Just found out that K-town has a Damsot -- a popular Korean stone pot rice (釜饭) chain from Korea! I couldn't resist after seeing their famous spicy eggplant pot rice going viral online, so I rushed over right when they opened on a weekday to avoid the lunch crowd. The place is warm and cozy, with a homestyle vibe that instantly makes you feel at ease. We wanted to try a few flavors, so the two of us ordered three different pot rice dishes -- and we pretty much wiped out every bowl! By the way, it's been a while since I met such a friendly owner in LA. The young owner here greeted every customer with a smile, making the dining experience even more welcoming. This place specializes in Korean-style stone pot rice, and every order comes with side dishes, miso soup, and a small salad. Little bonus at the end -- they give you a small yogurt drink! The kimchi and spicy marinated squid were both super tasty. At the end of your meal, you can pour barley tea into your pot to create nurungji (scorched rice tea). Just let it sit with the lid on for a while -- it's a warm and comforting way to end the meal. (We were enjoying it too much and forgot to take a photo of the tea rice, oops!) Spicy Eggplant Pot Rice - $18.99 Top recommendation‼ As soon as you start mixing, the aroma of stir-fried eggplant and pork hits you -- absolutely mouthwatering. It's hard to find good eggplant dishes abroad -- they're often too greasy or mushy. But here, it's cooked to perfection: rich and flavorful without being soggy, and still full of that roasted fragrance. Mixed with spicy pork and rice, this one is a dream come true for both eggplant lovers and bibimbap fans! Eel Pot Rice - $29.99 Highly recommended! The portion is generous, and the eel is super tender and buttery. No fishy smell, no dryness -- just melt-in-your-mouth perfection. If you love unagi, you'll understand the pure joy of biting into thick, juicy eel. Steak Pot Rice - $27.99 This one's limited in quantity, and every bite is worth it. The beef chunks are hearty and well-seared. It comes with an egg yolk, wasabi, and a pat of butter -- mix it all in, and the combination of meaty aroma and buttery richness is just irresistible. The seasoning is on the lighter side, making it perfect for gym-goers or anyone looking for a protein-packed meal. Pro tip: If you've got a bigger appetite, I'd recommend ordering the spicy eggplant pot rice to share and getting a second pot rice for yourself. The eggplant sauce is so flavorful, it makes everything better! 最近才发现ktown居然有韩国的连锁釜饭Damsot，刷到他们家最火的茄子釜饭完全抵挡不住诱惑，听说饭点要排队，于是趁着工作日中午一开店就冲来了，店面布置的温馨可爱，有一种回家吃饭的安心感。 想着多尝尝味道，两个人点了三份饭，基本上都光盘了很好吃！btw很久没有在LA遇到这么亲和的老板了，这家店的老板很年轻，对客人都是笑脸相迎的，服务体验拉满了。 店里专卖釜饭，每一份都会有配套的小菜、味增汤和蔬菜沙拉，小菜里的泡菜和辣拌鱿鱼都很好吃。饭后还有免费乳酸菌。釜饭有配套的大麦茶，倒进剩锅巴的石锅里，盖上盖子闷一闷，最后就会得到一碗热乎乎的锅巴茶泡饭，解腻又暖胃。（吃的太开心后面茶泡饭都没拍照了哈哈哈哈） 辣茄子釜饭 Spicy eggplant pot rice 18.99。最推荐‼饭上来开拌的时候，闻到扑面而来的茄香肉香就知道肯定对味了。出国后很少吃到令人满意的茄子，不是过于油就是太软塌塌，他们家把握的很好，茄子油润的同时又不会失去水分和香气。和香香辣辣的肉沫一起拌上饭吃，完全拌饭人和茄子党狂喜啊！ 鳗鱼饭 Eel pot rice 29.99。推荐！鳗鱼份量超大的，很软嫩细腻的肉质，不腥不柴，一抿油脂就在嘴里化开了。有没有爱吃鳗鱼的，谁懂吃上肥厚鳗鱼的那种满足感啊！ 牛排釜饭 Steak pot rice 27.99。这个牛排饭是限量供应呢，肉给的很多，每一块都很扎实。里面还有蛋黄、芥末、黄油，拌进饭里的时候散发着肉香混合油香，真的忍不住流口水了。调味不是很重，很适合健身或者上班人吃，健康高蛋白。 如果胃口比较大的宝宝，我最推荐的吃法是多人share一份茄子饭，再各点一份喜欢吃的别的釜饭，因为茄子酱实在是太下饭了... read more

