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Korean food soup spots in Irvine

A bowl of soup that captures the depth of Korean tradition without the noise of a tourist-heavy kitchen.

Based on 739 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.

Tofu soup stands out with its rich flavor and variety, including seafood and beef options. Spicy cucumber banchan complements the soups well, adding a delicious touch.

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.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are hot and fresh."

"The tofu soup here is rich, flavorful, and incredibly filling."

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
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.

Soft tofu soup comes with adjustable spiciness and options like beef, pork, or seafood combos. Traditional side dishes include grilled salted fish and raw eggs to add to the soup for extra flavor.

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

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

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.

03
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.

Soups feature excellent spices and include options like bean paste soup and doufu noodle soup. Tofu appears often alongside rice dishes, adding variety to the soup selections.

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.

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."

"This lunch special soup is the best in the area."

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.

04
Paik's Noodle image 1
Noodle shop

Food court setting offers Korean style 90s-2000s vibe with no traditional service. Busy hours require early seating or takeout plans. Dishes feature generous portions and authentic Korean Chinese flavors, especially in spicy seafood noodle soups and sweet-savory black bean noodles.

Spicy soup stands out with moderate heat and a chewy noodle texture. Bowls come loaded with lots of vegetables, making them hearty and warming.

Jjajangmyeon offers a rich, authentic taste that stands out. The Spicy Jaengban Jjajangmyeon adds a flavorful kick that appeals to kids and adults alike.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the Jjajangmyeon, is a family favorite."

"The spicy seafood soup here has chewy noodles and tender seafood."

"The sweet and sour pork here has more meat than batter."

Good to know

1

Bring your own water bottle as the restaurant does not provide free water.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for all dishes on the menu.

3

During busy hours, secure seating early or plan to take food to go.

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.

Broth stands out with a richer and thicker texture than similar spots. Soft tofu soups come with accurate spice levels matching their descriptions. Combination dishes often pair tofu soup with items like LA BBQ Short Ribs, adding variety.

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 vegetable tofu soup here is so good, I'd get it as my only dish."

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
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.

Kimchi Jeongol offers a flavorful spicy mix of kimchi, pork, and sausage, ideal for sharing. The egg soup, or geran tang, is notably more soupy than steamed egg.

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."

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

"It's a perfect late-night spot for a delicious meal."

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.

07
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.

Three different soup bases come with the all-you-can-eat option, featuring a mushroom soup base that stands out for its flavor. The soups pair well with beef skewers that are very tasty.

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.

People are saying

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

"The bottomless hot pot had amazing seafood like abalone and lobster."

"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.

08
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.

Spicy Sundae Soup stands out with its balanced heat and rich flavor. Pork belly soup and beef bone soup also offer hearty, satisfying options alongside the signature soondae soup.

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."

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

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

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.

09
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.

Beef bone soup offers a mildness with a tender beef flavor that stands out without heavy MSG. Spicy Beef Soup comes in a hefty portion enough for two people.

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.

10
Tang N Tang image 1
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.

Soups here have a homemade taste with a strong beef flavor and balanced spice. The pork bone soup offers a generous amount of meat and intestines, while the Soondae Soup stands out as a delicious option.

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."

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

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

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.

11
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.

Each person gets their own shabu pot with a choice among four soup options. Soup bases can be changed anytime, and there are six complimentary dipping sauces and soup bases including Mara Soup Shabu and Beef Bone Broth.

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.

People are saying

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

"The all-you-can-eat soup options have a wide variety of meats."

"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.

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.

Soybean soup comes perfectly spicy and pairs well with combo platters. Dongchimi soup tastes refreshing and delicious.

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."

"The Korean BBQ soup here is one of the best."

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
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.

Broths come creamy and spicy, with options like brisket sullungtang and beef soup. Soups often include glass noodles or soybean soup, served alongside grilled or sauced dishes.

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."

"I ended up enjoying five plates of the seafood fish cakes."

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.

14
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 different soup bases offer unique flavors like bulgogi and Korean spicy rice cake. Options include vegetables and noodles you can add freely, with all soups tasting fresh and flavorful.

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.

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 soup bases here are flavorful and unique."

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.

15
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.

Authentic Korean soups and stews feature homemade-style tofu soup with an option to add pork belly. Portions balance well with price, and a complimentary daily broth arrives in an insulated bottle.

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."

"The portions at these Date Spots are humongous, you can't finish them!"

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.

16
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.

Soups here have a balanced flavor, like the kimchi soup that is not salty and tastes just right. The seafood tofu soup pairs well with rice and stands out alongside other favorites like kimchi soup.

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

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

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.

17
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.

Soups here feature fall-apart tender ginseng chicken and beef back rib options with meat that easily falls off the bone. The broth is rich and flavorful, including potato and pork bone varieties that pair well with various side dishes.

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."

"I thought the soup was delicious."

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.

18
Chai Lan image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy, casual space fills quickly with lively conversation and Korean background music, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. Korean-Chinese fusion cuisine stands out with authentic dishes, crispy fried pork, and flavorful black bean noodles. Cleanliness and free parking add to the comfortable dining experience.

Seafood noodle soup offers a rich, flavorful broth packed with fresh ingredients and a spicy punch. Jjambbong soup often comes complimentary, served on the side without extra charge.

Jjajangmyeon stands out with rich black bean sauce and chewy noodles. Side dishes like radish kimchi and danmuji add crisp, tangy contrast to the meal.

People are saying

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

"I found the Korean-Chinese food here to be authentic."

"The Korean food, especially the black bean noodles, is so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect wait times during busy hours as the restaurant can get crowded.

3

Free parking is available for diners at Chai Lan.

19
Seoul Haus image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean restaurant offers rustic charm and a relaxed atmosphere focused on authentic soups and traditional dishes. Seating is limited with pleasant outdoor tables available. The vibe suits casual meals with friends and family.

Soups here come unsalted, letting you control the salt level. The ox tail soup offers a strong bone flavor without being salty. Korean soups provide a warm, comforting option.

Authentic Korean food comes with amazing banchan and spicy pork bulgogi that never disappoints. Korean soups, bibimbap, and cold noodles paired with bulgogi add variety and flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful broth and the variety of Korean soups."

"I found the beef patty bulgogi to be delicious."

"The Korean food's cold noodles were chewy with a pleasant texture."

Good to know

1

Parking may be a little difficult during lunch hours due to limited spots in front.

2

There is additional parking available at the back of the restaurant.

3

Expect no wait times on Tuesday nights.

20
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.

Soft soon tofu soup offers a savory soup base with a variety of banchan. Adding oysters and intestines enhances the flavor, and curry tofu soup provides a unique twist not commonly found elsewhere.

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

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

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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