47 Best Korean Restaurants in Honolulu

“Delicious healthy charming garden deck in back. yummy 💖“

“First time coming to the island! This place was amazing! Food was delicious and fast. And the environment was peaceful! The owner is super chill! Gave me a free drink! I particularly loved this place because my toddler is picky and is the only place she liked the food from! We loved it too! Best place hands down! Would be coming here before we leave! Thanks again 🥰“

“My family and I was in search for dinner tonight. I did not want to go too far from where we were staying at (Ritz Carlton) and my 90yr dad could not walk too far. I found Topped and ordered three meals - shoyu chicken, kalbi, and bulgogi meals. We brought them back to our hotel to devour them. The food was very delicious and flavorful. The shoyu chicken was thick and tasty. My dad really enjoyed the kalbi. The side salad and corn was a good balance. Thank you and recommend this place!!“

“If you’re looking for genuine Korean flavors, Moobongri Soup & Yakiniku is an absolute must-visit. As an English speaker, I found the staff to be incredibly welcoming, and the menu was easy to navigate, making the whole experience seamless.The highlight of the meal was definitely the Soondae (Korean blood sausage). It is hands-down some of the best I’ve ever had—perfectly textured and packed with savory flavor. Whether you get it on its own or in the soup, it’s clearly prepared with care and tradition.The broth in their soups is rich and comforting, and you can tell they simmer it for hours. Every side dish (banchan) was fresh and tasty, adding that perfect authentic touch to the meal. Whether you're a longtime fan of Korean cuisine or trying it for the first time, this place will not disappoint.Great food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming back for more!“

“Food & service were exceptional!“

“This KBBQ is Seoul good. You might even say Korea Garden is my Seoul-mate!

The birthday extravaganza continues! More fire, more good eats, and more soup!

We got the seafood pajeon, cold noodles in beef broth, meat jun, galbi-jjim, steamed egg pot, and bibimbap. No actual grilling was done but we weren't exactly here for that. We came here to try meat jun and ended up getting a little bit of everything else.

Let me tell you something... the galbi-jjim here alone is enough to pay them a visit. If you don't know what galbi-jjim is, let me explain it real quick. Galbi-jjim is a popular Korean dish of tender, braised short ribs, typically beef or pork, cooked in a savory-sweet soy sauce-based liquid with garlic, ginger, and often fruits like pear or apple for sweetness and tenderizing. It was perfectly savory and saucy, fall-off-the-bone tender, and I want to scream just thinking about it. The first bite alone had me sitting back in my seat. Had I been wearing a hat, I would have taken it off and held it over my heart. It was that good.

And since it was my birthday, they brought over a complimentary seaweed soup and a tower of Choco Pies. They even sang Happy Birthday to me and made me blush.

Solid eats and excellent service. The parking situation seems nerve racking but they have an attendant at both sides of the restaurant that helps stop traffic to help get you out of there which I found pretty cool!“

“Kimchi fry rice is amazing and the poke is fire, definitely on my list of top grinds.“

“i used to come here a lot when i lived in the island, had to come back now that im visiting again. i just knew i had to get the mango smoothie, the consistency and flavor is just so good. not to mention the kimbap! made fresh to order and just the perfect mix of ingredients. auntie is always so nice and you can tell the food is prepared with lots of care.“

“WOW 🔥
I did not know what to expect, but after I tried it my tastebuds were having a party. I couldn’t recommend this to anyone. This is a great spot, whether you want quick bite or a complete meal this is the spot to get it. I am surprised not more people know about this place, if you are in the area this is a must. I am definitely going back, mouth watering thinking about it. THANK YOU! 🤙“

“One of my favorite places in Downtown to grab a quick lunch. The owners are really sweet and provide quick service. They have the food prepped and out on the counter for easy-grab and go. I love going on Tuesdays and Thursdays because they have Kimchi soup. It is so good and the pork belly in it is so so soft and melts in your mouth. All of the other food are really tasty as well. When we have work potlucks, I always come by here to grab a couple of kimbaps. It always gets devoured. If you are in the area, definitely check them out and support them.“

“Chogajip is one of those late-night, old-school Korean spots in Honolulu. It’s not trendy or polished, but it fills a very specific role: big portions, strong flavors, and comfort food when you want something heavy and spicy.

