Soban
Korean restaurant · Koreatown
4001 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66289650/1199768376.jpg.0.jpg "Soban by Getty")
Highlights
Ganjang gejang, galbi jjim, braised black cod, banchan
Ganjang gejang, galbi jjim, braised black cod, banchan
"Soban is a triple threat on par with Cher or Hugh Jackman. Not only does this minimalist Koreatown restaurant have the most impressive banchan spread in town (over a dozen seasonal dishes by our count), their specialties like soy-marinated crab, spicy braised black cod, and short rib stew all are up there with the best renditions in the city. Keep in mind that Soban doesn’t serve alcohol, but they do give you a delicious fermented sweet rice drink to finish the meal. Also, this is where the cast and crew of Parasite celebrated their Oscar win." - sylvio martins, brant cox, garrett snyder, cathy park
"Soban may have spiked in popularity after Bong Joon Ho and the Parasite cast headed to the restaurant after the 2020 Oscars, but it’s been an excellent dinner spot for many years. Head to Koreatown on a Monday night for its ganjang gejang (soy-marinated raw crab) and galbi jjim (braised short ribs), plus the best shot at actually finding street parking. Make sure to try at least one of the soups or stews, which include an excellent kimchi jjigae and a rich doenjang jjigae dotted with potatoes." - Rebecca Roland
"Soban’s tight menu features a rarity: ganjang gejang — raw marinated flower crab — which tastes like the pinnacle of Korean cuisine with its rich, slightly fermented umami and buttery sweetness (especially over warm rice). Spicy braised black cod and braised short ribs are soulful companions to help complete the experience. The family-owned restaurant holds such a special place in the Korean community that the director and stars of the South Korean film Parasite celebrated their historic 2020 Oscar victory right here. — Matthew Kang, lead editor" - Matthew Kang
"Soban’s tight menu features a rarity: ganjang gejang — raw marinated flower crab — which tastes like the pinnacle of Korean cuisine with its rich, slightly fermented umami and buttery sweetness (especially over warm rice). Spicy braised black cod and braised short ribs are soulful companions to help complete the experience. The family-owned restaurant holds such a special place in the Korean community that the director and stars of the South Korean film Parasite celebrated their historic 2020 Oscar victory right here. — Matthew Kang, lead editor" - Eater Staff
"Mentioned as a Koreatown stalwart whose collaborative menu with another restaurant "looked particularly good," and cited in coverage as an appealing partner in guest menus and cross-restaurant collaborations." - Eater Staff
