50 Best Korean Restaurants near Lake Forest

“Haven't been here in awhile and my nephew wanted this for dinner and we stopped by. He love the galbi which you can order as a plate/bowl for extra or as a side. We ended up ordering a double side which is very reasonably priced and decent amount of food.

I also got the plate with galbi and 4 sides which I also enjoyed. Overall a decent amount of food for the price and the quality is good.“

“I was craving Korean food, so I went here, and everything was absolutely delicious! We had bossam, green onion chicken, bibim naengmyeon, mul naengmyeon, and pajeon, and every dish was so good. I highly recommend this place! The server was also incredibly kind, and the food came out hot and quickly. Definitely worth a visit!“

“This spot is great for hungry teens or adults to grab an after school snack, dine in, or get a meal to go. \n‘Twas hard to believe the perfectly cooked brown rice and generous portions of my “half and half” bowl—beef n chicken with veggies topped by their Magic Sauce—-totally delicious!“

“3rd time here. Tasty and great food in a no frills clean mom and pop vibe AV location that I think competes well against other Asian restaurants in the s. Oc area. Definitely worthy of a try if you are looking for Korean (Asian) style food. Nice Service too“

“Delectable though a bit pricey $$$ for lunch“

“I see why this place has such high reviews... at first, I was a bit skeptical, but I am so happy I decided to try 9 Dish out. It might even be my new favorite soft tofu house... As a Korean who frequents BCD and Kaju, I was very pleasantly surprised by 9 Dish's dining experience. They served small appetizers of soup and salad first, which I've never experienced at any other Korean restaurant in the US. The salad was fresh and springy, and the soup was simple and comforting. They brought our food out on a wooden tray with 9 dishes, hence the name! I thought that was cute. 1 for rice, 1 for the soft tofu, and a whopping 7 dishes for all the diverse side dishes. There were givens like kimchi, marinated quail eggs, and bean sprouts, but the rest were filled with tteokbokki, a mini pancake, macaroni salad, and glazed mushrooms! Where most other shops would provide only ~4 dishes of the very basic, traditional seasonal side dishes of Korea, 9 Dish provided us more in terms of both quantity and quality. I love to taste food and having brought a friend who had never tried Korean food before, I deeply appreciated the comprehensive variety of their menu. Everything was solid too, very tasty, and if you got tired of one thing, you could just jump to another. I enjoyed the soft tofu soup in particular. It was incredibly flavorful, the heat was perfect, and I was surprised by its sweetness which I've always felt was missing in most other soft tofu soups I'd tried. If the food wasn't enough, the service and atmosphere of the restaurant were equally great! We came in close to closing, but they told us not to feel rushed, and checked up on us often, tending to all of our questions and requests in a kind yet efficient manner. The interior and decor were simple, clean, and homey, with old kpop playing sweetly in the background instead of new, overplayed hits blasting like most places. We felt comfortable the whole while, and left with a stomach full of delicious food. Our only complaint was that we were too full! Will definitely be returning <3“

“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!“

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

“Heard there was a new soondubu spot in OC, so I swung by over the weekend- turns out it was their soft opening. I was surprised to learn they're already a well-known brand with a strong rep in the midwest & east coast, and that their OC debut was actually highly anticipated.
They started us off with the complimentary banchan which are always my favorite. The standout for me was the fishcake which perfectly seasoned and surprisingly fresh and I also really enjoyed the corn dish.
For food, my friends and I each got a soondubu and shared the seafood pancake, galbi ribs, and a pork katsu bento. Every single dish was mouthwateringly good. I can't handle a lot of spice, but their mild soondubu was a true mild with just the right amount of seasoning with a gentle kick. The portions here are also more generous than BCD's...the bowl was loaded with tofu and that rich, flavorful broth. Nothing was watered down and every bite was just tasty, umami bliss. I also really loved the galbi ribs, they tasted out of this world and not overly greasy.
The portion size was generous too!
One thing that stood out to me was how clean and inviting this space was, you can really feel the care and thought that is put into every corner. Atter a meal at BCD, I usually want to head out right away as it's more of a get in & get out experience. But dining at SGD was the opposite! It felt warm, modern, and homey. The vibe makes you want to linger (and also because the service is excellent). For the quality and portions, everything here feels like such a steal.
i'm so glad this spot opened close to home, l'll definitely be back!“

“Whenever I visit Orange County, I stop by at Annies Table to pickup Korean food back to Arizona. Wonderful Korean Food. I wish I have a place like this back home in Arizona. I have tried a handful dishes recommended by the owner chef, Annie, and they were all really good!!!

I recommend this place for a quick bite or togo for any Korean or fusion Korean food in your mind.“

“Our family loves Kaju food.“

“Good food and very friendly environment“

“I Can Barbecue Korean Grill is a popular all-you-can-eat (AYCE) Korean barbecue restaurant chain known for combining traditional tabletop grilling with modern technology and inclusive menu options.

