¥¥¥ 2026 review #10 ¥¥¥ Life's short, eat Wagyu! My dear Yelpers and fellow Elites, you deserve only the best K-BBQ! Go to Wharo K-BBQ -- a hidden local gem in Marina del Rey, since 2004 offering a premium Korean barbecue experience! We went for the Snake River Farms (SRF) American Wagyu Kobe Rib-eye and were blown away by how rich and melt-in-your-mouth... still dreaming about those decadent bites. Wagyu is meant to be enjoyed in small bites, given how rich it is. The 8oz cut-up Wagyu was perfect for share for 2! We also shared the (large) 10oz Certified Angus Beef Galbi -- served with choice of salad or sangchu, white rice or healthy rice (add $2), banchan (Kimchi, side dishes) set, and house wine ponzu sauce, hot sauce, and sea-salt with sesame oil. And I always add-on an order Samjang for the most delicious lettuce wrapped bites with fresh housemade banchan! We were amazed when Owner/Chef Mijin told us that Wharo offers the same premium beef brand that's served at Wolfgang Steakhouse and Ritz-Carlton hotels! WOW Wharo menu prices are a a steal!!! Come prepared to experience melt-in-mouth bites of these beautifully marbled cuts grilled over Japanese Binchotan charcoal that burns clean and allows the pure flavor of the meat to shine without smoke interference. Wharo's à-la-carte menu also features Organic Jidori Chicken, Natural Pork Belly -- 100% clean ingredients in a MSG-free kitchen. No wonder I couldn't stop eating their house-made kimchi, luckily there's FREE refills! "Like a fine wine, it graces your palate with complex flavors, subtle sweetness and a lingering finish." Can't wait to go back to Wharo Korean BBQ and create more foodie heaven memories! read more

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I happened to be in Marina del Rey and decided to try this Korean BBQ spot nearby. It was cozy, and clean place Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The quality of the meat was excellent, (I ordered Angus Beef Rib-eye, and pork belly) and as a Korean, I was especially impressed by the kimchi and side dishes. Everything tasted fresh, balanced, and homemade. The biggest surprise was the ssamjang. It reminded me of the kind my mom used to make back in Korea. It was so good that I even took some leftover home with me. The owner and staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, always making sure we had everything we needed. By the end of the meal, I found myself wishing this place were closer If I'm ever back in Marina del Rey, I'll definitely be coming back. read more

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Wharo Korean BBQ was a great experience. I ordered the bulgogi, which was flavorful and satisfying. The banchan stood out as well, with a nice variety and fresh ingredients. I asked whether they cook the meat for you because some Yelp reviews mentioned they did not. They confirmed they do, and the service was friendly throughout. Overall, a solid Korean BBQ spot (for the West Side) with good food and welcoming service. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Certified Angus Beef Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

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We used to go to this restaurant routinely and loved it, gave it 5 stars. But these days we avoid it: the last few times we were there, back in April or March?, the food was not nearly as good. Troubles? Cost cutting? The baked egg smelled and tasted foul, like rotten eggs, probably because they were old? Two of the soups we tried were flavorless or tasted like the water they used had a horrible taste (bad kitchen water pipes? Why not use bottled water for your soups). I wanted to write this review so that the really kind owners/managers and wait staff - who are all really great - knew why we have not returned. And maybe they can read our review and do better so we can return. read more

One of the best Korean bbq in West LA. The meat was high quality and we loved dinning in. The garlic butter sauce was great and this is the first time I see this in LA. The service was great and good place to hang out with friends. read more

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The experience at Wharo was really nice. The ambiance is romantically casual in a way you don't quite expect--but it works. The service was great--attentive without being overbearing--and the food is delicious. The only downside is the wine selection by the glass--there are only two options, which felt a bit limited. read more

I dream of that Kobe ribeye. First of all I love when a KBBQ spot has a good salad and Wharo's salad set the stage for what's to come. We ordered the Kobe combo with the ribeye, kalbi, and bulgolgi. As soon as we took our first bite of the ribeye my brother and I looked at each other and said woah. It's like having meat for the first time. We also took notice of the garlic dipping paste that was set aside on the grill for us and that was whole other great experience. We spoke with Mijin and she mentioned that she gets her meats from Snake River Farms who apparently sells out of their meats often but since she's been in business with them for 20+ years she among other few restaurants get priority. I will definitely come back for that Ribeye read more

