Joey is a such a great host, friendly and considerate. We have a great time and it’s the best BBQ in LA.Parking: Street around the blockKid-friendliness: Kid price on AYCE menuWheelchair accessibility: First floor without obstacle
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 23 Hokkaido Scallop with Wasabi Ponzu Sauce, 20 Seared American Kobe Nigiri, A5 Wagyu, Japanese Wagyu
Deana Miller
Review of the lunch special:Not worth it. It's not bad; just underwhelming. We got the 2-meat special and it wasn't enough. There were 4 thin slices of each mean. Even though the lunch special included rice, salad and miso soup, I think that you're better off with the AYCE option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
George Skalecki
Delicious Japanese BBQ place with all you can eat or a la carte optionsWheelchair accessibility: Street level, no major jam under the door
Finally got a chance to try this out since had my eye on it since it opened in the neighborhood. The restaurant is on the smaller side and has about 15 tables total so definitely have a bit of patience if going right at dinner time. They only take reservations for parties over 5. If you go at non-peak times, should be able to get seated right away. The host and servers were friendly and constantly came by to clear plates as they were finished and refill drinks. Food wise, you can order a la carte or from 2 levels of AYCE. We went for the premium AYCE and enjoyed it after leaving stuffed and wagyu oozing from our pores. The meat quality was excellent and while each plate was only 4-7 slices, you can just keep ordering if you can handle all the rich and fatty meats. The carpaccios and other appetizers were good and you can order 1/2 size of many dishes so you don't overstuff yourself. So while the price ($75), for premium is definitely up there, it is fair for the quality of the meats and other options. You have a 90 min. limit so be mindful of that as the food does not come out as quickly when the restaurant is full. Overall, something to splurge on once in a while and if you're looking for premium meats. Friendly tip- wear clothes you don't mind smelling like bbq/smoke as their exhaust system could use some improvement as you can visibly see the smoke later in the night when busy as the exhaust at each table is lacking in effectiveness.
Dee Hollimon
Oku-niku was one of the best JBBQ/KBBQ experiences I ever had. The quality of the food was some of the highest I have ever had. The A5 wagyu, Short Ribs, Filet Mignon & Garlic Shrimp are must try’s. We got the green tea ice cream & black sesame cake which were both amazing. My girlfriend also salmon carpaccio which she said was 8/10! You have to try this place! Excuse my bad pics
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 1 Seaweed Salad, 22 Salmon Carpaccio with Ponzu Sauce, Japanese Wagyu
andreas S.
Great Japanese BBQ, highly recommend it, the service is great. Would come back 10/10. The place is a bit small, but the toilet is highly clean
Athena P.
Excellent meat quality for an AYCE bbq. My favorite was probably the prime short rib. We opted for the premium - definitely worth it. I especially loved the side dishes, especially the prime beef fried rice (must order) and the spicy eggplant dish. There was salmon, yellowtail, and even scallop carpaccio and I was pretty blown away that these were options at a bbq restaurant. Presentation was beautiful and sashimi was fresh. The garlic noodles were soggy and not worth ordering The service is fantastic. They came by very frequently to clean up dishes and make room for more food. Reservation available for party of 5 or more. No dessert included in AYCE, but they do make exceptions for birthdays. Unfortunately no private parking, but there is free street parking.
Caroline B.
Based on the reviews I expected a lot, but I felt like it was just ok. Possibly because we didn't order the premium menu but I can't say for sure. I thought the meat selections were decent the pork jowl and beef belly were my fave but some of the other cuts of beef I didn't like as much. As for the sushi options, the only dishes I really enjoyed were the raw scallops and the salmon carpaccio. I figure at that rate, I'd rather just go to a bbq only place to have more meat options. Some other pros were great service, attentive staff, and very intimate ambiance. If I'm ever in the area I'd consider returning and trying the premium next time!
Aurelija M.
Love this place! The food, the ambience, the staff, everything was great! Took my brother there a few days ago before he goes back to the UK and he loved it! The meats were such good quality and just melt in your mouth my favorite was the truffle salmon roll. It's definitely the best one I've had so really recommend trying it! The sake selection is also great and the two we tried were very good. This place is perfect regardless if you're looking for a good spot with friends or a date night!
George B.
Great Korean BBQ. We had a LOT of food and it was all fantastic. Javi is a phenomenal server. You won't be disappointed!!!!
Love this place. Got the top-tier all you can eat and it was divine. People seem to have problems if they penny-pinch and eat a la carte; I splurged and went too-shelf and had a really nice experience.
Dima F.
Went here for New Year's Eve dinner, both me and my husband got really bad food poisoning , was too late to call them to get a refund. For the prices they charge food is terrible and service is even worse!! Please stay away
Kelly Clark
Service was great. The meat had a zesty taste to me. But the other items were good. I wouldn’t go back but I don’t regret going. If that makes sense.
Jordan R.
Fantastic restaurant and dining experience. Value is great. Highly recommend visiting Oku-Niku!
Esmeralda O.
Having explored numerous Korean and Japanese barbecue spots, this one effortlessly secures a spot in my top three. Every dish I've ordered has been consistently excellent, and the service is consistently exceptional. It's challenging to find a flaw.
