The owner and her daughter make sure everyone gets their attention. The Black Cod was so delicious. The owner smiles 24x7 and gives you a feeling of mother love. Soban serves home cooking taste plus warm service and that keeps return customer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leslie
Very unique and delicious meal. We ordered all three chef specials. The service was incredible and the food presentation exquisite. For such a tiny venue, we were pleasantly surprised. This Korean restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
Andrew Bernard
Great food, cod and esp galbi both excellent. Loved talking to waitress(owner?). Liquor license coming soon will only make it batter
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Y Tse. 謝婉敏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Special Dining Experience at Soban
If you’re looking for not just authentic Korean cuisine, but also warm, personal service that goes above and beyond — Soban in Koreatown is a must-visit. This mother-daughter-run restaurant is a true gem, and it’s no surprise that they’ve earned a Michelin rating and are highly recognized in the Los Angeles food scene.
From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with kindness and genuine hospitality. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was flavorful, comforting, and beautifully prepared. Their specialties shine with quality and care — truly some of the best Korean food I’ve had in LA.
What made our night unforgettable was the personal touch: they surprised my friend with a bowl of seaweed soup and a birthday dessert complete with a candle. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it meant a lot.
We enjoyed our meal so much that we almost ran late for our concert afterward — that’s how good it was!
Highly recommend Soban if you’re looking for an experience that’s not only delicious, but heartfelt and memorable. This is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
illy love
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Such a wonderful dining experience! The meal included an amazing variety of fermented side dishes — fresh, flavorful, and all included. Everything we tried was delicious and absolutely worth it. The highlight was the Galbi Jjim (slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew). The meat was fall-apart tender, with bold, heartwarming flavors that made it unforgettable. At $50 + tax, it felt like a true indulgence and completely worth the price. Can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
G. Pe Benito
We ordered all 3 specials. The black cod, braised short rib, and soy marinated crab. The black cod was the standout for me. Incredibly buttery and delicious! Everything was delicious. Especially the purple rice. Pricey! But the long list of press explains it. Will be back!
I did not love the banchan, it was a bit bland. Also the marinated crab is one single crab priced at $61. Since the last time I ordered this dish in San Francisco at an incredible local spot I was served a heaping plate of crabs it’s hard to appreciate a not major flavor difference compared to how it’s prepared everywhere and a huge price difference. I can’t say that felt justified.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wawan Suhendra
Tried their Korean food and honestly, it exceeded expectations! The highlight was definitely the gejang (marinated raw crab) 🦀 — rich, fresh, and packed with flavor. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but totally worth every bite.
The service was outstanding, very attentive and professional, making the whole dining experience even more special. The atmosphere also carried that refined touch you’d expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. 🌟
No surprise they’ve earned their Michelin recognition — the food, the vibe, and the service all live up to it. Highly recommended for anyone who wants authentic Korean flavors taken to the next level. 🙌🇰🇷
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel Fong
Everyone else got barley water tea automatically. They gave me water instead. Why don't I get barley water tea. Am I not Korean enough. At least the food was good and tasted better with plenty of water. I got the raw crab dip and did NOT get sick. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Joshua Park
The food is consistently good year after year. We come from all the way from Seattle to eat this whenever we’re in LA and this is the only restaurant that reminds of my Korean grandmas cooking. The owner and staff are the nicest, most welcoming people in LA. 10000/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jane
Seems like they didn't wash the cushions for a while. The banchan felt like cheap, leftovers. The soup was not good. Not really friendly.
Delicious food! The ribs and cod specialties were tasty highlights of the meal. The owner served us and she was very appreciative that we were dining at her restaurant. The banchan assortment was very impressive - around a dozen or more different dishes. Highly recommend a visit to Soban!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sky Thai
Soy marinated crab! I’ve been wanting to try this for a while and it’s quite a delicacy and full of flavor and so delicious. Over 17 different aromatics that make it stand out! The Braised Short Rib was soft and tender and also full of flavor. We came here on a weekday for lunch and wasn’t too busy. It’s a very small space so definitely make reservations if you’re going here for dinner. The owner, Jennifer Pak, was there and helped teach out the correct way to eat the soy marinated crab by mixing it with sesame oil and rice within the shell! We loved her hospitality and kind heart that really made our time special. Also, so many banchan that paired well with the food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Carley Callahan
Absolutely fantastic! The cod was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
iEight おいしい Restaurant
The black cod and that crispy-soft pancake is my comfort after a long day. This combo never miss. After a hard day—especially one where I just feel drained at work dealing with a lot of karens and unexpected problems that just come up— this food feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that grounds you, reminds you why you treat yourself and makes everything feel just a little better. Turn on a fave show, a bottle of beer and soban-
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Simone Pridgeon
Food is hands down delicious. I was a little nervous about eating raw crab meat but it was worth it! The meat melts in ya mouth the sauce was so tasty. The Banchan was so cute and fancy I never experienced tasting little side dishes. The beef was for the GODS heaven made that beef stew. It was worth it I left very full and happy. The lady that serve us was sweet polite and jus a friendly person. She even took the time to explain how to enjoy everything. Definitely will be back.
