“A gem. SF is so lucky to have a place like this to call its own. Non-caricature chef’s tasting: in every bite you feel the chef’s soul and peer into his vision (if you frequent nyc fine dining or read Pete Wells’ piece on Nōksu, fair or not, you know what I mean.) Seasonal ingredients, personified in the chef’s diverse culinary journey.During the winter months, be sure to round up a crew of 4-6 and pre-order the king crab. The vibe is cali-convivial, in the best sense of laid back but get it done way.Early weekday seating, the restaurant is sparsely seated and it feels like you are a guest in chef’s home, warm and inviting.“
“We just got delivery and everything is really delicious and beautiful. My spouse who despises kabocha thinks the banchan kabocha, lightly yuzu-citrus flavored, is the best he’s ever had. Bummer we live in Los Angeles or we would be back frequently.“
“Came here to celebrate my friend’s birthday. Made reservations several weeks in advance. The food was great; the service was excellent. It can just get really loud inside. My favorites were the ganjang saewoo/gyrean bap and the corn cheese tater tots. The bulgogi jeongul was yummy as well with a sweetness to the broth. The bossam and oysters were fine but nothing special.During dinner, I accidentally spilled my beer and they were quick to clean up and replace my drink. It can get noisy during peak hours so keep that in mind. Unless you’re a part of 4, you’re likely to be seated at the communal tables in the middle.“
“Great cozy brunch place with your beloved friends !We ordered bulgogi Benedict and French toast.The bulgogi beef was marinated with house special sauce, the bread instead of the normal English muffin, it’s actually crispy, so it was actually quite surprisingly good with this combination !French toast is pretty good as well. Both the eggs are slightly over easy , so be careful once you poke it, it will spread around.Highly recommended and for sure to come back“
“They have really pretty outdoor seating. The banchan is excellent (like some of the best ive had). The service was excellent. The main dishes I got were not very good, tofu stew was a little bland and they don’t have bibimbap, only stir fried veggies and meat over rice.Overall I really like this place but would order something different next time.“
“Very good Korean fare in a laid back setting. Ollei serves up tasty late night grub and vibes in Russian Hill. The grill is burning, the meat is cooking, soups are boiling, the drinks are flowing and kpop is popping, this is a good Korean restaurant in San Francisco. Tasty food at an affordable price and where you can also go to throw a couple back as well. It was the perfect place to warm up on a cold SF night, food and drink wise. I’m definitely coming back to try various other dishes. Very good.Kid-friendliness: Not really“
“My cousin showed me this place and I fell in love! They always have k-pop playing and the corn dogs are so mouth watering good!Vegetarian options: They have dogs that don't have any meat in themParking: It's Berkley. The parking here is tough to find“
“This Korean market used to be in Downtown Oakland and a few years ago to moved to Montclair which is my neighborhood so I personally was happy it moved there.EM Deli has a wide range of Korean and Asian products ranging from meats, noodles, rices, some veggies and a variety of sauces and spices.There is some prepared cooked foods (fried rice, kimpap, etc.)They have a meat section which has Korean bbq grade cuts (thinly sliced steak, pork for hotpot or Korean bbq)“
“Such a great spot. Been here a few times and the owner is super friendly, clearly cares about every detail. Food is amazing, everything I’ve had has been awesome. It’s the kind of place I really hope sticks around, they deserve it. Highly recommended.“
“Best KFC in oakland hands down!! Everyone is super friendly and was so welcoming! I got the soy garlic chicken and the spicy rice cakes and it was so crispy and juicy! i love supporting small businesses and i cant wait to come back and try other things on the menu!!“
“Excellent spot for lunch or a casual and easy dinner! I just enjoyed it for a very late lunch and it was my first time trying gimbap. I’m not a vegetarian but wasn’t in the mood for meat, so I asked which of the veggie options to choose and was suggested fried tofu. I love it, and will definitely be back!“