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5/5 Stars - An Unforgettable Family Dining Experience! We had an absolutely incredible dinner at Wharo in Marina del Rey. From start to finish, the experience was flawless, making it the perfect spot for a special night out with my wife and son. The absolute showstopper of the night was the Snake River Farms Kobe ribeye and bulgogi. The marbling was perfection, and it truly melted in our mouths--easily some of the best quality meat we've had. What really completed the meal, though, was the incredible spread of banchan. Every side dish was remarkably fresh, flavorful, and provided the perfect balance to the rich, premium Wagyu. Beyond the world-class food, the atmosphere was vibrant and the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive and made sure every detail of our meal was handled with care. It's rare to find a place that combines such high-end ingredients with such a welcoming, warm environment. Ask for Mijin, she's amazing! Wharo is officially our Korean bbq go-to in the Marina. If you're looking for a premium dining experience that still feels personal and fun, this is it! read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Not much left!!! - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

I was really craving some high quality beef and have had Korean BBQ in LA that was excellent. Unfortunately, this place was disappointing. The Rib Eye that was $79.00 was tasteless, chewy and pretty sure it was not even a Prime cut. For $100.00 and no cocktails I should have went to Ruth Chris (which isn't even my favorite steak place either) Service just ok. The sides were also just average. read more

Obsessed with this Korean BBQ spot. Perfectly marinated, insanely tender meats, nonstop sizzling at the table, and banchan that just kept coming. The flavors were unreal, the service was on point, and I'm already planning my return. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

Incredibly overpriced for a place that doesn't cook your meat. Banchan were great but a lot of inconsistency. The multi-grain rice was badly cooked, the egg souffle was horrible. read more

Excellent place. I usually get the same plate as always. They always have a wide array of items to choose from. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Spicy pork balgoge - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

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Our favorite go to spot for Korean BBQ. Delicious food, outstanding staff and customer service that other establishments should take some notes from. Japchae, Beef Kalbi, and Bulgogi, are among some of our favorites. Highly recommend stop when in the Venice-Marina Del Rey area! read more

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The service was excellent and the food plentiful, fresh and delicious. I love that I'm addition to hot sake, they serve ice cold soju too. I went with my husband and two sons. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Waiting for orders - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

Surprisingly decent. Just came after their renovation and revamped menu. Highlights were their soon tofu. It's a little bit pricier but it's a very large portion so I think it's commensurate with the cost. It's also the silkiest tofu I've had in a while and I go to a lot of Korean places for soon tofu pretty often. Food is a la carte. Prices are similar to namoo down the street. Ambience wise it's decent but a little dimly lit and in a strip mall. I'd come for something casual but wouldn't necessarily come to impress anyone. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ is both my daughter's favorite place to eat. They've been coming here since they were 2 and 7 respectively. The bulgogi and the broccoli here always are amazing but where's Kevin? read more

We used to go to this restaurant very often but recently we were busy and after a long time we came to have a tasty meal and were shocked that the menu had changed a lot, there was nothing to choose from on the menu, the prices were high, we were disappointed. The restaurant was empty. It would have been better if we had gone to Gio ku-ku. The menu there has also changed, but not so much that for $200 you could eat one chicken breast and one small steak. And also mushrooms for $16. Yes, they served us appetizers, but you, we left unhappy. It would be better to go to Korea Town) Well, next time it will be like that. read more

The food was good, the service is good, the parking is easy. It's clean, it's not loud. There were just two things that perhaps it's just me... but took much from what I hoped it had been a perfect experiences abs perhaps even my new-to-go place. They do not have rice-part and the soup I didn't like at all. read more

Whoa... this is one of the best Korean BBQ I've tried. Service? Great. I called to make a reservation and the process was painless. I arrived an hour early and they accommodated me without a hustle at all. The lady (our waitress, forgot her name) took her time to explain everything, especially because it was my first experience there. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Food? Fresh, tasty and authentic. The side dishes are continuously made available as you request them. I chose the Kobe combo with bulgogi. Yummy!!!! Kk e beef is the best. As dessert, I tried their limoncello cream or ice-cream. So gooooood . Overall? 2 thumbs up! I will come back and eat at WHARO again whenever I'll be in the Venice Beach area. read more

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The hidden-gem of Korean BBQ! This place was suggested by a friend who lives in the area when they heard that I was craving Korean barbecue. They had been to this place several times before and knew it was a great environment not only for me and my wife, but to bring my two-year-old as well. Wharo and staff were very accommodating and had a high chair, and little kids meals. They also have a nice laid out menu where you can determine what is the appropriate amount of food for the amount of people in your party. We went with a prefix platter, because we wanted to try a little bit of everything and you can see in the pictures that they come with plenty of food. We did end up eating all of this among the three of us, and it was so tasty. I would definitely recommend trying the pot stickers on top of all of the different things that you're going to throw on the grill because they were very good. All of the meat and ingredients are fresh, and they were really good about cleaning the barbecue pit. The whole establishment felt cool, modern and clean. You would never expect this from a tiny place tucked in a strip mall. There is a 100% chance that I will be back to try additional food from Wharo. read more

