Best Korean Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
SSAL
A focused Korean tasting menu with Michelin-level execution.
Notable Picks
#1
SSAL
8.9
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.
8.8
Known citywide for braised beef short ribs (kalbijjim) served bubbling-hot with options like cheese or spicy add-ons. Lines move steadily in this polished Japantown spot where rib depth and texture carry the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Beef Short Ribs (Kalbijjim), Cheese-Add On Kalbijjim, Beef Soup (Seolleongtang)
What Makes it Special: Signature kalbijjim with deep, long-simmered rib flavor and options.
#3
San Ho Won
8.8
Modern Korean charcoal BBQ from chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang with a focused menu and precise technique. Locals come for lychee-wood grilled meats, refined stews, and a reservation-worthy Mission District experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal-grilled galbi (beef short ribs), Aged kimchi jjigae, Pork jowl ssam with condiments
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred Korean BBQ cooked over lychee-wood charcoal.
#4
707 Sutter
8.6
Late-night Korean staple with a full menu served until 2am most nights. Lively K-pop energy, big portions, and a crowd that mixes groups and industry folks after service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi Fried Rice, Seafood Scallion Pancake (Haemul Pajeon), BBQ Galbi
What Makes it Special: A true late-night Korean kitchen serving the full spread to 2am.
#5
Jang
8.6
Hayes Valley’s modern Korean tasting menu with charcoal-finish BBQ elements and seasonal plates running late into the evening. A polished room and precise plating make it a solid late-night date option within walking distance of Patricia’s Green.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal-finished Galbi Course, Kimchi Trio with Seasonal Banchan, Chef’s Seasonal Seafood Course
What Makes it Special: Late-running tasting menu blending contemporary technique with Korean flavors.
#6
Surisan
8.6
Korean-inspired brunch near the Wharf with sleek plating and patio seating. Vibrant dishes and colorful sauces make camera-ready spreads without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon & Eggs, Kimchi Fried Rice with Pork Belly, Ube Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Modern Korean twists on American brunch with highly photogenic plates.
8.5
Counter-service Korean fried chicken spot known for extra-crisp double-fried wings and straightforward combos. Locals order half-and-half boxes for game nights and takeout along the Koll Center corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy Garlic Wings, Hot Spicy (Gochujang) Wings, Half & Half Box
What Makes it Special: Ultra-crispy Korean double-fried wings with classic sauces.
#8
CoCoBang
8.4
Late-night Korean spot where crisp-fried wings come glazed in sticky yangnyeom or hot-and-tangy sauces. Lively post-theater energy with fast-moving service into the early hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yangnyeom Wings, Hot & Tangy Wings, Soy-Garlic Wings
What Makes it Special: Korean-style wings with crisp fry and punchy sauces.
8.4
A staple for spicy soondubu jjigae, this cozy spot offers a variety of tofu stews and Korean comfort foods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soondubu Jjigae, Kimchi Jjigae, Banchan Variety
What Makes it Special: Renowned for its spicy tofu stews and generous banchan.
#10
Shin Toe Bul Yi
8.4
Long-running Korean spot where the crispy Korean fried chicken shares the table with stews and pancakes. Locals hit it on weekend evenings for heaping portions, fresh banchan, and a reliably crunchy bird.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Chicken (whole/half), Seafood Pancake (haemul pajeon), Kimchi Stew
What Makes it Special: Classic Korean fried chicken served with generous banchan and big portions.
#11
SUNGHO
8.4
Cozy Tenderloin Korean dining bar focusing on soulful, home-style dishes rarely seen elsewhere—think kalguksu in rich galbitang broth and comforting pork cutlet. Service is warm and efficient, and prices stay reasonable for central SF.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kalguksu (hand-cut noodles in galbitang), Breaded Pork Cutlet, Spicy Jokbal Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Home-style Korean dishes executed with unusual care and depth.
8.4
Weekend-only Korean bites-and-soju hangout with DJ energy and shareable plates. Late-night service runs to midnight on peak nights, with fried chicken, tteokbokki, and raw marinated crab built for groups and drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy garlic Korean fried chicken, Rosé tteokbokki, Raw marinated crab (seasonal)
What Makes it Special: Korean drinking food with soju cocktails and a lively late-night scene.
