San Diego is a city that is known for its diverse cuisine, and Korean cuisine has established itself as a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
It's no surprise that the city has a wide range of Korean restaurants, serving up everything from classic dishes to modern fusion creations.
Korean food is known for its bold flavors, with dishes that are both spicy and savory. From the famous Korean BBQ to the popular bibimbap, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Many Korean restaurants in San Diego offer a unique dining experience, with traditional decor and attentive service that makes every visit memorable.
Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch or a fancy dinner, there are plenty of Korean restaurants to choose from in San Diego.
With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the best Korean restaurants in San Diego, so you can enjoy the best the city has to offer.
1. Manna BBQ
Manna BBQ is a Korean restaurant that serves delicious grilled fare in a casual setting.
The restaurant offers a variety of meats and sides, including cow tongue and Hawaiian pork belly.
The service is quick and attentive, and the staff is friendly. The prices are reasonable, and the all-you-can-eat option is a great value.
Manna BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking for a tasty Korean BBQ experience.
2. Jeong Won BBQ Buffet
Jeong Won BBQ Buffet is a Korean restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. Guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat, DIY-grilled Korean BBQ.
The restaurant provides a good selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables to grill, as well as a variety of Korean salads and side dishes.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.
Although the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, the wait is worth it. Jeong Won BBQ Buffet is a great place for families, groups, or casual dates.
3. Bonchon Convoy
Bonchon Convoy is a Korean restaurant that serves up some of the best fried chicken in town.
The soy garlic and spicy wings are a must-try for any first-time visitors. The bibimbap is also a popular choice, fresh and piping hot.
The bulgogi is marinated well and definitely worth a try. The service is prompt and courteous, and the atmosphere is casual and laid-back.
The parking lot can be a bit of a hassle, but the food is definitely worth it. Bonchon Convoy is a great place to grab a quick and delicious meal.
4. Sue's Korean Kitchen
Sue's Korean Kitchen is a hidden gem that serves authentic Korean cuisine. The restaurant is a small mom and pop shop that offers big portions of homestyle cooking.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, and they make everything fresh in the kitchen.
The menu is small but delicious, with some dishes that are not on the menu but can be made upon request.
The outdoor seating is a great place to enjoy the food in a relaxed atmosphere. If you're looking for a home-cooked Korean meal, Sue's Korean Kitchen is definitely worth checking out.
5. Natural Style Chicken
Natural Style Chicken is a Korean restaurant that serves up delicious and healthy food.
Their rotisserie chicken is second to none and always fresh, hot, and moist. The portions are generous, and the teriyaki chicken is one of the best in San Diego.
The service is friendly and efficient, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner. While the location may not be much to look at, the food is what matters most, and Natural Style Chicken does not disappoint.
It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and looking for some tasty Korean-style fast food.
6. ZZanG Hot Dog Convoy
ZZanG Hot Dog Convoy is a Korean restaurant that offers a unique hot dog experience. Their corn dogs are made with a rice-based batter and come in a variety of flavors.
Customers can choose from a range of sauces and seasonings to customize their order.
The mozzarella dog and the squid ink dog are highly recommended. The service is friendly and the food is always fresh.
Although the restaurant is located inside a shopping center, it is worth the visit. ZZanG Hot Dog Convoy is perfect for those who want to try something different and delicious.
7. Chon Ju Jip
Chon Ju Jip is a small Korean restaurant that serves authentic and delicious Korean dishes. The food is homemade style fare and is perfectly seasoned.
The banchan is not too sweet or vinegary, and the beef tofu soup and small dishes are excellent.
The restaurant is not big, with around 15 tables, generally for 2-4 people. The prices are very reasonable, and the service is friendly.
The restaurant is a great choice for those looking for traditional Korean food without any frills. The bibimbap is highly recommended.
8. Shozen BBQ
Shozen BBQ is a family-owned Korean restaurant that offers exceptional service and delicious food. The meat quality is great, and the portions are generous.
The restaurant has a nice presentation, and the atmosphere is authentic Korean. The seafood pancake and cold noodles are highly recommended.
The staff is attentive, and the service is quick. The restaurant also offers an all-you-can-eat deal, which is a great value for money.
The dipping sauce for the meat is definitely yummy. Shozen BBQ is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit.
9. Hong Kong Banjum 0410
Hong Kong Banjum 0410 is a Korean restaurant that serves delicious Korean style Chinese food.
The portions are big, and the food is served quickly. The Jajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk are excellent, and the Jjamppong is the best in San Diego.
The owner is friendly, and the prices are affordable. The restaurant is located in a food court, and the atmosphere is clean and sanitary.
The restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking for tasty Korean style Chinese food.
10. Jomaru Korean Hot Pot
Jomaru Korean Hot Pot is a must-visit for those who love Korean cuisine. This place has a great atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to dine with friends.
