Soban was recommended to me as a better soy marinated crab than Ktowns Crab House and it didn't disappoint! The waiter (owner?) was really nice and helped us with choosing what to order. We ordered the crab and the fish roe stew. After we ordered, they brought out a huge platter of about 12 different banchans. I particularly liked the nuts, dried fish, and squid banchan. The crab was the highlight of the meal! The meat inside is so fresh and has an excellent creamy texture. Mixing the head meat with rice is a perfect combo also. I noticed that every bone was cracked as well, making it easy to access the meat in the claws and legs. I didn't think the fish roe stew was anything to write home about, and it's definitely an acquired taste thst we enjoyed. Overall, I'd say Soban is a 9/10. The crab has a great marinade and Id prefer to Crab house because of size and the way all the shells are cracked. read more

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I really enjoyed my meal but I was a solo diner and the specialties of the house (raw crab, cod, short ribs) are meant for a group. My grilled mackerel, bean paste stew and banchan were all good , though a bit expensive. I was enthralled to see a large assortment of huge jars containing colorful solutions in which vegetables were being preserved. Indeed, I was told one of the small side dishes served to me had been one year in the making! read more

Amazing food, amazing service. If you wanna go big and celebrate (like the cast of Parasite, but you already knew that), Soban is it. Restaurant Layout/Seating: It's a relatively small restaurant with 3-4 tables and bar seating that is partitioned into 3 different sections per COVID requirements. Apparently they are taking reservations now-- I'd recommend making one. We we're lucky enough on Memorial day to get bar seating at 6:15, but we saw folks getting turned away at 7. Food: Right now, it seems like they have a limited menu due to COVID. For three people, we ordered the black cod and the galbi jjam. Initially, we tried to order the soy marinated crab, but they actually ran out! Just another reason to go back :) The two dishes were more than enough for three and could likely even feed a party of four. Personally I loved the galbi jjam the most, but the black cod was also very very good. The banchan (which they are known for) was also phenomenal! It rotates, but they give you about 10-12 dishes. However, unlike other places they'll only bring the banchan with the first dish you order (I think so you don't overeat the banchan). You can always ask for more if you finish though! Service: The servers were so nice and kind! They explained every single dish, offered recommendations on what type of rice would go best with our food, asked if we wanted any seconds for banchan, and refilled our tea on request. The big thing for me was at the very end though, when I requested a small to-go container to take the dregs of the black cod (what can I say, it was THAT GOOD). When the server came with the container, she also brought me a container of purple rice to accompany the leftovers-- now that's what I call service! All in all, a great place to eat well. Definitely will be back to try the crab and other dishes. read more

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Marinated crab is the only reason I visited this restaurant. The crab meat is so soft and tasty, and the crab paste is excellent if you mix the rice with it. It will be your choice if you want to mix the crab paste with white rice or purple rice. The server (the daughter of the restaurant owner) suggested mixing crab paste with white rice as white rice absorb the sauce and taste better (stronger taste). I prefer purple rice as it doesn't absorb that much sauce, and purple rice is chewier than white rice. You may find the environment is pretty classic in traditional Korean restaurant setups, but you would also find this restaurant had been visited by various celebrities in the past. I didn't order that many foods from my last visit and I am pretty sure I will visit this restaurant again in the near future. Forgot to mention, the business hours are from Wednesday to Monday, 11am - 8pm. read more

Soban - Marinated crab $61 - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If I could eat here every day, I would. Everything was insanely good. In order of preference: 1. Black cod - MUST get. 2. Kimchi stew 3. Beef bulgogi 4. Seafood tofu pancake The banchan was super good, there were 9 small dishes. Our friend was vegetarian and dishes were very vegetarian & pescatarian friendly. The restaurant is small but works fast. read more

