50 Best Korean Restaurants near Hawaiian Gardens

“Delicious food, fast service, friendly staff, beautiful atmosphere…all in all definitely a great place to eat at. I’ve been there twice and have left both times fully satisfied by the food and planning to return.“

“The pig's feet were really, really delicious. The meat was very tender and the raw radish vegetables were also very delicious.I think Gamjatang is really the best~ The bone meat is delicious and the soup is amazing~~ Highly recommended!!!The owner was very friendly and the side dishes were very delicious.“

“Rooms are well maintained, very clean and party like atmosphere. Great latest song selections.“

“Food is always good, but quality service is hit or miss. If you have a party larger then 2 people they automatically charge gratuity. Kids are charges as adults at a pretty young age, I think it is 6 years and up but don't remember exactly what age they charge.All you can eat but everyone at tabe must choose the same plan.“

“Korean place serving sushi. Service was excellent - attentive and food was out quickly. Price was very reasonable. Sashimi was BEYOND fresh - some of the best I’ve had in a long time. In fact, had I known the quality of the sashimi beforehand, I likely would ordered solely that. Will be back.“

“Zero complaints. Overall, it is a very solid all-you-can-eat KBBQ spot with reasonable prices, good quality, and great service. There are long waits sometimes, which is how you know it's good, but it's seemingly always packed. Wish I discovered this place sooner.“

“First time to my sound chicken with friends the service was excellent , she (the Manager) is very friendly and helpful. The fired chicken are so good crunchy and the french fried so tasty. Definitely will come back highly recommend . A+++++“

“Food is always amazing here. My family only comes here for Korean BBQ. There are hundreds of other options nearby but you just can't beat the quality of the meat and the service. There's a reason why a line is formed before they open... especially on weekends.“

“This place is a gem! I was craving something with a little bit of everything so I got the bibimbap, and beef plate with shrimp tempura and spicy cucumber. Needless to say I was blown away by how great the quality was - the owners are a kind and welcoming couple. Definitely making this spot a go-to!“

“This spot is within a food hall and I love these setups because of the amount of food options available.

I ordered their bulgogi burrito with no rice along with their Korean spicy popcorn chicken. The burrito was phenomenal and one of the best burritos I’ve ever had. A bulgogi bowl but put into a wrap and the popcorn chicken was solid. Overall both items were delicious.

I’d definitely come back to try their other menu items and overall it was an excellent lunch!

***update***
I also tried their make your own salad bowl with salmon, chicken and bulgogi. It was excellent and overall delicious bowl with a great sauce.“

“I am a first-generation Korean who visits Korea often. This place has become our go-to spot for Korean food (my husband who is 5th generation Californian).
- Tasty: Even my picky 80 years old uncle loves their food.
- Fresh ingredients: No frozen, no old ingredients
- They don't cut corners. For instance, one of favorite Korean dishes is stir-fried squid (calamari), which HamaHippo makes exceptionally well (try it with noodles if you can take gluten) - tasty and generous with the portion of squid. They close on Sunday but I needed to go out for a dinner, so I went to my former go-to Korean restaurant and ordered the same dish. Most of the dish was noodle with very little, not-well thawed squid. After visiting my former go-to Korean restaurant, I appreciate the food quality of HamaHippo even more. Another example, when you order Bibimbap, you will get variety of fresh, generous portion of vegetables.
- Super reasonable prices, especially considering how fresh the ingredients are.

Vegetarian options: I am a pescatarian. The owner says they can make any dish vegetarian-friendly, even vegan. For example, in my case, when I ordered Bibim Naeng Myun in a hot day, I asked if it was vegetarian. They usually use beef broth for the sauce but accommodated my dietary choice by bringing the beef broth separately, which my friend enjoyed. The dish was delicious.“

“Atoyubu is a cool fusion restaurant specializing in these cute tofu pockets of rice and choice of topping. I got the fresh salmon, bulgogi, butter crab, and spicy tuna (this was so spicy omg). Definitely not an on the go kinda meal because sauce gets everywhere and it’s best eaten right away because it can get soggy real quick!

