10 Best Korean Restaurants in Chicago

10 restaurants
Chicago, Illinois
Updated May 23, 2026

The ten best Korean restaurants in Chicago include Kang Nam, Jong Ga House, Sarangchae, Del Seoul, bopNgrill, Chicago Kalbi, San Soo Gab San, Sunda, Hanbat, and Koryo Kalbi. These popular restaurants are located within Albany Park, the West Loop, and the North Side. Chicago’s best Korean restaurants are known for tableside searing, slow-simmered bone broths, and authentic fermentation techniques, serving popular menu items like galbi-jjim, kimchi fried rice, and seafood pancakes. The cost of dining in a Korean restaurant in Chicago average $50 per person.

Kang Nam captures top marks for its superior beef quality and interactive grilling process. Sunda functions as a top choice for accessible, Asian-influenced fusion, while Hanbat is considered a reliable option for classic, family-style comfort food.

The top best Korean restaurants in Chicago are listed below.

1

1. Kang Nam Restaurant

Kang Nam is a popular Korean restaurant in Chicago that specializes in traditional grilled meats and savory soups. Patrons enjoy a classic dining experience with a wide array of fermented sides.

Item Prices

131

Average Item Price

$18.87

More about Kang Nam Restaurant

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Korean

Signature Dishes:

Kimchi
Bulgogi
Korean BBQ

Location:

4849 N Kedzie Ave Chicago, IL 60686

Special Feature:

The grill setup at each table ensures a fresh, hot meal for every guest.

What Makes It Special:

A dedication to authentic preparation and high-quality meat cuts.

What Sets It Apart:

The focus on traditional recipes and a friendly, social atmosphere makes it a staple.

Operating Hours:

Permanently Closed

Price:

$30 to $50 per person

Kang Nam Restaurant Menu Prices
2

2. bopNgrill

bopNgrill serves as a casual destination for hearty, rice-based meals. This Korean restaurant in Chicago provides a menu of bold, spice-forward bowls in a relaxed, neighborhood-focused space.

Item Prices

173

Average Item Price

$5.87

More about bopNgrill

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Korean Fusion, Burgers

Signature Dishes:

Korean BBQ Chicken Bowl
Fire Chicken Bowl
Chicken Katsu Bowl

Location:

6604 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626

Special Feature:

The menu includes a selection of creative, gourmet-style burgers alongside traditional rice bowls.

What Makes It Special:

A focus on satisfying, high-energy comfort food that caters to all appetites.

What Sets It Apart:

The combination of fusion rice bowls and inventive burgers creates a unique appeal.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person

bopNgrill Menu Prices
3

3. Seoul Taco

Seoul Taco operates as a creative fusion Korean restaurant in Chicago, blending bold Korean flavors with Mexican street food concepts. Diners discover a fast-paced, modern environment perfect for quick, flavorful meals.

Item Prices

21

Average Item Price

$5.56

More about Seoul Taco

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Korean-Mexican Fusion

Signature Dishes:

Gogi Bowl
Korean Cheesy Corn Elote Quesadilla
Kimchi Fried Rice

Location:

738 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Special Feature:

The menu features unique combinations like kimchi-topped nachos and fusion burritos.

What Makes It Special:

A playful, inventive approach to traditional Korean ingredients.

What Sets It Apart:

The fusion concept creates a unique, accessible dining choice for casual eaters.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person

Seoul Taco Menu Prices
4

4. Chicago Kalbi Korean Bbq

Chicago Kalbi provides an authentic Japanese-style yakiniku experience, serving as a unique Korean restaurant in Chicago. Diners enjoy premium cuts of beef and pork grilled at the table in a polished, upscale setting.

Item Prices

123

Average Item Price

$18.24

More about Chicago Kalbi Korean Bbq

Type of Restaurant:

Fine Dining

Type of Food:

Japanese, Korean BBQ

Signature Dishes:

Crispy Fried Pajeon
Beef Gyoza
Bibimbap

Location:

3752 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States

Special Feature:

The high-quality meat selection is sourced from premium suppliers.

What Makes It Special:

A focus on the precision and quality of Japanese yakiniku grilling.

What Sets It Apart:

The blend of high-end meat cuts and a sophisticated atmosphere is unmatched.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Tuesday: ClosedWednesday – Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price:

$40 to $50 per person

Chicago Kalbi Korean Bbq Menu Prices
5

5. San Soo Gab San

San Soo Gab San is a legendary Korean restaurant in Chicago, famous for its extensive menu of grilled meats and traditional stews. Families flock to this spot for the authentic, high-volume dining experience.

Item Prices

161

Average Item Price

$16.62

More about San Soo Gab San

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Korean BBQ

Signature Dishes:

Korean BBQ
Seafood Pancake
Pork Belly

Location:

5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States

Special Feature:

The large dining room accommodates big groups and parties with ease.

