Hello dear
Welcome To KOBUNGA
At KOBUNGA, our culinary journey is rooted in the vibrant flavors of Korea, served with a contemporary twist. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, we pride ourselves on delivering dishes that are both approachable and authentic, allowing everyone to savor the essence of Korean cuisine. Our meticulous preparation shines through in fan favorites like the slow-cooked short rib and tender pork belly, complemented by refreshing sides like napa cabbage kimchi and crunchy soy pickles. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, KOBUNGA embodies a delightful fusion of tradition and modern dining, promising an unforgettable experience for every guest.
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About
KOBUNGA
If you're in Los Angeles and craving an authentic taste of Korean cuisine, look no further than KOBUNGA, nestled conveniently at 929 W Jefferson Blvd, Suite 1610. This vibrant eatery offers a unique approach to Korean dining that allows you to customize your meal just the way you like it. Imagine building your own plate with options that tantalize the palate—choose between fluffy white or brown rice, fresh salad mixes, or savory japchae noodles, and then select from proteins like tender beef bulgogi, BBQ chicken, pork belly, or flavorsome soft tofu.
KOBUNGA's charm lies in its innovative "Build Your Own Plate" concept, which makes it easy for both seasoned fans of Korean cuisine and newcomers to explore diverse flavors without feeling overwhelmed. Highlighting this flexibility, one customer, Garrett Kaplan, praised the USC Special—a delicious slow-cooked short rib paired with crisp soy pickles and a tangy kimchi, all served atop vibrant mixed greens. His excitement was palpable as he noted the smooth kimchi kick and the expertly cooked short rib.
The emphasis on quality is evident in every dish. For instance, Elliot, a loyal fan, reminisced about the mouthwatering pork belly, perfectly caramelized with a burnt sugar crust. He remarked on the harmonious balance provided by crunchy soy sauce pickles and sweet corn. It's these thoughtful additions that elevate KOBUNGA's offerings beyond the typical fast-casual dining experience.
For those unsure of how to navigate Korean flavors, Ethan Seo found KOBUNGA's approach refreshingly approachable. He raved about the tender pork belly and the unique twist of sweet napa cabbage kimchi complementing the vibrant dish. Each plate comes generous in portions, mirroring the warmth and generosity inherent in Korean hospitality.
KOBUNGA also caters to a variety of dietary preferences, with an array of vegan options that broadens its appeal. Danielle J. highlighted the Soft Tofu with Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce served over a mix of brown rice and japchae, showcasing that delightful meals can still be found within a plant-based context.
And let’s not forget the crispy, seasoned fries that add that perfect crunch to your meal. Javier Solis aptly summed it up: "Damn, these fries n bulgogi beef hits!" It's clear that KOBUNGA provides a true taste sensation that keeps customers coming back for more.
In essence, KOBUNGA isn’t just about delicious food; it's about creating memorable dining experiences filled with flavor, warmth, and a sense of community. So make your way to KOBUNGA—you are bound to find a meal that you will fall in love with!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Kobunga. Korean. Grill. Wow. So far, I've only had the USC Special, which comes with: Slow cooked short rib (slowly cooked to perfection, seasoned with a delicate sprinkle of love) Soy pickles (A crisp & fresh crunch, with a subtle salty finish) And last but not least, the Kimchi. (A tasty treat with a smooth 'Kimchi Kick'!) Well. I know a place where I'll be frequenting more often! Can't wait to try the other treats! Sincerely, A deliciously satisfied customer. (p.s. I forgot to mention, the short rib came prepared over a lovely bed of mixed greens, with a delicious vinaigrette!) Highly reccomend! ”
“ I've been anticipating this place long before they opened. I first tried their food at the 626 night market a year ago and quickly followed them on instagram. From what I remember, the first bite of their pork belly with burnt sugar crust was what got me. Typically, I'm more of a beef guy like I'll always order a ribeye over pork chop. But the one exception that trumps all other food for me is a fat, juicy, tender, piece of pork belly. And my god these guys absolutely nailed it and make it with such beauty and finesse. Paired with crunchy refreshing soy sauce pickles and sweet corn I finished the food with a fat smile on my face. Parking is plentiful and Kobunga gives you a 2 hour validation which allows for you to explore the rest of USC village. Without a doubt I will be coming back whenever I'm in the area. ”
“ If you're not familiar with Korean food, sometimes it's not easy to know what to get or how to eat them. Kobunga really did an amazing job of putting together an approachable authentic Korean dish in a single platter with their own unique twist to it. I got the pork belly dish with the napa cabbage kimchi and cabbage slaw. I never had such a tender and juicy pork belly. It was so soft that i didn't even have to use a knife to cut through it, while keeping enough meat texture for the chew. At first I was slightly thrown off by the napa cabbage kimchi, which was slightly on the sweet side compared to what I'm used to, but it actually balanced the plate perfectly. It was fresh and refreshing. Then I stole a piece of of the cucumber kimchi which was also super refreshing and a good pairing with the meat heavy dish. As for the quantity, it's fairly substantial with a big portion of it being the meat. It's not like chipotle where you are at the mercy of your server for the meat quantity. They just serve you beautifully cut thick slabs of the pork belly. Totally worth my 11. I wish I had one closer by because it's a great meal and comforting food. ”
“ On the campus of USC, I visited a place called Kobunga. This place is not vegan, however it had MANY vegan options. The only thing that was not vegan was the meats. I had the Soft Tofu w/ Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce, 1/2 Brown Rice, 1/2 Japchae ... ”
“ Damn, these fries n bulgogi beef hits I eat this everyday if could. ”
“ Yummy Korean bbq I got the noodles with bulgogi, kimchi, and slaw. Bulgogi was great quality for the price!!! I don't know the cashier's name but he was very very nice and walked us through the menu. Nice change of pace from the dining hall. Will be back again while I am here! ”
“ I randomly google searched korean food and this one popped up. The parking in this area is usually horrifying but tonight wasn't. I found a parking super close and was able to walk in with no problem. It's what you expect a college restaurant to be. The menu is simple and to the point with a 12 meal as the average. (Tip: It costs 2 more a plate, online. Just order in person.) Even though it was dead, my proteins were really hot. The "hot" sides were warm but the pickled sides my counter part had were delicious. We also tried the Yuzu Lemonade. It's one size and it's delicious. I think if the parking is easy enough, I would go back. It didn't wow me with flavor but it was enough to warrant a second visit. ”
“ I was hesitant to go here because I wasn't a fan of their side selection, but they had some new ones like roasted vegetables (broccoli and brussel sprouts). Recommend the cauliflower rice. It had a good texture and delicate flavor. ”