The Mulberry LA has the feel of a retro French bistro crossed with a stylish, upscale Seoul restaurant. Set in the heart of Sawtelle, the dining room is both chic and cozy, mixing exposed wooden beams and traditional Korean-style windows into its design. A full bar anchors the space, which was built around a concept of warm hospitality and reflects the Korean symbolism of the mulberry tree – a sign of creation and connection.
The menu is a modern take on Korean-American comfort food, with an emphasis on fermentation, fire, and dishes meant for sharing. You’ll find things like pork short ribs and a classic kimchi pancake, but the steak tartare is a real standout – it’s served in a hot stone pot, just like bibimbap. Other staples include soy marinated blue prawns served with barley rice and crisp gim, pork dumplings, and a silken tofu stew. The whole concept comes from a team with experience at places like Benu, Marea, and The French Laundry, and that precision shows in the details.
Alongside the food is a full beverage program with unique cocktails and a curated wine list. The restaurant is also planning to install a karaoke system for events, adding another layer to the space. The main thing to know is that the dining room fills up fast, so reservations are highly recommended, particularly on weekend evenings.