous amount of beef! The soup was piping hot, which was perfect for the cold weather. The clear noodles were cooked well.
Spicy Fish Egg Casserole - The portion size was huge, so it is definitely shareable. The soup was flavorful! It had lots of tofu and vegetables. The casserole surprisingly wasn’t too chewy; it added a nice texture to the dish.
Bibimbap with brown rice + cabbage soup - The cabbage soup was good! The bibimbap was spicyyy. It contained a generous amount of rice and vegetables. No protein in this dish.
Boiled Dumpling - These were bigger than I thought! These dumplings were also FILLED! The filling was seasoned well and the outer layer was steamed to perfection.
Pricing: LA is always expensive, but it was definitely worth it. The flavors were present and the portion sizes were generous...
Read moreMiari is a hidden gem in Koreatown that checks all the boxes for a great dining experience. One of the biggest pluses here is the free parking on the premises—a rare find in this area!
Ambiance: The restaurant has a bright, well-lit, and clean atmosphere that feels both welcoming and warm. It’s casual but still gives off the cozy vibes you often see in K-dramas. For those who prefer it, they also offer outdoor covered seating.
Food: The food here is exceptional, both in quality and quantity. The portions are generous, the prices are very reasonable, and the flavors hit the mark every time.
김치전 (Kimchi Pancake): Simple but not easy to perfect, Miari’s version is perfectly crispy and light, with just the right amount of kimchi.
모듬수육 (Combination Boiled Ox Slices): Hearty, tender, and rich, this dish is well-balanced with green onions and a tasty dipping sauce. The portion size is more than enough to satisfy.
생조개 칼국수 (Clam Knife-Cut Noodle Soup): This dish is clean, hearty, and soothing—just what you need to warm up on a cold autumn evening.
묵사발 (Acorn Jelly - Summer Special): Cool, refreshing, and crisp with a perfect hint of tang. The acorn jelly has the right texture and flavor, making it a standout dish for the season.
Overall: Miari offers great value with its generous portions, friendly and attentive staff, and a good mix of customers of all ages. Whether you’re a K-drama fan or just love great Korean food, this place is definitely...
Read moreMiari Son Kalguksu is a noodle house located on Olympic Blvd in Koreatown, specializing in clam kalguksu. The clams are fresh and pleasantly chewy, and they’re well-cleaned — no fishy smell or sand, which is a big plus. The broth is light and clean, and you can add salt or pepper to your liking.
One downside is that, despite the name “Son Kalguksu” (which implies handmade noodles), the noodles are machine-made. The texture and consistency were uneven, and they didn’t pair as harmoniously with the broth and clams as expected. When I asked the restaurant about it, they explained that due to volume, they had no choice but to switch to machine-cut noodles.
Interestingly, they also serve milmyeon, a traditional cold noodle dish from Busan. The noodles were pleasantly chewy, but the broth base was made with young radish kimchi (yeolmu), giving it more of a kimchi noodle vibe. If you’re looking for an authentic Busan-style milmyeon, this might not be it — just something to keep in mind.
While it might not meet expectations for fully handmade noodles or traditional milmyeon, overall the taste is satisfying and reasonably priced for a casual noodle meal. The kimchi and barley rice served as sides are delicious. Just be aware that parking can be difficult during...
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