KOBUNGA

4.3 (252 reviews)

ModerateKorean, Barbeque

Open • 10:45 am - 8:00 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

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KOBUNGA - a meal in a plastic container - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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KOBUNGA - soy sauce pickles, korean cabbage slaw, japchae with pork belly - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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KOBUNGA - Pork Belly Plate with Roasted Veggies and Kimchi - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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soy sauce pickles, korean cabbage slaw, japchae with pork belly

Rita C.

came here to eat after the yelp event at the california science museum because i wanted dulce nearby! i got the build your own with japchae, pork belly, soy sauce pickled cucumbers, and the korean cabbage slaw. the japchae was pretty flavorful and paired well with the pork belly, as the pork belly didn't have much flavor. i wish it had more vegetables in the japchae, but the slaw and cucumbers made up for it! my partner got the kimchi pickles and i actually liked those more than the soy sauce ones! seating is outdoors at the USC village and you can ask for a cup of water at the counter!

Kat C.

I first visited Kobunga about a year ago and was super impressed. As someone who's gluten-free, it's rare to find Korean food that accommodates that--and Kobunga really stood out. Most of the menu is gluten-free, which was such a pleasant surprise! Huge bonus: the kimchi is vegan, so no fish sauce or shrimp like traditional versions. That alone made me happy. However, during that first visit, I was told the dumplings were gluten-free by the front staff... unfortunately, they weren't--and I found out the hard way. The good news is the owners were incredibly kind and proactive. They apologized, took it seriously, and made sure to update the staff and labeling so future customers wouldn't have the same issue. I really appreciated that accountability. Fast forward to a year later--I finally made it back (I live far, or I would've come back sooner!). I was excited to try more items and went with a plate this time instead of a bowl. In hindsight, I should've stuck with the bowl--it felt like you get more bang for your buck that way. I definitely got more beef in my bowl during the first visit than I did on this plate. Still, that doesn't mean it wasn't delicious--the bulgogi and short rib were both flavorful and tender. The chapchae was also really good, and the kimchi, though a bit on the sweeter side for me, was still tasty. The staff were friendly, and overall it was a solid experience. Not quite as wow'd as my first time, but I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area again. Still one of the better gluten-free-friendly Korean spots around!

Maria S.

One of the best features of USC is the Village - and Kobunga is my favorite place to have lunch! The bulgogi is so good. I love their bowls. Everything is so flavorful. The employees are so friendly and always happy to give recommendations. Reasonable prices too. So glad to have this option for Korean food at USC!

I ordered a beef bulgogi bowl via a delivery app. When it arrived, it was still warm, a good sign of the preparation Kobunga took in completing the order. The bulgogi was flavorful and chewy, with very little tough meat or super fatty cuts. The rice was your standard part of the bowl, but thankfully they didn't make the bowl where the rice was the vast majority of the dish. Some vegetables and corn were also added to the bowl, which made for a good mix when you stirred it up! Lastly, spicy yet slightly sweet sauce was added for that extra kick! All in all, Kobunga has a great beef bulgogi bowl, which is something you should try if you visit!

Mallory C.

Pretty good spot in USC Village with quick service and delicious food! I've gotten the TBDT (The Best Damn Tofu) and the USC Special (Slow Cooked Short Rib). Both were really good, but I will say they don't include a lot of protein, but always include a ton of rice. As for sides, the Soy Sauce Pickles were incredible. Never had those before! And the lemonade has free refills! I really enjoyed the yuzu lemonade.

Nick L.

Korean style food with modifications that cater to wider customers. The pork tastes great. If you want to avoid the crowds and save time during dining rush hours, it will be an alternative option.

Build Your Own Plate (Short Rib & Pork Belly)

Theresa L.

I got the Build Your Own Plate with pork belly, and it was DELICIOUS!! The meat melts in your mouth and is very tender and juicy. I love the paring between the side and base with the meat. The short rib is also very flavorful and tender. The side of kimchi also tasted very fresh! A super delicious meal near campus. The food was ready very quickly, and the staff is very nice too! Plenty of seating around USC Village, and the underground parking lot is very convenient. I wish I gave this place a try earlier, but I liked it so much I went back two days in a row.

Helga W.

Stopped in after Trader Joe's. Service was prompt. While I was browsing the menu I was immediately greeted. I ordered a chicken bowl and was asked if I wanted rice, noodles or salad. I didn't get to read the fill menu so I was caught off guard. I got noodles, which is jap chae. I was thinking yakisoba when I hear noodles. Bowl was served in a reusable, microwavable container. It came with sour pickles and coleslaw. The pickles were reminisce of American sour pickles rather than Korean, so the sides were kinda weird. Chicken was cooked well and jap chae was cooked well. The drinks are great. I tried the plum lemonade and yuzu lemonade. Plum was sour and sweet. Perfect balance. Did not taste the yuzu too well, but it's perfect lemonade.

Build Your Own Plate -1/2 white rice -1/2 japchae noodles -BBQ Chicken -Side Sauteed Corn -Side Korean Cabbage Slaw -Kobunga Sauce

Tammy V.

Quick easy lunch at USC Village where there is free 2-hr parking! Staff was kind and service was quick. This is the first time I've gotten the chicken as my protein, and it was served over white rice and japchae noodles. Flavor's pretty good, but I prefer the pork. The sides were nice and offered textural differences. The Kobunga sauce tastes similar to a bibimbap sauce. The convenience that is offered makes this place notable, but I wouldn't come here to expect mind-blowing, authentic Korean food.

Cassidy F.

This is one of the best places to eat on campus hands down! I'm surprised I didn't try this place out sooner, it's really good! We ordered 2 build your owns. We ordered the pork belly and the beef bulgogi. I personally favored the pork belly a lot more but I would definitely buy the bulgogi again! The japchae noodles were also really delicious! The sides were really good. Most of the options were fermented vegetables of some sort and we really liked their cucumbers. Overall, I definitely would come back. It really is one of the best places on campus. Service is fast and easy too!

