After reading all good reviews, i was very excited to dine here. Unfortunately it was a let down. The level of service is what makes this place really special. The staff is exceptional: friendly, attentive.
Sadly I will echo majority of low reviewed comments. I ordered kalbi gui and WAGYU SEOGOGI GUI. I didn’t get any drinks nor entries. The food was really really salty. Salt overpowered everything I ate. The meat was overcooked and in some places burnt. Both dishes did not any special kick to them. It remained me boring, salted steaks I sometimes make for myself at home, when i just want to eat something quickly. Perhaps the salt they are using is bitter salt. Not sure:))
Side dishes were complementary just like in other korean restaurants. They were just okay.
I am not leaving this review to bash the place. I hope they take this and other similar reviews to make improvements.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
shaurya agarwal
The food was authentic and amazing, but the service was what stood out. We were running late and came in at the time when the kitchen was closing but they accommodated us beautifully. Their waiting staff was amazing and very warm(especially Judy). Overall loved the food but the service was the standout.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jenna Zhu
Somaek is truly a gem. The food is absolutely incredible—every dish tasted like a comforting, home-cooked meal made with so much care. The intimate setting made our experience feel so cozy and special!
The staff were a highlight on their own. Keri, our hostess, was so warm and welcoming from the moment we walked in. She was so authentically kind to us and checked in on us throughout the night to make sure we had nothing less than the best experience. Cesar, Lucio, and Haley who were our bartenders were so fun, easy to talk to, and genuinely excited to share how they craft their unique drinks. The cocktails not only tasted amazing but also had the most impressive presentation.
We ordered the haemul pajeon (green onion pancake), bossam (steamed pork belly wraps), kimchi jjigae, bulgogi, and bibim guksu—each dish was made to perfection and we can’t wait to go back to order these again and try everything else on the menu.
This restaurant is truly one of a kind and has quickly become one of our favorite places to eat in Boston. Can’t recommend Somaek enough!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Myr Zilka
Very small and loud place . The food had no taste nor flavor . They make big deal about the way the food is served but nothing els . The guys at the bar are awkward and with attitude specially the one I with short curly hair . The food is expensive and doesn’t taste authentic.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Sean Lamb
The food here was amazing and some of the best food I've ever tasted. One thing I love when I'm eating at a restaurant is when the Chef comes out and mingles with the patrons. Jamie Bissonnette took the time to hangout at our table talking to us about the food and entertaining us and it just took the whole experience from great to all time. The other staff were really friendly and funny as well. The unique cocktails and Somaek really add to this unforgettable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Beef Short Rib, Scallion Pancake
Eden
Was one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten in Boston. Super authentic Korean food and were very accommodating with gluten free allergy. Was very impressed by food sizes and prices.
Karina L Cruz
Sat at the bar and received excellent service. Shared 3 entree plates with a friend and was more than enough food. Everybody was welcoming and attentive. The drinks were amazing! Would eat again here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Sheu
The nicest service. Great food. Reasonable prices. You should eat here all the time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick B
Service was excellent. Food was great. I wish the ojingeo bokkeum had a bit more squid, but it was still tasty. Make sure you make a reservation before coming in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Linda S.
I’ve gone to Somaek four times for dinner over the past few months, and loved each visit. The food is delicious (short ribs, banchan, soft-boiled egg are standouts), and the service exceptional. It’s nice to dine at a restaurant where every staff member greets guests so warmly and is attentive throughout the meal. Thanks to Theo, Keri, Lavender, DT, Dennis and every member of the team for their part in making Somaek such a nice place to dine. I have a reservation this week and am looking forward to it 😊😋
My husband and I just visited Somaek Korean as our very first restaurant experience in Boston — and it absolutely set the bar sky-high! From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us so warmly and made us feel right at home. Their friendliness and genuine care truly stood out and made our honeymoon dinner extra special. We ordered the 돼지불고기 (Dwaeji Bulgogi) — tender pork perfectly balanced with soy and gochujang spice; the 갈비구이 (Galbi Gui) — juicy, flavorful grilled short ribs cooked to perfection; and the 비빔국수 (Bibim Guksu) — refreshing cold noodles with just the right kick of gochujang and crisp cucumber. Every dish was incredibly delicious, beautifully presented, and full of authentic flavor. To our surprise, after learning it was our honeymoon, the staff brought out a special dessert and wine to celebrate with us. It was such a thoughtful gesture that truly touched our hearts and made the evening unforgettable. If you’re looking for amazing Korean food with warm, personal service, look no further than Somaek Korean. We’ll be recommending this place to everyone — and we can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arsalan
Hip restaurant, Koreanish. Would I go there again? No, Thank you.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Owen OConnor
Amazing place for authentic Korean food. Would recommend getting a reservation in advance if you are going during a busy time.
Maxim Kovalenko
Amazing experience, food, service and environment. They provided a marked menu for gluten free and potential cross contamination! Waiter knew the foods and was helpful. Food itself was all delicious and the Somaek was good as well. I came on my Birthday but would come here again casually. Highly recommend to come.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Lavigne
We came for a birthday dinner for my husband and the staff was amazing! My husband has a shellfish allergy and they let us know what he could and could not have. The food is amazing! It reminded him of when he was stationed in Korea. We will be back!
