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Top picks in Buena Park

Kimchi lunch spots

Made for those who need a quick, fermented kick to power through the second half of their workday.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
BBQ+RICE Buena Park image 1
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Korean restaurant

Small dining space offers cozy seating with clean, modern design and well-lit interior. Atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, with upbeat music adding energy. Limited tables and counter seats create an intimate setting suited for casual meals.

Homemade kimchi stands out with its freshness and authentic taste, closely matching what you'd find in Korea. It uses bare minimum ingredients and pairs well with bowls, making it a must-have side.

Friendly staff prepare orders promptly even during the lunch rush. Meals offer a healthy and delicious balance that satisfies without overeating, making it a solid choice for a quick or settled lunch.

People are saying

"The bulgogi here is delicious and flavorful."

"The sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken is so good."

"You can tell their house-made kimchi is fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is a big challenge due to the small plaza and other businesses.

2

Expect generous portion sizes with affordable pricing.

3

The menu offers options in chicken, beef, pork, and wok-fried tofu.

02
Kkanbu Korean Restaurant image 1

Small, clean Korean restaurant with a casual chicken joint vibe and cozy atmosphere. Offers wide variety of traditional dishes with fresh banchan and brass serving ware. Quiet and inviting, often busy even early in the day, with reasonable prices and comfy seating.

Kimchi here has a good flavor and comes in small portions alongside dishes like seolleongtang. Prices stay reasonable despite inflation, and portions overall tend to be generous.

Lunch features hot stone bibimbap, beef rib soup, and spicy squid with well-prepared side dishes. Food arrives quickly, especially with morning and lunch specials that come with extra sides.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is just right, not too salty or sweet."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and good ambiance."

"I thought this place had the best kimchi I ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Parking is a bit difficult, so arrive early or be patient.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

The menu features a wide variety of traditional Korean dishes.

03
Tang image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant offers quiet, homey atmosphere with authentic Korean soups made from real beef bone broth. Space feels warm and inviting yet super quiet, allowing diners to hear a pin drop. Portions are generous and prices affordable, making it a solid choice for hearty, flavorful meals.

Delicious and well-paired, the kimchi complements the dishes perfectly. It consistently adds a flavorful kick to the meal.

Lunch offers large portions with specials like yukgaejang that can easily be shared. Prices stay under $14 with good service making it a solid affordable deal.

People are saying

"I loved their rich, authentic, and flavorful soups."

"I thought the kimchi was delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is really delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch special at Tang costs $14.99 and is available from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

2

There is free parking in the small plaza, but avoid parking in the Enterprise lot.

3

The portions of soup are generous, providing good value for the price.

04
Jincook image 1
Korean restaurant

Interior resembles a Korean movie set with traditional dolls and a thatched cottage roof decoration. Atmosphere feels cozy and immersive, evoking dining in Seoul with homely lighting and cute decor. Small space divides into two parts, creating an intimate setting for friends and family.

Kimchi adds a smoky flavor to the jegae and complements the rich, milky pork bone broth in the pork simmer soup. It pairs well with the tender pork belly in the Garlic SuYuk, enhancing the spicy and garlicky taste.

Lunch draws a crowd on weekends, making the spot busy. No lunch specials are offered. The menu suits both lunch and dinner well.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, comforting, and really, really good."

"The garlic suyuk paired with kimchi was so flavorful and rich."

"You have to try the braised beef short rib at this Lunch Spot; it's so tender!"

Good to know

1

Jincook does not accept reservations, so expect a 40-60 minute wait.

2

The restaurant is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

All parties need to be present before seating.

05
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant - 가주순두부 image 1

A Korean restaurant blends traditional decor with modern robot servers that deliver food and sing birthday songs. The atmosphere feels cozy and homey, with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Tables are spaced well, creating a comfortable dining experience with a touch of futuristic charm.

Kimchi here is fresh and sweet, not sour. It pairs well with dishes like tofu soup and beef soon doo boo, which has a medium spicy kick. The kimchi banchan stands out as a flavor explosion alongside other sides.

Lunch offers generous portions that can cover dinner and the next day's meal. The Kaju Lunch Special features flavorful Chicken Bulgogi served with banchan and rice, providing great value.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The kimchi here is so refreshing and perfectly crunchy."

"Their kalbi is the best lunch spot, even better than my own."

Good to know

1

Parking is free but limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Reservations are not required, but expect a wait during peak hours.

3

The lunch set offers the best value for meals.

