40 Best Korean Restaurants near Palo Alto

“I ate here years ago and have since moved out of the area but that meal still ranks as one of the most memorable and delicious restaurant meals I’ve had. No frills, nothing fancy but the food was outstanding, served fast and sizzling hot. They’ve been in business for decades which is saying something! I can’t wait to eat here again when I’m back in town.“

“Tastes amazing as always, and the staff was friendly.

I’m giving 4 stars because I think the place could have a better-looking waiting area. It could be cleaner, and adding a couple of tables for seating would really help.“

“I just had lunch here with my mom, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much since we eat Korean food at home every day. But I have to say, this was the most memorable Korean restaurant experience we’ve had in a really long time.

The food was done right, and I could truly taste the effort put into every dish. The banchan was perfectly seasoned, cooked to the right texture, fresh, incredibly balanced, and so generous. I had the kimchi tofu soup and the pork belly combo. Again, both dishes tasted exactly like what they should have tasted like, not masked by intense or unnecessary flavors, but balanced and pleasant.

I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed every single banchan and dish that was served on the table. I used to find myself driving from Fremont down to Santa Clara for my fill of soondubu, but there is really no need anymore. This place exceeded all expectations, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for good, authentic Korean food.“

“Absolutely incredible experience at Don Blanc! If you’re looking for a good place in Santa Clara, this is the spot. The quality of the wagyu and beef short ribs is unmatched. You can really tell they don't skimp on the grade of meat. Even the side dishes were fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend. Took the work from us bbq the meat ourselves they took the time to do it for us.“

“Got the foods here with. Both items we ordered tastes very delicious. Prices are right on. Portions are pretty generous. Seatings are okay. Parking is good. I do recommend this place for good foods and casual eating that worth the price you pay. Linh recommend 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻“

“So good !!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥“

“Delicious food and great service. We love many dishes from this restaurant“

“Highly recommended! Sogongdong Tofu Town is a hidden gem inside the H Mart food court.
• The Food: Excellent bibimbap tofu, cooked to order with great portions. Very vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
• The Service: Sam is exceptionally warm and friendly!
• The Vibe: Quick and convenient with an easy-to-use ordering kiosk.“

“We had the best brunch ever at Giwa Dining. The decor, service, and food were all immaculate. You can tell that they put a lot of thought into the restaurant and into training staff. The food truly stood out and everything we ordered was spectacular: black sesame toast (recommend asking for more black sesame paste and sauce), truffle egg sando, sweet potato fries, and fried chicken. We’ll definitely be back for the souffle pancake and cheesy hamburg steak (dinner only).“

“Very nice ambiance and great service. All staffs look professional and prompt.“

“We did a pick-up order at bb.q chicken Apple Park today but decided to just eat it at the restaurant instead because we were so hungry. The person who was in charge of the cashier graciously offered us cups of water and service even if we had a take-out order. This location has always been amazing and the chicken itself (spicy original is our usual order) has been consistent throughout the 5+ years we've been coming here!“

“Beef Soup 5 super tender, juicy, some chewy, not spicy, flavorful
Gam Ja Tang 4 hot pot, pork spine, super bony, some juicy, some dry, potato, veggie, mild is not spicy, flavorful
Dwaeji Galbi Kimchi JJim 2 soup, pork ribs, too dry, bean sprouts, mild is not spicy“

“The food was great! In my bowl I got white rice and japchae mix, protein: bulgogi, carrots, cucumbers, and kimchi for my banchans. I also got a fried egg for a little extra. Everything was bomb, I would definitely go again. I'd like to try the other meats, i will say the meat was a little cold and wish it was a bit warmer.

For sauces I tried the Seoul Spicy Sauce and the Mayo Siracha and like both with my food. The service was friendly and chill.“

“The food here was great. We ordered the stone plate dish which is very good. I also liked their kimchi.
Their hot sauce(gochujang) wasn't as spicy as expected. It was more on the sweeter side.
However, overall good experience.“

“I went to this place for the first time last weekend and I did enjoyed the food a lot. The service was good and the food was also decent. They have so many different kinds of banchan, and they all tasted fresh and delicious. The hot stone bibimbap was good and not oily. We also ordered a kimchi pancake, I thought the flavor was good but since it was on the thicker side, so it lost a bit of the crunch and it was very filling. Overall, I like the food here and will definitely go back.“

“Indoor and outdoor dining. Great food, friendly service. Kimchee chige, bbq short ribs, ban chan and purple mixed grain rice was delicious. Plus the tofu is non GMO. 👍🏻“

“We ordered chicken soup/ Hanbang Dakgomtang from here for delivery on the regular. It's comforting, flavorful, and easy to digest. I recommend ordering it for yourself or if you need to send soup to a friend or family who needs a little love.“

“Absolutely the best all you can eat in buffet the area! So far I have been there over 10 times and not once did I receive anything less than superb quality of food and service. Every crew member here is super friendly, warm and efficient. The price is very reasonable for all-you-can-eat, considering the area it is located in. It’s always busy and usually there is a line during peak hours, but the wait is definitely worth it. Highly recommend anyone to try and become their new customers!(not that they need it since their business is already absolutely booming lol)“

“I don't venture out to San Carlos that much, but I was happy to try this Korean-Chinese restaurant! It was nice to find out that there were exclusive dishes that can ONLY be ordered at this location, so we made sure to order at least one of those items.

