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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Kearny Mesa

Korean seafood

Made for those who seek out the intersection of Korean flavors and fresh seafood and refuse to compromise on either preference.

Based on 555 Opinions
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01
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Stone flat grills create a low-smoke, clean cooking environment with even heat distribution. Spacious, airy dining area stays quiet and comfortable even when busy. The atmosphere feels extremely clean with cool lighting and early Formica-style decor.

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 jalapeΓ±o banchan and other side dishes.

Fresh, well-marinated shrimp cooks perfectly on The Slab, including skinless options for pescatarians. Garlic butter shrimp stands out alongside other highlights like wagyu bulgogi and brisket.

People are saying

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

"The garlic butter shrimp was so fresh and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

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

2

Happy hour runs after 9 pm during the week.

3

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

02
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Huge Korean grocery store with spacious food court featuring about eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles make maneuvering carts difficult, but the place offers an outstanding selection of authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Walls display maker-inspired graphics, adding a unique visual touch.

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.

Fresh seafood includes a wide variety of fish and shellfish, both fresh and frozen. The selection pairs well with premium Japanese beef and other meats, offering options for Korean BBQ and hot pot.

People are saying

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

"You'll find a wide selection of fresh seafood 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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Charcoal grills create a smoky, vibrant atmosphere in a small, cozy space with tables close together. The place fills quickly, leading to long waits and a lively, bustling vibe. Strong smoke and limited ventilation add to the intense grilling experience.

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.

Seafood options include shrimp dishes and a seafood tofu stew that offers a relaxing taste. The seafood soup stands out as a better soondubu than many nearby spots.

People are saying

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

"I thought the brisket was the best I've ever had."

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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Large, modern Korean grocery store with spacious aisles and bright lighting creates a pleasant shopping environment. Frequent bursts of K-pop music add lively energy, while food court and bakery options 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.

Fresh fish and seafood stand out with a marvelous selection including both fresh and frozen options. The seafood department offers affordable prices and encourages trying new varieties.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is always incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

There are special offers every week.

2

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

3

Expect to find the best deals on produce in California.

05
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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.

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.

Seafood dishes here are tender, briny, and packed with flavor, focusing on satisfying Korean recipes that taste like home. Options like monkfish stew and seafood sundubu offer a light, filling experience without trendy fusion or fancy presentation.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is tender, briny, and packed with flavor."

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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Large, bright space with spaced tables creates a comfortable, open environment. Atmosphere feels sterile and quiet, lacking warmth or mood. Ordering happens via table tablets, making service efficient and convenient.

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.

Chili shrimp stands out with its crispy jumbo shrimp and sweet chili sauce that packs a noticeable heat. The seafood jajangmyeon and jjampong come loaded with seafood and offer a spicy, flavorful experience.

People are saying

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

"The seafood jjamppong here is packed with flavor and quite spicy."

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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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.

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.

Fish appears alongside rice, meat, pickled onions, fish cake, and glass noodles for a balanced meal. Shrimp Tempura and Bulgogi add variety to the seafood options.

People are saying

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

"Their attention to small details with the seafood was excellent."

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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Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant with electric grills and a calm, cozy atmosphere. Offers eight types of free banchan and delicious tofu soups alongside fresh, tender meats. Seating suits large groups, though the space can feel hot during meals.

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.

Broth in the kalguksu is warming and rich with a slight sweetness from seafood. The seafood pancake is super crispy outside without burning. Oysters in the sundubu are plump and delicious.

People are saying

"The oyster sundubu here is plump and delicious."

"The seafood tofu soup here is really good, especially the plump oysters."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking can become crowded if not arriving close to opening.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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