Wonderful and delicious experience! Great marinated crab and more. Arriving/planning: Takes reservations online which is very convenient! Parking in K-Town is usually challenging but there's an underground parking area clearly marked for Ondal Crab House and there's some street parking too. We went as a table of 4 and booked a couple days in advance and we're seated immediately. Menu/food/beverage: We were there for the uni rice and raw marinated crab but the interesting and varied menu meant we ordered more. Uni rice (large size, HUGE urchins) is a must, served to the brim and drizzled with some sauce before mixing gently and self scooped. Sweet, fresh, luxurious. The addition of soy marinated shrimp is a great value too. The raw marinated female crab came with two and were meaty and eggy, be sure to order portions of rice to stuff the shell and get all the flavors. The dough soup seafood stew is excellent and kept hot at your table on the stovetop. The seafood pancake is crispy, hot, and packed with chunks of fresh seafood, one of the best we've had. The banchan is fresh and well seasoned too, not too sweet. Service: The whole time the lady helping us was wonderful. Helpful with the menu, providing us gloves for eating, laughing as we reacted to the beautiful platters of food, hand-tearing fresh dough for the dough seafood stew, cutting every bit of the marinated crab for easy access. Instant favorite spot in Koreatown. Wonderful and already making plans to bring friends here next time they're in town.
Overview
Ondal Crab House is a hidden gem tucked away in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, located at 3160 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005. The moment you step into this cozy restaurant, the inviting aroma of fresh seafood greets you, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable dining experience. Known for its exquisite seafood dishes, Ondal Crab House specializes in offering customers a rich and authentic taste of Korean-inspired crab dishes.
One of the standout dishes at Ondal Crab House is their signature crab, which is served in various preparations, each bursting with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy crab stew or a delicately seasoned steamed crab, there’s something for every palate. What really sets the restaurant apart is its commitment to quality. The crabs are always fresh, ensuring that every bite is succulent and tender. The seasoning, often a combination of traditional Korean spices, adds depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the crab meat.
The menu also features an array of seafood options, from grilled fish to seafood pancakes, each dish prepared with attention to detail. If you’re not a fan of crab, the grilled fish is a popular alternative, offering a smoky, perfectly charred flavor that complements the light, flaky texture of the fish. Ondal Crab House doesn’t just cater to seafood lovers; they have a variety of non-seafood dishes as well, such as Bibimbap and Bulgogi, ensuring there’s something for everyone in your group.
The ambiance at Ondal Crab House is casual and inviting, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or a family gathering. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish. The restaurant has a warm, rustic feel, with wooden tables and traditional Korean decor, which adds to the overall dining experience. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity, creating an atmosphere where you can relax and indulge in some of the best seafood Los Angeles has to offer.
A great example of their commitment to customer satisfaction is their take on seafood platters, which allow diners to sample a range of flavors in one meal. For instance, the seafood platter features a mix of shrimp, crab, and clams, all seasoned just right. This is ideal for first-timers who want to experience a variety of flavors in one go. Another highlight is their seafood hot pot, a dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. The broth is rich and aromatic, and the seafood is always cooked to perfection.
In terms of pricing, Ondal Crab House offers good value for the quality of the food served. While it may not be the cheapest option around, the portion sizes and the freshness of the seafood make it well worth the price. It’s a place where you’re paying for a top-notch experience, not just a meal. The best part is, whether you're coming for a casual dinner or a special occasion, the atmosphere and the quality of the food will make it feel like a treat.
Customers rave about the flavors, with many mentioning how the seasoning brings out the best in the seafood. A recent reviewer shared that they were particularly impressed with the crab stew, calling it "a comforting and flavorful dish that makes you want to come back for more." Another customer praised the grilled fish, noting its perfect balance of smoky flavor and freshness.
If you’re planning to visit, it’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially during peak hours, as Ondal Crab House is quite popular among locals. The location is convenient, nestled within Los Angeles’s bustling neighborhood, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a meal after a day of sightseeing or shopping.
Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or simply looking to try something new, Ondal Crab House provides an unforgettable culinary experience that captures the essence of Korean-inspired seafood dishes. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone in the Los Angeles area craving fresh, flavorful seafood.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ DinnerAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort foodDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free multi-storey car park ✓ Valet parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
5 Stars! Ondal Crab House is an absolute gem! The food is incredibly fresh and flavorful, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers. The spicy octopus rice was outstanding—the octopus was so fresh, tender, and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of heat. The live uni rice bowl was another highlight, with creamy, briny uni that melted in my mouth. Beyond the amazing seafood, their rice drinks were also a pleasant surprise—light, refreshing, and the perfect way to balance out the bold flavors of the meal. The quality of ingredients and the attention to detail in every dish truly set this place apart. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch seafood and a great dining experience! Will definitely be back.
Get the crab soup! It was recommended by a friend and she never misses. It’s definitely more of an OG flavor and vibes. I wish I wasn’t so full so I could’ve gotten the sujebi (hand pulled dough soup) in the crab soup. You know it’s real when non-Koreans complain about service on the reviews
I love traveling to Los Angeles, and as I was going to visit Korean town, it means, I visited USA and South Korea at once this restaurant, located in a ground floor of a hotel "Home-tel suites" is just amazing. Their food is amazing! Fresh ingrediences combined with great cooking skills. I tried many various dishes, and fell in love with their kim-chi. Lovely staff is very kind and happy to explain details about dishes. As tourist, it was very interesting for me to observe the traditional Korean barbecue and the tables and equipment, that the restaurant has. I am familiar with European cuisine and this is very different even in therms of serving. I loved the experience! I have noticed, locals do go to this restaurant often, and you know, they say, when restaurant is often visited by locals, that means it must be damn good. And Ondal is! They are in their spot for many years and I wish them many successful years to come!
Try seafood pot and soup. All the things was very fresh. And good service. Some review says it's overpriced but it's cheeper than other place. Because korean seafood pot and another menu are different. You can see it.