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Best of San Jose

Korean lunch spots

A midday meal that offers authentic Korean flavors without the hour-long commitment of a traditional dinner service.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Korean restaurant

Small restaurant with a simple, functional layout creates a laid-back atmosphere. Limited seating supports an intimate vibe, often busy during peak times. Awesome music adds energy, making it feel like stepping into a Korea drama.

Spicy pork bulgogi and beef bulgogi stand out with amazing seasoning and tender mushrooms. Homemade kimchi offers a flavorful, mild spice that complements dishes like kalbi and teokboki well.

Chicken Bulgogi lunch bowl and SB Beef Bulgogi stand out on the lunch menu. A friendly lady manages the counter and tables smoothly during the lunch rush.

People are saying

"The bulgogi here is delicious and a very good portion for the price."

"The Korean food here, especially the bulgogi, is tender and flavorful."

"The bulgogi lunch spot was delicious with amazing vegetables."

Good to know

1

Seoul Bulgogi is currently in its soft opening phase and welcomes feedback.

2

They have special pricing during their soft opening.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect it to fill up quickly.

02
Bigspoon korean bistro image 1

Small Korean restaurant offers a homey vibe with a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic flavors. The space feels down-to-earth and cozy, filled with conversation and laughter rather than music. It serves traditional dishes in a clean, humble setting that feels like sharing a meal with friends or family.

Bibimbap comes with 7 small banchan that get refilled regularly. Dishes like beef BBQ, short rib soup, and seafood pancake offer authentic Korean flavors with well-made kimchi and seafood pancakes.

Weekday lunch specials offer great value. Meals come with generous portions and a variety of Korean dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Korean and tastes like home cooking."

"The Lunch Spot's banchan refills are plentiful and free."

"The Korean food's banchan are plentiful and they refill them."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and free in the back of the restaurant.

2

Expect lengthy wait times for seating and service on weekends.

3

A bill for two people usually ranges between $35 and $50.

03
Rice Junky Katsu image 1

Small, clean restaurant with modern decor and traditional murals creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Low lighting and a cheerful vibe make dining feel like dinner and a show. Special eating challenges add a fun, engaging energy that brings people together.

Authentic gimbap offers great taste and value. The Spam & JalapeΓ±o Kimbap and Pork Belly Bossam stand out. Bulgogi sandwich combines melt-in-your-mouth bulgogi with crispy toast for texture.

Prices stay under $15-20 for nearly all items, making it a solid choice for lunch. The menu offers cute breakfast and lunch options with a focus on satisfying meals like Rice Junky Katsu.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean food tasted exactly like what I'd find in Seoul."

"The food here is delicious and so affordable."

"It's a great lunch spot with delicious food and good prices."

Good to know

1

The prices at Rice Junky Katsu are under $15-20 for most items.

2

Free parking is available in downtown San Jose.

3

The menu offers a wide range of Korean street food options.

04
Shin’s Tofu House image 1

Small restaurant with modern decor and cramped seating creates an intimate setting. K-pop music videos and sports on TVs add a lively, cozy vibe. Space fills quickly, especially at lunch, attracting a steady crowd seeking authentic Korean flavors.

Kimchi-jjigae and soondubu stand out with homemade flavor and comforting, hearty qualities. Fresh banchan like japchae and kimchi come in generous portions and get refilled often.

People are saying

"The Korean food here, especially the tofu soup, is so comforting and nourishing."

"The seafood pancake is perfectly crispy outside and tender inside."

"This Lunch Spot's hearty stews stay hot and have a nice kick."

Good to know

1

Shin’s Tofu House gets packed at lunchtime, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, which can lead to longer wait times during busy hours.

3

Parking can be limited during busy weekends, so consider arriving early.

05
Mina's Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, casual Korean restaurant with a warm, home-owned atmosphere and friendly staff. Food arrives quickly and features authentic dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi with fresh kimchi made daily. Limited seating and busy lunch hours create a lively, bustling environment.

Korean BBQ Short Ribs and kimchi dolsot bibimbap stand out for their rich flavors. The kimchi is fresh daily, made by the mother, and the menu includes spicy tofu stew and kal-bi with tasty side dishes.

