40 Best Korean Restaurants near Palo Alto

“Tasty and plentiful Korean food. We had a great meal this evening again, having come here many years ago when or kids lived in Palo Alto.
The side dishes are delicious, and we were attended to very well by several servers asking us if everything was okay. They replenished the pickled cucumbers we really enjoyed and offered to bring more other sides.
We ordered edamame to start, followed by chicken bibimbop for my spouse and udon tofu bowl for me, medium spicy. Both of us were very satisfied with our orders.
I'd recommend this place to anyone who likes Korean food or who wants to try it.“

“i love this place! the flavor options are great and authentic. i had ube ahboong and it was delish. the taiyaki was also really good! it comes with a free macaron cookie and more toppings, pretty good deal for $7 imo! also service was very quick. hopefully i’ll be back!“

“Made a 5:00 reservation and our party was seated right away. EVERYONE was EXTREMELY friendly and attentive. Food was delicious and presentation was beautiful. We were impressed from start to finish. This place is a total vibe and the decor is so beautiful. How did I not know about this place sooner? The appetizers calamari and corn were remarkable, and souffle pancake was so tasty. Chefs kiss for the Prime Rib it was so tender and juicy. We recommend the grape Suja. Looking forward to coming back for brunch soon! Thank you Giwa for such wonderful service.“

“Lunch - 7/30
Ordered the Spicy Chicken BBQ, which was pretty yummy. It could have had a little more flavor, and some of the chicken got a little too charred on the sizzling plate, but it was still decent.

The bon chon was good. I liked the tofu bon chon and the Jap Chae.

Also ordered the tteokbokki (medium spicy), which was good too. I don't think I like it personal-preference-wise, but I can recognize it was well made.

Also, entrees like the Spicy Chicken BBQ had reduced prices for weekday lunch, so I recommend coming for lunch.

Overall, a decent spot. might come back again!“

“The staff is friendly and quickly steps in to help grill the meat, making the whole experience smooth and easy. The meat is good quality — well-marinated and tender. They also serve generous portions of large intestine, which is a nice touch many places skip.
Overall, it’s one of the stronger Korean BBQ options in San Jose. The only improvement would be offering more variety in banchan sides.
I’ll definitely return next time I’m craving Korean BBQ“

“So good !!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥“

“Wonderful cafe with nice ambiance. I always love their drinks, and their Korean food is excellent. Haven’t tried the Italian / American dishes yet but I’m sure they’re great too! Wait staff is always friendly and helpful.“

“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 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻“

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

“The rose ddeok-bokki is pure decadence, an absolute dream if you love creamy dishes. If you add cheese on top, the cheese gets that blowtorched, charred flavor. I love the chew of the rice cakes. The cabbage adds pops of sweetness to the dish and although it is cooked, it has a satisfying crisp to it. The fish cakes rounds out the dish with its savoriness. I do feel like it could be better with fresh green onion on top though. Nevertheless, it keeps me coming back.“

“This is our go to place for korean food in Fremont for years. The food has been consistently good. We always order beef bulgogi & tofu soup combo for our family. We love the beef bulgogi. It has sweet savory sauce with tender beef. The tofu soup can be hit or miss. We got seafood white soup (not spicy) for our kiddo - it was good but I personally prefer medium spice for more depth of flavor.

The only downside was the parking. The parking was limited and got crowded during lunch or dinner time. So, most of the time we parked on the street nearby or we just do take out.“

“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 is one of the higher-end Korean restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. The decor is modern and clean, and the staff were friendly and attentive.

One thing to know is that the side dishes can be refilled as often as you want, which is nice, but you only have 75 minutes for the meal. We ordered the Wagyu Galbi, Mixed Tofu Soup, and Kunjip Tofu. Everything was good, but honestly, I’m not sure the food was good enough to make the 2.5-hour round trip worthwhile for us.

The restaurant has a decent-sized parking lot, but it can fill up pretty quickly. I’d recommend putting your name on the Yelp waitlist about 15–30 minutes before you arrive and avoiding the busiest hours if possible.

Overall, it’s a good upscale Korean restaurant with good food and a nice atmosphere, especially if you happen to be in the area.“

“Such a cute little spot! I got the stone pot vegetarian bibimbap, and I was happily surprised to see that it comes with miso soup. I brought myself here for a satisfying solo meal after a tough day at work, and the food definitely delivered. And it was the perfect portion amount - no leftovers.

