Dongbu Live Fish

the best fresh sashimi you can find in rowland heights! I’m so happy that I found this hidden gem!
came here on a Saturday night with a friend looking to try a new experience and fresh seafood and nothing was short of amazing. we ordered the dongbu live fish and it looked small, but was so filling.
the chef came out and took out the live dongbu from the fish tank and started slicing sashimi prices behind the bar. meanwhile, our waitress served is so many side dishes from salad, to mussel soup, to yakitori, then pumpkin soup, and fish tofu stew, and tons of other small dishes!
the dongbu fish was tough and chewy, but it tasted very good wrapped in lettuce and dipped in the red sauce. you can definitely taste the freshness.
will be returning and recommending others!

First time here, reAlly like the lady, she is so pretty and so nice. We ordered a small size of halibut sashimi, it came with at least 10 ban chan with salad and vegetables, all refillable. I will come back

The fish is so fresh, it tastes sweet. I got a special order — my cousin ordered a LOT! #money!!!
They get pretty busy here so you have to be patient with the service but don’t worry, when the food is out — your belly will be happy!
I’m sure if you have some soju or sake, you’ll enjoy your time here (as I saw with other customers — I don’t drink; extreme lightweight).

This has got to be one of the freshest sashimi places I have tried. Korean sashimi always has a place in my heart because of the freshness. I’m not sure if the workers who were working the day I went (Sunday) were owners or the employees but the service was amazing. Usually, when going to a Korean restaurant, I expect there to be some apathy from the FOH staff. Not at all. The service was very friendly and atmosphere was very homey and welcoming.
Originally we ordered the rock cod which was imported from Korea. Before they began prepping the rock cod I was informed by our server that the cod would cost $ 120. Although it was outside of our budget for a lunch for 2, we will definitely come back for it. It was nice that they informed us of the cost instead of trying to force the bill on us later.
All the sashimi was fresh and the uni, although not live, was one of the freshest I’ve had. The side dishes were very unique, not like the ones you get at a kbbq. We got the small combo for 2. The halibut was really tasty with the ssamjang they serve it with. I also really liked the sea conch. Usually conch is very bland and tough, not at all here. It was seasoned with yuzu berry somehow and it was nice and crunchy. We also had fortune of trying out their new dish which was a barbecued mackerel. The fish was a little over cooked making it tough but the skin was nice and crispy.
Overall the place isn’t exactly someplace I would take a date. The atmosphere, although homey, was very more reminiscent of a to go place. This place doesn’t really advertise as a eat in place but there some chairs for dining in. Best for smaller groups. I will definitely be back.

Live halibut sashimi! We got the small for two people and we could barely finish it. It comes with a couple side dishes (edamame, tofu, seaweed,) abalone with sea squirt, two soups, salad, cheese corn and a grilled fish. The fish was so fresh that it was still moving!

We were hoping this place was going to WOW us like it did for the rest of the Unilocalers that ate here but we left here unsatisfied. We ordered the small (2 ppl) combination platter that came with half a plate of halibut and the other half mixed with salmon & toro, along with other small side dishes, fish soup and mackerel. I’ve been to a similar place like this one in Ktown and Walnut and the portion size at this place was definitely on the smaller scale for $ 75. We both weren’t completely FULL with the portion size that’s meant for two people.
This venue is really small and I love supporting small local mom and pop shops but it just wasn’t appetizing for me here. Sadly, I don’t think the way the halibut was cut cleanly and the fish pieces tasted like there was excess skin. All the other side dishes like tofu, abalone, snail, etc. wasn’t any different from other sashimi joints that would leave me lingering for more.

Came here on a Friday night and was surprised this place was not crowded. Excellent service! Fish was extremely fresh and flavorful! Definitely will be coming back here again!

I love it here!!! So yummy!!!
I usually eat the halibut or the sashimi which is really fresh and good. But today I tried the sashimi salad rice bowl and dynamite salad and dynamite roll. All very good!!!

I went to the restaurant today and it’s under new owner, I am so disappointed, first the portion is so much smaller. Secondly, like the other review said no more quail eggs and cold noodle. Thirdly, the bake fish, they didn’t even clean the fish well the head is full of mud and dirt. Are you kidding me? You are running a restaurant and you cook the fish without cleaning it? 4. They missed the bake imitation crab meat in the shell and when we reminded the server she said: Oh, I didn’t bring to you? I thought I did! Then she apologize and bring it to us… 5. The fish bone tofu soup used to be so flavoring you can taste the freshness of the fish n tofu. Right now I can tell it’s just the soup base from the spicy instant noodle put some veggie and fish bone that’s it. They didn’t even bring us the steam rice and kimchee. It’s okay we want to leave anyway so we didn’t even bother to ask anymore. This is a big no no. This is the first time I left Dongbu and still feel hungry and unsatisfied. Sorry it’s not our favorite restaurant anymore and we won’t come back anymore. I miss the old couple owner!