Soban - Braised Black Cod Kimchi Stew Beef Bulgogi Seafood Tofu Pancakes - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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One of the most surprising dishes there was the bibimbap. Bibimbap is usually pretty straight forward but the purple rice Soba used here added a little twist on top of the heavy flavors that usually aren't present when eating bibimbap. Definitely sounds like your basic order but it's a non-basic experience. The Kalbi Jjim was also really darn good. The meat was really tender and full of flavor you expect from this kind of a dish. Since it's not one of those giant pots you typically get at other restaurants, you're served a dish that is of a higher quality than most experiences. Two things you need to order here, kalbi jjim and the bibimbap. Sorry, no opinion on the crab since I don't eat seafood much but my friends loved the raw crab! read more

Soban - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Had 2 of the best meals of my life at Soban! the marinated flower crab was unbelievable, the short ribs were phenomenal and the black cod was absolutely delicious. Some sleeper menu items have to be the spicy octopus, spicy squid, and the bean paste stew. Food was so good I came back twice. Staff was so helpful and friendly and I cannot stress enough how amazing the experience was. 10/10 highly suggest anyone who enjoys good food to enjoy their evening here. read more

Soban - Braised Black Cod, Marinated Raw Flower Crab + Banchan - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Giving 5 stars for their braised black cod alone! It was flavorful and so good. We also tried their braised beef short ribs which was tasty. They gave us a lot of side dishes too and provided good service. read more

Soban - Braised Black Cod - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If you don't order one dish per person, you have to pay $2 for side dishes. The parking lot is too small and difficult. read more

Food is not cheap, but so worth it! I cannot recommend the braised brisket and the cod enough, though everything we had was delicious. Kimchi stew was not our favorite. I'm no stranger to korean food however i certainly wouldn't be able to comment on authenticity, all i know is my family and I were in heaven. Service was amazing, food came pretty quickly. Even though the place was small, we still had enough room and the ambiance was just right. TLDR: I just wanna have a lil chat with the ppl leaving this lovely place 1-star reviews. read more

Went in at 5:30 on a Friday. Told us they couldn't serve us even though they were totally empty. The business also has no high chairs to boot. What a bizarre way to run a business. read more

A fantastic find during my trip to LA. It's a smaller restaurant but has a nice and cozy atmosphere which makes you feel warm. And most importantly, the food is amazing. The braised black cod was so tender and full of flavor. Eating it paired so well with the rice and banchan that my friend and I made short work of it. Additionally, their raw marinated crab was fantastic as well. The meat was really fresh tasting and clean without any fishiness and the meat of the crab so flavorful and soft. If you do come here, highly recommend these dishes especially the braised black cod. read more

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Tasted very good. The best crab I ever had. Why 4 stars---- it charged $66 for a small crab and $55 for 4 small pieces of beef rib. read more

Soban - $55 for 4 small pieces of ribs - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My mon and. I order one galbizim I ate late breakfast so i can not eat lot Server treat us bad I never go back. read more

This restaurant is a real gem in Koreatown. My friend, and I came here on a weekday evening, with no reservation. We were able to be seated relatively quickly at the countertop. Our server and host who greeted us was incredibly friendly. We ended up ordering the black cod, as well as the marinated crab. Marinated crab was excellent. Not overly seasoned, let the flavor of the crab shine through, with a delicious, sweet and salty marinade. Had a bit of an herbal taste too Which I enjoyed. The stand out to me during this dinner was the cod. I'm not someone who enjoys particularly strong flavors (overly salty, or spicy) so this dish was absolutely perfect. The fish was soft, moist, and incredibly savory. It's set up on a bed of tofu, rice, cake, and vegetables. What I love about the dish is that it was incredibly delicious, but at the same time was very healthy. Who says good food has to be bad for you?! The owner of the restaurant was actually the one who brought her food. She was incredibly kind. I had actually ordered the crab to go, and she packed it with ice, and give me specific instructions for how long it was good for. Overall, wonderful restaurant, great service, with excellent food with the stand out of all the dishes being the black cod. Would come here again just for this dish. read more

I just ordered their kimchi stew and there was literally zero meat in it. Truly disappointing: it was kimchi, water, little pieces of tofu and anchovies only. Quality has gone down, prices have gone up, don't go here read more