The staff is highly attentive, and the service is quick. The soy-braised pork is a must-try dish here, as it is tender and delicious.
The gamjatang is also very tasty and comes in generous portions. The side dishes are just okay. The only downside is the parking, so street parking is recommended.
In short, Jomaru Korean Hot Pot is a great restaurant to satisfy your craving for authentic Korean food.
11. Min Sok Chon
Min Sok Chon is a Korean restaurant that offers a fun atmosphere and great service. The food portions are large and shareable, with a nice variety of options including chicken nuggets and different types of fries.
The steamed dumpling appetizer and beef bulgogi are highly recommended. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of soju flavors.
The atmosphere is dark and club-like, with private rooms available for karaoke. The staff is accommodating and attentive.
Prices are on the higher side, but the happy hour specials are fantastic. The bathrooms could be cleaner, but overall, Min Sok Chon is a great spot for groups to enjoy Korean food and drinks.
12. Handoo Korean BBQ
Handoo Korean BBQ is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Korean barbecue. This restaurant offers a variety of meats and vegetables that are cooked to perfection on a grill at your table.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that you have everything you need to enjoy your meal.
The menu has three levels to choose from, with each option offering a different selection of dishes. The quality of the food is exceptional, and the portions are generous.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a late-night dinner, Handoo Korean BBQ has something for everyone.
13. moonbowls
Moonbowls is an Asian fusion restaurant that offers healthy and delicious Korean cuisine. They have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options that are perfect for those who want to eat clean.
The food is always fresh and perfectly prepared, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal.
They also have a nice outside seating area for those who prefer to dine in. Ordering through their app is super easy and user-friendly, and the delivery is fast.
Moonbowls is definitely worth a visit for anyone in the mood for some delicious Korean food.
14. K. Cuisine
K. Cuisine is a small Korean restaurant that serves up delicious and authentic dishes. The menu has a good variety of options, including seafood pancake, tofu soup, and pork cutlet.
The side dishes, or banchan, are also noteworthy and reminiscent of 90's Korean style.
The service is great, and the chef even comes out to check on how the food is.
The restaurant is a great option for those looking for casual Korean comfort food at a reasonable price.
15. Pelicana Chicken SD
Pelicana Chicken SD is a Korean restaurant that specializes in fried chicken. They offer both bone-in and boneless chicken, with a variety of sauces to choose from.
The crispy texture of the chicken is well-preserved even when taken out for takeout.
The restaurant has a cool vibe with friendly and attentive staff. They also have a late-night special offer for their shaken fries and Sapporo draft beer.
Pelicana Chicken SD is definitely worth a visit for those who crave for some delicious Korean fried chicken.
16. bb.q Chicken Convoy
If you're in the mood for some crispy and delicious Korean fried chicken, look no further than bb.q Chicken Convoy.
With a variety of flavors to choose from, including soy garlic, honey garlic, and galbi, there's something for everyone.
The dine-in area is clean and comfortable, and the service is great.
And if you're in a rush, their fast online order and quick pick up system makes takeout a breeze. Don't miss out on this popular San Diego spot for Korean chicken.
17. Thang Thang
Thang Thang is a Korean restaurant that offers great food, drinks, and service. The portions are big and perfect for sharing with friends.
The atmosphere is fun and casual, making it an ideal spot to hang out and have a good time.
The staff is nice and attentive, and the prices are appropriate for the quality of the food.
The kimchi pancake and bulgogi fries are highly recommended. Thang Thang is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves Korean cuisine.
18. Woomiok
Woomiok is a Korean restaurant that serves up authentic cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including bibimbap, bulgogi, and beef bone soup.
The side dishes are plentiful and delicious, and the service is quick and friendly. Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes of the food.
If you're looking for a solid Korean dining experience, Woomiok is definitely worth checking out.
19. Katzya Chicken & Donkatsu
Katzya Chicken & Donkatsu is a Korean restaurant with a unique selection of tasty food. The management is great and the quality of the food is superb.
They offer a variety of chicken dishes, including their famous Korean fried chicken. The garlic chicken and honey crispy chicken are must-try dishes. They also offer katsu/curry and fries which are delicious.
The fries are crispy and the curry has a nice spice to it. The Kangjung Chicken is sweet and tasty but the seasoned chicken has a weird taste.
The restaurant has a good selection of options and the market is also worth checking out. Highly recommended for those who love Korean food and chicken dishes.
20. Tofu House SDSU
Tofu House SDSU is a Korean restaurant that offers great service and delicious food.
The chefs special and crispy dumplings are a must-try.
Their spicy vegetable stew is amazing and the Galbi and Bulgogi are also highly recommended.
The staff is friendly and the food comes out quickly. The restaurant is a great place to hang out and try Korean food.
