50 Best Korean Restaurants near La Jolla

“Absolutely delicious Korean fried chicken. Tasted fresh, the chicken was so moist and so well cooked. It was fried to perfection. I got the garlic flavor and it was divine. 10 out of 10. It is a take away restaurant predominantly but there is some seating.“

“Opting for the organic tofu and veggies bowl, I enjoyed a very good, quick, and healthy meal. The tofu was expertly prepared, offering a flavorful and satisfying experience. The combination of soy and hot sauce added delightful flavors to the dish. From the ordering process to picking up the meal, the overall experience was great. I'm definitely looking forward to returning!“

“We sat at Sam Cha’s sushi bar and it was amazing. This will be our go-to place for sushi. Great food, fun ambiance, easy parking. We can’t wait to return.“

“A Culinary Masterpiece: An Unforgettable Evening with Chef Jiwoo Choi From the moment my girlfriend, Kassandra, and I stepped into the Choi’s in downtown San Diego, we knew we were about to experience something truly special. What followed was an extraordinary seven-course tasting menu crafted by the incredibly talented Chef Jiwoo Choi, a chef whose passion for food is evident in every detail of his dishes. Chef Choi created the menu around several questions sent via email before the date. He truly took his time to understand his customers and who they were. The dinner was designed around my girlfriend, for whom the night was centered around for Valentines Day. The customer service was impeccable from the start. The hostess greeted us warmly, immediately making us feel at home, and the entire staff was attentive yet unobtrusive throughout the evening. We were sat at an oval table exclusively to ourselves with candles and wonderful ambiance. Included was a little note card that read “A Dinner Written By You” . Wow. Our server was Chef Choi himself. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the ingredients, offering insightful explanations of each dish, telling the story of the meal, and even sharing about the inspiration behind his creations. The entire team worked seamlessly together, ensuring that every moment of our dining experience felt effortless and elegant. Now, onto the food—a true work of art. Each course was not just a meal but a beautifully presented masterpiece that engaged all the senses. Chef Choi has a remarkable ability to balance flavors, textures, and aromas in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish had a story, each bite revealing new layers of complexity and creativity. Some standout dishes included: A delicate amuse-bouche that set the tone for the evening, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Inspired by Kimchi, a sauce enveloped the bits of tofu with a fried rice cake. A The main course was an Australian Wagyu with fingerling potatoes in a chile con carne sauce based from my girlfriend’s childhood. The wagyu melted in our mouths. Potatoes so crispy and delicious you forgot what other potatoes tasted like. A sauce so savory, bursting with tomatillo, garlic, and other flavors. Perfectly balanced as all things should be. The unexpected dish that left me in so much shock was the Greek wedding soup. A cold dish that is better experienced than explained. If I could eat that everyday for the rest of my life it would never be enough. Nothing I could say would live up to the incredible flavors. I ate mine and half my girlfriend’s portion. Finally, a dessert course that was as stunning as it was delicious, showcasing unexpected flavor combinations that worked in perfect harmony. A hot desert, a play on sticky rice. Cardamon, sugar, a small stone fruit with rich notes of raisin and plum. The second dessert was unexpected and intended for my likes (which I found to be such a class act). A ferment plum wine reduction that he infused into a frozen dish (somewhere in the realm of sorbet meets gelato) with a crème brûlée top. Amazing, outstanding. Chef Choi himself took the time to visit our table, a gesture that truly elevated the experience. He shared his inspiration for the menu, spoke about the ingredients, and genuinely wanted to ensure that we were enjoying ourselves. This level of dedication and personal touch is rare and speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft and his guests. He even orchestrated a surprise set of roses for my girlfriend and played it off like I planned it. By the end of the evening, Kassandra and I were completely in awe. The attention to detail, the passion behind every dish, and the warmth of the staff made this one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. Chef Jiwoo Choi and his team went above and beyond, creating an evening we will never forget. Five stars are simply not enough!“

“Just finished a Bibimbap cooking class at Sue's, so fun! Loved learning a bit about Korean cooking. Our meal was delicious and so filling! Sue was warm, kind, thoughtful, and detailed. Looking forward to trying take out next time.“

“I had a random Saturday night craving for Korean chicken wings and this place was the answer to my prayers. Got the sweet and spicy wings and they were everything I dreamed of. So crispy, tender and flaky. They were so savory and spicy enough to challenge me, but not to the point of giving up. I’ll definitely be back.“

“We went on a Friday night and it was packed. Waited about 20 min to get seated. While the server was nice, service was horrendously slow and getting our food was even worse. We ordered 3 appetizers, a bento box, ramen and about 8 rolls. The appetizer rook so long that the owner gave me a free beer and apologized. Then my hubby's bento box and daughter's ramen came out first. They were fully finished while we were still waiting on our rolls. The owner came by again to apologize and gave us a free roll. She also came by when we were finished and again apologized profusely for the long delays with our food.

