If you’re like me and crave Korean food here and there, you’re in luck.
Vancouver is a treasure trove for Korean food lovers, with many eateries that bring authentic flavours to the table.
As someone who went through a deep Kpop and Korean culture phase, you bet I had my fair share of Korean food in the city.
Quick recommendations: Kook Korean BBQ for its mouth-watering KBBQ, and So Hyang for its cozy vibe and traditional dishes
If you’re in search of the finest Korean dining experiences in the city, check our list of 12 top Korean restaurants below.
1. Kook Korean BBQ
Kook Korean BBQ on First Avenue is a bustling hotspot in Vancouver, known for its exceptional Korean BBQ. The restaurant offers a diverse array of 15 banchans (side dishes), setting them apart in the city.
Their combos are perfect for groups, featuring a variety of meats like Pork Galbi, Beef Bulgogi, Chicken Bulgogi, accompanied by side items such as salad or JapChae. With refillable banchans, these combos provide a filling and enjoyable dining experience.
Pro-tip: Reservations are only available for groups 6 and larger. So go early if you’re in a group of 2 or 4 as this spot gets really really busy!
What to order: BBQ Combinations A or B
Address: 2800 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC
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2. SURA Korean Cuisine
Nestled in downtown Vancouver’s West End, SURA is celebrated for its sophisticated ambiance and extensive Korean menu. Highlights include Daeji Galbi, Kimchi Jjigae, and Japchae, all bursting with flavour. The restaurant complements its dishes with Korean Rice Wine and soju cocktails, enhancing the dining experience.
SURA’s second location in Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre also boasts a Korean BBQ menu, offering another venue for enjoying their acclaimed cuisine.
What to order: Daeji Galbi, Kimchi Jjigae, Japchae, Korean Rice Wine
Address:
-1518 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C3
-4151 Hazelbridge Way, Aberdeen Centre, Richmond, BC V6X 4J7
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
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3. So Hyang
So Hyang, situated on Fraser Street, provides a warm, home-like setting for savoring Korean dishes. Start with their spicy Kimchi Jun, then delve into the Squid Bulgogi or a sumptuous Hot Pot.
A standout dish is their Khan Pung Gi, a deep-fried chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce, offering a divine taste. So Hyang is the perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends, accompanied by delicious Korean cuisine.
What to order: Kimchi Jun, Squid Bulgogi, Hot Pot, Khan Pung Gi
Address: 6345 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Sooda Korean BBQ
Since 2017, Sooda has been delighting patrons with its modern vibe and authentic Korean flavours. The restaurant’s decoration and music create a hip atmosphere, while the creative menu adds to the appeal.
Their Sooda Special Platter, a combination of corn, cheese, meats, and sides like JapChae, is ideal for sharing. Other notable dishes include Dakgalbi, Seafood Pancake, and Kimchi Fried Rice, all paired perfectly with a selection of soju cocktails and high-end spirits.
What to order: Sooda Special Platter, Seafood Pancake, Kimchi Fried Rice, Bulgogi
Address:
-60 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9
-4455 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Tabom
Tabom offers a unique blend of Western & East-Asian styles in its modern interior with exposed brick walls. This restaurant is versatile with a mix of dining tables and booth seating, making it suitable for open-space gatherings or private dates.
Their famous Tabom Signature Hot Plate, featuring cheese, corn, baby squid, pork belly, and tobbokki, is a flavorful yet balanced dish. For a heartier option, try the Spicy Cheese Samgyeopsal or the Tabom Signature Hot Pot.
What to order: Dak-Galbi, Jukkumi-samgyeopsal, Spicy Cheese Samgyeopsal, Tabom Signature Hot Pot, Hot Plate Tteok-bokki.
Address: 1536 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Zoomak Korean Tavern
Located in Gastown, Zoomak Korean Tavern is a local favorite for genuine Korean food. The Han Sang Lunch Special, a 12-plate tasting tray, is particularly popular, offering a variety of flavours like short ribs, kimchi pancakes, scallops, eggplant, and more.
The Jjampong, a noodle dish in spicy seafood broth, is a must-try for its unique flavours. Zoomak’s diverse menu also includes K-BBQ, rice bowls, hot pot, and more, ensuring something for every palate.
Address: 52 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B4
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7. Kosoo
At Kosoo, traditional Korean flavours are innovatively presented with a modern twist. The restaurant’s upscale ambiance and warm staff create a welcoming environment. Their Royal Cuisine Geongol, a Korean hot pot with beef or seafood, is a highlight.