My favorites were the Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) and the Meat Jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles). Both had very different flavors, but still comforting. The seafood soup had a nice kick to it, but was perfect on that cold night we went. Noodle texture here is also pretty close to perfect with just enough bounce to them.

What we ordered:
* Chili Shrimp
* Black Pepper Beef (only available at this location!)
* Jjamppong
* Meat Jajangmyeon
* Garlic Soy Chicken Wings (10pc)“

“This place is absolutely incredible!!! The food is beyond delicious - especially the Korean dishes, which are so good they’ll leave you speechless. The service is wonderfully friendly, making the whole experience feel warm and welcoming. I also love that they have outdoor seating; it gives the restaurant such a pleasant and vibrant atmosphere.

If you go, you must try the Korean tteokbokki(spicy rice cake 떡볶이) korean fried chicken, and the kimchi fried rice , all highly recommended. Even the coffee is amazing here!!!! they serve it generously and it tastes fantastic.

Overall, a perfect spot for anyone looking for excellent food, outstanding service, and a great vibe!“

“Bibimbap hot pot with spicey pork, yum. lots of great vegetables and and the pork with egg over rice.“

“Great food! Staff are really nice. They give lots of ban chan.“

“We went here with our 1 year old and it was a great experience! Staff was very friendly and the ambience was good too :)
We tried the heart attack sushi and the mango crunch sushi and both of them were very tasty.
Would definately recommend this place!“

“OLHSO Truck isn’t just a food truck—it’s a fully automated robotic kitchen on wheels. Fresh ingredients are prepped daily by human chefs, but the actual cooking is done by a high-tech robot loaded with Chef Han’s perfected recipes. Once an order is placed, the truck’s system stir-fries everything while en route, so the food is piping hot and fresh just minutes before arrival.

For something made entirely by a machine, the food is impressively flavorful and well-executed.

Wagyu – Boneless wagyu short ribs marinated in a rich house sauce, stir-fried with fresh veggies. The meat is tender, packed with umami, and perfectly caramelized.

Dak Galbi – Chicken stir-fried in a gochujang-based spicy sauce with plenty of chewy rice cakes. The heat is customizable, but the deep, smoky flavor always shines.

SEOUL Food – A bold combination of kimchi, pork belly, soybean paste, and shrimp, all stir-fried together for layers of intense, savory flavor.

Japchae – Glass noodles tossed with mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-savory soy sauce. Light yet satisfying.

Orders are placed through their app, and the robotic kitchen times the cooking process to ensure food arrives fresh—not sitting in a takeout container for half an hour. The whole concept is futuristic and efficient, and for a meal made entirely by a robot, the taste is surprisingly impressive.“

“This place is amazing! The spare ribs are bbq'ed right in front of you along with all of the other meats. The owners are kind and very personable. :) I went here two days in a row. Delish!“

“This Korean BBQ restaurant truly exceeded my expectations! The quality of the beef is outstanding — easily comparable to the Hanwoo beef I’ve had in Korea. You can really taste how premium and fresh the meat is, especially when grilled.

The banchan (side dishes) selection is also very generous and well-prepared, offering great variety and authentic flavors. A special shoutout to their seasonings and sauces — the sauce selection is way more extensive than most Korean BBQ spots, and each one pairs perfectly with the meat.

Most importantly, this place is not just about BBQ. Their braised spicy pork ribs (the famous Korean spicy rib stew) are incredibly flavorful and deeply marinated, with the sauce soaking into every bite. It’s rich, spicy, and absolutely comforting.

Oh, BTW. Our sever is absolutely amazing, super helpful and very nice .

If you’re looking for authentic Korean flavors, high-quality meat, and amazing sauces all in one place, this spot is a must-try. Highly recommended!“

“I had the bento box at Mikado in downtown Los Altos and it was excellent. Everything was fresh, beautifully presented, and very flavorful. The portions were generous and well balanced, making it a perfect lunch.

