Absolutely in awe of what the Baroo team has done. While I really miss the old Baroo in a lil' strip mall of Hollywood, I am HERE for their growth, progression and elevating Korean food to a different stratosphere than I've ever had. Tasting menu only -- love that they also have a vegetarian and vegan version of their tasting menu. My friend had the vegetarian one! While we had some similar dishes (1-2 courses at most), it was pretty unique! I also am SO glad I tried their housemade soba from her vegetarian tasting menu because that was probably my favorite bite!!! Honestly, I think they would stand out quite a bit if they just went FULL SEND on Vegetarian & Vegan tasting menu. That completely aligns with their Taoism and Confucianism inspiration (read up on the Eater LA article on their inspiration & flow of the passages thru phases of life, from the time before birth, to youth, through later years, and eventual rebirth.) I know that may sound pretentious at first read but while eating there, I didn't feel an over emphasis on it - just a functional way to organize the menu almost like Keiseki does! The cocktails were super unique and always based in Korean spirits - love it! They were pretty boozy for me as I don't have rice-based spirits very often. so even though I wanted to try multiple, I could only have 1 - ha. read more

My boyfriend took me here for our anniversary and we had a nice dinner. Cocktails (4/5): we enjoyed most of the cocktails, tried 5 of them. The banana milk punch was my favorite. Dinner (3/5): good meal, but nothing really wowed me besides the braised cod. Overall I would give it a 3.5, the ambiance was nice and we really appreciated the celebratory card and champagne! However, I didn't think the dinner was worth the $115 price tag. read more

Baroo - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Decided to try Baroo out as my friend raved about how good it was! Baroo offers a decent-sized tasting menu that is a modern twist on Korean food. I appreciated the creativity a lot! Really enjoyed the Hokkaido scallop and the Soy-Braised Wild Black Cod. And you must take the upgrade to the Brandt Beef Short Rib, it is absolutely delectable! I will note that if you're expecting to be super full after this meal, this isn't the place for you. Service is pretty good here. They took their time to explain every dish to you, as I would expect from a place with a tasting menu. They also cleaned off every dish promptly and made sure you had the right utensils for each course. Good attention to detail. Ambience is alright. It's in the Arts District in one of those brick buildings, so it had a rustic feel to it. Only thing I would quibble about is that the tables were spaced pretty closely together, but they have a pretty small space so it is what it is. Overall, I really liked Baroo. And not just myself, as they already got Michelin recognition even though they have been open for less than a year. Perhaps a prelude to them getting a star in the next Michelin Guide? read more

See all

I've been coming to Baroo since the first location on Santa Monica and was blown away from the get-go. I still wish I had had the chance to try the sous vide egg dish that was perpetually sold out. Many people have talked about the food, so I will just mention that I came again recently to celebrate my engagement and the care and consideration towards us was so wonderful. Could not recommend this restaurant more. My only wish is that the dishes were explained a bit slower by the server and/or more in-depth on the menu. There are many elements to each dish, and it was a bit hard to catch everything as it was listed. read more

Came for our anniversary dinner. Ambiance was great, service was great and food was good. It was an overall great experience and I'm glad we went. There wasn't a dish that really stood out to me and makes me want to go back - which is why I deducted a star. read more

See all

Loved it. I'm grading slightly downward on a curve, because at this price point, it's not as tremendous of a value as HLAY which is almost as inventive (though not as balanced) at about 60% of the price. At $115 prix fixe, you won't leave hungry, the ingredients will be top-notch, and the combinations will be inventive. But some odd notes: my meal didn't feel rushed, but because of the volume, the servers spoke rushed and quiet, not really explaining the ingredients or thought behind the dishes. One server made a joke that I could snort my wild rice puff which was meant to add levity but felt awkward. Some plates were bold in flavor, especially near the beginning (with a splendid black sesame sool bang presented alongside a celeriac/apple soup), and others were bland/subtle (scallop, rice), without a real progression. The pork collar was expectedly chewy but came with a delightful goulash jjigae, and the short rib with burdock jus was the best item but was a $12 add-on. Overall a great meal, meeting but not exceeding expectations. The cocktails were happily inventive, and I recommend the radish drink (better as it's cold, but loses a little of its charm as it warms). read more

