South Bay Jinmi is located in a small strip mall with Moon BBQ with a small shared parking lot. Since my husband and I were in the general area, we decided to grab lunch. My husband found this little hole in the wall on Yelp. Inside this little tiny place are a handful of tables. The space itself is a bit cramp and small. When we came in, we were greeted by an older gentleman. He was slowly making his way to help this other table. He also tried to clear a table when we saw us. We ended up deciding to sit at a small table on the wall in one of the corners. The table itself needed some cleaning (I actually carry disinfectant wipes in my purse and took one out to wipe down the table because there was red splashes of maybe soup that was on the table and napkin dispenser). The menu is on a large banner at the front of the restaurant, right above the kitchen and there is also another menu on the wall. After looking it over, we ended up ordering: Complementary Banchan- We had 6 different little dishes brought to our table. I did like the variety. Of the 6, I liked the potato the best, but it was a little soggy and oily though. Beef Rib Soup, $20.99 prior to tax- My husband ordered this dish and he enjoyed it. I didn't have any at all. This dish also came with a side of rice (you can choose between steam white rice or purple rice, my husband picked the purple rice). There wasn't that much meat in this dish. Clam Noodle Soup, $18.99 prior to tax- Honestly after looking over the menu, nothing really called me to order. So I just picked this dish, but there was definitely a lot of clams in this soup dish. I liked the flavor of the soup, as it was not too salty and had a nice clean taste. There were glass noodles in the soup which was nice to have some starch with my meal. ------------------------------ (Total= $44.18 after tax, prior to tip) Service was very slow, as the man helping with the table service has a limp and you can see has trouble getting around. This did not bother us as we understood the man was not able to move faster (and honestly we were not in a hurry). There is only one woman inside the kitchen, whom I am assuming is the wife of the man. She took our order. When the man brought over our water and banchan, I do no think he was able to get to the corner where we were sitting so he placed those items next to the table next to us and we just slid it over to our table. We were never really checked on if we needed water or any refill on the banchan, but again, I am just going to give the benefit of the doubt that because the man was not able to get over to us, he just wasn't really able to see if we needed anything. Overall, I think my experience was just okay. I do love hole in the wall restaurants and this place definitely delivers. But I am just not convinced with the food. But my husband did like his meal and would come back but I don't think I would (also we are not in this area in general and only really visit Gardena and the South Bay maybe a few times a year). read more

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Hole in the wall Korean restaurant in Gardena! Mom and pop shop. Inside the restaurant is a bit small but felt like a cozy place! The menu is on the wall and they had a dish I haven't had in a very long time. Fermented bean soup! The soup was bit on the saltier side and I wish they put more tofu in it but it was served nice and hot and with good side dishes. Good service and nice people! read more

South Bay Jinmi - Fermented bean soup - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

On this cold day I was craving tofu soup so o headed to my regular spot but it wasn't open for another hour. Let's see what Yelp has to offer that's open now. This place came up has four stars let head down. Well it doesn't have the tofu soup but I'm here so let's try something new I ordered the bulgogi soup which came with tea , rice and excellent ban chan. Soup had tons of veggies glass noodles and big chunks of meat . It's a bit sweet which I'm not my favorite but still good and lots of flavor. I will have to come back and try a few of the other dishes read more

South Bay Jinmi - Bulgogi soup - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

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Such a lovely sweet couple run this small cozy restaurant. The food was hearty and healed my soul. The portions are big for what you get in the South Bay. We tried the pork neck soup with a thick soup base. The soondae was tender and fresh. Parking is limited, but well worth it. As soon as we came in, we were seated. As the food came out, they pulled another table so that we had space to put the pork neck bones. Service was fantastic. read more

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South Bay Jinmi is a hidden gem for lovers of Korean food. Known for its ultra-fresh ingredients and generous portions. Their food is unapologetically authentic it's a must-try for adventurous eaters. The flavors are bold and traditional, catering more to those seeking a true Korean dining experience than to those after fusion or modern twists. The atmosphere is casual and no-frills, focusing more on food than decor, and the service is efficient and friendly. Expect a wait during peak hours, but the quality makes it worthwhile. The restaurant is small and cozy. The service is good because the owners are running the show and just love people that come through. They are older folks so just be patient with them. read more