What Makes It Special:

A reputation for consistent, generous portions and traditional flavors.

What Sets It Apart:

The long-standing history and authentic grilling setup make it a local institution.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Price:

$30 to $40 per person

San Soo Gab San Menu Prices
6

6. HanBat

Hanbat specializes in hearty soups and stews. This Korean restaurant in Chicago provides a modest, no-frills space that celebrates the deep, comforting flavors of broth-based dishes.

Item Prices

72

Average Item Price

$20.16

More about HanBat

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Korean

Signature Dishes:

Sul Lung Tang
Radish Kimchi
Glass Noodles

Location:

2723 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States

Special Feature:

The menu focuses on long-simmered bone broths that are nutrient-rich.

What Makes It Special:

A dedication to the art of slow-cooked soups and traditional sides.

What Sets It Apart:

The focus on simple, well-executed comfort food makes it a local favorite.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person

HanBat Menu Prices
7

7. Jeong

Jeong Restaurant is a Korean restaurant in Chicago that provides a modern, high-end dining experience. This establishment specializes in delicate, seasonal plates where guests enjoy a menu of elevated small bites and refined entrees in a minimalist, sophisticated room.

Item Prices

14

Average Item Price

$17.79

More about Jeong

Type of Restaurant:

Fine Dining

Type of Food:

Contemporary Korean

Signature Dishes:

Salmon Tartare
Scallop Spinach Namul with Clementine Smoked Trout Roe
Silken Tofu

Location:

1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Special Feature:

The menu features a seasonal tasting progression that highlights local produce.

What Makes It Special:

A focus on clean, balanced flavors that elevate everyday staples.

What Sets It Apart:

The combination of a polished, contemporary setting and a focus on high-end ingredients defines the experience.

Operating Hours:

Wednesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMSunday – Tuesday: Closed

Price:

Over $100 per person

Jeong Menu Prices
8

8. Del Seoul

Del Seoul operates as a popular spot for fusion street food. This Korean restaurant in Chicago specializes in bold, handheld favorites, where guests find a menu of creative tacos and savory short ribs in a fast-paced environment.

More about Del Seoul

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Korean Fusion

Signature Dishes:

Korean Tacos
Kalbi Tacos
Korean Short Ribs

Location:

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Special Feature:

The menu highlights unique combinations of traditional Korean marinades with Mexican street food formats.

What Makes It Special:

A focus on high-speed service and intensely flavorful, portable meals.

What Sets It Apart:

The inventive fusion of styles makes this an accessible choice for quick bites.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person
9

9. Perilla Korean Fare

Perilla Korean Fare is a Korean restaurant in Chicago that operates as an upscale destination for refined comfort food. This establishment specializes in premium, chef-driven plates where guests enjoy a menu of elevated rice bowls and traditional meal sets in a sophisticated, modern room.

More about Perilla Korean Fare

Type of Restaurant:

Fine Dining

Type of Food:

Korean

Signature Dishes:

Korean Meal Plate
Bulgogi Rice Bowl
Bibimbop

Location:

401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Special Feature:

The menu highlights high-quality, locally sourced proteins prepared with precise techniques.

What Makes It Special:

A focus on clean, balanced flavors that elevate everyday staples.

What Sets It Apart:

The combination of a polished, contemporary setting and a focus on high-end ingredients defines the experience.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMSunday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Price:

Over $100 per person
10

10. Sunda

Sunda operates as a stylish destination for Asian fusion cuisine. This Korean restaurant in Chicago blends various regional influences into a modern menu, offering a sophisticated space perfect for sharing plates of sushi, noodles, and grilled skewers.

More about Sunda

Type of Restaurant:

Fine Dining

Type of Food:

Asian Fusion

Signature Dishes:

Crunchy Hamachi
Spicy Edamame
Wagyu Crispy Rice

Location:

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Special Feature:

The bar serves a curated list of sake and creative cocktails.

What Makes It Special:

A focus on bold, innovative flavor combinations and high-end presentation.

What Sets It Apart:

The contemporary design and upscale menu provide a fresh perspective on Asian dining.

Operating Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Price:

$50 to $100 per person

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Korean Restaurants in Chicago Famous?

Korean restaurants in Chicago are known for mastering the high-heat coal-grilling techniques that define the city's North Side dining culture. Diners in Albany Park and the surrounding districts find intimate restaurants where servers expertly sear marinated short ribs and pork belly directly at the table. Chefs here leverage decades of experience to produce house-made kimchi, fermented soybean pastes, and long-simmered bone broths that serve as the foundation for every meal. A major appeal involves the lively, social atmosphere where groups gather to cook proteins together, turning dinner into a hands-on event.

What Type of Korean Restaurant is Commonly Found in Chicago?