With that said, everything was fresh and delicious. We will definitely go back, but not on a Friday night.“

“Visiting family from the East Coast and my daughter took me here today. I was stationed in Daegu South Korea for 2 years while in the Army. we used to get bb.q chicken almost every weekend. The kids loved it and so did I. This was my first time having it in 8 years and it immediately brought me back to being in Daegu. The food was amazing and brought us right back to being there. I highly recommend you check them out, you won't regret it!“

“Pretty good. Got 3 hot soups and then a galbi combo with cold noodle soup. The naengmyeon was just OK. The bone broths were much better. Although, the portions are pretty small. Only 4 banchan. Only 4 stars because the price-quantity value is not the greatest. Still, pretty delicious bone broths. Will be back when it’s chilly out and I need a warm-up.“

“No lie- Its rare to see a restaurant that can keep a high level of reviews. This is no lie! Steamy Piggy was FIRE. Ramen was TOP 10 hands down. A Creamy smooth slightly sweet pork tonkotstu. perfectly cooked thin Chasu pork medium noodles. the egg was not marinated well but if u let it sit til the end it absorbed the broth well. The pineapple fried rice was also spot on perfectly cooked shrimp and the hint of sweetness from the pineapple hit.

Will return!“

“Dalbam Moon Night is an absolutely wonderful restaurant, a true hidden gem! The atmosphere is both vibrant and cozy; it feels joyful being here. Service is excellent; our waitress Saki was extremely kind, welcoming, and helpful. And the food is some of the best on Convoy, definitely the best for Korean cuisine. Everything we ordered was sensational, savory, and just right. We will definitely be returning here.“

“Delicious food and great atenttion“

“This restaurant is said to be a branch from Korea, and the interior definitely feels authentically Korean. It’s very clean, and the walls are filled with photos of Korean celebrities, so it really seems like a place that’s also popular in Korea. The side dishes were delicious too—especially the potatoes. The seasoning was so good that we asked for extra several times!
For the main dish, we ordered their signature pork bone soup. The broth was rich and flavorful, and you can adjust the spice level if you want it spicy. All the ingredients were very fresh. The pork bones were cooked until the meat was super tender, and the portions were huge—more than enough for two people. We couldn’t finish it and ended up taking the rest home. It was very satisfying.
The staff helped with cooking and explained the dishes, making the whole dining experience really pleasant. Overall, it’s definitely worth a try! Great flavor, generous portions, and a must-visit spot for anyone who loves pork bone soup.“

“If you're looking for quality Korean BBQ, then look no further than SongHak! We have come several times now, and we are always impressed by the quality of the food here.

Our favorite items to order are the Combo #3 as it gives a good variety of meats. You can see how beautiful the marbling is on the meat even before it's cooked, and you'll know you've made the right choice eating here!

We like getting some of their other menu items like Tteokbokki and Kimchi Pancake that tie the meal all together nicely.

Would definitely recommend coming to Songhak for a great Korean BBQ meal!“

“Just keep in mind I came here on a Monday at 6 PM so we didn't have to wait for a table or battle for parking. This parking lot was not turned into a paid lot try. It's where Chorus and Hive are. It's still fairly new so the menu is slightly limited. We saw photos of dishes on the wall but were told they were not available until next year. The jjajangmyeon was slightly watery. I got the "meat" one so there were strips of grilled pork. My husband got the "spicy" one which was green chili on top. It was not crazy spicy according to him but it was not that painful spicy. We got the chili shrimp and I really liked that. It was crispy, fried jumbo shrimp over with sweet chili sauce on a bed of cabbage. It had enough heat making your lips feel some heat. I liked it even though it's not a fancy dish. If I don't have to come on a busy weekend night I'm down to come back.

Oh just be ready to order on really slow tablets but your order gets through as long you're patient with the tablets. The tables are far enough where you feel like you're not on top of each other like at other restaurants in Convoy.“

“Bombtastic as usual! Been going for ever! Total San Diego staple!“

“Loved the Korean cuisine at Chon Ju Jip on Convoy Street! Nice, small, family style restaurant that makes you feel you are dining at someone’s home. We enjoyed the #25 bossam and #32 Jap-chae. Everything was delicious, definitely one of the top if not top Korean food in San Diego. Friendly staff and the food came out quick. There can be a line and wait depending on the time you go. Highly recommend!“