06
M Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean BBQ spot with classic joint feel offers large tables and private rooms suited for groups. Loud techno music creates a high-energy, club-like atmosphere that can make conversation difficult. Drinks include cold draft beer and unique cocktails like peach makgeoli blends.

Kimchi appears as a flavorful side dish that complements several meals. It pairs well with crispy pork belly and enhances dishes like tofu wrappers and boneless short rib.

Lunch offers a special under $20 that provides good value. The spot suits casual celebrations with a friendly atmosphere during midday hours.

People are saying

"The Korean Barbecue here is the best I've had, with tender beef tongue and generous portions."

"The Lunch Spot service was so attentive, Donnie kept the meat perfect."

"I found the kimchi here to be the most delicious I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

M Korean BBQ is a no-tipping establishment; a 10% service fee is included.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially at night.

3

Plenty of parking is available in the attached parking structure.

07
Jinsol Gukbap Buena Park image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern Korean-style interior features clean wooden tables and digital ordering kiosks at every table. Atmosphere is friendly but noisy, often crowded with families sitting close together. The space feels authentic and well-lit, resembling a restaurant in Korea.

Oyster kimchi stands out as refreshing and delicious. Other kimchi and side dishes come across as clean and flavorful.

Lunch features a delicious broth that pairs well with a bottle of soju. The Korean dishes offer a fantastic midday meal experience.

People are saying

"This pork soup is more than good enough."

"This Lunch Spot's galbi tang and dolsot bibimbap were delicious."

"The kimchi here is delicious, not too sour or fermented."

Good to know

1

They serve breakfast menu until 10 am.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially around noon.

3

Parking is limited and can be challenging during busy times.

08
K SOUL FOOD image 1
Korean restaurant

Outdoor seating beneath a vibrant red canopy creates a cozy Korean street food vibe reminiscent of a pojangmacha. Inside seating is small and minimal, offering an authentic, no-frills atmosphere. Fish tanks with live seafood highlight a focus on freshness that complements the overall experience.

Simple ban chan includes kimchi, fish cake, cabbage salad, and spicy pickled radish. Kimchi appears in dishes like kimchi fried rice and kimchi stew with pork soup.

Offers a quick lunch option with Korean dishes suitable for casual meals with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"I felt like I was at home eating kimchi under the tent."

"The Korean BBQ Bulgogi is an 8 out of 10 for a great Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of The Source OC plaza, with ample parking available.

2

K SOUL FOOD offers outdoor seating, providing a pleasant dining option.

3

Expect to pay extra for additional bowls of rice, which cost $1 each.

09
Gangnam Station Korean BBQ - Buena Park image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious, modern interior with self-serve meat and salad bars creates an interactive dining experience. Lively atmosphere with loud music and a diverse crowd fills the clean, well-ventilated space. Tables feature built-in grills for cooking fresh, well-seasoned meats quickly and efficiently.

Kimchi here stands out for its very flavorful taste and quality that matches well with Korean soju. It appears alongside an impressive variety of side dishes and a convenient self-serve add-on cart.

Weekday lunch offers a $25 special with a solid selection of meats from both buffet and kitchen. Service stays outstanding even during busy hours.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Korean BBQ in town."

"The meats at this Lunch Spot had perfect fat ratios and were seasoned just right."

"The kimchi here is flavorful and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday until 4 pm with a $24.99 all-you-can-eat deal.

2

A minimum of 2 adults is required to sit down for AYCE dining.

3

There is a 2-hour time limit for all-you-can-eat orders.

10
Kyung Bok Kung Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Luxurious Korean restaurant with modern Korean aesthetics and semi-private booths creates an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. Large space feels like a club, offering private dining rooms for comfort and exclusivity. Music and socializing maintain a festive but not intrusive vibe.

Deep-fried kimchi shines in the Tricolor Pancake with a strong blend of spiciness and pickled flavor. Kimchi radish water offers a unique, refreshing twist alongside the classic kimchi.

Lunch features decent lunch boxes and options like the VVIP Han Jeong Sik set for groups. Prices run on the expensive side, even without a reservation on weekends.

People are saying

"The Korean food here, especially the K-BBQ courses, is always satisfying."

"The spicy beef tartare was one of my favorites."

"This lunch spot's Han Jeong Sik experience was refined and memorable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure a hassle-free dining experience.

2

The restaurant only accepts credit cards with chips; no gift cards without chips.

3

Expect higher prices due to the premium dining experience offered.

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Buena Park, California

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