Sarah C.

Such a hidden gem in Gardena! Love that they're open late, which is surprisingly rare around here. The food has fine-dining-level presentation and creativity without the fine-dining price tag--very reasonable at $$ pricing. Everything we ordered was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked. The pictures honestly don't do it justice--you have to experience it in person!

Shirley B.

Food: WOOWA is such a fun find in Gardena, especially if you're looking for Korean food that feels a little more creative and modern while still being really comforting. I tried the Rosé Sujebi, Sodduk Sodduk, and the Jjapaghetti with pork belly, and honestly everything hit in a different way. The Rosé Sujebi was probably my favorite of the three. It was savory, creamy, and had just the right amount of spice for me, enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the creamy sauce. The only tiny thing was that I think the bacon made the sauce a little saltier than I personally would've preferred, but it was still really good and I would absolutely order it again. The sujebi itself was such a fun texture in the creamy sauce. The Sodduk Sodduk was pure childhood nostalgia for me. It's such a classic Korean street-food combination, and these were fried really well, crispy on the outside while still chewy. I personally like my sodduk sodduk actually skewered together rather than served as individual pieces, but that's a very minor preference and didn't take away from how good they were. The Jjapaghetti with pork belly was a HUGE hit. It genuinely tasted like the way I would normally make jjapagetti at home. The pork belly made it feel much more substantial and satisfying. Overall, WOOWA does a great job with food that feels familiar but has enough of a twist to make it worth going out for. Price: I think the pricing is pretty reasonable for the type of food and experience you're getting, especially because this is really a shareable, hangout-style Korean spot rather than somewhere I would necessarily come just to grab a quick individual meal. The dishes I tried were around the $13-$18 range for the smaller/shareable items, with larger meat dishes like the N Pork Belly currently listed around $28.99. For me, the sweet spot here is coming with a couple friends, ordering several things for the table, and getting drinks along with it. You're able to try a bunch of different dishes without having to commit to one giant entrée. I also think the portions work well for sharing, so the value makes more sense when you're treating it as a social meal rather than a solo dinner. Ambiance: The vibe at WOOWA is definitely more late-night Korean hangout / drinking spot with really good food than traditional Korean restaurant. It's the kind of place I'd want to come with friends after work, later in the evening, or when you're looking for somewhere to sit around, talk, order drinks, and snack on food that's substantially more interesting than typical American bar food. The music and atmosphere add to that feeling without making it feel overly clubby. It's casual and social, and I can definitely see myself coming here for a longer hangout rather than just eating and leaving. WOOWA's hours also make the late-night angle particularly fitting, with Friday and Saturday currently running into the early morning. Service: Service was pleasant and welcoming, and I really liked the overall feel of the restaurant. WOOWA also seems to have a more personal, chef-driven feel than a typical larger Korean restaurant. Many dishes are prepared individually by the owner/chef, so I wouldn't necessarily come expecting ultra-fast food, but for the kind of evening I think this restaurant is meant for, I'm perfectly happy to take my time, order some drinks, and enjoy everything as it comes out. Parking: Parking is actually really easy here, which I appreciate because Gardena restaurants can sometimes be a little hit-or-miss when it comes to parking. WOOWA has parking available behind the restaurant, as well as street parking in the front.

Valerie N.

I loved learning the story about this restaurant, and how the owners' son would say Woowa as an exclamation when he was happy. It's those little touches that really make you feel close to the restaurant. It's a cozy, late night spot with Korean comfort food. The staff go the extra mile to make you feel taken care of. We ordered the pork belly, toowoomba ramyeon cream risotto, and rose sujebi. There really is such a creativity to each dish, and I feel that the sujebi and risotto stood out the most. They try to capture food that is best enjoyed at night with great company. Highly recommend!

Emily T.

Very impressed by how tasty everything was! We came around 9pm with a group of 7 and we were seated at a table. Appreciated that they have a small parking lot. Street parking is also available. Service was a little slow but it was a busy night and it looked like it was just two people. We didn't really mind the wait. It's a bit loud inside but a fun vibe with friends to chat over a good meal. They put a fan near us which was appreciated because it was a warm night. Everything we had was delicious. Most of our dishes came from their recommended list! Will definitely be coming back to try more of their food!

Derek T.

우와~ This is a great cozy place to dine in Gardena if you haven't checked it out yet. It's a little nondescript but that makes it a great find when you walk in. It's giving pocha vibes if you're into that. We had just landed from a late night flight and were craving some comfort food so we came here. Sudok sudok, Jjapaghetti, and Rose sujebi were all bangers. Everything was comforting, yummy, and savory. The portions were reasonable. For the food quality and the fact that they're open late, this place deserves all the support. We're hoping to come back to try the rest of the menu eventually heh. They have a small parking lot out back or street parking is available as well. Either way, this is a nice spot to stop by any time of the week and any time of the day.

Supardi D.

We saw this late night join that have great review that open till Midnight. Was hungry after Sofi Stadium concert and finally arrived past 11pm. Small cozy restaurant with the few tables for 4 and 1 longer table at front. You can enter from with street parking or back door with back parking, better. Saw the Chef's sommelier long certificates wall posted. Great accomplishment! Only ordered 2 item. The Tteok Galbi Meal Set and Creamy Toowoomba Ramyeon Risotto. Food taste is 9/10. Very delicious and yummy. The Galbi is marinated meatballs, very tasty. Including Salad and dressing. The risotto is a mini show. Come in Buldak Ramen Cup upside down with cheese at the bottom. Interesting. Creamy and yummy. Portion is on larger side, like family style, thus the price is on higher side. Might come again and try different item.

David G.

