Tokyo Kalbi

Went here twice during my time in California from Dec '21 to Jan '22, first with my mom's Russian friend living in LA and my younger brother and then on my own. Tokyo Kalbi is special for Japanese BBQ in LA in the sense that it is one of the few Japanese BBQ joints in LA that uses charcoal instead of gas or electric grills, which really helps to enhance the flavors of the meat. The Premium Kobe beef tongue and short ribs were especially outstanding, though I would recommend ordering them beforehand, including for thickly-cut beef tongue. It's also best to reserve your table beforehand as well. If I were given the choice to come to this joint the next time I'm in California, I would gladly do so! Would highly recommend this joint if you want proper Japanese food in LA!

Good Korean barbecue. I am a regular customer here, and they have been increasing prices. When you sit down, a moist towel is waiting for you. The Kim-Chee used to be free, now it is $6. Nonetheless, it is still very tasty. The premium Kalbi is very flavorful. The binbin bap is also amazing.

If you're seeking an amazing culinary journey in Los Angeles, you must visit Tokyo Kalbi - an absolute hidden gem in the city. Located at 11664 Gateway Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, this Japanese restaurant offers a spectacular dining experience. If you're a lover of premium quality beef, make sure to try their Kobe beef. Doesn't take long to cook to perfection. Every bite literally melts in your mouth, and you can tell that the quality of beef is taken into matter with each bite. But that's not all - Tokyo Kalbi offers an excellent selection of sake that pairs incredibly well with the food. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about their drinks and can help you select the perfect sake to complement your meal. What's more, the service at Tokyo Kalbi is exceptional - their staff members are incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that your every need is being taken care of. The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and cozy yet refined, making it the perfect place to enjoy a special meal with your loved ones. Overall, Tokyo Kalbi is a must-visit restaurant in Los Angeles. With its top-notch service, unparalleled Kobe beef, and an impressive selection of sake, it's no wonder why it's become a favorite of many food enthusiasts. So, don't hesitate to make a reservation today - your taste buds will thank you!

So good. A staple for yakiniku in LA

So good but portions so small…

On our way from UCLA to Santa Monica, did a quick Google search, trying to avoid the solid but predictable Santa Monica places, and found Tokyo Kalbi. So glad we did! No reservations online but we called ahead and they had room, seating us in a comfortable booth just outside the small kitchen. Located in a typical LA strip mall, it's not much from the outside but the food is quite superior! Took a chance and so glad we did! For the grill, we had a few of the meat selections, plus the seafood and mixed veggie. Small but appropriate portions and good quality. The charcoal grill let off minimal smoke and no noisy hood above. We even ordered extra corn, which most of don't love, but it was so good with the tasty sauces. Appetizers were all hits: shishito garlic, beef tartare with egg, and a soft eggplant dish. Every single dish was delicious and crave-able. The green tea soba noodle was yet another highlight, so we ordered it twice. I've been to Japan numerous times and this soba was on par with my favorite soba shop in Kamakura. Our family is also a lover of kimchi - my husband lived in Korea for 2 years and we eat it regularly at home, and this was some of the best. We were all so happy we just kept ordering more dishes. With lots of re-ordering and 2 pitchers of beer (and dessert), our family of 4 spent about $350, so it's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. The staff was helpful and attentive and comped my husband a dessert for Father's Day. We also ordered the pineapple sorbet which was tasty (nothing exceptional) and placed in a small frozen pineapple which was a whimsical touch. Wish we lived closer so we could be regulars. I'm glad this place exists.

Great food, good service. The kimchi is flavorful, and the meat is tender. The option to cook it yourself is good. The prices have increased over the past few years, and things like bean sprouts no longer come for free.