50 Best Korean Restaurants in Irvine

“I tried Haesintang for the first time, and it was such a revitalizing experience that I can confidently say this will now be my go-to nourishing dish. The flavors were vibrant and energizing, truly awakening both my senses and appetite.

The generous combination of octopus, abalone, short ribs, chicken, and mushrooms was impressive from the moment it arrived. Each ingredient tasted exceptionally fresh. The octopus was tender and pleasantly chewy, the abalone delicately cooked, and the short ribs and chicken were simmered until the meat fell effortlessly off the bone.

What stood out most was the broth. Rather than relying on heavy seasoning, it seemed to be crafted from natural ingredients, creating a deep yet clean flavor that beautifully tied everything together from start to finish.

The staff were warm and attentive, kindly refilling side dishes throughout the meal.

The highlight came at the end — rice cooked in the remaining broth to create a rich, comforting porridge. Even though I was already full, I couldn’t stop eating. Paired with crisp kimchi, it was the perfect finish. Despite the generous portions, the meal felt wholesome and easy to digest.

In every aspect — quality, flavor, and service — it was outstanding. I would gladly return and enjoy this dish with my family again.“

“This Korean BBQ is seriously one of the best I’ve ever tried. The meat quality is amazing—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly marinated. Every bite tastes fresh and smoky in the best way, especially when wrapped with lettuce, garlic, and spicy sauce. The side dishes are also on point, and you can tell everything is made with care. The staff is super friendly and helps cook the meat just right, so you don’t have to worry about anything. The vibe is cozy, lively, and perfect for hanging out with friends. 10/10 would come again!“

“Our family loves Kaju food.“

“Ordered: Calbi bento, chicken cutlet bento & calbi bibimbap bowl.

The food was great, chicken cutlet was tender on the inside, crispy on the outside. The calbi meat was tender and all the side banchan was delicious. We ate everything! Prices were reasonable and the service was nice. There was only two small tables inside so just head on outside where there is a community outdoor seating area.“

“Everything is great! Love the food, service & atmosphere! Strongly recommended good restaurants!🙏🥰“

“We had such a great lunch at Annie’s Table in Irvine! It’s one of those hidden local spots that feels warm and welcoming the minute you walk in. The atmosphere is clean and relaxed — a perfect place to grab a delicious meal without any fuss.

The staff was friendly and made us feel right at home, which made the whole experience even better. Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. From the comforting bowls to the tasty sides and drinks, it all hit the spot.

It’s also cool that they have fun drinks like boba, and smoothies if you want something extra with your meal.

Annie’s Table is definitely worth checking out — we’ll be back!“

“Stopped by Yup Dduk in Irvine and it was definitely a solid spot. We got the Yup Dduk Tteokbokki, Yup Dduk Chicken Stew, Tuna Mayo Rice, and a Potato Cheese Corndog. The tteokbokki and chicken stew were the real standouts — full of flavor, good heat, and just the right kick to keep things interesting. The tuna mayo rice and corndog were solid sides that paired well without stealing the show. The spot itself is casual and unassuming, and the food definitely delivers. If you’re into Korean street-style dishes with bold spice and flavors that actually hit, this place is worth carving out time for.“

“Staff are friendly. Place is clean and wait time was very minimal“

“Food was pretty good and the service was great. We went around noon on a weekday and it wasn't busy at all. Our food came out quick and hot.
We got the tteokbokki with fried squid and another order with beef brisket. I ordered mine spicy and my wife wanted mild but we couldn't tell the difference between the two. The spice level wasn't too hot for me (I like it really spicy) but my wife thought hers was too hot.
I also had the soondae, which was pretty good. The skin around it was a bit crunchy for me but some may prefer it that way.“

“I recently dined at Chan Chan in Irvine, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. If you are looking for authentic Korean comfort food with a modern twist, this is the place to go.
What We Ordered:
Chan Chan Wings (Garlic Crunch): These were the highlight of the meal! Perfectly crispy on the outside with a delicious garlic crunch that wasn't too overpowering. A must-try for wing lovers.
Spicy Seafood Noodles & White Beef Brisket Noodles: We opted for the fresh noodles, and you can really taste the difference in texture. The seafood noodles had a great kick, while the brisket noodles were savory, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Spicy Squid Fried Rice: This had the perfect amount of heat and a generous portion of squid. It’s a great dish if you want something hearty.
Half & Half Kimbap (Grilled Beef & Spam): I love that they offer a half-and-half option. Both the beef and the spam were seasoned perfectly—great for sharing!“

“Nice Lunch served very fast after waiting for our turn to be seated for 10 minutes. Friendly Host and Waitresses.“