Can’t believe I lived near this place for 8 years and never knew it existed. Super fresh. I mean they literally kill the fish as you order it.
The lady which I’m assuming is the order, was friendly. I just felt bad that she was one her own. I can totally understand the pressure so I’ll go easy on her.
She did come through on everything we asked so I really can’t be upset.
Would I come back? yup

There has been a change of ownership. Quality is still good but portion is way smaller and price more expensive. No longer my favorite sashimi place :-(

Come here with at least 3 people. There were only two of us and we just COULDN’T finish the food!
We got the small live sashimi combo, the food just kept on coming one after another.
The standard Korean salad, live abalone that she just pulled it out of the fish tank right next to the tables, it was one of my personal favorites, crunchy and fresh! Live Halibut Sashimi plate was huge, she gave us some cabbage that we could wrap the sashimi with, but I personally preferred to eat it Japanese style! Although wrapping it with the Korean chili paste did give it a different flavor. My other personal favorite was the Grilled Fish, it was so simple but you know a grilled fish is fresh when it captured all the flavor and more! I was able to finish the entire fish even though I was already stuffed! There were also Korean Cold Noodle and Spicy Fish Soup, they took the leftover parts from sashimi and used them for soup. We were already extremely full by then, so we took the rest home.
Overall was an interesting experience, will definitely be back with a bigger group next time!

Very fresh halibut sashimi.
I prefer Japanese places but this is worth a try.

Let me just get straight to the Live Sashimi Halibut. It was freshhh! It tasted like the fish just jumped out of the ocean and landed on the plate XD. That’s how fresh it was. The sashimi was nicely place on top of bowl of ice. Just look so delicious!
We ordered small live sashimi combo ($ 65). It come with other dishes.
The salad come out first – mix greens and cabbage with soy vinaigrette.
live abalone – fresh and had a crunchy taste to it. There was only couple pieces, wish they’d gave us more lol
Edamame – little bland. I think they forgot to put salt.
cold noodles– it was good. Chili paste sauce compliment well with noodles.
Grilled fish – it was ok
Halibut head soup – it had some tofu and left over bones and head from halibut. It was good but i was kinda full with all the food so I took it to go.
The service was friendly. Seem like there only a lady running this restaurant but our food come out quick.
Over all, fish was amazing and fresh. Would come back again and high recommended.

As I’m writing this review I still feel the taste of fish in my mouth Lol. Anywayssss amazingly this place has been on my bookmarks for over two years and FINALLY I’m here to try their famous LIVE SASHIMI. Yes, the price is pretty high. My gf and I got the SMALL size and it was just perfect. Not too much food, but just enough for us to both be full as we walk out. We got the live sashimi. OH ME OH MY. The fish was sooooooooooo fresh, one of the freshest fish I’ve had. The pickled ginger was one of the best ginger I’ve had lol. The live abalone was fresh and crunchy. I can’t really say much more, the fish is great! You can really taste how fresh this is and how good quality it is. 65 bucks for the small order was pretty worth it. We got a whole bunch of dishes that came along with it, such as cold noodles, fish soup, abalone, salad. I was hoping for a fish type dessert but to no avail! If you want fresh delicious sashimi, this is the place to go.
As far as parking is concerned, its located in a plaza of at least 3 – 4 other Korean restaurants so it can be hard to find parking. My suggestion is to park on the street on Paso Real, its easier and you can just walk to the place.

Although they didn’t have any live shrimp, octopus, or anything else besides halibut. I really liked it. It felt kind of home-​y to me.
I went with my friend and we ordered a small halibut sashimi to share. It came with a bunch of other dishes.
Halibut — really yummy and fresh. Good portion. Thinly sliced. The chef came out to explain to us how to eat it. A little bit of lettuce, sauces, pepper, garlic, one slice fish. All one bite. How cute! I really appreciate when the staff/​owners take their time to help us.
Live sashimi abalone — this was yummy. Came with the small combo. Really fresh.
Salad — yummy! Typical Korean salad. I like cabbage.
Steam octopus — this was still kind of frozen and cold on the middle .
Edamame — typical and bland. Nothing special.
Imitation crab — served in a little shell. Basic
Cold noodles — is this soba? Pretty good. Not a fan of the chili paste on it though. Tasted a little sweet.
Fish — too many bones.
Halibut head soup — I really liked the soup but I wish it had more tofu. Careful with the bones.
I think everything was good. Nothing besides the halibut was super special. The place is really small but I guess that’s what made me feel like I was eating at someone’s home.
Will be back to try the other live stuff when they have it.