#13
Toyose
8.4
Garage-born Korean spot famous for late-night stews, wings, and soju rounds. Locals pile in after 10pm for bubbling kimchi jjigae, crispy chicken, and shareable snacks that still hit when most kitchens have closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi Jjigae, Korean Fried Chicken Wings, Tteokbokki
What Makes it Special: Family-run, late-night Korean comfort food with soju in a converted garage.
#14
Bay Pocha
8.3
Korean pocha-style pub known for late-night hours, shareable hot pots, and soju-friendly comfort dishes. Locals come for hearty portions and a lively, neon-lit room that runs past midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Budae Jjigae (Army Stew), Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon), Tteokbokki with cheese
What Makes it Special: Lively pocha setup with late-night Korean comfort classics.
8.3
Korean-Japanese “Koja” rice-bun sandwiches served from a rotating truck at SPARK Social. The short-rib original and crispy chicken deliver big flavor in a portable format with plenty of outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Short Rib Koja, Crispy Chicken Koja, Teriyaki Zen Mushroom Koja
What Makes it Special: Signature rice-bun sandwiches that eat like a street-food burger.
#16
Manna
8.3
Neighborhood Korean spot known for well-marinated Kal Bi grilled over high heat for a lacquered, smoky crust. Portions are generous and the banchan set makes this a reliable Inner Sunset stop for satisfying short ribs at lunch or dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kal Bi (BBQ Beef Short Ribs), Bulgogi & Kal Bi Combo, Seafood Pancake
What Makes it Special: Classic LA-style galbi with proper caramelization and hearty banchan.
8.3
A relaxed, family-run Korean restaurant known for its comforting dishes and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi, Soft Tofu Soup, Kimchi Pancake
What Makes it Special: Homey atmosphere with consistently delicious Korean comfort food.
#18
SŌHN
8.3
Korean American daytime café in Dogpatch from chef Deuki Hong serving thoughtful comfort plates and pastries in a striking two-story space. Expect carefully made jook, a galbi patty melt on sesame croissant, and quick, efficient pacing for lunch hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi Patty Melt, Mayak Gyeran Rice, Spicy Cold Noodle Salad
What Makes it Special: A modern Korean American café with distinctive, chef-driven daytime plates.
8.2
A family-run Korean BBQ spot known for its charcoal-grilled meats and generous banchan offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi, Spicy Pork, Japchae
What Makes it Special: Charcoal-grilled meats and a wide array of banchan.
#20
Go Go 7
8.2
Counter-service Korean spot by City College known for homestyle stews, sizzling plates, and generous portions at fair prices. Locals lean on it for weeknight comfort—fast ticket times, consistent flavors, and plenty of banchan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi jjigae, Spicy pork bulgogi plate, LA galbi
What Makes it Special: Straightforward Korean comfort plates with speedy service and hearty portions.
8.2
Compact downtown spot doing crispy Korean fried chicken, bubbling soon tofu, and hot-stone bibimbap. Locals lean on it for generous portions, late-ish hours, and friendly, efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half & Half Korean Fried Chicken, Hot Stone Bibimbap, Beef Bulgogi
What Makes it Special: Fried chicken and hot-stone bibimbap done with care downtown.
#22
ILCHA
8.2
Korean sool-jib in the Marina serving anju—snacks built for drinks—by co-owner/chef Kuumi Kim. Expect crisp KFC, kim mari, and occasional soy-marinated crab alongside a focused soju list in a polished, lively room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ganjang gejang (soy-marinated raw crab), Kim mari (fried seaweed spring rolls), Soy-cured shrimp with rice & egg
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven Korean anju and soju program with occasional raw crab.
#23
K-Elements BBQ
8.2
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with solid meats, banchan that keeps moving, and late-night weekend hours that work after shows or games. Portions and pace suit groups, and the price feels fair for the spread and time limit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marinated beef short rib (galbi), Pork belly (samgyeopsal), Doenjang jjigae (soybean stew)
What Makes it Special: AYCE format with later Fri–Sat hours for post-evening dining.