Friendly service and a cozy atmosphere — I’ll definitely be back!“

“Where do you go when you’ve watched too much kdramas and you start salivating when the characters stary drinking soju with fried chicken??? Vons!!! That’s where I go at least. It’s the only korean place I know that’s at least a 10 min walk from our place. It never fails to satisfy my craving… and when you get there, the big screen tv is always playing some kdrama. I do wish they had more variety with the diahea they offer but then again the simplicity of the menu is what makes the service quick.
Von’s is clean and a refreshing change from the usual chinese, japanese or mexican fare that’s quite common in the area.
Service is quick and staff are friendly. Owned and run by an actual korean - there you go! You can’t get anymore authentic than that!
Pay in cash and you’ll het a bit of a discount!“

“I love me some Somisomi. The taiyaki are delicious, and the filling flavors are a fun twist (red bean is a must, though). Their Ah Boong soft serves are my favorite, with the upside down cup being the best. I have never eaten a standard and not had melted soft serve squirt out at me. Any milks aren't my thing in general, although their cold brew is solid. (Not sure if I'd consider them a cold brew destination, but it's tasty when you're already there).“

“I was misled by this restaurant’s name for a long time—I always thought it was a Chinese restaurant. But when I finally came here, I realized it’s actually a Korean one. My husband used to come here often before the pandemic.

Their black bean noodles are delicious, but that’s not really what I want to talk about. What truly stands out isn’t just the food, but the service. In today’s Bay Area, especially among Asian restaurants, it’s rare to encounter genuine service. You often end up tipping for people who simply drop off your food and disappear.

But at Beijing Restaurant, you’ll understand what real service feels like—and you’ll be happy to tip for it. Their servers focus on actually taking care of your needs during the meal, without being intrusive or using those overly scripted lines like, “How’s everything tasting so far?” that interrupt your dining experience. Their Mexican waiter is neat, attentive, and makes you feel genuinely comfortable. The female server, who has apparently been working here since before the pandemic, adds to that sense of familiarity and warmth.

Altogether, it gives the impression of a place with integrity and care—a restaurant that truly values its customers. I’m more than willing to pay for real service, and I’ll definitely be coming back again!“

“Absolutely loved this place! The donuts are fresh, soft, and full of flavor, and the boba drinks are perfectly made—chewy pearls, not too sweet, and so refreshing. The staff is super friendly and welcoming, and the shop has such a cozy, inviting vibe. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to stay a little longer just to enjoy the atmosphere. Definitely my new go-to for a sweet treat and boba fix!“

“Wonderful Uni. Very fresh!!! The rolls were very well done: tasty with a great presentation. Recently remodeled, keeping the best of the old with a crisp new look. Warm and friendly service that you don't experience in most restaurant.“

“It's a pretty solid Korean fried chicken chain overall.
Their crunch was good and chicken was juicy. Nothing that outstanding about them but then again they aren't trying to be either.

Overall for the pricing and such they are definitely worth a visit.“

“Had dinner here with 2 friends and we ordered the honeynut squash, chilled perilla noodles, scallion croissant, galbi, and crispy anchovy rice. Loved the perilla noodles - they were so light, refreshing, and tasted/smelled lightly like green tea. The galbi was so tender and flavorful. Also enjoyed the croissant - it was very crispy and the bottom 1/4 really was like a scallion pancake! I’d skip the rice next time, it wasn’t anything special. The soju cocktails are light, and my favorite was the natural oasis. Great spot for a date night or nice dinner but is on the pricier end.“

“Spicy sea food udon was sooooooo good!!!
I can not handle spicy so I asked them for less spicy on this. I thanked I did when I tried this. It was spicy enough. My kids enjoyed this. I also thanked for finding this korean cusin place.“

“Amazing that you can have a hotpot or Korean bbq or both! All in a all you can eat setting for 1 hour! I think I got up to 3 rounds of meat with 2 people. You can order 3 pieces of meat for each style per round so 3 for hotpot and 3 for bbq! All the options look amazing like the beef ribeye and ribeye fingers and pepper beef and garlic shrimp! They even have small butters to butter the pans to make them non stick which is absolutely amazing!!! You even have a kura sushi style bowls all you can take too to fill in the hotpot’s! There’s also a extensive dipping sauce station along with small desserts and fruit. Waiters come by frequently to check on heat, change pans and/or take on more meat as needed. Such a shame no refill’s allowed, but water was refilled frequently! Just a unbelievable way to have all the styles of all you can eat in one area! I can’t wait to try the one in Daly City! Traffic and activity in the store at 7 pm was pretty light on a weekday.“

“We ordered a takeout meal, so can't really attest to the eat in experience. Ordered soy garlic and kbbq wings and drumstick. Enough chicken for 3 people, if not four. Plus if you make rice or veggies at home it could for sure turn into a great full meal. Chicken had a good crunch to it, though I wish the flavors were stronger.“

“So glad my favorite KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) place is back open again!! Appreciate all the extra precautionary measures they took as they even cleaned my credit card👍🏻 My purchase even got me an additional discount next door at ShareTea!🙌🏻😁“

“Waterfront view, great service, awesome hot pot. What else can I ask for? Yeah. Love this place and will surely come back again!“