Interactive Dining:
Diners cook a wide selection of meats, chicken, seafood, and vegetables on built in gas fire grills right at their tables.

Halal & Inclusive Options:
The restaurant stands out for offering certified halal meat choices alongside classic K-BBQ favorites, allowing mixed groups to share the same culinary experience.

Robotic Servers:
I Can Barbecue Korean Grill uses playful robotic food runners to help deliver trays and keep service moving efficiently between rounds.

Traditional Accompaniments: Every meal includes an assortment of traditional banchan (Korean side dishes), vegetarian options, dipping sauces, and various beverages including Korean beer, wine, and soju.

Locations:
The concept operates multiple SoCal locations in areas such as Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Fountain Valley, and San Diego.

As for this Canadian traveller from Vancouver BC, what’s a west coast party without K-BBQ?!
It’s definitely delicious here. The ingredients are fresh. The service is good. Prices are higher for the Canadian tourists because of the conversion rate. But the hospitality is cozy here. The experience is good. Highly recommended 👌.“

“So we initially came here after hearing about this spot on IG reels. Love Korean food in general so we were excited. Ironically we had been to this plaza plenty of times for other food but never heard of this place.

So to our surprise it’s an AMAZING VALUE… and we weren’t even anticipating saving money.
We got the $45 “set b” which included 2 beers, 2 sides, 8pc of their fried chicken… seemed more like $70 worth of food and drink. Nowadays, you don’t see this with inflation and whatnot.

Quality and taste were amazing. Got the wing garlic/dry with the sauce on the side. Meat was juicy tender and delicious .I really liked the orange dipping sauce in particular.

Beer came out super cold in large chilled mugs, draft Sapporo totally hit the spot.

For the sides got the kimbap mini rolls and the pork and sizzling peppers (amazing).

We will definitely be back!“

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

“I stopped in for lunch when I received an unexpected call and had to leave before my food was ready. I asked if I could come back to pick it up to go later and the staff/owner were very accommodating. When I came back later they had even saved my beer for me in the fridge. I wasn't able to eat for a couple hours after I picked it up, but it was still so delicious. I got a combo with 8pc nigiri and a spicy tuna roll. It was awesome. Highly recommend. Thanks Tomo Sushi!“

“This place is a hidden gem. 10/10 would eat again. The food is great. The staff are friendly. There are a TON of choices for drinks and sides (bottled drinks and individual chip bags). Large enough menu for both lunch and breakfast and they have rotating daily specials. They will be happy to make you a lunch time sandwich even at 8am.Can’t compliment this place enough. If you are in the area and want a quick and easy breakfast/lunch this is the place!“

“There were so many items on the menu I wanted to try, but I'd have to settle for coming back because my order of ComboB exceeded all expectations!
DIY rice balls (warm rice) 5* perfectly refreshing flavors.
Cheese buldak 5* cheese and chicken? Genius!
Fried chicken + Fries 5* juicy boneless chicken w perfect seasoned batter. Fried just right!
Clam soup 5* warning, can be spicy. Don't let th clear broth fool u!

Service was 5* we chose to sit outdoors cuz we brought our dog, and they set up a table on their patio for us (w a fan, cuz hot outside! That's service!)

Highly recommended. I didn't have any alcohol, but it would go great with food. They offer soju bombs w a beer tower.. how fun is that!!!

Can't recommend enough. Will be back to try other dishes.“

“came here for the first time last week and honestly wish i’d found it sooner. the guy behind the counter was super friendly and helped me pick out something good since i couldn’t decide. definitely gonna be coming back, its my new favorite spot in the area.“

“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。“

“Such a fun place for Korean BBQ! We ordered a variety of meats, and everything was fresh and flavorful. The beef was tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly on the grill. I really enjoyed having kimchi, vegetables, and bean sprouts grilled alongside the meat. The side dishes were also delicious and complemented the meal very well. Service was quick and attentive, and the restaurant had a nice energetic atmosphere. It was a great dining experience, and I would definitely recommend this place to others.“

“Service was friendly and quick, and i got food.“

“I was able to pick up my food once I got there after a long morning at work. The person who was working in front immediately greeted me and helped me out! The food was top tier! It was my first time getting boneless wings and I can see myself doing that again“

“It is a great place that opens till very late. We came at almost midnight and had some cold beer and authentic food. Some of the food is very authentic such as the blood sausage. We tried that and some fried whole chicken, fried tofu, and squid. It was nice you can just ordered thru the pad and they served quick. They gave us some free orange slices too.“

“Tried the original tteok-bokki and crispy cutlet combo here and loved it! The spicy rice cakes were delicious, and the fresh toppings like the perilla leaves added so much flavor. The cutlet was super crunchy and paired perfectly with the sauce. Highly recommend giving this combo a try!“