Best service best food in Koreatown. Top 10 restaurant in the Neighborhood hands down. Love the family and location. Easy parking. My favorite is the braised cod and Galbi jjim and marinated raw crab! read more

Clean and fresh food! Service was great! Small place. Family own restaurant. Highly recommend ! read more

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The braised beef ribs are amazing! It melts in your month ~ the place offers great hot tea and they don't serve any alcohol The side dishes are delicious too read more

Soban - Braised Beef Short Ribs - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The food was next level to say the least, and I was blown away by the hospitality and professionalism, as well as the ambience, not to mention the freshness of all of the ingredients combined with one of a kind homestyle gourmet takes on several rare Korean dishes. Soban not only impresses, is it is a gift for the senses. Their soy-marinated raw crab, and their spicy braised shortrib - gabli jjim is a must pair. If you are in L.A, it is a mandatory stop for any lover of korean food, any true foodie, or anyone looking for an authentic, quality meal. Thanks so much and we will be back very soon! read more

Soban - Soy-Marinated Raw Crab - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I was a little worried before visiting due to the low rating. I'm a Korean American who's been away from home for some time and have been craving some good comfort food. This restaurant did the trick to me! I think people that enjoy a more spicy, salty and strong taste may consider Soban to be a bit on the bland side which I think may have affected the rating here. I enjoy Korean dishes that are mild and less salty so the food was perfect to me. If you are from Korea and are craving some authentic Korean comfort food, I would highly recommend you pay a visit here! read more

Soban - Braised Black Cod, Beef Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We heard about how director of parasite came here after the Oscars so we decide to come and try. They were very generous with the ban chan and the best dish was probably the raw marinated crab and the galbijim. We also ordered the seafood tofu pancake which wasn't like any other pancake. Though have to say this is definitely a bit on the pricier side. MUST GET: marinated crab TIP: they are on lunch break from 3-4pm so if you want early dinner come 4pm read more

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Ordered crab, squid, and kimchi stew. The food is really expensive, but we don't mind the price, we concern about the food quality and hygiene. The crab was highly anticipated, but taste mediocre, soy sauce is overshadowing other flavors, I've had better raw crab at santa clara and other states. The biggest problem of our dinning experience is there are more than 5 flies hovering around our table, we had to keep waving our hands to prevent them landing on our food. This restaurant is very proud of "celebrity endorsement" as you can see all those pictures hanging on the wall, but they should really focus on what's really important. read more

Soban - Multiple flies hovering above our table - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was hesitant to come here after seeing some of the reviews, but we had a 5 star experience, and I think I understand why we did and some others didn't. We're not Korean, but we didn't experience any of the issues with poorer treatment as a result of it, which some other people complained about. The person who served us was extremely attentive and patient, spoke perfect English, explained everything and answered all our questions, was friendly, refilled banchan and in general treated us really well. But here's the thing. We came on what was probably a slower night for them, and the person who served us was a member of the family that owns the place. So I think she might care about the reputation of their restaurant more than someone who's just hired help. We also came at 5:30, literally the first people there. By the time we left at 7:15, the place was still packed even though it was a Monday night. There was one server and she was running around like crazy; frankly I don't know how she managed it all, and I would understand if the service would not have been the same if we came at that time. So I think that's the key -go early on a slower night. But of course none of that matters if the food wasn't good. And the food was incredible. Banchan was generous. Black cod is delicious and frankly more than enough for two. And the raw marinated crab is a unique, authentic Korean delicacy. The taste is sublime, and you likely won't find it anywhere else in America. Even though the restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, it's still a destination and there's a good reason why. So definitely try it if you're in L.A. read more

I'm honestly really shocked at Soban's low rating. I had cravings for raw marinated crab and I've tried so many places in ktown. I've grown up eating some really good marinated raw crabs and all the places I've tried in ktown were just decent. My boyfriend brought me here for the first time and from start to finish I enjoyed my meal. We ordered the Raw Soy Marinated Crabs and the Braised Black Cod. It came with about 12 side dishes which were all so good and healthy. We kept our expectations low cause their rating isn't that great but wow.. everything was sooo delicious! We enjoyed every single bite. The crabs weren't too sweet like most places and I loved the marinade. The service was good too which made my experience better! Felt very homey. I think I found my new favorite spot! read more