#24
Seoul Komtang
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Neighborhood Korean kitchen focused on bone-broth soups (gomtang/komtanɡ) and homestyle stews, with BBQ favorites at dinner. Broths are clean and beefy, portions are generous, and banchan refills keep groups satisfied.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dogani Gomtang (beef knee cartilage soup), Galbi Jjim (braised short ribs), Kkori Gomtang (oxtail soup)
What Makes it Special: Slow-simmered beef broths and classic stews served with solid banchan.
8.2
Polished Korean spot at Embarcadero Center offering hot stone bibimbap, stews, and shareable plates with professional service. Popular for business lunches and casual dinners near the waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dolsot bibimbap, Kimchi jjigae, LA galbi
What Makes it Special: Hot-stone specialties and full-service polish in Embarcadero Center.
#26
JJamPPong
8.1
Cozy Korean-Chinese spot known for seafood jjampong, jjajangmyeon, and crispy double-fried wings. A reliable Outer Mission choice for hearty bowls and late dinners that run to 10pm most nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood jjampong, Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), Soy garlic wings
What Makes it Special: Focus on spicy seafood noodle soups with late-evening hours.
#27
Ollei
8.1
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.
#28
The Crew
8.1
Korean pub-style hub with wings, stews, and honeycomb makgeolli, serving into the late hours. It’s a lively spot for groups to split budae jjigae and hot plates after 10pm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honeycomb Makgeolli (drink), Budae Jjigae, The Crew Wings
What Makes it Special: Late-serving Korean comfort plates plus signature honeycomb makgeolli.
#29
Yasijang
8.1
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.
#30
Saucy Asian
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Fast-casual Korean–Mexican mashup known for customizable bowls, burritos, and tacos with bulgogi, spicy pork, and kimchi add-ons. Locals use it for quick, satisfying meals near the heart of the Castro.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bibimbap bowl (with bulgogi), Kimchi burrito, Kimchi fried rice with egg
What Makes it Special: Korean flavors delivered in bowls, burritos, and tacos with mix-and-match proteins.
#31
Um.Ma
8
Homestyle Korean flavors—stews, BBQ plates, and rice bowls—in a polished, friendly setting. On weekends it pushes later than most nearby kitchens, making it a dependable Inner Sunset finish after evening plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi Jjim, Soondubu, Bibimbap (Dolsot)
What Makes it Special: Refined take on Korean comfort plates with weekend later hours.
#32
ZZAN
8
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
#33
Kogi Gogi BBQ
7.9
No-frills Korean BBQ with solid cuts, generous banchan, and late-ish closing compared to the neighborhood. Ideal for small groups looking to grill pork belly and short rib without crossing town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal), Marinated Short Rib (Galbi), Seafood Pancake
What Makes it Special: Straightforward table-grill BBQ with reliable cuts and ample banchan.
#34
Mixed Grain
7.9
Korean comfort staples—stone-pot bibimbap, stews, and BBQ plates—served fast in a straightforward room. It’s a quiet, efficient option when you want hearty food and a 45-minute turnaround.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bibimbap (stone pot), Spicy tofu stew, Short rib (LA galbi)
What Makes it Special: Hearty Korean favorites with dependable, quick lunch pacing.
#35
Seoul Bunsik
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Compact Korean street-food counter known for tteokbokki, mandu, and knife-cut noodle soups geared to the FiDi lunch rush. Orders move fast and portions fit a quick desk meal without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seoul Tteokbokki, Rosé Tteokbokki, Pork Mandu
What Makes it Special: FiDi counter spot focused on tteokbokki and classic street snacks.
A no-frills spot offering authentic Korean BBQ with a focus on charcoal grilling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Sautéed Prawns, Galbi, Kimchi Pancake
What Makes it Special: Charcoal-grilled BBQ with a focus on traditional flavors.
#37
YakiniQ
7.9
All-you-can-eat K-BBQ with tabletop grills and a lively pace. Popular for groups and celebrations, with solid meat variety and speedy turns from the floor team.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef brisket (chadol), Pork belly (samgyeopsal), Marinated short rib
What Makes it Special: AYCE Korean BBQ with fast pacing and crowd energy.