Joey is a such a great host, friendly and considerate. We have a great time and it’s the best BBQ in LA.Parking: Street around the blockKid-friendliness: Kid price on AYCE menuWheelchair accessibility: First floor without obstacle
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 23 Hokkaido Scallop with Wasabi Ponzu Sauce, 20 Seared American Kobe Nigiri, A5 Wagyu, Japanese Wagyu
Review of the lunch special:Not worth it. It's not bad; just underwhelming. We got the 2-meat special and it wasn't enough. There were 4 thin slices of each mean. Even though the lunch special included rice, salad and miso soup, I think that you're better off with the AYCE option.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Delicious Japanese BBQ place with all you can eat or a la carte optionsWheelchair accessibility: Street level, no major jam under the door
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 22 Salmon Carpaccio with Ponzu Sauce, 24 Miso Soup, Chicken Wings
Finally got a chance to try this out since had my eye on it since it opened in the neighborhood. The restaurant is on the smaller side and has about 15 tables total so definitely have a bit of patience if going right at dinner time. They only take reservations for parties over 5. If you go at non-peak times, should be able to get seated right away. The host and servers were friendly and constantly came by to clear plates as they were finished and refill drinks. Food wise, you can order a la carte or from 2 levels of AYCE. We went for the premium AYCE and enjoyed it after leaving stuffed and wagyu oozing from our pores. The meat quality was excellent and while each plate was only 4-7 slices, you can just keep ordering if you can handle all the rich and fatty meats. The carpaccios and other appetizers were good and you can order 1/2 size of many dishes so you don't overstuff yourself. So while the price ($75), for premium is definitely up there, it is fair for the quality of the meats and other options. You have a 90 min. limit so be mindful of that as the food does not come out as quickly when the restaurant is full. Overall, something to splurge on once in a while and if you're looking for premium meats. Friendly tip- wear clothes you don't mind smelling like bbq/smoke as their exhaust system could use some improvement as you can visibly see the smoke later in the night when busy as the exhaust at each table is lacking in effectiveness.
Oku-niku was one of the best JBBQ/KBBQ experiences I ever had. The quality of the food was some of the highest I have ever had. The A5 wagyu, Short Ribs, Filet Mignon & Garlic Shrimp are must try’s. We got the green tea ice cream & black sesame cake which were both amazing. My girlfriend also salmon carpaccio which she said was 8/10! You have to try this place! Excuse my bad pics
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 1 Seaweed Salad, 22 Salmon Carpaccio with Ponzu Sauce, Japanese Wagyu
Great Japanese BBQ, highly recommend it, the service is great. Would come back 10/10. The place is a bit small, but the toilet is highly clean
Excellent meat quality for an AYCE bbq. My favorite was probably the prime short rib. We opted for the premium - definitely worth it. I especially loved the side dishes, especially the prime beef fried rice (must order) and the spicy eggplant dish. There was salmon, yellowtail, and even scallop carpaccio and I was pretty blown away that these were options at a bbq restaurant. Presentation was beautiful and sashimi was fresh. The garlic noodles were soggy and not worth ordering The service is fantastic. They came by very frequently to clean up dishes and make room for more food. Reservation available for party of 5 or more. No dessert included in AYCE, but they do make exceptions for birthdays. Unfortunately no private parking, but there is free street parking.
Based on the reviews I expected a lot, but I felt like it was just ok. Possibly because we didn't order the premium menu but I can't say for sure. I thought the meat selections were decent the pork jowl and beef belly were my fave but some of the other cuts of beef I didn't like as much. As for the sushi options, the only dishes I really enjoyed were the raw scallops and the salmon carpaccio. I figure at that rate, I'd rather just go to a bbq only place to have more meat options. Some other pros were great service, attentive staff, and very intimate ambiance. If I'm ever in the area I'd consider returning and trying the premium next time!
Love this place! The food, the ambience, the staff, everything was great! Took my brother there a few days ago before he goes back to the UK and he loved it! The meats were such good quality and just melt in your mouth my favorite was the truffle salmon roll. It's definitely the best one I've had so really recommend trying it! The sake selection is also great and the two we tried were very good. This place is perfect regardless if you're looking for a good spot with friends or a date night!
Great Korean BBQ. We had a LOT of food and it was all fantastic. Javi is a phenomenal server. You won't be disappointed!!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Love this place. Got the top-tier all you can eat and it was divine. People seem to have problems if they penny-pinch and eat a la carte; I splurged and went too-shelf and had a really nice experience.
Went here for New Year's Eve dinner, both me and my husband got really bad food poisoning , was too late to call them to get a refund. For the prices they charge food is terrible and service is even worse!! Please stay away
Service was great. The meat had a zesty taste to me. But the other items were good. I wouldn’t go back but I don’t regret going. If that makes sense.
Fantastic restaurant and dining experience. Value is great. Highly recommend visiting Oku-Niku!
Having explored numerous Korean and Japanese barbecue spots, this one effortlessly secures a spot in my top three. Every dish I've ordered has been consistently excellent, and the service is consistently exceptional. It's challenging to find a flaw.