If you grew up eating Korean soups or want something closer to Korean ajumma-style cooking rather than modern Korean fusion, this place makes sense.“

“The best Korean on the island hands down!!! First stop when we get off the plane from Georgia!!!“

“Excellent Korean BBQ! It was recommended by a local- great service and delicious food, great quality, decent portions at a decent price! Need reservations by calling restaurant.“

“A hole in the wall Korean Restaurant. If you want authentic Korean food, this is the place to go.

The food potion is sharable size portion so if you are going with more than yourself share the meals. You all will get plenty to eat. Of course like any Korean restaurant you also get plenty of side dishes as well. Food was very authentic and glad I got to have some as I don't get authentic Korean food where I'm currently am.

I do have to note parking is very limited in the back and the restaurant entrance it very confusing. We went through the front entrance and it led to their office space/kitchen but it also lead to the seating area. The seating area can hold about 6 groups and their is a separate back room too. Also, when we were leaving there is a seating area in the back.

Overall, highly recommend to get some authentic Korean food here. Like I mentioned the entrance is confusing but the food make up for the atmosphere.“

“I have tried a lot of Korean fried chicken places, and BBQ Chicken Kahala is still my number one. The chicken quality is truly outstanding. It is crispy, juicy, flavorful, and consistently cooked so well every time. That kind of quality is not easy to find.

The boneless chicken in Secret Sauce is a must-try, but the real surprise is the Spicy Galbi Boneless. That is the hidden gem on the menu. It is unbelievably delicious and full of bold flavor while pleasantly spicy. Once you try it, you will understand why I keep coming back. Also, their french fries are a must-try menu.

What really sets BBQ Chicken Kahala apart is that the food tastes premium and carefully made, not rushed or ordinary. In my view, this is the best Korean fried chicken I have had anywhere. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great chicken (and fries).“

“A rather hidden gem in the tower marketplace.

Food was ready quickly and came with a generous portion of all the mentioned toppings. The poached egg and pork shoulder were cooked to perfection, everything was richly flavored. and at 12 dollars a bowl it's a steal compared to similar meals you could get elsewhere.“

“Excellent food! Tried the Korean, Spicy Garlic and fried chicken bowl. Just make sure you ask if there are peanuts in the sauce if allergic.“

“I’m definitely coming back. I got the spicy beef soup called Yeukejung, BOMB. Even on a hot summer day. The portion is so generous. The banchan was awesome. They take good care of you but aren’t overbearing, so the service is lovely. A bunch of really sweet, smiling ladies. 20/10 will be back soon.“

“As a Korean, I have very high standards for Korean food, and Onkee is one of the few places that I keep coming back to. I’m especially picky about kimchi and banchan, and I can honestly say they do a great job here. Every banchan is flavorful, well seasoned, and clearly made with care.

My favorite thing on the menu is the doenjang jjigae. It’s surprisingly difficult to find a really good one, but Onkee absolutely nails it. The broth is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. I usually order the lunch special with kalbi and doenjang jjigae, and it’s one of my favorite meals on the island. Their kimchi jjigae is also excellent, with a deep, flavorful broth that keeps me coming back.

The meat quality is consistently excellent, and I’ve enjoyed everything from their lunch specials to their set menus. I also love coming here for happy hour. The cocktails are fantastic, the truffle potato pancake is always a hit, and the anju beef tartare is one of my favorite dishes to share with friends.

Another reason I keep coming back is the service. The staff is always friendly, attentive, and welcoming. I’ve been here many times, and I’ve consistently had great experiences. Good service is a huge part of dining out for me, and Onkee does a wonderful job of making guests feel taken care of.

Whether I’m meeting friends for happy hour, grabbing lunch, or coming in for Korean BBQ, Onkee never disappoints. It’s one of my favorite Korean restaurants on the island and a place I find myself recommending whenever someone asks where to get authentic Korean food in Honolulu.“

“The owners and the staff were very kind and friendly and very accommodating.
They clarified about the ingredients and made sure if we have any allergy restrictions and made sure we got the vegetarian options!
Highly recommend for all BTS and K-drama fans!“

