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Kimchi in San Francisco

A sharp, fermented bite of kimchi is the only thing that can wake up a tired palate.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated April 2026
01
Kokio Republic image 1
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Korean restaurant

Small space buzzes with KPop videos and quick kiosk orders. Kimchi shines in risotto fried balls and tacos, blending tradition with fun. Energetic vibe suits fans of reinvented Korean flavors and casual dining.

Kimchi appears in creative dishes like risotto fried Kimchi Balls with cheeses and cream, which pair well with fried chicken. It also complements tacos, offering an unexpectedly delicious combination.

People are saying

"The Korean fried chicken here is so crispy and juicy."

"The chicken here is fire, a perfect late night spot."

"The Kimchi Balls were fried risotto balls with cheese."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with 50% off beer.

2

The restaurant has a cool kiosk order system where you place your order and take a seat.

3

Parking is tough to find, so consider public transport.

02
Mashita Galbi Jjim image 1
Asian restaurant

Space feels airy with high ceilings and a cozy vibe. Kimchi is homemade and sour, served unlimited with meals. Portions are generous and hearty, perfect for those wanting filling dishes without long waits.

Unlimited free sides include kimchi and radish kimchi. The kimchi tastes good and sour, balancing dishes like Galbi Jjim. Homemade kimchi adds a delicious touch to the Korean food.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the short rib, is tender and flavorful."

"The kimchi portions here are so generous, I wished I could keep eating."

"It's a super cozy place with a clean, inviting ambiance."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Portion sizes are generous; one order can easily feed four people.

3

Prices are reasonable, with a total cost of around $35 for two people.

03
H Mart San Francisco image 1
Korean grocery store

Brightly lit Korean grocery store offers a great selection of kimchi alongside kimbap and dumplings in a cold food section. Spacious layout includes a mini food court and bakery, creating a lively atmosphere with loud Kpop music and the smell of roasting sweet potatoes. Crowds add to the authentic Korean market vibe.

Offers a great selection of kimchi including fresh and prepared varieties. The cold food section features kimchi alongside kimbap and dumplings, making it easy to grab for a quick side or snack.

People are saying

"This grocery store has an amazing selection of Asian staples and produce."

"The food court here has a lot of delicious choices."

"I found a great selection of kimchi and other Korean ingredients here."

Good to know

1

H Mart offers a wide variety of Asian groceries, especially Korean products.

2

The supermarket is known for its high-quality fresh seafood and produce.

3

Parking is available, but it can get crowded during peak hours.

04
SUNGHO image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern interior with an open kitchen offers a clean, industrial chic vibe. Kimchi is delicious and top-rated, paired with authentic Korean comfort food served in stoneware bowls that keep dishes hot. Tables provide comfortable spacing despite some noise.

Kimchi here stands out as delicious and among the best in the area. The selection of Korean side dishes is limited, featuring only kimchi and pickled radish.

People are saying

"The pork bone soup is rich and delicious."

"The Korean soups here taste just like back in Korea."

"I think their kimchi is the best."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to pay $35-45 per person after tax and tip for a meal.

3

Parking can be challenging on weekends; consider using the Civic Center parking lot.

05
SOHN image 1
Cafe

Spacious two-floor cafe offers a laid-back atmosphere with cozy sofa corners and glowing Noguchi lights. Kimchi shines in dishes like kimchi fried rice with crispy, roasted flavor and kimchi coleslaw paired with galbi. Bright space supports casual work with plentiful outlets and self-service ordering.

Kimchi appears in several dishes, including a kimchi coleslaw paired with galbi and a kimchi fried rice served in a lunch box. The fried rice features crispy, roasted kimchi with a classic flavor but lacks meat.

People are saying

"The breakfast sandwich here is rich, savory, and satisfying."

"The matcha here is spectacular, not too sweet."

"The kimchi fried rice tasted like a classic flavor I grew up with."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

There are two linesโ€”left side for dine-in and right side for takeout.

3

A QR code is available for ordering to-go items.

06
First Korean Market image 1
Korean grocery store

Small Korean grocery store offers fresh homemade kimchi with strong flavor and quality. Affordable frozen pork belly and beef complement a variety of banchan and snacks. Quiet weekdays create a local feel supporting small businesses despite slightly higher prices.

Fresh homemade kimchi stands out with strong flavor and quality. The market offers a good selection including napa and cucumber kimchi alongside other Korean staples.

People are saying

"This Korean grocery store has awesome fresh-made items like kimbap and banchan."

"Their japchae and beef kimbap were really good."

"I thought the homemade kimchi here was the best."

Good to know

1

The store is located on Geary, just a couple of blocks from 19th Street.

2

They accept both card and cash payments.

3

Parking on the street in front of the store is easy to find.

07
Woori Food Market image 1
Grocery store

Small Korean grocery store buzzes with high-energy music and offers fresh produce alongside house made kimchi and ready meals. Affordable prices and authentic Korean staples make it a go-to spot for ingredients and quick bites.

Offers a nice selection of house made kimchi and other Korean foods like kimbap and fried chicken. Stocks fresh vegetables and ingredients for making kimchi, plus ready-to-eat meals featuring kimchi varieties.

People are saying

"I love the Korean prepared foods and snacks at this grocery store."

"This market has great Korean groceries and fresh produce."

"I found their own kimchi selection to be really nice."

Good to know

1

Woori Food Market offers a great selection of fresh produce and Korean staples.

2

Prices are reasonable, especially for fresh produce and pantry items.

3

The market has a variety of Korean grab-and-go snacks and lunches.

08
The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse image 1

Steak display guarded by a Godzilla figure sets a unique vibe in a clean, casual space with no indoor seating. Kimchi comes as a small side and inside a burger, adding a juicy, buttery contrast. Outdoor courtyard offers plenty of bench space for meals.

Kimchi appears as a small side with about three pieces and also inside a burger with store-bought kimchi. It adds a juicy, buttery contrast to the burger but is limited in portion size.

People are saying

"I found the smash burgers here to be amazing."

"This chocolate chip cookie had me flying in cookie heaven."

"The kimchi here is so flavorful and succulent."

Good to know

1

The burger costs about $30, and fries are extra.

2

The shop only offers take-out with no seating available.

3

They make cookies in-house using meat drippings.

09
Simmer & Steamer image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean spot offers affordable prices under $10 and a quiet lunch vibe in a clean, modern space. Cold kimchi topped with crispy fried onions adds a crunchy twist to rice dishes. Open all week with quick service, it suits busy schedules well.

Cold kimchi comes straight from the fridge and sits atop bowls with a pile of crispy fried onions. It works well as an add-on alongside rice dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The Kalbi here is flavorful and cooked to perfection."

"I thought the kimchi here had great flavors."

Good to know

1

Most places in the financial district are closed on weekends, but this place stays open for lunch and dinner all week.

2

All menu items are under $10, providing great value.

3

The total cost is less than $15 per person, making it affordable.

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