Tokki

Step into Tokki and you’ll immediately notice you’re not in your grandmother’s Korean restaurant. This Koreatown spot trades the familiar wood-paneled taverns and smoky BBQ joints for something decidedly more polished—think sleek lines, rabbit-themed decor, and a crowd that clearly knows their way around a good Instagram shot. It’s the kind of place where acoustic K-pop plays softly in the background and bottles get popped at neighboring tables.

The menu here reimagines Korean classics through a modern lens. The standout is easily the Hokkaido scallops, a luxurious bite featuring raw scallops swimming in brown butter seaweed sauce with just a touch of black truffle. The truffle kimchi fried rice is practically mandatory—served in a shallow cast iron with crispy rice, smoky bulgogi, and a runny egg, it’s the kind of dish that draws attention from every table nearby. For something more comforting, the Chairman Liu noodles deliver with their sticky-sweet scallion soy glaze, while the rosé tteokbokki puts a creamy spin on the beloved street food staple.

Tokki positions itself as a Korean tapas bar, which means everything is meant to be shared. The drinks program takes itself seriously too, offering creative cocktails made with soju and sake, Korean pear infusions, and even sparkling rice wine. It’s the perfect setup for a date night or a long dinner with friends who appreciate trying a little bit of everything.

If you’re looking for a break from the traditional Koreatown experience without straying too far from Korean flavors, Tokki offers a fresh perspective. It’s trendy, yes, but it backs up the aesthetic with genuinely interesting food. Just be prepared for a parking adventure—this is still LA, after all.