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Local picks in Irvine

Kimchi Korean food

You are looking for Korean food that centers on the quality of the kimchi. It is the foundation of the meal, and you expect it to be made with care.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tang N Tang image 1
Tang N Tang image 2
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Korean restaurant

Small, clean space offers authentic Korean cuisine with generous portions and affordable prices. Tables include convenient utensil drawers for easy access to napkins and chopsticks. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, attracting many local Korean groups.

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

Authentic Korean dishes shine with crispy Donkatsu, flavorful Galbi Jim, and fresh bossam served with cabbage and banchan. Cold noodles come with a chewy texture and a unique bear ice cube in the broth, adding a fun twist.

People are saying

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

"The Korean food's beef ribs are so tender they melt in your mouth."

"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
Hanshin Pocha Irvine image 1
Korean restaurant

Neon lights and dim interiors create a gastropub vibe with loud K-pop music setting a lively mood. Groups gather to be loud and sing along, making it a late-night spot that stays open until 1am. The atmosphere feels like a Korean corner chicken house, perfect for unwinding 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.

Chicken feet and kimchi stew stand out with bold flavors. Crispy bulgogi fries and sweet-spicy Yangnyeom chicken add variety. Comfort comes from dishes like Uden tang and jjigae, while Korean fried chicken offers a satisfying crunch.

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."

"The Korean fried chicken here has a nice crunch."

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.

03
Yuk Dae Jang Irvine image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a K-pop vibe creates a lively dining experience. It often gets very crowded and stays open when others close, attracting those seeking authentic Korean cuisine beyond typical BBQ spots.

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.

Bossam with special soy sauce stands out, featuring pork belly wrapped in cabbage and kept warm in a steamer. The meal includes varied banchan side dishes and options like cold noodles, all served with attentive staff checking in regularly.

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.

04
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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and tasty."

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

"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.

07
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.

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.

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.

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
Yigah Restaurant image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers huge portions and authentic flavors with a rotating banchan selection that ranges from average to excellent. The space feels clean and open, attracting crowds during lunch and dinner hours. Prices remain affordable, providing great value compared to similar places.

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.

Galbitang stands out with its rich flavor, paired perfectly with radish kimchi that has a sharp, refreshing bite. The kimchi and side dishes are consistently well-made and enjoyed by all ages.

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."

"The Korean food here, especially the kimchi and soups, is so good."

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.

09
Tang 190 image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern Korean restaurant offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere with comfortable outdoor patio seating. Tables sit close together, creating an intimate but slightly cramped dining space. Known for high-quality galbi-tang and unlimited side dishes, it blends traditional flavors with a casual vibe.

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.

Galbi-tang stands out as a specialty with a well-balanced, not very spicy flavor and fall-apart tender meat. Unlimited appetizers include spicy fish cakes and seaweed, and dishes like ginseng chicken soup and galbi bibimbap offer comforting, hearty Korean flavors.

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.

10
Moobongri Soondae Irvine Barranca (무봉리 순대국 얼바인 바랑카) image 1

Korean restaurant offers clean, modern interior with a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of spots in Korea. It serves authentic soondae soup and fresh seafood dishes with balanced spice. The place feels like one of Irvine's hidden gems for Korean comfort food.

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.

Moist, tender bossam arrives in a wooden box and pairs well with a variety of flavorful banchan. The Galbitang stands out for its rich taste, and kimchi radish kimchi gets refilled promptly by attentive waiters.

People are saying

"The soup broth here is rich and delicious."

"This Korean food's tender octopus and rich broth are so nourishing."

"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.

11
H Mart Irvine image 1
Korean grocery store

Small market with oriental style decor and a Korean/Asian food court offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with fresh seafood and a variety of Korean groceries. The space feels cozy and bustling, often crowded with families and lively music. Live fish and free samples add to the unique shopping experience.

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.

Fresh meats and sides make Korean BBQ at home easy to prepare. The store offers big bags of kimchi, pre-portioned soju and vegetables, plus a food court with bibimbap and kimbap. A wide range of authentic Korean staples like gochujang, noodles, and banchans are available.

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.

12
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.

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."

"I thought this was a good place for Korean BBQ."

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.

13
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.

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.

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.

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."

"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.

14
H Mart Irvine WestPark image 1
Korean grocery store

Supermarket offers a wide variety of Asian products with a large food court featuring several restaurants. Atmosphere is pleasant and quiet, suitable for groups, with a vibrant fresh produce display at the entrance. 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.

Variety stands out with soondubu, Korean fried chicken, and Korean-Chinese dishes. The banchans are super fresh and come in many pre-made options, plus the kimchee selection is impressive.

People are saying

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

"I found the Korean food here to be gorgeous and awesome."

"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.

15
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.

Grilled kimchi cooks right on a large cast-iron lid grill with bean sprouts and meat, adding deep flavor. Leftover kimchi and meat often get turned into fried rice when most are done eating.

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!"

"I loved their grilled kimchi and bean sprouts."

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.

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