Soban - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Apparently the director of Parasite (Bong Joon Ho) came here because he was craving (marinated raw crab) and partied here until 5am after the Academy Awards. Location: south western border of Koreatown, an unexpected place for a good Korean restaurant to be, but feels like a speakeasy because you know only if you know. Parking: parking spots in the back or street parking Ambience: like a Japanese sushi restaurant with that birch wood. It's clean and well lit. Lively vibe with friends and family having a good time. Date-able: not on your 1-10th dates. This is a place you go once you've sealed the deal, you're comfortable with each other, and you can crunch some crab in front of each other. Noise: less than a bar but more than a cafe in decibels. Definitely can bring 3+ friends and have a conversation without feeling like the whole room hears you. Food: (marinated raw crab) was amazing. The orange is actually very hard to find in other places but man, this place had it, and had it in abundance. I know my crabs (lol) and these were GOOD. Service: very respectful and caring but a bit haphazard. I think they're a bit understaffed because the maitre d' was also one of our waitresses and she seemed to be working two jobs. Constructive feedback: I think if they could elevate the presentation of some of their food and the experience such as avoid plastic or paper cups and plastic jugs for hot water, arrange their food in a prettier way like in this photo, hire one more waiter, and clean up/hide/replace some of the not so fancy things in the restaurant (i.e. bathroom soap, water pitchers, etc.), they could be on their way to being even better. read more

Soban - *Raw Soy-Marinated Crab - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

So I had this place booked marked for quite some time and finally got to go. The place is a lot smaller than I imagined but it wasn't crowded when we went. We ordered their speciality braised black cod and their tofu seafood pancake. The black cod was not very spicy but had a descent flavor. The tofu seafood pancake was good but I don't know if it's anything really special about it. Anyways, I always love trying to new places and although I was wowed by the food, the quality of the fish was good and their side dishes was the plentiful. It's worth the try! read more

Food was good, don't get me wrong. your classic home cooked meal by your Korean grandma. Waaaaaaay too overpriced. Always happens when a big Korean celebrity visits, in this case, the Parasite cast. That galbijjim cannot be $50 bucks. Oh no. Nakjibokkeum was good too. For the 20 small pieces of nakji Daegu tang was not bad. Also teeny. Worth a one time try. read more

So good... drool... Love their crab and tofu pancakes and the spicy squid, O M G. Service is always so friendly, if I lived closer or if Ktown traffic and parking wasn't so bad, I'd be there more often. read more

Amazing restaurant! Easily one of the top meals of my life. Every dish was amazing. The galbi jjim was to die for and the bonchon was phenomenal. The staff and people who worked there were so warm and friendly. If you love Korean food this place should be on your list. read more

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Since my first review, I've been to Soban 4-5 times now. The jjigae and banchan is always great. While I've never gotten it, the galbi jjim looks great but doesn't appear to be a good value, e.g. the amount of food for the price. The braised black cod is fantastic, everyone in my party loved it; just be careful of bones! The main reason for the updated review is to mention that my group this last weekend ordered the seafood pancake, but our cod and bulgulgi arrived first. Then once we were done with everything, they told us if we still wanted the pancake, aka they forgot about! Disappointed they forgot, it's good that they asked in case we didn't want it anymore. "Not mad just disappointed". Still ended up getting it, was good, but would've expected more from a $20 item. Maybe we should've mentioned the pancake earlier and asked the waiter about it, but this shouldn't have to be on us to monitor it. Another note: they accept a maximum of 2 cards, so be mindful. I give Soban 4 Bong Joon Ho Oscars, out of 5 read more