#38
Art's Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Tiny counter diner blending classic American plates with Korean touches and lightning-fast turnover. It’s a practical, family-friendly lunch stop close to UCSF and the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hash-Brown Sandwich, Tuna Melt, Bibimbap
What Makes it Special: Old-school counter service with a cult-favorite hash-brown sandwich.
Rotating Korean-fusion truck at SPARK Social known for bulgogi-filled burritos and Korean tacos. A wallet-friendly stop with quick turnaround and bold flavors when the lineup features Bobcha.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bulgogi Burrito, Spicy Pork Korean Tacos, Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl
What Makes it Special: Korean street flavors wrapped into burritos and tacos at SPARK.
#40
Kingbob
7.8
Compact counter-service spot for fast Korean bowls, kimbap, and classics tailored to the FiDi lunch rush. Portions are generous for the price, with quick ticket times and reliable takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bulgogi bowl, Spicy pork kimbap, Bibimbap
What Makes it Special: Speedy, affordable Korean rice bowls and kimbap downtown.
#41
Kokio Republic
7.8
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.
7.8
No-frills counter-service staple for bubbling soon tofu, bibimbap, and affordable barbecue plates. It’s a quick, satisfying stop with friendly service and generous banchan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Soon Tofu Soup, Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Bibimbap
What Makes it Special: Comforting soon tofu and BBQ plates at true budget prices.
#43
Kothai Republic
7.8
Cozy Inner Sunset spot focused on approachable Korean favorites with vegetarian-friendly options. A practical pick for bibimbap, noodles, and small plates at weeknight-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bibimbap, Tteokbokki, Japchae
What Makes it Special: Korean comfort staples with good vegan flexibility.
#44
Purple Rice
7.8
Lower Haight Korean spot known for bibimbap, stews, and homestyle plates at fair prices. Locals use it for casual dine-in or reliable takeout near the Panhandle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Kimchi Fried Rice, Veggie Japchae
What Makes it Special: Homestyle Korean staples with generous portions on Haight Street.
#45
Snow Bliss Cafe
7.8
Late-night Korean-style dessert spot known for towering bingsu bowls and quick counter service on West Portal Avenue. Locals swing by after dinner or movies for shaved milk ice loaded with fruit, cookies, and sweet red beans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Injeolmi bingsu, Mango bingsu, Patbingsu (red bean)
What Makes it Special: Korean bingsu shaved ice served late with generous toppings.
7.8
Homestyle Korean stews, BBQ plates, and classics served into the evening, with steady 10pm closings most nights. It’s a relaxed sit-down option for comforting jjigae, pajeon, and grilled favorites without crossing town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi jjigae, Beef bulgogi, Haemul pajeon (seafood pancake)
What Makes it Special: Comfort-first menu with reliable late-evening kitchen hours.
#47
K Soul Chicken
7.7
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.
#48
Kiss My Seoul
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Counter-service Korean American bowls and plates across from the Hall of Justice, known for bulgogi and spicy pork cupbap with crisp veggies and purple rice. Breakfast and lunch hours make it a reliable weekday stop with efficient service and fair pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bulgogi Cupbap, Fire Pork Cupbap, Kimchi Fries
What Makes it Special: Fast, customizable cupbap bowls with house bulgogi and veggies.
#49
Simmer & Steamer
7.7
Modern counter-service Korean bowls with slow-braised meats and steady FiDi operations. Clean flavors, consistent portions, and efficient service make it a dependable weekday option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi rice bowl, Spicy pork bowl, Japchae
What Makes it Special: Slow-cooked Korean proteins served fast for downtown schedules.
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Fast-casual shop specializing in Korean-style corndogs with stretchy mozzarella pulls and customizable coatings, plus boba drinks. A quick stop for snacks before the L-Taraval or a casual stroll down the avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato mozza dog, Classic beef dog with sugar dust, Half-and-half (mozza + sausage)
What Makes it Special: Korean street-style corndogs with mix-and-match coatings and fillings.