50 Best Korean Restaurants near Lake Forest

“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!“

“I ordered the bi bim bap, it was delicious. Exceeded my expectations. The portion was more than enough. I'm from Hawaii where there are many great Korean restaurants. Umma's is on par with any one of them. There is no dining in the restaurant. Dining is outside.“

“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!“

“Stopped by for lunch and had a fantastic experience. We ordered the Donkatsu Plate, Spicy Tofu Soup Meal, and the Bulgogi Bowl, and every dish was delicious.

The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. My son has a sesame allergy, and they immediately checked with the kitchen and confirmed the ingredients.

The donkatsu was the thinner, smashed pork chop style with a perfectly crispy coating, and the house sauce paired with it was especially good. The bulgogi was tender and packed with flavor. The spicy tofu soup was on the milder side, making it a great option for anyone who enjoys the flavor without too much heat.

The food came out surprisingly fast, everything tasted fresh, and the service was excellent. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in the area!“

“I visited with my parents on a Sunday evening around 6:30 PM, and there was already about a 30-minute wait. We had made reservations, and I’d definitely recommend doing the same if you’re planning to visit during peak hours.

We ordered the Beef Combo, and the quality of the meat was excellent. There was a good variety of side dishes, and everything paired well with the meal. My favorite cut was the striploin—it was incredibly tender with a satisfying chewy texture. Even the chadol (brisket), which can sometimes be tough, was tender.

The service was fast and attentive. The staff will cook for you should you want.“

“This was the best soup I've ever eaten. The crab/mussels/clams were so good and cooked perfectly. The wait staff was amazing and the banchans were amazing. I cannot stress how amazing the food was. Great place to bring the whole family!“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“Had dinner here and I can say, it was one of the best Korean bbqs I’ve had. Service was impeccable. Food was amazing. Coming from Washington state, I’ve had my fair share of Korean bbq and this was one of the best. We got the premium package and did not regret it. Will definitely be back.“

“Chan Chan is such a cute little spot in Irvine! Their fried chicken is honestly my favorite in all of Irvine, it even tastes better than what I had in Seoul. The rose tteokbokki is chef’s kiss, that thick sauce is like creamy pasta meets tteokbokki in the best way. Service was super sweet and fast. The space is casual and clean. The $18 lunch deal is insane, huge chi‑bap, soup, fried squid & banchan. I will absolutely be back.“

“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。“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“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“

“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“

“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 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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Wow! What a find! Had lunch at Tomo Sushi and everything was just so genuinely good. I ordered the cucumber salad and the sashimi roll, and the chef surprised me with complimentary crab tempura. OMG… that crab tempura was incredible — the flavor just burst in your mouth.

And the miso soup? Definitely a winner. Not lukewarm like so many places… I mean actually hot, fresh, rich, and flavorful. You could really taste the care in it.

The sashimi roll was amazing too — “flavorful” honestly doesn’t even describe it. The fish tasted super fresh.

The restaurant itself is quiet and comfortable, with two chefs and one server, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Nothing felt forced or over-the-top… just genuine hospitality and really good food.

If you’ve never been here, honestly make the trip just to try it. Based only on what I tasted today, I’d absolutely come back again 🤗🍣🌹“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“Very reasonable price and delicious“

“Clean store and tons of Asian products too“

“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!“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Really enjoyed our dinner here. The tableside grilling service made the whole experience so much more relaxing—we could just enjoy the food and conversation without worrying about cooking the meat.

The Beef Combo L and pork belly were both excellent. The meat quality was great, and everything was cooked perfectly by the staff. Friendly service, comfortable atmosphere, and a place I’d happily come back to. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great Korean BBQ spot in Irvine.“

“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!“

“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 .“

“Great food concept and quality of the food itself. The kids working the counter lack social interaction skills and weren't really helpful in explaining the selection options making the service a bit underwhelming, but if you can get past that and figure out what combinations you want for the varying types of corn dogs they make, you can really get some decent food. A little pricey for corn dogs but they do taste like quality is a priority. No real place to chill and eat there (literally just two tables outside the front door) so definitely better to take out.“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“