They have extra gochujang sauce and sriracha available if you prefer a spicier meal.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Came here for their nyang myun.
It was a hot day! Soon the bowl
With floating ice on whole!
And so achieved the goal and yet,
So chewy, buckwheat wet!
Bright vegetables I met:
Cucumber, turnip, set to rule
Within the bowl chilled, cool!
Perilla sprinkles… who’ll go soon?“

“5 stars! This place always hits the spot and never misses the mark! Ever since Ive discovered this place I have been here once a week. So delicious. They get you in and out so fast. Food delivery to table is like boom boom boom. And to finish everything off an ice cream. Dinner night couldnt get better than this place“

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

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

“Such a great spot for Korean marinated crab! The soy-marinated crab was super fresh, flavorful, and had absolutely no fishy taste. The crab meat was tender and sweet, and the sauce was perfectly savory without being overly salty. So good with rice!

The service was also amazing—everyone was super friendly, welcoming, and attentive, which made the whole experience even better. Great food, great service, and an overall wonderful experience. Definitely coming back when I’m craving ganjang gejang!“

“Family friendly spot with delicious food that arrives fairly quickly. It's surprisingly affordable given how comfortable the restaurant seating is. I love getting the small side dish of jampong (red soup) since I can't finish the entree version myself. Also a great spot for groups since the dining area is really large. We always get the Jajangmyeung, Jamppong (spicy soup), and the fried pork or chicken.“

“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!“

“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. 👍🏻“

“Really enjoyed our meal at Wooga Korean BBQ! It is a little loud, but the place is just fun. We had the seafood pancake and beef bulgogi, and both were delicious. The seafood pancake was crispy and packed with flavor, and the beef bulgogi was tender, savory, and cooked perfectly. Everything was flavorful and satisfying. Definitely a spot I’d come back to!“

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

“Quiet Japanese restaurant in downtown Los Altos I have walked past several times and never been in.

Food: 4. Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Cost to worth it rating: 3
Opentableable: no, looks like need to call
Return worthiness: sure

Highlights:
- Albacore ginger roll: simple but never seen it before and loved it. Good quality white tuna with ginger along the sides. 5 stars
- Tempura: crispy crunchy batter than typical airy style but was good Order came with 2 shrimp, 2 onion, sweet potato, carrot. Bonus for daikon coming with the tempura sauce. 4 stars
- Scallop nigiri: nice size, flavor, and texture. 4 stars
- Dragon roll: solid version but unagi could've been bit better. They were able to do it without the crab for me. I'm not a fan of that mayo mix 3.5 stars
- Miso soup: came with lots of tofu and a pretty decent sized bow: 3.5 stars
- 3 different menus: sushi, specials, dinner menu
- Japanese waitress was nice.
- Seating inside with booth tables, a tatami room, and tables on the patio even
- Classical music made me feel calm and cultured

Lowlights:
- Solid option I should have tried sooner.“

“Somisomi is a dessert shop that focuses on the combination of freshly made taiyaki and soft serve, creating a dessert experience that feels both nostalgic and modern. The concept is simple but works well: warm fish-shaped waffle cones filled with different flavors paired with creamy soft serve and toppings. The space is casual and easygoing, making it a fun stop for a quick dessert rather than a place you would spend a long time sitting.

The taiyaki is the main highlight and gives the desserts their signature appeal. The outside has a light crispness while the inside stays soft, creating a nice contrast with the cold soft serve. The fillings offer a good mix of classic and creative options, with red bean, custard, black sesame, and Nutella being some of the popular choices. The red bean keeps things traditional with a mild sweetness, while the black sesame adds a nuttier flavor that pairs especially well with the waffle texture. Nutella works well if you prefer something richer and more dessert-like.

The soft serve is what brings everything together, with flavors like matcha and ube standing out. The matcha has a noticeable tea flavor without becoming too intense, and the ube adds a sweeter, more dessert-focused option. Adding toppings like cookies or cereal gives the dessert extra texture and makes each order feel more customizable. The combination of warm taiyaki, cold soft serve, and different fillings is what makes Somisomi different from a typical ice cream stop.