Mike L.

tl;dr: easy and fast; you choose a base, protein, and two banchans. Pork belly is tasty and filling, great lunch. Their kimchi cucumber is sweet and with the right amount of gochugaru, even though I'd prefer it be a tad bit fermented. Not much acidity. The sweet carrots are in nice bite size and has a great texture (not overcooked). This pairs well with their japchae. Japchae is not too shabby. It is light (in flavor/saltiness) and not unctuous. There's a bit of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil (mainly soybean oil I presume). The texture is almost perfect but what can I say for fast Korean lunch? It's a great base alternative; I'd pick this over rice or greens. The pork belly (kobunga) is well braised and seasoned. The gochujang pasted(like literally, did they brush or sprinkle the sauce tho?) on top tastes in-house made being light and syrupy (unlike the cooking/flavor one where it's floury thick), pairs well with the belly and even their japchae! It has the pork flavors your are looking for: savory, meaty (like eating pure meat cut against the grain), sweet braise, and a great balance of meat to fat ratio. I do wish they render the fat more with a better roasted/seared skin because it has no texture even though there's color (where's the burnt sugar crust tho). It may seem like there's some sort of crusty finish on the skin surface, but once you bite in...it's a bit one dimensional. I'm just being picky. Zzz still good. Despite being pork belly, it delivers a velvety soft palate that doesn't make you feel so predacious like eating American or Korean BBQ (where it's just proteins on proteins with lots of grease ~ bold flavor). Perfect for late breakfast or lunch. I'm glad it's not just a cut of fat, they do choose their cuts well. I can see why this place's namesake is the dish. Overall, for $11.95 I cannot complain. Yes it's like Chipotle of Korean BBQ, but not in a way where it feels like Chipotle nor kbbq. It's more as if your S.O. or your mum packed you a light lunch that is filling without being overwhelming. I do say the flavors (hint: sugar heavy, I did say it like 5-6 times lol) are to cater young adults (no shit, it's in the Village) or American palate: there's literally sugar in every component of my plate, but it doesn't subtract from the experience.

Sarah S.

Fast, casual, reasonable prices and darn good food means Kobunga gets all five of them stars. Pick a base, a protein and two sides. Seems simple enough but they execute really well with some truly great dishes. I had the pork belly which was cooked to perfection, seriously I'm a big fan of the thick cut swine and it was great. Their honey roasted carrots were tasty and made me pretend feel like I was healthy. I also did the corn which I greatly enjoyed. Just loved the whole shebang. With prices like this, I'll be back for more quick lunches.

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Cecilia N.

165

8 years ago

The bulgogi was delicious! I really enjoyed the sides as well! (Who doesn't like korean side dishes?) My favorite was the cucumber kim chi. The food was very affordable and fast! Exactly what students need: delicious, cheap, fast food with healthy options. Can't wait to have more Kobunga in my belly! read more

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Kenoy L.

8 years ago

Probably 4.5 stars but the meat was on point, props to these guys for representing Korean bbq proper. Pork belly was sold out, the short rib special was bomb and the bulgogi some of the best i've had even as simple as it seems. The cucumber kimchi is 5 stars for sure, I'd drop the half star though for the kimchi and other veggies as they are just whatevs. I recommend just double downing on the cucumber kimchi and get after that meat! Pretty bomb Korean spot, about time a legit korean bbq no gimmick spot exists. No korean taco, no korean japanese bowl, just straight up korean bbq, rice, and kimchi cucumbers like home. Simple and perfect. Could use this about once a week in my life. read more

KOBUNGA - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Kirsten N.

8 years ago

Hands down the BEST bulgogi I've ever had! The food is amazing, the service is great and the prices are totally reasonable for the quality of food you get. I'll definitely be back ! read more

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Cindy P.

8 years ago

It's really nice to have Kobunga as an dining option at the village when I'm craving korean food. I got the pork belly with a side of cucumber kimchi and corn with a base of brown rice. The pork belly is so tender and melts in your mouth and the sauce on it is so good, it's great. Plus they have corn hole out in the front! read more

Business owner information

John K.

Thank you Cindy! We appreciate your feedback - and it warms us to…

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Chelsea C.

Elite 22

145

161

7 years ago

Here you walk up to the counter and order and they give you a buzzer to pick up your food. There is ample outdoor seating. They have corn hole for your enjoyment. I like to make my own plate which includes meet, base, and two sides. The lemonade is amazing! The food i think is just okay. It's great that the food comes out fast. read more

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Mrs T K.

6 years ago

I looooove this place! They've supported our rehab team in a local not-for-profit hospital many times now that I've gotten to try many of their dishes. They're all delicious! I have a really hard time deciding which to pick when they donate to us frontline workers! We greatly appreciate KOBUNGA's support! Thank you! read more

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Dave S.

155

8 years ago

The pork belly plate was delicious- great portion for the price, and with tons of flavor. highly recommend for a filling lunch!

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Ethan S.

8 years ago

If you're not familiar with Korean food, sometimes it's not easy to know what to get or how to eat them. Kobunga really did an amazing job of putting together an approachable authentic Korean dish in a single platter with their own unique twist to it. I got the pork belly dish with the napa cabbage kimchi and cabbage slaw. I never had such a tender and juicy pork belly. It was so soft that i didn't even have to use a knife to cut through it, while keeping enough meat texture for the chew. At first I was slightly thrown off by the napa cabbage kimchi, which was slightly on the sweet side compared to what I'm used to, but it actually balanced the plate perfectly. It was fresh and refreshing. Then I stole a piece of of the cucumber kimchi which was also super refreshing and a good pairing with the meat heavy dish. As for the quantity, it's fairly substantial with a big portion of it being the meat. It's not like chipotle where you are at the mercy of your server for the meat quantity. They just serve you beautifully cut thick slabs of the pork belly. Totally worth my $11. I wish I had one closer by because it's a great meal and comforting food. read more

KOBUNGA - Tender Pork belly. A must try - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Alice H.