“Great to share in good company!“

“Good variety of proteins, lots of amazing sauces, veggies, and overall good vibes. My most favorite part that I love about this place is that you get the opportunity to be creative and become your own chef. Another great thing is you yourself get to serve and pick what you want since it’s buffet. Have fun, enjoy, and have a good time whether it’s for a date night or with a group of family or friends. Definitely a place I will go back.“

“Always a great time shopping at Korean grocery store H Mart near Convoy Street! Large selection of Asian groceries, great quality seafood, sushi, and meat, snacks, produce, rice, as well utensils, household goods and more. Friendly staff and check out lines move quickly. Nice food court and other little shops as you enter. Recommend!“

“With so many amazing options at the H Mart food court, the competition was tough, but we decided on Moobongri. We ordered the soondaeguk and dogani-sooyuk and were blown away by the generous portions, rich flavor, and true authenticity. If you’re looking for a hearty, traditional Korean meal, we highly recommend them!“

“Every time I go to work and leaving work, I see this place and planning to go here. I finally got a chance to today. The place is hidden and probably does get busy during lunch hours, but the place is very clean and the aroma is smells delicious! I’ll post a PS after I get my takeout order. Stay tuned!“

“The food was absolutely amazing! The service was excellent! The atmosphere was great! We will definitely be back. We wanted to try every single dish on the menu! Tried 4 this time and will be back to try the other dishes. This is a must go to place!“

“This place is the cats meow. Don’t sleep on this convoy gem.“

“First timer. Not dissapointed at all. Food was yummy“

“Si ojalá iii iii Ku m lo más seguro“

“When they first opened up, I ordered their seafood soon tofu. The food was just okay. There was nothing special that popped out to me and their banchan was just ok. What I appreciated was that they gave you packets of seaweed with your meal. I came back another day and got their seafood kalguksu and the consistency of the broth was more thick than what I was used to. It wasn't horrible, but definitely an interesting taste.“

“This restaurant has always been a long standing favorite of mine for late night Korean food, karaoke, and cocktails. The vibe is just a chill place for you and your people’s to hang out. Staff is always helpful because it’s always packed.

It’s been standing for as long as it has because it’s that good and consistent.

My favorites: chicken wings, corn cheese, the side dishes, and soju cocktails“

“We had a good experience. I had never been to the Barrio Logan Food Hub before, but you check in and pick up the food through a locker system, which was efficient, just a surprise.
We are gluten free and it was amazing being able to eat sauces and fried chicken safely. We are visiting from Nashville and we hope to see moonbowls there someday!“

“Epic grub! Will be back for sure!!“

“I had such a wonderful experience at this Flame Broiler location! This was my first time visiting this specific location, and I was truly impressed. The restaurant was spotless, and I really appreciated the outdoor seating option. that it made the visit even more enjoyable.

I want to give a special and heartfelt thank you to Elma. Elma's customer service was genuinely above and beyond. Elma is an incredibly kind and compassionate person, and Elma made my experience feel safer, more comfortable, and absolutely amazing. It’s rare to come across someone who brings that level of warmth to their work, and I’m so grateful.

I ordered the chicken with white rice, carrots, and green onions, one of the few options I can eat with my allergies. As always, Flame Broiler delivered the consistent flavors and textures I love.

Thank you, Elma, for being so awesome! I’ll definitely be returning to this location.“

“Delicious food and great atenttion“

“This is a cozy, home-style Korean–Chinese restaurant tucked away in a corner of the Convoy area, perfect for those craving comforting, everyday flavors. As soon as you walk in, you feel a warm, family-style atmosphere. The owner is very welcoming and friendly, making the experience comfortable and pleasant.

Based on recommendations from Xiaohongshu, we ordered the seafood pancake, spicy tofu soup, and grilled pork belly. The portions were generous and the value was good — even with two people, we only managed to eat about half and couldn’t finish everything. Flavor-wise, it was just okay for me, not quite as amazing as others had described. The food leans toward a hearty, traditional fusion of Korean and Chinese flavors rather than anything fancy.

If you usually enjoy the taste of casual Korean eateries, it’s worth giving this place a try.“

“I love the options of non-pork broth they have. We had beef ramen and some chicken skewers all were good. For ramen, you have to put their special sauce on the table, it really was elevating the flavor, and don’t forget to order spicy sauce on the side. Their chicken skewers were juicy yet crispy, delicious!! All they need at this point is more seatings especially for big group ☺️“

“Came here wanting to try the staples and I'm glad I did! The ordering process was great, there wasn't anyone in line and the server took our order so quickly!

There were lots of sides offered off to the side of the register which was nice and there wa plenty of seating inside to food court.

I ordered the Jajjangyum + Tangsuyuk. The Jajjangyum was one of the best i have ever had honestly, the sauce was perfectly think with pieces of onion, pork snd potatoes inside and the noodles were perfectly thick and bouncy. The Tangsuyuk was fried nicely? Not too hard and very delicate breading that was nice. The radish that came with the meal was such a nice touch as well.

