Joa Korean Food

Amazing food and very nice staff.

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love Korean food and was stationed in Korea for a year. Although the lady , perhaps the owner, was friendly and helpful with the menu, I was not too impressed with JOA Korean food and probably will not return.
Korean food is supposed to be fresh, bold, vibrant and , healthy with balanced flavors. and spices. .
I didn’t get this from the food at JOA.
I ordered the spicy chicken and mandoo. I didn’t find the kimchi to be good kimchi , and the side dish of kimchi to take home is over priced.
Didn’t like the texture of the kimchi, was not crisp. Nor did I like the texture of the chicken. It wasn’t tender. The food here is not delicious. I guess you cold say it is slightly average when it comes to to authentic Korean food.
Maybe the other dishes on the menu are better.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Delicious and quick! Ordered bulgogi and it was ready in just a few minutes. The food was delicious! I don't usually love kimchi, but I did like their recipe, and the pickles were great too. Although I took it to go, the inside of the restaurant looked good. Although small, the wall art was nice and explained the main dishes served.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bulgogi Rice Bowl

Best Korean Food in Charlotte!

This is hands down the best Korean food in Charlotte. Everything is made from scratch with a true home-cooked taste, and it’s incredibly healthy. I have psoriasis and very sensitive skin, and I always get the kimchi here—my skin issues have improved so much since I started eating it!

The owner is so kind, and her whole staff is wonderful. All the food is prepared by her and her family, and you can really taste the love and care in every bite. The broth is delicate, and the ingredients just melt in your mouth.

I truly believe her food has healing properties. To me, she is like a medicine woman. Thank you for making such amazing food and for helping my skin feel better. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It doesn’t look like much, but it is a labor of love. I ordered the spicy chicken, but could they make it not so spicy?

The cook (and owner) Joa came out and said “I can’t make this for you… because it wouldn’t taste right… but tell me what you like… and I will cook something special for you…

And she did. Just a really good cook making something she loved. It was like going to a friends house and their mom coming out to cook for you! Food was delicious! I will be going back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely delicious! I ordered the spicy chicken rice bowl and was left wanting more. The service was friendly and efficient. The food came out hot and fresh. I love kimchi and the sides did not dissapoint. 110% recommend!!

Their food was very good, especially their homemade fresh kimchi! Best kimchi I've ever had!! 👍🏼👍🏼

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I always enjoy my food from Joa, and I’ve tried quite a few items. Somehow it tastes home cooked rather than from a restaurant (and that’s a good thing), yet the presentation and effort are all obviously professional. If you’re interested in Korean food then I highly recommend it.
I’ve tried…
- the Bibimbap, it’s a great portion size and while it’s filling, it doesn’t feel heavy.
- The Bulgogi is also very good, spicy but so tasty and tender!
- The Japchae is one of my favorite dishes . I love the glass noodles and how it manages to be so subtly flavorful.
- The Ddukbokki is amazing. I wish I hadn’t tried it because I want to eat it everyday. If you’ve never tried rice cakes before then these are a fun treat, but they are chewy (which they’re supposed to be) so be prepared for that. I personally adore the texture, and the sauce served with these is also amazing. It’s sweet and super spicy.
- Lastly, the Kimchi … which is just the best. Seriously, it’s so good. Also spicy, but really fresh and crisp tasting.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely delicious! Got the spicy pork and it tasted amazing! The lady who runs the shop is incredibly sweet as well! Food was finished quickly and served hot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Pork

Food was delicious and service was amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Got the bulgogi and spicy chicken bowl. Portions were perfect, chicken wasn't too spicy! We forgot to buy a water, so the lady brought out a bottle of water on the house, which we really appreciated! Prices are average for casual Korean food, would come again!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Squid Rice Bowl

Absolutely wonderful restaurant. Food is delicious, and the scratch made kimchi is to die for. The owner is also incredibly sweet and welcoming. Can’t wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bibimbap

Had a great first experience at Joa for dinner recelty. The owner was amazingly hospitable and explained the menu, gave us more than we ordered with complimentary "extras." The beef bulgogi flavor was fantastic, the kimchi was super fresh, but the kimchi pancakes were my favorite.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

This place is delicious. I had the spicy squid 🦑 😍
Small space but the food is great.
Take it to go if you have a larger group.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was alright. Very overpriced. Really expected more for that much money. $15 for 2 cups of rice and some beef. Definitely wouldn't come here again or recommend it to anyone. Overall decent food but a ripoff. As well as this only 10 items on the menu. Much better of going to a fancier establishment. Same price point and everything else is better. Overall very poor restaurant.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1