384

8 years ago

This place was great! A quick and easy, casual spot to enjoy some expertly marinated and prepared Korean-style meat. I ordered the pork belly and I loved how tender and fatty it was. I also tried the short rib, which did not disappoint. I recommend getting a drink so that you can try the yuzu and plum lemonades! read more

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Kevin R. Y.

161

8 years ago

Small portions for the price and not "authentic" Korean food but nonetheless very flavorful. I got the chicken with noodles and cucumbers and kimchi on the side. The soy sauce cucumbers is very good with a mild soy sauce taste which makes it crunchy and salty. The chicken is very tender and pairs very well with the Japchae noodles. read more

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Grant C.

8 years ago

My girlfriend and I were looking to grab a quick bite before heading to the USC bookstore to buy some gifts. On the way, we saw KOBUNGA and decided to give it a try. We both got the pork belly and were amazed at how good it was. Taste and texture were superb. We agreed that it was among the best pork belly we've had anywhere, including at places where it would've cost significantly more. The portion size was good (though because it was so good, I could've eaten more) and the sides (e.g., the kim chee) were solid. The service was friendly and enthusiastic. The two guys behind the counter even gave us samples of the short rib, which was also excellent, although we'd probably opt for the pork belly most of the time. I sure hope this restaurant catches on and expands because we live far from USC and are rarely in that area (I graduated more than a decade ago). Though now that KOBUNGA is there, maybe we'll just have to start finding reasons to visit the campus more often ... read more

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Doreen P.

8 years ago

My first time in University Village (I graduated in 1985, when this was a run-down strip mall) -- it was dazzling). The BBQ short rib meat was so tender you could cut it with a plastic fork. Food served quickly and everyone was very friendly. The guy behind the counter is, I believe, a co-owner? He was super helpful with the menu and explaining items I didn't recognize. He praised my friend's order, telling her it was a great flavor combo. The food was really, really good. I got the short ribs over white rice, grilled corn and some kind of slaw. The slaw wasn't my favorite, but I'm a tough sell when it comes to slaw. Generous portions, VERY tasty food. A little pricey, but hey... it's USC. I'd eat there again in a second! read more

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Nanci R.

138

8 years ago

We drove from Calabasas to check out USC Village and Kobunga for dinner. Did not disappoint!! We all built our individual plates. The meat eaters in our party had the pork belly and the short ribs. Delicious. I had tofu over brown rice with greens, Korean Cole slaw and carrots. The marinades and sauces combined for an awesome vegetarian dinner. Yummy yuzu and plum lemonades to go with. We will be back!! Thank you John and Amanda. read more

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John K.

Thank you for your review - we appreciate the feedback and the kind…

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Clarence D.

822

8 years ago

Ran out of white rice (how does that even happen) ran out of pork belly and overall a lot of the menu wasn't there. Very overpriced (like everything in the USC village) and not particularly worth the price. Want to come back for the pork belly, but as a college student not sure if it's worth the price. I got the bulgogi and it was good, definitely not the best Korean food I've ever had but above average. Kimchi did not taste authentic and was honestly just cabbage and sauce. While decent, definitely not worth the price. Dissappointing just like most places in the village. read more

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John K.

Hi Clarence,…

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Natalie H.

8 years ago

Good food. Friendly staff. The slow cooked meat was delicious. 4 stars instead of 5 because I'm simply not a fan of eating a "bowl" primarily consisting of beef. The bowl was heavy because of all the meat. Don't get me wrong, I love beef, but the bowls I'm normally accustomed to have other vegetables or grains. Not just a mountain of beef on a thin bed of leaves and a side of kimchi and pickles. read more

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Alex C.

8 years ago

So I posted here before giving this place an unfair review. Upon revisiting and trying Kobunga, I realized that I made a grave mistake. I loved their Short rib (would highly recommend) and their ban chan (side dishes)I'm sincerely sorry to posting such a hasty and inaccurate review. read more

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John K.

Hi Alex,…

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Cara C.

7 years ago

I ordered the pork belly and it basically melted in my mouth and was super good! My husband got the short rib and it was good too! Also delicious cucumber kimchi and napa cabbage kimchi. read more

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Eric T.

266

8 years ago

Went with a group of friends and we all loved it! I got the bulgogi and also tried the short ribs. The meat is flavorful and extremely tender. There is also a great selection of sides and authentic korean drinks. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Natalie P.

235

8 years ago

The food was amazing! Highly recommend. I don't know what kind of magic they add to their sauces, but everything I had was super delicious. I will definitely be going back for the pork belly. read more

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Paul B.

7 years ago

The food was fabulous. The veggies and other sides are prepared perfectly. But, the service is the best part. Really can not beat the service. read more

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Jessica K.

8 years ago

Convenient and delicious fast casual. Order inside, pick from main and sides, and eat at outside tables. Bulgogi is fantastic! I loved their corn and spicy cucumber as well. Lots of specialty beverages - lemonade is quite good. The people working there were super nice and friendly. They validate for underground Village parking, or there is metered parking on the street. Easy to get to, quick to order, and healthy, so I will definitely go back! read more

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Helena B.

8 years ago

Stopped by while passing through LA - I'd never had fast-casual Korean before but Kobunga sets the bar high. As a college student, finding affordable, healthy, and (most importantly) delicious food is a big win. The pork belly is unreal, quality that I would expect at a sit-down restaurant. Kimchi cucumbers were flavorful and refreshing with just the right amount of kick (highly recommend getting them as a side). I wish I had a picture to share, but I was too busy eating to pull out my phone. Good thing I was in and out so fast or else I would have been tempted to try one of everything on the menu! The servers were super friendly and made me feel like family. Wishing we had a Kobunga on the East Coast, but for now I'll just anxiously wait for my next visit! read more

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Fred G.

