Los Angeles has recently welcomed the return of a highly popular Korean barbecue chain to Koreatown, Baekjeong, after a year and a half of closure. Located on 8th Street, Baekjeong’s new establishment features tabletop grills where diners can enjoy a diverse menu, charring dishes ranging from galbi to pork jowl, complemented by an array of banchan, dumplings, and stews.
The restaurant aims to replicate the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Seoul’s streets, according to Samuel Kim, the senior director of operations. “It’s designed to make you feel like you’re sitting outside having barbecue,” Kim explained, highlighting the outdoor dining culture prevalent in Korea.
Baekjeong’s revival also introduces an in-house dry-aging program for its meats and expands its offerings. The new location encompasses the entire building, featuring private dining rooms, lounge seating for waiting patrons, and a cocktail bar focusing on Korean spirits.
Established by TV personality and former wrestler Kang Ho Dong in Korea in 2003, Baekjeong made its U.S. debut in Los Angeles in 2012. After closing its Chapman Plaza location in early 2024, the chain’s owners expressed a desire to return to Koreatown, marking a transition from franchising to ownership by Kijung Hospitality Group.
“We would have loved to have been able to stay in Chapman Plaza, because that turned into a little bit of the heart of K-town, but unfortunately we couldn’t hold on to that spot,” Kim admitted. The new location addresses concerns related to ample parking, a common challenge in Koreatown.
Diners can look forward to a spacious dining area seating around 150, similar to the former location, along with valet parking services offered for under $5. As construction nears completion on the remainder of the building, the cocktail bar is expected to open by mid-summer, featuring Korean-made spirits and an organic ingredient focus, eliminating corn syrups and artificial sweeteners.
Additionally, Baekjeong plans to introduce a new lunch menu, offering a la carte Korean dishes such as pork cutlets and tri-tip steaks, all under $20. The restaurant is also enhancing its dessert selections, particularly for its Koreatown relaunch.
Baekjeong welcomes guests from Monday to Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and on weekends from 11 a.m. to midnight at 3429 W. 8th St., Los Angeles.
Another exciting addition to the Los Angeles dining scene is Cento Raw Bar, a new venture from chef Avner Levi, known for his expertise in pasta. Located adjacent to Cento Pasta Bar in West Adams, this seafood-centric concept promises an immersive dining experience with a focus on fresh, artistic presentations.
Cento Raw Bar features a charming interior designed by creative director Brandon Miradi, showcasing an all-white aesthetic decorated with fresh flowers atop ice and colorful custom plateware. The menu includes seafood towers, crudos, and an assortment of small plates ranging from raw oysters to lobster-melt sliders.
The cocktail selection at Cento Raw Bar is equally impressive, featuring a collection of inventive drinks served in chic glasses from the Museum of Modern Art. Unique offerings include piña coladas, jalapeño margaritas, and a creative take on the classic screwdriver.
Cento Raw Bar is open for walk-ins from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 to 11 p.m., at 4919 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles.
Bar Benjamin, a new cocktail-forward bar, has also emerged as a sibling spot to one of L.A.’s favorite bars, The Benjamin. Located at the corner of Melrose and Formosa avenues, Bar Benjamin offers an ambitious cocktail program separate from its predecessor.
Helmed by Jason Lee and Chad Austin, the cocktail menu showcases a variety of innovative drinks categorized as rich, savory, unexpected, bright, and boozy. Signature drinks include everything-bagel-infused Gibsons and margaritas made with Sichuan-washed mezcal.
In addition to cocktails, Bar Benjamin serves a selection of bar bites, including shrimp rolls and deviled eggs. This new spot is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to midnight, and Thursday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 7174 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles.
Culver City has also welcomed Saijo Hand Roll Bar, a hand roll sushi spot founded by the owner of the ramen chain Jinya. Tomo Takahashi’s new venture specializes in hand rolls, featuring high-quality ingredients such as toro and lobster in a cozy 24-seat sushi bar setting.
In addition to hand rolls, Saijo Hand Roll Bar offers kushiyaki, incorporating traditional grilled skewers from Takahashi’s family background in robatayaki. The bar is open Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. at 12473 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles.
Finally, the late rapper Nipsey Hussle’s legacy continues with the opening of a Marathon Burger outpost in Venice. Managed by his brother Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, this venture serves a simplified menu of Wagyu smash burgers, hot wings, breakfast sandwiches, and fries at a walk-up window conveniently located across from Muscle Beach.
Marathon Burger is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with late-night delivery available from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. This new location aims to further Hussle’s mission and contributes to the vibrant culinary landscape of Venice.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2025-06-04/baekjeong-koreatown-new-bar-benjamin-marathon-burger-venice-cento-raw-bar-saijo