After reading all good reviews, i was very excited to dine here. Unfortunately it was a let down. The level of service is what makes this place really special. The staff is exceptional: friendly, attentive.
Sadly I will echo majority of low reviewed comments. I ordered kalbi gui and WAGYU SEOGOGI GUI. I didn’t get any drinks nor entries. The food was really really salty. Salt overpowered everything I ate. The meat was overcooked and in some places burnt. Both dishes did not any special kick to them. It remained me boring, salted steaks I sometimes make for myself at home, when i just want to eat something quickly. Perhaps the salt they are using is bitter salt. Not sure:))
Side dishes were complementary just like in other korean restaurants. They were just okay.
I am not leaving this review to bash the place. I hope they take this and other similar reviews to make improvements.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
The food was authentic and amazing, but the service was what stood out. We were running late and came in at the time when the kitchen was closing but they accommodated us beautifully. Their waiting staff was amazing and very warm(especially Judy). Overall loved the food but the service was the standout.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Somaek is truly a gem. The food is absolutely incredible—every dish tasted like a comforting, home-cooked meal made with so much care. The intimate setting made our experience feel so cozy and special!
The staff were a highlight on their own. Keri, our hostess, was so warm and welcoming from the moment we walked in. She was so authentically kind to us and checked in on us throughout the night to make sure we had nothing less than the best experience. Cesar, Lucio, and Haley who were our bartenders were so fun, easy to talk to, and genuinely excited to share how they craft their unique drinks. The cocktails not only tasted amazing but also had the most impressive presentation.
We ordered the haemul pajeon (green onion pancake), bossam (steamed pork belly wraps), kimchi jjigae, bulgogi, and bibim guksu—each dish was made to perfection and we can’t wait to go back to order these again and try everything else on the menu.
This restaurant is truly one of a kind and has quickly become one of our favorite places to eat in Boston. Can’t recommend Somaek enough!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very small and loud place . The food had no taste nor flavor . They make big deal about the way the food is served but nothing els . The guys at the bar are awkward and with attitude specially the one I with short curly hair . The food is expensive and doesn’t taste authentic.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
The food here was amazing and some of the best food I've ever tasted. One thing I love when I'm eating at a restaurant is when the Chef comes out and mingles with the patrons. Jamie Bissonnette took the time to hangout at our table talking to us about the food and entertaining us and it just took the whole experience from great to all time. The other staff were really friendly and funny as well. The unique cocktails and Somaek really add to this unforgettable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Beef Short Rib, Scallion Pancake
Was one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten in Boston. Super authentic Korean food and were very accommodating with gluten free allergy. Was very impressed by food sizes and prices.
Sat at the bar and received excellent service. Shared 3 entree plates with a friend and was more than enough food. Everybody was welcoming and attentive. The drinks were amazing! Would eat again here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The nicest service. Great food. Reasonable prices. You should eat here all the time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was excellent. Food was great. I wish the ojingeo bokkeum had a bit more squid, but it was still tasty. Make sure you make a reservation before coming in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I’ve gone to Somaek four times for dinner over the past few months, and loved each visit. The food is delicious (short ribs, banchan, soft-boiled egg are standouts), and the service exceptional. It’s nice to dine at a restaurant where every staff member greets guests so warmly and is attentive throughout the meal. Thanks to Theo, Keri, Lavender, DT, Dennis and every member of the team for their part in making Somaek such a nice place to dine. I have a reservation this week and am looking forward to it 😊😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
An Unforgettable First Meal in Boston!
My husband and I just visited Somaek Korean as our very first restaurant experience in Boston — and it absolutely set the bar sky-high! From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us so warmly and made us feel right at home. Their friendliness and genuine care truly stood out and made our honeymoon dinner extra special.
We ordered the 돼지불고기 (Dwaeji Bulgogi) — tender pork perfectly balanced with soy and gochujang spice; the 갈비구이 (Galbi Gui) — juicy, flavorful grilled short ribs cooked to perfection; and the 비빔국수 (Bibim Guksu) — refreshing cold noodles with just the right kick of gochujang and crisp cucumber. Every dish was incredibly delicious, beautifully presented, and full of authentic flavor.
To our surprise, after learning it was our honeymoon, the staff brought out a special dessert and wine to celebrate with us. It was such a thoughtful gesture that truly touched our hearts and made the evening unforgettable.
If you’re looking for amazing Korean food with warm, personal service, look no further than Somaek Korean. We’ll be recommending this place to everyone — and we can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hip restaurant, Koreanish. Would I go there again? No, Thank you.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Amazing place for authentic Korean food. Would recommend getting a reservation in advance if you are going during a busy time.
Amazing experience, food, service and environment. They provided a marked menu for gluten free and potential cross contamination! Waiter knew the foods and was helpful. Food itself was all delicious and the Somaek was good as well. I came on my Birthday but would come here again casually. Highly recommend to come.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came for a birthday dinner for my husband and the staff was amazing! My husband has a shellfish allergy and they let us know what he could and could not have. The food is amazing! It reminded him of when he was stationed in Korea. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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