8 years ago

Korean (or even Asian / ethnic food) is not typically my jam, but Kobunga has me converted! The Bulgogi is the best I've ever had, even better than the fancy Korean sit down, along with the white rice and scallions (stuck in the freezer, still good several days after) . I've heard the pork belly is amazing (haven't tried yet) and spicy cucumbers are a must. Gluten free, vegan (except for meat of course), and good price point for the portion, I'm all in! read more

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Vera C.

8 years ago

Very let down and disappointed with this place. I had hoped that it would at least be decently good but I was so wrong. Two stars because their meat is definitely super good but one good component isn't enough to save the whole plate. I ordered the pork belly plate with "roasted" sweet potatoes and kimchi as my sides. First of all their "roasted" sweet potatoes were not even close to cooked. I was probably served raw potatoes because I literally couldn't stab any piece with my fork. They were crunchy, not soft and I honestly thought they had given me carrots instead. Strike one. Then their kimchi...I finished it only because I really do love cabbage but it was sweet and not spicy at all. And if I do remember kimchi is supposed to be salty sour and spicy. Then my friend even told me that they told the person ordering in front of me that they ran out but that they could "make it really fast". I would rather you just tell me that I don't have that option right now than serve me a sad excuse of kimchi. Strike two. Then their rice, they didn't have the brown rice ready so I opted for the white. The rice didn't even seem completely cooked either. It was pretty stale and reminded me more of the left over rice you would use to make fried rice instead. Overall, very lackluster of a place and I'm sad I had to spend money on this. read more

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John K.

Hi Vera,…

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J K.

8 years ago

Can't stop thinking about that pork belly, cucumber kimchi, and sweet potato! Can't wait to come back and try the other items on the menu!

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Liza B.

8 years ago

Kobunga is phenomenal - I loved everything I tried here. The tofu, bulgogi, sauces and pickles were my favorites! The sauces, in particular, are extraordinary. The staff were kind and I love the USC village location. We're becoming regulars! read more

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Highdee K.

7 years ago

The food tastes amazing, great customer service as well. My go-to spot whenever I'm in the USC area.

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Bradley L.

8 years ago

Ok so the food was very good and they were fast, effecient, and friendly. Now you may ask why I rate them so low and that is because for a regular, build your own beef bowl with double meat, it cost me over 19 dollars. With that I could have gotten unlimited meat and at any other Korean BBQ. read more

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John K.

Hi Bradley,…

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Shivam D.

8 years ago

I'm not typically a fan of Asian food but wow, this place had me rethinking that. I went for the Tofu with potatoes and slaw and it had the perfect level of spice, sweetness (from the sweet potatoes) and overall kick to it! Filling and delicious! Would definitely recommend! read more

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Jessica A.

8 years ago

I love this place! There short ribs are do die for as well as there cucumber kimchi! The short ribs melt in your mouth! They give you large portions which is a bonus!!! Def. recommend this place!!!! read more

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Chris L.

163

111

9 years ago

Not a huge fan of pork belly but I was blown away by their signature pork belly with special sauce. Cucumber kimchi on point as well. Price point is fantastic as well $8-12 with good portion sizes. Love seeing them at pop ups, fooda, etc. Always good! read more

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Stephanie P.

8 years ago

I've been waiting for a fast casual Korean place! I got the tofu, and it was delicious. I especially liked the sides, including all the pickled veggies. read more

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Peter C.

273

8 years ago

The Korean food was alright but fairly more expensive than an authentic Korean restaurant. It feels very new and catered for people who have never had Korean food before. I enjoyed the free lemonades and the different sauces. read more

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John K.

Hi Peter! Thank you for your feedback - we are trying to make the…

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Valerie M.

8 years ago

This place has food!!!!!! Everyone is awesome and friendly! This is a must visit place at the University Village!

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Trent E.

8 years ago

I've had much better, I got the Kobunga bowl which was loaded with too much rice and no meat. The pork belly I could find was dry and didn't have much flavor. A little disappointed, don't know if I'd come back for the prices. read more

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L W.

8 years ago

Best short rib and pork belly I've ever had, hands down. The pickles are also delicious. Portions are generous and staff is super friendly. So glad they opened here - I will be back often! read more

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Obi S.

167

113

7 years ago

this food is over priced and gross! i ordered the bulgogi burger and it did not taste like a burger at all more like slices of beef and bread. heavy on the kimchi pickles so just not a hood combo will never eat here again. read more

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Daniel M.

8 years ago

Love this place. I always stop by for lunch whenever I take the kids to the nearby history museum. Pork belly dish with kimchi is my fav - yum!! read more

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Michael Z.

8 years ago

Was passing through LA on a road trip looking for good, cheap Korean food on the go. This totally fit the bill, and coming from NYC, I can assure you the food tastes amazing. Load up on red sauce, and go for pork belly, can't go wrong. Sides were really fresh. Great staff, great location too. Save yourself a trip to Ktown! read more

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Shela M.

8 years ago

Pork belly was on point! I had the Japchae noodles for the base and they are a game changer (gluten and rice free to boot)! The service was speedy and the employees were knowledgeable about food allergens which is always a plus in my book. Loved my lunch and I would absolutely go back again. read more

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Page 6 of 7

929 W Jefferson Blvd
Ste 1610
Los Angeles, CA 90089
University Park
Directions
(213) 536-5886
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.kobungagrill.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does KOBUNGA open?

KOBUNGA opens at 10:45 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does KOBUNGA close?

KOBUNGA closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:45 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does KOBUNGA take Bitcoin?

No, KOBUNGA does not take Bitcoin.

Does KOBUNGA take credit cards?

Yes, KOBUNGA takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does KOBUNGA have catering options?

Yes, KOBUNGA does have catering options.

Does KOBUNGA have a drive thru?

No, KOBUNGA does not have a drive thru.

Does KOBUNGA have a happy hour?

No, KOBUNGA does not have a happy hour.

Does KOBUNGA serve alcohol?

No, KOBUNGA does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does KOBUNGA allow dogs?

Yes, KOBUNGA allows dogs.

Does KOBUNGA have TVs?

No, KOBUNGA does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does KOBUNGA have bike parking?

