Sometimes you simply need your Korean food fix. And, yes, Korea Town is located just a few miles away in Mid-Wilshire and is where you’ll find some of the best Korean food in California. But just because Korea Town is close doesn’t mean you can’t get good Korean food in Santa Monica. Because let’s face it, you don’t always want to brave Los Angeles traffic and over-the-top gas prices just to get a nibble of bulgogi.
Gushi: Great Korean Fast Food
Gushi is the place to go when you want to get some quick Korean food in Santa Monica, or want to pick up something to take home. And eat it for days and days. Because what you get at Gushi above all else is serving size. Most plates here cost from $7.00 to $8.00, and consist of servings that you couldn’t –or at least shouldn’t– eat in one sitting!
Is Gushi the most authentic Korean food in Santa Monica? No, it’s not. The bulgogi, for instance, isn’t grilled but stir-fried. But everything is made fresh, plus it’s cheap and tasty and might just be the best value around. Which is probably why it’s always full to the brim with college kids. Just a note: Gushi is a cash-only joint, so stop by the ATM before you visit.
Gyenari: Korean Fusion Restaurant
If you’re not in the mood for something quick and simple, one of the better Santa Monica Korean restaurants is Gyenari. Now, Gyenari isn’t going to please those who are die-hard fans of authentic Korean cuisine. Because this restaurant is a California-Korean fusion restaurant, where you’ll find things like avocado tossed as a surprise into seemly-traditional dishes.
One of the best things about Gyenari is that it is a grill-at-the-table restaurant where you won’t go home smelling like a barbecue pit. The food is grilled right at your table (by a waiter– you don’t do it yourself), but the smoky air is sucked away by vents before it can permeate your clothes. A bonus if you’re on a date or stopping to eat before a night out.
The prices here aren’t the lowest you’ll find for Korean food in Santa Monica, but the amount of food you get is pretty generous. The “meal for two” menu is a whopping $70 (a good choicer for a special night out), but consists of enough food for two or three people to satisfactorily gorge.
Real Korean in Santa Monica: Koba House BBQ
Koba House is a great combination between what you love in traditional Korea Town restaurants, and what you want from a relaxing night out. When you walk in, you’re struck by the great jazz playing on the speakers and the relaxing, stylish ambiance.
Fortunately, the food is also good. While it doesn’t live up to what you’ll find in K-Town, what you do get is of good quality. Most of the meat dishes run about $9 to $10 a serving, and while serving sizes are a little on the small side, they should be enough to satisfy most. The naeng myung is particularly good, and while you only get four banchan (side dishes), the ones you do get are great.
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