Stopped by after Ho'olaule'a at Alondra Park. Long lines for food. Parking is on street or there is a small lot behind the restaurant and you can enter through the back door. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and told we could sit at any open table. I think the chef was the host, waiter and busser. He was working hard but we couldn't tell he was working solo. Service was great. Inside is small with 10 tables and a small counter with 3-4 seats. The inside got kinda hot if you're eating a spicy dish. There was no airflow. We ordered a lot of food for two because we wanted to try more than two main dishes. We ordered the pork belly, spicy pork belly, the Redondo Seafood Jeon, and Ttokbokki(red). My first time trying Ttokbokki seeing it so many times on Korean TV. Now I know why it's a popular dish. Everything was delicious.

Tim H.

Why Woowa? An intimate small Korean spot off the Main Street of Western. - Not sure why it gives off bar vibes for a fusion Korean x Italian spot. - Consistently busy throughout the weekend nights though you can't tell from the outside. - Love the top 10 list on the menu wonder if it changes quarter to quarter? Would I come back? Yes, I would much better than the other Korean spot around the perimeter. Note: The food is very HEAVY based on what was eaten below. Food 4/5 - N Pork Belly = Loved how it was cooked and crispy + quality was solid - Dad's Kim chee fried rice = Solid with the egg on-top Service 4/5 Consistent follow-up from staff to ensure all is well. You can truly tell they care for their customers! Parking 4/5 Easy parking in the back or on Main Street of Western

Yaneisy V.

This is a quaint little restaurant run by a wife and husband duo. You can tell both are passionate and hard working. We were greeted at the door and quickly sat. Super friendly service. We were checked on throughout the evening and communication was honest about the possible delays in the kitchen as it's just the chef pumping out all the orders. It was so worth the wait for amazing flavor and freshness! We ordered the spicy cucumber salad, Rosè pasta with meatball and Dad's kimchi fried rice. We truly enjoyed everything. Can't wait to return with family and try more items on the menu. I wish this duo lots of success. I highly recommend this gem.

Jaid M.

This was our second time coming to Woowa and it is one of the best little hole in the wall restaurants we have been to! We have gotten the pork, cheese waterfall kimchee fried rice, and the Woowa chicken. Everything is so delicious and full of flavor. Joon was working both times we went and he does EVERYTHING. He is also super friendly and gives great recommendations. We will definitely be back!

Michelle J.

Woowa (wow-ah) is right! The food matches Chef Joon's impressive credentials, experience, and attention to detail. Yes, service can be slow at times because he's a one man show, but good/great/amazingly delicious things come to those who wait--and the food here is absolutely worth the wait! Rose suljebi - 5/5 Oil suljebi - 5/5 Cucumber arugula salad - 5/5 Pork belly - 4.999/5 Pork jowl - 5/5

Joy C.

A hole in the wall restaurant that is 100% worth trying in the Gardena area. Met up with friends and went as soon as they opened. They have a lot in the back where you can park. The food was AMAZING. The server/cook, Joon, was so helpful when we were trying to decide what to order. Love that they have a page of their recommended food items. The spicy cucumber arugula salad was definitely one of the best I've had. Nice and refreshing! I also enjoyed their seafood pajeon and pork belly dish. I wish I lived closer because this would be a great place to go to for drinks too! Highly recommend!

Johnny T.

Woowa is an extremely charming late-night spot nested on Western Ave, the legendary street that spans from Hollywood all the way down to PV. I highly recommend making a visit as they do Korean-Italian fusion in a very interesting way that you can't find anywhere else. I've been here about three times now -- earlier into the restaurant's opening and have been pleased to see its growth in such a short amount of time. Let's start with the appetizers; the rice paper-wrapped boneless fried chicken was very surprising. It's unlike other fried chicken, with a lighter texture that doesn't sacrifice the juice. It's a great snack throughout the night. I wasn't a big fan of the arugula salad as it was way too acidic (too much vinegar) and hope that gets adjusted. I do wish they'd add soy garlic WINGS... we are severely lacking in quality wings in Gardena and think Woowa would kill it. CM chicken across the street does not pass my bar, nor does Love Letter a few blocks down. There's also the kimchi pancake, which was very sizable and perfect for a group of 4. They fortunately provide a "top hits" menu, so I recommend you order from that list on your first visit. The top one is the bulgogi meatball, served with a killer gochujang salad. The salad needs to be a side option! The meatball was juicy and well-balanced; the rice was impeccably soft and paired well. You did order alcohol, right...? Because there's more to discuss. The N Pork Belly was INCREDIBLE. It's the highest quality pork belly in Korea and the dish was served on a cast-iron skillet, making every bite juicy and crispy all at once. It's a nice "side dish" as it doesn't come with rice or pasta. The brisket set is no longer on the menu as of writing but I quite enjoyed that one! Next top dish would be the carbonara and risotto - very creamy, yet the Korean flavors shine through to make every bite nostalgic and playful. I thoroughly enjoyed the chapaghetti - I ordered it with pork belly but they should add a steak option to reference the dish in the Parasite film...! I would probably pass on the smoke bulgogi next time around as it didn't wow me enough; the Ilsan style chicken noodle soup was very heartwarming and I think it'd be perfect after tons of alcohol. I've even been to Woowa during the world cup game and it was the perfect atmosphere. The owners and staff are so friendly and welcoming and you can tell every detail has been treated with care. I will say, between the dishes and drinking, the bill can run you up. I believe my average check is ~$120. I wished there were smaller plates with smaller prices so that groups of 2 can budget better, or groups can try more options. During the daytime, they do sell Korean-inspired sandwiches, so that's also another way to get a cheaper bite. Reminds me of The Bear... :) Overall, I am always a champion for late-night eats in Gardena; we always need more! Woowa is the perfect destination spot or even a companion spot to Donna's bar nextdoor. Give them a try!!! I'll see you there.