Yes, KOBUNGA has bike parking.

Does KOBUNGA have outdoor seating?

Yes, KOBUNGA has outdoor seating options.

Does KOBUNGA have parking?

Yes, KOBUNGA has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is KOBUNGA wheelchair accessible?

Yes, KOBUNGA is wheelchair accessible.

Does KOBUNGA have free WiFi?

Yes, KOBUNGA has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We are serving fast and healthy Korean food. Although our meats are not Vegan, the rest of our menu is! All of our sauces, and side dishes (banchan) are Vegan and Gluten Free! That means no fish sauce, and using Gluten Free Soy Sauce.

Meet the Business Owner: John K.

Wanting to make Korean BBQ more accessible, John created Kobunga Korean Grill.

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KOBUNGA Reviews in Other Languages

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1 Review

Ask the Community - KOBUNGA

Do you have to get the sauce with the short ribs or can you get plain short ribs with just salt?

The short ribs are cooked in a marinade they come as is they don't have a sauce .. you can ask for one of their sauces on the side

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Bo Daddy’s BBQ

Look, I've tried a lot of BBQ in this city, and this place finally got it right. The brisket is…read moreridiculous, super tender, smoky, that perfect fatty edge. I legit didn't want to share. Everything else on the BBQ menu is solid too, but the brisket is why you come here. No fluff, just really good meat. If you want dry, overpriced BBQ, go somewhere else. If you want the real thing, this is it. Definitely going back.

I had brisket with mango slaw and beans Brisket was on…read morepoint fat to meat ratio tender soft .the sauce was so freaking good!!!! I wanted to send to lab to get the recipe I even played country music to tie my experience. The meat it self (Needed more salt,sea salt flakes the meat flavor by it self was a bit dull salt should bring it right on out. The mango slaw was wonderful cut right through it all/but I did find my self looking for bits of mango that were not there ;) The beans were perfect in my opinion. I got served fast ,grateful to experience this place thank you

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Idahoans enjoying real BBQ in LA

Spare Ribs

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Bludso's BBQ

Bludso's BBQ has always been cooking up quality bbq!…read more Ordered the brisket, baby back ribs, sausage, cornbread, fries, and mac. The brisket was so juicy and well seasoned. The rib bark was packed with flavor and just incredible. Sides paired well with the bbq, we finished it all. Vibes inside are great and staff is awesome. Highly recommend the next time you're crazing bbq in LA!

We shared the lunch combo and had plenty of leftovers to take home (granted we are older people and…read morenot huge eaters). I enjoyed the pork ribs and my husband made short work of the brisket. Both meats were tender and flavorful. The ribs are a little dry but some added sauce did the trick. I always ask for some chili vinegar to add acid to the meats and also to the collard greens. The greens were good - a bit one note but tasty all the same. The Mac and cheese is a tad gloopy (almost as if there's too much flour in the cheese sauce) - but that didn't stop my husband from eating most of it. We had a side of cornbread. It's a tad too sweet for me but we ate it happily. Staff are super nice and helpful. Street parking is available.

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Bar area

Brisket Sandwich

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Pitmaster's Punch and Low and Slow

Craft by Smoke & Fire - LA Live

My wife and I were just walking through LA Live and received word from a hostess that it was buy…read moreone get one happy hour. So of course we jumped on it. I ordered the Blood In, Blood Out and my wife ordered the Hispanic! At the Disco. Both drinks were amazing. We also ordered an appetizer of their Smoked Hatch Chili Queso which was delicious in every conceivable way. Additionally, the hostess we first talked to and our waiter were both outstanding. A++ service here. We're definitely going to come back next time we're in the area.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!…read more When the employee lured us in, she said to go to the counter inside and wait for someone to seat us. There were several employees that saw us just standing there, but we still waited there for 5 mins before someone told the girl from outside to take us to our table. We were finally seated. Then guy who told the girl to seat us was just standing around d chit chatting with another employees for about 15 minutes before he even came to our table. He never even introduce himself. He just took our order. Another 20 mins came by before our food was served. OUR FOOD WAS ROOM TEMPERATURE. Short Rib was ok. The macaroni was stale and OLD! It was dry and not fresh! We asked for extra BBQ sauce and that didn't arrive for another 15 mins. We had to wave down another employee to try to get the sauce to us. I wouldn't recommend this place! Horrible service. Didn't even come around to see if we needed anything or if everything was good or not. We came here around 1:30pm on 3/16. The restroom was also out of paper towels and soap from the soda dispenser. Poor quality food! Glad I tried it, so I know to not come back again!

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Mac Rib

MacRib Sandwich

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Nashville Hot Chicken Burrito

Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo

Wheelchair accessible

Kevin was super helpful it was our first time and he went through the process slowly to make sure…read morewe understood everything. We drove 3 hours to make it here and he made it worth it 10/10 service

I had the pleasure of having a luncheon here with my colleagues and was pleasantly surprised by the…read morewhole experience. Call me a snob but AYCE has never been my thing... until I came here. Chubby Cattle is the best kbbq I've ever had, and our server was amazing. Ru took excellent care of us and was incredibly friendly and knowledgable. I'm surprised Disney hasn't tried to recruit her! 10/10 would come back

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A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Short Rib

The Park's Finest

Finally visited The Park's Finest with my family and we ordered almost everything on the menu…read morebecause we couldn't decide what to get. The food was superb! Every Filipino swears their food is better at home and I'm sure it may be, but we need to appreciate places like this that put our cuisine out there and make it this good! I was very impressed with the flavors and I absolutely loved that they served the bibinka similar to a cornbread because it works! I never thought to eat bibinka with savory foods because it's normally a dessert to me, but it is definitely the icing! All the meats were definitely tasty, but the star that made these proteins pop was the vinegar! My youngest said that's just me being Filipino because he said it didn't need the vinegar, but trust me... make sure to use that vinegar. I can probably drink the vinegar because it's that good! The restaurant is nicely decorated with beautiful cultured decoration that remind you of the homeland. We love coming to restaurants like this because it helps us connect through delicious foods and culture and find our identity. The woman serving us was super nice and on top of everything. The service was super fast. She didn't bug us and knew how to interact when she needed to and definitely deserves some recognition. If you're in the area then please check this place out!

