Best Korean Restaurants in Tenderloin
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
SUNGHO
Home-style Korean dishes executed with unusual care and depth.
Notable Picks
#1
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.
#2
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.
#3
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.
#4
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
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.