Finally got the chance to try out this spot ! The ambience was great, really nice for date night ! The service was amazing ! Our main server thoroughly explained the menu and drinks for us and all the servers that brought out our dishes also explained each dish again in detail. The food was absolutely INCREDIBLE ! Everything tasted amazing and was very well done in terms of taste and presentation. Defs recommend trying this place out if you can snag a resy ! read more

See all

I had a wonderful experience here! Service was great, food was fresh, beautifully presented, and the atmosphere was cozy. I love that the kitchen isn't closed off completely and you can see that they are working back there. My favorite drink was the banana milk punch. Perfectly balanced. I can drink that every day if I could afford it . Every dish was so well balanced between taste and texture. I will note that the owners had their child there. He was adorable. Adorable in the sense that they let him be him at an upscale restaurant. It reminded me of my cousins who's parents owned restaurants it they were always kept in the back or manning the cash register or doing homework if they were ever in the presence of customers. This child made noises and the staff did their best to keep him calm - but he's a kid. Not sure what he got worked up over but I enjoyed the fact that they didn't scowl at him. He went around and showed the customers his artwork on a banana. And when the staff saw he might have been bothering one table, they quickly scooted him elsewhere. Well done all around to this family and the staff. read more

See all

Wow, I haven't felt this excited about a restaurant or a chef in a long time. My husband made a reservation for an early Valentines dinner this past Saturday. We had the prix fix menu. It's about $115 pp but additional charge if you change the protein for the saam course. From the ambiance, service, and food, everything was exceptional. The star is of course the food. Overall, I think what excited us is in the execution of each course. Flavors were familiar yet unique, complex but still delicious. I think what chef Kwang does very well is his use of acidity from fermented foods to add umami and layer flavors to otherwise savory and or sweet elements. Each protein from the scallops to the pork collar were also cooked to perfection. Our favorites of the night were the cod and the pork ssam, but tbh each progressive course just got better and better. I can't wait to go back. This place lives up to the hype of being named LA Times restaurant of the year 2024! This is modernizing and elevating Asian cuisine done right. Kudos! read more

See all

Service and food were good, but did not live up to its reputation of being one of the "best restaurants in LA". Christian served us and he was great! My favorite courses were the fried lobster, soy braised cod and beef entree. We waited a while in between the courses. left a little hungry as the tasting portions were small, and one of the courses on the menu was rice lol. It was tasty and had other ingredients mixed in...but would I recommend coming here to spend money on parking + $115 per person? No...there's better dining experiences out there :) I also found it strange that all the kimchi they were served was white. Not a hint of spice in this Korean meal! Also--skip the green tea with toasted rice. It tasted mostly like hot water with toasted rice. The hand soap in the bathrooms was lovely. read more

See all

Baroo was definitely impressive with its food and the overall experience. I tried all three menus--meat, vegan, and pescatarian--and each one felt like a journey, full of bold flavours that kept surprising me with every bite. The combinations were so creative, and the care put into the presentation made it all feel really special. It wasn't just about the taste; it was about noticing every little layer and nuance in the flavours. The short rib was definitely a highlight. It was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, and you could really feel the texture and the quality of the cut. I'm super picky about how soft meat should be, and this met my high expectations. From the vegan menu, I absolutely loved the wheat noodles drizzled in perilla oil. They were so light, refreshing, and had this amazing citrusy kick. Honestly, I could eat them every day and never get tired of it. The small bites they served at the beginning of the meal were a beautiful surprise--gorgeously presented with subtle seasonings that came together perfectly. A couple of the dishes featured some really interesting combinations and had an earthy feel to them. While they were enjoyable, they didn't quite make it to the top of my favourites. The dessert--shaved ice--was an absolute standout. It featured all my favourite fruits and flavours, beautifully layered together so thoughtfully, and every bite was so satisfying. I ate it ever so slowly, savouring every bite to make it last. I prefer modern Korean cuisine like this because it feels lighter and more refreshing than the traditional styles, which suites my palate better. The meat menu was worth the price, especially with options like lobster, cod, pork, and the incredible short rib (for a little extra). The pescatarian menu was priced the same, which made sense because of the cod--we actually got it twice in the set. But I was a little surprised the vegan menu was priced equally since I expected it to be a bit cheaper. Overall, I loved my experience at Baroo. The dim ambiance was cosy, the food was outstanding, and even the tea was delightful--fragrant and calming. The staff were friendly and attentive and my friend also thought the cocktails were amazing. read more