We have been wanting to try The Park's Finest for a while but it is quite a drive for us, so I was…read morereally happy to see it available on Uber Eats. Such a nice option when you want something a little different without going across town. We ordered the coconut beef adobo, pork ribs, and the cornbread bibingka. The coconut beef adobo was definitely the standout for me. It kind of reminded me of Bicol express with a slight tanginess. Super flavorful and really good with steamed rice. The pork ribs were not your typical saucy, sweet, fall off the bone type. These were more dry style with a bark that can be a little tough, but the meat itself was still juicy underneath. The cornbread bibingka was also really good. It felt like the perfect mix of classic cornbread and bibingka, slightly sweet and soft, and the sugar on top was a nice touch. Portions were solid too. My husband and I had enough leftovers for the next day. Overall, really glad we finally got to try it, and we would definitely love to try more of their dishes someday.

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Short-rib, wow!

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Maple Block Meat Co

I'm a regular at GCM, and while I don't stop by every single day, Maple Block is always one of the…read morefirst spots I look forward to visiting. It's a staple in my rotation, and over time I've really gotten to know the people there--especially at the bar. One person who truly stands out is Becca. She's usually one of the first people I see when I go to GCM, She is an absolute delight. because she greets me with a such enthusiasm or a friendly wave and a genuinely beautiful smile. Honestly, it almost makes me feel guilty that I don't come by more often! Recently, I saw a review about an incident involving a customer and one of the people who work here, so I feel compelled to speak up. If you come across any negative review about anyone here at the bar, I can confidently say it does not reflect the people I--and many others--have experienced. In all my visits, I've never once seen her or the staff handle anything with anything less than professionalism and kindness. As a patron, one of the main reasons I keep coming back to Maple Block is because of the people. The staff creates such a welcoming, positive atmosphere, which really stands out--especially in an area where you can occasionally encounter challenging situations. Take any negative reviews with a grain of salt and urge you to go see for yourself!!!! Maple Block has consistently been a great experience for me, and I highly recommend stopping by. 10/10 will come again

If you're looking for a strictly good BBQ spot in the area, keep looking. But if you're looking for…read moreabove average BBQ with great vibes and amazing service, then this is your spot! The food was pretty good, the brisket was on the drier side but the ribs were delicious. The mac and cheese looked amazing but unfortunately tasted watered down. Cornbread was amazing (or so I heard, I didn't eat it myself). Overall, I'd come again if I'm in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.

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Brisket Taco

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

I haven't tried their dinner AYCE at any Gyu-Kaku, but their lunch combo is easily one of the best…read moredeals in Downtown LA. For the price, it's hard to find anything more satisfying. I usually go with the Angus beef rib (soy tare) and toro beef (soy tare), and the combo comes with rice, salad, and miso soup. At $15.95 (before tax), it's a great value for two meat options. Another thing I like -- though it might not be for everyone -- is that you get to cook your own meat. I prefer my meat done a certain way, so it's nice having that control, and everyone can cook it to their own preference. One downside is that service can be slow during lunch hours, as they often seem understaffed.

I came here for a lunch recently and I think this was a good time overall!…read more I don't really have anything bad to say about this experience. The place is somewhat small but does still fit a good number of people inbetween various booth and table sizes filled with grills in them. The staff were very quick and efficient and the food was pretty good overall. I got the beyond beef bowl as a combo. I do wish they let us know about the included miso soup wasn't vegetarian at first because I had to switch it for the seaweed salad later but at least the staff were very accommodating. I guess the negative would be is it felt like a "rushed" experience and the food didn't blow me away. But compared to everything with roast costs, I still think it's pretty decent and they have a good "happy hour".

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Woody's Bar-B-Que

Food good and prices reasonable. My favorite is the slab of pork ribs and pound of hot links,my son…read moreloves the pound of rib tips.I can remember going to Mr.Woody's when I was child now Iam 64 years old.I rate them as a 10

As someone who grew up in Los Angeles, this review honestly pains me to write…read more.. Woody's used to be a birthday tradition for me growing up. If you know, YOU KNOW. Back in the day, you had to get there early because the place STAYED PACKED, and their ribs were THEE reason to go. They were hands down some of the best ribs I ever had as a kid. They put me on. Fast forward 15-20 years later, and today was my first time coming back since my teenage years. I tried calling ahead to place an order, but couldn't get through. Honestly, that didn't surprise me because Woody's was always busy. I figured it was still the same old Woody's. Then I pulled into the parking lot around 6 PM on a Thursday. Immediately, there was parking available. That alone felt odd. No line. Plenty of parking. Not a single customer inside. That should have been my first sign. We ordered beef ribs, sliced brisket, mac and cheese, and dessert. They were out of the banana pudding, so we settled for peach cobbler. The total was around $50, which isn't bad for dinner for two. The excitement really started to hit when we got home and opened everything up. Unfortunately, that's when reality set in. The mac and cheese was terrible. Completely flavorless, watery, and mushy. The pasta was so overcooked it practically fell apart and blended together like baby food. It tasted old and had absolutely no seasoning or richness whatsoever. First and last time ordering that. Next was the brisket. The slices were gray, dry, and looked like they'd been sitting around for a while. I took one bite and immediately said, "Absolutely not." Another disappointment. But I wasn't too worried yet because I came for one thing: THE RIBS. The flavor was actually still there. The sauce and seasoning reminded me of the Woody's I remembered. BUT THE TEXTURE... A completely different story. The ribs weren't tender, weren't juicy, and definitely weren't falling off the bone. They were tough enough that I found myself working for every bite. At that point, the empty parking lot, empty dining room, and lack of lines made a lot more sense. By the end of the meal, I ended up rinsing the remaining ribs off so my dog could enjoy them as a chew toy. What hurts most isn't the bad meal--it's seeing what was once a legendary BBQ spot become a shadow of what it used to be. I almost wish I hadn't come back because it tarnished some really great childhood memories for me. I don't enjoy leaving negative reviews, but I also believe in being honest. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but based on this experience, Woody's is not the Woody's I remember, and unfortunately, I won't be returning. If it's any consolation, the cobbler was okay. But not worth going out of my way for.

