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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Kalbi in San Diego

Made for those who view kalbi as the essential benchmark for any Korean dining experience.

Based on 432 Opinions
+429
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Updated May 2026
01
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Multiple TVs show Korean shows and K-pop music performances, creating a laid-back, chill vibe with music at a comfortable volume. Seating is available both inside and outside, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The place attracts those who appreciate high-quality Korean fried chicken with consistent food and service.

Galbi comes with a fantastic flavor that stands out among the wings. Spicy Galbi wings offer a bold kick, often served alongside other styles like Wings of Fire and boneless Gangnam chicken.

Korean fried chicken stands out with flavors like Galbi and spicy bulgogi. The menu also features bulgogi bowls and cheesy wings, delivering solid Korean BBQ options.

People are saying

"I thought this fried chicken was the best I ever had."

"I thought the Korean fried chicken wings were the best I ever had."

"I found the Kalbi flavor to be fantastic."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 20 minutes or longer, even when not crowded.

2

Order ahead for takeout as food is made fresh.

3

Combo meals are only available for in-house dining.

02
Jomaru Hot Pot San Diego 조마루 | Korean Restaurant image 1

Korean restaurant offers induction burners at each table for hot pot dining with a casual, homey atmosphere reminiscent of South Korea. Entertainment includes Korean mukbang videos that add a light, humorous touch. The space stays clean and orderly with neat dish presentation, attracting those seeking authentic Korean flavors.

Marinated short rib comes served in a steamed pot. Galbi stands out as a favorite item alongside other dishes like Pork Cutlet.

Authentic Korean flavors shine in dishes like GamJaTang and Galbi, with the bulgogi being tender and well-marinated. The dolsot bibimbap stands out as a favorite, paired with phenomenal kimchi and a variety of banchan that go beyond the usual few side dishes.

People are saying

"I found the gamjatang here to be authentic and delicious."

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

"I ordered the marinated short rib, Galbi, served in a steamed pot."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited during lunch and dinner times, so arrive early.

2

Street parking is recommended due to limited spaces in the lot.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for a medium hot pot for two.

03
Homestyle Hawaiian Point Loma/Midway image 1

Counter-style setup offers authentic homemade Hawaiian vibe with juicy Kalbi short ribs and generous portions. Atmosphere feels relaxing and family-oriented, with a casual pace that sometimes leads to longer waits. Regulars favor this spot for quality island flavors over other local Hawaiian options.

Juicy and tender strips come in a sweet and smoky marinade that delivers authentic island flavor. Portions include multiple ribs, making the serving size notably generous.

Kalbi short ribs come in large portions with a sweet and smoky marinade that tastes authentic. Korean fried chicken is crispy outside, juicy inside with a balanced sweet, garlicky, and spicy sauce.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's Hawaiian food, especially the beef, is as good as on the islands."

"The Kalbi short ribs are juicy with a sweet and smoky marinade."

"The Korean food's Kalbi short ribs are juicy and mouthwatering."

Good to know

1

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

2

The restaurant closes before dinner, so plan to visit before 4 pm.

3

Prices for meals start at $18 for two choices, with larger portions available.

04
Sue’s Korean Kitchen image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean restaurant offers authentic home-cooked vibe with a peaceful atmosphere and occasional courtyard fountain sounds. Outdoor seating with umbrellas provides a pleasant dining experience despite the compact food court setting. Staff converse in Korean, enhancing the genuine cultural feel.

Galbi comes fresh and well seasoned, showing careful preparation and packaging. It pairs well with dishes like japchae and kimbap, offering a solid Korean meal experience.

Bulgogi stands out with generous portions and strong flavor, enough for two people at $16. Freshness and careful preparation show in dishes like Bibimbap, Gimbap, and Soondubu with beef, all well seasoned and appealing.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the tofu soup to be really tasty and spicy."

"The Kalbi was delicious and well prepared."

Good to know

1

There is no indoor seating; all meals are takeout only.

2

Outdoor seating is available in the courtyard for dining.

3

The menu features traditional Korean dishes like Gimbap and stews.

05
DASHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a clean, modern interior with beautiful Japanese murals and a chic, intimate layout. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming despite occasional loud music and hard surfaces. Fresh ingredients and creative specialty rolls set it apart from typical sushi spots.