Prices are fair at $4-5 each. The line can get pretty long but food is out within minutes. Parking also sucks as it is really small.“

“Shawn, the actual business operator is very professional, with a positive personality.
Every time I come to visit his establishment, he makes the chicken tender to its perfection, and his chicken is amazing...
He's got a home-style Cole Slaw that you'll love...
His menu has a large variety, and I guarantee you that the seasonings and the quality will be to your expectation!!!

Thank you Shawn...“

“Food: 4*
Service: 5*
Ambiance: 5*

Stopped by here with a colleague. We ordered the $19.99 lunch special. He offered to give us a mix of all the different meats on this menu so we could try them. There are specific ban chan you can get like Kimchee, fish cake, potato salad etc. The service was great, very attentive, helpful and friendly. I will return with a larger appetite.“

“It's a simple but very satisfying restaurant! As the name suggests, the main dish is a combination of rice and soup, and the gentle seasoning that brings out the flavors of the ingredients is appealing. We especially recommend the soup rice, which has plenty of ingredients and is perfectly balanced and nutritious. It's filling, but not heavy, and it leaves you feeling warm and warm even after you've finished eating. The inside of the restaurant is clean and has a calm atmosphere, so it's perfect for when you want to have a quick meal by yourself. This is a restaurant that can be recommended for those who are health conscious! Please try it!“

“I love wings! So when a Coworker brought me to this place and I was a bit skeptical but was ultimately blown away. They didn't have the flavors I'm used to but the ones they did have were terrific!
First time trying sweet and spicy and first time trying Mango Cart beer. The mix was delicious can't wait to go back.

Parking: Shared Plaza parking, had no issue finding a sopt right in front on a Friday evening.“

“Tasty food, great atmosphere!“

“The kimbap 10/10
Teokbokki was really watery so if you like urs thicker prolly not from here. But the rice cakes were really nice and soft.
Chicken very good and crispy
We got fries w our idk if it was on purpose but very gratefull“

“Nice little place. I was looking for something different from the normal ramen or pho for dinner. I have had jjambbong at a couple of other places and they were good. This place was also good. I ordered the seafood with a rib soup dish and some dumplings. They did not disappoint. The dumplings were chicken with veggies. I put a couple in my soup and that really upped the flavor. The soup can be spicy to many and being an Asian dish it could start you on fire if not careful. I opted to try it mild and it still had some spice. It was a perfect for a cold night. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.“

“I got the short rib soup and it came out pretty fast. The soup was good but I wasn't a big fan of the banchans. The people working there were nice and I would come back to try other menus. Don't expect too much for the banchans though. The place isn't too big but enough space available.“

“If you’re looking for a trendy twist on Korean cuisine, Chan Chan is a great spot to check out! They offer classic Korean dishes but with modern flavor updates and presentation that’s both delicious and affordable.

Instead of traditional paper menus, you’ll need to scan a QR code at the table or check out the clear, easy-to-read menu on the wall. They keep the options concise, making ordering a breeze.

What I ordered:
▶️ Spicy & Sweet Tuna Kimbap 참치 김밥 – $9.99
The tuna had a creamy texture, wrapped up in perfectly cooked rice and seaweed. The size of each roll was about 1.5 times bigger than your usual kimbap—definitely not a one-bite deal!

▶️ Fried Chicken Tenders 치킨 텐더스 (4-5 pieces) – $13.99
I chose the chicken tenders during their lunch special. These tenders were made with chicken breast, so I felt healthier and lighter. I paired them with sweet garlic sauce (스윗갈릿), which had a hint of mustard and a touch of sweetness—definitely a unique flavor that you won’t find at traditional Korean restaurants, but it was so good!

▶️ Rose Pasta 로제파스타 – $17.99
Rose pasta is super popular in Korea, and even available in convenience stores too! The sauce is a mix of red (tomato) and white (cream) sauces, often available as a pre-made mix at grocery stores (just look for “cream cheese rose sauce”). Every restaurant seems to have their own take on this dish.
In Korea, it’s usually slightly spicy, but although Chan Chan marked it as spicy, I didn’t really taste any. The portion was massive— enough for 2-3 people to share!

