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Central Los Angeles › Central Los Angeles › Olympic Restaurant
Olympic RestaurantB+Worth Trying
2528 W Olympic Blvd #108, Los Angeles, CA 90006
· Korean restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (344 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
A Koreatown stalwart focused on homestyle soups and stews, loved for cheonggukjang and friendly service, with some inconsistency and limited kid-focused choices.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Olympic Restaurant delivers solid neighborhood Korean comfort dining anchored by strong food quality, particularly its signature cheonggukjang, and warm, attentive service. However, inconsistent seasoning and execution following an ownership change prevents a higher grade, and the functional plaza setting lacks distinctive appeal. Worth visiting for authentic stews and good value, though expect occasional variation in quality.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and homey with friendly servers keeping things moving. Reviewers call out the fermented soybean stew as a standout, saying it tastes like the real thing. One diner noted, "It felt like being back in Seoul," though a few mentioned occasional inconsistencies in seasoning and service near closing. The cooking leans classic Korean comfort: soups, stews, and braises over flash. Expect cheonggukjang, kimchi jjigae, seolleongtang, and simple grilled or braised fish. The approach is tradition-first rather than fusion fireworks, ideal for those craving straightforward, homestyle flavors. Families will find some wins but not a full kids lineup. Bulgogi and mild seolleongtang are the safer picks, while spicy stews and fermented flavors can be challenging. One parent wished for more kid options; plan around the few gentler dishes and bring translation help if needed.
At a Glance
- House-special cheonggukjang draws consistent praise
- Friendly, efficient table service in a casual space
- Good value for hearty stews and shareable dishes
- Seasoning and quality vary on a few items post-ownership change
- Limited kid-friendly options beyond bulgogi and mild soups
What Sets It Apart
- House-special cheonggukjang
- Deep Koreatown roots
- Ample parking in busy corridor
What People Love
- Deep, fermented flavors of cheonggukjang
- Banchan and homestyle feel
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Straightforward pricing for filling portions
Points of Concern
- Some dishes described as bland or too sweet, especially soft tofu stew and pork marinade
- A few reports of curt service near closing and slow responses to concerns
- Isolated pest complaint on delivery; no pattern but worth noting
- Review patterns show mixed recency feedback; manage expectations on consistency
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For milder palates, choose Seolleongtang or Bulgogi over spicy stews
- Vegetarians can consider Doenjang Jjigae or Naeng Kong Guksu; confirm stock base for true vegetarian
Perfect For
- Craving traditional Korean soups and stews
- Comforting weeknight meal with easy parking
- Solo diners seeking a quick, hearty bowl
- Small groups sharing homestyle plates
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Koreatown corridor with casual eateries and markets; popular with locals and late-night diners.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked main boulevard; typical urban awareness advised at night.
Nearby: Surrounded by Korean restaurants, cafes, and small plazas; convenient to Wilshire center businesses.
KoreatownKoreatown is a vibrant, densely populated neighborhood famous for its Korean cuisine, nightlife, and 24-hour businesses. The dining scene is dynamic, featuring authentic Korean BBQ, fusion restaurants, and late-night eateries, attracting both locals and visitors seeking diverse and affordable food experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–19:00
Tuesday11:00–19:00
Wednesday11:00–19:00
Thursday11:00–19:00
Friday11:00–19:00
Saturday11:00–16:00
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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