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Loved by locals

Kimchi spots in Irvine

Made for those who consider kimchi an essential component of every meal and seek out the most traditional ferments.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tang N Tang image 1
Tang N Tang image 2
Tang N Tang image 3
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Korean restaurant

Small, clean spot serves authentic Korean cuisine with fresh kimchi and jalapeño radish as standout banchan. Generous portions and affordable prices make it popular with locals. Casual vibe and handy utensil drawers add to the welcoming feel.

Banchan includes fresh kimchi and jalapeño radish that stand out. Soup and kimchi come in decent-sized portions and taste good.

People are saying

"The soup here is steaming, flavorful, and packed with pork backbone."

"I found the Korean food here to be truly authentic and traditional."

"The pork belly plate was tender and juicy, tasting fresh."

Good to know

1

The waiting time is over 40 minutes during peak hours.

2

Parking is easy in the Hmart plaza with a sizeable lot.

3

Soju prices are cheaper than other Korean places around.

02
Yuk Dae Jang Irvine image 1
Korean restaurant

Cozy Korean spot buzzes with K-pop vibe and lively crowds. Kimchi shines with perfectly ripe taste, pairing well with soups and pork. Late hours attract those craving authentic Korean cuisine beyond BBQ.

Kimchi stays fresh and flavorful with a perfectly ripe taste that pairs well with dishes like soup and pork wrapped in lettuce. Side dishes complement the kimchi, making it a great addition to the meal.

People are saying

"This Korean food bossam is perfectly cooked and flavorful."

"The soup here is rich and delicious."

"The kimchi here is great and the service is super friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a free lot next to the restaurant.

2

The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours.

3

They offer complimentary side dishes including kimchi and chives.

03
Yigah Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant serves huge portions with authentic flavors and a rotating banchan selection. Lunch features three types of kimchi, including radish kimchi, appealing to all ages. Space feels clean and open, drawing crowds at lunch and dinner with affordable prices.

Quality stands out with well-made kimchi and side dishes that appeal to all ages. Lunch includes three types of kimchi served at the table, featuring radish kimchi alongside other varieties.

People are saying

"The food portions here are pretty big; I ate leftovers for two days."

"Their kimchi is some of the best I've tasted in a restaurant."

"I really enjoyed the Spicy Beef Soup; it was a hefty portion."

Good to know

1

Expect large portion sizes; one dish can easily serve two people.

2

The price of $22.99 for the Donkatsu offers great value for the amount of food.

3

Parking can be difficult on weekends, so arrive early.

04
Its Tofu image 1
Restaurant

Clean, modern space offers spacious seating booths and classy table settings. Korean dishes shine with wide variety of banchans including kimchi served in bronze tableware. Hip, trendy vibe blends authentic flavors with welcoming smiles.

Kimchi appears as part of the ban chan alongside vegetable pancake, tteokbokki, and spicy spinach. It also comes with the kids tofu soup, paired with white tofu soup and small fried dumplings.

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 soft tofu soups' spice levels matched the descriptions."

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.

05
Hanshin Pocha Irvine image 1
Korean restaurant

Neon lights and loud K-pop create a lively mood in this gastropub. Spicy kimchi stew with pork and sausage offers a rich, shareable dish. Groups sing along late into the night, making it a perfect spot to unwind with friends.

Spicy soups like Kimchi Jeongol mix kimchi with pork and sausage for a rich, shareable dish. The kimchi stew pairs well with chicken feet, adding depth to the meal.

People are saying

"The kimchi stew here is so delicious and flavorful."

"Their Korean fried chicken has a nice crunch for a Late Night Spot."

"It's a fun, casual place to unwind after work."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open every day until midnight, and until 1am on weekends.

2

Happy hour deals run from 5-7pm on Tuesdays; check their socials for details.

3

Parking is easy to find in a large plaza with plenty of spots.

06
Tang 190 image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern Korean spot offers high-quality galbi-tang in a cozy, upscale setting with comfortable outdoor patio. Kimchi varieties include crunchy radish kimchi with mild spice, paired with fresh cucumber banchan and fish cakes. Dining feels intimate but slightly cramped.

Kimchi here comes in a few varieties, including a mild spice level that surprises many. The radish kimchi is notably crunchy and well fermented, paired well with cucumber banchan and fish cakes.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious, especially the tender galbi tang."

"The outdoor patio seating is really comfortable."

"The galbi tang broth wraps you like a warm hug."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay extra fees if using a credit card for payment.

2

The restaurant offers unlimited side dishes with each meal.