Starting 2024 with a review of an amazing and classy meal that was 5 stars on all fronts! Let's go 2024! My friend took me to Baroo for a Christmas present and it exceeded any expectations I had in my head. Admittedly, I wanted to keep the surprise and not look at the menu prior, so every dish was a discovery event. I'm so glad they've reopened! We were warmly greeted upon entering, amazing service throughout and most importantly, the food was just delectable. Every dish was a surprise for me and in the best way possible. I don't want to ruin the fun for you, but just know you won't find a disappointing course in the lot. I think the skate fish ssam course was my favorite of all though, nomz. Definitely the best Modern Korean spot I've been to in LA! Highly recommended, and $110 for such a robust tasting menu is a steal. read more

See all

4.5 star for Baroo- a modern Korean culinary experience. To end the year of 2023 on a wonderful note, we took ourselves to Baroo ( 7-dish tasting menu for $110 and $160 for Korean sool pairing.) Ambience: 5 star! I give more if I could. The place is so calming and zen. The second you walk in, you just feel lighter. Service: Also a 5 star. Servers were attentive and explained every dish. I asked for sliced lemons for the water, and they brought me fresh squeezed lemon juice. Food came at a comfortable pace. Food: 4.5 star. Unique and creative, with roots in Korean cuisine. All the dishes were fresh and well plated. Love the dan hobak, the scallop, the cod, and the pork collar dish with wild mountain greens rice. Didn't really love the melon panna cotta- the texture was not as smooth or creamy. And the bingsu was not complimentary to the panna cotta IMO. This was the only dish that we didn't finish. Overall, the experience was beautiful. I'd love to come back again to try their spring or summer menu. read more

See all

$115 for the tasting menu with one very key result: we were full! We enjoyed a gastro adventure at Baroo located in the arts district. A perfect date spot for a special occassion. Every dish carefully crafted and a story to go along with it. This is what I expect at these prices. A true EXERPIENCE. A list of things pulled from the receipt: Scallop, Lobster, Black Cod, Pork Collar Meat, Short Rib Meat and Rice, Dessert. Everything to be eaten slowly to be appreciated for it's textures and flavors. Down to the dessert, which was delightful. I wont even comment on the specific dishes because you'll get a chance to taste everything. If you're with a partner you can share the beef short rib vs. the pork collar. The venue is romantic, not stuffy. Street parking was tricky, but we eventually found something and reservations were easy for a weeknight. Still with great energy. I've spend so much more at other places coming out starving and shrugging. Baroo takes you on an adventure through edible art. read more

Baroo finally did modern Korean justice. Modern Korean I've tried before did not highlight the Korean flavors enough, but here Korean is at the forefront. First course: I loved the texture of the black sesame soolbang. I wish I could have more. Second course: amberjack served with shiso leaf, perilla leaf, lettuce, and crispy seaweed with seeds. The crispy seaweed would be a nice snack. Third course: lobster was fried so nicely and was paired with a lobster doenjang, which helped cut the heaviness of the fried lobster. I also like that there were butter beans (I think) in the doenjang. Fourth course: the cod was cooked to perfection. The crispy papaya bits it was served with strangely reminded me of the Korean snack, goraebap. Fifth and sixth course: the beef was cooked perfectly and went so well with the pickled vegetables and leaves. I'm so happy they served it with a nice portion of rice, topped with gamtae seaweed. The dessert was a banana kiwi hazelnut bingsu. The fortune card they give you for your birthday is such a cute detail. Drinks: The bam cocktail had a wondrous foam and reminded me of nurungji burnt rice candy. This is one of the BEST cocktails I've ever had. Also tried the banana milk cocktail which was good but not my favorite. A little more tart than I was feeling at that time. The ambience was so lovely and I can't stop thinking about how good the hand soap smelled in the bathroom. Now that I've tried proper modern Korean food, all feels right in the world. read more

See all

Overall a 4/5: Food 5/5 Great tasting menu. Every dish was fantastic! Got the upgrade to beef ribs, it was the one of the best of the entire menu. Service 5/5 Portion Size 2/5: Went hungry and wasn't full at the end of the meal. Had to go for tacos after. If you're expecting korean bbq kinda food, this is not your place. Worth trying but do note weekend reservations are gone pretty quickly so book in advance. They've only been open for 3-4 months so the menu hasn't changed yet, but I heard it will soon so I will definitely come again. read more