Offers a spicy pork lunch special and a lunch deal that suits solo diners or groups. Arriving early helps avoid the busy lunch rush and limited parking.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in large portions."

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

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant primarily serves takeout, which is ideal for quick meals.

06
Danbi Santa Teresa Korean Restaurant image 1

Small Korean restaurant offers authentic comfort food with generous portions and a busy, friendly atmosphere. Space feels limited and cozy, often filling up quickly. Signature dishes include crispy seafood pancake and spicy stews.

Beef bulgogi and short ribs stand out with rich flavors. Crispy kimchi pancake and tasty tofu dolsot come with flavorful banchan sides.

Seating happens quickly even on Saturdays. Lunch service includes options that appeal to local neighborhoods and high school students. Visits often occur during late lunch hours.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is excellent, tasting like Seoul."

"I'm obsessed with their seafood pancake; it's crispy and filled with seafood."

"This lunch spot's tofu soup and bulgogi are delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant reopens at 5 o'clock.

2

Parking is plentiful at the restaurant.

3

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity for parties of five or more.

07
Hankki House image 1
Korean restaurant

Strip mall Korean restaurant with handcrafted sturdy tables and loud throwback music creates a lively, homey atmosphere. The menu features authentic dishes like bibimbap and spicy fried chicken, often with homemade banchan. It stays quiet enough for quick meals without wait times.

Authentic Korean dishes like Bibimbap, LA Galbi, and Bulgogi stand out here. Homemade banchan side dishes come plentiful and add fresh, flavorful touches to meals.

Lunch specials cost 27 dollars each and include beef with bean sprouts, noodles, rice, and vegetables. Meals taste like home cooked food but the price hike makes it less affordable for casual lunch options.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"I loved the authentic Korean food; it was so flavorful."

"I thought the food at this Lunch Spot was really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait time.

2

The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.

3

Prices for lunch plates have increased to $27 each.

08
Olioli Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian restaurant with cozy indoor seating and old school island posters creates a bright, clean, and inviting atmosphere. Music matches the Hawaiian vibe, and the space feels spartan but well-kept. Customers come late into the night, drawn by affordable prices and generous portions.

Galbi BBQ offers meaty pieces with a moderate flavor. Pricing runs over $20 for three pieces, reflecting a higher cost per serving.

Serves legit Hawaiian plate lunch with a solid amount of rice and on point mac salad. Portions are well-sized and the spot works well for a quick, no-nonsense lunch.

People are saying

"The BBQ chicken and kalua pork were delicious and generously portioned."

"This lunch spot is legit, just like back in Hawaii."

"The Korean Food galbi was good."

Good to know

1

Olioli Hawaiian BBQ is a takeout place with no tables, only a couple of chairs outside.

2

You can order at your table or at the front counter, but there's a service fee for table orders.

3

Expect large portion sizes, about 1.5 times larger than typical BBQ places.

09
BBQ Town image 1
Korean restaurant

Open seating area offers comfortable tables and chairs secluded from the market bustle. Atmosphere suits quick meals with fresh bento boxes and authentic Korean dishes like stone pot bibimbap and tofu soup. Convenient parking within a shopping hub supports easy access during busy lunch hours.

Hot stone bibimbap stands out with its sizzling presentation and generous portions of meat and vegetables. Other dishes include bulgogi and spicy pork rice bowls, soondubu, and kimchi fried rice served with banchan like pickled radish and kimchi.

Quick meal options make it easy to grab lunch during work breaks. Affordable prices and convenient treats after eating add to the lunch experience, though parking can require some searching.

People are saying

"The seafood tofu soup is a must-try favorite."

"The Korean food, especially the bibimbap, came out sizzling."

"This Lunch Spot offers great bang for your buck."

Good to know

1

Parking at BBQ Town is easy because it is in a shopping hub.

2

Order is at the counter and seating is self-serve.

3

Prices at BBQ Town are reasonable.