3

Outdoor patio seating is available, perfect for dining after shopping.

07
Yoo's place image 1
Korean restaurant

Casual Korean spot shines with fresh geotjori kimchi and unlimited side dishes like radish kimchi. Bright lighting sets a homey atmosphere. Enjoy complimentary bone broth in stainless steel tumblers during busy lunch hours.

Fresh kimchi served daily as geotjori offers a mildly spicy and slightly sweet flavor without fermentation tartness. Unlimited side dishes include radish kimchi and cucumber salad, complementing dishes like kimchi tofu and kimchi pork.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their fresh, daily kimchi that was mildly spicy and slightly sweet."

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.

08
Seoul N Spirits BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious Korean spot offers a cozy vibe with warm smoky aromas and lively music. Kimchi tastes like it came from an authentic grandma, with a balanced flavor that shines in kimchi soup. Tablet ordering adds a modern touch to this welcoming space.

Kimchi tastes like it was made by an authentic Korean grandma with a balanced flavor. The kimchi soup is not salty and pairs well with dishes like bulgogi and boneless short ribs.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and tasty."

"The kimchi soup here is so good, even the kids loved it."

"The kimchi here is delicious and the meat quality is high."

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.

09
H Mart Irvine WestPark image 1
Korean grocery store

Supermarket shines with an awesome kimchi selection featuring 500 varieties. Food court offers diverse Asian dishes in a pleasant, quiet atmosphere. Fresh produce display is vibrant and inviting, though parking can be limited during busy times.

A wide variety of kimchi fills the selection, with about 500 varieties available. The kimchee section stands out for its awesome selection.

People are saying

"This market has a great selection of Korean food and produce."

"I found the seafood selection to be an incredible experience."

"I found an awesome selection of kimchi here."

Good to know

1

The food court offers a variety of Korean food options.

2

Parking availability can be limited during peak hours.

3

Sushi and kimbap are available, but no chopsticks are provided.

10
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Walnut) image 1

Casual Korean spot with a cozy atmosphere and attentive service. Enjoy perfectly fermented kimchi that balances spice well. K-pop tunes add a lively vibe while the quieter setting keeps it relaxed and calm.

Complimentary sides include perfectly fermented kimchi and crisp pickled radish. Kimchi is good and not sour, and spice level can be controlled by adding kimchi to the soup.

People are saying

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

"The seafood broth was rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

"This kimchi tofu soup is rich, flavorful, 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.

11
Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant (Culver) image 1

Cozy space with robot servers sets a warm vibe. Menu shines with soft tofu soups featuring adjustable spice and kimchi side dishes. Generous portions and close tables make it lively and inviting.

Kimchi appears as a side dish alongside mashed potato, noodles, and bean sprouts. The kimchi tofu soup offers spicy options, including very spicy and mild, with pork and galbi ribs available.

People are saying

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

"The seafood tofu soup here is yummy and comes out piping hot."

"The banchan here, including kimchi, is delicious and changes often."

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.

12
H Mart Irvine image 1
Korean grocery store

Small market buzzes with fresh seafood and oriental decor. Offers affordable kimchi packed in big bags and Korean staples like gochujang. Cozy food court serves tasty Korean dishes amid lively music and free samples.

Fresh kimchi comes packed in big plastic bags with a good selection available. Prices for kimchi and noodles are lower than at Sam's Club. Traditional Korean staples like gochujang and kimchi sit alongside teas, snacks, and condiments.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge selection of authentic Korean snacks and ingredients."

"The seafood here is so fresh it might have walked in on its own."

"I loved the fresh kimchi packed in big plastic bags."

Good to know

1

They offer a discount on prepared food to go at 1 pm and 7 pm.

2

H Mart Irvine has a hot section with a buy one get one free special towards the end of the day.

3

H Mart Irvine accepts EBT payments.

13
Moobongri Soondae Irvine Barranca (무봉리 순대국 얼바인 바랑카) image 1

Korean restaurant shines with authentic soondae soup and fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy radish and cabbage kimchi that refresh often and balance spice well. Warm, modern space feels like a hidden gem for Korean comfort food in Irvine.

Kimchi comes in radish and cabbage varieties that taste great and get refilled promptly. The side dishes offer spicy and non-spicy options that pair well with pork soup and Korean sausages.

People are saying

"The soup broth here is rich and delicious."

"The food here is so authentic and representative of traditional Korean cuisine."

"This kimchi is revitalizing and energizing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-minute wait on busy Saturday mornings.

2

The restroom cleanliness may not meet expectations.

3

Korean-speaking customers often prefer the sundae soup.

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