Popular dishes like Jokbal and Bossam (pork belly and feet) are must-tries. Soul food options, such as Kimchi Jjigae and Doenjang Jjigae, are also well-loved by patrons.
What to order: Royal Cuisine Geongol, Jokbal and Bossam, Kimchi Jjigae and Doenjang Jjigae, Chunga, Makgeolli
Address:
-Kosoo Cardero – 832 Cardero St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2G5
-Kosoo Robson – 1128 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Nene Chicken
Nene Chicken offers an inviting ambiance and a modern interior, making it an ideal place for various dining occasions.
Renowned for their Korean-style burgers and fried chicken, their Hawaiian Burger and “Yes” Burger stand out for their unique flavours. The Snowing Chilly Chicken and Soy Garlic Chicken are top choices for fried chicken enthusiasts, consistently delivering finger-licking goodness.
What to order: Snowing Chilly Chicken, Soy Garlic Chicken, Green Onion Burger, Hawaiian-Terri Burger, Twin Cheese Burger, “Yes” Burger
Address:
-1070 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5V 1N9
-1231 Davie St. Vancouver, BC V6E 1N4
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Mapo Pancake House
Mapo Pancake House in Yaletown specializes in authentic Korean pancakes and Korean rice wine. The cozy atmosphere feels like dining in Korea, with a wide variety of pancakes to choose from.
The Large Seafood Green Onion Pancake, loaded with prawns, squid, mussels, and more, is a flavour-packed favourite. The Bulgogi Cheese Pancake, with its rich cheese topping and bulgogi beef, is another crowd-pleaser. Pair these pancakes with some soju for a complete Korean dining experience.
What to order: Potato & Cheese, Seafood Green Onion Pancake, Bulgogi Cheese Pancake, Cold Kimchi Soup
Address: 1130 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9
10. BBQ Chicken
BBQ Chicken, a fast-growing chain, is known for its diverse selection of fried and barbecued chicken with various toppings and sauces, including cheese, soy garlic, and yangnyeom.
They also offer Mala cuisine-inspired fried chicken with a hot and spicy sauce. Start with appetizers like Spicy Dukk Bokki or Rice cake balls stuffed with Cream cheese, then move on to favorites like Secret Sauce Chicken and Golden Fried Chicken. Their Sandwich Combos and Over Rice options offer a well-rounded meal experience.
What to order: Spicy Dukk Bokki, Jamaican Wings, Secret Sauce Chicken, Golden Fried Chicken, Sandwich Combos, Over Rice
Address:
-1780 – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 4J7
-5557 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6N 1W5
-4470 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R3
Order Online: Uber Eats
Website | Instagram | Facebook
11. Ma Dang Goul
Ma Dang Goul in the West End is a longtime favourite for Korean homestyle comfort food. The menu features traditional side dishes like mung bean jelly cake, potatoes, bean sprouts, salad, and kimchi.
Signature dishes include Mulmandu, Bulgogi Kimchi Combo, Daeji Galbi, Mandu Kalguksu, and Gamja Tang, each offering authentic Korean flavours in a cozy setting. The Bulgogi Kimchi Combo is particularly recommended for groups, while the Mandu Kalguksu is a delicious soup option.
What to order: Mulmandu, Bulgogi Kimchi Combo, Daeji Galbi, Mandu Kalguksu, Gamja Tang
Address: 847 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L7
12. Passion8 Dessert Cafe
Passion8 Dessert Cafe is renowned for its Bingsoo, featuring shavings of sweet iced milk topped with rich and exotic flavours. In addition to Bingsoo, they offer decadent cakes, sandwiches, and salads.
Popular Bingsoo options include the Mango Bongo with fresh mango, cheesecake, and ice cream, and the Mr. Choco Brown loaded with brownies, chocolate flakes, and ice cream. The Real Tiramisu Snow Mountain is another must-try, making Passion8 a top destination for dessert lovers in Vancouver.
What to order: Mango Bongo, Real Tiramisu Snow Mountain, Mr. Choco Brown
Address:
-3010 Cambie St. Vancouver BC. Canada
-403 North Rd, Coquitlam, BC V3K 3V9
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
Website | Instagram | Facebook
That wraps up our 10 Best Korean food spots in the city, and we hope you make it to all of them and enjoy great tradition, gorgeous food, and memorable moments.
Still looking for more food spots? Well try our picks of the best restaurants in Vancouver!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.