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Top picks in Kearny Mesa

Korean food

Made for those who crave the specific flavors of Korean cuisine and refuse to dine anywhere that doesn't honor those recipes.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Stone flat grills offer clean cooking with even heat for Korean BBQ favorites like wagyu bulgogi and spicy pork. Spacious, quiet dining with cool lighting enhances the clean, early Formica-style vibe. Unique soups and flavorful banchan add depth to the meal.

Korean BBQ features high-quality meats cooked on stone slabs, including wagyu bulgogi, brisket, and garlic butter shrimp. The menu offers spicy pork bulgogi, cheese corn, and unique soups like Kimchi Jjigae, complemented by flavorful pickled jalapeño banchan and other side dishes.

People are saying

"The Korean food here, especially the marinated meats, is exceptionally tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat menu has a 2-hour time limit.

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Happy hour runs after 9 pm during the week.

3

Parking can be difficult; expect to circle for a spot.

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Food court offers quick meals with a noisy vibe. Korean dishes like spicy soondae guk and pork gukbap bring rich, hearty flavors. Kimchi sides shine, making it a solid spot despite slightly higher prices.

Spicy soondae guk delivers a flavor bomb with just enough heat. Pork gukbap and soondae guk appear here when they are rare elsewhere. Kimchi and radish kimchi stand out as especially delicious sides.

People are saying

"I loved the hearty, flavorful Korean soups with generous meat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located inside the Balboa Park H Mart food court.

2

Each dish costs around $20, which is higher than nearby options.

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Bring cash as some vendors in the food court may not accept cards.

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Korean restaurant offers Bossam pork belly with fresh garlic and jalapeños, plus authentic cold noodles and spicy beef soup. Clean, modern space plays K-pop videos on large TVs, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Tables sit close, making it lively but sometimes noisy.

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

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.

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

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Huge Korean grocery store offers authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood with a spacious food court featuring eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles challenge cart maneuvering but walls show maker-inspired graphics for a unique vibe.

Offers a wide range of pre-marinated Korean BBQ meats and fresh seafood. Ready-made Korean dishes like kimchi kimbap, bulgogi, and various banchan side dishes are available alongside fresh vegetables and live fish.

People are saying

"You can find everything you need for Korean food cravings here."

Good to know

1

H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.

2

Parking can be challenging at times.

3

The store is clean and well-organized.

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Small, family-owned spot offers Jeolla-do kimchi stew with rich flavors and amazing banchan. Casual vibe fills the air with simmering broths and sizzling garlic. Wide menu includes perfectly cooked Samgyetang and bulgogi for true Korean taste.

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 stew here is delicious and served piping hot."

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.

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Enjoy crispy Korean fried chicken and bold kimchi fried rice in a clean, casual space with K-pop videos playing. The vibe blends Korean street culture with friendly, inviting energy, though it can get warm inside.

Korean fried chicken stays crispy and freshly made with great taste and affordability. Kimchi fried rice comes with perfectly cooked rice coated in a savory sauce and bold kimchi flavors, while rose tteokbokki features a cheesy, rich sauce.

People are saying

"The rose tteokbokki with cheese was so good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.

2

The restaurant offers both takeout and dine-in service options.

3

Expect to pay around $49 for a whole chicken, which may be considered pricey.

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Charcoal grills create a smoky atmosphere that sets this Korean BBQ apart. The all you can eat option offers great value with crisp kimchi and fresh cucumber sides. Expect a cozy space packed with diners, making for a lively, bustling vibe.

Charcoal grilling stands out as a game changer compared to gas at most Korean BBQ spots. The all you can eat option pairs well with a variety of side dishes like crisp kimchi and tasty cucumber, creating a balanced meal.

People are saying

"The Korean food's quality meat just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

3

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

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Spacious aisles and bright lighting make shopping easy. Enjoy huge kimchi selection and amazing Korean BBQ options. Frequent bursts of K-pop music add lively energy, while the food court and bakery offer diverse Korean cuisine experiences.

A huge kimchi selection stands out alongside an amazing Korean BBQ range. The store offers a wide variety of soju, meat, and seafood, plus many Korean food products and banchan.

