I was craving jjajangmyun so came here and glad we did! They have bunch of combos so we got the jjajangmyun & sweet and sour pork with a side of fried dumplings. The portions were generous and so yummy! The Auntie working there was so friendly and even gave water for my pup. Small hole is the wall but what a gem!
Overview
Located in the heart of Los Angeles at 3122 W 8th St, Joonghwaru is a hidden gem that has quickly made a name for itself among locals and visitors alike. If you're in the mood for a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious, authentic Korean dishes, this spot will not disappoint. Whether you're a long-time fan of Korean cuisine or new to its vibrant flavors, Joonghwaru offers a memorable dining experience that’s well worth exploring.
Upon stepping into the restaurant, the cozy yet modern vibe immediately sets the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. The décor is simple but stylish, with subtle Korean influences throughout that create a comfortable, inviting ambiance. It's the kind of place where you can sit back, unwind, and enjoy good food without feeling rushed or out of place. The staff at Joonghwaru are attentive and friendly, making sure you're well taken care of throughout your meal.
The menu at Joonghwaru is a true reflection of Korean culinary traditions, with dishes that are both flavorful and thoughtfully prepared. One of the standout offerings is their selection of hot pots. A perfect choice for those who enjoy rich, hearty meals, these pots are served piping hot and brimming with fresh ingredients. The broths are rich and savory, while the meats and vegetables are cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Another must-try dish is the "Bulgogi," a classic Korean BBQ favorite that features marinated beef grilled to tender, juicy perfection. Paired with a side of rice and kimchi, it's an experience in itself. Joonghwaru’s Bulgogi is especially notable for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, a delicate dance of seasonings that brings out the best in the tender beef.
For those who prefer seafood, their "Grilled Mackerel" is a delightful choice. It's perfectly seasoned and grilled, offering a smoky, flaky texture that pairs wonderfully with the restaurant's signature dipping sauce. This dish highlights Joonghwaru's ability to deliver fresh, quality seafood with a simple yet effective preparation that truly enhances the natural flavors.
When it comes to side dishes, Joonghwaru excels. Korean cuisine is known for its variety of banchan, or small side dishes, and Joonghwaru doesn’t disappoint. From kimchi to seasoned bean sprouts, each side complements the main courses in its own unique way, adding depth and balance to the meal. It’s the attention to detail with these side dishes that truly sets this restaurant apart.
The drink menu is equally impressive, with a selection of traditional Korean beverages and modern twists on classic drinks. If you're a fan of Korean rice wine, be sure to try their "Makgeolli" - a slightly sweet, fermented drink that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the food.
Joonghwaru isn’t just about great food - it’s also about creating an experience. The restaurant regularly receives praise for its ability to stay true to authentic Korean flavors while adding its own unique spin. This balance of tradition and innovation has made it a favorite among those who appreciate the art of Korean cooking.
Located in a bustling neighborhood of Los Angeles, Joonghwaru’s accessible location at 3122 W 8th St makes it a convenient spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’ve lived in the area for years, it’s well worth checking out if you’re in the mood for a warm, hearty meal. The restaurant is known for its consistent quality, friendly service, and commitment to offering a genuinely satisfying dining experience.
Over the years, Joonghwaru has built a loyal following of customers who swear by its exceptional food and welcoming environment. It’s clear that the restaurant has earned its place as one of the top Korean dining spots in the area. With a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, from meat lovers to vegetarians, and an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home, it’s easy to see why Joonghwaru continues to thrive.
The reviews speak for themselves - many patrons have shared their experiences of enjoying flavorful, comforting meals that keep them coming back for more. The combination of high-quality ingredients, expertly prepared dishes, and genuine hospitality has made Joonghwaru a standout in the Los Angeles dining scene.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 313 reviews
A super down-to-earth spot bursting with local flavor—even past peak hours, it’s still packed. From the outside, it might just look like an old neighborhood diner, but don’t be fooled—this place is seriously underrated. They call themselves Korean-style Chinese food, but honestly, it leans very Korean. Their signature is jajangmyeon, but that’ll have to wait till next time because I was craving seafood noodle soup that day. For what you get, the value here is amazing… especially compared to my area, where a bowl of ramen can run close to $20 and barely fill you up! Beef Belly & Spicy Seafood Noodle Loaded with bold flavor and real ingredients—seafood and beef stacked so high you can barely see the noodles. The hand-pulled noodles are extra chewy and bouncy, and the spicy broth clings beautifully to every bite. Non-Spicy Seafood Noodle Perfect if you’re not into spicy food. The broth is milky and slightly creamy, almost like a white soup base, topped with bonito flakes—such an unexpected touch. The bowl is packed with seafood and vegetables, super fresh. Highly recommended. Fried Pork with Sweet & Sour Sauce Another crowd favorite. Think crispy pork bites with the sweet and sour sauce on the side so you can dip as you like. Tastes great on its own, but also surprisingly good added into the noodle soup. Deep Fried Meat Dumpling Korean dumplings are no joke—huge, crispy outside, juicy meat filling inside, and yes, they burst with flavor. Not greasy at all, and the house dipping sauce ties everything together.
We were excited to finally try this place but we were unfamiliar with Korean noodle dishes. We came on a Thursday night and were seated right away. The staff were so friendly and helpful. They explained what the sauces and seasonings were and even cut our noodles for us. The food came out quickly and the staff were attentive. We ended up splitting a combo and an appetizer and it was plenty of food for three people. The prices were very reasonable. I definitely recommend for groups so you can try lots of dishes!
Their jajangmyun and jampong is better than the ones in Korea. They make their own noodles and cook the food on order. The extra spicy Jjampong is proper spicy with a lot of veggies and seafood.
I typically door dash from a different Korean Chinese spot but I decided to try this place out last night. I’m so glad that I did because their food was so incredible. Reminded me of the Korean Chinese food I have when I go to Korea. The noodles in both their black bean noodles and spicy seafood noodle soup were delicious. Fried dumplings were an impulse purchase but omg, incredible. We ordered a few other dishes and everything was great. So glad I found my new go to Korean Chinese spot!
We got a combo with black bean noodles, a spicy seafood soup and the sweet and sour shrimp for $41. They were all delicious, especially the seafood soup. The shrimp was a little bready but still good, and I like that the sweet and sour sauce was more of a dipping sauce. It was a ton of food too. Easily enough for 2 people to have at least 2 meals. Only negative is that they charge $1 extra for the takeout supplies for the leftovers. We’ll be back, but with Tupperware. :)
Love the food here! I wasn’t very hungry but ended up eating a lot because it’s so good. The fried rice was my favorite. It comes with jjajangmyeon sauce and seafood soup. They do large handmade dumplings too. Free small parking lot which is rare in KTown.