Arisu Korean BBQ 아리수

The 15 Best Korean Barbecue Restaurants in Orange County | Eater LA

"Despite opening during the peak of the pandemic, Arisu Korean BBQ has since made a name for itself due to a commitment to superb meat quality. In fact, the owners source only USDA prime beef by visiting different suppliers and hand-selecting the meat each week. The boneless short rib, non-marinated bone-in short rib, and brisket are the most popular cuts, while the buckwheat cold noodles are also a frequent and sensible add-on to the end of the meal. And for an extra taste of Korean culture, Arisu taps into history with an interior that is mapped out into kingdoms from ancient Korea." - Cathy Park

Wine Pairing Ideas for 5 Essential Asian Dishes

"The difficulty in pairing Korean barbecue is not so much the grilled meats but its accompaniments such as kimchi. I would look for a wine with good acidity and softer tannins as firm tannins and spice are not a good combination. Syrah/Shiraz has the natural spice to counter the spice in kimchi—Australia’s Barossa produces some great wines but now Chile is also producing some exceptional Syrah such as Matetic EQ from the San Antonio Valley with its bold black fruits, violet and spice aromas, and smoothly elegant tannins. Otherwise, go for the La Chamiza Martin Alsina Malbec from the Uco region of Argentina, another country very well known for its barbecue. This wine comes from vines which are almost 100 years old and the naturally low yields produce deep concentration, perfectly ripe red fruits and silky tannins, but with a freshness from the acidity that cuts through the fat of the Korean barbecued pork or beef." - Rachel Tan

Not AYCE—by design. Arisu focuses on prime cuts and careful grilling, attracting diners who prefer quality over quantity. A thoughtful, quieter alternative often noted by OC roundups.