The owner and her daughter make sure everyone gets their attention. The Black Cod was so delicious. The owner smiles 24x7 and gives you a feeling of mother love. Soban serves home cooking taste plus warm service and that keeps return customer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very unique and delicious meal. We ordered all three chef specials. The service was incredible and the food presentation exquisite. For such a tiny venue, we were pleasantly surprised. This Korean restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
Great food, cod and esp galbi both excellent. Loved talking to waitress(owner?). Liquor license coming soon will only make it batter
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Special Dining Experience at Soban
If you’re looking for not just authentic Korean cuisine, but also warm, personal service that goes above and beyond — Soban in Koreatown is a must-visit. This mother-daughter-run restaurant is a true gem, and it’s no surprise that they’ve earned a Michelin rating and are highly recognized in the Los Angeles food scene.
From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with kindness and genuine hospitality. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was flavorful, comforting, and beautifully prepared. Their specialties shine with quality and care — truly some of the best Korean food I’ve had in LA.
What made our night unforgettable was the personal touch: they surprised my friend with a bowl of seaweed soup and a birthday dessert complete with a candle. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it meant a lot.
We enjoyed our meal so much that we almost ran late for our concert afterward — that’s how good it was!
Highly recommend Soban if you’re looking for an experience that’s not only delicious, but heartfelt and memorable. This is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a wonderful dining experience! The meal included an amazing variety of fermented side dishes — fresh, flavorful, and all included. Everything we tried was delicious and absolutely worth it.
The highlight was the Galbi Jjim (slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew). The meat was fall-apart tender, with bold, heartwarming flavors that made it unforgettable. At $50 + tax, it felt like a true indulgence and completely worth the price.
Can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ordered all 3 specials. The black cod, braised short rib, and soy marinated crab. The black cod was the standout for me. Incredibly buttery and delicious! Everything was delicious. Especially the purple rice. Pricey! But the long list of press explains it. Will be back!
I did not love the banchan, it was a bit bland. Also the marinated crab is one single crab priced at $61. Since the last time I ordered this dish in San Francisco at an incredible local spot I was served a heaping plate of crabs it’s hard to appreciate a not major flavor difference compared to how it’s prepared everywhere and a huge price difference. I can’t say that felt justified.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tried their Korean food and honestly, it exceeded expectations! The highlight was definitely the gejang (marinated raw crab) 🦀 — rich, fresh, and packed with flavor. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but totally worth every bite.
The service was outstanding, very attentive and professional, making the whole dining experience even more special. The atmosphere also carried that refined touch you’d expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. 🌟
No surprise they’ve earned their Michelin recognition — the food, the vibe, and the service all live up to it. Highly recommended for anyone who wants authentic Korean flavors taken to the next level. 🙌🇰🇷
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everyone else got barley water tea automatically. They gave me water instead. Why don't I get barley water tea. Am I not Korean enough. At least the food was good and tasted better with plenty of water. I got the raw crab dip and did NOT get sick. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The food is consistently good year after year. We come from all the way from Seattle to eat this whenever we’re in LA and this is the only restaurant that reminds of my Korean grandmas cooking. The owner and staff are the nicest, most welcoming people in LA. 10000/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Seems like they didn't wash the cushions for a while. The banchan felt like cheap, leftovers. The soup was not good. Not really friendly.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Delicious food! The ribs and cod specialties were tasty highlights of the meal. The owner served us and she was very appreciative that we were dining at her restaurant. The banchan assortment was very impressive - around a dozen or more different dishes. Highly recommend a visit to Soban!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Soy marinated crab! I’ve been wanting to try this for a while and it’s quite a delicacy and full of flavor and so delicious. Over 17 different aromatics that make it stand out! The Braised Short Rib was soft and tender and also full of flavor. We came here on a weekday for lunch and wasn’t too busy. It’s a very small space so definitely make reservations if you’re going here for dinner. The owner, Jennifer Pak, was there and helped teach out the correct way to eat the soy marinated crab by mixing it with sesame oil and rice within the shell! We loved her hospitality and kind heart that really made our time special. Also, so many banchan that paired well with the food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Absolutely fantastic! The cod was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The black cod and that crispy-soft pancake is my comfort after a long day. This combo never miss.
After a hard day—especially one where I just feel drained at work dealing with a lot of karens and unexpected problems that just come up— this food feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that grounds you, reminds you why you treat yourself
and makes everything feel just a little better. Turn on a fave show, a bottle of beer and soban-
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is hands down delicious. I was a little nervous about eating raw crab meat but it was worth it! The meat melts in ya mouth the sauce was so tasty. The Banchan was so cute and fancy I never experienced tasting little side dishes. The beef was for the GODS heaven made that beef stew. It was worth it I left very full and happy. The lady that serve us was sweet polite and jus a friendly person. She even took the time to explain how to enjoy everything. Definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...