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Counter

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2 Ribs Cut up Beef Link

Moo's Craft Barbecue

Family-owned & operated

Catering service

Best smoked burger I've ever had!!! Everything else was great! Perfect bbq spot plus it has a…read moretaproom for

What a greatly unexpected spot in the heart of LA. We went on a Friday around lunch and arrived…read moreabout 5 minutes after opening to a line, which I imagine gets a LOT longer than what we experienced. Our wait from start to register was ~1hr, so be prepared. The inside has plenty of seating and a large wrap around bar with several TVs - great place to catch a game. The burger was one of the best I have ever had - a MUST. The ribs were sleeper good - not something I usually get. Briscuit was good but not the best I have had. Overall this is a must stop - 1.5 lbs of meat + a burger + 2 sides = $120 with tax and tip.

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Beef brisket, jalapeno cheddar cheese sausage, pulled pork, pork ribs and Texas chilli.

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Sloppy Moo.. Brisket and sausage with pickles and onions. You need to wear a bib..

Bacari Silverlake

4.6

(4k reviews)

4.5 mi

Michael was such a fun server, had great food recommendations, and even better cocktails. I will be…read moreback soon!

Kristina went above and beyond to make my experience a great one. She was welcoming, knowledgeable,…read moreand genuinely cared about providing excellent service. It's rare to come across someone who makes such a positive impression. Because of her outstanding customer service, the amazing food, and the overall experience, I'll definitely be returning in the future.

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Indoor area

Bacari Burger

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Sea bass with roasted corn and sundried tomatoes

Din Tai Fung

Such good food and amazing service. The wait times are great on non busy days per usual for…read morerestaurants and the ambiance is amazing!

Food was so good, and was super fresh. Our waiter Ally gave us great recommendations and was super…read morefriendly and funny. Overall the service was great.

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Holbox

Line was long when we pulled up on a Thursday for lunch. Parked in the small lot - but not a lot of…read moreparking available. We got lucky. Waited in the 20 minute line and ordered a whole lot of everything so we could try everything. Everything was delicious. The guacamole - really well seasoned - preferred the regular tortilla chips vs the really crunchy other thing it came with. It almost broke my tooth trying to bite through it. LOL. LOVED the mixto ceviche, the octopus taco and the uni & scallop ceviche.. Loved the entire market it sat in and will definitely be back to try more. I would pass on the Baja fish taco next time.

Still wonderful after all these years! I finally tried something different as well as ordering old…read morefavorites like the octopus, fried fish and shrimp tacos. The gambas were amazing! I don't know how they made this incredible sauce that I could have literally eaten with a spoon. Perfectly barely cooked gambas, with plenty of head juices and sides!

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BCD Tofu House

LA bcd유명하대서 그냥 와봤음 평상시 서울에서 먹던맛 그대로, 원래도 맛있었음…read more근데 서울의 값*2배 대기시간이 길음1시간 정도! 맛있긴 했습니다 김치는 별로에요

BCD Tofu House is a Korean restaurant chain with locations in multiple countries across the world…read more The food is authentic, delicious and the service is even better. The dining room is always busy, so I recommend shifting your meal time slightly off schedule to avoid long wait lines.

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Philippe the Original

116 years in business

Casual dining

Do they need another review? Of course not. Order the French dip and enjoy!…read more One of the oldest continuously operated restaurants in the city of Los Angeles

Los Angeles RoadTrip Episode 9 "Rollin' down the Imperial…read moreHighway.. With a gorgeous blonde at my side.. Santa Ana winds blowin' hot from the north.. And we were born to ride.. Roll down the window, put down the top.. Crank up the Beach Boys, baby Don't let the music stop..:) We settled in to "Philippe" for late Lunch.. The Lass ate a "Lamb Dip" Hand-carved New Zealand Spring Leg of Lamb served on a lightly textured French Roll and dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts. Double Dipped, juicy delish through out. Washed down with a glass of Malbec. The Lad ate a "Beef Dip" USDA Prime Roast Beef served on a lightly textured French Roll and dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts. Served "Wet" with just the Bun wet and the Beef, though delicious, was dry mostly?!? Washed down with a very good glass of Allagash Beer. Philippe was a fun classic stop. "Century Boulevard, We love it.:) Victory Boulevard, We love it.. Santa Monica Boulevard, We love it.. Sixth Street, We love it, we love it.. We love L.A..:) Best, Avram Dodgertown Jr.

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Classic Beef Dip & Pickled Egg

French (double) Dips and Citradelic IPAs for two, please.

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Mm.. lamb

Pine & Crane DTLA

We came around 8:00 pm on a Saturday, and the place was still packed. The restaurant has a fun, hip…read moreatmosphere, and I liked the setup. You order at the counter before finding a table, which made everything feel efficient and relaxed. We ordered the pork belly bun, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, pan-fried pork buns, beef noodle soup, and Hakka mochi. The MVP of the meal was undoubtedly the Taiwanese popcorn chicken. It was honestly better than many versions I've had in Taiwan, and I've had plenty. The chicken was crispy and crunchy without being greasy, and the meat stayed juicy rather than drying out. If you come here, order this. The pork belly bun was my personal favorite. The braised pork belly practically melted in my mouth, and everything was seasoned beautifully. Simple, balanced, and incredibly satisfying. The pan-fried pork buns were the only disappointment. The filling felt underseasoned, and the bottoms lacked the crispy crust I was hoping for. They were fine, but not something I would order again. The beef noodle soup was solid. The broth was excellent, with a depth of flavor and spice profile that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, the beef shank was overcooked and a bit too dry (乾) for my liking. For dessert, we had the Hakka mochi. It was served warm, pleasantly chewy, and not overly sweet. It was a nice way to end the meal and made me curious to try some of their other desserts next time. This was overall a fantastic meal. Not every dish was perfect, but the highlights were memorable enough that I'll gladly return. The popcorn chicken alone is worth the visit.

