50 Best Korean Restaurants in Irvine

“I recently visited Mubong-ri Soondae-guk and decided to try their cheese tonkatsu instead of the usual soondae-guk, and I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying the meal was. The breading on the pork cutlet was perfectly crispy, and once I cut into it, the generous amount of cheese inside melted out beautifully, adding a great visual appeal. The meat itself was tender and not chewy at all, making it a dish that anyone would enjoy, and the harmony with the provided sauce was excellent. Since it is a restaurant specializing in soondae-guk, I didn't have high expectations, but I was truly shocked by the high quality, which rivaled that of specialized tonkatsu restaurants. The savory flavor of the cheese filling the mouth was a real treat. If you are looking for a hearty and delicious meal, I highly recommend trying the cheese tonkatsu at Mubong-ri. I will definitely be coming back!“

“Top tier Korean bbq restaurant where they cook everything for you and you just get to relax and enjoy. The meat quality is superb and the best option is the beef/pork combo. The side dishes are limited but easily made up for by the main dishes. The place gets very busy so it is best to make a reservation. The entire vibe is casual and all of the servers greet you when you walk in. Really great experience, service, vibe, and food. Best part is the ventilation above the grill is great and sucks up all the smoke effectively“

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

“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.“

“walked in figuring it was gonna be just ok, but it was actually so good that im still thinking about it... tofu was perfectly chewy and the sauce had this instant kick...

food came out alot faster than I expected, total surprise“

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

“Our family loves Kaju food.“

“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!“

“The best chicken bites I've had for a long time. The chan chan sauce is phenomenal. We're coming back. Parking is usually easy but today USA plays Australian in FIFA so it took a bit. We were able to watch the game during our meal.“

“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 ❤️“

“Good food and very friendly environment“

“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。“

“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.“

“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.“

“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 !“

“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.“

“My partner and I got the 돼지갈비 김치찜 Pork Rib Kimchi Hot Pot and it was very delicious! We can’t handle too much spice, so they kindly offered us an extra bowl of bone broth to add in. Service was excellent! We got there just after 6pm on a Friday for dinner and there was no wait even without a reservation. It did get packed around 7pm, but there were still a few tables left. Portions were large so we couldn’t finish, but they offered us to-go containers, which made great leftovers the next day. 10/10“

“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.“

“Katsu elevated to an art form. The panko crust on the pork and chicken is perfectly crisp and never greasy, and the house-made tonkatsu sauce is something special. When I'm out with clients who want a deep dive into Irvine's incredible Asian food scene, this is always on the list. Minimalist space, focused menu, executed with real care and precision. If you love Japanese comfort food, this is required eating.“

“Kalbi Social at Irvine Spectrum is a great spot if you’re craving bold Korean BBQ flavors in a modern, casual setting.

The food really delivers—especially the short rib (kalbi), which is tender, well-marinated, and grilled perfectly. The meats come out sizzling and flavorful, and the banchan (side dishes) are fresh and a nice complement to the meal. The rice bowls and shareable plates are also solid if you’re not going full BBQ.

The drinks are surprisingly good for a BBQ spot. They’ve got a fun mix of cocktails and soju-based drinks that pair well with the smoky, savory food. Nothing feels too heavy or overly sweet, which makes it easy to keep ordering another round.

The vibe is lively and stylish—definitely more of a social, hangout-type restaurant than a traditional BBQ house. Great for groups, date nights, or grabbing food before or after walking the Spectrum.

Overall, Kalbi Social is a strong addition to the Irvine dining scene—great flavors, fun atmosphere, and an easy go-to when you want Korean BBQ with a modern twist.“

“Clean store and tons of Asian products too“

“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.“

“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!“

“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“

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

“Really delicious food and friendly service! My friends and I got the bossam and marinated crab - the bossam was not too fatty and came with a refreshing sauce and the crab was fresh and flavorful. They were also generous with the banchan refills.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“Nice place to hang out with friends“

“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...“

“This was my first time coming to HMart as I live 2 1/2 hours away. To my surprise they had a full on food court where I found Cho Dang and I want to say the food was absolutely AMAZING!!!!! I had the Hot Stone Spicy Pork Bibimbap the food was sizzling the aroma was pleasing and the taste was incredible the pork was very tender and flavorful. I will definitely take the 2 hour car ride to come eat here again!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“Love this place! Food is always great. Made fresh. Staff are always nice and give great service. My favorite thing to get here is the TUNA MELT! I am not a fan of tuna at all until I had theirs. There are times where they will run out because they make a certain amount of tuna salad for the day. Not complaining about that, I just know that it was made fresh that day, so I definitely love it! So order ahead by calling in. If you're not a fan of it at all, give any of their sandwiches a try and ask them to add that chipotle sauce, changes everything, you will thank you me later. If you are in the Irvine area, give them a try!

Kid-friendliness: They have baby seat chairs for dine-in and kid friendly items as well.

Parking: Since this is a small cafe surrounded by business establishments it will be difficult to park but it is fortunate that you do not have to pay for any parking. Usually people come to just pick up and go so parking isn't usually a problem.“

“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!“

“I love it good service thanks“

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