Kalbi ribs come as a shared plate and a standout dish alongside other items. They pair well with miso soup and sushi, offering a rich, savory flavor.

Kalbi ribs stand out as a signature dish with rich flavor. The menu includes a variety of items like miso soup, scallops, and sushi options such as wagyu nigiri and yellowtail belly sashimi.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"The Kalbi ribs plate was fantastic."

"The Kalbi ribs were fantastic, I'd definitely order them again."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Parking is limited; allow extra time to find street parking.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred.

06
Yuk Dae Jang San Diego / 육대장 샌디에고 image 1

Korean restaurant with clean, modern interior and K-pop music videos playing on large TVs. Atmosphere is welcoming and pleasant, suitable for casual dinners and catching up with friends. Tables are close together, creating a lively but sometimes noisy environment.

Kalbi dishes include kalbi jjim and grilled kalbi with excellent flavor. Some versions lean heavily on pureed fat rather than braised meat.

Bossam stands out with thinly sliced pork belly, fresh garlic, jalapeños, and two sauces that add a good salt profile. Cold noodles and spicy beef soup also shine, offering a close taste to authentic Korean comfort food.

People are saying

"The Yuk Gae Jang soup has a warm, comforting, and flavorful broth."

"The Korean Food's bossam was thinly sliced and artfully arranged."

"The galbijjim here was delicious and looked so generous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; the restaurant uses a paper waitlist only.

2

Expect long wait times on weekend nights, often exceeding 40 minutes.

3

Parking is plentiful and free, making access easy for visitors.

07
Song Hak Korean BBQ - San Diego image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious and clean interior hosts a lively but comfortable atmosphere with upbeat energy and ample seating. The place fills with people enjoying varied Korean BBQ meats, especially different types of intestines. It offers options to cook food in the back, allowing for a more relaxed dining experience away from the grill.

Very typical Korean short ribs come with prime grade meats including galbi. Options include soy-based or spicy sauce with levels 1-3 spice, with level 2 spicy standing out.

Quality Korean BBQ shines with prime meats and a wide variety of options including different types of intestines. LA Galbi stands out as a super tasty dish, complemented by various sides like kimchi, steamed egg, and corn cheese.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has amazing quality and pairs so well together."

"The Korean BBQ here has such high-quality, tender meats."

"The Kalbi here is amazing, and the staff helps cook it perfectly."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging, especially during rush hours and weekends.

2

The restaurant is not all-you-can-eat, but prices are reasonable for meat sets.

3

The menu features a wide variety of KBBQ meats, including unique options like intestines.

08
Chon Ju Jip image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, family-owned Korean restaurant with traditional decor and a homey, unpretentious vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, filled with the scent of simmering broths and sizzling garlic. Known for authentic Korean dishes and wide variety of menu options.

White galbi soup offers a rich, comforting flavor. LA galbi stands out with its next level taste and pairs well in combos like the LA galbi kimchi jjigae. Galbi tang also features as a solid choice here.

Kimchi stew stands out with its Jeolla-do style, rich and fermented soybean flavor. The banchan is consistently amazing, complementing dishes like Samgyetang and bulgogi cooked just right.

People are saying

"The kimchi soup is huge, hearty, and a total bargain."

"The kimchi stew here is delicious and served piping hot."

"The LA Galbi here is next level."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

Parking is free but can be difficult to find during dinner time.

09
DJK Korean BBQ(Dae Jang Keum) image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Charcoal grills create a smoky, authentic Korean BBQ atmosphere with separate dining areas for BBQ and non-BBQ seating. The vibe is chill and reminiscent of old-school Korea, with many Korean diners and no music playing. The space feels cozy and comfortable despite some smoke and a slightly dated interior.

Galbi features a flavorful marinade that stands out. The Kalbi short ribs pair well with naengmyeon, creating an amazing combination.

Authentic coal grill Korean BBQ stands out with flavorful galbi and charcoal grilling that mimics dining in Korea. The menu includes a good variety like bossam, mul naengmyeon, and kimchi stew, all served with attentive service.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is really good, especially the kalbi."

"I considered this the best Korean BBQ I had ever tried."

"The Kalbi marinade was flavorful and the meat was tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not needed, even on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging to find in the area.

3

The restaurant uses real charcoal for grilling, enhancing flavor.

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San Diego, California

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