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I have been coming to Wharo for 18 years. The best KBBQ on west side, Shabu Shabu menu is amazing too. For 20th Anniversary they have special new items and new menu set up. When Korean restaurant has good home made kimchi? It says it all! Always fresh ingredients, service is AMAZING! read more

Out of towners that Ubered here from Inglewood for a dinner date. What a surprise to find this KBBQ and loved the menu offerings. We had the Haro plate, with a side of mushrooms for two. The tables were clean, the plates of meat were prepared nicely and even two pairs of tongs to manage the grill. The platter of bulgogi and kalbi with the pineapple was simply delicious. Marinated meats had really nice flavor paired with their bachan was a perfect dinner for two. What I enjoyed most of from the sides were the kimchee and daikon. They also offered free hand sanitizer up front. We had a nice dinner date experience here and if we are in town, we would definitely come back. read more

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Very clean and chill spot to grab some KBBQ. Diego is an awesome server and took great care of us while we were visiting! Food is pretty good, a bit pricey but definitely justifiable by the great quality of the meat. Good ambiance and a very laid back dining experience. Will be back for sure read more

This is the worst Korean restaurant in the neighborhood. The meat is overpriced and of poor quality, and I had to grill it myself. That day, I was really craving Korean BBQ, so we decided to go, but my husband and I didn't want to drive all the way to K-Town that evening. We had eaten here before (the food was really lacking effort--the Yukgaejang was completely bland, and how do you make Bibimbap taste bad? Yet, somehow, this place managed it). So, I already knew it wouldn't be great before even trying it again. My husband thought maybe the plain grilled meat would be better and convinced me to give it another shot. As expected, we were disappointed once again. We will definitely never go back. read more

Pretty good quality meat. It's a bit pricey but definitely good! Service is good, and has chill vibes. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Dumpling Soup - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

Super fun experience with the kids. They were busy but managed to fit me and 2 kids without a reservation (5:30pm on a weekend) Very friendly and accomodating. We all shared the protein shabu shabu which is a bunch of beef, veggies, and sides. It was enough for the 3 of us and about $80 plus tip. Kids had fun and we would return. read more

We had a seven person table for a birthday party on a Wednesday. The service was very friendly and attentive. The inside is small, so I recommend making a reservation instead of walking in. The two combos were able to feed 5 adults and were freshly presented. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Wharo combo and Hana combo - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

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Excellent Korean BBQ! Simple menu, great cuts of beef, with or without marinade. Love the simplicity of the menu, all great options and the Anniversary Special is definitely worth having. This is place is a favorite! read more

We were the very last customers of 2019 yay! PERFECT last meal of 2019. I came in having lower expectations and was very skeptical about quality and authenticity of Korean food here but just hwau.. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of meat here. I really wanted to say it was extremely overpriced but I can't. IT'S WORTH IT. I got the half Certified Angus Beef Kalbi, Certified Angus Beef Filet Mignon and the half Spicy Pork Bulgogi. You can cook it in front of you to however done you like it. I prefer medium rare so it wasn't long before we began chowing down. The Kalbi was marbled and marinated to perfection. It melted in my mouth like sashimi. Just thinking about it makes me feel some type of way. It's sweet and savory in all the right ways made with love. I'm definitely coming back just to order more of this! This is probably my new favorite food. The filet mignon was solid, cut into little cubes and was also high quality. Melts in your mouth and goes well with sesame oil and salt sauce they give you. Not a huge fan of their other dipping sauces--a little too bland. The spicy pork bulgogi was quite flavorful as well! It had a hint of korean miso flavor mixed with red pepper paste. Because of this, it's more on the savory side so I like to wrap this in the lettuce salad they provide. They provide banchan such as fishcake, broccoli, kimchi, cucumber kimchi, bean sprouts, mini kimchi jun, and mashed potato salad. They also give chopped lettuce in a sweet soy based sauce. Mashed potato salad tasted kinda watery, didn't really like this one. I usually like the korean mashed potato salad which is sweeter. All the other side dishes were great! Parking is shared in a tiny lot for the plaza but we had no trouble on NYE. Service was awesome and always checking up on you with a great attitude consistently. Will definitely be back! read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