The types of Korean restaurants commonly found in Chicago include charcoal-grill houses, soup-focused specialty shops, and fusion street-food counters. The list below details the different Chicago restaurants serving these menus.

Charcoal-Grill Houses: Large, social rooms feature built-in grills for tableside meat preparation. San Soo Gab San operates under this model.
Soup-Focused Specialty Shops: Modest venues prioritize long-simmered bone broths and traditional stews. Hanbat fits this description.
Fusion Street-Food Counters: Fast-paced spots blend traditional proteins with tacos and burritos. Del Seoul provides this exact experience.
Upscale Tasting Rooms: Polished spaces serve multi-course, modern interpretations of regional classics. Jeong Restaurant focuses on this format.
Neighborhood Comfort Spots: Welcoming, family-owned locations deliver hearty rice bowls and classic sides. Koreana represents this category well.

Does Chicago Have an Authentic Korean Restaurant?

Yes, Chicago features genuine Korean restaurants preserving traditional cooking techniques, including Hanbat and Soot Bull Jeep. Hanbat functions as a true specialist in seolleongtang, crafting rich, milky ox-bone soups using methods passed down through decades. Soot Bull Jeep operates as a legitimate charcoal-grill destination, preparing bulgogi and galbi over real wood coals to impart a distinct smokiness. Jeong Restaurant delivers true contemporary hospitality by executing complex, seasonal plates like scallop spinach namul with clementine smoked trout roe. These locations strictly adhere to original recipes and traditional preparation models, providing authentic dining experiences.

Do Korean Restaurants in Chicago Offer Easy Online Reservations?

Yes, booking a table digitally is a common practice for Korean restaurants in Chicago, as the majority of these upscale and casual dining spots utilize digital platforms. Establishments like Jeong Restaurant, Sunda, and Gyu-Kaku provide booking services through applications like OpenTable and Resy to manage heavy weekend traffic in busy areas. These platforms allow parents to plan morning or evening meals with ease. While some smaller, family-run locations might prefer phone calls or walk-in traffic, the general culture of the city's premier dining scene is geared toward convenient, advance booking.

What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Korean Restaurants in Chicago?

The signature dishes of the best Korean restaurants in Chicago consist of marinated short ribs, spicy fermented stews, and creative fusion tacos. A selection of popular Korean food in Chicago served inside these authentic venues appears in the list below.

Galbi: Beef short ribs marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, and aromatics. Koreana is famous for this classic.
Seolleongtang: A milky, long-simmered ox bone soup served with noodles. Hanbat creates this traditional staple.
Korean Tacos: Savory, marinated meats served in soft tortillas with slaw. Del Seoul features this popular fusion plate.
Bibimbap: A bowl of warm rice topped with sautéed vegetables, chili paste, and a fried egg. Seoul Garden offers this comforting favorite.
Salmon Tartare: Fresh, raw salmon seasoned with delicate herbs and roe. Jeong Restaurant provides this modern entree.

Does Chicago Enjoy Korean Food?

Yes, the city loves Korean food. Packed dining rooms in neighborhoods like Albany Park and the West Loop demonstrate a massive demand for grilled meats and fermented sides. Residents and travelers consistently look for savory meals to experience genuine hospitality. The continuous desire for expertly executed, chef-led menus drives the prosperity of both opulent grill houses and quiet, family-owned eateries. Guests value attentive service, rich flavor profiles, and premium imported ingredients when choosing local dining spots.

What is the Average Meal Price at Korean Restaurants in Chicago?

The average meal price for Korean restaurants in Chicago is $50 per individual. A quick bite or casual lunch at a spot like Del Seoul or bopNgrill costs $15 to $25. Group dinners for two to four people at a cozy dining room such as San Soo Gab San or Koreana run from a total of $80 to $160. A full evening meal with premium beef cuts, imported spirits, and professional grill service at a high-end location like Jeong Restaurant or Sunda requires $60 to $120 per person.

Are There Vegan Options at Korean Restaurants in Chicago?

Yes, individuals looking for meatless meals find appropriate options at Korean restaurants in Chicago, including bopNgrill and Seoul Garden. These establishments prepare customizable vegetable-forward bibimbap, fresh salads, and tofu-based appetizers that exclude animal products. The inclusion of fresh local produce, sesame oil, and simple soy-based sauces makes finding satisfying meals simple across specific menus.

Do Korean Restaurants in Chicago offer Gluten-free Options?

Yes, guests avoiding gluten find options at Korean restaurants in Chicago, such as Gyu-Kaku, Perilla Korean Fare, and San Soo Gab San. These dining rooms serve premium steaks, grilled seafood, and roasted meats that suit individuals with gluten sensitivities. Many locations offer tamari as a soy sauce substitution or naturally wheat-free main courses upon request. The reliance on fresh proteins and rice as primary ingredients ensures a secure dining experience for guests with specific dietary needs.