Yangban Society

I finally had the chance to dine at Yangban with the DineLA menu. Every dish I ordered was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The newly renovated interior provided a more upscale atmosphere, and all the staff were welcoming and friendly. While it's a bit on the pricey side, it's definitely worth every dollar I spent.

The food was inventive and confident. I loved the braised short ribs which melted like butter in your mouth. Savory flavors are mixed with in-house Korean spices adorned every dish. I wouldn’t want to eat here every day, but for a creative take on Korean fusion, look no further.

Not sure why people are complaining about the prices here — the Yangban Style menu is incredibly worth the price. Two incredibly good mains, a handful of delicious starters, some veg and sides and whatnot: we left stuffed. And it was all phenomenal, particular favorites being the acorn noodles, the biscuits and gravy, woodfired cabbage and citrus, and the crab toast add-on. Can’t wait to come back and try some of the deli options~

Parking - Valet, street or the side lot if you're lucky. Service - From the owner(s) to the entire staff it was overall a friendly and positive experience. Yelp reviews - As others stated it's expensive but personally I feel it's worth trying. The ingredients are fresh and the overall experience was worth coming back too. The food............. Avocado and Pear My notes: The PERFECT mixture as weird as avocados and pears sound to you. Even better on a hot day! Honey Walnut Carrots My notes: Not sure why it reminds me of sweet beef jerky Chilled "Dotori" Noodles My notes: A twist on soba noodles, probably wouldn't be getting again Twice Fried Magic Myrna Potatoes My notes: Amazing and very unique esp. being smashed. Mushroom "Namul" with Bracken Fern My notes: Absolutely fav, def. give it a try if you love mushrooms! Baked Sea Bream My notes: A tad bit too buttery but soft and delish! Pea Shoot and Chive My notes: The perfect balance of fresh, cold, green and a balance with another warmer dish.

Mikinzie Stuart

One of the best meals I’ve had in LA. The prix fixe for $95 was well worth the money, very high quality ingredients and beautiful plating, but best of all, it was a ton of food! Definitely come hungry. My partner and I came here for our anniversary and they gave us a small glass of champagne to celebrate, which was a nice touch. And the vibes!!! I came here once before they redid the space (which reminded me more of a deli/ cafe/ cafeteria), but they’ve managed to transform it into a hip, contemporary, sexy spot that makes you feel like an A-lister. The only minor criticisms I have is that we were seated at a smaller table, and while I assumed the booths were for parties over 2 people, two couples were seated in booths immediately after us, so it would have been nice to have a booth since it was a special occasion. Service could have been slightly more attentive, as we did have to ask for our server to order another drink, but overall wasn’t bad. Everyone was really professional and friendly.

Chat Sarmiento-Steinwald

Yangban in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles offers an amazing Korean-American dining experience, especially for large groups like that of what we have as a family of 8. We had the pre-fixed dinner option offered to our group that clearly showcased the restaurant’s ability to deliver a diverse and impressive array of dishes. While I didn’t know all the names of the dishes, it’s evident that the quality and presentation were all amazing! The seamless transition from appetizers to desserts speaks to the kitchen’s ability to maintain a high standard throughout the meal. The cocktails complementing our meal were also very good, which suggests a well-curated drink menu that pairs well with the food. The modern decor of Yangban complements the eclectic vibe of the Arts District. The clean lines and contemporary design provide a stylish backdrop that is both inviting and refined, setting a sophisticated tone for the evening. The service stood out as a highlight of the evening. Handling a party of eight can be challenging, but the server ( I apologize for not remembering his name) managed it with ease and professionalism. This level of attentive and seamless service is crucial for maintaining a pleasant dining experience for larger groups. The valet service is a practical touch, especially given the difficulty of finding street parking in the area. This convenience adds to the overall positive experience, allowing guests to focus on their dining rather than parking woes. Overall Impression: Yangban excels in providing a refined and enjoyable dining experience. The combination of modern decor, exceptional service, and a well-executed menu ensures that it stands out in the vibrant culinary scene of downtown Los Angeles. For large groups, the pre-fixed menu is a smart choice that allows everyone to experience a range of flavors without the hassle of ordering individually.