Found this plqce on Unilocal.realized that I’ve been coming to this plaza pretty often but just never seen this place simce its tucked in the back corner. It is a small restaurant and it was empty when we got here around 7:40pm. Wasn’t worried though with all the nice reviews it has on Unilocal.Got in sat down and ordered a mixed sashimi platter medium sized, a scallop roll, a dragon roll, and three spicy tuna rolls. All the other stuff thats in the photo all came with the platter.
It is a mom and pops place dont expect super service, and that’s not why we came here. We are here for the live fish! (Will just order the live fish platter next time). They show you the fish before they kill them… and omg it was so good… everything that was served was super good. Good find! Will be back! LOL

Our first time here. We dont know what expect. Looking at menu, foods is kind of pricey for sashimi combo. We wasnt sure if which size to order. The waitress came by the table as ask if we are 1^st time here. She recommended small size would enough for us and come few side dishes.
$ 65 Small Sashimi Combo came with the following for 2 people but feed for 3 people
4 cold quail eggs w/​salt
One Small Abalone –cut in 10 thin slice — crunchy and chewy at same time.
Salad — this is pretty good .
Cold Spicy Buckwheat Noodles
Grilled Belt Fish
Sashimi combo — Salmon, Tuna & Halibut
Lettuce — to wrap the sashimi fish w/​chili, bean paste, garlic & ginger — The owner /​
chef show us when we ask what Lettuce for
Hot Fish Soup — Left over Halibut fish (head and bone) cook into soup.
Bake Imitation crab meat on abalone sheet
Food is great and fresh, so as service. I will go back with group of friends :)

I had a crazy craving for octopus and this was the closest place I thought could satisfy said craving.
Rolled up and dealt with the hassle that is parking in this mini plaza and strolled into an empty restaurant. No prob, that just means personalized attention for me.
Friendly lady and gentleman helped me and sadly informed me there was no octopus today. Settled for their…
RICE MIXED W SASHIMI N VEGETABLES
It was a halfway decent sashimi salad… decent crispy, fresh veggies but about 90% of the sashimi cubes were still partially frozen. I had no desire to bring this up because they seemed so nice so I just ate it all up and kept my mouth shut. I would still go back for their «live fish» but I would definitely steer clear of this dish.
just sayin’

This was my first foray into Korean live sashimi. It was quite a fun experience! We went for lunch on a Tues. The plaza is tiny and easy to miss (I did), and parking can be a bitch (it’s next door to a busy vet’s office). It’s just past the Goodyear Tire and next to an empty lot on the north side of Colima. Once I did find it, there are two spots right in front that are reserved for Dongbu.
The place is pretty tiny, and the majority of the front is taken up with tanks for the halibut.
The bottom tanks had a few ginormous halibut in there. These guys were the regular sized ones.

Anyway, for the three of us, we ordered the small halibut for $ 60, and it was more than enough food. While the chef prepared the halibut, we got some other dishes first.
Live abalone and hard boiled quail eggs.
Raw abalone kind of has a hard, crunchy texture. The parts on the end were harder than the center. Not tough, but crunchy. The quail eggs were boiled nicely. But beware, quail eggs are one of the highest cholesterol foods in the world! I ate a few but took out the yolk.
Next we got jalapenos, garlic, ginger, and this awesome spicy and salty sauce.
The spicy sauce was great with the sauce on the table, plus I added vinegar too, oh yum! Also we got a huge pile of fresh lettuce for wrapping.
Then came the fish roe salad.
I think if you come for dinner, this will have sashimi too, but since we came for lunch, it was just fish roe. It was lightly dressed and very good.
Finally we got our halibut. This is the small dish.
It’s served over a bed of ice, but the ice is saran wrapped so the fish doesn’t get wet. The texture is more firmer than say tuna or salmon. I’d say it’s close to izumidai (snapper), so those who don’t care for snapper, I would probably suggest to pass on this place. I however really enjoyed it. I took a piece of lettuce, smeared it with my sauce concoction, topped with a piece of garlic and some salad, and popped it in my mouth. Bc of the texture of the fish, you can’t really bite off half of it. It’s gotta be all one bite.
The food kept coming! Next we got some seafood mix dynamite with krab served in these gorgeous abalone shells.
I actually kept two of them. =) This was really good. If you’ve had dynamite, you now how it tastes.
Next was cold buckwheat noodles with spicy sauce.
I loved these, but by now we were really slowing down. I took these home and the next day were really good as leftovers with a 1000 year old egg.
But wait, still not done! We still had a grilled belt fish
This guy was a bit on the fishy side. May just be the type of fish, but I didn’t really care for this.
Then the finale, the mae oon tang (spicy fish tofu soup)
This is made from the leftover bones and meat from the halibut. I even got the egg sac in my bowl, whoo hoo!
The soup was VERY good and flavorful. Not too spicy. This was also when we finally (!) got some kim chi.
The reason I took off a few stars was bc we were bothered by little gnats flying around the whole time. Also as we ran out of space on our table, we had to ask the lady to take some dishes. Sometimes she would, sometimes she would just ignore us. Service isn’t that great, but come on, it’s an Asian Mom and Pop shop, what can you expect? For the three of us for lunch with tax and tip was $ 80. So a tad over $ 26pp. Pretty pricey for lunch but it was for a belated Mother’s Day, and while I did enjoy it, I don’t know if I’ll be back anytime soon. I did notice people doing take out, and I think take out orders are cheaper bc it doesn’t include the soup.