Seong Buk Dong

The 38 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"Homestyle Korean food has become a rarity in Los Angeles over the years, with many immigrants retiring or turning over operations to escape the often challenging task of running a restaurant. Like South Korea itself, many restaurants will trim menus and specialize in just a few dishes to attract a tighter clientele, but Seong Buk Dong continues to be a versatile menu with all of the classics — bibimbap, soontofu, beef bulgogi, and pan-fried fish. Simple but well-made banchan comes at the start of every meal, including crunchy bean sprouts, thin strands of burdock root, and a scoop of apple-pocked potato salad. Korean restaurant veterans will be delighted by the spicy braised mackerel swimming in an ultra-savory sauce flavored by well-aged kimchi. Spoon some of the tender fish and aromatics over rice for an absolute flavor bomb, an ethereal mix of salty, sweet, and umami that represents the profound heart of Korean cooking. The braised beef short ribs are also among the best in town, the cut pieces slightly chewy on the edges but still melt-in-mouth tender. In the past few years, the dining room has even expanded into the next-door space, offering more tables that typically don’t fill until prime dinner hours. On the opposite end of the strip mall, huge crowds eagerly wait for a seat at the popular Dan Sung Sa pocha, a late-night drinking spot. Little do they know that the gem offering supreme Korean dishes is on the other side of the lot. — Matthew Kang, regional lead, Southern California/Southwest Must-try dish: Godeungeo jorim (braised spicy mackerel), galbi jjim (braised beef short rib)" - Mona Holmes