A great spot near the Crypto.com arena!…read more Despite the line, we put in our orders at the counter and got a table fairly quickly. We shared the dan dan noodles, the 3 cup Jidori chicken, pan-fried pork buns, and cucumber salad. I also got the soy milk, which I believe is made in-house. The food came pretty quickly and arrived before our drinks, in fact. The cucumber salad was fresh, and the cucumbers had a nice crunch. I liked the flavor of the chicken, but I thought it a bit on the dry side. The dan dan noodles and pork buns were excellent, however. The noodles were flavorful and had an enjoyable chew. The pork buns were tasty as well and filled with juicy meat. I also really liked the soy milk. It wasn't too sweet, and it had a nice thickness. The staff was friendly. The restaurant is a casual spot with a self-serve water station.

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Interior of Pine and Crane

Popcorn chicken!

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Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken 鹽酥雞

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17 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Bettie D.

7 years ago

Kobunga really does an amazing job of putting together an approachable authentic Korean dish in a single platter with their own unique twist to it. I got the pork belly dish with the napa cabbage kimchi and cabbage slaw. I never had such a tender and juicy pork belly. It was so soft that i didn't even have to use a knife to cut through it, while keeping enough meat texture for the chew. At first I was slightly thrown off by the napa cabbage kimchi, which was slightly on the sweet side compared to what I'm used to, but it actually balanced the plate perfectly. It was fresh and refreshing. Then I stole a piece of of the cucumber kimchi which was also super refreshing and a good pairing with the meat heavy dish. As for the quantity, it's fairly substantial with a big portion of it being the meat. It's not like chipotle where you are at the mercy of your server for the meat quantity. They just serve you beautifully cut thick slabs of the pork belly. Totally worth my $11. I wish I had one closer by because it's a great meal and comforting food. read more

Celina B.

8 years ago

Attended this place as a pop-up a while back and am so glad that they are now a full-blown location! I had the bulgogi with spicy cucumbers and scallion rice. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth good, and the sides were a perfect pairing. I'm a little weak when it comes to spicy foods, but my family, who is braver, absolutely loved it, and helped me with the kimchi as well. Would like to go back and try the other protein options, but still think bulgogi will be my favorite...you can't beat the perfection of its flavors! Even the scallion rice, which was probably the simplest thing on my plate, was beyond tasty. Looking forward to more Kobunga adventures and proud to support a local business any day! read more

Julian K.

7 years ago

My Kobunga obsession has led me to brave rush hour traffic and leave my apartment *in KTown* to fulfill my gluten free KBBQ cravings. It is worth the trip to the USC Village. (Any chances of expansion locations?) I usually will order Bulgolgi, short rib or chicken - all really hit the spot and are provided in very generous portions. For the base, I ALWAYS go japchae. I once loved Kobunga's sesame scallion rice, but once the japchae came out there was no going back. As for sides, right now my go-to order is soy sauce pickles (all of Kobunga's soy sauce is gluten free) and the Korean slaw. I love the way the pickled/crunchy veggies serve as a counterpoint to the entree portion. read more

Xin L.

7 years ago

The wait is short and the quality of the food is really good. The only issue I see is sometimes the portion size and quality of food isn't always consistent. Sometimes the food will be amazing and sometimes it's just not to that previous standard. For example sometimes the pork belly will be cut too thick, which makes it have a not as melt in your mouth texture. But overall I love this place and it's amazing. read more

Julie H.

8 years ago

My love and passion for Korean food is endless. Can't go a day without trying one new Korean dish. They are completely different from what we are used to eat. They taste exciting for real. Besides eating with those sticks makes the eating process more gripping. So I enjoy my every visit here. They shine with cleanliness, freshness and deliciousness. read more

Winere R.

7 years ago

it's nice to have a korean option in this area but honestly i would have thought a bibigo would have been a better option. nothing is bad here, mind you. the food is solid but as far as korean places go it's just not amazing. i had the kobunga and the mama kim and they were fine but it didn't win me over in wanting to come back the next day. read more

A G.

8 years ago

Just like my mom's cooking - amazing korean bbq and sides at a fantastic price point for good-sized portions, my favorite is the pork belly and tofu with the homemade napa cabbage kimchi and kimchi. Everything is gluten free and vegan as well (except for the meat of course)! Excited to finally have some awesome Korean food near USC. read more

A K.

8 years ago

Came here for round 2, my new favorites are the tofu (gluten free garlic soy sauce) & the USC special which is short rib (no bone). White rice with the scallions as the base... wish some of the sides could be hot, corn was fine, but spicy pickles are the bomb and loved the jalapeños even though too spicy for me!! read more

Megan A.

8 years ago

You can tell the owners really care about crafting a delicious meal that is both true to Korean roots and relevant to modern day Los Angeles dining. We also got to meet the husband and wife who own the place and they're such nice people. They said they were preparing to open this place for about 3 years! read more

Roland W.

880

8 years ago

The first of its kind for Korean food, Kobunga serves up some of the best pork belly I've ever had! Their special sauce is also amazing For the quality you get, prices are very reasonable, since it really is a cut above other fast casual restaurants. Highly recommended. read more

Daniel D.

7 years ago

Korean food and the setting at this spot is great. This place is absolutely one of my favorites. Looking forward to returning with my coworkers. The place has a cool feel to it. read more

Dasha C.

8 years ago

This place was amazing, everything from the employees to the food. The atmosphere was great. I enjoyed my visit, and definitely recommend this place! Thank You! read more

Joel H.

7 years ago

The meat was amazing i got the short ribs and it was so soft. The cashier was really helpful in giving suggestions for sides and super sweet(: read more