Top 10+ Most Famous Korean Restaurants In The US
The Most Famous Korean Restaurants In The US
Table of Contents

If you're looking for Korean food in the continental United States, you're in luck. Across the country, there are numerous unique places to get the best bulgogi, massive plates of delectable barbecue, and other Korean specialties.

These are the Korean restaurants that we keep returning to, from big cities to small towns. They serve authentic cuisine and provide friendly service, and you will not leave hungry or disappointed.

Furthermore, the vast majority of these fine restaurants will allow you to wash down your authentic Korean cuisine with a beer or two.

How To Find The Best Korean Food In The US

Most cities now have excellent Korean restaurants. Korea Towns in larger cities serve the most authentic Korean cuisine. Korea Town has some great traditional restaurants in Los Angeles, Manhattan, Flushing, Chicago, and Seattle. You can also sample good Korean cuisine in Hawaii, where they prepare some delectable Korean fushion dishes. Of course, there are some Korean-inspired Fine Dining Restaurants in Manhattan.

Top 10 Most Popular Korean Dishes In The US

1. Korean Barbecue (KBBQ)

2. Korean Corn Dog

3. Korean Fried Chicken

4. Dakgalbi

5. Tteokbokki

6. Ramyeon

7. Kimchi Jjigae

8. Soondubu

9. Andong Jjimdak

10. Kimchi Mackerel Jjim

READ MORE: How to make Kimchi or Kimbar at home?

Top 10+ Most Famous Korean Restaurants In The US

Based on the list of most popular Korean food in the US, it’s no surprise to see the most famous Korean restaurants in the US offer mostly BBQ, kimchi and spicy noodles. (Ranked by KnowInsiders.com).

1. Jeju Noodle Bar

https://www.jejunoodlebar.com/

Location: New York City

In South Korea, the gorgeous volcanic Jeju Island is renowned for its distinct cuisine. At Jeju Noodle Bar, Chef Douglas Kim brings the culinary traditions of the island and mixes it with those of the mainland and of countries around the world.

The restaurant has a Michelin Star and its specialty is ramyun, of which we'd recommend gochu ramyun, made with healthy pork bone broth.

READ MORE: Top 7 best instant Noodles around the World

2. Jungsik

https://www.jungsik.com/

Location: New York City

This New York restaurant is not for the faint of heart; reservations are required well in advance. The name of the restaurant is shared by the innovative head chef as well as the sister restaurant in Seoul. The restaurant earned two Michelin stars for its 'New Korean' dishes, including tuna kimbap and seasonal sea urchin bibimbap, and was hailed as one of the most original takes on contemporary Korean cuisine.

3. Tomukun Korean Barbeque

http://www.tomukun.com/

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Tomukun is essentially two restaurants in one: a Korean BBQ restaurant and a noodle bar. The experience you have and where you sit are determined by the dish you want to eat.

The BBQ section is more Korean, whereas the noodle bar incorporates elements from Japanese ramen. In any case, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is ideal.

4. Meet Korean BBQ

https://www.meetkoreanbbq.com/

Location: 500 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States

Meet Korean BBQ, located near Pike Place Market, serves excellent kimchi and Korean barbecue classics with a smile.

They specialize in no-frills food, such as perfectly cooked and grilled meats, authentic sides and sauces, and condiments that will elevate your meal.

This is one of the best Korean restaurants in the United States if you want authentic Korean barbecue without the gimmicks.

Plan to stay a while and wash down your barbecue with local wines and beers.

5. Dak & Bop

https://www.dakandbop.com/

Location: 1805 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States

Although you'll find plenty of traditional classics at Dak & Bop, you should also expect some unusual fare.

The bulgogi poutine is delicious, and the Korean curry fries with chicken and peanuts have the perfect texture.

One thing you must try at Dak & Bop is the homemade kimchi. It's light and tart, and pairs well with fried rice and any of Dak & Bop's meat dishes.

This is a great place to go if you want Korean food with a fun twist and aren't afraid to try new things.

6. Joule

https://www.relayrestaurantgroup.com/restaurants/joule/

Location: 3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, United States

A few blocks from Gas Works Park, Joule is one of Seattle’s finest eateries and definitely a place that I like to go to if I’m looking for a memorable meal at a reasonable price.

The food is accessible but traditional at the same time, with plenty of vegetarian dishes on the menu to fit all palates.

The smoked tofu is one great dish out of many, but carnivores will also like the bone marrow. It’s luscious and creamy, the perfect topping for crispy bread.

Even more pedestrian-seeming fare like rice cakes are elevated to exciting new levels at Joule.

7. Surisan

https://www.surisansf.com/

Location: San Francisco

If you love a good fusion restaurant that is unpretentious yet high quality, stop by Surisan when you visit Fisherman's Wharf district.

The restaurant is named after a mountain that is not too far from Seoul, where chef Nick Yoon grew up. Yoon brings a perfect mix of Korean and American food, using locally sourced organic ingredients as much as possible.

Go for brunch and skip the Western version, going instead for Korean brunch. If you dine here during lunch or dinner, you'll also have your pick of amazing dishes like kimchi fried rice, Korean fried chicken and the enhanced ramyun, which will most definitely spice up your life.

8. BORI

https://www.borirestaurant.com/

Location: 1453 Witte Rd, Houston, TX 77080, United States

BORI, located next to Haden Park in Houston, Texas, is a top-notch Korean barbecue restaurant that rivals other Texan treasures.

Their meat is excellent, with perfectly cooked short ribs marinated in an addictive and flavorful garlic sauce. For the perfect meal, pair it with kimchi.

BORI has phenomenal service and a modern but classy atmosphere, so you'll know you're entering somewhere special in addition to its tremendously tasty cuisine.

Guests are also made to feel at ease, and the wait staff at BORI is prepared to make menu substitutions as needed.

9. Genwa Korean BBQ

https://www.opentable.com/r/genwa-korean-bbq-mid-wilshire-los-angeles

Location: 5115 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

Los Angeles is known for its fantastic food, and Genwa Korean BBQ is a shining example of the city's culinary excellence.

This local favorite is located near John Burroughs Middle School, and once you walk through the doors, you'll most likely become a regular.

The grilled and barbecued meats are absolutely delicious. If you're looking for a special treat, try the authentic bulgogi, fishcakes, and seafood entrees.

10. Korea Garden Restaurant

https://koreagardenhouston.com/

Location:Houston, Texas

Korea Garden Restaurant serves authentic Korean cuisine. Despite what BBQ joints would have you believe, the menu is mostly comprised of soups and broths, which are extremely common and popular in Korea.

We recommend sampling everything you won't find in most other Korean restaurants. Begin with fried battered shrimp or jae yook bokum (stir-fried pork, tofu, and mushrooms). Then order the neng myun, or cold noodles. The dish originated in North Korea and is popular in South Korea, but it is not widely available outside of the peninsula.

11. Seoul Spice

https://www.seoulspice.com/

Location: Washington, D.C.

Seoul Spice markets itself as Korean comfort food and focuses on bowls.

To begin, select your base, which can be rice, noodles, kimbap, or salad. Then you choose your protein, vegetables, and restaurants.

It's not traditional Korean, but it's a tasty, convenient, and affordable take on the bowl craze.

Conclusion

From big cities to small towns, these are the Korean restaurants that I keep returning to. They serve authentic cuisine and have friendly service, and you certainly won’t leave hungry or dissatisfied.

Plus, at the vast majority of these fine restaurants, you’ll be able to wash down your authentic Korean food with a beer or two.

In the Knowinsiders.com's list, we have added links to restaurants in case you want to make online orders.

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