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I am so sad! This used to be our favorite Korean barbecue spot on the West side. Haven't been here since 2018. It starts with burnt gyoza. I told myself I wasn't gonna say anything because we had already eaten 4 of the 6 pieces. But when the server came by to ask how everything was I had to be honest. I asked him "do these look burnt to you?" He told me they looked a little bit well done... really?!? It was most upsetting because we were the 2nd table of the night. It can't be blamed on the kitchen being slammed which means it passed through two sets of hands who thought this was ok. And the picture I took doesn't even include the one that was completely black on the bottom. He said he could have the kitchen make another 2 to replace the ones that were remaining. After that our server must have thought we were "those people" because he pretty much avoided us the rest of the dinner. To the point where other people were coming to check on our table. Felt like we were rushed out of there at the end. I always tip 20% because I've worked in the industry and I know how it is. But the service tonight was poor. Used to be so personable. But the food is not the same. Little things like the salad dressing which used to be fantastic. Now it's just like every other ponzu type salad dressing at any "Asian" restaurant. The japchae was just OK. And the spicy pork bulgogi was more sweet than spicy. I could write more but it's just making Me too sad because I really loved this place. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Do these look burnt to you? - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

This place is one of my favorite korean BBQ. Food quality is best also servers are very kind. If I can leave more stars I will do that. Absolutely recommended. read more

Amazing korean bbq, my fav in all los angeles area. The service is great they are always so nice and very helpful. The decor is very pretty. Good for family time or a nice date with your other half read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Certified Angus Beef Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

Someone named Stephen L went out of his way to send me a rude message because I left a Yelp review. At the very least, he should have that opportunity to ask for feedback or offer an apology rather than be a vile human. PS- I'm not vegan... I've been to plenty Korean bbq places that have seafood options and FLAVOR. Don't be mad at me because your place is a run down hole in the wall. read more

GREAT! high quality meats, and all the rest. superior service. NO wait at 6 PM plenty of parking in the lot !! GET in here read more

Okay, we've been eyeing this place for a while, but didn't go because of the 3 stars! We didn't want to drive all the way to Koreatown, so decided to give it a try. I'm glad we did! When we first entered there was a face scanner thing that took your temperature (really cool!). I was happy to see they were taking lots of precautions during this time. There was plenty of hand sanitizer to use and masks for sale. They also sat everyone at a distance from each other too. Really appreciated that. Onto the meal! For the meats ordered half orders of the prime kalbi and bulgogi, and then the beef tongue (they only had one size). I also added on the mushroom family plate for more veggies. For two people, it was plenty of food haha. Everything was good, but I think next time we'll just order the kalbi and beef tongue. I love the charcoal in the grill and how the grill didn't need any changing during our entire meal! The kalbi and bulgogi was tender and flavorful, and tongue was thinly sliced just how we like it. We ordered a side of the bibim naeng myeon, spicy cold noodles. I usually love this dish at other places, but here it was just ok. I would pass next time. Their banchan (sides) they gave out at the beginning were also surprisingly good. We ordered a large hot sake which was about 4 shots for each of us. The server said they usually cook for us, but due to the health concerns, we had to cook ourselves. We didn't mind! It was nice to cook at our own pace and liking. I'm not sure if it was because we haven't been to a restaurant in so long and had such low expectations, but I would come back again! read more

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The art, the friendly waiters, and the delicious food all make this one of my favorite ever restaurants. It deserves everything and more!

This place used to be great before. We got here right at 5 pm. The place was empty. Micheal told us all the tables were reserved other than a middle table. By the time we were leaving, still 80 percent of the place was empty including the original table we wanted to sit on. The calamari was horrible and should be take off the menu. Food is absolutely over priced for what they are serving. The owner should also reconsider having Micheal deal with people as this one star review is because of him. read more

Has gone way down in quality and menu options while raising prices. Less selection, side quality was lackluster. Just drive to Ktown. Don't waste your time here. read more

This place was so delicious and mouth watering. It was the complete package, the wait staff were nice, parking was in front, it was clean and had a modern decor inside. The space looked small from the outside, but it was quite spacious and charming. I'm fairly new to Korean BarBQ. I've been to a couple other places and didn't have such a great experience. Could of been from the company or not knowing what to order. I had nice company this time, took a friend for his birthday dinner. Thank God he knew what to order, because I did not. We ordered the spicy outskirt beef and angus beef brisket. Both so flavorful and tasted yummy with the garlic seasoning! Also shared an order of gyoza and sake. read more

Wharo Korean BBQ - Spicy Out Skirt, Certified Angus Beef Brisket and hot date - Korean Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

This use to be my go-to spot. Unfortunately there just isn't other KBBQ options on the westside. The food is solid so this rating isn't based on the food. This rating is based on the awful customer service displayed by the young man who works here. My senior KOREAN mother walked into the restaurant and misunderstood another employee who waved at her. She assumed the wave meant come on in and seat yourself. My mother then signaled me to sit down. We sat there for a few minutes when the Asian server came over and said rudely "did you just sit down? You can't sit here. If you don't have reservations you can't sit here and need to leave" Wow. How about some customer service. Like thanks for coming but we're fully booked and this table is reserved... How about respecting your elders and be kind? Nope. Not here. We won't ever be returning. Rough day? That's fine but not on my mother. read more