Some days just call for a warm bowl of rice and comfort food that hits the soul. The beef bowl with runny egg comes with tender slices of beef simmered in a sweet-savory sauce, topped with a perfectly soft egg. Once you stir it together, the richness coats every grain of rice and turns into a bowl you can't stop eating. The eggplant rice feels simple at first glance, but the eggplant is cooked until soft and silky, soaking up the sauce so deeply that each spoonful with rice feels hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It's the kind of dish that proves comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. The sukiyaki beef bowl is another highlight. The sweet and savory beef combined with vegetables has that classic Japanese balance of flavors, and dipping it into the raw egg sauce adds a layer of richness and silkiness that makes each bite unforgettable. One of the most charming details is what happens after the rice is gone. The restaurant brings out a pot of barley tea, which you pour into the bowl to create a crispy rice soup. It has a toasty, nutty flavor, warming and comforting, especially soothing on days when you are not feeling your best. Each of these bowls carries its own character, and honestly, I find it hard to choose a favorite. They are all different ways of experiencing comfort in a bowl, and I'd happily go back for any of them. Which one would you want to try first? read more

Damsot, a renowned South Korean chain, inaugurated its first U.S. location in Koreatown, Los Angeles in 2025. The restaurant specializes in sot bap, a premium Korean pot rice dish, where each meal is individually cooked in a small pressure pot. When we arrived for dinner, the restaurant was full, so we had to wait for a while. The establishment is relatively small with a minimalistic interior design, yet it maintains a clean and simple ambiance. The menu is straightforward, with the main differences between dishes being the choice of protein or vegetables. All orders come with the same side dishes. We opted for the mackerel, steak, and spicy eggplant pot rice. Despite the crowd, our order was prepared quite promptly. A distinctive feature of the rice is the crispy layer at the bottom, which can be softened with liquid towards the end of the meal. The dishes were both unique and delicious. However, I found the mixed rice with liquid to be somewhat bland. Overall, it was a very unique experience as it was my first time trying this kind of dish. The only downside was the challenging parking situation, as we had to use valet service in the parking garage. read more

This restaurant specializes in Korean stone pot rice - comforting, fun, and deeply satisfying. I'm especially impressed when a restaurant preserves traditional flavors while adding a creative, modern flair, and this place does that beautifully. We tried the Salmon Stone Pot Rice, Eggplant Pot Rice, and Pork Belly Pot Rice, and each dish was executed with care. The rice was fluffy throughout, with perfectly crisped bits near the bottom of the stone pot that added great texture. The toppings, whether salmon, eggplant, or pork belly, were moist (except for the salmon, which is a bit drier) and tender enough to complement the rice rather than overpower it. What really tied everything together was the sauce. It was well-balanced and flavorful, enhancing each ingredient and bringing the dish together cohesively and satisfyingly. Overall, the flavors were thoughtful and harmonious, making each pot enjoyable from the first bite to the last crispy scoop at the bottom. This is a place that clearly respects tradition while embracing creativity, and it's a restaurant I'd happily return to for another comforting and flavorful meal. read more

If you're craving an authentic and satisfying Korean pot rice experience, this restaurant is a must-visit! I had the pleasure of trying the eggplant pot rice, spicy eggplant cheese pot rice, shishito pepper tofu pot rice, and beef bean sprouts pot rice, and every single dish was absolutely delicious. Each pot was packed with flavor, with a perfectly balanced umami profile that made every bite feel like comfort food elevated to a new level. The rice was nice and fluffy, nothing was overly salty, and the miso soup was a nice compliment and pallet cleanser. The crispy rice at the bottom of the pots added a delightful texture to the meal, and pairing it with the warm barley tea afterward felt like a simple yet perfect little "dessert" to end the experience. The ambiance was stunning--tastefully Korean-inspired, cozy, and welcoming. It really set the tone for an enjoyable dining experience. On top of that, the service was exceptional. The staff were attentive, kind, and made sure everything was just right. I'm already planning my next visit to try more dishes, there was a salmon sashimi on the menu that caught my eye. read more