See all

Incredible - attention to detail in every course is obvious, combining traditional Korean influence with modern techniques and ingredients. We opted for the additional protein (strip loin) special that was off menu which they served with the ssam course which was a great idea. We got both the wine pairing and sool pairing and I really appreciated learning about all the different kinds of Korean rice wines. My favorite courses were the lobster and the scallop. It was my birthday and the staff even arranged for a special Korean fortune telling card at the end (you just tell them your birthday and name). read more

See all

Baroo is a place where I feel like I can safely say "I ate there before it was a Michelin guide/star restaurant" Get those accolades ready. From the service, to the quality of the food, to overall presentation, Baroo checked off all the boxes. Def comparable to Michelin star places I've eaten abroad. I thoroughly enjoyed each item on the tasting menu. Everything was great and 5 of the 7 dishes wowed my taste buds. Although I'm no culinary expert, to cap off the entire meal, my one suggestion for the chef/owners is for the dessert; it's missing something. While we liked it and thought it was different, the shaved ice and cream on the bottom needs something along the lines of graham cracker pieces or comparable crunch. Just an observation that I had and the people I ate with had as well. Keep up the great work. Returning asap. Cheers. read more

See all

Do yourself a favor and visit Baroo for a fun and delicious meal! I loveee that they have a Korean sool pairing as well as a nonalcoholic pairing! Everything in their pairings were delicious and well thought out with the food. Loved all the flavors and fun twists on their menu! Service was attentive; I wish they spoke a bit louder as the restaurant was cozy so it was a bit noisy and harder to hear. Parking was a pain. Paid lots or lucky street parking. read more

See all

The return of Baroo! I don't even know where to begin since it was so incredible! Baroo is a fine dining Korean restaurant that is casual with a modern touch. Everything was extremely well-balanced throughout, and each dish was meticulously prepared with thought. Baroo, situated in the hip Arts District by Father's office, has been operating for a little over a month. Even though there is less traffic here than in the heart of Art's District, this restaurant cannot be overlooked. Again, the course menu was thoughtfully curated. You simply can't go wrong with any of the plates because each one has a special meaning. When you first taste the food, you could think you've had it somewhere else previously, but this is not true. Each flavor is delivered in finest detail in every bite you take. It is difficult to choose just one dish so my top three are 1. Fried Gaejang 2. Wild Mountains Green Rice and 3. Scallop with Minari. Fried Gaejang was presented with a decent size of marinated softshell crab with ssam, which means wrap in Korean. You got to enjoy this in one bite. Ssam is always consumed in one bite. Please remember that! It was so delicious! Wild Mountains Green Rice with Gamtae Bugak was seriously so good. I could eat this every day. Scallop didn't look too special when I took a glimpse, but wow, that Minari and Gim sauce was to die for. They were all so amazing!   We did a wine pairing with the menu, and it was a great decision! The service is amazing and prompt as well. Leila was so friendly and accommodating throughout our dining experience.   The price for the tasting menu is very reasonable at $110, with wine pairing for $55. It is definitely worth more in my opinion. Great place for a date night or even casually hang out with friends! I can definitely see myself bringing family and friends so they can experience what I had, here at Baroo. read more

See all

The food was delicious! The service was incredible and I absolutely loved the ambience. My favorites: Lightly fried lobster Cod Lotus root and side of the amazing rice. I could have a bucket of this rice on its own Short rib (my husband loved it) The MIND BLOWING dessert, kiwi sorbet with banana cream and hazelnut crumble!! I don't like banana or kiwi in my dessert, and this was out of this world delicious. read more

See all

We enjoyed our experience at Baroo on a special day. We knew it was a course meal, but the timing between dishes felt a bit longer than expected. The course wasn't mind-blowing, especially first 3.. but it was special and artistic, you could really appreciate the chef's creativity. The short rib and rice at the end were really good by the way. read more

Friendly service. Had a lovely time with the missus. Best dish we tried was the short ribs. Food was top and the experience was nice.