“Dined at Yu Yu Za Zang based on a recommendation from a video on social media. So glad I did! I was not disappointed. Came for a late lunch on a rainy Saturday. Almost every table was full. The restaurant is homey and comfortable. We ordered the zazang myun and gan poong ki. I loved the zazang myun!! The sauce and noodles were tasty, not too salty and had me wanting more. The gan poong ki was also very good. Wasn't too goopy and had a good fry. Not too spicy either. Staff is very friendly and efficient. Definitely recommend dining here!“
“Our favorite Korean restaurant in the East Bay. We eat here at least twice a month. Galbitang, kimchi soondoobu, bibimbap, dolsot bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi/seafood/chive pancakes, chicken katsu, naengmyeon, banchan—everything is always amazing. The bibimbap can be made vegetarian with tofu instead of beef. Love the service, atmosphere, and that the broth soups are salted to taste at the table. It’s smaller and parking is limited so getting there early is a must.“
“Everything was fresh and delicious as I expected. Came here twice before and was impressed with the tasty traditional Korean dishes, fast, friendly service! Didn't want to go out in the cold so ordered delivery which I rarely do and was also impressed by how fast my order came and had a most satisfying delicious lunch with plenty of leftovers for dinner. We got the Mando Guk soup, galbi, mackerel and kimchi side. The rice and banchan were included . Like it better than ohgane, pyeongchang tofu, Korean Bowl'd , jonga house to name a few others in the neighborhood.Great way to start the New Year!“
“Because I read the Marin IJ Feb. 2024 review, I tried this new cafe.The spicy pork protein bowl was fresh, delicious, and nutritious.The kim chee was excellent!When I lived in Seoul, I ate Korean food in high-end restaurants and cheap hole-in-the-walls.This cafe gives a great taste and feel for the uniqueness of Korean cuisine.Highly recommend!“
“Nice to have a neighborhood joint that serves Korean food! Nice decor place is conducive to group events. Fried chicken is good as is their kimchi fried rice. Also enjoyed the beef served with lettuce and condiments. My one complaint? I felt really short sitting at the bar, lol! The barstool to bartop height was a Challenge lol! Guess I will sit at a table next time!“
“HUGE portions and quiet ambiance. The restaurant is usually moderately empty (at least every time I have been there) so service is quite fast. I know Don Blanc does not have the trendy/hip factor that Oghane provides, but I have always had a great time dining in.Restaurant layout is very standard Korean BBQ - with large tables and grills in the middle. Some of the tables have a large cast iron grill that's reminiscent of cooking on a large rock, which is kind of fun. We always get either the Beef Set A bbq or the Pork Set B bbq, so cannot speak to the other menu items. The side dishes (banchan) that role out are so delightful--particularly the steamed egg (reminds me of my mom's cooking). As far as quantity of meat--you will not be disappointed. I have always returned home with leftovers.Eventually I will order the traditional bbq intestines, but I have not had to courage to do so yet...Parking can be quite tricky especially on weekends because everyone is fighting to get a spot for either Moo Bong Ri/Koryo Sushi/Jaguar Karaoke. I appreciate the security guard who works there because he sometimes provides valet-esque type services and allows people to double park cars or park unmarked areas. I have also always been able to find street parking.Overall, if you ride up to Moo Bong Ri and find that the wait time is just too long and you are just too hungry, I suggest you pop over to Don Blanc. You will not be disappointed.“
“Clientele was all Korean during my late Sunday lunch here; always a good sign.Yuyu is not a “Chinese” restaurant in the American sense but is a “Korean-Chinese” joint. This style of food was developed by Chinese immigrants from Shandong to Korea and is highly popular in Korean communities across the world.There aren’t many Korean-Chinese places in the bay that are good but this is one of them. Both the classics ganjjajang and tang su yuk were excellent. The meat in the ganjjajang was SO tender and the tank su yuk was fried perfectly.“
“Both of us enjoyed our dinner though we dined on starters because the entrees seemed to fit the colder weather. My dining companion had the fennel soup, which presentation alone made you want to tuck in. She also had the potato pancakes that were plentiful. I had the tuna tartare with a delicious herb sauce & the outstanding, crunchy chick pea fries with a tangy harissa sauce. The fries alone will make me go back. We will be back.“