“This place offers great grab and go or made to order Korean food in the Lanai food court in the Ala Moana Center. Normally, I'm not impressed with mall food and especially ethnic foods in the mall, but this place does a good job. It is a more contemporary take on Korean food, but it tastes great and reasonably priced for being in a mall. Their Bibimbap is my favorite made to order dish. It is packed with lots of the usual goodies and they offer brown rice for an healthy option. You can also get the japji noodles instead which I prefer since it adds more contrast and extra flavors that match well to the mix. The grab and go selection offers a wide selection of Korean favorites. Their triangle Korean flavors musubi are and excellent quick bite if you don't want much, but got a hunger you need to calm. There are both spicy and mild assorted fillings. A real winner in their grab and go selection is the KFC rice bowl. Piece of Korean fried chicken that are sauced up on hot rice. I recommend the spicy. It isn't that spicy, but just the right kick. The dish is small, but very filling. Probably would be good for a hangover.“

“Our favorite Korean bbq takeout on the island! The chicken katsu and bbq chicken are both so good! And the sides are all amazing. Great quality at a great price! The portions are huge so you can definitely share a regular plate. This is one of our go-to places and it never disappoints!“

“Chicken is very crispy ,light, not too oily and sauce is not strong special taste. So I think this store chicken is veey healthy soul food!“

“Pretty good Korean food, good kalbi and other bbq items, Also many of the plates comes with multiple choices of vegetables and the vegetables are quiet decent too so it feels somewhat healthy which is a plus and the taste has remained pretty consistent. Prices have gone up quite a bit since Covid though.“

“Every time I come to Oahu I make sure we eat here at least once. This time it was our first stop off the plane. My cousin's wife is an Oahu native and recommended this place, she nailed it! So good! The best kimchee I've had since my aunt used to make it for us when we were kids.“

“Little pricy for korean food but it was good. You order on a tablet and you can call the wait staff from there if you need. The drinks were good but not that strong and a little on the sweet side. Will try others to see if it was just that one.“

“Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. Overall a wonderful experience for our first time there“

“갈비 부대찌개 등등 정통 한식은 코리아 하우스가 으뜸니네요!
This Korean BBQ restaurant is always full of people. At least 30 minutes waiting on weekends. Parking is very limited as it is difficult Hawaii issues. You could park your vehicle at across the street parking lots for free. Foods are very tasty and it might be the best Korean BBQ restaurant within Ohahu. Kal Bi is kind pricy compare to the mainland USA. If your group is more than 4 people, better to make advance reservation on weekends and holidays.“

“I am Korean, and was looking for some good kimchi. I was told h Mart's kimchi is okay but banton House is best. So I went there and was pleasantly surprised at some of the offerings they had. This is not a sit-in restaurant. It's simply just a grab-and-go grocer. All different kinds of Korean side dishes and wonderful kimchi. The kimchi is amazing and i would recommend it. Parking is a little tight. The owner is super sweet. Lot of Korean people shop here so that means it's authentic and it's good. They sell large quantities of kimchi in a plastic bag so be prepared, you need a container to put it in.“

“Some restaurants ride on nostalgia. This one earns its reputation fresh every single visit. I've been coming here for 30 years — long enough to watch countless restaurants open, hype, and disappear — and this place just keeps delivering. That's not luck. That's good food.

As someone with over two decades in the restaurant business, I notice the details most diners take for granted. The service here is attentive without being intrusive, the pacing is thoughtful, and the kitchen clearly takes pride in every component on the table. They serve award-winning Tamaki Gold rice — a small thing that quietly signals how seriously this kitchen takes quality. My 12 year old daughter asked for a second serving of the rice.

I always go for the Prime Boneless Shortrib, the Ginseng Chicken Soup, and the Pan-fried Hawaiian Butter Fish. These dishes are must-orders. The shortrib is the kind of centerpiece that defines a great Korean BBQ — buttery and perfectly marbled. The ginseng chicken soup is soulful and restorative, the sort of dish you didn't know you needed until it arrives in front of you. And the Pan-fried Butter Fish? Broke da mouth.