The plating here is on point, with thoughtful presentation that’s perfect for photos. Even the dishes and containers have a more modern, stylish vibe compared to typical Korean restaurants.

The banchan (side dishes) were lighter in flavor, with kimchi and pickled radish that weren’t too sour, making them more suited to international palates.

Oh, and a clean restroom is always a bonus for me (yes, I’m one of those people who always checked the bathroom cleanliness! ).

Chan Chan is definitely on my list for a return visit! They also have another location in Irvine.

If you’re craving traditional Korean food, you might have to head over to Garden Grove or a little bit north for more variety, but Chan Chan is a great option for something a little different in the Huntington Beach area.

? Chan Chan
7862 Warner Ave UNIT 110, Huntington Beach, CA 92647“

“On my birthday this past weekend, my husband and I dined at the K-Food Express while in Cerritos and we were beyond impressed! The service was exceptional nice. The food was absolutely delicious- the dishes were packed with flavor, and we could tell that everything was freshly prepared. Each bite was a delight! The portions were very generous, leaving us both satisfied and full.
We truly enjoyed every dish we tried, and it's safe to say we will definitely be returning for more. If you are looking for authentic, mouthwatering Korean food, excellent service with the reasonable price, this place is a must visit.“

“We tried the galbitang and bibimmyun—both simple dishes, but they were so flavorful and comforting, like something made with a grandmother’s touch. The banchan were amazing too. The service really stood out; they kept checking on us, even during their lunch break. If we lived nearby, this place would definitely be a regular spot for us!

Just a heads-up—it’s a bit warm inside, and the sunlight hits certain spots, but honestly, it adds to the cozy vibe, like eating at your grandma’s house in Korea.

Wheelchair accessibility: Ground floor“

“I would like to say thank you to the owner and staff , they are really honest and nice people, thank you for giving me back my $100 bill that unknowingly drop on the floor yesterday and got it back today even though you don’t know who lost it you kept it and made sure the owner will get it back., we always eat here dine in and take out because the food is always freshly cooked and so so authentically good. Affordable yet delicious 🙏❤️😋😋😋😋 감사합니다 😊“

“good food and staff friendly with always attentive to us customers. very quick always ready to replenish your plates“

“My first time and very satisfied. I ordered pork soup with rice and it is soooooo good!“

“el mejor restaurant de comida Koreana.... regresaré!!“

“I'm a fan of Soy Tofu! It is another local gem. The service is kind and attentive, the dining area is clean, and the vibe is pleasant. The decor is simple and homey.

I've dined here several times already, and each time was fantastic.

My current favorite items:
- Soon Tofu (soups) - mushroom and the beef + seafood with black rice
- The Tofu Combos - if you're a little more hungry, I recommend the BBQ short ribs with the tofu soup
- Dumplings - fried or steamed, they are both excellent!
- The complimentary ice cream!

When you receive the boiling hot tofu soup, immediately add the raw egg and stir it a little. The egg will cook fast in the hot broth. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

If you're in the area, try Soy Tofu. It's in a plaza with a Korean market and many other restaurants. There's usually plenty of parking in the public lot.“

“Dakgalbi, tteokbokki, and pork cutlet are delicious!I think I will use it often!Add rice and mix the chicken ribs at the end.If you eat it with seaweed powder and cheese,It's really delicious!Pork cutlet meat is soft and seasoned.It's so perfect... I really recommend it.It's better than Beach Yoko...The thickness of the meat is just right.Anyway, give it a try!“

“Nice little hidden lunch gem!

Popped in here for lunch on a Monday right about noon. One other person was waiting for their food so I was helped right away.

I ordered a spam musubi and the spicy chicken plate.

Musubi was up front hot and ready to go. Delicious as usual and not too much rice which I prefer!

Spicy chicken plate was delicious and actually had some kick. And it was so aesthetically pleasing!