Maryam Khoshreza

So excited to write this review because we had the best experience here, I cannot even explain how delicious was the food, for sure go for the prefix menu, you should trust the chef and order the prefix menu. I still craving some of those side dishes. The interior was so nice, beautiful ambience, food was perfect. The staff were so nice, everything was excellent, I should say, I had the best delicious cheesecake ever, I still craving that cheesecake and I would definitely go back to this restaurant and I already told a lot of friends about this beautiful, modern Korean restaurant!

Rick Lupert

Our experience at Yangban was beyond great. There is plenty for vegetarians to choose from and everything we ordered was gorgeous to look at and tasted fantastic. Not a disappointing dish from the 5 we selected! These included the Tteok, a dumpling-like affair with lots of good flavors, including corn. Plus, from the Banchan menu, we ordered the Brokaw Avocado & Shinko Pear dish which was, by far, the most interesting and satisfying pear-based dish I've eaten. Also, the Pea Shoots and Chives were a beautiful tower of green freshness in our mouths. And, although I'm not necessarily a huge sweet potato fan, the Goguma dish was fantastic! For dessert, we tried the Yangban "The Works" ice cream dish. We could have used more of the doenjang caramel it came with but it tasted great otherwise. The service was great too. The food came out quickly. Our server was very knowledgeable about everything on the menu and gave us good and detailed recommendations. We'd come back and eat here again. This is definitely a unique, destination restaurant in LA.

Jason Schmid

Playfulness and expression are evident across much of the menu in this cool and vibey space. After ordering at least a third of the menu, it was hard to pick a favorite because everything was just so good. Cocktails are excellent and they even stick the landing with an excellent cup of coffee. An easy five star experience.

Jiacheng Liu

All the appetizers are so good. Their textures and flavors are unique and impeccable. Their Tteok is also very good. I honestly would get it in my next visit. Super savory (love the mushroom, truffle cream base) While everyone talks about their wings, I personally find it on par with all the great Korean fried chicken in K-town (juicy and dipped in sweet soy sauce)

Greg Rossi

Yangban is a true masterpiece, probably the most exciting place to eat in LA right now. I love just about everything about the place, the concept, and the food. Everything feels new and inventive, and the chefs have created something truly original. One of my favorite things is that you can order the tasting menu to share with your table (instead of everyone having to order their own tasting menu) and add on whatever else you'd like. More restaurants should do this, as oftentimes not everyone wants the same thing (or the same amount of courses). This way we could try way more stuff and order more of our favorites and everyone is happy. Basically everything on the menu is fantastic, and I definitely suggest you go out of our comfort zone and try new things, you will be surprised in a good way. I'm not typically a fan of tofu or blood sausage, but those were my two favorite dishes on my second visit. I can't really think of words to describe how good and original everything is. The portions are great and the it's got to be the best bang for your buck in LA when you look at quality, originality, and flavor, it's just insanely good all around. Last thing to mention is the chefs are truly amazing people. Chef Kat is so friendly and nice and just wants to share her amazing dishes and ideas with you. She ended up giving me great ideas for what to do with our leftovers, and even gave me extra so I could try new things at home (I will post on Instagram soon, Chef!). Can't wait to go back and see what else they have and to keep supporting this awesome place.

Yevette Brown

UPDATE: Yangban is permanently closed! so sad!!! How can a fabulous restaurant reinvent itself and become even better. If I could give it10 stars, I would. Yangban, an amazing Korean fusion restaurant in Los Angeles just went through a space and menu redesign.They kept everything that made them special, while bringing new dishes and flavor twists. The Yangban wings are still a show stopper, but now every dish on the menu is screaming for its time. Where should I begin. The Yukhwe Beef Tartare hand rolls were unique and delicious, the Matzoh Ball Mandu with its light chicken broth, comforting. Add the Banchan for fun, these yummy little bites elevate the meal experience, and for a main, the Grilled King's Cut short ribs were perfectly cooked and butter tender. I ended with the Buffalo Milk hot fudge Sunday with the mind-blowing addition of a drizzle of soy sauce. This Unami touch took the desert to the next level. Though I miss one of my favorites, the Congee pot pie, there were so many amazing new options that I know my next visit is coming up real soon. So do yourself a solid, get over to Yangban the reboot to enjoy the new vibe and a really great meal! Note: Their menu does change with the season. Staples like the Yangban wings and hot fudge sundae stay, everything else may change, but no matter, you won't be disappointed!

