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Welcome to Soban

Soban is a Korean seafood soup restaurant located in Los Angeles. With a cozy and intimate ambiance, Soban offers a variety of dishes that have customers raving about the flavors and quality. The menu includes favorites like braised black cod, beef bulgogi, soy marinated raw crab, and galbijjim. The dishes are praised for their freshness, generous portions, and delicious flavors. The service is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall dining experience. Soban is a must-visit for those craving authentic Korean cuisine in a welcoming setting.

Soban: Reviews & Ratings

amy k.
amy k.

The service was so good! Our server was very proactive in asking us if we need refills on the banchan, tea and extra rice for the crab after I finished mine. The variety of banchan was vast, and our crab had so much roe! Very well worth it.

Angelica L.
Angelica L.

What a phenomenal journey that my tastebuds had the opportunity of experiencing at Soban. This has to be my favorite Korean restaurant of all time at this point. My friend was visiting town and wanted to eat here, and I am so glad that he suggested Soban. Despite being in K-town, there is a decent amount of street parking along the residential area. The restaurant itself is small and quaint, and there is not very much seating to begin with. The ambiance is nice and quaint, with the decor not trying to do too much. You can tell that this restaurant is really just here to serve you some delicious authentic Korean food. The service was friendly, and the staff were very attentive. Now onto the good stuff: Braised black cod: 5/5. The fish was cooked so perfectly and the sauce that coated the fish was delicious without being overwhelming. This was my favorite thing today. Beef bulgogi: 3/5. This was a bit too salty for my tastes. Compared to all the other dishes here, this was my least favorite. That doesn't mean it wasn't Raw soy marinated crab: 5/5. This was my first time trying this dish, and I had wanted to try it for an extremely long time. The crab was absolutely delicious. I think not everyone might enjoy it, as the texture is pretty slimey and the flavor is quite fishy, but if you're adventurous with food and love seafood then I think you will love this dish. Galbijjim: 5/5. Best galbijjim I've ever had. Portion was definitely on the smaller size for the price, but you really can't beat the quality. Overall, if I want to splurge on some really delicious and authentic Korean food, I will definitely be back here! I'd highly recommend anyone to try Soban.

Randy F.
Randy F.

Soy Crab People often compare SoCal and NorCal when it comes to food cuisine, price and quality The truth is that the LA area has a significantly higher population (3.8 million vs 1.5 million for the SF Bay Area) that often leads to increased competition and diversity One area where there is little argument that LA beats SF is soy marinated raw crabs, a Korean delicacy, with almost no consistent availability in the SF Bay Area I stopped by Soban, a quaint and low-key restaurant that is frequently named as one of LA's best Korean spots for raw crab Their banchan is frequently cited for both the colors and the variety with twelve dishes for our meal The raw crab was modest in size similar to smaller crabs used in Korea and the flavor was outstanding, extremely fresh without being too salty and perfect with rice Braised Short Rib $50 ~ Galbi Jjim / Braised Black Cod $50 / Soy Marinated Raw Crab $61 Soban (Los Angeles, CA) Dining is indoor only and reservations are available. Service is polite and friendly and credit cards are accepted.

Fanny S.
Fanny S.

Their soy marinated raw crab exceeded my expectations--it was not only sizable but also incredibly fresh, bursting with delectable crab roe. I savored every bite. Additionally, the portion of braised short rib was exceptionally generous, leaving me fully satisfied. The cordial service further enhanced the dining atmosphere, making me eager to return for another delightful experience. I highly recommend it.

Meg W.
Meg W.

Oh em gee, I fell in love with Soban! Had heard of this place and finally got to eat here. We had: Tofu bibimbap - Excellent with an umami flavor I couldn't quite place. Cod fish - huge portion, so incredibly perfect, delicious & shareable. They give a nice variety of banchan too. Highly recommend!

Chloe K.
Chloe K.

honestly, food is amazing here. service is lacking but they do tht bc they're extremely busy, but definitely can be better. BANG PD came here and JYP and so many other celebs! so exciting to see they've been on the michelin guide. got the marinated crab and soybean stew w fish(조기) and seafood pancake (came out to be $74) per person! the ahjumma is so cute tho, if ur korean they definitely like u more, unfortunately the culture is like that at some ktown la spots. overall i would come back just for the food tbh!

Michelle L.
Michelle L.

Food: 4/5 We ordered the raw crab and the cod fish. The proportions for the cod fish are large!! And definitely worth the price. We thought the crab was fresh and seasoned beautifully and the cod was full of flavor with the fish meat cooked amazingly with such good texture! It's a great place if I'm craving something more simple! The dishes + rice + different types of banchan will definitely fill you up! Service: 4/5 Standard service Ambiance: 4/5 Small but open place! Definitely would come again to try the other special with the beef!

Location

  • Soban
    4001 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90019 Hotline: (323) 936-9106

If you are looking for an authentic and delightful Korean dining experience, look no further than Soban in Los Angeles, CA. This hidden gem offers a wide array of traditional Korean dishes, with a focus on seafood and soups.

One standout feature of Soban is their extensive menu, which includes options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike. From their braised black cod to their soy marinated raw crab, each dish is crafted with attention to detail and bursting with flavor.

The ambiance at Soban is cozy and inviting, with a small but welcoming space that exudes a sense of warmth. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of excellent.

One cannot visit Soban without trying their signature dishes such as the braised short rib, galbijjim, and tofu bibimbap. Each dish is prepared with care and precision, resulting in a gastronomic delight that will leave you craving for more.

Overall, Soban is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in high-quality Korean cuisine. Whether you are a seafood enthusiast or a lover of traditional Korean flavors, Soban has something for everyone. Experience the true taste of Korea at Soban and prepare to be amazed.