HOJOKBAN LA

Instead of setting up in Koreatown, Hojokban chose a spot on East Third Street to plant its flag in the Arts District – a deliberate move to establish its own identity outside of the city’s traditional Korean food hubs. This is the Los Angeles outpost of a well-known restaurant group from Seoul, operated directly by its parent company, GFFG. The name itself is a play on Korean words that translates to "good people's meal," hinting at a modern, social dining experience. The whole concept is built around what the kitchen calls "Modern Korean Soul Food," an approach that reinterprets classic dishes for a diverse, global audience. This isn’t about strict tradition; it’s about using familiar flavors in creative, contemporary ways. Many of the dishes have become popular on social media for their distinct visual presentation, which is a core part of the brand’s identity. This philosophy becomes tangible on the menu. Expect a deconstructed version of Korean-style short rib steak known as Hojok Galbi, and an elevated take on the humble potato pancake (*gamja jeon*) infused with truffle. A dish of Shin Ramyun fried rice, made with instant cup noodles, became a viral hit at their other locations, as did a version of tuna gimbap finished with tobiko fish roe. Earlier pop-ups have also previewed things like cold perilla oil noodle salads and a strawberry-flavored hamachi crudo, giving a sense of the kitchen's creative range. You'll find the restaurant right next to Knotted, the popular doughnut shop from the same parent company.