Alice Gao

A quality and unique food experience with a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. I didn't expect to get dessert as with most dinners as they come pretty standard, but dessert was just as amazing as the rest of the meal and if you don't have a dessert stomach, save room for the whipped cheesecake. As our waiter said, everything is good and everything is not only good, but great. I will be back.

Diane

I loved everything about this place! The ambiance was new meets old and Korea meets Jewish Deli. It was aesthetically beautiful. Culturally comforting and new. From the unique modern murals to intimate photographs of old Korea, it was an experience from beginning to end. The dishes all gave a respect nod to the traditions of Korea but held their own relevance. Chefs definitely have an intricate understanding of each ingredient in their dishes.

Jieun Kim

I finally had the chance to dine at Yangban with the DineLA menu. Every dish I ordered was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The newly renovated interior provided a more upscale atmosphere, and all the staff were welcoming and friendly. While it's a bit on the pricey side, it's definitely worth every dollar I spent.

Pierce Young

The food was inventive and confident. I loved the braised short ribs which melted like butter in your mouth. Savory flavors are mixed with in-house Korean spices adorned every dish. I wouldn’t want to eat here every day, but for a creative take on Korean fusion, look no further.

A unique experience concocted by a couple of innovative chefs (married). A fusion of Korean comfort food, with some American/ Jewish accents. Both the menu and drinks are very unique and the quality of food is indicative of how much thought, care, and love the chefs have invested into the restaurant. I enjoyed almost everything I tried and would go back to try other dishes I didn't have the chance to try.

I have mix feelings about this restaurant. The place seems disjointed. One sits down to order from the restaurant but has to order drinks from the super where they sell bottled cocktails, Asian drinks, chips, chocolates and other merchandise. One needs to browse at the deli to get sides, salads, cookies and desserts. One has to pay right after ordering from each of the separate areas. Service is fast but it feels like eating at a food court especially if you are seated in the main dining room. We loved the fried wings and marinated prawns. The rest of the food is decent. The pre made cocktails were tasty but pricy considering the presentation. We enjoyed the cheesecake. In all, it was good food in a food court like setting. Perhaps it’s best for millennials but maybe not my age group

Atmosphere was very nice. Helpful waiters in ordering signature drinks and dishes. It's a Asian twist on both the husband and wife's upbringings, Husband is Korean, raised Korean, wife is also Korean, but adopted by a white Jewish family. Amazing flair and style of tapa plates. It's quite pricey, so be prepared to spend some money. Had the honor to meet both of them in their environment, the kitchen. Good people who love what they do to make tasty food. It's location is in the older part of downtown that has had some clean up done to make room for upcoming business and restaurants.

They accommodated us as walk-in’s and gave us enough time for the prix fixe Very interesting food that is both Korean and American Giant portions Short ribs was best dish Their makgeolli was very nice! Not as spicy as I thought it would be A few of the bites were too salty

L S

A unique experience concocted by a couple of innovative chefs (married). A fusion of Korean comfort food, with some American/ Jewish accents. Both the menu and drinks are very unique and the quality of food is indicative of how much thought, care, and love the chefs have invested into the restaurant. I enjoyed almost everything I tried and would go back to try other dishes I didn't have the chance to try.

Susanna SS

I have mix feelings about this restaurant. The place seems disjointed. One sits down to order from the restaurant but has to order drinks from the super where they sell bottled cocktails, Asian drinks, chips, chocolates and other merchandise. One needs to browse at the deli to get sides, salads, cookies and desserts. One has to pay right after ordering from each of the separate areas. Service is fast but it feels like eating at a food court especially if you are seated in the main dining room. We loved the fried wings and marinated prawns. The rest of the food is decent. The pre made cocktails were tasty but pricy considering the presentation. We enjoyed the cheesecake. In all, it was good food in a food court like setting. Perhaps it’s best for millennials but maybe not my age group

Teri Cuico

Atmosphere was very nice. Helpful waiters in ordering signature drinks and dishes. It's a Asian twist on both the husband and wife's upbringings, Husband is Korean, raised Korean, wife is also Korean, but adopted by a white Jewish family. Amazing flair and style of tapa plates. It's quite pricey, so be prepared to spend some money. Had the honor to meet both of them in their environment, the kitchen. Good people who love what they do to make tasty food. It's location is in the older part of downtown that has had some clean up done to make room for upcoming business and restaurants.

