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Guide to Irvine

Korean dinner spots

A Korean dinner spot that feels like a real night out rather than just a quick stop for a bowl of soup.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
So Gong Dong Tofu & BBQ image 1
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Korean restaurant

Modern Korean restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with clean, cozy booths and bright lighting. The space feels well-maintained and supports easy conversation. It draws diners seeking authentic, flavorful Korean dishes in a less crowded setting.

Beef bulgogi bento boxes come with reasonable prices and deliver rich flavor. Hot stone bibimbap arrives sizzling with tender beef and crispy rice, while soft tofu stew offers a flavorful, rich experience.

Dinner offers pleasing meals suitable for weeknight dinners or casual lunches. Lighting stays a bit bright during dinner, which might affect the ambiance.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is so delicious and savory."

"The dinner spots here are hot and fresh."

"You have to try the seafood pancake; it's so crispy."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, especially an hour and a half before closing.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to high demand.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful in the same lot as Burger King.

02
Marble Steakhouse & Grille image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant with a modern, upscale design and a quiet, calming atmosphere. Guests enjoy table-side steak grilling and a wine and cocktail bar that adds to the refined vibe. The setting suits date nights and special gatherings with its comfortable yet exclusive feel.

Upscaled Korean BBQ offers a smooth, stress-free experience with superb flavors. The banchan side dishes taste great and pasta is available alongside the BBQ.

Seating happens quickly, with waits under five minutes even on a Sunday night. The spot suits groups looking for a relaxed dinner with friends and offers a solid casual dining vibe.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has such flavorful, tender meat."

"The steak here is juicy and cooked to perfection."

"The staff here are so friendly and attentive during dinner."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially after 5 PM due to high demand.

2

Expect a wait time of less than 5 minutes for seating on Sundays.

3

Parking is plentiful in the plaza surrounding the restaurant.

03
Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot - Now AYCE image 1

Hot pot restaurant offers all-you-can-eat skewers with a self-serve fridge stocked with diverse meats and vegetables. Interior blends modern and traditional Chinese decor creating a warm, cozy atmosphere suitable for groups and casual dining. Sauce station and drink bar add customization and convenience to the lively dining experience.

Cold noodles stand out with a refreshing texture. Kimchi soup base offers a mild, pleasant flavor without heat, though other broths like sukiyaki and tom yum come off as bland.

Dinner offers an all-you-can-eat hot pot experience with a price around $37 to $40. Premium items like lobster tails, scallops, frog legs, and abalones are available, and the ingredients stay very fresh throughout the meal.

People are saying

"The soup bases here are rich, flavorful, and satisfying."

"These dinner spots offer a great value with tons of fresh ingredients."

"I loved the Korean food, especially the kimchi soup base."

Good to know

1

Lunch special is available until 4 p.m. on weekdays.

2

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Dinner costs $38.99 plus tax and tips, while lunch is $28.99.

04
GOOYI92 image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Small portable ceramic grills with gel fuel sit on tables, creating a luxury dining experience with modern, clean decor and a visible, spotless kitchen. The atmosphere is comfortable and not crowded, attracting diners seeking authentic Korean barbecue with top-quality meats in a tidy setting.

Premium Korean BBQ features top-notch meats and attentive table service. The cold kimchi noodles stand out as refreshing and unique, paired with tidy, flavorful banchan and authentic dishes like Pajeon on request.

Dinner includes dishes like Pajeon made on request even if not on the regular dinner menu. Violet prepares meals right in front of you, adding a personal touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has such sweet and helpful staff."

"The prime Ribeye just melted in my mouth, so tender and flavorful."

"The dinner spots here have super helpful and attentive service."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dinner hours.

2

Expect limited availability as they serve only 10 pieces of cap steak daily.

3

The restaurant does not offer all-you-can-eat options.

05
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Irvine image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Modern space combines cozy, friendly vibe with thoughtful family design and beautiful décor. Cramped layout creates a busy, energetic atmosphere with frequent movement. High-quality wagyu and a self-serve sides bar add to the engaging dining experience.

Offers all-you-can-eat wagyu with fresh ingredients and great meat options. Includes a self-serve area for kimchi, wagyu curry, and milk teas to complement the Korean BBQ.

Dinner features attentive service with staff like Emily and Joshua managing orders and cooking during busy times. Large groups get accommodated smoothly even during the dinner rush.

People are saying

"Our server helped us cook the steak and gave great recommendations."

"Our server made our dinner great and kept the experience smooth."