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This place is truly a hole in the wall, traditional Korean spot. I was looking for a new place to try their gamjatang (pork neck soup) . When I got there, I notice the restaurant is consistently full and always having pick up orders. I ordered gamjatang and heugyeomso tang (black goat soup). Our meal was served with a warm smile as if I came home to eat. I ended up really loving the black goat soup and would definitely come back again! There's extremely limited seating so I recommend ordering to go. read more

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The food here is amazing. The restaurant is so small that a crowded rush hour wouldn't be able to accommodated. We came in a party of 6 during the time that there was less people and waited for a bit so they could pit the tables together to sit us. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes from stew, to soondae, to Army stew, stir fried pork, pork soup, galbi tang etc. I just can't tell what's good because they all taste flavorful. I especially liked the pork and goat stew because they were hot and pungant with delicate spices. Parking was small but enough to accommodate us. read more

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Great mom and pop Korean restaurant. Very cosy. I enjoyed my food and the service was warm.

The table next to us used the word "delicious" to describe the dishes he was ordering for his friend as they were day drinking soju on a Wednesday. This is my hole-in-the-wall happy place for Korean Black Sausage Soup, Spicy Pettitoes (Jokbal 족발), and Spicy Pork Potato Stew (Gamjatang 감자탕). There are about 13 seats in the restaurant (10 seats if you're not counting the table usually occupied by the uncle), so smaller groups of 2-4 are best. I've never had trouble finding parking nor have I had to wait for a table. I hope you'll give this Mom and Pop restaurant a try. read more

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From the outside, the restaurant does not look much. A hole in the wall, Mom and Pop Korean Restaurant serving authentic home-style cooking. But my first-time experience turned from excitement into disappointment. The Gamjatang, Spicy Pork Nech Bones, and Potato Stew were not what I was expecting. The broth was bland, very weak, and not as rich as I would like. Although the portion size was very generous, full of meat bones. But they tasted flavorless and lacked the pork flavor. It tasted like it was old, maybe frozen for a while. The banchans also tasted weak. The service is good, but not fast. The older lady runs the kitchen. But the young lady is too busy watching Korean drama show on her phone. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Gamjatang: Spicy Pork and Potato Stew - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

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I saw a few pictures of the food and read a couple reviews and decided to give this place a shot. When we pulled in, I wasn't even sure if this was the right place because the sign above the door was only in Korean. After we parked, i realized the window does say Jinmi so we were in the right place! It was quite small inside so during peak times you might want to consider takeout. We were able to get seated and ordered a few different dishes. Everything including the banchan was amazing. It just felt like grandma's kitchen. The gentleman who took our order and was serving the side dishes was so sweet to us and definitely set the tone for a good experience. The lady who was cooking in the back, came out to deliver our food. She seemed happy to see younger kids in there eating and as most Korean moms and grandmas would do, she talked with the kids for a second and made sure they were happy with their food! The food was absolutely wonderful and I really loved the vibe of this place!! if you're in the mood for some home-cooked Korean food you might want to check this place out. read more

Food is amazing!!! It's so delicious! It's a hole in the walls and you know these kinds of places are the best. Food is 100%! The price can seem a bit high but the Portions make up for it. And it's delicious! The owner/chef are elderly so they move a bit slow so service isn't fast. Good, nice, service just not fast. But the food is delicious!! Can't wait to go back later in the week to try new dishes. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Ah gu jjim - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

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This is humble and unassuming establishment. It's a mom and pop shop that serves what feels like a home cooked meal. My husband and I ordered the soybean cold noodle dish and stir friend pork meal to share. We were also serviced their home make blood sausages which was also superb. I'd come back to eat here again. One star is taken off because the space pretty small and unventilated, it was a tad warm in the restaurant. read more

On the outside, the restaurant doesn't look like much. What lies inside is a mom and pop shop that serves authentic Korean food. The inside is small with not much seating. I think this place is used primarily for take out. Once we sat down, we were pleasantly greeted by an older gentleman who served us. -spicy kimchi stew: (4.5/5 stars) My friend said that this was really tasty. Not too spicy and had more of a tomato flavoring. -spicy beef stew: (5/5 stars) My friend said the medium spice was good. More filling than he expected. -beef ribs soup: (5/5 stars) This was my dish and the meat was really tender. Broth was flavorful. -spicy rice cake: (5/5 stars): She said that the dish wasn't too spicy. There were fish cakes in the dish too. Rice cakes were cooked perfectly. Delicious comfort food with big portions to share. Thank you again to the older gentleman for his kind service! read more

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Gam ja tang was superb. Big portion of meat in a sizzling pot. Came here for late lunch about 4 pm and no other customers. I was so full and didn't need dinner later. Also home made shikke was tasty. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Gam ha tang - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

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I absolutely love the jokbal (pork feet) here. It tastes so amazing and its so tender, with the vegetables. The banchan is also a plus, because the side dishes are simple yet amazing. I used to get takeout from here during covid, but this is my first time sitting inside. When I walked in, it was really quiet and relaxed. They offer either ice or hot tea. I wanted to eat everything but today I was dining alone so I just ordered a small jokbal. They seated me quickly, took my order and went straight to work with the cooking. It was a very simple and meaty meal, no rice but the rice wasn't necessary. It was delicious on its own. I definitely will come again, maybe with someone else so I can order more food! read more

South Bay Jinmi - newest menu (2023) - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

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Literally a hole in the wall but that kimchi jigae was bomb. It totally hit the spot.

Food and bonchon were all extremely fresh! We got the petitoes and the blood sausages and they were both authentic and good. Wait times were a little long due but it was not a problem since we were not in a rush. Its a mom and pop shop with friendly owners. The portions were huge but they had to go boxes. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

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Have heard about this place for a long time and finally got a chance to check it out recently. Truly a hidden gem. Tiny restaurant - I'd definitely classify it as a hole-in-the-wall. Owners are this very nice older couple, although with a bit of language barrier if you don't speak Korean. The menu's on the wall with English. We ended up getting the spicy pork hock, gamjatang, and the goat stew, and man, it was such a good meal. The spicy pork hock is with this sweet spicy soy glaze and holy crap it is addicting... and spicy! It is pricey but it's a huge huge portion. Took it home and ate a few more meals with it. The gamjatang is really really good with great broth and the meat is actually well seasoned too. As always it's a bit hard to eat since it is mostly bone but the owners did provide me with some gloves to help. Goat stew is hard to come by in the area and they got a good one here too. Personally I'm not a fan of goat but the soup itself got tons of flavor that's really satisfying.. Great tasting banchan. Lots of people got to-go so may do that next time. Overall great experience and really looking forward to the next time. read more

This is for to-go order only! Love this cute mom and pop restaurant! They are two old grandma and grandpa owners who are super sweet! They gave me so much food for to-go! Most other restaurants reduce the to-go food amount compared to eating in the restaurant....but not here. Food was yummy! Their side dishes are good! And they don't just give one or two side dishes (kimchi and radish) like most other restaurants. Love their pickled spicy pepper side dish the best! read more

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Hole in the wall small business with good service. Banchan was fresh. Huge portions! Fresh vegetables. I couldn't finish it but it's amazing. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Spicy beef - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

A hidden treasure. If you like eating at tofu, house, this place beats the food in every category. Stir fried spicy pork is the best I have ever had and the spicy cold Gochujiang noodles were outstanding. A little hole in the wall with an older couple tuning out some of the most authentic Korean food in the city. Limited seating but eat in if you can. Fresh is best! read more

South Bay Jinmi - Gochujang Mix Noodle - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

I really like this place. Transported back to Seoul. Everything is home made and I really enjoyed the pork neck soup and clam soup

Delicious food but no ac in the summer so it is hot in there. Also there are only two workers so when it is busy you can wait a long time for your food and things you may need. read more

Food was really good. It tastes very authentic Small, cozy, country style restaurant vibe. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Soon dae gook - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

You won't be able to find the name in front of the business but look for the small hole in the wall with Korean writing outside. Max seating is 10 chairs. The menu is a picture menu with the prices on the wall. I've been coming here for years! The owner is really sweet. It's just her and her husband who stays with her all the time and 2 other employees. Before and after covid her food is consistent. I always get the potatoe pork neck soup and the beef rib soup. I love the fact that she brings out the sides to much on way before the main dish comes out. Every side dish is delicious and I'd be happy just to eat the sides alone with purple rice. Only down fall is the place is small and the tables are tiny for all the food she gives. It gets really hot in there during the summer and sometimes if you come mid day the place smells like cleaning products. Other than that, I love supporting small mom and pop places and the food and service is phenomenal and deserves nothing less than 5 stars. @makeMePrettie approved for taste, value, quality, consistency and service. Highly recommend! read more

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First having intestine soup and it was pretty good! It came out very fast too. They're known for their intestines so I was excited to try it. The cucumber side dish was phenomenal and we asked for 3 refills of that. The service is kind but keep in mind they have very limited seating so you may need to wait. They also don't have too many people working because it is a pretty tiny restaurant (very hole-in-the wall feeling!) felt like I was back in Korea for a bit. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Intestine soup - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

Get ready for some of the best soothing soups of your life. Epitome of mom and pop and with the same hospitality to boot. Delicious little banchan that are great on own or to supplement and cut your soup of choice. Blood sausage stew was very smooth, light and not too minerally especially for someone like me who doesn't prefer that taste. Blood sausage was really well done and the tongue was so tender and great with anchovy sauce. Winner was the pork neck stew. For something that could be too fatty, oily, rich or salty it was nicely peppered, savory and simply a bowl of comfort with a ton of green onion. Pork neck was not over cooked at all in this hot hot stew and you do have to be ready to eat with your hands! Get this soup, get probably any of the soups! read more

This restaurant has a very "home cooked meal" feel. Have patience though as you order and wait for your food. read more

Service was good. Small place but cozy. Food was decent! Wish the soup was a little spicier. Had too many bones in it though read more

South Bay Jinmi - Spicy pork and potato stew - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

Absolutely delicious! I and my husband randomly found this place on Yelp and decided to give it a try. We were welcomed by a gentleman and instantly made us feel like home. The soup was soooo good and we kept telling ourselves to come back to try other items here while we were eating. read more

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Ordered large jokbal to go. Quick service, food was excellent. Chewey, good flavor, sauces were right on. My old man 90+ yrs young, enjoyed it. Thats all I needed to say. Pick one up for your dad. Will not disappoint. read more

Exceptional authentic Korean cuisine spot in South Bay! As a native Korean I recommend all dishes here guarantee to wow you. Small place big portions. Both dine-in and Togo available, but dine-in would be much enjoyable. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Boodae Jjigae (mixed meat stew) - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

First time to this small restaurant. Parking lot is small. There are no more than 10 tables but it's enough for a nice Korean couple running this place. I seldom eat Kimchi for sourness or not being pickled enough but this place offers really good ones. Not only kimchi but other ban Chan dishes were all good. My main was a Ground Soy Noodle Soup. Nice cold noodle offers a gentle taste to the stomach. You add your own salt and ban Chan, if you wish. Otherwise, it taste thick cold soy milk. I'd like to go back and try something else. Many dishes on the menu looked really good. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Cold Soy Noodle Soup $14.99 - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

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The entree and side dishes at South Bay Jinmi is delicious and healthy. It reminds me of my mother's cooking and makes me feel at home. The added kimchi in the spicy chun gook jang heightens the experience of eating this fermented bean soup. Highly recommend if you're craving a home-cooked Korean meal! read more

South Bay Jinmi - Chung gook jang - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

I got a gamja tang and it was really good! The portions are a good size and they do give a decent amount of meat for how much it is. I would go back again! Support local businesses :) read more

Tried this for the first time and had a great time. The owners and employee are very welcoming and the food is amazing. Great service, great homey restaurant. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

Great restaurant, talk about being a mom and pop this, and supporting local family owned business, this place is the place you should visit. Great beef rib soup and blood sausages, 5/5 on the food. a lot of side dishes, easily 8+ of side dishes. Great value, come to South Bay Jinmi and check it out. read more

Got the goat stew & beef rib soup. Both were very good, emphasizing more the flavor of the ingredients rather than being too salty; also had good spiciness. Generous with the meat, which was tasty & had good texture. Served with white or brown rice. What really makes this place so special was the 6-7 small korean side dishes that were served. They were all so delicious! I'm glad we stumbled upon this place and we'll definitely return. read more

South Bay Jinmi - Goat bowl - Korean Near Me - Gardena, California

Food was great. They make their sundae (no not the ice cream) also known as blood sausages here from scratch. You can literally see them make it in the kitchen and place the filling into the encasing. It's pretty amazing. Owner was kind and amiable. Restaurant is very small and there are no high chairs though so might be touch for those with little ones. read more