Genwa Korean BBQ Reviews
Submitted by B. Li on 01/20/2022
B. Li 4 stars rating.
One of the best Korean BBQ spots in LA.
The ingredients here are top-notch and the seasoning is on point. Course A was more than enough food for two people, but we still ordered an extra order of galbijjim. Without a doubt, the best galbijjim we've had. Extremely tender and seasoned well. Even the person with orthodontics could chew it without issue.
About the only downside is that you really gotta plan your banchan properly. They've got a great variety of veggies, but since they're all fermented with salt, it feels like you're giving yourself hypertension halfway through a meal if you're not eating them in the right order. Definitely drink water or maybe order a sweet cocktail to offset the salt.
sleepy 2 stars rating.
Sub par experience from a place that’s usually very good. My server tonight chastised me for turning over some pork belly that was burning up on one side. I assumed that like my other genwa experiences, the server would let me know when the meat was done and tend to it. However the server walks off after telling me my pork belly would be done in a minute. I wait a minute and take the pork belly off and the entire thing was burnt to a crisp. I quickly peel off the rest of what’s on the plate. Then the server puts the galbi onto the grill. Shortly after he flips it and leaves, the grill loses flame and I’m left with a slow cooked galbi. I’ve just never experienced this type of incompetence at a kbbq place before. The server then tells me it’s “medium rare” and ready to serve. Everything else was correct but if I’m going to pay 150~$ for two people I expect somewhat better service. I will never return to this location. Do yourself a favor and go to the Olympic location as their servers are attentive and what made me a customer in the first place.
Submitted by Sleepy on 09/04/2022
Andrea Santos 4 stars rating.
great kbbq in LA and enjoyed all the food, but i’ve had better in the city for a more affordable price. genwa could easily be top tier in another city but LA has too much competition to compare.
choice A set: could honestly fill up to 4 people. got it with the bulgogi and sundubu. the meats were high quality and so flavorful. didn’t need to add a lot of sauce to them. the soon tofu soup was also tasty and i think the bibimbap was one of the best parts of the meal
banchan: lots of variety and all well made
Submitted by Andrea Santos on 07/28/2022
Ydelande Cherisme 5 stars rating.
First of, let’s start with the side dishes. The restaurant served an array of it, which you don’t usually see when you’re on the eat side. I’m from Florida busing LA for the first time. Although I hated every minutes I spent in LA due to the amount graffitis and trash everywhere, I will take a flight ✈️ just to come and eat (or maybe, they should open one in Palm Beach county Florida). Me, my boyfriend and my friends would be loyal customers.
Second, the servers. They were so amazing, we ate there two days in a row and was stuffed to the point we had to unbutton our pants once we get in the car ????. The servers helped us grilled our food, and checked in on us regularly. The beef is super tender when cooked, it is like premium beef (I think it was though I did not ask). They served a salad before you start and the dressing is a little sweet and mild spicy. I could eat it all day long. The kimchi soup with the rice is so authentic, I don’t know how to explain it. You would just have to try it to see. The soy bean paste, gosh! I need to have that every day in my life. It makes everything taste even more delicious. I introduced my boyfriend to it, and I wish I didn’t lol. He goes through it so fast.
All in all, if you are into Korean cuisine, I would recommend you check them out. Even if you’re not, you should go because you shall be amazed.
Submitted by Ydelande Cherisme on 07/18/2022
Kimberly Huey 5 stars rating.
This Restaurant is first class all the way!
The finest Korean Cuisine.
The staff is very friendly they give you first class service, The food is amazing.
Them marinated Kalbi was like butter. I totally recommend this restaurant.
Submitted by Kimberly Huey on 06/26/2022
Carolina P 3 stars rating.
We were recommended this place by many LA/Cali residents, they told us that although it was a bit more expensive, it was "the best of the best". I can't agree with them. Because we were visiting LA we chose to do Galbi which is supposed to be very good in LA. We also ordered samgyopsal which is a hit or miss in some places but we were in the mood for pork. Serving size was fine Both servings of meat were burned bc the flames were so high and the staff was not around to watch it. They were so overwhelmed with clients and other duties that the bus boy was the one who came over to turn off our gas grill. I did enjoy trying out the plethora of side dishes as I've never received so many sides at any other establishment, its fun to try new things. But this place did not deliver. Hopefully they can sort out the staffing issues without having to increase their menu prices but I will not be returning if I am in LA again. The price does not match the quality, atmosphere, or experience. I recommend Daedo Sikdang instead.
Submitted by Carolina P on 05/19/2022
Bardia Ghodsi 5 stars rating.
Hands down one of the best Korean BBQ! I love how their fan sucks the smoke in even before it rises so you don't leave smelling like cooked meat!
Submitted by Bardia Ghodsi on 03/03/2022
Daniele Carettoni 5 stars rating.
The quality of the food was really amazing, and it was 100% authentic Korean.
It was quite pricey but it was definitely worth it.
Servers were quick, very polite, professionals.
Interiors were just ok.
There is free guarded parking right next to the restaurant.
Submitted by Daniele Carettoni on 12/23/2021
Rus Mo 4 stars rating.
High quality food and high quality service is Genwa KBBQ forte. That being said, there is a high price to pay.
The wife and I decided on course A: serves 2 people and includes house salad, japchae (glass noodles), one galbi (marinated Short rib), and choice of a second meat (Various choices), we chose chicken bulgogi, a sizzling bimbimbap plate and sundubu. All for $105. We also got a separate bottle of Nigori sake (small 375 ml $19).
For me, the biggest hit was the bimbimbap. Excellent crispy rice on the bottom of the platter with great flavors. My only disappointment was the singular short rib. For $105, i thought at least 2 short ribs plus another meat would be more beneficial for a two person entree, but we are in LA.
Anyhow, inside the place is pretty big with PLENTY of tables, service is spot on. Could be family friendly, but barely enough room for strollers and parking isn't good (again we're in LA) adjacent to the joint is a parking garage, but the attendant was not letting us park there for some reason or another so we ended up parking across the street.
Genwa is a good place to eat and chill, but I'm not a 1%er so this would be spot to getting only if I'm in the area. Happy eats!
Submitted by Rus Mo on 12/01/2021
Brittney Henry 5 stars rating.
First time in California and first time trying Korean BBQ and I made the best restaurant choice! The servers made it so easy to understand the menu and they cook the food right in front of you! The pork belly is perfect. I was very impressed. Will definitely make a stop here my next visit!
Submitted by Brittney Henry on 09/18/2021