Service is usually quick, which fits the style of the shop since most people come in for a treat on the go. The menu is straightforward, but there are enough combinations to make repeat visits interesting. Overall, Somisomi is a fun dessert spot that does a great job with a simple concept, especially if you enjoy Asian-inspired desserts and want something that balances warm, crispy, creamy, and sweet in one order.“

“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!“

“Not only is the sushi fresh with generous amounts of fresh seafood, but the to-go containers are actually biodegradable! No massive amounts of single-use plastic containers that break your heart!!
I highly recommend Sushiko for their creative rolls, fresh ingredients, and eco-friendly to-go packaging! So grateful“

“Amazing stuff amazing people … I just visited once and now I’m hooked !!! And some great conversations on Cambodia and miniature Japanese lucky cats !!! Amazing breakfast sandwiches and delectable coffee, all
made with love,care and a lot of focus on freshness .“

“So many creative and yummy options! We were lucky and able to get a same day reservation at 5:15 pm on a Friday.

Service is impeccable and it looked like there was more staff than tables when we arrived but over the course of dinner, as the rest filled up, it made more sense.

We loved the custard appetizer. So smooth with great textures and flavors from the potato, fish roe and everything else in the bowl.

The lasagna was very unexpected yet delicious with layers and ground meat.

The pawns had great flavor and we liked the sausages and tomatoes it came with. I also love that the bodies were de-shelled as already.

The cold noodle was very interesting with the foam. It's a very mild flavor so this dish is more about the presentation and textures.

The scallops were fresh but not that interesting. I love Hokkaido scallops but I prefer them raw. This cook was good, just not that interesting.

The spicy hot tofu soup was fine. It didn't feel different or elevated from what I've had at other places and a touch too salty for our tastes.

There's plenty to try on the menu and would have loved to try the kalbi but our bill was quite pricey already.

I highly recommend giving this restaurant a try, it's a great treat and dining experience.“

“*USP: Korean and Chinese food. Black bean noodles and an expansive menu covering all the usual Chinese food favorites.

*AMBIANCE: large restaurant, eclectic and funky ambiance. Felt like it was some place in Hong Kong or China.

*Food: good if not great for the most part. The chef seems to be very careful or forgetful with the usage of salt though.
*corn soup: 2.5/5: sweet and bland. There was not salt at all. No amount of chilli powder, salt or soy sauce helped redeem this dish.
*chicken chow mein- 4/5- favorite dish on the table for all of us. Chicken was soft and didn’t have a funky smell or taste. Noodles felt fresh. Dish was greasy though.
*fried rice-3.5/5- came with mushrooms, eggs and some other veggies. Very nondescript and safe, felt more like a side dish rather than main.
*deep fried chicken in hot pepper sauce:3.5/5- I was expecting some fire in this dish but this was unfortunately on the sweeter side as well. The chicken had a very crispy coating per description.
*black bean noodles-3.5/5 after loving the version in Paiks noodle, it was difficult for me to like the version here. It was decent though, noodles seemed fresh and had a good bounce. But the sauce felt too soy saucy to me.“

“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.“

“So....ended up at this place after going to a concert at Levi Stadium, heading home to the North Bay and needing some extra late night dinner. If you like Korean food the place won't disappoint. Had the army stew, which my 17 year old son had been wanting to try for a while now, plus some kimchi rice, short rib stew and a bowl of spicy edamame that the server brought us as a free treat. Service was amazing, especially for an after midnight visit. Next time we have to try Andy's fries because I saw someone at the table next to us order them and I'll he honest, they looked like late night foodie heaven.“

“Seapot Hot Pot and Bar, Sunnyvale

August 2026
My first time at this Seapot Sunnyvale location, it’s big like the other locations.

My family ordered the hot pot version and I got the Thai Pot: A tangy, fragrant Tom Yum style hot and sour broth. The broth itself was delicious and I added fresh pineapples from the condiment bar to boost the flavor. Highly recommend that broth! 😋

The sides dishes are good and they also have a sauce and condiments bar. The meats that we ordered were delicious as well. I didn’t see much of a dessert area besides the fresh fruits.

Service was good but they get busy fast so we don’t often see the waiter we much as we wanted to. At the end, we had to hurry and leave since the area we sat at was reserved also.

Highly recommend and would come back if I’m in the area.

Bonus: If you’re planning on coming, highly recommend to join the waitlist on Yelp! The hostess also calls to confirm reservations and make sure your party is there together for faster seatings.“

“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!🙌🏻😁“

“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.“

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