PERILLA fare
ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in River North
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
PERILLA fare
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Perilla brings Korean barbecue and modern Korean-American plates to a polished, communal setting just west of River North. Diners build feasts around premium meats, banchan, and rice bowls that balance familiar comfort with chef-driven detail.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled LA galbi, Bibimbop, Fire chicken rice bowl
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Communal Korean barbecue with chef-driven plates and strong review-backed consistency.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting polished Korean BBQ with drinks.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full grill energy and buzz.
What to order: LA galbi, bibimbop, Korean Meal Plate.
Insider tip: Reserve a grill table and plan to share a meat-focused feast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Fulton River District; expect metered spots nearby plus several paid garages within a short walk. Rideshare is common on busy nights.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate–lively during peak dinner hours; conversation is possible but can feel energetic around grill tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for grill tables during peak windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait, depending on business crowd flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (banchan, salads, a few mains), but the menu is meat-forward overall.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of sides and vegetable dishes; best to ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-aware on request; sauces and marinades vary, so confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room and shared-grill format create an interactive, energetic date experience, especially if you’re comfortable with a livelier atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but grill tables book up quickly on weekends — walk-ins may face a wait or be seated at non-grill tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids and families comfortable with grill-table dining; the vibe skews adult and social during peak evenings.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Korean BBQ with polished service, shareable meat platters, and a modern Korean-American plate section that feels more refined than casual BBQ spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-noise dinner, strictly traditional Korean menus, or a wide vegan/vegetarian selection.