“Very good 🥩 steak. Will come here again ❤️“

“とても美味しいスープがお手頃なお値段でいただけます。“

“My friend brought me to this place and I was excited to try. I ordered the tonkatsu and rice cake/dumpling soup. Not gonna lie, my expectations were shattered. I can't go back to my usual spot to enjoy the soup and tonkatsu anymore. Soup was so flavorful and tasty, the dumpling was massive, the tonkatsu is enormous. For the price, it was worth it. Would come back here again.“

“Not your classic korean barbecue but even better. My wife and I love this place and it’s one of our usuals. Great selection of meet, great tasting kimchi that is fried on the pan and the kimchi fried rice at the end is something else! Highly recommended“

“Spicy chicken feet is at the right level of spiciness. They don’t have boneless option, so you have to do your work. And if you decided to order spicy chicken feet, order with diy rice ball. Not because it’s fiery hot, but the portion of one order is def not enough for two people. So if you are hungry, combo menu will be the best. Me and my friend got combo A, and we got enough of various dishes ( chicken feet+diy rice ball+steamed egg+fried chicken). Also this place didn’t seemed to be overly busy even in the Friday night. No need for reservation.“

“We got the spicy cheese chicken here for $20. The chicken pieces were crispy and not dry, but the flavor was different from what I had expected. It tasted more like a spicy cheese chicken pizza without the pizza dough than spicy cheese chicken from other Korean restaurants. It's missing the gochujang and spice. Still a good meal though.“

“Good food Good staff Good owner what more do you want !“

“Good food and very friendly environment“

“I came in with modest expectations—especially compared to the GG location—but Yigah really delivered.

The food was outstanding across the board. The bibimbap was flavorful and well-balanced, the braised beef was rich and tender, and the katsu was perfectly crispy. We originally chose this spot because Coco’s didn’t have peanut-free options, but we ended up leaving genuinely impressed and satisfied.

This is definitely a place to enjoy family-style dining. Order a variety of dishes for the table rather than sticking to just one entrée—you’ll appreciate the variety and avoid flavor fatigue.

Service was excellent: attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming throughout the meal. The restaurant itself has a sleek, modern vibe that feels similar to the original location.

One heads-up: since it’s located in Diamond Jamboree, parking can be a bit challenging during peak hours.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the bossam—it’s a must-order.“

“Ordered the beef short rib yuk gae Jang. It was delicious! Beef was super tender and fell off the bone. The only negative is they don't offer a lot of side dishes. Only 3..kimchi, chives and fish cakes. Other than that it was good. I'll be back when I'm on vacation again.“

“We ordered the signature set ($37.99) which came with a dumpling sampler, cold noodle, rose toekpokki (mild), and we did a tonkatsu add on. The only thing we didn't like was the add on, it was overpriced at $5.00 and only tasted ok. But the rest was SUPER DELICIOUS. Everything has such great flavors. Service was amazing, he was very friendly and even walked our food to us at our table. Would definitely come back for more.“

“My sister and I were craving kimbap and this place delivered. Because of the prices we thought the serving sizes would be small but it was very generous and filling. I really liked the beef vegetable and the spicy tuna which definitely had a kick but was tasty. But we also tried the spicy fish cake which we enjoyed more than expected (was not fishy at all which is what we were worried about but also wasn’t really spicy). Overall loved it all and the person who helped us was very kind and quick with the order.
It is in the grocery store and we ate at home but I think there is some places to sit outside. Not much of an atmosphere for this place but the coffee shop next door seemed great too.“

“Clean store and tons of Asian products too“

“I went to another KBBQ spot down the street and noticed it was not AYCE so I called this place and because we had a huge party, they had no problem setting up the table for us before we got there. I really appreciate the staff being so nice to us and having everything ready for us! 10/10 for the service. As for the food, side dishes are amazing and the kimchi was so fresh mmm! I loved the meat selections that they had to offer and the bangchan side dishes. I appreciate the atmosphere and the vibe too, I feel like more common kbbq spots have minimal lighting in the restaurant but this one was perfect!! I could see all my friends! Left with a full stomach! will definitely come here again!“

“Takayuki Dessert offers a refreshing and modern dessert experience that pairs perfectly with a meal next door at BCD Tofu House. The shop focuses on clean flavors, soft textures, and visually appealing presentations that feel both comforting and elevated. The desserts strike a balance between sweetness and lightness, making them enjoyable without feeling heavy. Service is friendly and efficient, and the environment stays calm even during peak dessert hours. The menu offers enough variety to satisfy both classic and adventurous dessert preferences.

