The Mulberry LA
Restaurant · Sawtelle ·
Korean American bistro with updated homey dishes & creative cocktails
Korean American bistro with updated homey dishes & creative cocktails
"A new Korean American bistro from owners Jennifer Chon and David Lee, this Sawtelle Japantown spot opened on November 12 in the former Plan Check space, where chef Curtis Park updates classic, homey dishes he grew up eating—infused with California ingredients—into plates like a Korean aguachile nestled in cold kimchi broth and spicy braised black cod in a stone bowl, paired with cocktails." - Rebecca Roland
"A cozy Korean American bistro in Sawtelle Japantown, this neighborhood spot from owners Jennifer Chon and David Lee opened on November 12 in the former Plan Check Sawtelle Japantown space, pairing updated, homey Korean dishes with cocktails in a sleek, modern room warmed by ruffled white curtains, low French lighting, candles, and a tucked-away private dining room. With chef Curtis Park (Benu, Commis) at the helm, the menu centers on dishes he grew up eating with California ingredients: a Korean aguachile set in cold kimchi broth; soy-marinated blue prawn over barley rice topped with roe; sticky, sweet, spicy wings as his take on Korean fried chicken; and raw oysters with mignonette and chojang. Larger plates include a soondubu jjigae–inspired silken tofu stew with wagyu, chilled acorn noodle soup with salted cucumber, steak tartare on crispy rice crowned with an egg yolk, spicy braised black cod in a stone bowl, and charcoal-grilled pork spare ribs, plus sides like a savory egg soufflé and ssam with assorted lettuces, herbs, and ssamjang. Desserts range from mango shaved ice and cheesecake to a caramelized cinnamon hotteok with vanilla ice cream, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds. RVR’s Zak Kellum developed cocktails that channel Korean flavors—think a frozen Sikhye Slushy (pisco, rice tea, cinnamon, ginger), a Burdock Penicillin (double oak bourbon, honey, burdock tea, ginger, lemon, sherry), and a Sujunggwa Manhattan—alongside Lamill coffee, tea, and zero-proof sikhye. Named for hanji, the durable Korean paper made from mulberry bark, the project grew from the owners’ post–Palisades Fire collaboration with Park and seeks to be a modern Korean American melting pot and conversation starter; it’s currently open 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday with plans to expand bar hours." - Mona Holmes
"One of the city’s most ambitious new Korean spots, The Mulberry is a moody Sawtelle bistro that looks like a cross between SF'sSan Ho WanandRory’s Placein Ojai. The chef comes fromBenu, and the owner is part of the family that foundedBCD Tofu House. It’s located in the old Plan Check space, serving traditional Korean dishes like soy-marinated prawns, tofu stew, and charcoal-grilled meats, plus bistro staples like caesar salad and fried with aioli. There are fun cocktails too, including a pisco sikhye slushie and burdock penicillin." - Garrett Snyder
