Gyenari

Recommends

Mar Yvette

Joined 6 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. Yet another addition to downtown Culver City's resto revitalization, this sprawling space is ideally situated on the pedestrian stretch next to Rush Street and just a stone's throw from the historic (and happening) Culver Hotel. Walk past the sidewalk patio and the first things you'll notice are the cool front bar--stacked with just about every buzz-inducing beverage imaginable and set in its very own lounge area--and the back wall lit by an enormous lemon-colored mural of gyenari blossoms. After the quasi-industrial scene is absorbed, (exposed ceiling ducts, unfinished brick walls, yada yada) your eye will be drawn to the 32 individual grilling tables where local families, casual couples and hungry yuppies cook meat without any worry of smelling like a smokestack (thanks to the underground air-sucking grills that outfit this joint). The menu--spearheaded by chef Debbie Lee (you might recognize the name, considering she was on season 5 of "The Next Food Network Star"--has everything from family-style barbecue replete with traditional banchan (side dishes) to a la carte options like the deliciously tender glazed black cod.

Doesn't Recommend

Lilybeans

Joined 6 years ago

Nothing taste like Korean Food here. Although this place is owned by Koreans, the must not have hired a Korean chef, or someone who understands how to make Korean food. The BBQ is lacking in taste in everyway, and the bunchan and the other food on the menu definately does not taste like it's korean. I've gone back a few times to give them the benefit of the doubt. What the heck happened to all the flavor??? Why would I know what Korean food taste like, well hell I am Korean and a foodie as well. Let me tell you it's probably one of the worst unauthenic places in los angeles. The owner should know better, should be ashame!!! I even emailed the owner of Gyenari, to let him know if changes would be made to the menu, as it is a far cry from any real Korean food. He said they are going to offer Shabu shabu, again not Korean but Japanese! The food at Gynenari is really subpar and should not be a reflection of the bounties and flavor of Korean food. They should be ashamed of serving unedibles! Head over to Wharo in MDR to have a taste of korean food. It's got SEOUL!!!! Or just drive over to Korea town and taste the food before heading over to Gynenari again. Please don't waste your $$$, it's precious especially these days.

Doesn't Recommend

mattgazia

Joined 4 years ago

My Very Bad Experience at Gyenari. I want to echo the sentiments of the other reviewer who had her ATM charged several times... as we had shared the bill. My credit card was charged twice (both initially appeared as pending) and when I called to talk to the manager I was told this happens all the time in restaurants. When I told him it had never happened to me before in 30 years, he didn't respond. As of today, the correct charge has gone through, the incorrect charge is still pending. But as with the other reviewer, never once did the manager offer an apology or say that he would comp anything on the menu should I return. He did tell me that the owner would get back to me the next day but of course that never happened. Beyond this aggravation, though, the service was lousy. After our group had been seated (about 10pm on a Saturday night), it was at least ten minutes before a waitress came to take our drink order. And ten minutes later, we still hadn't received our drinks, so we managed to flag her down, and she asked us, "Oh, did you want me to serve them to you now?" The food is good but comparitively overpriced. When I was on the phone with the manager later, he asked me if I liked the food, and I said yes, but I wouldn't be coming back to his restaurant again, and he got rather indignant.

Doesn't Recommend

velezia

Joined 5 years ago

MY ATM GOT CHARGED MULTIPLE RANDOM CHARGES!!!. The food isn't bad, but not worth the subsequent aggravation. My ATM card got charged 4 different times, for different amounts. I called the restaurant immediately, and made a point to be polite and understanding. I figured this must be a fluke, since they are a fairly new establishment. The words "we are sorry" NEVER crossed their lips. Instead they explained to me that "this happens all the time", and that because the charges appear as "pending" on my bank account, there was no cause for alarm on my part. How is the bank to know which is the legitimate charge? I asked. By now I could sense the gentleman was getting quite annoyed with, what he perceived, as my lack of savvy in matters of banking. His answer was: Because we will post the correct charge! Really??!! I am just supposed to trust the people who just charged random amount on my card?! I think not. I will never again eat there. Another one of my friends, who dine with me that evening, had his card charged twice as well. In these days of great fear over identity theft, I doubt anybody would have been fine with a simple apology. In my case, it certainly would have gone a long way.

Recommends

betterfetter

Joined 4 years ago

Wonderful Service and Great Space!. I had a cocktail party at Gyenari last night with about 50 people. The owner, Jimmy was the most gracious, accommodating person I have ever had the pleasure to deal with. Our waitress was on top of it and worked her tail off with a smile on her face the whole time. The space is amazing and they treat you like royalty. Everyone from my party was very impressed. You guys made me look good! I highly recommend coming here and definitely having a party here.

Recommends

liltamby5

Joined 5 years ago

Landy Cognac. In addition to the great food...this is the only bar I have been to that serves Landy Cognac. I've seen it online, but never found a place that serves it!

Recommends

Poeticalmath

Joined 5 years ago

I loved it. I would have to say for my first time ever trying korean food, i was truly spoiled. The setting was fascinating, the food was delicious. I brought my date, and she asked me when we would return to the location to dine once more............. awesome experience!!

Recommends

dondata

Joined 5 years ago

Best Korean Food In LA. Ive come back here several time and every time its a great experience. The food here is amazing everything it's fresh and tasty. The ambiance of the restaurant is chill with a blend of class. The bar drink are great and are not expensive. Great place to bring a date or have a group dinner.

Recommends

vivaciousdivah

Joined 5 years ago

Best Korean BBQ in Town!!. Gyenari is the bomb!! I love the ambiance, the popular location in the city, and the cuisine. The layout of the restaurant is very contemporary especially the bar. It allows you to enjoy what they have to offer as well as interacting with their services via the insulated grill at the tables to prepare your dinner meals, and host a work party with their secluded conference rooms and state-of-the-art technology. The service is impeccable, and the people are tending to your desires and your needs.

Recommends

grabtrees

Joined 5 years ago

great overall everything. the food was great, the service was awesome, and the prices weren't too bad! i love the atmosphere, in the front they have a fountain and a nice lounge area if you want to sit and wait for some friends and have a drink, or back to the booths were to your right and left is brick walls and in the back a nice yellow background! the korean food is more of a starting point for people who have yet to try it.