10
Korean house (T&T fusion) image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Cozy Asian fusion restaurant offers varied vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside Korean classics like bibimbap and kimchi rolls. Atmosphere stays clean and relaxed with few tables and easy parking. Food portions vary, but pricing remains solid for quality and quantity.

Bibimbap stands out with options like beef and fried egg, paired with kimchi. The chicken kimchi fried rice offers a good portion and consistent flavor. Kimchi rolls also get strong mentions for their taste.

Miso ramen stands out as a lunch option here. Avoid coming during work lunch hours due to crowding.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved the bibimbap; it was excellent."

"I loved the bibimbap; it was outrageously delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy at the restaurant.

2

The prices for the tofu stew and ramen are reasonable.

3

Expect no banchan with your meal; only a couple of pieces of kimchi are included.

11
Q Pot Korean BBQ & Hotpot image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Large space with crowded tables and shallow booths creates a lively but cramped atmosphere. Constant loud pop music and close seating make conversations difficult. Features like a sauce bar and tablet ordering system add modern convenience to the experience.

Offers all you can eat Korean BBQ with premium meat and spicy Taiwanese hot pot options. Includes Korean kimchi barbecue and serves carafes of soju.

Lunch offers affordable prices ranging from $22 to $27 for adults. The selection of proteins suits both BBQ and HotPot, with all-you-can-eat combos providing good value.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is really good."

"The Korean BBQ here, especially the spicy pork belly, is delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has great meat and lots of good sauces."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2pm.

2

The restaurant is an all-you-can-eat place with fixed prices.

3

Expect to pay around $50 per person for all-you-can-eat.

12
bb.q Chicken North Park Plaza image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Korean fried chicken with crispy, flavorful wings and well-balanced Tteokbokki. Interior feels clean and cozy, suitable for dine-in or takeout, though space is limited. Atmosphere can be lively with loud music and occasional disruptions.

Korean fried chicken offers a range of flavors like Golden Original, Soy Garlic, and Spicy Galbi, each with a unique taste. The rose tteokbokki stands out for its balanced spice and pairs well with cheese wings for a rich meal.

Lunch specials include a combo with cheese sticks and fries. The deal costs about $13.99 plus tax and offers good value.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I had."

"I had to get the Kimchi Fried Rice again, it was so good."

"I thought the Korean fried chicken here was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait for freshly cooked food.

3

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.

13
Jeonju Hostetter image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious dining area with a clean, modern design and K-pop playlist sets a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. Complimentary side dishes accompany meals in a relaxed, pleasant environment. TVs display Korean street food videos, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Seafood bibimbap stands out with tons of flavor and a generous portion. Galbi Jjim offers a perfectly cooked experience. Tteokbokki with squid features a lovely charred flavor that complements the dish well.

No wait time shows quick seating even on weekends. Lunch draws a mix of people, including well-dressed groups meeting up.

People are saying

"The bibimbap here is full of flavor and a good portion."

"I found the Korean food here to be hearty and satisfying."

"The Korean style grilled beef with ribs is amazing, they torch the cheese right in front of you."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful, but it may get crowded during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is clean and newly opened.

3

Prices are decent for the Bay Area, offering good value.

14
Bonchon McKee image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean restaurant offers crispy fried chicken with bold seasoning and flavor-packed wings. Atmosphere is cozy but ventilation carries strong food aromas. Popular for Bulgogi fries and casual lunch or dinner visits.

Korean fried chicken stands out with options like Soy Garlic wings. Bulgogi fries mix sweet marinated beef with crispy fries and serve as a popular appetizer. Other dishes include tasty potstickers, beef bulgogi, japchae, and spicy tteokbokki that keeps people coming back.

Lunch specials come at a decent price and suit a casual meal vibe. A friendly server handles lunch service, though placemats can run out even when it's not busy.

People are saying

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot has a great crunch and good flavor."

"You have to try the Bulgogi fries; they're amazing Korean food."

"The fried chicken has bold seasoning and a crispy texture."

Good to know

1

This location is small, making it unsuitable for large parties.

2

Ordering to go or delivery is recommended over dining in.

3

Parking is easy to find with ample shopping center spaces.

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San Jose, California

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