I tried Damsot for the popular steak rice bowl and it was delicious. They only make 15 bowls for lunch and another 15 for dinner, so definitely plan ahead. The steak was flavorful, and paired perfectly with the rice and toppings. The steak bowl is $26.99 plus tax but worth it. It even comes with a delicious little yogurt drink to complete the meal. The restaurant itself is clean with a simple, modern vibe. Staff were friendly and the service was fast, which I appreciated during a lunch break. There's metered and paid parking available nearby, so parking isn't too much of a hassle. Overall, a great spot if you're craving a quality Korean style rice bowl. I'll definitely be back to try more. Enjoy! read more

Checked this place out last weekend with friends and absolutely loved it! This new Korean dolsot spot next to Boiling Crab in Ktown is a hidden gem. The abalone, eggplant w/pork (vegetarian version also available!), and beef stone pot rice were all super flavorful and customizable with sauces, seaweed, and toppings. Loved the crispy nurungji soaked in barley tea at the end -- so comforting! Each set comes with salad, kimchi, extra sauce, miso soup, and even a Yakult for dessert -- such a thoughtful touch. Cozy, modern space, fast service, and $5 validated parking downstairs. Go early to avoid the lunch rush. Easily one of the best Korean comfort meals I've had recently! read more

Today we passed by K-Town and decided to stop in for a meal. My meal plate was nice and the flavors were great, especially the fish -- both of my kids loved it. Personally, I really enjoyed the steak rice bowl. The beef was cooked medium-well, tender and juicy. You scoop the rice from the pot into your bowl, then pour barley tea into the pot to make ochazuke, which you can enjoy after the meal for a lighter finish. One more tip: don't forget to ask the restaurant for a stamp after your meal -- with it, you can park in the building's garage for 3 hours for just $5. That's a really convenient perk in the downtown area. read more

Dam Sot Korean restaurant blew us away! We tried the steak pot rice, eel pot rice, and eggplant pot rice -- and every single dish was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The steak was tender and savory, the eel was rich and perfectly balanced, and the eggplant was incredibly satisfying with a smoky, umami depth. The crispy rice at the bottom of each pot added the perfect texture. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the service was friendly and attentive. You can really taste the care that goes into each dish. Highly recommend this spot -- we'll definitely be back! read more

Tried Damsot in Ktown - super popular in Korea with 50+ locations. We got the eel rice bowl and the steak rice bowl. You mix everything up, eat the rice, then pour barley tea into the leftover scorched rice, cover it, and let it soften. The eel was tender and flavorful, and the tea‑soaked crispy rice at the end was such a unique texture. The steak bowl was juicy too. Also had salmon sashimi - very fresh. They even gave us a Korean version of Yakult after the meal. Parking is tight on the street, but there's a lot downstairs - just ask them to validate. read more

Damsot in Ktown is a true hidden gem for pot rice lovers -- straight from Korea with 50+ locations back home! Their stone pot rice is packed with flavor and texture: the spicy eggplant is smoky and tender with crispy rice bits, the eel is thick, juicy, and satisfying, and the steak version is rich yet clean with egg yolk, butter, and a hint of wasabi. Every order comes with free banchan, soup, and salad, and you can end the meal with a comforting DIY scorched rice tea. Warm, filling, and totally worth the hype! read more

This place had a lot of hype on social media, but I'm happy to say it still exceeded my expectations! Nice interior and very clean. Waited about 45 min on a Saturday night. Tried the mackerel and beef loin and both were excellent. Also tried the fried eggplant+shrimp, also yummy but nothing too special so I don't know if I'd order it again. The service was great as well! Everyone was extremely attentive, informative, and friendly. Park in the structure next to H-mart for $5 flat rate at night. read more

