Los Angeles Koreatown is transforming into a global dining destination as international restaurant brands and renowned chefs increasingly open locations in the area.
Once dominated by Korean restaurants, the streetscape is changing. Popular eateries from Italy, Japan, China, and Hong Kong are now opening in Koreatown, expanding dining choices for residents and visitors.
Italian sandwich shop All’ Antico Vinaio, famous in Florence, attracted long lines immediately after opening its Koreatown branch. Japanese deli Yama Sushi Marketplace, previously popular in San Gabriel, and Chinese potato noodle shop Potato Powder Love Noodle have also entered Koreatown, gaining attention.
In the dessert sector, Tu Cha, led by Australian chef Catherine Zhang, is drawing social media buzz with its visually striking mango and strawberry desserts and collaboration menu with K-pop group Le Sserafim.
High-end Japanese restaurants are also expanding. Chef Akira Back opened Norikaya, while Hato Sushi and omakase restaurant Matsumoto have elevated Koreatown’s fine dining scene.
These openings reflect Koreatown’s evolution from a Korean food district into a “global dining town” where flavors from around the world coexist.
This trend is reflected in top food ratings. According to the 2025 California Michelin Guide released last month, 12 Koreatown restaurants were listed, including five non-Korean establishments: Mexican Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza, Peruvian rotisserie chicken Pollo a la Brasa, Taiwanese fusion Liu’s Cafe, Italian Antico Nuovo, and French bar Étoile. Antico Nuovo, in particular, was praised by LA Times food critic Bill Addison for its modern reinterpretation of traditional Italian dishes.
However, of the seven Korean restaurants listed, five specialize in barbecue, highlighting a continued focus on this genre within Korean cuisine.
Koreatown residents welcome the change. While Korean barbecue remains dominant, many appreciate the influx of diverse food cultures, allowing them to enjoy Mexican, Japanese, and Italian cuisines without traveling far.
A restaurant industry source stated, “As Koreatown becomes a global hotspot for young people, famous restaurants and eateries are opening here. In particular, the rise in Chinese residents and visitors has led to a noticeable increase in Chinese restaurants.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