After a show at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, we dined at Baroo which was close by for our anniversary celebration. We parked at the Gerry parking structure next door ($13 for 1.5 hours). We came 15 minutes early, but they wouldn't allow us to wait inside since they were still setting up. It was a really cold night, but everyone that came early had to stand outside. Once inside, I asked for hot water and they gave a teapot which they continually filled so that was nice. They also offered free non-alcoholic sparkling rose since we don't partake. It paired well with most of the dishes. Not all restaurants offer non-alcoholic champagne for special occasions, but I think it's such a lovely touch to the service (Kato did, but Providence did not). All of the dishes were amazing. My personal favorites were the celeriac soup, black cod, and pork collar. My husband liked the lobster, but I'm not a fan of fried or deep fried foods. I found the black cod perfect with fresh fish taste and not too salty. Fish I had at Kato was overly salty and Providence fish was super bland. Tables were a bit small and there was no where to put my purse. They offered to put it in a basket on the floor but I didn't want anyone to accidentally step or trip on it. I think it would've been better if we were given a table with a couch since at least you can put coats and bags next to you. Oh well. Before we left they gave us a card wishing us Happy Anniversary. For the price, it's really delicious food and good service compared to a lot of other tasting menus in LA. We would return. read more

See all

Came here twice and both times were such a great experience. The makgeolli and ginseng cocktail were bomb and verrry smooth That dessert patbingsoo was the perfect refreshing finisher read more

fascinating and inspired are two words I would use to describe the menu at Baroo I discovered Baroo through Yelp while I was visiting LA, but saw that it was reservation based. I found the menu intriguing and made my reservation a few days later. Located in the Arts District, Baroo is hidden amongst the several businesses and housing complex. Street parking may be difficult, but there is $10 parking in the nearby garage. I won't go into too much detail on the courses. I would definitely listen closely to the waitstaff as they deliver each course since the menu itself may be difficult to understand to those unfamiliar with Korean food language. I made my reservation for the chefs counter where they plated each dish. As a current line cook, I enjoyed watching the attention to detail they had. They plated each course with precision. I thoroughly enjoyed the ssam course which was a fried skate wrapped in lettuce and Korean herbs. The texture was perfect and the flavor of the aioli and herbs made for a burst of flavor and texture in each bite. The braised black cod was tender and the sauce was complex and tasteful. I went for the braised beef short rib that paired splendidly with the rice and seaweed accompaniment. The dessert course was very interesting with the sorrel bingsu but I couldn't tell which part was the panna cotta. The sorrel bingsu was a light palate cleanser to finish the meal. Overall, I enjoyed Baroo's tasting menu. I did a wine pairing for $65 but would probably try their cocktails next time instead. Each course was thought filled and creative. Texture and balance in flavor is apparent. I would definitely recommend those interested to try it out before they get popular! I'd come back in the future if they rotate their menu. read more

See all

Baroo highlights the breadth of Korean flavors expressed through the language of contemporary Western fine-dining. It's unlikely there's another restaurant providing a tasting menu so thoughtful, representative, & well-executed. There's no dish I could find fault in: the disparate elements of each entrée synergize well. All proteins supple. Textures & seasoning dynamic enough to prompt pause with each bite. The sool pairing is magnificent: a journey encompassing sweet, malty, dry, acidic, earthy, fermented, and herbal. Beverage director Lee instructs well about the origin and process; care taken to story each pour. Cocktails are value (especially in this neighborhood and year), and Baroo is a worthwhile stop for the bar alone. The salted foam in the "Dubu" seasons a drink with surprising spice & sweetness. The flash-frozen shaved snow taken separately, has components that are strongly seasoned: hazlenuts heavily buttered and salted, citrus too tart. However when mixed, as with every dish and drink preceding, emerges greater than the sum it's parts. There's a mindfulness shown by the staff, re-folding napkins when one leaves the table, & checking-in frequently. All that said, despite being LA Times' 2024 Restaurant of the Year, I wouldn't think a visit to Baroo would constitute "worth it" for most people. It comfortably exists in the fine dining sphere - portions small, but layered & thoughtful. For a short tasting menu, there is immense value when compared to other fine dining in the city. As a dinner for most - fairly pricey & well within the "special occasions" list. If I have one critique, it is my expectations. Other than the baseline of execution, culinary prowess, & hospitality, a destination restaurant in LA demands heritage, culture, history, & origin. Baroo has all that. But it lacks the everyman approachability emblematic of a city peppered by street food stands & pop-ups. read more

See all

We went here for my husband's birthday back in November and they were very kind to my five-year-old. They charge half price for children, but I would say it's worth it. They gave a free starter but the choice of meat, rice, soup, etc. was very delicious. read more