Service was quick and friendly, too. Can’t wait to return here for lunch again!“

“Tang in Buena Park is a gem for delicious Korean comfort food. Their soups and stews arrive piping hot with rich and authentic flavors. The portions are generous, and every dish feels like home-cooked (just a little more intense flavor). The signature soups are very good. They also wrap the large mandu in house and give very generous filling. Server can speak Korean, English and Chinese!“

“i like the food, big serving & it’s worth the price, i hope they willnot increase the price or lessen the service.“

“I'm probably never going back to BCD. No MSG, more flavorful, where has this place been all my life?

I have an MSG/glutamate intolerance so I would have an almost immediate reaction after eating. But this is my second time eating here in two days and no reaction. I confirmed it with the daughter of the owners today. No MSG used. The food and side dishes feel like mom/grandma made them. Full of flavor without MSG, what is this magic? The bulgolgi tastes like caramelized kalbi. Amazing. Each of the side dishes have so much flavor maturation.

The beer is priced the same as most happy hours elsewhere.

What we ordered:
Soon Tofu soup + bulgolgi combo with kimchi beef tofu soup. They give you a small salad to start. The side dishes include kimchi, kimchi cucumber, Korean potato salad (with cucumbers and apples), fish cake, broccoli/or spinach tofu, and marinated bean sprouts. Every single item was flavorful and delicious.

I feel satisfied, nourished, and happy eating here. Such a hidden family-owned gem. Support small business y'all.

Dietary restrictions: No MSG“

“Sookdal is famous for low temperature salt water aging pork belly.

Taste of pork belly is the best in OC.

You can eat pork belly with salt,
chopped garlic, wasabi,
grilled cheese and many different
pickled vegetables
(Cucumber, Cabbage, Radish tops etc.)
for unique taste.
​“

“I cannot leave a review glowing enough to do this place justice. Hands down my new favorite local spot. The Dirty Beer Battered Fries with the Fried Egg were intended as a side but quickly took center stage. Perfectly spicy and flavorful. The chicken tenders were huge white meat pieces. The sauces were all amazing but the soy garlic was outstanding. The portions were huge! The two of us each had full size leftovers and then some. And for under $40! The icing on the cake was the excellent service. Alma, our server, was gracious, attentive and answered all our silly questions. The chef, Raul, plated the best meals we have had in quite some time. Please treat yourself to this gem of a local restaurant. Highly recommend! 👌“

“My family & I love this place! The food is delicious & they have kim chi fried rice & other items some place don’t offer. The staff is also super nice & you get free delicious ice cream! We’ve eaten at other places & it doesn’t come close to here . The price is so good in comparison too!“

“I believe I’ve found the best jjampong in town. The photo is the other half portion I’m trying to finish but couldn’t. For $16 this could easily feed 2 ppl, very generous potion and the broth is super flavorful.
Recommend and would come back again to try other items!“

“So does your policy of a minimum of 2 people eating extend to senior citizens who may not have anyone to dine with???? Shame on you for turning away a paying customer…“

“Food was good. It is the usual traditional broths and dishes (beef or pork). Pairs well with soju. Felt like a Korean restaurant with a 2k-ish vibe. I would prefer this over a combo anything at fast food places. By the way, if you are not familiar with Korean restaurants, check the side of the table for a drawer. Utensils are inside. If utensils are not brought to you, it is normally at the table.“

“Don't know what some of these low reviews are on but this place was great. It's a restaurant known for their seolleongtang, an authentic oxbone based soup. They cook the bones for hours until the broth becomes milky white and rich and top it with meat and noodles. The table will have a jar of salt and a jar of green onions so that each person could season their own dish (this is normal in Korea) and each meal is provided with side dishes (approximately four, again normal for seolleongtang) and healthy purple rice (this is high quality and more expensive than your standard white rice). I don't normally eat Korean food outside of my home because most restaurants disappoint me but this one deserved five stars. Would come again the next time I am in Cali.“

“I recently visited Gamsagol Gamjatang in Buena Park, and it was a fantastic experience! Despite being newly opened and very busy, the service was efficient, and the food was absolutely worth the wait. Their gamjatang (pork bone soup) was rich, flavorful, and perfect for the upcoming cold weather. The hearty portions and authentic flavors make this place a must-visit for comfort food lovers. I’ll definitely be back soon!“

