Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Oakland

Kimchi and Korean food

A meal isn't complete without the sharp, fermented bite of house-made kimchi.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
K Banchan x Vons chicken image 1
K Banchan x Vons chicken image 2
K Banchan x Vons chicken image 3
View all
Korean restaurant

Small shop with simple decor and homey vibe features wide selection of banchan and Korean dishes. Atmosphere stays low key with cozy seating and plants for sale. Popular for takeout and quick meals, especially fried chicken and gimbap.

Kimchi here stands out as best in the world with a strong, authentic flavor. It pairs well with other banchans and kimbop, all of which taste delicious.

Banchan here stands out with a mix of classic and inventive sides like picked beet kkakdugi, all fresh and affordably priced. Korean fried chicken and chicken bulgogi come in large portions, with the bulgogi a bit dry but still tasty. Gimbap is freshly made and top notch.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is addictively good."

"The kimchi and banchan here are fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced."

"Parking is readily available right out front."

Good to know

1

It will be open to the public on Friday, 3/24/23.

2

Parking is readily available on site in the plaza.

3

The food takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

02
Don Blanc image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant with a modern, clean interior and 90s pop music playing. Atmosphere is casual and lively, often noisy as typical for KBBQ spots, suited for groups and social dining. Known for premium cuts of meat and a menu that includes standout kimchi and fresh side dishes.

Side dishes include kkakdugi, a Korean radish kimchi with a great sour level. The kimchi stands out for its well-balanced sourness and complements the well-seasoned meat.

Korean BBQ features super fresh and flavorful meat with a variety of tasty banchan like kkakdugi and kimchi. Kimchi jjigae and kimchi pancakes stand out as notable dishes.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is amazing, with staff who always have a smile."

"I found the Korean BBQ here to be amazing and super fresh."

"I thought the kimchi here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late, which is a big plus when you're hungry.

2

Parking spaces in the lot are tight, but street parking is available nearby.

3

Don Blanc is not an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) restaurant.

03
Moo Bong Ri image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern, clean interior with comfortable seating and warm lighting creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. K-pop music and videos add a vibrant vibe that encourages conversation. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, making it a relaxed spot for casual dining.

Fresh kimchi and radish pickles come with full flavor and are not too salty. The radish kimchi stands out as very tasty and well balanced.

The menu features Galbi Jim with cheese, a large dish suitable for sharing, and a rich bulgogi soup that warms you up. Bossam and acorn cold noodles also stand out as flavorful options.

People are saying

"I loved the rich and tasty ox tail soup with brisket."

"The radish kimchi here is so tasty, I could die for it."

"You have to try the bulgogi soup; it's so delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is small, which can lead to crowded conditions.

04
The Sunday image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small space with hard surfaces creates a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere. Cozy, colorful interior features a hot sauce wall and soft jazzy music, fostering a friendly vibe. Outdoor seating offers heat lamps and wind protection, making it inviting despite limited indoor space.

Kimchi features prominently in several dishes like the Kimchi Bulgogi Tots and a side of kimchi. It adds a spicy, tangy kick that complements items like the Bulgogi Benedict and Chicken & Croffel.

Bulgogi shines with sweet marinated chicken and crispy bread replacing the usual English muffin. Kimchi bulgogi tots pack a flavor bomb punch topped with kewpie aioli, and dishes come in generous portions.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the chicken and waffles, is really good."

"The bulgogi Benedict and kimchi tots are flavor bombs."

"You've gotta try the Kimchi Bulgogi Tots; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait on weekends without a reservation.

3

There is a 4% charge for using credit cards.

05
Hanshin Pocha image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean street pub atmosphere with lively energy and K-pop music playing on big screens. Open and spacious seating includes booths and tables, creating a cozy yet buzzing vibe especially late into the night. Glow sticks at each table and games add to the social, interactive experience.

Kimchi dishes include kimchi stew that balances flavor well and is a solid choice. The kimchi fried rice comes mixed with cheese for a balanced taste. Kimchi soup also features among notable options.

Grilled squid and kimchi stew stand out alongside tteokbokki and kimchi jigae. Bulgogi hot pot offers a sweet and savory broth with mushrooms, tofu, and Korean beef for a warm, satisfying meal.

People are saying

"It's the perfect late-night spot for Korean food vibes."