Angela Lai

They accommodated us as walk-in’s and gave us enough time for the prix fixe Very interesting food that is both Korean and American Giant portions Short ribs was best dish Their makgeolli was very nice! Not as spicy as I thought it would be A few of the bites were too salty

Alice Han

My favorite thing about Yangban is its vibe. Definitely come here with your friends. Best to make reservations because it gets crowded real fast. Their menu is seasonal so it was different from last time I came; I personally like the previous menu a little more. I really miss the chilled acorn noodles :( But still, their dishes are very creative and pretty good - a nice take on Korean fusion. Got the yangban wings - 3 gigantic pieces. The goguma was also really good. The Jjajang pasta and the corn pasta was delicious. The porchetta was also super tender, but nothing too special. Ended the night with a whiped cheesecake w/ strawberry jam and asked for a soft serve on the side (a MUST GET). Parking is $10 valet or you can find street parking on the sketchy blocks of DTLA like I did.

I really want to love this place and it is safe to say that the foods are good enough. We try: - Chilled Acorn Noodles 🍜 - Yangban Wings. Delicious and well made! 🍗 - Biscuit and Kare Gravy - Wood Grilled Sea Bream. Love the crispy skin! Best dish of the night ✨♥️ - Fermented Black Bean Mole. - Bone-In Heritage Pork Katsu. A very generous portion! 🐷 Sadly, there is nothing that is particularly good.

Celine Esthelica

I really want to love this place and it is safe to say that the foods are good enough. We try: - Chilled Acorn Noodles 🍜 - Yangban Wings. Delicious and well made! 🍗 - Biscuit and Kare Gravy - Wood Grilled Sea Bream. Love the crispy skin! Best dish of the night ✨♥️ - Fermented Black Bean Mole. - Bone-In Heritage Pork Katsu. A very generous portion! 🐷 Sadly, there is nothing that is particularly good.

CH

Decided to visit after coming across it on Dine LA. They have a big selection of fusion Korean dishes. However, when it came down to the actual food, the flavors and elements just weren't there. None of the dishes were terrible, but there wasn't anything that I will want to eat again. I had really high hopes after seeing great online reviews and the interior being amazingly well renovated. The only dish I thought was good was the Cured Yellowtail on Wonton Cracker. Even their hot sauce, which you have to pay for, was subpar tasting. They have both dine-in options, to go salad bar, and a mini Korean snacks/drinks corner grocery store (pretty cute amid it being expensive). Pros: the hipster vibe with great and friendly service-- hence the 2 stars. Cons: hard to find parking (street or valet), mediocre food, and expensive. We paid $60 per person. I really wanted to like it, but I will not be returning and I do not recommend it.

Fancy renovation, utterly disappointing food. Not worth the price. Heavily Americanized food (in a bad way). They used pickles that were identical to those found in burgers, rather than those used in Korean cuisine - which was rather shocking and not tasty at all. Dumplings were dry, dense, and bland. Fried chicken wings were passable but still stale and soggy, missing the crispiness it advertised. The pricing was outrageous: $26 for four dumplings, $36 for three chicken wings, $41 for four small cubes of cod fish. Side note: restaurant valet was also $13

Sean Davis

Fancy renovation, utterly disappointing food. Not worth the price. Heavily Americanized food (in a bad way). They used pickles that were identical to those found in burgers, rather than those used in Korean cuisine - which was rather shocking and not tasty at all. Dumplings were dry, dense, and bland. Fried chicken wings were passable but still stale and soggy, missing the crispiness it advertised. The pricing was outrageous: $26 for four dumplings, $36 for three chicken wings, $41 for four small cubes of cod fish. Side note: restaurant valet was also $13