Rebecca DavisFinding the best Korean restaurant in Philadelphia is exciting because the city has so many great places to eat. From classic local favorites to amazing restaurants serving food from around the world, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you want to spend one weekend indulging in sushi and the next craving crispy Korean fried chicken or a warm bowl of stew, I’ve got you! To help you decide where to go, I’ve rounded up local spots that are worth checking out.
See where to enjoy your next Korean feast.
How much does a Korean restaurant cost in Philadelphia?
Dining at a Korean restaurant in Philadelphia typically costs between $15 and $40 per person, with prices varying based on whether you choose casual street food, Korean fried chicken, or an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience.
| Dining Option | Average Price Range |
| Traditional Dinners & Entrées | $17 – $28 |
| Dinner Combo Meals | $28 – $35 |
| Korean Fried Chicken | $13 – $20 |
| All-You-Can-Eat K-BBQ | $30 – $35 |
| Weekday Lunch BBQ Specials | $17 |
| Casual & Street Food | $5 – $12 |
1. Buk Chon Korean Cuisine
Website: https://bukchonkorean.com/
Address: 132 Chestnut Street
Contact: 215-925-9998
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
If you want more than just classic Korean food, Buk Chon Korean Cuisine in Old City offers traditional dishes with a modern twist.
The chef-driven menu here is inspired by the owners’ travels over the years. Dishes like kimchi paella with savory chorizo make this restaurant different from others in the area. You can also ask for your food to be more or less spicy, depending on what you like.
Plus, the cozy dining room and lots of shareable small plates make it a great spot for family meals or dinners with friends.
However, the entrée quality can be inconsistent, and some diners find the pork bulgogi lacks flavor. Plus, the takeout packaging for tofu stews doesn’t travel well because the ingredients can separate before arriving.
For the best experience, it’s better to eat at the restaurant.
Customer Reviews
The taste is amazing
Woah the food was like booming love how it was making me full the taste is amazing, I had been liking Korean food and went to check this place out it was an amazing experience if your craving Korean food I recommend come by this restaurant it’s nice environment to talk with friends the staff are friendly and takes good care 😌
- Mikka | Google Review
Some of the best food I’ve had since I’ve lived in Philly
My partner and I decided to try a new restaurant tonight and she chose Buk Chon. Great decision. The restaurant is modern, cozy, and has a very chill ambience. Great service. We tried the Korean fried chicken, bibimbap w/shrimp , spicy pork bowl, and hibiscus tea. Everything was fresh and delicious. The spice of the pork bowl was perfect. This was for sure some of the best food I’ve had since I’ve lived in Philly.
- Sterling Hammond | Google Review
2. SouthGate
Website: https://www.southgatephilly.com/
Address: 1801 Lombard Street
Contact: 215.560.8443
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
SouthGate is a great pick for anyone who enjoys both Korean flavors and American comfort food in one meal.
From what I’ve seen, the menu combines favorites like juicy burgers and sweet bulgogi, so there are lots of options. The drink menu is creative, too, with craft beer and a refreshing soju punch that pair well with the food.
Their daily happy hour specials make it easy to visit with friends. Plus, you can choose indoor or outdoor seating, and they also offer private event bookings for more flexibility.
However, getting a table during busy weekend evenings can take some time. Also come prepared since the prices can feel high for the portion sizes.
Customer Reviews
THE FOOD is PHENOMENAL
THE FOOD is PHENOMENAL! Had Korean fried chicken, Brussels, bao buns, burger, fries. ALL were absolute fire. Service is awesome and most people in the restaurant were regulars and I can see why. Highly recommend.
- Meredith Rachel | Google Review
Cozy restaurant to enjoy Korean American fusion dishes!
Nice, cozy restaurant to enjoy Korean American fusion dishes! I tried their vegetable fried dumplings and their dolsot-bibimbap (hot stone pot bibimbap). Their prices we reasonable and their service was fast. A popular place for locals and students alike! Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy Korean dishes!
- Rafiat Kasumu | Google Review
3. Kimchi House @ Koreana
Website: https://kimchihouses.com/
Address: 1543 Spring Garden St.
Contact: 215-575-5099
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Kimchi House @ Koreana is a friendly, family-run spot that serves homemade Korean comfort food like kimchi fried rice, hearty soups, and other classic dishes. Its cozy setting makes it a great place to unwind with family or friends.