“Ambience: Tucked away in the cross-street of the Beach and Jones Street, SuriSan has a cosy and welcoming ambience with warm lighting. The decor is simple - it has an outside seating and inside, with a decent atmosphere. (4/5)Menu: The menu features a variety of authentic Korean dishes, with the Bibimbap as their recommendation (for first-timers). It’s a meal in itself. (4/5)The flavours are unique, distinctive and evenly satisfying. There are more dishes to try, but I have kept myself in line for the next visit. (4/5)Food Quality and Value for Meal: The Dolsot Bibimbap with spicy pork bursts with flavour, and the portion sizes were generous for one. From the price point, it is slightly higher compared to other Korean eateries, but the quality of the food and the overall dining experience makes it worth it. The only disappointment was the meat quality - some pieces were excellent and digestible, others too chewy and hard to get through. (3/5)Service: The staff at SuriSan provides excellent service to ensure a pleasant dining experience for its guests. Whether you have dietary preferences or need recommendations from the menu, the dedicated staff are readily available to assist. I didn’t find any crowd at my time, so the seating arrangement is available. (5/5)Overall Experience (4/5): Whether you want to try Korean Food or are a fan of Korean food, SuriSan will leave a lasting impression while wanting you to come back with its charm of menu choices.“
“SO good! Hella food, all delicious and super nice peeps work there. The beef bulgogi bento is a classic. I love that the bento comes with a variety of all kinds of food like pickled cucumbers, shrimp skewer and salad. The spicy chicken is amazing too and the kimchi fried rice comes with a perfectly cooked egg on top. The portions are HUGE. Can't wait to go back to try the Katsu!Vegetarian options: They do have tofu and dishes with just vegetables. Not sure if they use fish sauces tho.“
“Great food selection in a definitely hip Korean restaurant with a cool decor with tin walls and little street feel with tables in little private booths. Parking is a little dicey on this side of Telegraph but it is Oakland. I would say food is definitely on the pricey side like your typical Korean joint but the portions are great. Soups are really good and they don't skimp on ingredients. We had a rice cake soup as well as Kim chi pancake and bulgogi. Mandoo is was good too. The Korean side dishes were fresh. But definitely cost was up. Still I recommend going to go drinking and a good time. Chicken was decent but I wouldn't say the best Korean fried chicken I've had. Probably needs a little more sizzle to the seasoning. We got the sweet and spicy but next time will try the garlic soyParking: Don't leave belongings visible as it's an open street but should be okay.“
“Came by on Tuesday night and it was a slow night, with lots of tables still open. Everything is pretty straightforward. You can add beef or lamb in your order at the counter (not available at the self serve area). I aimed for a medium plate of food and accidentally got myself a large plate by the time I got to the end of the self serve table. I just kept piling on item after item, oops! I did end up with leftovers, which I packed and happily finished for lunch the next day. I like heat, but the lowest level of heat for the stir fry was just about enough for me. Anymore heat and I don't think I could enjoy the food. I'd love there to be a level or two below this lol. I was expecting a mild, tinge of spice, but this felt like a full on medium. I liked my plate, but my stomach didn't like me afterward. Their strawberry tanghulu was good! Wanted to try a tomato version but the one left in the box didn't look really fresh. Looking forward to coming back to try more!“
“The best sushi I've ever had! I went during my vacation to SF, and you can definitely taste the difference compared to some of what is served back east. It was quiet when my family and I went, and they provided a cozy, friendly experience. The owner was very kind. I greatly recommend visiting if you're in the area.“
“We got here just in time before the huge dinner rush since discovering this place on tik tok! The food overall was good. Everything had a good kick to it. The soy marinated crab was really good and very popular. The DIY rice balls were so good and fun that you get to make your own. Soft tofu Soup was piping hot and very good. The cheese and chicken were also a hit! Will definitely be back! Service was so so once they got really busy.“