“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“

“A super lovely Korean meal - the galbi jjim was incredibly rich and tender with the meat falling right off the bone, and the yukgaejang had a nice kick and comforting flavor, and I loved the fern shoots in the dish that added some extra texture. The service was incredibly friendly with frequent check-ins and generous refills of banchan before we even had to ask. A very satisfying meal and some of the best Korean food I’ve had in a while.“

“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!“

“Delicious ice cream and best red bean paste! We can’t wait to go back!“

“A few things I love about this place:
1. Ample parking
2. Self-serve marinated meats and select sides
3. Tender meats

I don't have the patience to find parking or to wait around for service, so I loved being able to grab stuff myself (including rice). Staff was kind and food was great! Loved the short ribs, beef tongue, and marinated meats!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“my husband and I get lunch here weekly, on our way back from the gym. This is the best FB store that we've been to - from the friendly employee at the counter to the consistently delicious & healthy-tasting food that gets prepared super fast. It's our favorite FB location because of the people who work here and the food quality.“

“Was great. Lots of fresh veggies and side dishes that keep it interesting. As with all meals now price was a little high for 1 person meals at around 30.00 after taxes but was no small meal. Honestly one meal is enough to take home enough for a second meal so with that im ok with the price. Waitress was nice, even brought me a slice of watermelon after my meal as if I wasnt already stuffed. Lol. Definitely recommend. Good quality real food is hard to find in America these days. Was a feast .“

“If you're in the area and crave Korean food, this place is good enough. It's not amazing but it's also not bad either. A bit pricier compared to other options in my area so I'd personally wouldn't go out of my way to come back unless I happened to be in the area. Ordered extra spicy tofu soup and it was more of a 2.5 ish. Galbitang had some good flavoring. We tried out their new pig trotter salad and it was ok. The light mustardy sauce that came with it was not our preference and the meat was sliced super thin. Based on the amount that was included in the salad, it was maybe 85% veggies with no other seasoning mixed in. The included banchan was sufficient. Kimchi has good flavoring, so did the cucumber and fishcakes“

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

“You know a Korean barbecue place is good when they cook everything for you, and this place does just that. The staff are so efficient and friendly, preparing the meat right in front of you just the way you like and letting you know when you can dig in. All of the side dishes are wonderful too. The Kalbi experiences are the way to go, giving you everything you need for a complete and satisfying meal. The quality of the meat is evident and this is the first place I have been to that switches the type of grill for different meats. Excellent attention to detail. Very clean and well organized interior as well.“

“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!“

“very delicious and very economical“

“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.“

“If you’re craving jjangmyeon in Irvine, this is the spot for you! They’ve got tons of the classic dishes that pair perfectly with jjang and its flavors. Plus, the portions are generous, the service is top-notch, and you’ll feel like you’re in Korea because you’ll only see Koreans enjoying their meals here.“

“I recently visited this local business and had a great experience from start to finish. The staff was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely interested in helping me find exactly what I needed. The space was clean, well-organized, and had a comfortable atmosphere that made browsing enjoyable. Prices were fair for the quality offered, and everything felt thoughtfully curated. It’s clear they care about their customers and take pride in what they do. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending this place to friends and family.“

“VOKO is one of the few places where I can get really loose and have a lot of fun. Nothing beats a fun karekoke experience with amazing service in between. My favorite person to run into is Carlton at the front desk because he treats me and my friends with the upmost care and attention. Tip this man well and you will be taken care of and have an amazing nite. Go Carlton!“

“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!“

“Really enjoyed our dinner at Marble. My friend and I ordered the Wagyu steak and short ribs, and both were so good. The meat was really well marbled, juicy, and had great flavor.

They also have someone grilling the meat tableside, which made everything super easy. We didn’t have to worry about overcooking anything.

The banchan was generous, and the corn salad and bibimbap were probably my favorites. The steamed egg and soup at the end were a nice touch too.

The location in Woodbury is convenient, and parking was easy. It’s on the pricier side, but the meat quality was definitely there. We left very full and happy. Definitely a spot I’d come back to when I’m craving Korean BBQ in Irvine.“

“Went with my daughter and mom, we all got something different and all three of us were happy with our selections. I got a spicy dog classic style, it was spicy and delicious. My daughter got the 2 potato with mozzarella, her favorite always, she loved it, and my mom got the mozzarella with ranch, cheesy and delicious. Definitely a place I would eat at again. We sat outside and enjoyed the people watching and nice weather. The young men inside were helpful as my mom and I had never had a Korean corn dog before, but we left full and happy.“

“I'm no expert in Korean cold noodles but I found them to be quite delicious. This restaurant is in the middle of an H-Mart food court so the area is crowded and the table cleanliness leaves something to be desired.

I felt indecisive between the 물냉면 (cold noodles) and the spicier 비빔냉면 (spicy cold noodles) so the cashier was kind enough to give me spice on the side to add. Thank you!

Overall, I was satisfied by the experience and would certainly recommend it to another!“