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+++++“

“Best Korean BBQ ever. My boss is of Korean decent and invited my wife the kids and I for dinner. It was unbelievably packed on a Tuesday which is always a good. We only waited 15 minutes and got seated. The food the drinks all of it was exceptional not to mention the staff was amazing. We will definitely be back.“

“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.“

“When driving from LA to San Diego, it’s always a toss up to find good food, that’s a reasonable price and also near the freeway. This place checked all the boxes. If you’re between the CT sandwich and the kimchi get the kimchi. It’s not super spicy but it’s not as sweet as the CT“

“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.“

“I went here because of all the Instagram reels that showcased their menu and it certainly did not disappoint.
The setting is definitely new to me, so the staff talked to me a little bit about their menu, the differences of each item, the spice levels, the best sellers and personal favorites. I picked 6 items to go, 2 of which I ate in the establishment and the rest I took home. Lemon Pepper Salmon, Grilled Eel, Garlic Butter Crab, Buldak, Creamy Myungran and their Sweet BBQ Gyoro.
They can be eaten by using utensils or even with gloves. I opted for gloves because I just wanted to pick up the whole thing and eat it without being disassembled. They really pack each one and you can taste every flavor they put into it.
There is ample parking and the restrooms are clean. The utensils, napkins and the gloves are also very accessible. Youre free to grab a cup to fill with water and the venue is quite spacious.
Definitely looking into coming back for more.“

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

“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.“

“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“

“Tasty food, great atmosphere!“

“Wow. Came for takeout, got one of the best, crispiest pork katsus Ive ever had!! Brought a person who grew up in Korea and is pretty picky, and they also agree!! Totally unexpected for just a quick bite we wanted late at night! My pictures don't do it justice because we got takeout but hopefully you can tell how light and crispy it is. Not greasy, the inside is almost creamy not dry at all, perfectly seasoned breading, such that even if you didn't eat it with sauce it would still be delicious!! The Korean style katsu sauce was a great pairing though!! We also got odeng an ddeokkbokkk which were quite good! But we really want to try the kimbap next time because they looked so scrumptious in the photos and they were just like the ones they sell in Korea and have an ideal filling to rice ratio 🤤 as they are supposed to! They were sold out by the time it was late night though, so we will have to come earlier next time! Additional bonus: the place was quite clean despite being a couple years old and run by a
very small team it seems! A very cute simple hangout spot I'd love to bring a few friends at any time and the man at the counter was so kind and nice. Highly recommend, if you can't tell already!! :). The little flower lights and blue and white theme was so cute. I definitely want to dine in next time too!“

“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.“

“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“

“Wanted to go somewhere that offered raw marinated crab and I have to tell you that this plans has it and does not disappoint. It tasted so fresh, a little sweet and spicy but oh my lanta it’s to die for. If you’re wanting to try it I definitely would come here if you’re in the area. I also got bulgogi as another dish and the food offered here are nicely portioned. Pretty big, flavorful and soooo good. Service was quick, great and sweet. It is a small little place but I would recommend calling if you were to bring a party of probably 6 or more. Inside it’s like a cute little dine in and not a huge restaurant. The atmosphere is welcoming and warming.“

“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.“

“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 😊“

“The quality of the pork belly was excellent, and the service of having the staff grill the meat for us made the experience very comfortable. The variety of pickled side dishes was impressive and paired perfectly with the meat. Both the doenjang-jjigae and kimchi-jjigae were absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself was spacious and very clean. One thing I wish was that the staff could have been a bit friendlier, but overall, if you’re looking for authentic Korean-style pork BBQ, I’d definitely recommend this place.“

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

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

“My husband comes here on his lunch breaks and I finally got to try it the other day! Omgoodness ♥️ first off the ladies running this are so nice and have Ah-mazing cooking skills! We ordered 2 teriyaki chicken bowls ( for a decent price ❤️) and the chicken was SO tender and delicious! The teriyaki sauce is bomb 💣 and rice was delicious!!! It was so good I craved more fir days after!!! We came bk a few days later and ordered the same 2 bowls and my son got the spicy chicken plate! 🔥🔥🔥 Once again they didn't disappoint, it all was VERY tasty and delicious! I got a banana smoothie for the ride home, but it didn't last long, it was yum yum yummmy!!! ❤️ Thank you 52M for keeping it real with delicious and authentic food for a decent price! It's a new family favorite and worth the drive for us!!! See you again soon ladies, God Bless!!! ❤️❤️❤️“

“The owner was so sweet. I ordered two things to eat in the restaurant knowing well that I’d take the extras home. So, the owner suggested that I order to go so the packaging would be better. She brought my food to me and let me know that I can also get more pickled radish as desired. When she saw that I was done eating, she brought over more radish and helped me pack up my food. It was a great experience!“

“This lunch price is reasonable. These days, Korean food prices are way overpriced.

I went there for lunch recently for the first time in years, and the prices were the same as 7–8 years ago. The free side dishes were also delicious.

These days, dining out is so expensive that it's hard to choose a restaurant, but I think the owner made a very wise decision. When you live generously and share with others, you'll be blessed and make plenty of money.

They’ve brought back the original flavors, and the service was great too. I’ll always be happy to open my wallet for food like this. Try having a bowl of soondae soup with a shot of soju, like you see on Korean TV — it’s the true taste of Korea.

Pork soup not familiar to foreigners
Koreans often eat it and often eat it as a snack with alcohol.A clean and relatively friendly restaurant. Kimchi and Kkakdugi are delicious
It is a food very closely related to Korean culture.“

“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!“

“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'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“

“Have been coming here for years! Their jokbal is so chewy and full of collagen. And I can't speak enough about their soondae gookbap, it is very delicious with full of flavors. If you are at H mart for grocery shopping I recommend stopping by at this place to try their food. I high recommend!“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“Excellent and authentic food. Very friendly and informative service. Casual atmosphere. The restaurant was empty at lunchtime on a Saturday, but service was quick and attentive. Meat came out sizzling on cast iron platters. Banchan were very tasty. Refreshing cold chewy buckwheat noodles.“

“If you’re craving authentic Korean comfort food, Gamjagol is the place to be! We indulged in their signature Gamjatang—​a hearty pork bone soup with tender meat that falls off the bone, rich broth, and perfectly cooked potatoes.

We also enjoyed the Bossam, which are pork slices boiled in a flavorful brine to perfection and served with cabbage. The combination of the tenderness of the meat and strong flavors was delightful!

The generous portions and authentic flavors combined with the amazing service truly made our dining experience memorable. If you’re in the Buena Park area, don’t miss out on this cozy hidden gem!​“

“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!“

“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…“

“This place has a really cool vibe! Posh atmosphere except it’s odd that the napkins are small, square, paper cocktail napkins. Anyway, food and service are great. The Bibimbop came with lots of banchan, and the kimchi is as good as oma’s. 5 stars!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Our family loves Kaju food.“

“Great spot for Korean bbq but they're not an all you can eat spot, nor do they have combos. Everything is a la carte so it can get pricey. But the food is good. Oh, and always ask for fried rice after the meal. You have to pay for it but it's worth it. Side note, ground gets slippery so wear something that grips. Greasy floors.“

“I’ve been to this restaurant several times.
Everything I’ve tried on the menu has been delicious, and the portions are generous.
The servers are generally friendly, although the place tends to get very crowded.
I usually try to visit outside of peak dining hours to avoid the rush“

“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.“

“Excellent food. 👍. Will come back again.“

“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.“