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Best Korean Restaurants in Russian Hill (94109)

7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

8.9
$$$$ Russian Hill
Polk Street’s Michelin-starred Korean tasting menu pairs precise technique with quietly luxurious flavors. Reserve for a polished progression that blends Korean roots and modern Californian sensibilities.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal tasting progression, Fried chicken yasik menu (limited runs), Bingsu finale
What makes it special: A focused Korean tasting menu with Michelin-level execution.
8.1
$$ Van Ness / Cathedral Hill
Lively Korean spot on Van Ness serving marinated, grill-seared meats alongside soju and late-night hours on weekends. Short ribs, bulgogi, and spicy pork plates come with rice and banchan for a hearty BBQ fix.
Must-Try Dishes: Korean BBQ Short Ribs (galbi), Spicy Pork BBQ, Bulgogi Plate
What makes it special: Korean BBQ plates with late-night energy and soju service.
8.1
$$ Russian Hill / Polk Gulch
Trendy Korean comfort on Polk with a broad menu spanning soups, rice bowls, and grills. It’s a reliable neighborhood pick for casual dinners and small groups.
Must-Try Dishes: Soft tofu soup (soondubu), BBQ short ribs (galbi), Kimchi fried rice
What makes it special: A one-stop menu for classic Korean comfort favorites.
8.0
$$ Lower Nob Hill
Lower Nob Hill’s late-hours Korean spot for soups, fried chicken, rice cakes, and drinks. It’s built for groups, with a menu that leans hearty and shareable.
Must-Try Dishes: Short rib soup (galbitang), Stir-fried rice cakes (tteokbokki), Kimchi pancake
What makes it special: Hearty Korean pub fare served late every night.

Worthy Picks

$$ Tenderloin
Counter-service Korean fried chicken with late hours and mix-and-match sauces. Quick, satisfying, and easy to take to-go when the craving hits.
Must-Try Dishes: Soy-garlic fried chicken, Gochujang hot-sweet chicken, Kimchi balls
What makes it special: Crispy K-fried chicken with multiple sauce options till late.
$$ Polk Gulch
Neighborhood Korean fried chicken shop on Polk with easy dine-in and takeout. Sauces skew classic, portions are generous, and it’s friendly for casual meetups.
Must-Try Dishes: Sweet chili wings, Garlic soy wings, Half-and-half combo
What makes it special: Straightforward K-chicken with classic sauces and combos.
$ Van Ness / Western Addition
Daytime cafe blending American breakfast/lunch with Korean staples. Budget-friendly rice bowls and bento-style plates make it a convenient daytime option.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef bulgogi bowl, Spicy pork bento, Short rib plate
What makes it special: Korean bowls and bentos at daytime-only, wallet-kind prices.