“This place was very different and tasty. The rice triangles are wrapped in seaweed with your filling of choice, like a little sandwich. I got the 2 triangle order and it came with edamame. I got chicken teriyaki, which was tasty and fresh, although a bit sweet for my taste. It was my son’s favorite. I also got the spicy Ahi Tuna. Tuna was delicious. I would return.“
“Great addition to the Berkeley community! I saw that they had bulgolgi fries so I just had to stop by and try. I ended up also getting an order of the kfc bowl with purple rice and japchae. Everything was made to order and came out super fresh. The spicy mayo was the perfect topping for both and made the food so much richer and flavorful. Our food also came out relatively quick and the presentation was beautiful (see attached photo)! We went during opening time so it wasn't busy but this place will be a hit for sure!“
“What a great find! Excellent menu with lots of delicious options, especially for vegetarians. Tofu rocked! Endless side dishes!Service was friendly, quick and excellent! Only complaint was the volume of the TV monitor. There was nice singing, it was just too loud. Otherwise, a wonderful place! We will return!“
“So delicious! Crispiest KFC in town, and a variety of flavors that are all super tasty. THICC, meaty wings. Even their boneless wings are good - broken down from a real chicken, not the processed meat glued stuff.I order delivery a lot, but it's also a comfy casual spot to dine in. Nothing fancy, but very clean and lots of space, with kpop music videos playing quietly.“
“As a Korean person, I love this place. The menu is small but everything is amazing! The half and half noodles are my favorite, best of both worlds! The Tang-Soo-Yuk and friend chicken is always made fresh, so it takes some time, but totally worth the wait. The honey and cheese fried chicken is so delicious that we order 2 and take 1 of them home. Reheats in the air fryer perfectly!!“
“The food is delicious. We always get a takeout, and the only thing that bothers us is the occasional lack of consistency. We are used to bento boxes containing decent portions of meat, noodles, rice, and salad, but sometimes the portions are much smaller, to the point my husband is still hungry afterward... The price has been the same for the bigger portions as for the smaller ones, so naturally, we are disappointed to receive less food...“
“Bowl'd has several locations in the Bay Area, my wife and I used to go to Alameda location and the Oakland Location a lot before it closed.We've found their food to be pretty good. While the past few years we have mainly gotten take-out/Doordash, more recently we went in person and it didn't disappoint.We usually get the glazed potatoes and the beef short ribs (gal-bi), both came out hot/smoking off the grill/stove and were really good. That time we also had a spicy ramen which was good for sharing.While takeout/Doordash gets the job done, some of these items are much better dining in and when they're fresh off the stove.“
“It's not the most authentic Korean food, but this is a great fast casual Korean option! I got the bulgogi and the marinade was pretty authentic. However the cut of meat was not correct. It still worked though! I like how you can add some sides, like kimchi, bean sprouts, fish cakes, and cucumbers. Again, the banchan isn't as good as my mom's but all things considered it's pretty tasty! I'd come back here for a very nutritious and flavorful meal! Pro tip: order ahead so you can skip the line!“
“I come in for the Bulgogi bibimbap whenever I'm in the area looking for takeout. Great mix of veggies, the meat is cooked well, and it's a perfect quantity for me. Always a satisfying meal. They redecorated and the interior looks great now, so I'll have to try dining in sometime. The service is always great, too.“
“found this place last night and I give it a 10/10!!!!! Super delicious food, very good and FAST service and the overall atmosphere is just incredible. It’s also so nice that it close a little later than other kbbq spots and the price for the All You Can Eat buffet was so affordable!!!!! Will always come back here from now “
“The food was delicious!! we got the bulgogi it was grilled and marinated to perfection! They also gave a pretty generous portion so it felt very worth the price. Also tried the combination soonduboo which was soooo yummy. Definitely worth trying this place out if you’re looking for authentic Korean “