洛杉矶超火一人食韩国釜饭｜Damsot 位于韩国城ktown 商圈内有停车场 记得找店家要validation 5刀 他们家工作日中午座无虚席 周末还需要等位 据说这家在韩国有50多家店 真的很权威了hh 每桌都有"食用守则"： 1将肉和米饭盛出备用 2往剩余锅巴饭里倒入大麦茶并盖上盖子 3吃完盛出的肉和米饭 4揭开盖子享用自带茶香和米香的锅巴饭 并且每份釜饭都有沙拉、小菜和味增汤 非常丰富 小菜包含章鱼、萝卜和泡菜 和米饭适配度100% 选择了以下三种釜饭： Spicy Eggplant Pot Rice 是他们家的招牌每桌必点 有原味、辣味和辣味芝士 一直好韩式甜辣风味这口 干香肉沫和油润茄块绝配 Eel Pot Rice 来之前就期待这份鳗鱼饭 肉质鲜美细腻且肥而不腻 搭配姜丝酸萝卜腥味全无 蒲烧酱也调制得咸甜适中 Steak Pot Rice 我心目中排名Top1牛排饭 足足15块牛肉粒又大又嫩 搭配芥末和奶酪增添风味 再加上颗生鸡蛋简直完美 人均20-30就可以吃到口味食材卖相都如此上乘 并且健康又营养的釜饭真的超值 吃完还会送养乐多 小惊喜啦 推荐大家都去试试 read more

I adore this place! The vibe is cozy, the space feels clean, and the staff always take great care of you. The soup rice dishes can be a little mellow for my taste, but whenever a claypot rice craving hits... I only think of this spot. Their spicy eggplant with ground pork rice? Absolute perfection. The version with cheese? Even better. That sizzling claypot smell, the soft eggplant soaking up all the spicy savory flavors... it's addictive. Definitely my go-to comfort food in LA! read more

Just discovered a hidden gem in Ktown--Damsot! We tried the highly recommended steak pot rice and eel pot rice, and both were amazing. The steak was super tender with a slight char, and the eel was perfectly cooked with delicious sauce. We also tried the cold soba combo--so refreshing for summer--and the fried eggplant shrimp with their tangy mayo sauce was surprisingly good. You can even pour the barley tea over the rice to make a rice soup, which is a fun twist worth trying! read more

Damsot offers a fast and efficient reservation system. I waited about 15 minutes, and the service was fantastic across the board. The Steak Pot Rice is limited, but I enjoyed it, and the barley tea poured into the leftover rice made a nice after-meal soup. We even received Yakult-style probiotic drinks with our check. Overall, it's great experience with short wait times, excellent staff, and a clean, well-decorated ambiance. read more

Just visited a new restaurant in LA called Damsot--and wow, what a hidden gem! The food was beautifully presented and every dish was full of flavor. You can really tell they put a lot of thought into the ingredients and the balance of each plate. Everything tasted clean and fresh, not heavy at all. Definitely coming back again soon. Highly recommend if you're looking for Korean food that feels both modern and authentic! read more

LA韩国城人均$25釜饭 这不是标题党！店长真的很帅像早期车仁表，虽然等位快45分钟，口味倒没有失望，关键店长一直说sorry...我的小心脏啊，哈哈哈哈哈哈哈 这家Damsot就开在韩国城Hmart旁，我点了芝士茄子肉末釜饭、牛肉釜饭、寿喜锅和鸡块 芝士茄子肉末釜饭$19.99不加芝士$18.99 微微辣很好吃！！茄子很肥厚也很入味，芝士肉末酱拌开，整合饭很粘稠，我自己发明了吃饭，把釜饭拿出来再敲上一个生鸡蛋，口味直接升级一个level，把茶汤倒入锅巴底部，吃完饭喝上一口热锅巴汤很暖胃 牛肉釜饭 充满仪式感的摆盘，加上煎的刚好的牛肉，大赞他们的牛肉五分熟的刚刚好，配上特质芥末和酱汁有股日式风味 寿喜锅我额外加了乌冬，因为晚上太冷喝点热的很舒服，这家店的服务很棒，但建议大家避开周末晚饭高峰，8:30后人流开始减少，楼下$5，我去的时候全部停满，只好找了其他要$6，这家值得一试人均$25-30，希望你们也能偶遇帅哥欧巴，真的太帅了 read more

Just tried Damsot in Ktown and it was sooo good. The eel pot rice was my favorite, it was rich and buttery with a super generous portion of grilled eel, The steak pot rice was lighter but still tasty, especially with the egg yolk and butter mixed in. And I wasn't expecting much from the salmon sashimi with fried onion, but it actually slapped--crispy + silky = perfect combo. Definitely worth! read more