People are saying

"I found the fresh kimchi and rice cakes to be my loyal sidekicks."

Good to know

1

There are special offers every week.

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Zion Market has a great selection of seafood, both fresh and frozen.

3

Expect to find the best deals on produce in California.

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Charcoal grills create a smoky atmosphere perfect for authentic Korean BBQ with standout flavorful galbi. The vibe is chill and cozy, echoing old-school Korea with many Korean diners and no music. Attentive service complements dishes like bossam and kimchi stew.

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

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

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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Spacious dining area with many big TVs creates a chill vibe perfect for casual meals. Korean fried chicken shines with spicy and yangnyeom sauces alongside dishes like Bulgogi Tacos. Soft background music pairs well with beer or soju for a relaxed night out.

Korean fried chicken stands out with options like spicy and yangnyeom sauces. The menu also features Bulgogi Tacos, hot stone bibimbap, pork potstickers, and a pork belly kimchi bowl.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean fried chicken; it's so juicy and crispy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

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Enjoy $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour.

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A $22 gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

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Korean barbecue shines with fresh meats like beef belly and bulgogi served fast in an all-you-can-eat style. Guests grill at their tables, creating an interactive dining experience. Energetic vibe pulses with K-pop music and a warm, lively atmosphere.

Fresh Korean BBQ comes out quickly with options like beef belly, pork, and beef bulgogi. Sides include japchae and steamed egg, all served in an affordable all-you-can-eat style with no wait times.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is served with incredible speed and attentiveness."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat buffet costs around $34.99 per person.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for parking and an additional hour to be seated.

3

A gratuity of $27 is automatically added to your check.

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Spacious and clean with ample seating, the place buzzes with upbeat energy. Korean BBQ features prime meats and unique intestines, highlighted by the LA Galbi dish. Cooking options in the back offer a relaxed dining vibe away from the grill.

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."

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.

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Large, bright space with spaced tables offers a quiet, sterile atmosphere. Korean jjajangmyeon features grilled pork strips and mild spice, paired well with tangsuyuk and a single pickled daikon banchan. Ordering via tablets ensures efficient service.

Jjajangmyeon comes with grilled pork strips or green chili on top for mild spice. Black bean noodles taste slightly watery but pair well with tangsuyuk. Only one banchan is served, pickled daikon.

People are saying

"The jjajangmyeon here is the best Korean food I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours due to limited spaces.

2

Free parking is available in the lot for diners.

3

Ordering is done via tablets at the table, streamlining the process.

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Open dining area with ample seating and a lively bar vibe suits casual hangouts. Korean fried chicken shines with crispy, spicy flavors and honey soy options. Plastic gloves keep hands clean while enjoying saucy wings paired perfectly with beer and soju.

Offers authentic Korean fried chicken with a variety of seasonings including a crispy plain style and a honey soy half chicken. Also serves tteokbokki and seafood items that pair well with soju.

People are saying

"This Korean fried chicken is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with only about 15 spots available in front.

2

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks and appetizers.

3

You must place your order using a tablet at each table.

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Spacious Korean barbecue spot offers electric grills and a calm atmosphere perfect for groups. Enjoy eight types of free banchan with every meal and standout dishes like soft tofu stew and bulgogi combos. Space can get warm during meals but stays cozy overall.

Soft tofu stew shines with options like oyster sundubu and a combination tofu soup and bulgogi combo. Every meal includes freshly made banchan that varies and complements the main dishes well.

People are saying

"The oyster sundubu here is plump and delicious."

Good to know

1

The first 90 minutes of parking are free with a restaurant receipt.

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Parking can become crowded if not arriving close to opening.

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Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

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Cozy space with Japanese-style decor offers authentic Korean dishes like spicy tofu soup and kimchi hotpot. Generous portions and mango soju create a sweet balance. Quiet vibe draws a modest crowd, making it feel like a family gathering.

Spicy tofu soup and kimchi hotpot stand out with customizable protein and rich flavor. Bossam, soondae, and soups offer solid variety, while mango soju adds a sweet touch.

People are saying

"The Korean food hotpot is excellent and easily split."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it a good choice for families.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere with no strict dress code.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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