Food: - 7 courses: amazing textures, took me to flavor town - not very filling though, I was expecting the last two courses before the dessert to fill me up but it didn't, I left feeling 3/4 full - banana milk punch: 8.5/10, tastes nothing like banana milk but does taste like bananas - price for the meal was worth it overall - would also recommend early reservation bc when we left around 7:10 pm they had ran out of soft crab Service: - super friendly and attentive staff - owner also gave me a hand written note since it was my birthday which made the experience so personalized Ambiance: - the new location is outside of the heart of downtown LA, so we did not have any trouble finding parking, there's a lot right next to the restaurant ($10 for 2 hrs of parking if you select the restaurant option) - great vibes inside - would recommend making the reservation right when they open for quieter dinning experience as the tables are close together - two bar seatings: one in front of the kitchen and one near the alcohol section (make appointments and select based on your personal preference) read more

See all

I believe that an unseen hand guides my way with my best interest at heart. And that is how I arrived at Baroo. I was walking by the place, gabbing with a dear friend, and I saw a sign--- a literal sign that communicated to me that Baroo had won the best LA restaurant in 2024, as affirmed by the Los Angeles Times. I chose to see the sign as an x in the map. I approached the hostess, and she seemed confused. What kind of restaurant is this? I wondered, wanting ton know more than facts but also the spiritual bones of this place and the might of its lore. But, I got nothing. She had just started or had not been there long. So she called back-up, which was An mi. I asked my questions that meant to help me understand the soul of the place, and I was given facts that I could read. I was dressed down, and kind of don't project food knowledge, like that, so I kind of drop hints of places I've been to help them understand that they had a frequent flyer on board, not a tourist lost in the terminal looking for the coach seats. An mi gave me good, solid service but to no one's surprise I craved connection, at least for the meal. I stumbled upon the place alone, and did not deny myself the wonder I was meant to bite. I just wanted the service to provide me more than standard service, and polite attention, I wanted to have a conversation with someone, even if that someone had to because they worked there. You know kind of be the bartender that speaks to the guy drinking alone in the bar, be their willing ear, their confidant, their buddy in beer. I wanted a buddy in bite. But that is not a requirement but it would be nice to have, again, when one stumbles solo into a dining experience that can only be called exceptional and grand! The dining experience began with a trio. There was this celery root puree soup, I think, that was sublime--- a white spuma in a tiny bowl. There was this small piece of bread with egg on top, called "alcohol bread" and it was so intensely good that I felt like my mouth had truly reach the summit of taste. I asked for another one, and, another new service named Natalia, checked with the kitchen and with An Mi, and I saw An Mi shake her head with a firm and quiet no. But I saw it. Then An Mi came to explain to me that, basically, the food is so well counted that any disruption with perturb the flow. I get it, I ain't special but don't make me feel like I took a cog out of a sacred machine, I was simply asking for another bite of bliss. I wanted hospitality, not a lecture on fairness that was veiled in polite language. Natalia also heard my speech of my experience with the alcohol bread and said good luck with finding a better bite than this, at least in spirit, that was the message. I felt seen. I felt the hospitality. And fine dining requires a touch of language and engagement that a Denny's does not give. When the manager, Lana came, to offer me the duo of lobster she present the plates in the dance that I enjoyed. She explained that I should take a taste of the lobster doenjang (I kind of soup) and then the lobster tuigim (lightly friend lobster) and alternate. She also gave me a winl. There was the performance I craved, perhaps it was by intent, but still I rather have a show with try, then a show with tolerance. The duo was crazy good. Like damn! I stumbled upon this joy---- like if I were the person who discovered penicillin on accident, or hot cheetos. The duo was not batman and robin, it was thelma and louise-- the fried layers of the tuiiglim were soft, yet crispy, with taste of the sea, and the soup, well it was potency and reminder of the artful soul of food, a slurp at a time. Then I was brave enough to channel by Belle a la Beast, and pick up my soup and down the fare to its last drop. It might be crass to slurp the bowl or if it might be honoring the experience till the last drop. Decide for yourself after you try my method--- at least once, and thank me later. Every single thing I ate was profoundly delicious and new. Baroo claims space for something new, Korean food that is elevated. For the san namul bab, kkaetnip jangajji, gamtae bugak, consider mixing the elements quickly into the rice bowl. Every thing worked better together. They putted apart for show, I think, but tradition demands you mix it for impact. Imagine the difference between a carne asada plate, with tortillas and a burrito fully formed. The meal was memorable, and truly a moment of wow! I finished the dessert, shaved ice, but both fresh in concept and taste. I was scooping ice cream till my spoon hit cut, and it was a relished search. It was Bingsoo---- kind of like an acai bowl, a sundae, basically something that you can make different depending on what you put into it. And the mix that night was nothing short of a gift to my life! And also, the last sip of coffee, with the sugar cubes melted all the way down, was a sweet finish that made feel the soul of joy and why eating is cool. read more

