Woo Lae Oak was founded in 1946 by the Jang family in South Korea. Since that time, the Jangs have opened up several more Woo Lae Oaks with locations in Jakarta, Indonesia, and here in the U.S., in Virginia, Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles. I haven't been to all the various locations, but the one in Beverly Hills on La Cienega's restaurant row is a wonderful spot to meet friends for a fabulous Korean lunch or dinner.
Upon entering, you will soon realize that Woo Lae Oak isn't your typical Korean BBQ restaurant. With polished granite table tops, and a contemporary interior space, Woo Lae Oak is a relaxing and sophisticated Korean restaurant. It definitely is a lot pricier than the average Korean locale, but at Woo Lae Oak, in addition to the food and presentation, you are paying for the ambiance which I think is well worth the few extra bucks. At Woo Lae Oak, I can appreciate how my eyes aren't blood shot and watery from the BBQ smoke filled room. It's also extremely nice to not have your hair and clothes reek like beef smelling charcoals after you leave the dining room. In other words, Woo Lae Oak is a Korean restaurant where you can go prior to meeting friends for a night out on the town without the need for a fresh change of clothes and shower.
Cham Chi Hwe- Ahi Tuna Tartare over Korean Pear and Ice
Woo Lae Oak has a diverse menu selection and is equally recommended for the non-meat eater. There are a multitude of vegetarian choices including salads (Fusion Salad with crispy Wontons and spicy peanut dressing) and traditional Korean dishes such as Jap Chae- Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodles and assorted Vegetables and Soon Tofu Jigae - a Silky Tofu Soup served with rice. Woo Lae Oak also serves Homemade Tofu with your choice of fillings and sauces.
Un Dae Gu Jo Rim - Marinated Black Cod w/Garlic and Soy
A dish I highly recommend is the Un Dae Gu Jo Rim, a Black Cod marinated in a garlic soy sauce with daikon. It is absolutely divine and I am getting food cravings just as I write about it. The wild black cod has a succulent buttery texture and is slightly sweet and tangy. The generous size portion is ideal to share. As with most Korean restaurants, Woo Lae Oak also serves banchan ( side dishes) with your meal, including a complimentary salad, kim chee, bean sprouts, and a several other options which pair well with the over-all meal. And don't feel ashamed asking for a second or third helping of these signature Korean side dishes, since I'm sure there is plenty of kim chee marinating back in the kitchen to go around.
So the next time you are in the Los Angeles area, and in the mood for a higher-end Korean food experience, head over to Woo Lae Oak in Beverly Hills.
Woo Lae Oak
170 N La Cienega
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 652 3300
For More Information, visit woolaeoak.com