“In May 2021, I had the pleasure of experiencing the culinary delights of Ohgane Oakland, and the memory of that visit still lingers as a testament to the restaurant's excellence in Korean cuisine. From the moment I stepped through the door, Ohgane impressed with its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and, most notably, its delectable array of Korean dishes.The restaurant's interior exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending modern aesthetics with traditional Korean elements. The sleek yet cozy design set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The staff at Ohgane Oakland demonstrated professionalism and a genuine passion for sharing the rich tapestry of Korean flavors with their patrons.“
“I haven't done a review in awhile. I just have to get that 4.3 up to at least 4.7. I only got one dish so far and plan to come back for sure. I'm ready to be disappointed but highly doubt it. Unless the chef spits out a mouthful of spiders onto my plate. I'm sure whatever they do is fiyah fire. Even the spider spit. But I'd rather not have that. Everything on the menu sounds as great as what I got. Udon Curry with Korean Fried Chicken. It's one of those meals that leave you enchanted and joyful at the end. I was totally impressed. I was in a rush but otherwise I would've took off my clothes and took a nap until I was hungry enough to order again. Long story short. This shiet was bomb diggity good good. But on some seriousness...Looking forward to trying out more of their food. I get a sense they're on that trendy type wave...but the flavor was amazing and I'm hoping they keep it authentic and true to the ingredients, culture, and recipes. That's what really matters in the end. You don't have to try to impress anybody with that Barbie or hot Cheetos type shniz. Though I appreciate it in it's flare and appeal to modern relevancy. And I'm sure it's amazing. But stay true to the simplicity of elegant and authentic flavors that make your dishes shine. Real talk. Real game. That food is the real thang to me. Keep doing your thing. I'll be back.“
“The tofu soup is always a good choice. It’s comforting and delicious. The reason I put 4/5 starts is because the burnt rice is never consistent. There are days where it’s perfect and delicious but there are also times where it’s extremely burnt and they serve it to you anyways.Over the years, the price of a tofu soup went up. I remember coming here when it was maybe 10-15 dollars per soup. I think it’s about 20 dollars today.“
“I have been here 2 times now. Once for lunch and dinner, both doing AYCE. Today we made a reservation to celebrate my sisters birthday. We all loved the food, enjoyed the variety, and left very satisfied. Our server was great. It was one gentlemen working the whole restaurant along with a bus boy. I asked everyone in our party, and they would all come back. Favorite Items:My niece loved the corn cheese, the soy garlic Korean friend chicken (it was actually the favorite of most of the table) and quail eggs. My mom loved the mussels and the spicy miso broth mixed with traditional. My sister enjoyed the variety of veggies, lobster & fish ballsMy brother enjoyed all the meats and KFCMy favorite item to put in the pot is fish tofuThere is something for everyone here. You won't leave disappointed. One thing that I would tell you to keep in mind. Parties of 5 or more will get charged a service fee, which is the tip. On top of tax, the bill becomes quite expensive. We did the premium AYCE, and ordered a bottle of Soju. The bill total came to be $225, including tax and tip the bill was $300. Which comes out to $50/person. When I came for lunch with a friend. We ordered a grilled dish, soju and makgeoli. I believe we each paid $60 tip. The service was great. Food was great. &we all left satisfied. The whole experience was worth the price. I would definitely come again and highly recommend this restaurant.“
“Koja has been in the area for a few years now and while it was okay when I first tried it, I've had a much better experience now with new management and their menu.They're known for their koja which is a bun made of crispy rice with your choice of protein in the middle. Their short rib is delicious, but more of a trendy type of food that eating once will satisfy. I was actually more blown away by their fried chicken sandwich which has a regular bun, but great fixings and seasonings that make it stand out.I also got ahi tuna poke which I wouldn't expect from this place, but it was fine compared to everything else. They also have great fries which they load up on sauce, toppings, and meat depending which one you get.The service is always straightforward here and they manage a ton of order from various apps. You can dine-in here and it's a casual atmosphere, but I find it better to get food to-go and eat somewhere nearby. Would recommend them to a friend who wants some tasty food with Asian flair“