Over all such a good authentic Korean spot in the wonderful land of Hmart!“

“Yum! So many meats and goodies to choose from. I love the self-order kiosk right at the table. Prices seem reasonable given the all you can eat format.

Be aware that it is all about the meats at a place like this. Vegetables are in short supply, but condiments are available plus rice, corn, mushrooms, onions.

I highly recommend this place whether you are with your significant other, best friend or a whole group of friends. The only drawback is that they get busy and they don't take reservations. So, you may have a little bit of a wait.“

“This place is good at first I was really bummed to see bibigo disappear and was thinking that nothing would ever replace it ,but this place does a fine job at that. I really enjoyed all the food here and it has motivated me to. visit the UTC more often so I can eat here.“

“all is good!“

“Took my friend to her very first late night Korean pub. We had such a good time here and so was everyone else. It was loud and boisterous, but like I said, everyone was having a good time.
The food is pub-grade but no complaints. It was after midnight and we were HUNGRY!
garlic edamame- nice strong garlic flavor but wish it had more salt or heat . This was quickly fixed with a dish of salt.
Ramen was okay, but I liked my katsu with curry.
The service was seven stars. (remember to hit the call button if you need anything; otherwise like most asian restaurants, they try to leave you alone)
Would definitely go again for late night refueling.“

“Stumbled upon this little restaurant in Miramar when I was in the area. Came in for a late lunch and the place was empty. There was a musty smell and I think it must be because the building is old. But the restaurant was clean and service was quick.
I ordered my chicken,beef, and veggie combo rice bowl to go. There was a lot of food and the price was very reasonable. Good place to grab lunch on the go.“

“My favorite Nashville hot chicken sandwich and tenders!!!!!!“

“Gen Korean BBQ House is all about the all-you-can-eat experience, loud, busy, and built for groups. The meat quality is decent, not premium, but satisfying when you’re grilling nonstop. Service can lag when it’s packed, so patience helps. It’s more about volume and vibe than finesse, but still a fun, filling spot when you’re in the mood to eat a lot.“

“Staff very attentive and friendly“

“Amazing food!!!!❤️👍👍 must try“

“The menu has a solid selection of meats and seafood. The highlights for us were the 5-Spiced Marinated Lamb, Marinated Pork-Belly, the Sweet Spicy Cajun Chicken, and the Cumin Squid—all packed with flavor and cooked beautifully over the charcoal, which provided a unique, smoky-char flavor. The sides/appetizers (Rice Paper, Beef Soup, Steamed Egg, House Salad) were similar to what you’ll find at most Korean BBQ places, but the Boiled Whole Peanuts were a pleasant surprise. They were perfectly boiled and had a great texture. As for the sauces, I highly recommend their House Garlic Sauce, Sea Salt Sesame Oil, and House-Spicy Powder, which pair well with their vast meat menu.
One thing to keep in mind is that the restaurant is pretty small, so it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to arrive as early as possible since it can get crowded very quickly. My group ended up waiting about 1.5 hours for a table. Despite the wait, the food was excellent, and the staff was very accommodating, attentive, and professional throughout the experience.
Overall, this spot is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something a little different from the typical KBBQ experience.
P.S. This might become a new “Fire Spot” for the homies to hang out 🔥“

“This was probably one of the best kbbq experiences I’ve had. It was a little pricey we ordered 3 things off the menu and spent about $100 but it was well worth it. We ordered the marinated shortrib and marinated chicken and seafood/vegetable pancake.
Pancake wasn’t what we were used to but they put a crispy panko crust over the top that made it so much better!
Chicken was soooo flavorful all the way through.
Shorts rib was by far in my top 3 marinated short ribs of all time. Tender, flavorful, good char.
We also ordered a Barley tea (never had it before) and immediately after we left we went to H Mart to buy a bag (sadly they did not have any for sale at the KBBQ spot). Had it for breakfast the next day and had out leftovers for lunch the next day.“

“Zzan sushi on convoy is sooooo delicious! the staff are the sweetest people, including the owner Tyler. They answered all our questions and were so patient. Everything we ordered was a 10/10. The vibes were so lovely and fun. We came as a group of 4 around 10pm and the wait was only 5-10 mins on a Friday night. So much fun!“

“Always my favorite chicken place to go to. ☺️“

“Fun place. It's part bar and dinning area and then the back has karaoke rooms. The rooms were spacious and the song options were large. Our room seemed to be the only one that didn't have a tablet in it to order food and drink so we had to walk to the front to do so. Otherwise we had a great time.“

“affordable, friendly and fast service“