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Kimchi seafood in Irvine

Kimchi and seafood paired together in a way that balances the funk of the fermentation with the freshness of the catch.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Yoo's place image 1
Yoo's place image 2
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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.

Generous portions of seafood pancake offer a nice balance of flavors. Fresh Imyeonsu fish and well-made seafood kalgooksoo add variety to the seafood options.

People are saying

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

"The seafood pancake is among the best and very generous."

"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.

02
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.

Seafood dishes feature a seafood pancake packed with plenty of seafood and a seafood tofu soup that pairs well with rice. Steamed egg topped with cheese and hot stone bibimbap also highlight the menu.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and tasty."

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

"You have to try their seafood pancake, it's packed with seafood."

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.

03
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.

Crispy on the outside and packed with fresh seafood, the Seafood Green Onion Pancake stands out. Unlimited appetizers include spicy fish cakes and seaweed, adding variety to the seafood options.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood pancake was crispy and filled with fresh seafood."

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.

04
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.

Seafood pancake stands out with its crispiness and a sauce that complements the dish well. Steamed seafood platters feature fresh abalone, octopus, clams, lobster, and shrimp arranged beautifully in a wooden steamer. Spicy stir-fried octopus and grilled cheesy lobster add variety to the authentic Korean seafood offerings.

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.

05
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.

Whole fried fish and grilled mackerel stand out with solid cooking. Seafood dishes like mixed tofu soup and seafood pancake offer a variety of flavors, including options with soft seaweed and mild tastes.

People are saying

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

"The seafood pancake and tofu soup were delicious."

"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.

06
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 fish and seafood stand out with a wide variety of live fish and unique cuts not found elsewhere. The selection includes high-quality meats and a broad range of fresh produce alongside seafood options.

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.

07
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.

Seafood dishes come in large portions with delicious tofu and fresh fish. Side dishes include grilled salted fish, fried fish appetizers, and refillable kimchi and veggies.

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.

08
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.

Fish cakes come in unlimited servings and stand out as a delightful surprise. The seafood chige hot pot offers a spicy mix of shrimp, shellfish, and tofu, but some hot pots use frozen seafood that lacks freshness.

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.

09
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 dishes feature oysters and intestines added to tofu soup for rich flavor. Large seafood pancakes packed with shrimp and octopus stand out, along with a satisfying seafood bibimbap option.

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.

10
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.

Fresh fish comes in a wide selection including salmon, tuna, and exotic options. The seafood is high quality and well presented, with staff ready to offer advice.

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.

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