"The fried chicken is crispy outside and juicy inside."

"The kimchi stew was delicious, with tofu and ham."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 12:30am, perfect for late-night dining.

2

Parking options include street parking and a nearby T-Mobile plaza.

3

Around $50 per person is enough for generous portions.

06
Daol Tofu & Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Cozy and casual Korean restaurant with a quiet atmosphere, especially early in the evening. Offers extensive menu options and impressive portion sizes, featuring standout banchan and tofu soup. Neighborhood spot feels genuine and unpretentious, often uncrowded during early dining hours.

Plentiful banchan includes traditional cabbage kimchi that is super garlicky and flavorful. The kimchi ranks among the best ever had.

Plentiful banchan includes garlicky cabbage kimchi, bean sprouts, and cucumber. The bibimbap features beautifully crisped rice, and the galbi tang offers rich broth with tender short ribs. Spicy cold noodles balance perfectly with sliced beef.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is authentic and delicious, especially the tofu soup."

"The Kalbi here is a must-have, marinated in a delicious sauce."

"This kimchi is super garlicky and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant opens for dinner at 5 PM and is closed for lunch.

3

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during busy dinner hours.

07
KP Asian Market image 1
Korean grocery store

Korean grocery store offers wide selection of fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits alongside prepared foods and baked goods. Atmosphere feels genuine and calm despite a somewhat small space. Uniformed security guards monitor both inside and parking lot areas consistently.

Fresh kimchi comes in well-labeled jars with dates. The selection includes various kimchi types and other side dishes. Everything stays fresh and ready to grab.

Offers a wide range of kimchi, banchan, and Korean BBQ meats ready for home cooking. Fresh seafood, rice cakes, noodles, and addictive frozen kimbap add to the authentic Korean food selection.

People are saying

"This market has so many fresh fruits and vegetables."

"The grocery store prices here are so reasonable and affordable."

"I found the kimchi here to be the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The store has a wide selection of fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits.

2

Parking is easy and available at the market.

3

KP Asian Market offers ingredients from various Asian cuisines.

08
Seoul Gom Tang image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious setting with authentic Korean decor including Korean news TV and a hanbok on the wall creates a homey, no-frills atmosphere. Family-style energy feels cozy and comforting, supported by a visible security presence in the parking lot. The vibe is low profile and genuine, emphasizing traditional Korean dining.

Generous amounts of three kinds of fresh kimchi come with meals, including cucumber kimchi, cabbage kimchi, and cubed radish kimchi. The kimchi soup and side dishes are flavorful and typical of Korean kimchi stew restaurants.

Soups like seolleongtang and kalbitang stand out for their nourishing flavors. The pork bulgogi and bibimbap offer authentic, well-marinated tastes, complemented by fresh kimchi and solid banchan.

People are saying

"The beef soup here is excellent and tender."

"The Korean food soups here are so smooth and nourishing."

"I loved their fantastic, fresh kimchi."

Good to know

1

Parking might be tricky during busy times, but there is a parking lot available.

2

The bill already includes over a 20% service fee, so budget accordingly.

3

The menu focuses on home-style cooked Korean dishes not readily available elsewhere.

09
EM Deli Catering image 1
Korean grocery store

Small Korean grocery store offers wide variety of banchan and ready-to-eat foods alongside Korean BBQ grade meats and Asian pantry staples. Cozy space includes a dining table with street views, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Prices sit between grocery store and restaurant levels, attracting those seeking convenience and authentic flavors.

Fresh kimchi comes in a mid size container and disappears quickly. It leans toward a bitter flavor and is less spicy than usual. A variety of kimchi options appear alongside other banchan and to-go bento boxes.

Offers a wide variety of kimbap, including beef kimbap, and fresh kimchi. Prepared foods like bulgogi beef bowls, spicy chicken, and banchan are available in to-go bento boxes.

People are saying

"I love the prepared Korean food, especially the kimbap and banchan."

"I love this grocery store for its amazing Korean prepared foods and deli items."

"I loved the fresh kimchi; it was gone in days."

Good to know

1

EM Deli Catering has a great selection of takeaway items at the deli counter.

2

The grocery store is well stocked with Korean cooking essentials.

3

Parking at EM Deli Catering can be challenging.

Discover more

Oakland, California

Area guide
Loading Map...