"I found the Korean barbecue here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 1-2 hours during peak dinner hours.

2

Put your name on the waiting list early to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat option with high-quality dishes.

06
Seoul N Spirits BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious Korean restaurant with modern interior and tablet ordering system offers a cozy atmosphere filled with warm, smoky aromas and lively music. The space suits both small and large groups, creating a fun vibe that feels welcoming and homey.

Grilling fills the air with a warm, smoky aroma. The marinated beef and bulgogi stand out for their flavor. Kimchi soup tastes balanced, not salty. Banchan arrives promptly without asking. A wide selection of soju options, including sugar-free, complements the meal.

Dinner time feels quiet with no other customers around. Service tends to be slow, which might affect the overall experience.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and tasty."

"The Korean food's meat quality is top-notch and tender."

"The meats at these dinner spots are top quality and melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait for dinner.

2

The restaurant offers table cooking and kitchen cooking options.

3

Parking is ample due to its location in a busy plaza.

07
All That Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Spacious shabu-shabu restaurant with self-serve ingredient and sauce bars and clean, well-organized cooking stations. Atmosphere balances family-friendly and bustling energy with comfortable noise levels and room to move. Offers varied broth and meat selections alongside sides and desserts, creating a lively yet inviting dining experience.

Broth and self-serve hot foods like Korean fried chicken and bulgogi beef stand out. Cooked sides include rice, rice cakes, and bulgogi to complement the meal.

Unlimited meat is served during dinner, with options available only in the evening. The meal costs about $40 per person and offers delicious flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the shabu shabu buffet with its great variety of meats and ingredients."

"The dinner spots offer a huge selection of delicious meats and ingredients."

"The Korean food buffet had amazing selections of fresh meats and vegetables."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat price is $35.99 per person on weekends.

2

Reservations require the entire party to be present.

3

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early around 4:30 PM.

08
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Culver) image 1

Small space combines cozy vibe with robot servers delivering dishes and playing music. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting but tables sit close, making conversations audible. Menu focuses on soft tofu soups with adjustable spice levels and generous portions.

Soondubu with seafood stands out with its rich flavors. Banchan includes mashed potato, noodles, kimchi, bean sprout, and cucumber kimchi, all served fresh and refilled regularly.

Warm and inviting atmosphere suits casual meals or cozy dinners with friends. Roast beef combo serves small portions with thin slices.

People are saying

"I thought the soft tofu soup here was the best in Orange County."

"The Korean food, especially the soft tofu soup, is always delicious."

"The staff here are so nice and attentive at these dinner spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging on weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of spice levels for the soups.

09
Baekjeong Irvine image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant features interactive table grills with overhead ventilation that minimizes smoke. Atmosphere is loud and lively, with music often making conversation difficult. Large space includes a separate bar area and outdoor seating for waiting guests.

High-quality Korean BBQ gets grilled right at the table with excellent service. The Baekjong Combo offers a solid sampling, including marinated kalbi, making it a standout for Korean BBQ outside Korea.

Dinner here features engaging staff who make the experience smooth and enjoyable. Servers like Felix and Julie provide friendly, attentive service without needing to be asked for anything.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is amazing, with outstanding service."

"I found the Korean BBQ here to be one of the best I've ever tried."

"The dinner spots here have amazing, friendly staff who explain everything."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Expect wait times of up to two hours for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Happy hour runs from 2-5 pm on weekdays with half-off drinks.

10
Dpot image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with fresh ingredients and a DIY sauce bar for personalized flavors. Indoor and outdoor seating create a family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Noise levels vary, sometimes making conversation difficult during loud gatherings.

Nine soup bases offer unique flavors, including a bulgogi flavor and a Korean spicy rice cake base. The all-you-can-eat menu features high-quality meats, especially the galbi eye steam stacker.

Unique pho broth stands out for dinner hot pot. Dinner specials are available at lunch for an extra charge. The area offers a nice walk with a pleasant view after eating.

People are saying

"The meats at this buffet, especially the rib eye, were super fresh and delicious."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat Korean food with fresh seafood and meats."

"The pho broth for dinner spots is unique and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Dpot offers an all-you-can-eat menu for $35 per person.

2

Lunch prices are around $50 for two people, including tax.

3

The restaurant is closed every Sunday.

11
Honey Pig BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant with signature tabletop grill that cooks meat alongside kimchi and bean sprouts. Atmosphere is lively and vibrant, often smoky and loud during busy times. Spacious and airy setting suits groups of four or more for an interactive dining experience.