The space is clean, bright, and easy to relax in, making it a pleasant stop for a quick treat or a slow, casual dessert break. Parking becomes easier later in the evening, which aligns well with dessert timing. The ingredients taste fresh, and the portion sizes feel fair for the price. The shop’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the desserts consistently deliver on flavor and presentation. Takayuki stands out as a reliable, high‑quality dessert spot that enhances the dining experience in the plaza and leaves a memorable final impression.“

“We had a wonderful experience at IT’S TOFU in Irvine. The food was delicious, comforting, and full of flavor—everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. What really made our visit special was our server, Jenny. She was absolutely excellent: attentive, kind, and genuinely caring about our experience. Her service made us feel very welcome and well taken care of. We’ll definitely be coming back, and we hope to have Jenny as our server again. Highly recommended!“

“We stopped by after visiting UCI with my family, and we ended up here by chance. I made a mistake with my order, but the staff kindly helped me cancel it without any hesitation. The food was excellent, the prices were great, and the service was incredibly friendly. Highly recommend!“

“Love this place! The food is always very tasty and flavorful, and the portions are generous. The staff is friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. We love coming here with our family and always leave happy and full. Definitely a go-to spot for us. Highly recommend!“

“Cho Dang inside H-Mart Irvine hits the spot every time! Located right in the food court — super convenient, lightning-fast service, HUGE portions, and next-level quality. Everything came out hot and came with delicious banchan. Although it was busy during lunch, they managed to get our food out quick! Presentation was on point too. I highly recommend going here on your lunch break!

What we had:
🍚 Hot Stone Eel Rice - so much umami!
🍲 Beef Rib Tofu Soup - super comforting!
🍜 Cold Chicken Noodles - unique and perfect for the summer weather!
🍚 Bulgogi Bibimbap - so much meat and delicious!“

“Nice place to hang out with friends“

“Yuchun can be found inside the food court at H Mart Irvine WestPark. There are a good number of Korean food options within the food hall, but we decided on Yuchun and it was the right choice. I went with the Yuchun Signature Set which included a variety of banchan, rice, soup and bulgogi for $25.99. I paid an upcharge to substitute kalbi as my choice of protein and it did not disappoint. Simply order at the kiosk and they’ll call your number when your order is ready, but be forewarned that the tray can be on the heavier side when you pickup. The Signature Set is not the most affordable menu option, but it provides a balanced meal of Korean dishes and the portion size is hearty enough for leftovers. I’ll def be back!“

“This restaurant is located inside H Mart Northpark, and this was actually my second time visiting. They serve really good quality food here. On my first visit, I had the spicy octopus stone pot bibimbap, and this time I went with the pork cutlet set. Both dishes were delicious and definitely exceeded my expectations.

One thing I love is that the prices are noticeably more affordable ($12 - $22) compared to other places in the H Mart food court, yet the food quality is just as good — if not better. Since it’s close to my workplace, it’s super convenient for lunch. Plus, I appreciate that there’s less pressure around tipping, which makes the dining experience feel more relaxed.

Overall, it’s a great spot for a quick and satisfying lunch. I’m planning to come back regularly and keep updating my review as I try more dishes!“

“I literally LOVE katsu bar!!

I have been here over 6 times in the past year, and it's my go-to place for a katsu sando! I always bring my friends here when they visit, and they're never disappointed 🫶

I HIGHLY recommend the pork katsu sando (it's actually juicier than the chicken; I ordered the chicken once and was kinda sad it wasn't as juicy as I was expecting). I've had every variety of the katsu sando, and they're all delicious !!!

🥚 My other go-to is the the egg sando! The eggs are perfectly seasoned, and the combination of mashed and sliced eggs come together for the perfect variety of textures in an egg sando 🥪

🍔The katsu sandwich (cutlet on an artisanal burger bun rather than white bread) is my friend's go-to order and also really good! There's a higher carb-to-meat ratio, so it's good for when you want more carbs or are really hungry! The bread is perfectly toasted yet pillowy, and balances out the cutlet fantastically 🤤

🐓 I also love their gangjang chicken (you can tell by how many times it's featured) which reheats really well in both the microwave and the oven/airfyer!

🍓 Their strawberry sando is also DELICIOUS--a bit of a messy eat since the sandwiches are cut horizontally and not diagonally, but the cream is so thick and luscious, and the strawberries are somehow always perfectly ripe and just sweet yet tart enough to balance out the cream. An absolute must-try!!

The only item I don't absolutely love is the tteokbokki--it's on the sweeter side, which isn't my personal preference, but the texture is really chewy and has a slight crisp from being fried.

