11 Best Korean Restaurants In London
Few cuisines pack as much flavour into each and every bite as Korean, and while the scene in London can be a little tricky to uncover, there are some absolute gems out there. It’s also incredibly photogenic, as anyone who’s watched Parasite will know. From DIY Korean BBQ and Michelin-starred fine dining to kimchi pancakes and sizzling hot pots, here are the best Korean restaurants in London
Korean Grill Kensington
Offering something a little different, head to Korean Grill Kensington for an omakase experience at its special chefs table. On the higher-end but still laid back, if you’re feeling hungry grab a group and get the £150 meat board – enough food to make you consider booking a room at the upstairs hotel.
Courtfield Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4LH
Imone
If there’s one place in London with a wealth of great Korean options, it’s New Malden. This South London area has one of the largest expatriate communities of South Koreans in Europe and, thus, a wealth of great Korean restaurant options.
One of the best is Imone, a cosy family-run joint serving up Korean favourites like hot stews like Budae Jjigae, Korean-fried chicken and signature dish Saengseon Jjim. This is truly authentic and incredibly delicious.
169 High St, New Malden KT3 4BH
Sollip
The fine dining options for Korean food aren’t as numerous as those for Japanese or Chinese food, which makes the few extra special. Sollip, named after the Korean word for Pine Needle, is all about execution, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking methods, namely flames and smoke. Sollip was traditionally used when preparing dishes that required the most care.
This restaurant, run by a husband and wife team, combines Korean techniques and flavours with training from European and French kitchens, creating a unique experience.
Unit 1, 8 Melior St, London SE1 3QP
Chung’dam
Korean BBQ is world-renowned, and upon opening last year it was clear Chung’dam was aiming for a more elevated version of the classic dining experience. With chic interiors and quality ingredients, it immediately established itself as a valuable addition to the Korean dining scene in London.
If you go don’t miss the Pyeonbaek, a three-tiered wooden steam box made from hinoki wood. The wood is especially selected to provide maximum flavour to the cooking meats, seafood and vegetables inside.
11 Greek St, London W1D 4DJ
Bibimbap
Looking for quick, no-nonsense, but delicious Korean food? Bibimbap is where you’ll inevitably end up. The clue is in the name: they do mainly one thing, but by god, they do it well. With outlets in Soho, Leadenhall and Spitalfields and a no-bookings policy, chances are you’ll find a seat during sudden, short-notice cravings.
What awaits on the inside is a warming bowl of rice, sizzling fresh meat, vegetables, spicy kimchi and maybe even an egg or two.
Soho, Leadenhall and Spitalfields
Sodaeng
Great food, huge portions and low prices – there’s a lot to love about this low-key Putney spot. Named after the traditional gamasot cauldron iron pot lids used in Korean cooking, hot pots and stews are your best friends here.
Choose from Tangsuyuk, deep-fried pork, chicken or shrimp with Korean-style sweet and sour sauce, Haemul Jjim, spicy steamed seafood with bean sprouts, and Bo Ssam, boiled pork belly served with kimchi.
283 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PT
Kimchimama
Kimchi might be an acquired taste (and smell), but once you’re hooked, it’s true love forever. All the kimchi here is 100% homemade and gives each dish its unmistakable and addictive flavour.
From classic Bibimbap and sweet and spicy chicken to a number of different hot pot dishes, this is hearty and wholesome cooking at its warmest.
28 Upper Tachbrook St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1SW
Jihwaja
Great Korean food specialising in Korean fried chicken with a host of different marinades and spices? Check. Several private karaoke rooms available to hire, with a boatload of tracks in English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese? Also, check.
Jihwaja was set up by a Korean couple who set up the Vauxhall restaurant when they felt the options available to them weren’t up to scratch, and we’re thankful they did, so you can both fill up and sing your heart out.
353 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5QY
Arang
Arang has been serving up Korean BBQ to hungry souls in the centre of London since 2006 and shows no sign of slowing down. Begin with small plates like seasoned spare ribs, kimchi pancakes and spicy squid before tackling their large a la carte menu – all washed down with a glass or two of Soju.
9 Golden Square, London W1F 9HZ
BBQ Korean and Vegan
A hidden gem near the Barbican, there was no messing around when it came to the naming of this restaurant. Serving up a great BBQ and plenty of vegan options, there is also the added bonus of all the meat being halal, which can be hard to find when it comes to Korean restaurants. The ultimate pre or post-film dinner after heading to the Barbican cinema.
107 Whitecross St, London EC1Y 8JD
Koba
This sleek, modern restaurant specialises in the DIY BBQ. Get a table together and mix and match between meat and fish – rib eye, spiced pork belly, prawn baby octopus and much more are ready to be thrown on a hot slab. Also, if you’re a group of eight or more, you can opt for their set menu, offering the chance to sample multiple dishes.
11 Rathbone St, London W1T 1NA