“In our opinion, this is the best Korean restaurant in the Bay Area. Every one I've taken here has loved the food. The BBW spicy pork is super yummy. Also, they bring this rice shell, which is crispy hollow rice that you can break apart and put in their delicious soup. I highly recommend trying this place out.“
“I’ve been ordering from Oori on Doordash for like five years or something and never came into the restaurant itself until today. It’s small but I waited tops like 7min for my food to be ready. Their quality is always consistent and delicious. I sat outside and it was a super nice vibe, enjoyed my meal and would have taken a pic of the food but I remembered too late and it was all gone ? keep it up yall.“
“Delicious Food, excellent Ambiance. Love that each table is its own little room. And I LOVE that it's open til 2am! My partner and I discovered it after a concert. we thought it was closed and then we walked in and it was this bustling amazing little place. We were stunned it felt like we were in Korea, we never thought we'd find a nightlife like this in America quickly jumped right into my top 3“
“BEST Korean Fried Chicken!! It even tastes good as leftovers - that's if you can hold back from eating everything in one sitting. 10/10 would recommend! Bookmark this place and you be the judge!* Fried Seaweed Rolls* Jalapeño Poppers* Takoyaki* Signature Three Flavors* Large Honey Butter Garlic* Special Curry Plate* Kimchi Fried Rice“
“We enjoyed this place so much that we came here twice within a month. We've been to the Santa Clara location a few times but it's good as good as Oakland's. We've been here only on a Sunday, for lunch and dinner. For lunch, we didn't have to wait and for dinner, there we checked into the waitlist when we had arrived, which took maybe around 20 minutes.We've ordered the blood sausage combo with soup, which was so good. They have the shrimp paste on the table, which you can add black pepper and salt to make your own dipping sauce for the sausage. Just having this alone made a huge difference in our experience because this isn't always readily available for restaurants.I can't remember the name of the dish we got with the added cheese. I just remember it being delicious!As for parking, there's a small parking lot and street parking. We got lucky both times we visited and was able to get a spot in the parking lot.I would highly recommend you check this spot out! Even as I'm writing this review, I want to go back already to eat some more food“
“ton katsu rice bowl: amazing!!!spam rice bowl: not good.kimchi fried rice: pretty goodbeef kimbap: goodjapchae: not good, too oily and soggybeef bulgogi: goodpork belly: gooddumplings/potstickers: good!corndogs: decentcroffles: not really that goodmochinuts: very yummydrinks: all very yummy, my favorites are ube and horchataParking: located on the street inside a mildly sus alleyway, difficult to parkKid-friendliness: very kid friendlyWheelchair accessibility: wheelchair accessible“
“Built my own bowl! Very good, the spicy gochujang sauce was also really yummy. I loved that there were a lot of topping options. I would definitely recommend this place if you’re craving some Korean food and need something quick and easy :)“
“came here during my lunch break one day and ordered bibimbap. it was super delicious and the woman who served me at the counter was so sweet! i stopped by again a second time, ordered the same thing, and she gave me a larger portion than before. i'm definitely going to come back regularly. the first time i went, there were a few people eating lunch, and the second time, i was the only person inside. very quiet space, but i don't mind it. i like how it's walking distance from my workplace, but if i was driving here, parking might be a bit difficult (parking's hard in downtown oakland either way, but just giving y'all a heads up!).“
“Kurabuta pork and truffle oil dumpling soup easily served two as did the fried organic chicken breast sandwich on an Acme torpedo roll. Soup was complex and wonderful. Sandwich was hearty. The house-made pickles were just one more excellent thing about it. Will take pic next time. Big sandwich. Pick up times are accurate, if you arrive very early they have beautiful cookbooks to page through. Service is excellent. Once I found parking right in front. More often arrived at pickup time, order was ready, back in car in less than 5 minutes. Also, parking on west side of 23rd just north of Macdonald. There are fewer spots on east side of 23rd because of curb cutouts for the large McDonald's parking lot. (And if you see a hint there, OK.)“