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This place used to be a lot better. The side dishes tasted so-so and the main dish was not impressive either, especially for the price. I took my nephew here because I wanted him to taste Korean food with Michellin stars but it was disappointing. Maybe the pandemic affected their food selection and kitchen staff... The owner/server lady was friendly and nice. But overall, a disappointing experience. Not sure if I will go back to this restaurant. read more

Soban - Braised rock cod - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A little disappointed. Came to try the raw crab after watching a YouTube video of a food critic saying how good it was. Don't get me wrong the food was decent, but the service not so much. My family and I (4 adult and a kid) were visiting Los Angeles for the first time. We were eating none stop! At the restaurant we ordered the crab ($61) and the beef rib ($50), the first thing the waitress told us was: you see the table there? You will only get half of those side dishes.... Ok no problem we said. We weren't hungry, we mainly wanted to try the raw crab and of course wouldn't have just ordered one thing. Towards the end of the meal, my mother asked if she could have 1 more of a side dish and with an attitude she said it's 2$. We were so uncomfortable. $150 was not worth it. I still tipped 20% bc the younger waitress was really sweet. She came a few times asking if everything was good and gave us extra side dishes just because. read more

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Let me order what I want to order. It was my birthday and I wanted to finally try their revised menu. Crab-okay. The soybean chigae was the best and the grilled fish. The crab...too pricey really. For $61 dollars I can feed my family of four for two days. Anyway, this is my first and last time. Miss the old menu. read more

Soban - The *Raw Soy-Marinated Crab - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We were looking for a place serving amazing Banchan and authentic Korean food. We found our second favorite place here. Great array of Banchan served up, a total of twelve. Each was different and delicious but the Kim chi was by far the winner. The cutlass fish was alright but under salted. The braised code was great but a smaller portion for a higher price than our local favorite cod place. Overall I'd come back but would prefer my favorite Korean hole in the wall first. Message me if you want to know the other place! it's sooo goood Overal Soban was a great experience though. read more

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Found a little hidden gem in ktown. They were recently listed in the 2019 Michelin Guide (also in Jonathan Gold's 101) and I highly recommend you take a visit. Banchans are clean and fresh no taste of msg whatsoever. My fave was braised black cod, it melts in your mouth and again, very fresh. Rice cake in the dish also has a very flavorful crisp chewy texture. Service was very good and overall very quiet ambience which I was very satisfied with because LA restaurants can get pretty loud. There is a $2 valet as well. Definitely coming back for their ganjanggaejang! read more

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We ordered the black cod, SO YUMMY! The fish is also very tender and melted immediately in your mouth. The soup is also very good. Service is awesome everybody is super polite and welcoming. We came on Father's Day evening and luckily there aren't many people and no wait. Will go back next time to try the Short Rib and crab with friends! read more

Soban - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

All their specialty foods were amazing. I could not stop drinking the soy sauce from their marinated raw crab dish. The braised fish was one of the best I've ever had. And I loved all the side dishes and how many varieties they give. The place was cozy with minimal decorations. And it felt so clean and fresh inside for a restaurant that serves fish dishes and displays dozens of fermenting jars. Lol. And not to mention, the owner/daughter serving us was so comfortably familiar and eager to answer our many questions about the food. I highly recommend this place. I can't wait to go back. read more

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outstanding from start to finish! quality banchan that exceeds most in LA. impeccable galbi jjim that respresents true character & taste profiles. the raw soy marinated crab is perfection. staff is inviting and friendly faces all around :) read more

Soban - raw soy marinated crab - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I wondered how this place could be so famous with only 3.5 review, but now understand after I visited here last weekend. Ordered soy marinated raw crab and the taste was weird. I love the soy marinated raw crab but this taste was first time. It's difficult to tell taste. And other food was also not that great, just so so. Most of all, the price was surprisingly expensive, compared to other Korean restaurants around. When people choose the pricy place, they expect a matching quality, taste food, but this place was absolutely not. To receive better reviews, either reduce the price or make more tasty food, and better service. Refill side dishes is default for all Korean restaurants, but only two dishes are allowed here. May be hard to keep its name just with the pictures of famous peoples on the wall. read more