Chef Roy Choi is well-known in the culinary world for his fusion of Asian-American flavors but Best Friend has something even more special to offer patrons. In a setting that only Vegas can produce, Best Friend combines the rich Asian flavors of Choi’s food truck with the bodega atmosphere and decor that LA residents are familiar with.
Take a look into the lively and unique restaurant that is Best Friend in this review and learn what information you need before you head on over.
Looking to make a reservation for an upcoming visit to Best Friend restaurant in Park MGM? Best Friend uses the Sevenrooms restaurant reservation platform. Make your reservation today!
A Vegas Menu With a Korean Twist
Learn all the innovative Korean meals that chef Roy Choi is known for with some new specials that only Vegas has to offer in the menu breakdown below. You’ll also get a peek at the down-to-earth cocktails Best Friend is known for.
The Menu at Best Friend Korean Restaurant
Best Friend Restaurant Menu – Park MGM Las Vegas
Appetizers
Start your journey at Best Friend with appetizers dripping with Asian-inspired flavors. The Korean Wings will remind all Korean natives of their favorite local spot while the Miso Squash and Mixed Tempura Plate continue the traditional Korean menu but with a slightly modern twist.
Other options include the house salad, french fries, and veggie noodles. Overall, you’ll spend anywhere between $16 and $18 for one of these simple, but flavorful apps.
Also in this section of the menu are small snacks you would find at many Asian restaurants in LA. Cold Spinach, Banchan Sampler, Housemade Kimchi, and Pickled Daikon are all unique offerings you won’t find at a lot of Vegas restaurants. They are only $4 and are perfect to add to one of your meals or just to snack on by themselves.
Entrees
This area is where most of the Roy Choi classics are found. From Slippery Shrimp to Kogi Short Rib Tacos, you’ll get street flavors but with an elevated restaurant flair. Other well-known dishes include Sticky Icky Ribs, Eggplant Schnitzel, and Street Corn. The portions are large enough to fill you up but you won’t pay the huge prices found in many vegas restaurants. Instead, most of these items are between $12 – $25.
While the entrees above are pulled straight from the LA food truck Choi is famous for, the other options are made specifically for the Vegas crowd. Here is where the prices and the presentation kick up a notch. The Cowboy Chop is highly recommended and the price might seem high at $160 but that’s only when you realize the bone-in ribeye is 34oz.
Other signature dishes include the Toast of the Town, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Grilled Whole Fish. Prices for all these items range from $26 – $80.
Korean BBQ & Bowls
Best Friend does a great job mixing in Korean flavors among other types of food so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, in this section, you get a crash course on great Korean cuisine and how an expert like Roy Choi can really transform it.
Any fans of Korean food will recognize some favorites like the Kimchi Fried Rice bowl or the Spicy Pork but there are plenty of surprises all patrons will fall in love with. The Kimchi Carbonara combines Korean food with Italian flavors and the BBQ Scallops are a homage to the fresh seafood ingredients found in Vegas.
Overall, this is the section of the menu you want to focus on to get the full Best Friend experience. Prices range pretty wildly but the bowls are generally less expensive than any of the BBQ plates.
Desserts
You’ll find many classic Asian desserts that Roy Choi grew up with and now pays respect to at his Best Friend restaurant. Medjool Date Cake is something you’ve probably never had but is sweet and decadent.
The Mango Cheesecake and Gochujang Pot De Creme is something you won’t see on dessert menus every day. For a more American choice, Choi adds in a Bathtub Ice Cream Sundae that is big enough for two. Prices range from $13 to $19.
Drinks, Cocktails, & Sake
All the drinks, cocktails, and even sake at Best Friend is intentionally served to please the everyday person. Delicious alcoholic slushies are served up with exotic flavors like Henny and Cola, Orange Dreamsicle, and Green Apple Bomb.
The cocktails are just as laid back with a Cucumber, Watermelon, and Old Fashioned all available. There’s also more than a handful of canned and bottled beers and the more refined palates will enjoy a decent wine list.
The star of the drink menu, though, is the sake section where you can get soju, honjozo, ginjo, daiginjo, and nigori.
Reservations at Best Friend Restaurant
Best Friend restaurant in Park MGM uses the Sevenrooms restaurant reservation platform, making it easy for diners to find availability, make a reservation, receive confirmation, and edit or cancel reservation if plans change.
You can log into Sevenrooms using a Facebook or Google account or just make a reservation as a guest.
A Bodega Restaurant Atmosphere
Best Friend hits the perfect balance between casual, fun, and refined. The flavors scream fine dining but the decor and music keep you grounded in an LA setting. The first thing you’ll notice is the completely immersed bodega entrance that looks like you’re about to order a soda and chips.
The secret of the restaurant lies behind the red plastic curtains designed like you’re going through a walk-in freezer at a store. Behind the red curtain is the actual sit-down restaurant which is dark with lots of greenery hanging overhead. The restaurant even hires a DJ to spin vinyl records so you won’t have to feel like you’re in a dance hall but you still get a fun and energetic atmosphere.
Best Friend is great for any group, couple, or family wanting a casual place to sit and eat while still feeling the energy of Vegas. Plus, the flavors of each dish make it well worth your time.
Things To Know About Best Friend in Park MGM
Location: Best Friend is located on the east side of the casino floor. Head all the way to the east end of the casino and you’ll see Best friend sandwiched between Mama Rabbit and Eataly.
Hours of Operation:
- Sun – Thurs | 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Fri & Sat | 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Hours subject to change
Dress Code: Casual attire is allowed in Best Friend. No strict dress code policies are in place and patrons may wear what they like (within reason, of course).
Price: A couple dining should expect to pay anywhere from $100 – $200 including alcoholic drinks. It is one of the more affordable restaurants on the strip.
MGM Rewards Dining Perks: Park MGM is a part of MGM Resorts, so if you’re an MGM Rewards member, you can earn or redeem points for dining at Best Friend. MGM Rewards membership is free. You can find more information here at MGM Resorts – MGM Rewards.
Best Friend Korean Restaurant in Summary
Famous chef Roy Choi brings his authentic Asian-inspired dishes from LA to Vegas in Best Friend Korean Restaurant. The menu, atmosphere, and prices reflect a casual setting but the flavors and ingredients are all top-notch. I hope you’ve enjoyed this review on Best Friend and thank you for checking out the Las Vegas Report.
If you’re looking for more dining options at this amazing resort, check out our complete guide to restaurants in the Park MGM Hotel and Casino.
Here’s our list of the best Asian cuisine restaurants in Las Vegas.
