Genwa Korean BBQ (Downtown LA)

"Local friends recommended this place and it didn't disappoint. The service was outstanding. Our server was the nicest, most polite, and attentive guy you could ask for. We ordered a ton of food as one does when getting Korean BBQ, and every dish was exquisite. The meat was delicious and the sides were refilled regularly as we were scarfing them down. I ordered the steak on a whim and I can't tell you enough about how good it was. So much flavor! The soju and beer kept us smiling. The bill was quite high at the end but expected due to the location, quality food, and service. Highly recommend trying this place out."

"Parking: Finding parking in Downtown LA is always a challenge. Metered street parking is available until 8 PM, except on Sundays. Additionally, there is a public parking lot behind 7-Eleven across the restaurant on S Grand Ave, which requires a fee. To avoid the hassle of parking, we decided to walk to the restaurant. Service: Upon our arrival, our server, Christina L., warmly greeted us and escorted us to our table. We had a pleasant experience with her service. We visited on a Thursday at 3 PM and found ourselves as the only customers there. Ambiance: Genwa Korean BBQ sets itself apart from typical AYCE KBBQ joints with its upscale ambiance. The restaurant is conveniently located on a corner, making it easy to spot. Inside, there is a cozy bar that offers a selection of alcoholic beverages. Menu and Ordering: Genwa's menu includes a lunch menu on weekdays from 12 PM to 3 PM, excluding holidays. Unfortunately, we arrived a few minutes after the cutoff time, and the server informed us that the ordering system switches promptly at 3 PM. Although we were disappointed, we understood the policy. The menu at Genwa diverges from the traditional AYCE KBBQ experience and features a range of higher-priced options. They provide set courses labeled A to E, each tailored to a specific number of people, with higher-letter courses being more expensive. I have attached pictures of the menu for detailed course descriptions and other offerings. Food Quality and Preparation: The Banchan (Korean side dishes) at Genwa were delicious, and we appreciated that they offered unlimited refills. The quality of the meat was noticeably superior to that of typical AYCE KBBQ places. The bulgogi stood out as one of the best dishes, and we wished we had received larger portions of all the meats in our Course C. The Dolsot Bibimbap, which came towards the end of the meat course, didn't meet our expectations. We would have preferred some basic white rice to complement our meat. We enjoyed the fact that our server cooked the meat for us entirely. Dessert: For dessert, we opted for the Hotteok, a Korean sweet pancake served with a choice of vanilla or green tea ice cream for $20. Unfortunately, the portion size didn't meet our expectations for three people, and the flavor didn't quite justify the premium price tag. We had a more satisfying hotteok experience at a different AYCE KBBQ restaurant where you could order as many as you desired. I will attach a picture of the Hotteok for reference. Value for Price: Genwa Korean BBQ offers an upscale a la carte experience, with higher prices reflecting the quality of the meat. However, considering the relatively small portion sizes of our course and overall satisfaction, the cost left us somewhat disappointed. The final bill for Course C and dessert amounted to $70+, which we found to be on the steep side when splitting it between three people. Overall Impression: Genwa Korean BBQ is worth considering if you're looking for an upscale a la carte KBBQ experience in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. I would rate our experience at Genwa Korean BBQ as 3 out of 5 stars. The restaurant offers a pleasant ambiance, delivers high-quality food, and ensures you won't leave smelling like meat! However, the combination of high prices, small portions, and the challenge of street parking makes it a less appealing dining option. If you're seeking a more budget-friendly experience, Koreatown, just 3 miles away, offers plenty of options. Genwa is better suited for date nights, meat enthusiasts, or corporate gatherings. Date and Time of Visit: June 2023 on a Thursday at 3:00 PM"

"We had dinner at Genwa last Saturday around 7:40. They didn't get reservation when I call them, so I just walked in and was waiting more than 10 minutes for table. We ordered Bulgogi, Pajeon, Mushroom bulgogi and steamed eggs (Gyeran jjim). They served so many Banchans which are pretty good side dishes. Foods was all good decorated and tasted."

"We were the first to dine in when the restaurant open for business on a Saturday. We avoided having to wait coming for lunch. This was highly recommended by our Co worker. This place is so good! The food is delicious. The Bachan selections plentiful! It went around the BBQ grill. My kids enjoyed the food. There is parking across the street and street parking. The staff is very friendly."