Bann

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littletree323

Joined 2 years ago

Heavenly cuisine. Groupon opened the door to this place for us. I was expecting a hole in the wall when I saw the address (silly me) but it is anything but that. I was immediately allured by it's decadent sophistication where traditional meets modern. So it's beautiful but what about the food? We wanted to try something different so we tried the beef knuckle and it wasn't our favorite so our waiter happily exchanged it with literally the BEST calamari we've ever had - cooked to perfection with a chili glaze to die for. Oh and should I mention all of that deliciousness was had for $10. If that isn't enough to seduce you then try the melt in your mouth black cod ($30) and that should do the trick. The Bann Tai cocktail gets the 5th star - delicious!

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yogavixen

Joined 3 years ago

clean modern yummy. their beef and chicken are free range, no hormones or antibiotics so juicy and flavorful without being too salty. wow they don't use msg on their foods! their appetizers are amazing, we has the peppers stuffed with white fish, organic mung bean pancakes, the pa jun, jap chae...all delish and about $8 dollars each! the atmosphere was very cool the service was warm and friendly. price was better than cho sun gal bi and NO MSG. we are regulars now and i would highly recommend this restaurant.

love the art deco motifs too.

Doesn't Recommend

yookim

Joined 3 years ago

Looks Can Be Deceiving.... From the creators of Woo-Lae Oak, comes their latest restaurant. In a location teeming with promise, what with a new high-rise condominium, Solair, having been built, and a subway stop across the street, this place at the edge of Koreatown seeks to establish itself as a contender. In that effort, it fails on several fronts. The decor is gorgeous, but the food and service are not even in the same ballpark. The looks will give it some glamour for awhile, but people will figure out quality, or lack thereof, after some time.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Gourmet Korean fare served in high-gloss surroundings.. The Scene
In-the-know diners crowd the copper-gleaming Koreatown venue, while designer-clad newcomers sample the more expensive, nearly identical menu at its sleek, industrial Beverly Hills location. No matter where you dine, high ceilings and humming vents keep the barbecue smoke from gathering. Servers are gracious and informative, especially to those who are new to Korean cuisine.

The Food
Gourmet Korean flavors, both tame and fiery, make Woo Lae Oak worth sampling. To start, duck breast rolled in a Korean miso blini with plum dressing are reminiscent of meat-filled sushi rolls. Jap chae, slippery glass noodles enveloping sauteed vegetables, artfully blends texture and flavor. Carnivores savor steak tartare bi bim bap, a jumble of delicate meat, rice and cold, spicy vegetables. Fish lovers will enjoy the tantalizing black cod, baked in soy till it's tender and sweet. Over all, Korean barbecue reigns, with traditional cuts like spicy pork and kalbi (boneless short ribs) ruling supreme.

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mmontgomery

Joined 10 years ago

expense account Korean. Okay yeah it's good, but it's really pricy, comparably speaking to other restaurants in the area. But my husband takes business clients there all the time and it is good for that.

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l8gaucho

Joined 10 years ago

EXCELLENT. In a word, SUPERB! I've been going there since a kid and it's is just yummy. Barbecue your own shrimp and beef while you are there. The meal goes great with gingerale. Service is great. I have so many great memories of birthdays, father's days, lunches, and dinners here that it is unreal. JUST GO - I can't explain this one well enough, expreience heaven for yourself. THIS IS MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT!

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ruddy

Joined 11 years ago

"Woo" Hoo!. First time there and I found it a very nice spot. Someone else was paying so we shared Bool Go Gi (BBQ Beef), Free Range Chicken and BBQ Vegetables. The vegetables were very fresh and a great assortment, but it was the meats that really shined. Good condiments and kim chi and they were very friendly. Particularly outstanding was the Pa Jun appetizer, a pancake of scallions with calamari and other sea food. Very good spicy sauce with it.

Doesn't Recommend

1004

Joined 11 years ago

Just Say No!. For half the price you can experience better Korean food at Sik-Do-Rak or Manda Restaurant in Koreatown/Los Angeles. Woo Lae Oak is for people who rather have Big Mac in Rome. For those who never tried Korean food, try "gal-bi" (Korean short-rib BBQ) and "hae-mool pa-jeon" (seafood pancake).

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mds02

Joined 11 years ago

Good & Authentic. I am fortunate enough to have sampled most of the Kal Bi / Bul Go Ki restaurants in Seoul, Woo Lae Oak included. The LA version is very close to the Korean version. I noticed some of the side dishes are slightly different in Seoul as they incorporate veggies and spices procured from local sources, which are frequently different than those used by Korean restaurants in the US. Overall, I'd say the LA experience is a faithful representation of the Korean version. Tasty and fresh. By the way, those commenting about high costs should NOT go to Seoul, where the cost after accounting for variables, is actually HIGHER in Korea. If you have never experienced Korean BBQ, I strongly suggest you give WLO a try. You will not be disappointed.

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rchorner

Joined 11 years ago

GREAT Korean BBQ. Restaurant is pretty pricey, but it is well worth it. Great fun to buy the meats and vegetables and cook them yourself in the grill that's recessed in the middle of the table. Great selection of spices and sauces to flavor everything. Lunch specials are reasonable (~$9). Spicey pork is super tasty. Language barrier can be an issue with some of the wait staff, but the service is excellent. Classy place with great food. Guaranteed to be a good time.