Advertisement

Korean Restaurants in San Francisco

San Francisco’s Korean food scene is more than just your usual BBQ joint. Sure, you’ll find places like Jang Soo BBQ in the Richmond that serve up classic grill-it-yourself meats, but there are also spots where the focus is on cozy homestyle dishes. I’m talking about places like Daeho Kalbijjim near downtown, where the kalbijjim (braised short ribs) will make you want to come back on a cold day.

Don’t overlook the small, no-frills spots in the Tenderloin either, where the banchan,those little side dishes,can steal the show with fiery kimchi and perfectly seasoned bean sprouts. If you come in winter, try a hot bowl of sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew); it’s like a warm hug when the fog rolls in.

Pro tip: If you’re up for an adventure, check out the Korean markets around Geary Boulevard. You can grab some seriously fresh mandu (dumplings) for cheap and then hit a nearby hole-in-the-wall for soju and pork belly. Trust me, your stomach will thank you.
🌍 Part of the My Guide Network 180+ destinations worldwide
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in San Francisco:

If you're booking your trip to San Francisco last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

Local Korean food tips

If you’re craving Korean BBQ, avoid the super touristy spots in SoMa and try the Richmond District’s Jang Soo BBQ for a more laid-back vibe with top-notch meat. And if you want to enjoy Korean food like a local, swing by one of the Korean markets along Geary Boulevard. Grab some fresh mandu from the vendors inside, then head to a tiny restaurant nearby for a bowl of kimchi jjigae. Also, don’t miss out on Korean fried chicken places scattered throughout the city,they make excellent takeout and go perfectly with a cold beer on a foggy evening.

A quick tip: lunch hours can get busy, so if you can, go early or late. On weekends, some spots on Geary close earlier, so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Korean food in San Francisco? Here’s what locals ask the most.

If you want solid Korean BBQ at better prices, check out Jang Soo BBQ in the Richmond. It’s all about no-frills, great quality meat, and an authentic vibe without the pricey extras. Weeknights are less crowded too!

Absolutely. Most Korean restaurants have decent kimchi, but places like Kim’s Kitchen do it homemade style,spicy, tangy, and fresh. It's often a favorite side dish for locals who know their stuff.

I’d go for sundubu jjigae, a spicy soft tofu stew. It’s warming, comforting, and you’ll find it done perfectly at small neighborhood spots, especially around the Tenderloin or near Geary Blvd markets.

Yes! Some food trucks and casual counters serve things like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) or fried mandu (dumplings). Look for them near Korean markets or during special pop-up events,you might get lucky!

Definitely try the little mom-and-pop bars in the Tenderloin or on Geary Blvd. They often have makgeolli (milky rice wine), which pairs perfectly with savory pancakes and fried chicken.

Explore Restaurants Categories

American (77 places) San Francisco’s American food scene is surprisingly diverse. You’ll find everything from late-night greasy spoons serving up epic breakfast burritos in the Mission to sleek spots in SoMa where bur Explore
Seafood (68 places) San Francisco doesn’t just have seafood restaurants, it practically lives and breathes seafood. Fresh catches come straight off ocean boats and end up on plates across the city, from Fisherman’s W Explore
Italian (58 places) San Francisco’s Italian food scene feels like a mini trip to Italy, but with the city’s own laid-back vibe. It’s not just about fancy restaurants; sometimes the best pasta or pizza is at a small Explore
Brunch (36 places) Explore
Chinese (33 places) San Francisco’s Chinatown is the obvious place to start if you want classic Chinese food, but there’s so much more than that in the city. You’ll find killer dim sum joints in the Richmond and Su Explore
Asian (31 places) San Francisco’s Asian food scene is unbelievably rich and varied, and as someone who’s lived here for years, I can tell you it’s not all about the usual spots everyone knows. Sure, Chinatown’s Explore
Breakfast (29) • Fine Dining (29) • Pizza (26) • Steakhouse (18) •

Top Things To Do in San Francisco

See All →

Top Things To Do in San Francisco

Click to See All

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide San Francisco is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing.

Nearby Destinations

My Guide Network Locations
Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
{[{slotLabel(slot)}]}

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel