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    Sun Nong Dan

    4.3 (3k reviews)
    PriceyKorean, Soup

    Sun Nong Dan Photos

    Business Info

    SUN NONG DAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Sun Nong Dan

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    Crystalin B.

    A few of us from the Bay went to visit friends who now live in LA and they brought us here! We arrived a little under an hour before closing and the place was still pretty packed. Joshua greeted us right away and sat us down. Another worker Julian then came by to take our order and he was incredibly helpful. We knew we wanted the galbi jjim but weren't sure how much to order since we had three hungry guys with a bottomless pit of a stomach.... Julian suggested getting one large galbi jjim and one medium koh galbi jjim. We also added cheese and rice cakes to it. It was the perfect amount and so good!!! The meat was really tender and the cheese just makes everything better!! The food came out quickly, and both Julian and Joshua kept checking in to make sure we were taken care of and enjoying ourselves. Excellent service all around!!

    Galbi Jjim Specialty
    Christina N.

    I have to give this place credit for accommodating our very large party quite last minute. We were going through LA on our way back home and wanted to stop somewhere for dinner. They don't take reservations, but were able to seat all 16 of us relatively quickly. They weren't too busy when we came in, which definitely helped with this. It really is a small space, so I think we were fairly lucky. The food was great, the portions were large, and the service was quick. We ordered the large galbi jjim with rice cakes and cheese (~$110) and the mo deum soo yook. This was for 8 people and was definitely enough. The ribs in the galbi jjim were tender and fell off the bone. There were veggies in the dish, but they sort became a mush towards the end because of how cooked they were. The mo deum soo yook was also good, but the galbi jjim was definitely the star of the meal.

    Large galbi jjim
    Sydni K.

    I've been to the other Sun Nong Dan location on Western but decided to give the one on 6th a try. This location is much smaller and has a more homey feel. We came here around 6:30pm on a Wednesday, and there was no wait, but it got crowded when we left. Three of us shared the large galbi jjim with cheese. Their meat is super soft and flavorful, and I love all the other vegetables and starches inside. This was more than enough food for three of us, and there was still some leftover. Service here was friendly and energetic. It's always a show when they torch the cheese on the galbi jjim! This is definitely one of my favorite spots in LA!

    Janet C.

    This was my first time visiting the Sun Nong Dan location in Koreatown--I've always gone to the Rowland Heights store before. This location is smaller, but the beef soup was just as flavorful, and the beef itself was tender and delicious. That said, I personally find the side dishes at the Rowland Heights location to be more flavorful. The restaurant was very clean, and the staff provided excellent service. They even helped us pack up our leftovers, which I really appreciated--especially since most restaurants nowadays just hand you the containers. That extra touch of service definitely made a positive impression! FYI- this plaza is valet parking only. $5.00 per vehicle.

    Galbi Jjim Specialty
    Klarissa P.

    Delicious! Came here with friends and it's a perfect place to share a meal. Line may feel long, but it's worth the wait. Would come again. There's a parking lot attached if you want to pay and not worry about looking for street parking. It was affordable.

    Gilbert R.

    They should call this spot the Mukbang Cafe. The servings here are GINORMOUS. You will not leave here still feeling hungry, that's for damn sure. Fair warning though. It's kind of pricey. And you WILL NOT find free parking here. You will have to valet and it costs a few bucks. But if you're OK with all that, it's well worth it. Me and a good bud went here to check out their renowned short ribs (koh galbi jjim). I think there's a small and a large version. Got the small, but there is nothing small about it. It's a lot of food for sure, but most of it is rice cake sticks and potatoes. So we left most of the starchy stuff untouched and went straight to the meat. Speaking of the meat, it's tender and fatty, which I love. Fat is where it's at! You can also adjust the spiciness level of the dish. I got the mild level since I'm not too much of a spice guy. They serve this special dish with plentiful banchan and a bowl of white rice. Flavors were awesome - sweet, savory, and hearty. Not much heat, which is what I asked for, but I think next time I'll ask for a bit more spice to liven things up a bit. Service is great, too. Everyone is friendly. And there was even a guy who came by and cut our meat up with scissors. Nice service! This is not just dinner, it's an event. So make sure you come here on a totally empty stomach and a fat wallet. Enjoy!

    Marc N.

    Obviously come here for the galbi jjim. It's good but not the best I've had. Add cheese cause that's the way to go, though I kind of wish they added a second blow torch layer for extra texture, even if it might make it too cheesy. The dish comes loaded with tender potatoes, tteokbokki, carrots, and onions, all soaked in that rich braised short rib sauce. Definitely go with mild or medium spice, the chili adds a lot of flavor depth. Service: Efficient and used to handling big crowds Food/Drinks: Galbi jjim with cheese is the highlight, great vegetables and sauce, chili spice enhances the flavor Ambiance: Lively and packed, typical K-town energy 8/10 Solid galbi jjim spot that hits the cravings but doesn't fully stand out

    Soup, & Sides Menu
    Haku H.

    This place is a must stop by. Their most popular dish is the Galbi Jjim; a spicy, sweet, and flavorful braised short rib stew. The beef was know to be supper tender and fall off the bone. GALBI JJIM : Today, my family of 4 dine-in. We shared a medium size Galbi Jjim. Pricing at $94.99 for a medium size. We barely finish our plate and still have left overs for another bowl. The beef was tender but not close to falling off the bone yet. I felt like they didn't marinate the beef long enough because it was a little bit gamey. There's 5 level of spicy. We asked for medium spice but it wasn't spicy at all. I recommend trying to get this dish a bit spicy to experience the full flavor with chesse add-on. If it's spicy, the cheese will also help mellow the spicyness down. They did great on the veggies and tteokbokki. The veggies are for flavors/sides/extra only but it's so good. I recommend eating them too. They're cooked perfectly soft but still a bit crunchy in the middle. Tteokbokki was heaven! It was soft and chewy. The sweet stew flavor was there too. The stew taste like a sweet, savory, and caramelized soy sauce. With the spice, I bet it'll taste even better with the cheese. I think this dish is a bit over priced. Looking at the ingredients that they used is really cheap. Lastly, pretty cool experience with the fire and cheese show. RATE : 4/5 KIMCHI : Ouuu, they made fresh kimich today! It was pretty bomb! It was perfectly seasoned and not so sour like the store bought one. RATE : 5/5 PICKLED RADISH : All of the seasoning for the sides are the same but I felt like this one has been sitting. Because, it's a bit sour and vinegary... but it's still good and juicy. The crunch is still there. RATE : 4/5 GREEN ONION : The green onion is good with the beef. It adds an extra fermented flavor to the dish. The onions are a bit powerful so you can't really taste the seasoning here. RATE: 5/5 JALAPEÑO & ONION DIPPING SAUCE : This side dish was also really good too. The dipping sauce taste like sweet soy sauce. The onion and jalapeno was also soaking sweet. They did great on balancing the sweetness. RATE : 5/5 RICE : They have an option of white rice or purple rice. I had the white rice today. It was well made. The rice were separated perfectly. It's slightly sweet, moist, and fluffy. RATE : 5/5 AMBIANCE : It was a slow day on the week day's. Not a lot of guest dine-in today so they allowed a stroller in. Or they'll had to ask you put your stroller to the side. It was really quiet in there. This location is very small and narrow but with lots of seating. The interior seems a bit old and out dated but they have nice wall papers to cover it up. The appliances are old and falling apart. They have nice and clean tables. The floor seems a bit dirty from dinning area and the way to the restroom. The restroom is a bit creepy and old. It's location in the back is also very narrow. RATE : 3/5 SERVICE : The service was ok. The young gentleman that set up our table was not that social and a bit akward. But our server/order taker was awsome. He was really friendly and helped us with our order. He also check up on us and talk to us from times to time. We enjoyed the conversation. NOTE : I came here a few times during peak hours. They are pretty rude. RATE : 4/5 PAST EXPERIENCE : I was at fault for not knowing Korean culture and ask them to just keep the change. He was really upset and agressive. He start throwing/pushing chairs agressively. And, threw my change at my table. It wasn't like a nice placing down my change. My change was flying everywhere. I was terrified and confused. I was alone and was so closed to cry. He start interrogating me over and over. The same question, "why?" I told him, I don't know, tipping?... if not I'll take it back. He mumbled/broken english "get out of here...." Now that I know, I just want everyone to be aware and safe. My apologies. PARKING : Their lot has a valet parking fee at $5 for however long you want to stay there. They'll take your key and park your car for you. When you're done they'll bring back your car. OVERALL : Great experience. It's a bit pricy but I would definitely get the Galbi Jjim again with Medium Spicy and higher spice level. I wouldn't go for the ambiance and service. Yup, a new day, I'll give them a different rating but they definitely need to work on better customer service. I enjoyed my service today.

    Chadol Sulung Tang
    Steven T.

    Inside Sun Nong Dan, the warmth was immediate, a stark contrast to the cold wind still clinging to my jacket. The rich aroma of simmering broth and sizzling short ribs curled through the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of chopsticks against bowls. I stepped up to the host, forcing a smile. "Table for two." They nodded and led me to a small table wedged between two groups deep in conversation. I sat, glancing at the empty seat across from me. Minutes passed. Then more. I checked my phone--no messages, no missed calls. The pit in my stomach deepened, a dull ache that even the promise of a hot meal couldn't soften. Eventually, I ordered for one. Chadol Sulung Tang. It arrived in a steaming, milky-white broth, the thin slices of brisket bobbing lazily in the surface. I took a sip, expecting something rich, comforting--something that would wrap around me the way the scent of the kitchen had. Instead, it tasted like... nothing. I frowned. Who would eat this? I reached for my phone, a quick Google search confirming what my taste buds already knew. Bland by design. A poor man's meal, eaten for sustenance rather than flavor. I glanced down at my bowl. I'd eat this. The side dishes, at least, had personality. Crisp, tangy kimchi, spicy radish, silky strands of bean sprouts--I loved every bite. My stomach, however, did not. Halfway through the car ride home, regret twisted deep in my gut, an ominous churning that had me gripping the steering wheel with white-knuckled desperation. Note to self: if you're Asian, get an H. pylori test. Stomach cancer rates don't lie. Our ancestors really set us up for failure. The service? Fine. They brought my food and drinks promptly, no complaints there. If I needed anything, though, I had the distinct feeling I'd have to flag someone down. Not their fault--I've worked in restaurants before. A single diner at a table for two isn't exactly a top priority. I get it. I hate one-tops, too. As for ambiance, the place was packed, tables crammed close enough that I could hear snippets of conversations that weren't meant for me. Couples murmuring over steaming bowls, friends laughing between bites. And me, sitting alone, stirring my broth, wondering where the night had gone wrong.

    Chadol Sulung Tang
    Austin E.

    We had the Seolleongtang 설렁탕 (Ox Bone Soup) and Galbi Jjim 갈비찜 (Braised Short Rib) here. Both dishes were awesome and the flavors and vibe maybe me feel like I was right back in Korea at a local restaurant. I will admit that for me the flavors are on the sweeter side for the Galbi Jjim (Braised Short Rib) than I personally prefer, but I do not think that is a problem per se. The Seoulleongtang (Ox Bone Soup) had a deep rich flavor, and comes unseasoned so you can salt it to your preference, and the banchan (side dishes) were of high quality. For me, that is a big W! I can definitely understand the hype regarding this place as it does a great job presenting Korean dishes beyond bbq or tofu stew to the greater audience at a high quality level! The servers were extremely attentive and helpful. In addition to being fantastic during service, they helped us with valet parking as a member of our party didn't realize it was cash only (which please take note if you come and use the valet!)

    Kevin D.

    Was really excited to try this place especially since they have so many location. Friendly staffs and clean store. The food was just okay. I really liked the flavor of the soup and the broth had a good spicy kick! The meat just felt so dry. The potatoes could be a little softer. The tteok-bokki had a nice soft texture. The banchan (side dishes) was very limited and subpar. Overall, it was expensive and I only enjoyed the soup.

    Cardin N.

    Service here is fantastic! We got lucky and got seated very quickly at the last table that was available for 2. The Koh Galbi Jjim is amazing. We chose this one since it has the oxtail included. This is a smaller restaurant but it is quite efficient with prepping the food and getting everything cleaned up quickly. 5 stars!

    Galbi Jjim Specialty
    Lorencia P.

    The beef short rib took the stage! It was a bit pricey but the food definitely delivered. Also the service was a bit rushed but they even offer to cut the meat off the bone. Side dishes tasted authentic and it would be a good late night, casual Korean restaurant.

    Galbi Jjim with melted cheese

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    Sun Nong Dan Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sun Nong Dan

    Do they offer their galbi jjim in "small"? I see some people mention it in reviews but pictures of the menu only have it in medium or large.

    It only comes in this one size! I didn't even finish the entire portion. It has the spicy and non-spicy options as separate menu items though.

    Besides the parking lot if full, any street parking?

    yes lots of street parking but not many spaces available!

    What are the sides they serve?

    We serve kimchi and pickled radish with every dish! The jalapeno and onion dipping sauce also accompanies most dishes. THANK YOU!

    Is this restaurant wheelchair accessible? Interior on the pic guests posted look so cramped

    It can be if they space out the tables to give you more room but you're right, it is cramped. It is probably not possible during peak times but I'm sure they would move things around when the place isn't full.… Read more

    Are they still open 24/7?

    No it's closed 5am

    Do they require vaccination?

    No, They don't check for vaccinations.

    Is there still outdoor seating?

    None

    Are there any vegetarian or pescatarian options?

    Yes.. eat elsewhere.

    Can I buy chives kimchi ? I went this place to eat and there was chive kimchi for side dish. I really really just want to buy it if its possible

    Yes! You can probably find it at any Korean market including the HMart across the street.

    Are dogs allowed at the outdoor seating area?

    Yes, parties with a dog are seated outside

    Do u need reservations?

    They do not accept reservations

    What are the hours during COVID?

    They are open 24/7

    Do they open for dine in?

    Nope. Only take out. Just picked up today (Ktown location)

    Is the restaurant open on Christmas day?

    Yes

    What kind of cheese do they use on the galbijjim? Wondering bc I don't like certain types of cheese.

    Seems like a type of mozzarella

    When do they usually have Jeon Gol? It is always unavaliable when I go there.

    You can call and ask them.

    Do you take orders for pick up?

    Yes you can place orders by calling, Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber eats, hungry panda

    Wait on a Saturday night?

    Joanna is that even a real question lol! Of course there is. They take a wait list. I suggest getting there about 45min to an hour before you want to eat and put your name on he clipboard. Worth the wait! Good luck and enjoy

    Do they have any options for vegans?

    Some of the ban chan's are vegans. Also the white rice and coke works too.

    View All 37 Questions

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    We went shortly after they opened and it got busier as the night went on. The Honey butter chips…read moreare dripping with the honey butter sauce & I wished I had a whole bowl of that. The Grilled jowl was thinly sliced & one of my favorite dishes of the night! The Zabuton came out still sizzling on a bed of onions- I absolutely loved this & it is definitely shareable between 2 or more people. The Scallop pancake had baby scallops cooked in to it- very fluffy & filling, another shareable dish between 2 or more people. The Mushroom bibimbap mixed with the sauce is a great vegetarian dish! Parking- $10 self park in the plaza

    My bf and I had an 8:30pm reservation for his birthday and we were seated immediately upon arrival…read more Our server started us off with water and everything got off to a great start. The ambiance was lovely and perfect for a date night. The dining room felt dark, intimate, and cozy, and I especially loved the little candle on the table. It was a small touch, but it made the experience feel warm and special. We ordered the perilla oil noodle, scallop pancake, pork jowl, and hwaechae milk to share. The perilla oil noodle had a strong perilla aroma which I loved, but beyond that it didn't really taste like much. It wasn't bad but it's probably the one dish I'd skip next time. The scallop pancake was great. It was crispy, packed with scallops, and the dipping sauce complemented it really well. The pork jowl was easily our favorite dish of the night. It was tender, flavorful, and paired perfectly with all of the accompanying condiments. Every bite felt balanced and well thought out. The hwaechae milk was also delicious and refreshing. It was a fun drink to share and a nice contrast to the richer dishes. While the food was good overall, the portions felt pretty small for the price point. Everything tasted good but it was hard not to notice how quickly the dishes disappeared given what we paid. Maybe it was just the specific dishes we ordered but considering Danbi is on the Michelin Guide, I was expecting bolder and more memorable flavors. Korean cuisine is known for being vibrant and packed with flavor so I left feeling a little underwhelmed. Nothing we had was bad but aside from the pork jowl there wasn't a dish that really wowed me. To end the meal, the staff brought us a yuzu popsicle topped with a birthday candle, which ended up being my favorite part of the entire night. The popsicle was perfectly tangy, refreshing, and honestly more memorable than any of the dishes we ordered. It made the celebration feel thoughtful without being over the top. Overall, we had a great experience. The atmosphere was beautiful, the service was attentive, and it was a lovely place to celebrate a special occasion even though it was a bit overhyped given the small portions, high prices, and flavors that didn't quite live up to my expectations. I'd still come back to try the steak tartare, uni bibimbap, and the zabuton!

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    Inside bar

    Danbi - Scallop Pancakes

    Scallop Pancakes

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    4.3(1.6k reviews)
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    This place has been here for so long, I haven't been here in yrs! I was in the area so I decide to…read moredo a take out for lunch to take home for me and my family, such a disappointment! $76.80 for 3 dishes and what a puny portions these are, like a kid's portion. Very small kimchi maybe one or two bites. Three orders that I'm surprised that they give such a small amount of banchan. How can establishment justify this high priced meal for such small portions? God and I drove all the way from South Bay, stuck in traffic for almost 1 1/2 hrs of this. Maybe this is the type of place you should dine in only?? Do not ever do take out here! The food in general was just ok. Nothing special and Kimchi soup was very salty. Threw all 3. Wow, what a waste of money. Very disappointing... I guess I won't be coming here ever again.

    Photos
    Kobawoo House - Popular place. Had to wait 30 minutes for a table for 6 on a weekday at 6:15pm which is not bad!

    Popular place. Had to wait 30 minutes for a table for 6 on a weekday at 6:15pm which is not bad!

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    Borit Gogae - Restaurant decor- art work and Korean figurines

    Restaurant decor- art work and Korean figurines

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    Barley rice mixed with side dishes

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    0.1 miWilshire Center, Koreatown
    $$$

    Really sad that Ham Ji Park is closing down permanently. For years, this place has been our…read morefamily's go-to place for pork spare ribs - the best in town. In fact, we regularly brought visitors here. They raved about how good the spare ribs were and even insisted that their last meal before LA should be at Ham Ji Park.  Here's my belated review of what I consider the best spare ribs in LA. From the moment the Korean-style spare ribs arrived at the table, it was clear this was a dish worth savoring. Each rib bore a beautifully charred exterior--deeply caramelized without a hint of bitterness--offering that irresistible smoky aroma the moment it was placed before us. The glaze was nothing short of spectacular. A perfect balance of sweet and spicy, it clung to the meat with a glossy sheen that promised flavor in every bite. There was just enough heat to make your taste buds sit up and pay attention, but it never overwhelmed the deeper, richer notes of the sweet components. But what truly set these ribs apart was the texture. Beneath the charred surface lay meat so tender it practically fell off the bone with the gentlest tug of a fork. Each bite was juicy and succulent, the result of careful cooking and a respect for quality ingredients. Ham Ji Park, you will be missed. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the food.

    tl;dr the delectable pork ribs overshadow the otherwise authentic but standard lineup at this…read morenow-shuttered Korean stalwart Los Angeles Koreatown is home to restaurants that specialize in every facet of Korean cuisine. If you're searching for some of the city's best pork, then those in the know will bring up Ham Ji Park. For 2 decades, generous platters of pork ribs and pork neck stew decked every table. Now, our Korean friends lament the loss of their favorite pork joint in the city. The Koreatown proper location is located in the Royal Plaza mini-mall, just a few blocks off bustling Wilshire. Discounted parking is available in a lot across the street from the Chevron gas station. From the street, the entrance is flanked by potted plants and an enclosed street-ery. Inside, stainless steel chairs are pressed up against wooden tables, each outfitted with a metal grill. Oppressive fluorescent lighting shines down on the stone grey walls, which are left undecorated apart from a few flatscreens. Multi-lingual chatter blends with the sizzle of platters. I visited with some friends for a weeknight dinner, and about half of the tables were occupied. We shared a spread of grilled platters and sizzling soups. The meal began with a carafe of barley tea and a mostly standard spread of banchan. Across our food, the best dish was the signature Charbroiled Pork Spare Rib. The ribs were flavorful without feeling gamey, and the meat was complemented by sweet caramelized onions. The pork ribs handily outdid the good-not-great Charbroiled Beef Short Rib. Lastly, the Milt and Cod Rose with Vegetables stew was fishy and briny, appropriately flavored for the Korean palate. The service was appropriately attentive, although I would've appreciated more intentional refills of our banchan ramikens. The rib plates cost upward of $35 each, while the soup was just under $30. The portions were hearty; a single entree platter could reasonably feed 2 moderately hungry bellies. It's a shame to hear that Ham Ji Park has closed; I'm kicking myself for not trying their pork neck stew earlier.

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    Sun Nong Dan - korean - Updated June 2026

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