In the culinary landscape of Los Angeles, 2025 saw the emergence of several standout restaurants that wowed foodies and critics alike. Among them was Restaurant Ki, a Downtown L.A. gem created by chef Ki Kim that seamlessly blended traditional Korean flavors with innovative flair.
Tucked away in a speakeasy-style setting – accessible only after navigating through an elevated garage entrance – this intimate eatery boasts just 10 seats at its chef's counter, providing guests with unparalleled access to the culinary mastermind behind the kitchen. To find Restaurant Ki, diners must be willing to brave the city's notorious traffic and park in a small public garage on San Pedro Street before making their way up to the second floor.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a unique and vintage aesthetic that reflects chef Kim's personal touch. The meal begins with an assortment of carefully curated snacks, including his signature crispy octopus – expertly prepared and presented on specially chosen plates. While menu items are subject to change, expect a seafood-centric menu featuring a balance of raw and cooked dishes.
Some standout offerings on the current menu include a delicate pear and duck liver mousse, a puffed quinoa dish showcasing fresh squid and uni, and an indulgent cup of noodles smothered in rich crab broth. For those lucky enough to secure one of the coveted seats at Restaurant Ki's chef counter, every bite is a testament to the culinary prowess of chef Ki Kim and his talented team.
Restaurant Ki has earned a prestigious Michelin star and even garnered recognition for its young leader, with chef Kim taking home the Michelin California Young Chef Award in 2025. With its innovative approach, refined atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine, Restaurant Ki is set to become a culinary destination that continues to delight diners in Downtown L.A.
Tucked away in a speakeasy-style setting – accessible only after navigating through an elevated garage entrance – this intimate eatery boasts just 10 seats at its chef's counter, providing guests with unparalleled access to the culinary mastermind behind the kitchen. To find Restaurant Ki, diners must be willing to brave the city's notorious traffic and park in a small public garage on San Pedro Street before making their way up to the second floor.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a unique and vintage aesthetic that reflects chef Kim's personal touch. The meal begins with an assortment of carefully curated snacks, including his signature crispy octopus – expertly prepared and presented on specially chosen plates. While menu items are subject to change, expect a seafood-centric menu featuring a balance of raw and cooked dishes.
Some standout offerings on the current menu include a delicate pear and duck liver mousse, a puffed quinoa dish showcasing fresh squid and uni, and an indulgent cup of noodles smothered in rich crab broth. For those lucky enough to secure one of the coveted seats at Restaurant Ki's chef counter, every bite is a testament to the culinary prowess of chef Ki Kim and his talented team.
Restaurant Ki has earned a prestigious Michelin star and even garnered recognition for its young leader, with chef Kim taking home the Michelin California Young Chef Award in 2025. With its innovative approach, refined atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine, Restaurant Ki is set to become a culinary destination that continues to delight diners in Downtown L.A.
the way they got 10 seats at the counter its soooo intimate u feel like ur part of the party 
plus the decor is straight fire vintage aesthetic and all that jazz 
but seriously the food is NEXT LEVEL crispy octopus and seafood-centric menu... chef ki kim is a genius i mean thats 2 michelin stars and young chef award in the same year?!?! girl crush 
gotta say, I'm loving the vibe of this speakeasy-style setup 
it's like they're trying to make you earn your meal 
and parking in a public garage? ouch! 
but for real though, that crispy octopus looks 
and a Michelin star? 
chef Ki Kim must be onto something 
the speakeasy vibe is everything - like, who needs a fancy exterior when you can have an exclusive experience? 
that pear and duck liver mousse tho... need to book a table ASAP 
i mean, who needs good traffic when u get 10 seats at the chef's counter?! 
the food was TO DIE FOR - that pear and duck liver mousse tho? 
chef kim is a GENIUS! 
! i mean, have you ever heard of a place where u gotta park ur car in a public garage and then walk up 2 a secret entrance?
, but I gotta say, $200+ price tag for dinner is kinda steep even for a Michelin star spot... like, I get it's innovative and all, but you're not gonna win over every palate with that kind of $$$ 
. And what's up with the speakeasy entrance? It feels like more of an experience than actual convenience 
️. Chef Ki Kim's attention to detail is insane - from those adorable little plates to the seafood-centric menu 
. For a culinary experience like no other, Restaurant Ki is definitely on my must-visit list ASAP! 
. First, it's the traffic and parkin' nightmare, then you gotta navigate through some sketchy garage entrance... sounds like a setup to me 
. What's really goin' on here? 
! The chef's counter seats are super exclusive and you get to watch the magic happen right before your eyes 
. Their seafood is FRESH, their pear and duck liver mousse is a GAME CHANGER 
, and don't even get me started on those crispy octopus bites... addictive AF 
can't wait to see what other menu surprises chef kim has in store
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and they only got 10 seats at the counter?!? what if you wanna try their signature crispy octopus tho? 
anyway, i've heard great things about chef ki kim's menu, have you tried any of those dishes yet?