Another nice feature is the customer rewards program, which lets regular diners earn points toward future meals.
The restaurant also offers party catering and direct online ordering through its own platform, making larger orders more convenient.
On the downside, takeout and delivery can be inconsistent. Sometimes, paid extras like cheese or vegetables are missing, and a few ingredients have seemed gritty, probably because they were washed too quickly.
Even so, the friendly atmosphere keeps many guests coming back.
Customer Reviews
One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to
This is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. I’ve been coming here since 2016, when the restaurant was in University City, and let me tell you, the food is great. The Dolsots and Lunchboxes are some of my favorites, but don’t sleep on their Jam Bong soup. The biggest surprise to me was their wings. I don’t know how Korean-style wings beat American ones, but Koreana has something special. Thank you to all who make it happen.
- Abir Rahman| Google Review
Recommend everything so far!
Lovely new mom and pop Korean restaurant! I’ve had stir fried noodles, dolsot, gimbap and wings and recommend everything so far! Mike and Emma (owners) are truly very kind and nice people. The girl at the cashier is also very friendly and will help you out if you’re not sure what you want to order.
- M S | Google Review
4. Jong Ka Jib
Website: https://jongkajib.com/
Address: 6600 N 5th St.
Contact: 215-924-0100
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Jong Ka Jib is a great choice for anyone who enjoys having lots of options. The menu includes everything from Korean barbecue to more than a dozen kinds of soft tofu soup, so it’s easy to find something you’ll like.
Besides that, they have a dedicated vegetarian menu and clearly label their gluten-free, spicy, and vegan dishes online. That makes ordering much easier if you have dietary restrictions.
Another thing I like is their transparent online pricing, so you know what to expect before you visit.
However, the food can be inconsistent during busy dinner hours. The short ribs sometimes come out overcooked and chewy, while the tofu soup can be much milder or much spicier than expected, depending on the day.
Customer Reviews
The food was exceptional
This was a totally surprised visit
We did not expect the grandeur of this restaurant.
The outside was so unassumings.
The interior decor was very Korean by design. The restraint was clean and quiet. The food was exceptional as reviewed by others. We plan to bring our family here
- Armin Fernando | Google Review
Fresh and delicious
Wow! What a beautiful restaurant modeled after traditional Korean buildings! The restaurant was spacious, lots of booth seating, potentially great for large parties, free parking lot.
The soon tofu dishes were fresh and delicious..the hot herbal tea was a nice touch.
Highly recommended!
- Diana Hsu | Google Review
5. Dae Bak
Website: https://www.daebakphiladelphia.com/
Address: 1016 Race St, 2nd Floor
Contact: 267-457-5876
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Dae Bak sits on the second floor of a building in Chinatown, so it feels like a hidden neighborhood gem.
The restaurant offers family-style Korean dishes, making it easy to share big plates of pork belly or spicy rice cakes with friends or family. There are also healthy plant-based options for anyone who wants a lighter meal.
Their modern online checkout supports mobile payments like Venmo, making ordering fast and convenient.
Another plus is that they’re open seven days a week, making it easy to stop by whenever a craving hits.
However, it’s worth checking the final bill because an 18% service charge is sometimes added automatically without a receipt. Some guests have also found frozen vegetables and smaller portions of meat disappointing.
Customer Reviews
Food respectable
Revisited thus Korean restaurant in midst of Chinatown Philadelphia. Window side pleasant view as located second floor. Building bit depressing karaoke appears out of business, Halal 1st floor no longer.
Food respectable. Ordered 갈비탕, 알탕, 굴 순두부. Last time, had 전골 which perhaps better cuisine here. Menu also includes 짜장면 fitting it’s in Chinatown after all.
- Sam Hahn | Google Review
My favorite korean restaurant in Philadelphia
Dae Bak has been my favorite korean restaurant in Philadelphia for a while – it’s a hidden gem on the second floor of the Halal Guys. Dishes always come in decent size so totally get your $$ worth it. They also always make everything fresh there so fresh you can taste it. What I highly recommend from the menu are: potato pancakes, spicy pork rice in hot stone earthenware, cold noodle soup, spicy seafood noodle soup, and fried chicken.
- Sivan Luo | Google Review