The long awaited Baroo.... We had a good time. The 7-course meal including dessert was delicious and beautifully presented. Service was very good except that we were skipped a course. After we informed them of the oversight, they were apologetic and offered a complimentary beverage. It's hard to pick a favorite dish because everything was tasty, from the scallop (tender, flavorful & generally I'm not a fan of scallop) to the beef short ribs. Even something as simple as rice made an impression. As for the dessert, we were instructed to mix everything together, & it was very refreshing. This is a restaurant for special occasions. Street parking is impossible to find (we tried). You can self park in the building for $10 for 2 hours. The experience took just about 2 hours. I do miss the original Baroo for its relaxed and homey atmosphere. read more

See all

Baroo in the Arts District is a must-visit for a unique dining experience. The tasting menu is a journey through modern Korean cuisine, with each dish thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. The Hokkaido scallop with watercress sauce and puffed rice stood out, as did the soy-braised wild black cod in a creamy buttermilk sauce. The wood sorrel bingsu dessert was a refreshing end to the meal. The sleek, minimalist decor adds to the intimate atmosphere, and the chef's counter seating offers a great kitchen view. At $110 for the tasting menu, it's an excellent value for the quality and creativity of the dishes. Baroo has reinvented itself, staying true to its experimental roots while offering a refined dining experience. Emphasize the service: even on a rainy day, they remove your coat + place your umbrella in a nice jar. My partner and I went on an Anniversary the day before Valentines Day, the team provided us a lovely signatured note to celebrate our occasion. Please consider this place when you want to be intimate, ESPECIALLY on the first day. read more

See all

Baroo left me speechless! The food here is fantastic, thoughtful, and unique. I would say that the sea is the star at the restaurant with a lot of dishes involving fish or seaweed. My favorite bite with the soy braised cod, but in a close second the short rib! My wife ordered from their vegan menu and she was just as well pleased with her coursed meal. We also opted for the Korean sool pairing which was so delicious! The service was impeccable with detailed descriptions of each course and incredible knowledge of the drinks. They even wrote us a thank you card at the end! The restaurant gives a very cozy and intimate feel. Overall, it's no surprise that Baroo took home LA Times Restaurant of the Year! read more

See all

Amazing food, vibes, and customer service!! One of the best restaurant experiences I have had in a while! I went for my birthday/anniversary. The staff are so kind and it was a truly lovely experience. The food was also very unique and delicious! I highly recommend it! read more

See all

Perfect dining experience, you will itch to find a flaw but just like the trick trivia from mean girls mathleat's quiz, the answer is "it doesn't exist (flaw in this case, limit there). Reservations for weekends and Fridays are very hard to come by but with some persistent stalking, snagged a last minute Resy opening. Street parking is another unicorn, but our appointment was early enough that luck was in our favor. Easy access, restrooms, urban dining room with formal table seating and bar options. They checked in via SMS early in the day regarding dietary preferences, made and accomodated both restrictions, vegetarian and pescatarian. The food is phenomenal. The best word to describe it is balance. Korean cuisine is already unpretentious and simple to begin with, relying heavily on the ingredients itself. But this place, THEY know what the best characteristic of each element and dish is and they know how to absolutely stun you with every single thing. There's nothing that overpowers or shadows the precedent or succeeding dish or bite. Everything is conceptualized and plated to absolute perfection and has a clear purpose. I am saying these with the risk of sounding farce and superfluous, however the food is anything but these. It's beautiful. So creative, so inspiring. Drinks too, absolutely marvelous. They're as good/on par with the food offerings, which is sadly so rare in LA. We tried a bunch (see pictures) and disliked none. The last course is a dessert to noone's surprise but it is literally how a dessert should be, more refreshing lightly sweet palette cleansing one rather than one that's doused in syrups and factitious distracting pastry gimmicks. Service is sufficiently quick paced yet attentive, genuine. They also made note of our birthday celebration and wished using a korean astrology card and candle. Places like these make the prix fixe menus worth and justify the means. So grateful for this opportunity. Much love! read more