Overall, I REALLY recommend this place for anyone who loves katsu sandos !!“

“Fantastisk spisested. Kunne være fedt at have i Danmark �“

“The second flame broiler I have been to. The food is simple and decently healthy. Just meat, rice, and veggies. The flavor is good and does not leave you feeling bloated. The staff are very friendly but the food comes out slowly. Seems like they are not sustainable, only 2 people working and not that busy. The interior is large and clean.“

“Their specialty dishes are: 1. Sullungtang: taste amazing and very light. A good meal for winter/ 2. Cold noodle: the best I've tried so far, especially when you get a combo with spicy pork or bulgogi 3. Meat: spicy pork/bulgogi was homemade and were not like other korean restaurants. Taste very delicious!“

“Chai Lan in Irvine is such a great find! I ordered the black bean sauce noodle with pork, and it was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The servers were very nice and friendly, and the whole place felt clean and cozy — a really comfortable spot to enjoy a meal.

Free parking is a big plus! Highly recommended if you’re looking for tasty food, great service, and convenience.“

“Very reasonable price and delicious“

“My firm has been a tenant here for several years and in two different suites. Office rent and ancillary costs are very reasonable, leasing office staff is always helpful and accommodating, and any needed repairs are addressed promptly. 10/10 would highly recommend!“

“Quality meat that’s not frozen. Good ventilation. Prompt service.“

“These guys went above and beyond having known it was a chilly night to be eating outdoor, they provided us with blankets! What a touch of service-golden!“

“You can tell this is a family owned business that really cares about its quality. All the chicken are freshly fried, that's why there is a bit of a wait. The waffle is actually my favorite, super crispy, best waffles I've had in a while.“

“Honestly the best kbbq place in irvine. From quality of meat to the attentive and friendly staff, this spot is the restaurant to go for any occasion. The meat was so tender and fresh with the marinate being just right. Highly recommend to everyone!“

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

“Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this spot! First of all, their Wagyu Stacker is hands down one of the best dishes I’ve ever had — it’s incredible every single time.

The buffet is always spotless and well-maintained, which I really appreciate. It’s also super family-friendly. I’ve been here with both large groups and smaller parties, and they’re always accommodating and welcoming.

The pricing feels very reasonable for the quality you’re getting. You can truly taste the difference — the meat quality is excellent. They also offer outdoor seating, and dogs are allowed on the patio, which is a huge plus.

It’s consistently delicious every time I visit. I’ll definitely be coming back anytime I’m in Irvine!“

“We ordered the Kalbi Starter Set and it was honestly the perfect portion. It’s $59 per person and comes with two signature cuts — the 48-hour aged center-cut kalbi was super tender and flavorful, and the American Wagyu brisket was rich but balanced. Everything is cooked tableside, which makes the experience feel elevated and stress-free.

The quality of the meat really stands out, and the shaken kimchi and sides made the meal even better. The space is modern, not overly smoky, and great for a date night or dinner with friends at the Spectrum.

Solid food, great vibes, and definitely worth coming back for.“

“Actually came in here because the other restaurant I was planning to go had a long wait. This restaurant didn’t look busy at prime dinner time so I was a little reluctant but I only had 1 hour to eat before my next stop. Service was quick and food came out fast. Soft soon tofu soup included everything just like BCD but more variety of banchan. They were very generous with refilling the side dishes too. As I was eating, I noticed they had nonstop takeout orders getting picked up. I got the bulgogi/soon tofu combo. The bulgogi was good and tasted authentic but I think the only miss was the soon tofu soup lacked a bit of umami flavor.“

“Great owner, great staff at this location I had the pleasure of working with for a few weeks as a kitchen helper...Place is kept clean, open, welcoming...Staff is humble and polite, they do their best to be accomadating, they work hard, together and help each other...Everything made and cooked well, beef, chicken, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, avacados, onions, oranges, salad, white rice, brown rice, tofu, kimchi, sauces, soda fountain, iced teas...Two TV screens, music, inside and outside seating, restroom, take-out, phone orders, catering...Not a huge selection, bit pricey, but healthy, tasty, well worth it...Shout-out to the great Irvine crew: Abid, Abbas, Alex, Juan, Irma, Jovani, Luz, Evelyn...Also locations in Long Beach, El Monte, Diamond Bar, Ximeno... ???????

Vegetarian options: Salad, orange, avocado, rice, tofu, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, onions...“

“The chicken mini bowl was delicious. Quality meat and not greasy. Also, try the sauce to bring more flavor to your meat. Service was good, easy to order and no hassles. The place is small, so dine-in wasnt an option for us, but plenty of outside seating since the restaurant is located in a food plaza.

Thanks for the experience.“