Unlimited Korean BBQ features thinly sliced beef brisket, kimchi, and bean sprouts cooked on a unique round grill with a large cast-iron lid that blends flavors. The meal finishes with kimchi fried rice, offering a spicy and flavorful experience.

People are saying

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

"The Korean food here is cooked right at your table!"

"The service at these dinner spots is always attentive and smooth."

Good to know

1

The lunch menu starts at 12 pm and offers a variety of options.

2

Expect long wait times on Friday evenings due to popularity.

3

The AYCE menu has limits on how much can be ordered per item.

12
Yoo's place image 1
Korean restaurant

Casual Korean restaurant with a homey atmosphere and bright fluorescent lighting. Offers unlimited side dishes and complimentary bone broth served in stainless steel tumblers. Busy during lunchtime, it attracts those seeking authentic Korean flavors in a simple, comfortable setting.

Cold noodles stand out with authentic flavors. The banchan offers a varied and plentiful selection, including fresh kimchi made daily. Soups and stews stay true to Korean tradition, while dishes like spicy pork bulgogi and bibimbap in a hot stone bowl deliver classic tastes.

Casual dinners here feel relaxed and comfortable. The spot works well for both family meals and intimate dinners, offering a setting that suits different group sizes.

People are saying

"The home-style Korean food here is so delicious and fresh."

"The savory, comforting broth is perfect to start the meal."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and served quickly."

Good to know

1

Yoo's place is very busy during lunchtime, expect longer wait times.

2

The menu at Yoo's place is extensive, featuring many popular Korean dishes.

3

Expect to pay a bit more, as some find the food expensive for the portions.

13
Its Tofu image 1
Restaurant

Clean, modern space with spacious seating booths and classy table settings creates an inviting atmosphere. Korean dishes come with a wide variety of banchans served in bronze tableware, adding a royal food vibe. The vibe is hip and trendy, with an authentic feel and welcoming smiles.

Bibimbap stands out as a rare find in the area. Side dishes impress with variety and flavor, including grilled mackerel, seafood pancake, mixed tofu soup, and cold noodles.

Excellent service stays consistent even during the busy weekend dinner rush. Dinner seating waits are short, often under 10 minutes, and both dine-in and takeout options are available.

People are saying

"The Korean food's side dishes were so clean and delicious."

"The tofu soup here has a good kick, especially the spicy one."

"The Dinner Spots come with so many tasty, homemade-tasting side dishes."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of up to 45 minutes for weekend dinners.

2

Prices for entrees can be high, with a tofu pot costing around $20.

3

The restaurant offers lunch and dinner service, as well as takeout options.

14
All That Barbecue image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant with cramped seating and unique grill design creates a loud, smoky atmosphere that feels bustling and family-friendly. Tables are small and the space gets hot from cooking stoves, making conversation difficult. The place fills up quickly and does not accept reservations.

Offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with a great selection of meats and dishes like steamed egg, corn cheese, and stews. Includes really good banchan, plus kimchi and soy bean soup that stand out.

Dinner offers a great selection of meats including premium cuts like filet mignon, ribeye steak, and beef tongue. Prices range around $33 per person with a $20 dinner price for kids up to 8 years old.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean BBQ here was a great value for the price."

"The Korean food here has decent umami meat and pork belly."

"The dinner spots here have quality meat, especially the beef tongue."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait for a table during peak hours.

2

The all-you-can-eat lunch price is $29.99, while dinner costs $38.99.

3

There is a two-hour limit on all-you-can-eat orders, and charges apply for uneaten meat.

15
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Walnut) image 1

Casual Korean restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and attentive service. It plays K-pop music, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. The place is quieter than other branches, attracting diners who prefer a calm setting.

Seafood bibimbap and galbi sundubu stand out with authentic flavors. Soft soon tofu soup comes with a variety of banchan, and kimchi is mild, not sour. Bulgogi and kalbi dishes offer excellent taste.

Dinner here feels quiet even at prime dinner time. Ordering to go during dinner can lead to a wait longer than 20 minutes.

People are saying

"I found the soft tofu soup here to be great and tasty."

"The Korean food, especially the soft tofu soup, is so tasty."

"The soon tofu soup at these dinner spots is tasty and better than my favorite."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times after 7:30 PM, especially on weekends.

2

Paying cash grants a 6% discount at this restaurant.

3

Lunch prices average around $28 per person, which may be considered high.

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