See all

My friends & I were seated at the high top last night & did the tasting, I really appreciated that they offer a vegan and vegetarian option. Everything was delicious and had such unique flavors. I also did the wine tasting and my server was lovely. However, what really threw us off was when a male server told us there's a 2 hour limit and we're over 10 minutes, so we'll need to move and eat dessert elsewhere. I'm sorry, what? We're eating at the pace the food arrives, and 2 hours for 3 people doesn't sound realistic. He then came back and informed us now we're 20 minutes over, so we quickly moved. Apparently another party of 3 needed to be seated, but not sure why they could't have sat where we ended up moving. Hospitality goes a long way & when people are paying $100 per meal, I'd expect better service. I wouldn't go back because I'd hate to feel rushed over something I knew I had no part in. read more

4.65/5 Fun and great meal! Grew up with Korean food so this was an interesting take on the flavors I love. We sat at the counter for the open kitchen experience but we recommend a table. The open kitchen wasn't that impressive in terms of view or polish, and the tables seem much more comfortable. 1. The sool bbang (rice wine bread), puree, and jokpyeon were fun small starts to the meal. Loved the sool bbang, but struggled with the puree. My mom enjoyed it though so it's down to personal taste. 2. The jaetbangeo (amberjack) sashimi was honestly one of the best fish I've had in a while. Might have become my favorite fish to have raw. It's layered on top of a green sauce that you can't see in the picture which added another layer to play with. The greens were also incredibly fresh. 3. The fried lobster was great and the meat was a good size. The doenjang soup stayed pretty close to traditional doenjang flavors. 4. The soy braised cod are what people rave the most about so I had really high expectations which I think I placed a bit too high. It was good but a bit salty without a side. Lacked a certain wow factor but the fried papaya and Korean melon kept it interesting. 5. Beef short rib ssam. I got the beef and my mom got the pork; both were great so pick whichever. This was served alongside course 6, the rice, which had an amazing harmony of fragrant greens, XO sauce, and a crunchy seaweed sheet. Was a really satisfying closing course. 7. The bingsoo (Korean shaved ice) was honestly a highlight. So so good; it had tanginess, saltiness, sweetness, and was just such a refreshing dessert. Personal favorites were the sool bbang, jaetbangeo, and the rice. Misses: Although tasty, I do think the courses lacked a bit of innovation. Nothing was too special or brilliantly creative but I guess that's normal at a mid range fine dining establishment. They could also refine the plating; personally thought the lobster plating was kind of boring and we noticed inconsistencies between our dishes. For example, my dessert plating looked noticeably different from my mom's. Came out to around $330 for two which seems reasonable compared to other tasting menus. We left super full and satisfied! read more

See all

Wifey took me here for my birthday. The modern Korean cuisine was a surprise but it definitely won me over. The tasting menu was a knockout from start to finish - the ribs were pretty spectacular. My cocktail and wife's sake were excellent, and dessert was a perfection of hazelnut, banana and some mysterious Korean ice. Wifey went crazy for the amuse bouche - one of the little morsels was made with some type of fermented rice flour and wifey kept begging the very kind wait staff for more. Service was enthusiastic, kind and caring while still unobtrusive. The restaurant is a true labor of husband-and-wife love and I wish them all the success in the world. We had 7 courses and left satisfied and not overstuffed. Would love to come back - maybe bring some friends who appreciate the finesse and artistry of this wonderful restaurant. Highly recommended! read more

See all

Sat at the counter on a Saturday night! The space was very elegantly designed and the noise level was very pleasant. This was one of the best Korean tasting menus I've had in the US - the seafood dishes were the standouts for me, and overall, I really appreciated the attention to detail and creative flavor/texture combinations. I thought there was a little too much rice in the final course, especially relative to the portion of meat it was paired with, but other than that, pacing and portions were spot-on. The cocktails were fun spins on traditional Korean drinks, and the ones I got were on the sweeter/fruitier side. At the price point of $110, I thought this tasting menu was great value, and I'd love to come back during a different season! read more

See all

For a tasting menu, $110 is quite affordable. Their inventive cuisine incorporates a variety of Korean ingredients, making each dish a delightful surprise with distinct flavors and layers. It's a great experience that showcases the chef's creativity and passion. The service is also five-star. As a new restaurant in the art district, it's definitely worth trying. read more

See all