If you're visiting Honolulu, this is not a maybe — it's a definitive stop for lunch or dinner. It's only a short drive from Waikiki. Forty years in, the standard hasn't slipped. That says everything.“

“I ordered take out from this place when I was visiting Honolulu. I got the Kalbi and Pork Belly BBQ with macaroni salad and potato salad. The Korean BBQ is really good and the prices are great. I would visit this place more often if I lived in Honolulu, really good food and even better prices!“

“We drove all the way from Ewa Beach just to eat here. It was so worth the trip! Parking was ample though it gets full fast! Everything was delicious. Place is clean and organized. Their lunch specials are a great way to try different dishes at a time. The staff were friendly and courteous. We had Sunny and she made good recommendations. We will definitely be back to try more dishes. Very generous servings too. Ono!“

“Surprisingly good. i was in a hurry so i dropped by to get something quick, and they made my stuff fast. I’m not Korean though so i’ve got no idea if it’s authentic, but I got the bikook (?) cold noodles and it was cool, spicy, and tangy. Good portion sizes“

“REAL HOMEMADE Mandoo 😍 delicious and fresh! Highly recommend 💯my korean 🇰🇷 husband love it and me too!! They saved me from cooking lunch today. We will comeback for more 🥟 are amazing 😻 the ladys at the store so friendly and kind.“

“The spicy pork feet were absolutely delicious! It was honestly the best spicy pork feet I’ve had in Hawaii. The flavor was amazing, and the perfect balance of spicy and savory. The staff were also incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I will definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend this place! 😊“

“Restaurant has an old comfy restaurant that is casual. Food is overall good and they're known for their oxtail soup. Presentation is not formal and primarily has local comfort food. If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, this restaurant won't disappoint.“

“You guys gotta check this place out....service was top notch. When I first went in I ordered plate lunches and then the owner hands me a water cup with ice...so thoughtful!! Not many places do that anymore. The place gave a generous portion of food. Good for the money!! Great place to go to.“

“When I was growing up, going to school across the street at Aliamanu, they only had Pioneer Chicken at that corner of the Shopping Center. Several years later, after Pioneer Chicken was no more, I was pleased to discover this new Korean BBQ place that opened up there.“

“The best Korean fried Chicken on Oahu

I love crispy and snow flavor that's awesome.

Small bar for dine-in for 3 people. By the way, I do

Only take out. If you want to pick up please call to

Order in advance they take 15 minutes to prepare.“

“The service and the food was excellent. we loved the outdoor seating. we will definitely be back before we leave the island. I highly recommend it. We had the breakfast and my wife was already talking about going back for dinner“

“BEST FRIED CHICKEN IN THE AREA!!!

Korean chicken is the best and I’m so grateful they have this awesome restaurant here.

You can dine in or pickup to go.

If you’re going to Halona cove, stop here, grab a box of delicious chicken and eat it when you go there.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!“

“Very good food. We had a party of 11 people and ordered a large variety of dishes and meats. The service was quick and the food was super delicious. I would love to come back and order raw meats to cook myself at the table. Would recommend.“

“Cheaper korean plate lunches but no choice on side veggies, they will give whatever veggies was cooked that day.
Today, I didn't really enjoy the kalbi and BBQ chicken. My partner said the grilled fished tasted fried instead.“

“I’ve been coming here for years and the service is always great! You get your food quickly. The servers polite and working very hard! We always take big parties ( and make a reservation ) there and also eat with just two of us! The best is to come with friends or family and you will all leave happy!“

“H Mart has the best produce, the fruit variety and freshness is epic! The pickle/banchan fridge is full of so many options. I love the ready to bbq bulgogi and sashimi fish fridge for those looking for lean protein - they have salmon, hamachi, ahi combos. The frozen dumpling and buns selection are epic. Also great teas and seaweed. I love this place!!! The checkout folks are nice and 1 hour parking is free.“

“That Korean fried chicken has to be the some of the BEST I’ve ever had. I’m addicted to KFC, and the prepackaged rice/KFC combo has another level of flavor that I would say 75% of restaurants don’t include. The crust is sized well, crispy and well made. Lots of bonchon. Very unassuming spot, and really nice lady there too. I love spots like this.

You can flex at the airport with this take out. While everyone else pays hefty sums for French fries“

“KUDOs. Quick, efficient service; all front business handled by ONE person who greets, takes orders, chats, closes bill and cleans up. Food tasty; we ordered butterfish and bulgogi/bbq chicken combo. Definitely recommended; will return.
CHALLENGEs. NOT undesirable but know that this is an older, simple establishment. Duct tape seals tears in furniture, assorted dinnerware.“