“I go to this place for their chicken wings. I've had 2 flavors of the chicken wings...soy sauce & garlic and honey & garlic. I like the honey & garlic flavor. Their chicken wings are very crispy, meaty, and flavorful. In my opinion, these wings are better than grocery-store deli and Wing Stop. I will continue to return to bb.q for my chicken wings hunger.“

“This restaurant reminded me of Seattle's "The Pike Place Fish Market," where fresh fish has been sold for decades as employees playfully throw fish around. Though this place has been open for 10 years, we were unaware of its existence. Situated in a humble shopping center with a modest square footage, you would never imagine the quality of service and Korean food it offers. When we checked in, the restaurant was nearly full, and the busyness and energy of the staff expressed their confidence and pride in their reputation.

We were first served water, and the waitstaff's recommendations already impressed us with the promise of quality and taste. We ordered Braised Black Cod, and SsamJjang Vegetables wrap combination with Spicy Marinated Pork, and Bean Casserole for the three of us to share. The fresh lettuce and vegetables, including green pepper, cucumber, carrots, wild sesame leaves, and steamed cabbage, arrived first. We also had a choice between white rice and mixed grain rice, opting for the healthier option.

The presentation and quantity of the food and side dishes were attractive and impressive. When the Spicy Pork arrived, we could already tell it would taste great. The Bean Casserole was also delicious. The awaited Braised Black Cod, which they were very proud of, came last. We didn’t have to wait long to encounter one of the restaurant's most popular dishes. The combination of quantity, quality, and taste was outstanding, although it was a little too sweet for one of us. The Black Cod melted in our mouths, and the tofu and radish were incredibly flavorful. We called this kind of food 밥도둑 (Thief of Rice) because it kept making us eat more rice. We were very full and ended up taking the leftovers home. The service was excellent.

There might be many people who have never visited this restaurant, but there are likely few who have only been here once. We plan to come back to try other menu items next time. Strongly recommended.

Parking: The restaurant parking at the back could be challenging when restaurant is full.“

“We really enjoyed our stop here. While staying at the La Quinta next door, my family and I struggled to decide on where to eat. We saw Flame Broiler and decided to give it a try. The quality of meat they use is excellent and you get more than enough. My kids, despite getting the smallest size meal they could, still couldn’t eat everything. Coupled with their different sauces, you’re in for a good meal with lots of flavor variety. If you’re looking for quality food that doesn’t feel like a gut-bomb when you’re done, give Flame Broiler a try.“

“Gob Chang is a hidden Korean restaurant gem in a small Buena Park plaza. With spacious parking (though it can get crowded, street parking might be necessary), this cozy pocha-style spot serves quality meat with fast service. The owner takes pride in their meat quality, delivering an authentic dining experience. This place is my #1 Gop Chang place!!! Great for Gop Chang lovers, though it closes early for soju drinkers :(“

“Our family loves Kaju food.“

“Surprisingly good, initially thought it was just an overpriced Korean BBQ place but they gave us a surprising amount of beef. Beef was so marbled, flavorful and delicious. Ashley was a great waitress and I feel like it’s been a while since I had such good service at restaurant. It’s not cheap it is pricey but if ur in the mood for quality beef, would recommend.“

“Although the food menu is not extensive, the restaurant is famous for its delicious food. Korean hangover soup is probably the best in the OC area. It may be a very simple food, but it has a rich taste and a good feel. In Korea, having soup and a glass of soju with friends is a small culture.“

“Newish spot next to HMart that sells Korean fried chicken. Compared to some other Korean Fried Chicken places I've tried, the wings here definitely stands out!The meat is tender and comes right off the bone cleanly and you can see the juices flowing out when you bite in. It's kind of amazing how juicy it is.It is a bit of a wait, but I was given some coleslaw and pickled radish when I dined in. Each table has wet wipes to clean your hands after and a metal bin to discard bones.“

“Ordered a seafood pancake to go. Was delicious with the dipping sauce. Their pancake is thicker than what I usually get from korean bbq spots but was still good. They also gave me their sides (banchan) for free even though they don’t usually do for that dish. The staff are a bunch of sweet Korean ladies, love the energy!“